BIRTH.

Simpson.— On the 10th inst., at Park Street, Ashburton, the s wife of W. gjJiPsoN, of a son, •

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. "SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1891. THE EIGHT" HOURS BILL.

The mantle of Sir George Grey is apparently to be divided into sections shared among a number of members of the House —a pretty large slice it is believed falling to one of the represen tatives^ of Auckland city, Mr Shera, and other portions having either been given to or appropriated by others. For example, last session Mr R. M. Taylor gave notice to introduce one of the veteran leader's favorite measures " The Interests of Labor Bill," and Mr William Hutchison obtained the first reading of another, viz., " The Eight Hours Bill." As the latter was printed and distributed before the House rose a copy has reached us m due course, and as probably it will be again intro duced m the same form early next ses sion we propose to give a brief synopsis of its provisions. It differs materially from the Bill as previously introduced by Sir George Grey, the latter contain ing only one operative clause couched m the words following, viz.—"From and after the day of one thousand eight hundred and ninety, eight hours shall, unless where there is a contract m writing to the contrary, con stitute a day's work." That was the whole Bill as it stood last year. The Bill brought m by Mr "W. Hutchi son last session contains eight clauses m all. The first, ©f course, simply gives the short title, and sectioil 2 is an interpretation clause. This last is, however, important be cause the definitions therein contained really indicate the scope of the measure, that is to say as regards the classes of persons affected thereby. It lays down that m the construction of the Act and for the purposes thereof, " workman " means any person employed m manual kbor, meaning by "manual labour' the work done by out-door labourers,' gardeners, mechanics, handicraftsmen, artisans, miners, engineers, firemen, railway servants, -sailors, and other persons employed on ships or vessels s when m port, and all other persons whatever working with their hands at any kind of work, except as hereinafter named. Employer means any person or company hiring and paying wages to workmen with the object of his or their profit; and any agent or servant of an individual employer or company, or any officer of the General Government or any muni cipal or other public body, intrusted with the supervision of work, or of engaging or dismissing workmen." Then comes, m the next succeeding section, an exempting clause which sefcs forth that " The provisions of this Act shall not apply to the work of seamen when the ship or vessel is under way or on a voyage ; or at any time to the work of persons employed on ships or vessels to do work similar to that of domestic servants; or to the work of domestic servants: Provided always that domestic servants shall be entitled to a weekly half-holiday. And the provisions of this Act shall not apply to the work of agricultural and pastoral labourers who are hired for a fixed period or term," Except as pro vided m the foregoing, it ix proposed by section 4 that "Ffom and after the passing of this Act eight hours shall constitute a day's work, and forty-eight hours a week's work. And whenever :in any contract of hiring, whether verbal or m w*it>ir#gj» reference is iriade to a day's work, or it is &sr>ufoted that the rate of payment shall be emulated |by reference to a day's work, such day's work shall be taken to be work for eight hours as #£or£fiaid, and shall also, unlessotherwiseexpressed, betaken i to be work between the hours of «£ghfcin the morning and five m the evening." In cases where by mutual agreement workman and employer contract that the former shall work more than eight hours per day it is proposal by section 5 to enact that a special rate of p>y mmt for all time beyond the first eight hours shall be fixed either by the rules

of the workman's trade or by special' agreement; section 6 proposing that " except m case of a contract made as prescribed by the last preceding section, and then only m accordance with its provisions, it shall not be lawful for any employer to require any work man to work, without his own consent, for more than eight hours m any one day ; and, except as aforesaid, no em ployer shall dismiss a workman by reason of his refusal to work for a longer period than eight hours m any one day." By section 7it is made unlawful to employ for hire any child under twelve years of age, or to require any person under the age of sixteen to work for more than five hours a day ; while the penal clause (see 8) provides that "any employer who offends against the Act shall be liable to a penalty of £2 for a first offence, and £5 for any subsequent offence."

LOCAL AND GENERAL

" Professor," said a pretty woman, "do rou dare look me m the face and tell me I triginally sprang from a monkey ?" ■" Well, ■eally," stammered the professor, "it must lave been a very charming monkey." During the last week of the school holidays 10 less than eighteen children were m the lands of "the Auckland police on various sharges. Some were fined by the Bench, >thers birched, and some dismissed. Doctor T.—"You do appear to be m a bad vay, that's a fact. What's your business ? " Patient: "I am one of the city laborers." Doctor: "It is as I feared. What you require, my man, is exercise." A cable message which stated that the Scottish Court of Sesson- had issued an order preventing the application of the funds of ;he Scottish railway men to the support of hose on strike was without doubt considered i most arbitrary and un-British action. A jorrecting message to Australian papers puts another complexion on the matter ilthough it does not improve it much.. The implication it appears was made by the North British Railway Co. to arrest m the hands of the society a sum of money sufficient to pay the penalties inflicted by a lower court on servants of the Company for leaving work without notice. There is a budding dentist named Smith at Cof omandel, whose devotion to his chosen profession has been shown m a remarkable manner. An unqualified person named Pittar has been practising as a dentist, and the Dentists' Association at Auckland wished to prosecute him. Young Smith, who is ap prenticed to his father, a regularly qualified dental practitioner, obtained evidence of Pittar's unlawful practices by going to him and submitting to.the extraction of a tooth, afterwards giving evidence which led to Pittar being fined £5 and costs. The Rotorua correspondent of the " New Zealand Herald" reports that Sir George Grey had a long interview last week with the principal Natives of the district, when the following agreement was dra\*-n \ip and signed by 11 of the chiefs:—"An agreement between Sir George Grey and certain of the chiefs and people of New Zealand to refrain until the 30th day of July, 1892, from the use of all spirituous liquors and intoxicating drinks, and earnestly requesting all tourists and visitors to Now Zealand to be merciful to the chiefs and Natives of New Zealand by henceforth refraining from giving intoxicat ing drink, or m any way aiding them to obtain the same." The agreement will be printed and sent round. Last night Mr Knott delivered the cele brated J. B. Gough'soration "Man and His Master" m the Oddfellows' Hall to a moderate house. Mr Knott, who was quite letter perfect m his work, delivered the oration with great fluency, and with quite as much, if not more, force than Gough himself used to do—so much energy, m fact, did he thrjw into bis delivery that after three-quarters of an hour of violent declamation he was quite exhausted, and had to sit down and rest awhile. He was listened to very attentively —even Witlviapfc -a-ttantiori—and wa» k>,uclly applauded at the close. The titl«of "Windy Wellington," which has been conferred on the seat of Government and is frequently applied to it, is confirmed by official records. The report on the stati stics of the colony for 1889 goes to show that; it is by no means a pleasant fiction that high winds are far more numerous m Wellington than m the other centres; for it appears that while m that year there were gales or high winds at Dtmedin on 18 days, at Lincoln (Canterbury) on 26 days, and at Auckland on 39 days, the inhabitants of Wellington had to endure as many as 77 windy days. The report states, moreover, that such clays were much less numerous m Wellington m 1889 than m 1888. The Onehunga Woollen Company is pro greasina4uccessfully, and the factory is work ing fun time, with a good local demand for the stock. On account of the weavers being able to do more work than the carding machines can supply them with, the carders have been working time and a-half. Recently £2000 worth of new machinery has been imported, comprising carding-engines, twill ing and dressing machines, which will enable the whole staff to be fully employed during the regular working hours. The wool for the ensuing season's operations has been all purchased under favourable circumstances. As showing the growing importance of the industry, £100 a week is paid out for wages and for coal, and £300 a week for raw material. About 70 hands are employed, a good many being young men, women, etc. The whole of the manufactured products are bought by the local wholesale firms, with the exception of a small quantity sent to Canter bury. We hear a good deal about encourag ing local industry through the medium of th# tariff. The way the Government encouraged the woollen industry was to charge £205 duty on the machinery lately imported, although it could not possibly be constructed m the colony, and this handicapped the One hunga Woollen Company by that amount. Bishop Julius said m his recent lecture m Temuka that at a place which he visited on the West Coast one of the churchwardens was a Roman Catholic and the other a Pres byterian. This reminds me of the West of Ireland story where a Catholic priest lent his congregation to a Church of England minister—the Rev W- H. Maxwell—on tis occasion of the bishop's visit. The Rev Mr Maxwell was placed m charge of a district m the West of Ireland w here there was not a single Protestant, with the exception of his immediate dependants. The place suited Mr Maxwell, and he wished to remain there, and so he from time to time sent m glowing reports of the progress he was making. At last his bishop intimated to him that he in tended to visit his parish, and thus he was placed man awkward predicament. The Catholic priest was his greatest and best friend, so he at once besought his counsel, with the result that the priest supplied him with a very numerous congregation for the bishop's visit, This really occurred, the clergyman being the Rev, Mr Maxwell, the author of the adventures of Brian O'Lynn. — "Temuka Leader"

OBITUARY

CALEB WHITEFOORD, R.M.

[PEK PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Christchitkch, February Vjfa- The news of Mr Whitefoord's death was received here with the deepest re gret, and has cast a gloom over the cotnmunity. The deceased gentleman was universally respected.

Presbyterian Assembly.

[PJSB PRESS ASSOCIATION,] ; ' CinusTCJiuiicii, February 12. The whole *of to-day's sitting was occupied m considering the report of the Committee on Schemes of Study. The Committee brought forward a plan under which certain candidates for the ministry might pursue a course of study while engaging, m pastoral work. An animated discussion took place, the point on which opfrrionsl:lWere divided being, whether a University course should be held to be indispensable to admission into the ministry. Ultimately die scheme was referred back to the Committee, to be modified, and to be submitted to the Presbyteries for their opinion before coming up at the next Assembly. February 13. This morning Rev WC Elliott intro duced Rev W. Finlayson, Moderator of the Synod of Otago and Southland, who" was suitably welcomed by fhe Moderator. Mr Finlaysoa gave an interesting address upon the question of Union and the work m Otago. The thanks of the Assembly were accorded for the address, and Mr Finlayson was asked to convey the fraternal greetings of the Northern Church to the Synod of Otago. § Rev W. Copland, of New' South Wales, also addressed the Assembly. The Moderator and Mr Craig were appointed deputies to the next Otago Synod. Rev Mi* Gillies gave a report on the Widows and Orphans fund. The .income for the year was £361, expenditure £128. The capital fund amounts to £4867. A petition from the Westland Presby tery, asking' Rev Mr, Btowell to be received into the Church, was granted. The report of the Aged and Infirm Ministers' fund was read. It showed twenty-eight ministers and twenty-six congregations subscribing ■; -total income for the year, £370; expenditure, £80 ; the capital fund amounts to £2055. i-At the evening sederunt the Committee appointed to select a Moderator for next year reported that they recommended the Rev Dr. Elmslie, of St. Paul's, Christ church. [Dr. Eltnslie* was Moderator of I the Assembly m 1872, and on his eleckon I will be the second minister who has twice been raised w the highest position m the Church. The Rev James Duncan oc-, cupied the position m 1863 and 1888.] The reports of the Committee ■on the Statistics of the Church, and the Commit tee on Foreign Mission's were read, and an address on the work 'm the New Hebrides was given by the Rev W. Watt. I The report of the Church Extension Com j mittee was also read. The reports were adopted, and the Assembly adjourned at a late hour till 10 a.m. on Monday. It is expected the business will conclude on that day.

POLITICAL NOTES.

(PKtt PHJESS ASSOCIATION.)

Auckland, February 13. Sir George Grey states that he has greatly improved m health by his visit to Rotorua. It is a quarter of a Century since he was- previously there. In an interview, speaking regarding the Federa tion Conference, Sir George said ho had always heen working for Australian federation, b«fc for the present he thought New Zealand should ' remain out If this colony joined it would be an embarrass ment to Australia itself. A federation of all the English speaking races was the form he roosb approved of. Under such'a scheme each English speaking nation would continue to arrange its own internal affairs. Such a federation proposal would be likely to lead to changes m the con stitution of the colonies. It seemed to him that m the event of such a federation the question of defence would be effect ually settled. :. Wellington, February 13. Mr W. S. Allen, who was returned for the Te Araho seat at the general election, returned from London by the Arawa, and m the course of -an interview with a reporter said he had little doubt that through his inability to be present, and failure to ask his leave of absence, the seat really has become vacant, but if he is not disqualified through any acts of his supporters, he will stand again and make a personal canvass of the electorate. In his opinion a great mistake was made by the whip of his party m not applying for leave of absence, as, if that course had been adopted, the issue would have been narrowed down considerably. He is firmly convinced that no illegal acts have been done, neither by Mr Buttle nor Mr Cox, who were his accredited agents ; but of course he cannot at present say whether there have been irregu larities on the part of any of his other supporters. Mr Allen is very much gratified at the large measure of support accorded him during the election, and it is his intention, even if he is debarred from standing again, to address the electors at the various centres, and return thanks for the compliment paid him during his absence. Wanganui, February 13. The Hon. W. P. Reeves hopes to leave for Wellington to-morrow. The Hon. T. McKenzie has returned to Taranaki on departmental business. Blenheim, February 13. The Hon. R. Seddon returned from his visit to the mines at Mahakipawa last night, and left Picton for Wellington at midnight. He had a most enthusiastic reception from the diggers, and was pleased with the prospects of the field. Wellington, February 13. The Hon W. J, M. Larna'ch is men tioned as likely to be one of the Commis sioners to enquire into the working of the Public Trust office.

Supreme Court.

[pee press association.]

Timaru, February 13. At the Supreme Court there was only one civil case this session. It occupied all day, being an action for £600 damages for grass and sheep burned by a tussock fire crossing the boundary from Elephant Hill Station (H. R. Parker's) to Ciarkfield (Waifcb and Burbury's) on the 16fch May last. It was proved that the fires were lighted by the orders of defen dant's manager, and damages were awarded, £50for sheep killed and injured, and £136 16s for loss of pasture on 864 acres. : Invercargili,, February 13. The case of Simson, auctioneer, of Gore, v. the Colonial IJank and his late partner EJlsworth, m which damages amounting to £10,000 were claimed, was settled out of Court, but the nature ol the settlement has not yet transpired, Bie jury assenv bled at two o'clock only to be discharged.

THE CROPS.

The farms at Wakanui have always fcorno a good name for heavy crops of grain, ever .since the Ashburton County became a cropping district, and this year although the total .yield there will be sad]y deficient, there will still be some good returns from Lho machines, taking into cpnsideration the long drought. In the Wakanui district proper, there is ]>robably fully an average crop in acreage, but hiking this all round, not more than one half Lhe usual quantity of grain will 1)0 harvested ami threshed, and it is the best and heaviest land that has suffered the most from the great deficiency in rain this soason, combined with the excess of dry and hot winds. The first farm out of A&hburton, in the Wakanui district, is the well-known block of grand land owned by Messrs Chalmers Bros., who this year had several paddocks of wheat crop, which threshed out' an average of 36 bushels per acre—a pmall return for land that has yielded as high a3 GO or 70 bushels in some former seasons. Last year a heavy crop 1 of oats was grown on this farm, and these are still in stack, wailing a-better market than has offered at »riy time since they were'harvested. Lower down, the farms farmsofMopsrsM. Miflar, J. Jameson,' and J. Harrison are located, with paddocks on both sides of the road, carrying fair crops of grain, either in stook or stack. Messrs Win. and David Cochrane have both threshed out their wheat crops this year, averaging from 25 to 30 bushels per acre, but these paddocks promiseda return atone time of fully 50 per cent, more than this. The farmers in the vicinity of the Wakanui township generally carry heavy grain crops bub this year they have suffered severely, and probably will not return even half an average of wheat and less than that of oats, for generally speak ing the latter cereal has fallen off i* yield this season to a greater extent than wheat or barley. A paddock of 100 acres of early wheat threshed from the stook only gave an average of 17 bushels to the acre, although some portions went over 20 bushels. Mr Charles Hill has a fine paddock of early rape growing below the school which only wants another good rain to make grand autumn feed for sheep. Messrs Meredith, James and W. J. Wilson are like their neighbors, J. Doak,. S. Thomas, W. Cochrane, D. Leddy and others forced to the .conclusion that their cartage of this year's- grain will not occupy much more than one half of their time »s cpmpared with some previous years, but the grain will be a fair sample, and of a very dry sound quality. Nearer the sea beach and over the Wakanui creek there are some good returns, threshing from the stook going *on here to some extent —Mr N. Fitzgerald's wheat and oats going nearly 40 bushels to the acre, and Mr. Sinclair's averaging 25 to 30 of wheat, 4.0 of barley, and up to 60 of oats per acre ; but these figures are not general although where the land is lighter and the crops Chin and short the results are not by any means so disappointing as on some of the very best lands where, up to a certain' point of the season, there was every promise of a good average yield. Taking the road from Seaviewto wards Ashburton the farms on the left hand side contain principally good land varied by some ' shingly patches, and most of them have 1 the Wakanui creek as a water supply— 1 and this has carried a good head of water this year and been a great booa to the farmers along its cour&e. Messrs 8. Wright, Leadley, and Moor have some very fair grain crops, varying from 40 bushels in sojae paddocks down to 15 and 20 on. lighter land or where the condi j tions of the season and ground have been > more unfavorable to the crops.- On the r Plains side, towards Seafield, the land i rapidly deteriorates in depth and value, ■ and farmers on this side will not return [ more than from 15 to 20 bushels per acre, i and In some" cases loss than these figures ■ will have to satisfy the owners, bub then • they do not in any case expect larger - returns from the dry plains land, In the : Elgin locality there are some good crops, i Mr John Oo'ahrane ; expecting 45 bushels i from a paddock of Hunter's wheat, and i about 30 from the rest of his farm, and the I lessee of Mrs Bran kin's land has a crop I that is estimated to yield almost 30 bushels . per acre all round. Messrs Butterick, , Cass and Dalton have light crops, their i land being of the same nature generally . and Messrs Scott, Protheroe, Mahoney and Lamb on heavier lands have secured their grain in good order and this will • probably average as well as their neigh bours who hold similar quality of ground further down the creek, but with a few , exceptions only, the crops all along from i Ashburton to the sea have not given auy ! thing like ordinary returns. \ Arrivals in town have been large until : to-day, when the rain interfered with i carting, and we hear that the sample on . the average is good.

THE KAKANUI.

UNSUCCESSFUL SEARCH.

(PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Bluff, February 14. The Hinemoa returned this morning at 6.15. Captain Fairchild reports having made the circuit of the Campbell, Auck land and Snares Islands, and searched every nook and corner m them, but with out finding fche slightest trace of any recent 'wreckage. >'v There can now be little doubt that the Kakanui has gone down with all hands. The on« chance remaining is that her people may have been rescued by a homeward bound ship. The party who have been down surveying the lighthouse sight on the Snares, discovered undeniable traces of a wreck there, probably an out ward bound ship. The wreckage, Captain Fairchild reports, is m a sort, of cave on the westward side of the Snares, and from the quantity cf wreckage m this cave, ib would seem as if the ship had gone ashore there, and ail hands lost. Amongst the wreckage was a topmast with topsail yard and halyards attached, a quan tity of candies, and a teak gun carriage marked !<MSmaIL,S.XB[." The wreckage may have been on the Snares for some years, but is still m good preservation. No evidence was discovered to indicate what ship the wreckage was part of.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[I'BR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] London, February 12. Messrs Dillon and O'Brien have issued a manifesto . declaring that the irreconcilables on both sides have pre vented a satisfactory settlement with regard to the leadership of the Irish party; and condemning the unyielding temper exhibited m points of form. Both gentlemen promise to remain neutral'in the matter. In a letter to Mr O'Brien, Mr Par nejl regrets that the Home Rule assurances given by the Liberal party are not sufficient for the safe guard of the National interests, or to justify, hitn m retiring from the head of the party. He states that as a spirit of the deadliest hostility towards the unjon of the party is evinced from a quarter least expected, he will person ally attend to his duties m Parliament and will pursue an active compaign m Ireland. It is believed that France and Eng land will agree to the. Newfoundland fisheries dispute being referred to arbitration, and that the modus vivendi

arranged between the French and British Goyernme»t3 last spring will be extended, for a year. Mr McCarthy explained to his followers t|iat Mr Gladstone had given written assurance that the Home Rule Bill should authorise the Irish Parlia ment to deal with land unless the question is settled beforehand, or m a specified period after Home .Rule has been granted. Parliament would also be allowed the control of the civil police, replacing the present force within five years. The party acquitted Mr McCarthy of blame for the rup ture, and resolved to '-continue to support him. Messrs Dillon and O'Brien surren dered at Folkestone to-day. ■ The dockers have issued a manifesto giving , tbeir reasons for refusing to work for the Shipping Fedeiation. | Two thousand have struck at .Liver , pool, and the .movement is spreading to other ports. There is a prospect of settlement (of the waterside strike. ' London, February 13. The report of the Bank of New Zealand states that the profits would admit of the payment of an interim dividend, but owing to the short time the directors have b*eih m office they have decided to carry the balance for ward. The position of the business of the bank shows dist'net signs of im provement. Accounts will only be presented at the August meeting. ' Lord Salisbury, replying to Lord Dunraven,: said Government had no definite proposals to submit to the colonies relative to the creation of an Imperial war fund. , The country would not submit to a discriminating system m favor of the colonies and against the rest of the world* ACon ference would be inexpedient except salutary and practicable proposals were ready for discussion. Messrs O'Brien and Dillon, who have been interviewed, state they advised Mr Parnell to make the-fight an impersonal one as far as possible. Mr Dillon says he would prefer to retire rather than serve under Mr Parnell. The Northampton election took place to-day and resulted m the return of Mr Mansfield,' a Home Ruler, who defeated Mr Germaine, the Tory candi date, by the large majority of 1713, Another murder has taken place m Whitechapel similar to those perpe trated by Jack the Ripper. Beri.ik, February 13. The Reichstag has passed a measure prohibiting work on Sunday. Sofia, February 12. Amongst those ' arrested for partici pation m the plot to overthrow Prince Ferdinand are two friends of Major Panitza, who was recently shot for a similar attempt. Quebec. February 13. By a boiler explosion m a worsted factory thirty persons were killed. Ottawa, February 12. It is expected that the elections will give the Government a majority of forty. The opposition deny that their policy of reciprocity with the United States virtually means annexation, but American statesmen and the press assert that it does. Bklghade, February 12. It is reported that King Alexander, of Servia, is suffering from a dangerous malady.

AUSTRALIAN.

Sydney, February 13. . Government are inviting tenders for the supply of 175,000, tons of steel rails to be manufactured m the colony from colonial products. The request of the West Australian Government for a week's postpone ment has not been granted, and the Federal Convention will open its sittings ,on the date originally fixed. Adelaide, February ,13. At the Shearers' Conference which opened yesterday, Mr Spence, Presi dent of the Shearers' Union, m his address urged the men to advance m a new form, and instead of spending large suras of money on strikes and fighting battles with .the pastoralists, the expenditure should be m the direction of improving their position, politically. Brisbane, February 13. The labor Unions have decided to boycott Chinese cooks and gardeners.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, February 14. The Auckland Sunday School Union have a net profit of £73 upon the year's work. It was resolved at a 'meeting held to night to form a Co-operatire Company for the export of frozen fish, game and poultry. The residents of Birkenhead and dis tricts further up the Waitemata river on the northern shore of the harbor, are moving for the construction of a bridge across the harbor m order to give them easy access. For the freehand drawing competition for certificates and a prize presented by the Auckland Society of Arts j sixty-four schools competed, and 926 drawings were sent up. The prize was awarded to Grace Andrews, of Katikati, and 170 pupils re ceived certificates. The Governor and Lady Onflow intend to visit the Thames and Coromandel. The Rev. T. J. Wills, an Anglican clergyman of Opotiki, has been committed for trial on a charge of libel preferred against him by Lewthwayte, late head teacher of the Opotiki District School.; Wellington, February 13, Lieutenant Colonel Hill Jack, New Zealand Regiment of Artillery, has vi signed his commission. f Mr Daniel De Castro, Chairman of the Gulcher Electric Light Company, arrived from London last night to complete arrangements with the City Council re specting the lighting of the city, He visits other centres on the Company's business. The Trades and Labor Council have decided to submit a proposal to the various Trade Unions for the establish ment of a co-operative coal and fuel yard m the city. ! ■ , The estimated population of the Colony exclusive of Maoris* was on the 31st December last 630,781, and 1 of Maoris according to the last census, i 1,969. The excess of European births over deaths during 1890 was 12,284. The excess of departures over arrivals was 1782. Hokit^a, February 13. An old miner, seVehty*four yeaits old, named JFillipi Pantono, was injured by a fall of earth while, he was working m his claim m the Waimea district. The dirt struck him on the back of the headi He was taken to the hospital but is not expected to recover. ■ , Two new parties have struck rich gold 1 at, the rush. Millington and party* near Wood's on Ward's line, got good, payable dirt when down 60ft. This proves two leads on that line, one at 60ft and bile at 90ft: They will sink to work the lower lead first,

GaisyMOUTH, February 13. ' The Midland Railway Company have. given Stratford and Blair, Sawmillers, the contract to cut 2,000,000ffc of black and white pine flitches for exportation. The timber will be cut at the mills at Calla ghan, Snowy Creek. Tnvercargiix, February 13. Since the compulsory clauses' of the Education Act have been put m operation tl;e attendance at one of the town, schools has increased by one hundred. After a heaving extending over three dnyo m .the Divojce Court, the petition, for judicial separation by Mrs Noble, wife of a farmer, was granted, the jury haying answered m the affirmative whether the" respondent had been cruelto his wife. The evidence was most contradictory, that for petitioner being that she .was a much injured woman with a brute of a husband, while respondent's witnesses} said she was a virago aud responsible, for all the domestic troubles. They have been married over thirty years. There is no , family.

GREAT FLOODS IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

i[fER fSBSS ASSOCIATION.]

Auckland, February 13. The weather during the past two days has been of a singular character, there having been a heavy downpour of rain with the air close and muggy. To-day, though the rain has ceased, the atmo sphere is oppressively warm. New .Plymouth, February 13. Owing to a heavy downfall of rain'the rivers have swelled, and a freshet running out of the Waiara river too strong for the Gairloch to steam against, she came on to the breakwater. The lowlands on the banks of the Waiwaikaiho are flooded, and a Chinaman's garden has been washed away and his horse drowned. Several culverts have burst and the water is up to within a few feet of the floor of several bridges. Woodville, February 13. An extraordinarily heavy rainfall was experienced last night, 4*25 inches hav ing fallen m twenty-four hours, which is the heaviest rainfall" recorded here. All the rivers are m high flood. On the Woodville-Napier line traffic is stopped by a slip at Victorian, and the Maitaiwa embankment is giving way. A portion of the Napier-Palmerston road is washed away, and it is believed there have been heavy slips on the Gorge line, but there lis no possibility of communicating with 1 there as yet.' Heavy land slips have occurred throughout the district. The Gpbrge line is blocked by slips to the estimated* extent of 15,000 tons of earth. The road is also blocked by three slips.' . .'■• ■/ '■■ ; ■■■ ■' ";: L Wanganui, February 13. The heaviest flood ever known m the Wanganui : came down this morning. The Taupo quay was partly submerged, and danger was: threatened to the boat sheds. Several small bridges are re ported to have been washed away and many stacks came down whole. Some punts and many boats were washed to sea, and one wrecked against the bridge. The rain which commenced falling on Thursday night continued with great violence until noon to-day, the total' fall here up to 4 p.m. being 2.59 inches for thirty-one hours. The river commenced to rise rapidly on Thursday night, and m the lower portion of the town at 11a.m. yesterday flooded the basements of hotels and business places. The current m the river was very strong and tho water very thick, with a strong, sulphurous smell. Timber of all kinds. was brought down from the upper parts of the river, besides Maori canoes, sheep, cattle, and furniture of all kinds. Several grain stacks Were also washed down opposite the town. ! The Harbour board's punts and dredge were washed out td sea. The -bridge at Ngakongaro, about seven miles from town was washed away, and the roads on each side of the river greatly damaged. The water continued to rise until 2.30 p.m., and extended all along Taupo Quay and the railway station, also up the avenue for two chains. Boats and canoes were used m the streets. The business stocks of Paul and Co. and Thane and Co. had to be removed, and were fortunately saved. The water rose to within four feet of the decking of the bridge and came over the wharf, fears being held at one time for the safety of the bridge, owing to punts and heavy timber crushing against it. The bridge, however, stood firm and suffered no harm. Owing to the line being flooded between this and Marfon the South train did not arrive, and the passengers and mails were brought on by > icoach provided by the Railway Depart ment. The passengers going, south left town at 3 o'clock by coach for Matron and arrived there m time to catch,the train for Palmerston, The water is now receding, but it is feared that when high tide occurs at 2 a.m. there will bo another flooding of the streets. The water was over knee deep on Taupo Quay, and old settlers state that the iflood is the highest on record, but there is a doubt about this, some assert ing that m 1858 the water rose fifteen inches higher: Rumors were about to day that the Turakina Railway and Wan gaehu road bridges had been washed away, but they were found to be untrue, though the latter bridge is thought; tq be strained, and if the water rises again it is feared; that it will be washed; away.; The wAter at Wangaehu, on the Martori road, was waist deep when the coaches came through. The Mangawhero Road Board have notified that the road to Ngakongaro is closed as dangerous to traffic, and it will take a lot of money to make good the damage. The Harbor Board are heavy losers through the loss of the punts and dredge. Should the water continue to recede the Railway authorities hope to have the line reinstated by to-morrow evening. No damage was done to the North line, and the afternoon train arrived at New Plymouth up to time. i Wellington, February 13. Rain has been falling all night, and this morning it is coming down m torrents. The Railway Commissioners have re ceived a telegram to the effect that a por tion of the railway line at Bonnie Glen, near Turakina, on the Palmerston •Wan ganui line, has been washed away by the flood, and through traffic impeded, but it is expected that an interchange of pas sengers will be effected by the up and down trains if the dray road is passable. Hokitika, February 13. During the past week or so the weather has been intensely hot, and beautiful sun sets have been witnessed. This evening heavy rain set m from tho North. New Plymouth. February 14. It has been raining all night, and the risers are very high. All bridges m the district are reported to be safe, though quantities of "drift wood are heaped against them. On Thursday night several small boats from the rivers were washed out to sea., and the beach for miles is shewed with timber, logs, etc., brought down with the freshes.

COMMERCIAL NEWS

The Markets.

[per press association.] (Roceivcd February 14, 10.15. a.m.) Lonjjon, February 12. JSew Zealand four per cent inscribed stock, 107 ; 3-£ per cent ditto, 97£. Wheat —New Zoaland long-berried is firm at 38s 3d; South Australian wheat, at 38s ; Victorian steady at 3«s 6d. Canterbury mutton, 4. 13-lQthsd per lb;. Wellington, 3 7-Bth cl; Canterbury lamb, 6d. 4 ljckland hemp, fair averse, £25 15$

per ton ; Wellington, good average, x>2o 10s.

Ashburton Stock Market

Messrs Friedlander Bros, be;; to report upon the live stock market for the week ending February 13fh :—The entries of cheep on Tuesday last at Hip Ashburton yards consisted mostly of good young crossb'reds, for which there was an eager competition. 'Die attendance of buyers, among whom there were many from the Gcraldine county, was very good,, and.almost.*v«ry lot was sold at the hammer at prices which showed a decided advance on prcvioufe markets. The following is an Indication of what was being done, and must be considered,satisfactory to the vendors': -Of fat sheep there was a "full entry, selling at- from 7s fld to ,10s 3d for fafc ewes, according to ago,/quality, and weight; and at 11s Id, 11s 6d, 12s sd, 12s lOd, and 13s for two and four tooth mixed •naiden ewes and wethers ; merino wethers, Jwhich there were some very nice lines, oW ab 7s 3d, 7s 7'd, 9s lid and 10s; merino ewes, aged, os, 5s Id, 5s 3d, to BsT2d, accord ing to condition'; for two-tooth crossbred store sheep there was a very strong compe tition, and prices ranged from 8s 9d, 9s, 9s 6d, 10s 2d, up to lls 6d ; a nice line of 300 Lincoln ..cross iambs from the Alford Estate, lls lOd ; and a line of first-cross store lamb* sold at 8s 4d ; full mouth crossbred ewes, m fair condition, made 7s 9d; full mouth merino ewes, with good percentage of lambs, sold at 4s to 4s 6d each. ■*■ These were the principal lines, and we can safely say that some of the buyers left the yards without being supplied.. Privately.during the Meek we placed on account of a client a line of 1000 full mouth, crossbred ewes with 95 per cent of lambs, and 509 crossbred ewes, besides severaljiues of freezing.lambs at satisfactory prices. We have dai'y enquiries for young crossbred sheep, antf, k1»o for freezers.

Messrs Miles and Col'(per Mr G. Jameson) report on the weekly sale held at. the Ash burton yards on Tuesday list :■—There were 4072 sheep yarded. Although the attend ance was smaller than usual, owing to harvest operations, there were several buyers forward both from the North and South, and good prices were obtained. Our entry comprised ,218, 0:?heePi »11 of which were cleared at satisfactory prices. We sold 51 four-tooth crossbreds at 11s 6d; 213 two-tooth at 11s 6d ; 100 fafc merino ewes, 5s Id +o 6s 2d ; 50 fat crossbred ewes at 11s Id ; 300 fat lambs at 10s 6d; 25 fat merino wethern at 9s lid; 27 crossbred ewes at 9s 9d ; 67 merino ewes at 5s 3d; 15 merino wethers at 6s 8d; 119 merino ewes at 5s and 5s Id; a line of mixed crossbreds at 13s; 42 merino wethers at I.os 3d; 100 boilers at Is Id; 62 fafc two-tooth crossbreds at 12s lOd; 995 two-tooth cross breds from 9s to 9s;id. There was very little business done m cattle ,and few sales made. At the Tinwald yards next Tuesday vve shall have our first sale of the season of ! merino ewes for breeding purposes, 1500 being en tered. We shall also offer 2560 two tooth crossbreds and 70 store pigs.

Latest Calbe News

HOJIE AND FOREIGN.

[PER PRESB ASSOCIATION.]

[Received February 14, 10.30 a.m.] IRISH AFFAIRS. London, February 13. Several prominent members of the Gladstone party have been makiug financial arrangements with Mr Justin McCarthy for carrying on the Home Rule campaign, but they decline any monetary assistance, to the evicted tenants. The "Times"says that Mr Glad stone's promised concession totheHome Rule party amounts to nothing more than empty unless separation pure and simple is intended. The same journal considers that Mr Par nell's real opponents m Ireland are the priests. . The "Standard" remarks that Mr Gladstone is /ainly humiliated, since he sees that Mr Parnell is inexorable. The " Daily News " believes that the rupture over the leadership of the Irish party will aventually result m the triumph of the Liberal cause,: and the breaking-up of Parnellism. - Mr Justin McCarthy declares that he conducted the negotiations with Mr Parnell on the basis that it was impos sible that Mr Parnell could retain the leadership of the party. The. news of the rupture between Messrs McCarthy and Parnell has caused a gloomy feeling m Ireland, and it is considered to have greatly injured the prospects of the Home RuU^cause. (Received February 14, 10.50 a.m. London, February 13. It is stated m connection with the Cumming scandal, that the Prince of Wales was watching a game of baccarat at the house of Mrs Arthur Wilson, a well known social enter tainer residing m the West End, when something aroused his suspicion re garding Sir William Cumming's play. He privately communicated his sus picion to the hostess, who requested five of the guests to watch the play, and they declared that' the suspicions of his Royal Highness were correct. The libel proceedings instituted by Sir William Cumming are against the five gentlemen who were requested to watch the play.

SPORTING.

» THE DUNEDIN MEETING.

[pur press association. J

Dunedin, February 14. At Forbury this morning, Wayland and Dormeur went a fast six furlongs. Occi dent and Hilda did the Cup distance together fast, Assyrian King picking them up a mile and a quarter from home and finishing first. Wolverine was sent two miles at three-quarter speed. Tempest was better than Mariner and Gazelle at a mile. Cissy and Blizzard went a mile at three-quarter pace. Dispute beat War lock over a mile. All the horseis m train ing are well.

Some witling or other a few days ago put a scrap of newspaper m a bottle and left it on the Wakanui beach. On the paper he had written—" The ship Kakanui, Captain Best, lost m a gale on tiie Auckland Islands. This is to let any one know where we are, 3 saved." But the clever writer made the mistake of leaving just enough of the print of the Ashburton Guardian, on the margin of which he wrote to enable us' to trace ths issue, which is that of the 7th February, a n d the vessel was missing before that date. We circulatepretty widely,biit scarcely so widely as all thai. . ■. ' Plans have been prepared for a new Roman Catholic Cathedral at Invercartill estimated

THI ASHBTTBTON GUABDIAN, SATUBDAY, iEBRTJABT 14, 1891



HORSLEY DOWNS SHEEP SALE. The sale of the annual draft of sheep from Messrs Mallock and Lance's Horsley Downs flock, took place' oh the station yesterday, and resulted very successfully. The prices obtained were :—IO6O 4-tooth maiden merino ewes, at 6s 6d, Mr W. Strange ; 2500 8-tooth merino ewes at 5s 6d, Mr L. Lane; 2500 full-mouthed merino ewes, 400 at 4s 3d to Mr J. Gleudining, balance to Mr H. Gray at 4s ; 2133 merino wethers, of which 1500 were sold to Mr Colin Stewart at 5s 6d, balance, 633, to Mr J. Cameron at 5* 6d. A magnificent line of 790 half bred ewes, 4, 6, and full-mouthed sheep, were sold, 200 to Mr R Allen at 10s 4d ; 693 to Mr A. L. Joseph at 10h.



The Best Remedy fok Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently rcuon;mended as • a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to ■yirhich are subjects Norton's Pills, with justipe' called. the 'Natural iStrengthener of the Human kjitomauh," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo Id*



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS EUCALPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe, are its patrons, Read the official reports that accompany eaah bottle. We have no occa sion to offer reward? m proof of the genuine ness of miv references. ' The official reports of medical clinics and universities, tha official communication of tiie Consul-General for Italy »t Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all tUvse c? 4'§ authentic documents, and, as such, not ope» Juv fknU- We add here epitome of one of the various «%«?s treated by.-Siegent M.D , Professor, tfe B^hig of the right hand through the explosion M a §maU oil stove. The epidermis on the row? Wd WUaer side of the hand of the thirty-year oid' pajt.ienjfc was completely separated and lifted iip as ffa* as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted juaiUpwere hanging loose and half of the phalriax of to Jjiajl of fche ■middle finger was coal d. The wpunds thus contracted healed m three weeks -usxler gpnlication of Eucalypt Extract 4jressiy.fi. ' Tjhe jjiafc ent has retained the full use <rf tj» \w& -{#ayt./ }



Wanted | ~XX7 f 1T 1 TT The Treasurer VV . 4 .X. U . will be m attend ance on Wednesday afternoon to receive members' annual fee. 2§Bis TRY the Graat Drapery Sale now on at H. C. Segers. pHEAP READING—Where and how \j to be obtained ? By joining my cir culating Library, 3s 6d per quarter.—H. M. Jokes. » PRESENTS.— All holders of' Tickets will oblige by bringing them m as soon as possible.- H. C. Sugers, Melford i House. /POOLING and invigorating lea Cream \J as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. rPHE Public are cautioned against JL cashing a cheque drawn by Mr Purnell m favor of stamps for £1, dated 6th February, 1891; the same having been lost. —H. M. Jones. WANTED Known — Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." ANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens ladies and Children.—W. H. Collier. Q EGERS' Clearing Sale m all Depart O ments now on. One trial solicited. — Melford House. . WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. _ BOOTS, BOOTS. "Keep you.' feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur ton. ANTED Known—The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashbarton, is at W. F. Hanstaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with dcs- I paten. i TXA^MNTINEST^ALENTINES ! at V L. F. Andrewes & Co. Just opened up a Large and Varied Assort merit to suit everybody. Sale of Surplus Stock shortly when Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, &c, &c, will be offered at GREAT REDUCTIONS. L F. ANDREWES & Co.



.f iiDlio Notices. IN BANKRUPTCY. In the District Court of Ashburton (being a local Court of Bankruptcy) holden at Ashburton. In the matter of " The Bankruptcy Act, 1883," and the Acts amending the same, and of the bankruptcy of Daniel McFaklane, of Ash burton, grocer. ~VT OTICE is hereby given that DanieSl JJN McFaklane, of A shbutton, grocer, has this day been adjudicated a bamkrupt, and that the first meeting of Creditors •will be held m the District Courthouse, Ashburton, on FRIDAY, February 20th, 1891, jit 2 o'clock m the afternoon. D*ted this 14th day of February, 1891. J. C. BELL,. Deputy-Official Assignee. T. G. Russvll, Solicitor. 2{84 MONEY JO LEND 7 TIyTONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of TO^^sooo For further particulars apply :to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Christchurch. WJXJi^eetS Without 'teeth CHRISJTOHCROH DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Cashel and High streets g AND Co SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin and Westport CTTE have gained tin FIRST AWARD VV " the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that re guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Comple Set — Upper and Lower temporary and permanent, £10 10s, Natural, Durable, Comfoktable Artificial Teeth Replaced Tempoiarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE GAS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction  of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration, ss. Extraction, 2s (id. Artificial Teeth and Denture*, made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost Massey-Toronto Light Binder . LIGHTEST IN DRAFT. SUREST TO TIE. EASIEST TO MANAGE 1 SWIFTEST TO CUT, THE LONGEST LIVED.JJ MOST SCIENTIFICALLY ;made Stationary Axle and] Raise and Lower Style 6, 6, and 7 FEET CUTS. Of the latter only very few;'on hand. £2000 V Tjrth of Extras m Stock, which wil be supplied to farmers at manufacturer's prices at any time CAY OB NIGHT. FRIEDLANDER BROS. /^IENTLEMEN requiring ths very VT latest fashion m FLEXIBLE HATS (ail colors) will find a choice stocV at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. ■TITHITE and Fancy Scarfs, White and W Striped Vests, Tennis Shirks, buttoned and kced fronts, all colors, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. RUMMER Merino and Gauze Merino Undershirts, with long or short sleeves, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. ASHING Derby Ties 6d each, six for 2s M. Increasing demand for these at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. BOYS' School Suits, well fitting, durable, and moderate m price at the Niiw Zealand Clothing Factoey. AGENTS for the Wonderful New High Arm " Wfirtheim " Sewing Machines. Latest improvements, new appliances, noiseless motion, increased advantages. ALL who have used the " Wertheiim '• New High Arm sewing machine, proclaim it to be the most perfect aewing machine yet produced. Inspection invitEtd. TVT E W ZEALAND CLOTHING JiS FACTORY, the leading Hat, Cap, wid Clothing Manufacture^ EAST STREET, ASHBUBTOW. Agent for the Wonderful Werbheim Ig I.^ Sewing Machine W. H. WEBBER, MawagW,