BIRTH.

Addis. —At Ashburton, on December 14, the wife of Thomas Henry Addis, of Flemington, of a daughter. Both doing well.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1891. THE NEW SOUTH WALES TARIFF.

It is evident that the Protectionist Tariff" which has been introduced by Mr Dibbs in the New South Wales Parliament will not be allowed to coirie into permanent effect without strong protest and opposition from the Freetrade party in the Assembly. Indeed the proceedings towards the close of the debate, on Friday morning, were of so peculiar and personal a character that there is some ground for the assertion of Mr Reid, fie leader of the Labor party, that there is a majority in both Parliament and country opposed to Protection, and that if the Freetraders hi Parliament were united the Ministerial majority of eight—the resolution was carried by a vote of 71 to 63 —might easily be reversed. In the division Sir Henry Parkes, whose hostility to the new tariff is only equalled by his personal animosity towards Mr Reid, did not vote, and he has declared his deter mination never to rest until he has obtained the repeal of the obnoxious measure. "Whether he will succeed in doing so while lie remains at variance with Mr Reid and his followers is very doubtful, but there is no doubt that if these two forces were united they would form a majority against the Government, A section of the Labor party did not oppose the Protection tariff on its merits so much as on the ground that so important and funda mental a change of the fiscal policy o! the country ought not to be made without the opinion of the constitu encies being first taken upon it, and they urged that this be done by a direct plebiscite. The question of Freetrade versus Protection has never been put squarely before the electors, and at a general election it would be impos sible to ensure its being made the test question, free from complication . by other issues, so that a plebiscite i might be the best method of obtaining ! the opinion of the people, and avoid- j ing a dissolution and new election fol lowing so closely upon the last. Even this might not make the position of the Ministry any more secure ; a majority of eight in a Mouse of 150 must be regarded as quite too narrow for fchp j purposes of strong government. Ah j we have previously pointed out i there is at present no party in the House that commands a majority over ail the other parties tuj4 sections, ! and it is very doubtful if an,Qtfeej? general elevtiou would result iv the v&

turn of any party that would have \ dominating power. Meantime the triangular fight will go on. It would not be of muflh interest to New Zealand but for thi fact that the adoption of n policy of Protection is opposed to our "interests us a producing and exporting country. Under the new tariff wheat will be taxod 6d per bushel, oats 4d, flour, bran and pollard £1 per ton, hay, chaff and potatoes 10s per ton, butter and jams 2cl per lb. _ These duties, while not absolutely prohibitory, are sufficient to restrict trade in ordi nary seasons, and will be felt by the con sumers in seasons of scarcity, when ! prices arc-naturally» high. Consumers may rebel, and Victoria may not relish the- taste of her cwn panacea when ap plied by a neighbor who has hitherto been her best customer; and out of the imposition of Protection may arise a cry for intercolonial reciprocity, in which New Zealand would participate, or in Australian Federation, from which New Zealand would be omitted.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

In one Christchurch garden no less than 121 blackbirds were killed in fourteen days with a yea-rifle. Twenty-six of the birds were killed one morning. It is a mistake to suppose that Polar re searches have cost enormously in human life. Despite all the great disasters, 97 per cent of the exploreis have returned alive. The plea of the Adelaide civil service in favour of a superannuation allowance is that they spend all their income as they get it. " j In the latest New .South' Wales Electora Bill persons unable to write are not, as for merly, described as "illiterate voters," but are enpemistically termed " marks men." An effort will probably soon be made through the Auckland Acclimatisation Society to transplant a large soft-shell crab, said to be a delicious edible, from California to New Zealand coastal waters. ! There now exists the severest depression ever felt in the brick industry of Victoria. Over 1000 brickmakers are now out of work, j and in another month the number will pro bably be doubled, as several additional mills threaten to close down. A rabbit caught on the Te Whiti run, and forwarded to the Master ton Museum, had tusks one inch long in its lower jaw, while its hind feet were double jointed. It was plump and fat, notwithstanding the difficulty it must have experienced in nibbling herbage. In Melbourne lately Mr Justice Moles worth granted a writ cf habeas corpus directed to Philip Wirth, one of the pro prietors of Wirth's circus, to show cause ! why he should not give up possession of a child named Herbert Warren, aged nine, on the ground that the boy was cruelly ill treated, and the agreement between the mother of the boy and Wirth null and void. The wife of a Chinese missionary, in a private letter, tells a curious story of child ! marriage in China, A boy and a girl were betrothed in their infancy, and the girl, who has now grown up, has become a Christian. The bridegroom recently claimed her, whereupon the missionary induced him to forego his claim for the moderate sum of sdol. One would hardly be able to guess where some of the cowt. are kept that iurnish the I milk of the city of Lima—not all of them, but a few. Nowhere else than on the top of suburban houses! As the roofs are perfectly flat the common people utilise them for all manner of purposes— notably for henneries, pigsties, dog-kennels, gardens (where flowers and vegetables grow in boxes^ laundries, and even barnyards. j The German Reichstag, at its present | session, will be asked to pass a bill for the , repression of drunkenness, one of the clauses : of which provides that the spirit dealers are . to be saddled with the task of seeing that ! any drunken people who may visit their 1 premises are conducted safely home. i Another clause is to prevent the sale of : liquor on credit, whilst a third taboos the sale of intoxicants to any one who has, within a period of three years been punished as a confirmed drunkard. Mr McLean, the Government candidate for the Wellington seat, is the manager of a loan and investment company. At his first tneet | in<J, an elector wanted to know whether or not; he was in favor of abolishing loan oftices. Everybody thought the candidate was : cornered, but he came through the laugh I against him smiling. He said he was in i favor of i-bclishing loan offices, and it could be done in three months, no law was neces sary. Let people discontinue to deal with them, and they would be soon shut up. .' An excellent plan has been adopted by the municipal authorities of Rome with a view to preventing adulteration, which other municipalities might follow with advantage. Recognising the fact that the public can gain but little knowledge from the annual report of food inspectors, they have required the names of all makers and sellers of alimentary substances injurious to health, or adulte rated, to be published in the daily papers. In some districts of London a few years ago the names of traders convicted of using false weights and measures were advertised in a similar manner. The point which proved faial to the validity of the arrest of Mr J. R. Scott, atDunedin, was one which to a layman (says the " Otago Daily Times ") would probably appear trifling. One word, the word "or" used in an endorsement on the writ, was omitted from the endorsement on the copy. The contention was that the copy must be a ' true copy, and that this was not a true copy, I the omission making a material difference in the sense. His Honor decided on this point that the irregularity entitled the defendant to have the proceedings set aside, arid gave judgment accordingly. j Mrs Jenkins, who was announced by (cable as intending to take Arthur Cresswell to England for the purpose of asserting his claim to the Tichborne estates and title, has written to the Earl of Zetland soliciting his interest. Cresswell is in the Paramatta Lunatic Asylun. Hitherto Dr Manning, superintendent of the asylum has per sistently declined to allow Cresswell to be examined, but a few days ago an examination was made, and not the slightest trace of the tattooed emblem known to have existed on the real Sir Roger's arm could be found. A Sydney cable message announces the death of Sir William Micleay, at the age of 71. He arrived in New South Wales in 183!), and engaged in squatting pursuits. In 1854 he was elected a member of the Legislative Council, and was subsequently a member of the Assembly for twenty years. In 1874 he fitted out at his own expense tin expedition to New Guinea. He was the first, president of the Australian Linnean Society. He devoted considerable atten tion to the pursuit, of science, especially en tomology, hi* museum of insects being the finest in Australia. In 18S9 ho was created a Knight Bachelor. The men who have been brought into close contact with the Duke of Clarence and Avomlale in Yorkshire, whether officers or privates, spuak highly of his tact and temper. Ihcy say he never "put on side," and was invariably quiet, unassuming, and anxious to consider other people. Similar reports (says " Figaro ") come from Ireland, and the idea of the prince (taking Bishopscourt, Straftan, county Kildarc, for the winter in order that he may hunt with the KihUre hounds, finds great favour in the sister island, Thofayour appears to bo reciprocated, and those who aio in a position to judge already predict that the popularity of royalty may become aii important factor in the situation. Ihk Bkst. Rkmkdy fok Inmokstion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confident^ recommended as a simple remedy lot Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects NoßToV'ti Vlti£) witu Justice called the 'Natural Sfcrougthenpr of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic; and gentle perient, are mild in their operation, wqV safe un Icr any circumstances. Sold in Lotties, at Is lJjd, 2a 9d, 11s, by all inedicjue \#»do«j throughout the world.

On Saturday afternoon Mr W. J. Olliver, seed merchant, died suddenly at his house in Gloucester street, Christchurch, it is believed from apoplexy. Deceased was well-known in Canterbury, and was recognised as an expert in all matteis connected with the seed trad •, in which ho h.ul been engaged all his life, having served his apprenticeship in England and gained a large subseqinnt experience in America. He was formerly manager of the seed department of the R. Wilkin and Co.'s business, but for some time past has carried on business on his own account. At the ■inquest this morning a verdict that deceased died from natural causes was returned. The Anniversary services connected with the Wesleyan Church and Sunday School at Rakaia were celebrated on Sunday December 6. In the absence of the Key Mr Griffiths of Greemlale iwho : had been invited to officiate, but who was laid up with the prevailing epidemic) the Rev Joseph Rapk-.y conducted the service. On Thursday last a tea-meeting was held in the Oddfellows Hall, at the conclusion of which a service of song, entitled " Uncle Tom," was rendered'by a choir led by Miss Seymour, with Mr Gaarder at the organ. Mr Charles Dixon read the narrative. The Hall was nicely filled, and after paying all exrenses there will be £12 to hand over, which is very gratifying, this being the most successful gathering ever held in Rakaia on behalf of the above cause. , A correspondent upon whom we ("Post ") can rely sends us the following:— Many of your readers who were acquainted with the late Mr William Blackley, of Horokiwi Val ley, will remember his lh.tle dog tlack. Since his master's decease Jack has been very restless. Last Sunday morning during service Jack came trotting into the church as of old, and after visiting each pew, look ing up inquiringly into the face of each member of the congregation, he went up to the foot of the pulpit, bestowing the same wistful glance upon the officiating clergy man. Meeting with but little response be yond kind pitying looks, he sat down in the, aisle at the end of the pew, till recently occupied by his deceased master, and there remained till the service was nearly over, when he went out as he came. At the con clusion of the service some members of the congregation who were acquainted with Mr B'ackey, went into the churchyard, and there they found Jack keeping watch over his master's grave, where he remained des pite of all efforts to coax him away.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

AMATEUR THEATRICALS.

TO THE BDII'OR. Sir,—Being a stranger here and taking a great, interest in amateur theatricals,-I am very much surprised to find that there is not an amateur dramatic club in Ashburton. My .surprise is all the greater when I notice in the columns of your valuable paper, an advertisement of a concert and tableaux vivants to be given in aid of the Swimming Club, and that forty of the leading amateurs of Ashbur ton will tako part in the performance. Surely with this large number of leading umateurs, and with the assistance of those le-ser lights who are not leading amateurs. Adhburton ought to have one of the strongest dramatic clubs in the colony, as in Auckland and Wellington, where I spend most of my time, we consider our selves fortunate in having from six co ten of wljafc we term leading amateurs. I urn glad that-1 shall have an opportunity of being present ab the Swimming Club's conceit on the 2'3rd, which I believe from all accounts will be a very successful affair. (Please note, Mr Editor, this is not meant to ling in a cheap ad). As I return this way about then, I am antici pating the pleasure of seeing so many leading amateurs all ab once. Perhaps the promotei-s of this concert will kindly take up the suggestion I throw out, and if the forty leading amateurs /b not; think it infra dig. to associate with those who are not leading amateurs, a very strong dramatic club could be formed, equalling, if not eclipsing all others in the colony.—l am, etc., Visitor.

LATEST CABLE NEWS. AUSTRALIAN.

|PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] (Received December 14, 11.10 a.in.) THE PRINTERS' STRIKE. Sydney, December 14. The Typographical Association, after passing a resolution approving of the action of the German printers in going out on strike, referred their appeal for monetary assistance to the Australian Typographical Union, being of opinion that the question was a national oue.

DESTRUCTIVE CYCLONE.

Adelaide, December 14. A disastrous cyclone and terrific hailstorm, resembling an American blizzard, devastated 10,000 acres of country near Tickeri and Kadina, in the northern part of Yorke's Peninsula, cutting a path three miles in width, and doing damage estimated at £15,000.

VESSEL ASHORE.

Ho}}ART, December 14. The barquentine Seabird, fyoin New Zealand, is ashore in Macquarrie harbor, but no lives have been lost. She will probably be floated off.

DR. GIFFEN'S MISSION.

Dr. Giffen denies that be has been instructed to enquire into the state of Australian finances in connection with Mr Goschen's Trust Funds Bill.

Holloway's Ointmknt. — Miners and Workers on the Goldfields.—This invaluable and renowned ointment is extensively used and patronised by such people to their very great advantage, being easy of application and portable in small compass. When used in conjunction with Holloway's Pills in accordance with the clear and concise direc r tions for use which aceompay each pot and box, there arc but few of the diseases which afflict mankind which will not yield to the sanative powers of the combined remedies. Hollotvay'd Ointment and Pills do not dete riorate by keeping nor by change .of climate, and aa they contain no deleterious mineral dm", they can be used with the most perfect safety under the most adverse climatic and sanitary conitions.

In the Dark.

(W, E. Henley, in " National Observer.") When you wake in your crib, Yon, an inch of experience—" Vaulted about With the wonder of darkness ; Vailing and striving To reach from your feebleness Something you feel Will be good to and cherish you, Something you know And can rest upon blindly : O then a hand (Your mother's, your mother's !) By the fall of its lingers All knowledge, ;ill power to yon, Out of the dreary Discouraging Strangenesses Comes tc and masters you, Takes you, and lovingly Woos you and soothes you ( Back, us you cling to ib, ; Back to some comforting Corner in Sleep. ■

So you w.-ike in your bed, i Having lived, having loved ; But the shadows are there, ; And the world and its kingdoms Incredibly faded ; ■; And. you grope in the Terror \ ■ Above you and under ■ For the light, for the warmth, ; The assurance of life ; : But the blasts are ice-born, \ And your heart is nigh burst \ With the weight of the gloom '• And the stress of your strangled Enormous endeavor : Sudden a hand— ; Mother, O mother ! ; God at his best to you, ; Out of the roaring . Impossible Silences, Falls on and urges you, Mightily, tenderly, Forth, as you clutch at it, Forth to the Infinite Peace of the Grave.

Playing at Treason.

A remarkable gathering took place at St Ives, Hunts, on Tuesday, October 27, in the form of the tirat public meeting held in England or Scotland since 1745, in furtherance of the Stuart cause. The Legitimist Jacobite League sent several speakers from the Central Executive in London, and these gentlemen addressed a large and fairly orderly meeting in the Coin Exchange. The Key K. C."Filling ham spoke on the effects of the revolu tion of 168S, and the lion Stuart Erskino on the- repeal of the union between Eng land and Scotland. Other speakers con tended that the direct succession to the throne of England belonged to the'house of Sfcuarb. A resolution in favor of the Jacobite movement having been proposed, the Chairman of the Sb Ives School Board moved an amendment to the effect that the audience were in favour of the maintenance of the present dynasty, and elicited cheers by remarking that it was owing to the magnanimity of Her Majesty that the gentlemen on the platform had been allowed to hold such a meeting. The Mayor of St Ives seconded the amend ment, which was carried amid great en thusiasm.

SPORTING.

TINWALD RACING CLUB.

NEW YEARS DAY MEETING.

The following nominations were re ceived o* Saturday night: — Handicap Hurdle Race, of 20. soys; One mile and a half.-' Lotto Master Raven Dignity Tamutu FJyawivy Alexander Sandy Inchkeith The Chief Calliope Tinwalti Cup Handicap, of 50 soys ; one mile and a half. Corringa Coinage Quibble Inez King of Ulster Gillie Bay Kins; Lady Zetland Handicap Time Trot, of 25 soys ; about three miles. Star of Honor Forest Maid Forester Stumpy Diana Victoria If. Barn Dance Mountjoy Little Doll Kibtie Thurza Prince Old Dad Camellia Tom Taipo Zenith Kos Humbug Kit 11. Tommy Madeline" Glenrowan Lily Luguaquilla Rocket Winchester Marengo lolanthe Welter Handicap, of 25 soys ; one mile. Corringa The Jewel Pennine Kingrove Aquarius King of Ulster The Spider Bay" King Sandy The Idler The Chief Alexander Cheater Lad Calliope Jacob Faithful Beau Nash Quibble Young Cheviot Glenlora Gillie Beach Flying Handicap, of 20 soys j six furlongs. Portadown Beach Pennine Kingrove Marten The Idler The Spider Coinage Dignity Diver Flyaway Inez Jacob Faithful Beau Nash Lady Zetland Young Cheviot Fabler .Queen B. Glenlora I ■ •

RAKAIA RACES AND SPORTS.

The following are the entries and acceptances for the Rakaia Boxing Day Sporls ; — Ladies' Pubse.—Sherwood, Chester Lad, May Queen, Don, Eotamahana, Lotto, Master Raven, New Hope. Flying Stakes.—Nabob, Miss Lilly, Chester Lad, Juvene, May Queen, Billy, Hetty, Rotamahana, Lotto, Collina, Ringrove, Pincher. Selling- Race.—Roy, Juvene, Hetty, Don. Farmers' Plate.—Nabob, Sherwood, Roy, Chester Lad, May Queen, Billy, Rotamahana, Lotto, Master Raven, New Hope. Troi', acceptances.—Merrygold, scr., Tommy Dodd, scr. ; Francis 11., §0 yards behind ; Primrose, 55 behind j Mack, 60 behind ; A.0.X., 65 behind ; Barn Danoe, 65 behind ; Kittie, 65 behind : Polly 65 behind ; Tommy, 65 behind ; Norah, 65 behind ; Bell, 65 behind ; Nancy Lee, 165 behind; lolanthe, 350 behind. Athletics. —100 yarJs.—P. Dolan scr., H. Brimicombe syds, B. Larraman syds, E. Santy 7yds, A. Sauty Byds. 44.0 Yards.—P. Dolan scr., H. Brimi combe 32yds, A. ffhnty 37yds.

" Kkating's Powder" destroys Bugs Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic aniirals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean in applicafiqp. Soe the acscf(? yqty rmrchase is "Ksatino's, I'as imitations, are oxious and ineffectual. Sold in Tins, 6d, Is and 2s 6d each, by all chemists. If you want your Christinas Cakes to bo a success use ''Can't lie Beat Baking Powder," acknowledged by all to be the best. Leading grocers sell ib in 6d, Is, and 2s ns.

FARM NOTES.

Moat freezing is .about to be reduced very materially in cost by ? new process introduced by J. and E. Hall (Limited), 1 of London and Dartford, who have been so ]nn^ known as the makers of the re frigerating machinery required for this purpose. They have now introduced t. patented system of freezing, for which they are erecting a large plant at Napier for the NorLh British and Ilawke's Bay Freezing Company, by which tho con sumption of fuel is reduced to one-fifth and the freezing much more, rapidly effected than by the old process of old dry air. One of the managing directors of the company (Mr A. Marcet) is about to visit this country.

Mr G. !r\ Jakins, of .Christchurch, Avho has recently returned from' a visit to Sydney, has brought with hi«n copies of i the New South Wales railway tariff for grain, and all kinds of colonial produce, and these have been published in the Christchurch paper-s. Comparisons with . the New Zealand tariff are very instruc tive. The produce in the sister colony is carried from 10 to 15 miles at Is 6d per single ton. Here the rat n is 5s 4d. In New South Wales the tariff rate for 100 miles for a single ton is 8s Bd. The rate from Chrißtchurch to Timaru is 14s lOd, A ton is there carried 400 miles for 16s 2d, and if goods are sent in parcels of 24 tons or over, 5 per cent deduction is allowed. Considering that fully five times as much produce is carried in New Zealand as in New South Wales, the ex-' cessive charges here are somewhat anoma lous. Railway freight stamps are now provided in New South Wales. Thus if a farmer wishes to send a keg of butter or other package, and has to leave it at a flag station, he puts a Is stamp on it, and the freight is paid. These stamps are found to be very handy.

A report on thjß subject of co-operative farming was some three months ago prepared for the East of Scotland Co operative Conference Association by a committee specially appointee for the purpose. The report seems to favour the scheme of co-operative farming if properly and carefully managed on the principle of mixed farming, more especially in the neighborhood of large towns. After careful inquiry the committee report in favour of taking farm lands on a long lease in preference to purchase, which re quires large initial outlay for the. land. They estimate that a capital of £10 per acre would be required to start a lease hold farm and stock it, while three or four times as much would be necessary to buy out land of that description, besides outlay for live and dead stock. The scheme of co-operative farming appears to embrace the direct distribution of all farm produce to the consumers without the intervention of any middlemen's profit. :A few years ago the Highland and Agricultural -Socle ly published in their " Transactions " a series of tables contrasting- the prices received by farmers for their produce with the prices paid by the consumers in the different parts of Scotland, and while son.c startling facts came to light in connection with the sale of btef, mutton, and poultry, the greatest difference between the prices received by farmers and those paid by consumers was to he found in the table dealing with dairy produce. This comparative table showed that in more than one district the consumer actually paid for milk double the price pocketed by the producer ! Ifc is notstaccd how many bauds the milk passed through between the farmer and the consumer, but the fact remained that somebody was getting as much for merely reselling the niilk as the producer for all the labor and expense of conducting a dairy. It is, in the face of such a si.ate of affairs, obviously within the power of co-operative societies to save all this waste in' dis tribution by undertaking the business themselves both of producing and con veying the produce direct to the consumers. The foregoing applies only to co-operative farming, by means of which a large number of consumers band together and supply the capital for producing meat, milk, eggs, butter, potatoes, &c, for their own use, thereby obtaining those articles at the lowest market prise, besides perhaps making a profit on the production, as an ordinary farmer would require to do. Co-operative farming under such circumstances can only be carried on in the vicinity of such large towns as Edinburgh and Glasgow. But co-operation as we know it refers more to a system of combination, by which many small farmers are enabled to obtain the same advantages as those on a large scale, or in other words become wholesale buyers. Besides, the advan tage of buying on a large scale at whole safe rates and doing the distributing to small buyers as cheaply as possible, there is also a gain in selling and shipping produce, simply because the produce of several hundred farmers can be dealt with just as easily-as that,of one farmer, and on a much lower scale of charges.— " Witness." In a special contribution on the wool market the London correspondent of the Melbourne 4S Leader" makes the following r remarks on the New Zealand product in in the Home markets : -" New Zealand growers have had a rough time of it this season. First of all the clip as a whole has been a very poor affair, wasty, low quality, and so sappy that buyers have been atraid to touch io except at extremely low prices, to allow for mistakes as to the yield of clean wool. Except for the best lots of crosibred the usual American de mand has been quite lacking, on account not only of the heavy condition, but the unattractive appearance of the majority of the clips, To complete the chapter of adverse circumstances, the great propor tion of their produce has been realised at ! the very lowest periods of the year, and so far as their merino growth at the most depressed prices. Those growers who sold in the New Zealand sale rooms, have consequently done far better than those whose clips came upon the London market at the late period. Had it not been for the steadiness of the cross bred market, of which such a great weight comes from New Zealand, the results would have been far worse for the unfor tunate New Zealand wool-growers. This serves to illustrate the wisdom of having | two strings to your bow. one being merino and the other crossbred, even in more favoured Australia." A very interesting s^rid instructive cor respondence lias lately been carried on in a portion of the English press on the question of hackney horse-breeding in England. On one side it is alleged that the hackney horse is not a distinct breed, and that he has sprung from cart blood ; and on the other side that he has as much right to be considered a distinct breed as the thoroughbred. So far, the arguments would appear to favour the latter view. Shortly summarised the facts adduced in favour of this view are as follow :■—Prior to 1702, when the Darley Arabian wan imported, there existed two distinct types of light-footed horse — namely, a "flat racer" and a "trotter, and the breeders of each of these used the Arab stallfons., very muqh fcq the {mprpyemenfc of each. If, therefore, the flat racer whose pedigree cannot be traced bafik with certainty beyond the Parley Arabian, is entitled to be reckoned a distinot breed, so must the hackney or trotter whose pedigree can be traced back to the same source. It is granted that there is a difference in type of hackneys-—namely, in*the Yorkshire and Norfolk—aijd this is said to be attributable to the * original stamp of trotters native to each district, but tlwfe this is no wore feu be wo.udere4

at than that the modern thoroughbred should h;vve'been bred away from the grace ful shape of the little Arabian. If the pedi gree of any of the well-known Norfolk trotters of the present day is followed back it will tap the identical blood from which the best of the thoroughbreds have sprung, and although the records of the dams' are nob so clearly traceable as are those of the thoroughbreds, it is con bended that in the pedigrees of some of the most famous thoroughbreds the world has ever seen a proportion of .something like three out of every eight of the strains of the dams are nob recorded. A number of the best authorities on the English hackney, including Mr Burdott Coutts, aver that the use of the thoroughbred racehorse in the pedigree of the hackney is detrimental to the breed. It has ct;r bainly -been so wherever tried in the Norfolk cob, and the evidence adduced in the course of this correspondence de cidedly supports such a contention.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION",

MR PARNELL'S ESTATE. London, December 11. The estate of the late Mr Parnell shows a' net value of £6000. THE AGENT-GENERAL. Mr W. B. Perceval, the Agent- General of New Zealand, has assumed office. He received numerous greetings. TERRIFIC GALES. A lifeboat crew at Liverpool put to sea when in a state of drunkenness, and being unable to find the wreck drifted helplessly about the river. Hokg Kong, December 11. A severe gale has been experienced here, during which 100 Chinese vessels were sunk. I New York, December 13. News has been received that a circus company, consisting of seventy ! five persons, have been drowned dur ing a cyclone off the South American coast. RURAL REFORM. London, December 9. The Liberal Rural Conference opened to-day, Dr Watson presiding. Four hundred and twenty-five dele gates were present. The discussion showed hatred of the Tory parson and squire, also the want of allotments, market rents, fixity of tenure and necessity of paying compensation on improvements and the establishment of Parish Councils. The press gene rally refer to the Conference as a unique and instructive assembly. London, December 12. l'he leading English newspapers declare that Mr Gladstone's quasi approval of -reforms., proposed-at the Rural Conference amount really to non-committal. At a banquet in the City, in connec tion with the Rural Conference, the reception of Mr Gladstone was one of remarkable cordiality. Addressing the assemblage he declared that rural emigration was a national calamity, and he referred to the Tory proposals to purchase holdings as premature. In addressing the Liberal Rural Conference to-day Mr Gladstone earnestly advocated the establishment of Parish Councils, and favored com pulsory purchase of land for allot-. SELF-GOVERNMENT IN NATAL. Lord X nutsford, Secretary of State for the Colonies, declines to confirm the Natal Self-Governmehfc Bill. THE CAMBRIDGE SCANDAL. The Court has ordered the release of the girl sentenced to fourteen days' imprisonnc ent by the Cambridge Uni versity authorities for being found in the company of an undergraduate. The release was granted on a technical point. COLONIAL STOCKS. Colonial stocks are improving owing to a general impression in financial circles that the colonies have recog nised that it is desirable to cease borrowing in order to recover their credit. THE AMBASSADOR IN PARIS. It is officially announced that Earl Dufferin succeeds the late Earl Lytton as British Ambassador in Paris. IRISH AFFAIRS. The Irish bishops are divided in their attitude towards the Nationalists, and there is an indication that the majority will withdraw from taking an active part in politics. The decision is partly owing to the Pope's; direction that bishops should only interfere as moral ists and peacemakers. Mr William Kane, of London, will contest the Wexford election with Mr John Redmond. The Anti-McCarthyites intend to sue Mr 3 ustin McCarthy and Mrs Parnell, as trustees, in order to obtain a decla ration that the funds deposited in the Parisian Bank are the property of the National League, and to restrain any personal application for their release. THE COLONIES. Sir Charles Lilley, Chief Justice of Queensland, has been interviewed by a representative of the " Pall Mall Gazette" He declared colonists pos sessed Republican principles and feel ings, and he was convinced that before many years had passed away they would declare their independence. He a'so declared that the Federation Bill was a fit instrument to cripple 1 the independence of Australia. THE. QUEEN. Her Majesty the Queen Avill leave England in the middle of March, and spend a month at Hyeres. THE NATIONAL BANK Qi 1 NEW ZEALAND. -. " /" Justice Sir J. W. Chitty has autho rised the reduction of the capital of the National Bank of New Zealand.

THE EUROPEAN TARIFF.

' Berlin, December 11. General Caprivi in his speech on the ! treaties in the Reichstag, said the Triple Alliance Would be unable to live under the conditions of economic war ■ fare, and he asserted the loss of revenue to Germany by the new treaty would be under a million. The wars of the future would be. fqughi on the tariffs.. The ratification of the treaties by large majorities is certain. Berlin, December 12. Germany has reduced the duty qn, American butter 15 per cent, on wheat and rye 3 per oent, and on bats37-f per cent. I St. Petersburg, November 12. The Russian Press regard the com mercial treaty arranged by the coun tries comprising the Triple Alliance as directed against Russia and France, au4 they fear R-pu^ar^a, j^ay b,e \^

duced to join. The French protec-' tionists are blamed for excluding Italian and Spanish wines, and a com mercial treaty with France is demanded as an effect to the triple League. Lonuos, December 13. The financial journals are generally of opinion that the new tariff in Europe will not have an injurious effect on EnglanJ.

CHURCH AND STATE IN FRANCE.

Paris, December 12. J An excited scene took place in the Chamber of Deputies during the course of the discussion on the question of the separation of Church and State. In tlie course of his remarks, M. Floquet declared that Pius IX., who was elected Pope in 1846, was a Freemason. The imputation aroused M.M. Freppel and Cavaignac, and a duel between the I ktteV anct" Mi Floquetiiwas only averted through the influence of M. Clemenceau. Paris, December 13. In the Chamber of Deputies the' motion providing for the separation of Church and State was rejected by a large majority. M. de Freycinet, in the course of his remarks, said the Government fully maintained its supre macy in the State. It is reported that the Freemasons agitated for separation.

THE TROUBLES IN CHINA.

Hong Rokg, December 11. Forty-two rebels have been beheaded in Tokia for murdering Christians.

CANADA AND NEWFOUND LAND.

Ottawa, December 11- Mr J. J. Abbott, Premier of the Dominion, hopes to speedily bring about a reconciliation with Newfound land.

BRITISH EXPEDITION IN INDIA.

Calcutta, December 11. Ghoorkas have advanced against Fort Isilt, near Chal. Captain Ayl mer destroyed the gates of the fort with gun cotton, and afterwards stormed the place, capturing nine prisoners and one gun. In the engage ment seven Sepoys were killed and twenty-six wounded. Captain Aylmer, Colonel Durand, and Lieutenants Adcock and Gorton were severely wounded. Captain Bragsbaw has assumed command of the expedition.

THE CRISIS IN BRAZIL.

Itio be Janeiro, December 11. t Banks in the city are guarded by troops. A panic is feared, audit is expected that martial law will be pro claimed. Rio de Janeiro, December 12. Governor Portella has been asked to resign, but refused. He will probably (s>&• replaced by a military Governor of Rio.

CHILI AND THE UNITED STATES.

"Valparaiso, December 12. The--: reference made to Chili in Pre sident Harrison's message to the United States Congress, has excited much anger here, and it is believed that lie has been misled.

THE SUN'S DISTANCE.

Berne, December 12. A calculation of Professor Anover, of Berlin, froni the result of observa tions of the Transit of Venus in 1882, gives the sun's distance from the earth as 92,043,0.74; miles.

NATURAL GAS EXPLOSION.

New Yokk, December 12. A natural gas explosion has des troyed Rodney, in the State of Indiana, and ten persons were killed.

FAMINE RIOTS IN MEXICO.

Mbxico, December 12. Famine riots have broken out here, and a serious outbreak is feared.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, December 13. A settler who lived with his mother near Kamo, Bay of Islands, named Nor man McDonald, has been missing since Tuesday last. Palmerston North, December 12, Mr McPherson, of Timaru, (late mana ger of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company's Pareora Estate) has been appointed Secretary to the Longburn Freezing Company. There were over 100 applicants for the position. Wellington, December 12. In Chambers to-day, the Chief Justice granted a rule nisi, calling upon District Judge Kettle to show cause why the order of committal against Mr J ellicoe for alleged ; contempt of Court should noc be quashed upon the ground that he acted without jurisdiction; that the matter alleged against Mr Jellicoe was not contempt; and that the Distrist Judge was prosecu tor in his own cause, arid disqualified by his own interest and real bias from ad judicating. The rule also prohibits the District Judge from proceeding; further. The.revenue so"far received under the property tax is considered very satisfac tory by the Department. The amount collected at the post offices throughout the colony up to the lOthinst, and in Wel lington up to the l?th is £195,858. All the larger payments are not due till the second instalment on February 4, next. Dunedin, Dec&mber 12. In the Supreme Court to-day, James Neil sued Pilling Bros, proprietors of the V-Tuakepa Times,"JFor £200 damages for libel, which was contained in a paragraph commenting on a case in the Resident Magistrate's Court, Dunedin, in which the plaintiff's father-m-law, an aged man in destitute circumstances, unsuccessfully brought a maintenance suit against Mrs Neil. A verdict was given for the plaintiff for £25. The dispute between the Vincent County Council mid Cromwell Borough Council oulimiuated yesterday in an at tempt by the former to prevent the Borough Council from carrying their water pipes across the new Cromwell bridge. The County Council secured the assistance of the police from Glyde and of a number of station hands, while on the other hand the citizens of Cromwell mustered about 100 Strong to;the support of the Borough Council, and the lafetei* gained the day.

POLITICAL.

THE PREMIER AT AUCKMNA

(p£lV $RH£s ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, December 13. The Premier arrived from New Plymouth last night, and is to address a pubUe meeting on Thursday. Replyiiict to a f' New Zealand Herald " interviewer Mr Ballance said the Government policy I had been most favorably received afc ihe. public meetings whjioh h,e and other j member^ qf kfee Ministry- had addressed in various parts vf the colyny. He

attributed the influx of population which hi I now set in to various causes. The working classes saw more hope for them selves in New Zealand than either Victoria or Mew South Wales. The financial disturbance in the latter colonies was a great factor in the influx, and so was the land policy ot the Government of New Zealwl, Mr Bilk nee said he ; did not think the protectionist measures ct the New South Wales Ministry would have any effect upon the agricultural 1 industry in this colony. The same amount of. produce will .be. sent from JNew Zealand as before, but the people of Nevy South Wales, will have to pay more for it. The Sydnyy market, he pointed out, must lemain subsidiary to that of England. -...,,

CRICKET.

ASHBURTON v TIMARU.

On Wednesday, a cricket match be tween Timaru CO. and Ashburton C.C. will take place on the Domain ground here, play to commence at: 11 a.m. The home team will comprise the following players, who are requested to turn up sharp at 11:—Todd, Denshire," Moore, Black, Dixon, E. P. Chapman, X.and A. Buchanan, Cromie, Rollitt, and J. Sawle. Emergencies—T. Sawle and StiUwell.

ASHBURTON v CHERTSKY.

On Saturday laat the match Ashburton v Chertsey was playud at Chertsey. The morning broke dull and cloudy, but after wards cleared up and the bright sunshine was tempered by a delicious breeze laden with clover perfume. The pitch was in the middle of one of those large paddock ■ for which Chertsey and Dromere ac so remarkable. Chertsey won the toss and went to the wickets. The first innings of 47 was finished in a little more thin an hour (Maxwell 21, Todd 11, being the only double figures), and then « short time was allowed for lunch. On resuming, Ashburtori made 76, to which Denshire contributed 27. (not out) in his usual neat style. Chertsey replied with 95, Wrij-ht .56 (not out.) In the half hour remaining before call of time, Ashburton scored 33 for the loss of three wickets—thanks to a valuable 21 from the bat of A; Buchanan. The two features of the match were the fine second innings of Wright for Chertsey and the bowling of Todd. in the fi™t innings ot Ashburton. The latter** figures speak for themselves : 100 balls, 37 runs, 3 maidens, 8 wickets. During the after noon tea was provided by the.Chertsey ladies to the great satisfaction of the cricketers. In the evening the Ashburton team returned home highly pleased with their day spent in the fields and warm sunshine ; pleased also with the generous hospitality and kindness of the people of Chertsey, The following are the detailed scores :— CHERTSEY. Ist Innings. 2nd Innings. Wright, b A. Bucha nan 0 not out ... ... 56 Wells, bDixon ... 3 bA. Buchanan,.. 7 Todd, st, SawlCjbA. Buchanan ... 11l.kw M b Dixon 9 Smith, c Johnston, bA. Buchanan,.. 0 b Dixon 0 Haydock, bDixon 3 cßundell, bDixon 5 Jackson, c L., b A. Buchanan ... 0 cL. B'c'n.,.bDixon 0 Lilt, bA. Buchanan 1b Moore..; ... 5 Maxwell, b Moore 21 b Dixon , ... 2 E. Buchanan, c Sawle, bA Buchanan.. 0 b Moore ..n ... 0 Scarlett, st Sawle, ■ ' - bDixon ost Sawle, bDixon 0 Wilkinson, b Moore 7 c Andrews, b L. Buchanan... 2 F. Johnston,not out lb Sawle ...\ ... (> Extras ... 0 ... ,;'.' .'. 9 Total ... 47 Total 95 ASHBURTON. Ist Linings, 2nd'lnnings. A. Buchanan, b Todd 0 nor out ' "■ f>\ J. Sawle, b Todd 3 b Todd ... '..'. 3 Cuthbertson.bTodd 10 b Haydock ... 0 Moore, b Todd ... 0 b Haydock ... 2 Dixon, b Smith ... 11 not out ...- ... 3 Denshire, not out 27 T. Sawle, b Smith 0 Johnson, c Smith, b Todd ... ... 0 L. Buchanan, cLill, b Todd ... ... 0 Andrews, b Todd 4 Fox, b Todd ... 0 Rundell, b Todd... 2 ' - Extras ... 19 Total 76 Total for 3 wickets 33

Grain and Produce.

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange report for the week ending December 11th :—The local wheat market remains stationary, prices are well main tained, but there is no inclination on the part of buyers to advance values. Oats —a fair amount; of attention has been given to this grain, the demand for milling being most pronounoed. Barley is in a somewhat peculiar position, the demand is good, but there are no parcels of prime quality offering. Grass seed is not en quired for at the moment, the prospect of good samples for the •nsuirig stacon seem almost assured. Dairy Produce- Butter is in good demand for export. Cheese (new) is hardly matured enough to be in the market. Quocations are as follow : — Wheat.-Tuscan, 4a lOd ; Pearl, 4a 9d ; Hunter's, 4s Bd. Oats.—Prime milling Is 10d to 2s; short heavy feed, Is 9d to Is lOd ; Danish, Is 8d t:> Is 9d ; long and inferior, Is 6d tols7d. Bablby.—Prime quality, up to & 3d ; medium, 2s 6d to 2s 9d j feed, Is lOd to 2s 3d. Beans.—3s ; Peas, hand threshed Blue Prussian, 3s 2d to As 3d ; feed, 2s 9d to 2s lOd. Dairy Produce.—Butter : Prime far mers keg, 6H to 7d; Cheese, 4d to 4}d^ for medium weights-; Joaf shape, sd. The above prices, are those paid to farmers for delivery f.o.b. Lyttelton. Sacks extra,: , >

The Weather.

AL&'ORB STATION.

The following is the Meteorological report for the week ending December 13, 1891:—

A man named John Bu,rns was drowned in the Wai&u Kiv«r, at Parnassus Station, Ycstorday. The body was recovered three hours afterwards. The repetition of the Hamiwtead School entertainment this evening at tlie Oddfellows" Hall will be, tf anything, better than Friday evening's performance. The Kinderepiel ai^d fehe action songs will bo repeated, but there will be an entirely new programme for the concert. There should he a large attendance, especially as the performance of " Caste." has been postponed. . There is to &c seen in the window of Mr R. Murray, jeweller, Hie splendid solid silver Challenge Cup of the New.Zealand Liwn Tennis Association for the ladies' singles, and now. l\eld by Miss Rees, of this town. There is also shown the solid silver cup pre sented by his Excellency the Governor (Ear\ Gnslow) tor tho best performer over har& wire at the Cliristchurch Show, ■**>» by 41 Jese," tlie property of Mr G. A* M\ Vnpk* le/, of tiagnihor.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN : MONPA^V DECEMBER 14, 1891.



Date.

Shade. Low.fHigh 1

High \ k. pmJ

State of Weather

.1 Monday ... Tuesday ... Wednesday Thursday... Friday Saturday ... Sunday ...

43- Si -49-8- -0-49;,;. 81 • 4&v'- BS -53' 78' 53- 76 --51^.; 82-'

135' 164 --1154* .148 --1- ■l3-s4O--

i.__

Fine, Calm E.

jThunierShw ra



Ninitn Hyslop and Oo.'s *' Imperial" pure '"'Ceylon and Indian Teas are the Uos in the u)arkut f -rf^ytt)



Ask' fop Ninian Hyuloj), and Co. Imperial now seasons'' Pure' peylbn an<| Indian Teas, Special prjoefs,— (Advt,)"



We clip the following important testimo . nial from the' * Illawarra Mercury " (N. S. W.) of the 30th March. It needs no comment :— " Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountains writes to us that after suffering for four years with acute gravel, he has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sons' Eucalyptic Extract. He says :—'' Seeing the said Extract advertised in the ' Illawarra Mercury,' his intense suffering induced him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of bhia town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He states that between 10th March inst., when he obtained the first bottle of the extract, and the 19th, the use of that medicine continued to afford him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four years. Mr Loveday writes also that he has found the Eucalypti Extract <i cure for rheumatism las well as gravel. He requests us to publish this information through the ' Mercury.' We have much pleasure in complying with Mr Loveday's request, whose word cannot be j doubted, and who can have no object in view i other than a pure desire to benefit suffering j humanity. "—(Advt.) 2



Wanted CASH Advertisement under this heading not exceeding BIXTBIEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be loft at this Office. "TOOTHING will Cbolyou so quickly and Xl invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream. —H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. I WANTED Known.—Great Bargains in Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Under cjothing,,. ■Pinaf>res, &c. Come and see them. Handsome Xmas presents now aiving away. —U. C" Segeks, Me'ford House. \T7 ANTED Known-For first-class •VV Diapary and; Millinery go to Mfclford House ; cheapest shop in town. (soe windows.) Beautiful Xmas present s being given away.—H. G. Skgersv ! oIrY^TO" LEND, upon Freehold security, m siums to suit j bor rowers. Small amounts can be repaid by instalments, if so desired. Apply to Mr C. W. Purnbll, Solicitor, Mont 4 gomery's Buildings. 9 130 W""" ANTED MOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2a lid ; worth about double. W. M. Collier. A~~ LL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 50s cash. Robert Axcokn, Ashburton Clothing Mar!, Saunders' Buildings. SHEEP SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and as there are very few in the Colony, Shearers are requested to call early.— Robert Alcokn, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED, a sixth standard Boy, as Apprentice to the printing trade. Apply Manager, " Mail " Office, between the hours of 10 a.m. and noon. WAN TED Known. -At "The Comer 1 now selling Ladiet,' French Shof s. 5s ild. See them".—W. H. Collie* . WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width. Is IOJd ; originfel value, 4s. —li. C. Skoers, Melford House. WANTED Known.—l have a: large stock of Tin and Ironware Ooods to selpcb from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept in ptock.—J. W. Hardley, East t treed. 6J202 TO Meet the Times.—l am impplying Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, 'Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspscfcicn invited.— J. W. Hartley, Eas street. 6J201 "TTrTAFTED Known—That you will V ■»' make no mistake for quality and variety in English, Colonial, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. Moison. Durjng coming holidays dis count for Cash." Repairs done at once. A sfcaff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. WANTED Known.--H. Bairstow has opened those premises in East street, nexfcJ. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs in Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on visw. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Knuri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. Ilt6l "~ Public Notices. Jf EW ANNUAL VOLUMES, Mew Xmas Cards, NEW BOOKS for PRIZES and PRESENTATION. FANCY GOODS, etc L. P. ANDREWES and CO.