The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 1891. TO HOUSEHOLDERS.

On Monday night at seven o'clock the meetings for the election of School Committees for the ensuing year will be held-^-that is, except m those dis tricts m which che requisite number of candidates and no more were nominated last Monday. In cases where less than seven candidates were nominated those nominated are elected, and any number of candidates may be nominated at the householders' meetings for tie seats still vacant, these nominations, if they exceed the number of vacancies, to be put to the ballot. In cases where more than seven candidates were nominated last Monday no more nomi nations can be received, and those nominated shall be put to the ballot, the Chairman of the outgoing Com mittee acting as returning officer, the seven highest on the ballot to be declared elected. Voters can only give one vote to each of any number of candidates not exceeding seven. . The system is simple, and a mistake can scarcely be made. The change m the iaw has had the effect of bringing for ward m many districts a better stamp of candidates than those who formed the majority of candidates and com tnibteemen under the cumulative vote system. Distinct issues, too, will m several districts be placed before the householders—the Hampstead election, for instance, is being contested on the one side by the parents, relatives and connections of members of the teaching staff, and on the other by candidates who hold that such intimate relation shipbetween the members of Committee and the teachers is detrimental to the best interests of education. In some of the new districts the site of the school will be fought out. In every case householders should consider the suitableness of the candidates to take a greater oversight of the working of the actual educational part of the system than has hitherto been entrusted to committees, There is no room foi doubt on the part of those .vho have experience of scholars when they go into the world to make use of the education they have received that there is much truth m the " New Zealand Herald's" article, though Boards of Education and Teachers' Institutes have alike pooh poohed it. There are defects m the system, and the preseut Minister of Education, who knows his subject thoroughly, is not the man to «".e these defects and not endeavour to remedy them. It is probable thai, with this view the powers of School Committees will be extended ; m any case it is an evident fact that the Boards of Education are evincing less reluctance than hitherto to listen to the representations of School Com mittees, and the more competent the Committees prove themselves to be the more weight they will carry m im portant matters which have hitherto been settled almost without reference to them.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Rev E. A. Scott will conduct Divine Service m the Sealield Schoolroom to-morrow (Sunday) afternoon at three. All accounts against the Asliburton Racing Club must be sent to the Secetory by Tues day next. In one of the tax hooksina Canadi m district is to be found the following entry, iv reference to some crown land; —"Owner, Mrs Wettiu ; trade or calling, Queen ; resi leuce, Windsor, England. The only persons nominated as members )f the South Rakiua Road Board were Messrs E. S. Coster, J. McLean, and James ■itringfellow, and the Returning Officer leolaral them duly elected. She lupus pate.it treate.l m the Dunedin Hospital by Dr Koch's tuberculine, is, according toDr Macdonald, much improved, the lymph having been of undoubted benefit. Dr Prins, of Ciimtohurch, received one o Dr Kocji's syringe 3 and a supply of lymph. He intends retaining part for private experi ment and placing the remainder at the disposal ot the hospital authorities. A telegram from Auckland state that Sara Bernhardt, under engagement to H. Abbey, i New York, will arrive at Auckland by the Monowai, from 'Frisco, next month for a colonial tour of three months. She is to act ■>er best tragedy pieces. The report yesterday of the district Court judgment m the case of W. de B. Wilson, should have read that Mr Russell's application, was made on behalf of the Deputy Official Assignee—not on behalf of the Mercantile Finance Co, as erroneously stated. According to the Napier " Telegraph "itis rumoured that Mr Justice Richmond is not unlikely to retire on a pension before the present Government cease to hold office, .uid that the Hon Mr Buckley would m that case be appointed to the vacancy thus caused. The licensing election for theChristchurch Nforth West Ward, on Thursday, resulted m the return, by majorities of upwards of one hundred, of the old (moderate) members, who again form the licensing Committee for die whole of the city excepting the newly added Ward of Richmond. A serious fire occurred at Southbrook this morning, by which the large flour and out meal mills of Mr W. Moir were burnt to the ground. The Rangiora steam fire engine was powerless to stay the fire. The mill was full »f grain, flour etc. The orign of the fire is a mystery. At Rakaia, on Friday, before Messrs Hardy and Alian, J.P's., James McGinn for allowing a horse to be on the railway line m the township was fined one shilling," and J. G. Harvey for allowing a cow to be on the Railway Reserve was also fined one shilling. The Bench were of opinion that, as there were so many roads and no crossings over the railway, the Department should make more crossings and also fence m the railway property through the township. It was pointed out that under the Railway Bye-laws anyone who went to the station or the post office committed a breach and rendered themselves liable to a penalty.

At yesterday's Police Court a man named I Graham tfZ£-s "The Chicken," well known i to the Police, was sent to gaol for a month as I being without lawful means of support. We have an idea that the energy of the police during the week will cause some of these gentry to think twice before they visit Ash burton again. A good, if not altogether unfamilar, story is current m Melbourne m connection with the reporting fraternity. ,At some public function or another the refreshments included a supply of sandwiches. Espying these, a reporter given to grandiloquent language asked of the presiding waiter—"Are these : prohono puMicoV "No, sir," replied the waiter, " they're'am." Experiments made m Germany -have proved that not only apples, bnt potatoes, grapes, etc., packed m powdered lime, will keep sound +"or a lengthy period, and come out as fresh m appearance as though newly gathered. The lime has no injurious effect upon the skin of tlii' vegetables or fruit,' and preserves by excluding the air, and absorbing everything m the shape of damp. The following extract from a private letter from Christenureh, published m the Dunedin "Star," spaaks for itsself:—"l hear that the publican party had a triumphal arch ieady to erect and a band engaged to play round the 'model borough' as soon as the result was known.; • but when it became known that the Prohibitionists were m, the b-vnd was dismissed, and they did not take the trouble to erect th« irch" At the Oamaru Coursing Club's meeting on Thursday the St Leger was divided by Mr G. Griinshaw's Milton and the same owner's Dorothy, both by Newton— Maid of the Mill. The St George's All-aged Stake was fwon by Mr A. Walker's Don, by The Miller—Black Bess, Mr W. ,W. Finlin soa's Sterling Maid; by Sterling- Symphony, being runner - up. There were only eight runners m each stake. The annual report of Mie North Canterbury Board oi Education states that during 1890 the expenditure on salaries was £51,606, and on incidentals £6615. The inspectors reported that the work of the two highest standards were slightly inferior to last year's, but that the other standards showed a fair advance m efficiency. The number of teachers is 535 ; cf school districts, 146; schools, 163; numbers on rolls, 21,240; average attendance, 17,869 ; presented m the stbiidarda, 13,962; m the preparatory divison, 6817 ; passed the standards, 10,207 Messrs Wood, Shand and Co., of Chris-t church, have served a writ on Captain Hinckley, late master of the Leading Wind, which was on fire and scuttled at Auckland, to show cause why he should not be pre vented from lraving the colony until he has deposited sufficient security to cover the damages claimed m respect of certain flax cargo which suffered m the fire on board the ship. The question was argued at the Supreme Court at Auckland to-day, and a writ of attachment against captain Kinck ley issued. Wood, Shand and Co were shippers on part of the Leading Wind's flax cargo. An important question is raised by the " Timaru FeraM" m the following:— "Noticing that blue gum firewood is being railed away from Timaru, we inquired where it came from, and were told it was from Glengummel, where the owners of part of the 400 acre plantation there are clearing off the trees m order to bring the land under the plough again. We were also informed that the Glengummel plantation was one of those, made under the law which gave two acres of rural land to the planter of trees for each acre planted. We do not know whether the regulations framed under the Act stipulated that the trees so paid for should be allowed to grow to maturity ; if not they ought to have done so."

The Crisis is Queens land

(per press association.) Brisbane, April 24. Mr H. Tozer, Colonial-Secretary, states that the revolution lias already cost Queensland betwnnn two and three million pounds, aud that he has received a. communication declaring that the strikers are fully prepared to carry on the warfare for another year. [Received April 25, 11 a.m.] 1 Brisbane, April 25. A number of Unionists at Itock hampboii, who ivere indicted on a charge of rioting, were found not guilty, and are now being tried for conspiracy. Twelve Unionists were arrested at Barcaldiue yesterday for rioting.

Parliament out of Session.

(pee, press association.)

Chmst'jhurch, April 25. Mr A. Saunders, M.H.R. for Selwyn, addressed his constituents at Hororata on Friday evening. He regretted that New Zealand had nob joined the Aus tralian federation and hoped the present Government would entertain the same ideas on the subject of Federation as the late Government. He reviewed the characteristics of the leading members on both sider of the House, lie opposed Mr , Seddon's proposed land tax if exemptions were taken off, and questioned whether a tax to suit the farmer better was to be found than the property tax. Would like to see a tax which might come immediately on the owners of lanje tracts of land. He spoke with feeling us to the Addreas-in rsply, and felt thac if Mr Rolleston had allowed it to pass quietly he could have moved another motion which would have been better supported. He disapproved of Government not allowing an opportu nity for members of the House toplacesome limit to the amount of remuneration that Ministers were to receive. He was in clined to the opinion that the Hutchison charges were correct, .since Sir H. Atkin son and Mr Mitchelson had nob taken the matter into Court; and quoted from the Financial Statement of s>ir H. Atkinson bo show; that his Government were res ponsible for the increased indebtedness by the Colony, He (supported female franchise, and submitted reasons for the assumption that half a million a year could be saved. ■*" '

The Newfoundland Difficultly.

|PKR PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

London, April 24. |3ir Win. White way, Premier of Newfoundland, was heard at the Bar of the House of Lords to day m pro test to the passing of the Bill intro duced by Lord Knutsford, for enforc ing the modus vivendi with France. He declared that the Bill would preju dice the rights of Newfoundland and only provide for a piecemeal settlement of the difficulty with France. It was, he contended, essential on the part of the Itrperial Government to compen sate those settlers who had been com pelled to remove. He referred to the injustice of entrusting to naval officers the power to enforce disputed treaties. The further discussion of the Bill has been postponed until Monday.|*fa'At^| [Received April 25, 10.30 a.m.] <<*c* London, April 24^ There was an unusually brilliant attendance m the House of Lords to day, when the delegates from New foundland presented a petition protest ing against Lord Knutsford's Bill. The Prince of Wales was among those present. Sir William Whiteway, i who acted as spokesman, insisted that the whole question should be referred to arbitration, and offered that if. New foundland _were represented the colony would accept the award,

LIGHT AHEAD.

Eliza Cook —or was it Tlnssnll ?— n'impci'te, somebody anyhow, onco wrote a song which w.1.1 m tho heyday |of its popularity about forty years a<*o» and the chorus oi: which lan — " There's a good time comiug, boys, Wait a litiie longer." Well, lots of us have beon waiting a little longer, and a little longer, and ■fat a little longer during those 40 years for those good times coming, and to most of us they have never come yet, while to a few amongst the crowd they havfe come and r/oHe, and to here and there one or two they have come to stay, But despite the fact that there is a. maximum of disappointment as against a minimum of realisation, we all go on hoping still for the advent of the-halcyon days for which we have so long looked m vain, for is it not true that, as the poet has sung,— " Hope springs eternal m the luunau breast," Thi? is a bit of philosophy which applies )to the whole human race that is, and I will doubtless apply with, equal force to I Sir George Grey's unbornmillions when they arrive upon this chequered scene, Nor isit less true of the small fraction of the millions m esse and m posse who happen for the nonce to be located m that little, but choice and delightful, speck m the midst of these Southern waters which we call New Zealand. For out here we came to meet the " good time coming" and it came, and went, and came again, and yet again departed, and last time it has been gdue so long that we almost began to believe it was never more to return. Thousands have left our shores despair ing as to New Zealand, but hoping to meet the good times elsewhere, and many uiore thousands have not followed them only because they were unable to get away. We have gone through a period of severe depression, a time of lack of confidence and enter prise, of want of employment, and of low prices for produce, but the clouds are happily rolling by and there is light aiiead. True, we have had bub a light harvest, but prices, for wheat especially, have risen steadily, and are still rising, and promise to reach a figure which will go far to atone for the scanty yield ; the shortage m Aus tralia, and m France and other parts of Europe, once more proving the truth of the adage that the adversity of some is the prosperity of others. Those of our farmers who have held their wheat until now will do well this season, while those who sold early may take comfort from the reflection that the local merchants will have, made money, which will enable them to assist the farmers m their turn. Then again there seems a fair prospect foi next year also m relation to wheat, and we expect to see as the result a very much larger sowing this season than we anticipated a few weeks ago. Yet again, the outlook as regards the frozen meat trade is also very satis factory. The market is established on a good sound footing, and rates of freezing, freight, and storage and agency are coming clown, meaning of course a corresponding enlargement of the margin of profit to shippers. Still further, new markets are opening up for farm produce m other directions. Home capital aud enterprise is being turned to the assistance of our dairy industry, and the export trade m butter especially promises rapidly to grow into large dimensions, while yet another export—that of fruit—bids fair soon to figure as an important item m our sources of income. With a good market for wheat, meat, butter, wool and fruit, and with the prospect of as good or better prices iii the future, there is room to hope that " the good time coming" is very near at hand. .Anyhow, as we have already said, the clouds are unmistakably breaking, and there is light ahead.

MAIL NEWS.

(Per Mariposa ab Auckland.)

THE BOMBARDMENT OF PISAGUA.

San Francisco, April 4. Letters from Pisagua, Chili, tell of the bombardment of that city by the revolu tionary fleet, which has also bombarded the ports of Cabeta, Buena and Gunil. The bombardment of Pisagua was begun at 10 a.m. by the cruisers Esmeralda and Blanco, which kept up an almost ceasless lire for six hours. The Blanco's fire was mostly grape and did terrible harm. An officer was sent on shore, and called upon the commander of the port for its sur render, stating that if m half an hour he did not receive an answer he would bom bard the town. The commander of. the port refused to surrender, and dared the commander of the rebel fleet to do his worst. When the half hour was up, the Emeralda and BJanco came close to the town, and m ten minutes the first shell was fired. On every side could be seen men and women running around as though wild, men trampling over women and children m their endeavor to gain the upper part of the town, where they would be safe. No one who saw the terrible spectacle will ever forget it. In three hours the lower part of the town was all in,ruins. The land batteries, towards which t.he fire of the Blanco had been mainly directed, were completely dis mantled and not a gun could be fired. The batteries ou the hills kept up a con stant but not very effective fire. About 2 p.m. the two cruisers moved m more towards the town, and began shelling the heights. Then there was a rush for the mountains. Women struggled with men and fought like tigers, and children and babes were smothered to death m the mad rush, and all the time the pitiless guns were send ing m their showers of grape. Fire added to the destruction by the bombard ment, and when the cannonading from the cruisers ceased, about 8 p.m., two thirds of the town had been destroyed. The number of the dead is believed to be about 20,000. Surgeons and medicine from the cruisers were landed as soon as the bombardment ceased. About two thousand persons who took refuge on the English steamer Ramies escaped unhurt, but nearly every other person m the town has a scar to show_, or has lost a relative. THE INFLUENZA. La grippe has taken a fearful hold upon Chicago, and the fury of the disease is not abating m the least. If there had been as many deaths m Chicago during the past month from smallpox as there have been from pneumonia and kindred ailments, the city would be m a panic. The deaths reported for the week will be about 900 against; 400 for the same time ; last year. BKITISH GtTIAWA. The British authorities m Guiana are involved m a boundary dispute with Brazil. It is their purpose to hold it m abeyance till the surrender of Venezuela.: An extension of British Guiana by the acquisition of territory from Venezuela'

will give a new impetus lo British commerce m South America. Several yes-els will .shortly be added to the Pacific squadron.

AMERICAN SUMMARY.

The Ainericm fleet m the Pacific is j reduced lo three vessels. The next naval vessel to be launched will be the coast. defence vessel Mortery, now building by the Union lu>n Works of San Francisco. It is said that negoriations which have been pending for a coin'dilation of the principal canneries have been successfiilly carried out, a;id that all the leading canneries will soon pass under one management. Oil the first day of the free admission of sugar under the McKinley tariff the price of cube and crushed sugar m San Francisco dedified § cent per pound, and dry granulate i J cent ; m New York the market p icj declined from f- cent up to 11-12ths of a cent per pound. The carpenters of Chicago will not strike for at leist two years to come. From April 13, 1891, to April 13, 18 W, ! journeymen carpenters will receive 35 cents an hour as ihe nimimuin rale of wages, an'l eight hours will constitute a day's work.. Ib is reported that the famous Phila delphia will be a failure as a fighting ship for the same reasons that the Boston and the Atlanta are not.successes. The ship is not strong enough for her battery. She carries 12-inch high-power -rules'; four of these guns owing to faulty design are practically useless m action—they cannot be fired without the dancer of doing more damage to the ship and her crew than to tue enemy. Lawrence Bavnett, tragedian, died on March 20, at New York, "after a short ill ness resulting from a chill. Palmer, the newly elected senator from Illinois, is mentioned as a demo cratic 1 candidate for the Presidency iv 1892. ' O' -;' :;: A.fight between Australian Smith and "Denny Kellicher, heavy wuights, resulted m favor of Smith m eight rounds. The tight was oue-sided from the first, Kellicher being overmatched. He was to stay tea rounds and get half theigate receipts instead of a quarter, which he would be entitled to it defeated. ." The Minnesota Legislature have re commended the passage of a bill forbid ding the appearance of any actress m tights. Eva Brannock, faith curist and incipen tally teacher of music m the Bettany Home, Pittsburgh, has just nnishei successfully a forty days' fast. Hiram McConkey, of Heyngport. Jack son County, has been fast asleep for eight months. Last July he lost the power of speech and was. taken sick, and has not spoken or opened his eyes since. On April 4 blood began to flow from his ears, and he suddenly came to his senses. The doctors are durnfounded at the phe nomeii{ai. It is believed on Wall Street that a new syndicate of American and European capitalists is being formed for the purpose of supplying funds for the comple ion of iho Nicaragua Canal. It is stated chat much machinery and appliances which were purchased at great expense fir the work will have to be replaced by others of more modern and improved patterns 1.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(riSii, PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, April 23. The Australian cruiser Mildura has developed leaky valves, which has occasioned a delay of her trial cruise. The engines of R.M.S. A raw a fa?led when between Teneriffe and London on the homeward voyage, and a con signment of apples m the cool chamber were damaged. . , . Mr Parnell has challenged the right to release the League funds deposited m Paris under the joint supervision of the followers of himself and Mr Justin McCarthy. Ottawa, April 23. Half of the members who were re turned to Parliament at the recent general elections are charged with obtaining their seats by means ci corrupt practices. Sir John Mac donald, the Premier, and Hon C. H. Tupper, Minister of Fisheries, are amongst the number. ; The Shipping Federation has ex tended its employees' insurance section to accidents. Valparaiso, April 23. A battle has taken place at Iquique between the insurgents and the Presi dent's troops, resulting m the defeat of the latter. The insurgents are now besieging this city, and it is believed if they succeed m capturing it the rebellion will be brought to a close. Sofia, April 25. The Bulgarian Government has requested the Porte to recognise Prince Ferdinand, otherwise declaring the country's independence. New York, April 23. Twelve thousand colliers,in Pitts burg have refused to go out on strike for eight hours a day, and their deci sion has dismayed those who are pro moting a general strike m May. In Scotdale the cokemen continue fierce opposition to the evictions, and serious disturbances have taken place. The military have been called out to preserve order, and during the riot one man was killed. New York, April 24. The will of the late Phineas T. Bar num has been sworn at under one million sterling. St. Petersburg, April 24. The Grand Duke Nicholas, who m December last was pronounced in curably insane, is m a critical state of health. The Grand Duke is m his sixty-fifth year. Rome. April 23. Two hundred and fifty tons of gun powder stored m the magazine ex ploded to-day, resulting m five persons being killed and 120 injured. Numbers of houses m the vicinity were wrecked.

AUSTRALIAN.

Sydney, April 24. Two lads named Deakin, aged 15 and 10 years respectively, were placed , on trial to-day charged with the mur der of an old man at Golgol, whom they shot while he was lying m bed. The motive for the crime is said to have been spite. The younger, boy turned Queen's evidence, and the'elder one was sentenced to death. Melbourne, April 24. The Trades Congress at Ballarafc has carried a resolution to the effect that it is convinced that a general recognition of the eight hours system can only be obtained by legislation. The Trades Congress has decided m favor of a registered trade mark for goods produced by Union labor.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, April 24. { . The prosecution afc Huntley against j Collins, wine manager, has closed. Deci*

I sion is to be given oil Juno Ist. { Wellington, April 24. A shipment of two cases of cpily fluke potatoes sent to England m the cool ehainber of the steamer Matatua on be-* half of Mr Whiley, of Manukau, Welling-; ton, realiped l^d per lb, or at the rate of £14 per ton. The potatoes, which wara carefully packed m paper' 1 and soft meadow hay, arrived -m good condition,; and Mr Whiley intends enibririf more" extensively into the ma'tor next season. Mr Harry B. Vo^el, eldest sou of Sir .Julius Vo^el, was returned as city coun cillor ior Thoindcu ward tj-Uay, defeating two opponents by 3 to 1. At Mr Thomson's banquet Mr Larcaok denied that Uiere was any foundation for the impression that he aspires to the Agent Generalship. Blenheim, April 24. The census returns sliow a population of 3291, as against 2116 m JBBL Rrefton, April 24. At the County Council meeting letters were received from the Chairman of the Westland, Grey, and Buller County Coun cils, agreeing lhat i Conference of Chair men re county funds was necessary, and ' decided that Wellington was the be^t' place to meet. The Inangahua Council i« retrenching and shortening hands. ■ . DuNEDlif, April 24. Some seventy of the unemployed left to-cUy, to commence work on tho Catlin's River Railway. A boy named Malcolm Findlay was run over by a cab to-nighc, and died a few minutes after being received into the Hospital.

The Shelly Bay Disaster.

[per press association.] Wellington, April 24, A. charge of manslaughter prfiferred agaiusb Captain Falconer by Mrs Heigh ton, widow of one of the victims of the Shelly Bay disaster, will be withdrawn, and Mr Coateis, who is acting as counsel for iMrcs Heigh ton m the place of Mr Jellicoe, has communicated with all the witnesses intimating that their attend ance at Court on Tueeday will not be . required.

The Raiway Returns.

[per press association.] Wellington, April 24. Complete railway returns for the fin-an cial - year show the net profit to ba £421,500, or a shade over 3 per cent, on the cost of constructing the opened lines. In calculating the revenue, the free carri age of mails, volunteers, etc, is not taken into account. ; The profit shows an in cre;ise of £19,500 over the Treasurer's estimate.

Latest Cable News

Home and Foreign.

(PJSR PRESS ASSOCIATION (Received April 25, 10.30 a.m.) OBITUARY. St. Petersburg, April 24. The Grand Duke Nicholas is dead.

FISHERY DISPUTES.

Ottawa, April 24. j The Canadian Government arc licens ing American fishermen, to ply. their, trade off-the coast of Nova Scotia. I Seventy schooners with bait ran the j blockade at Newfoundland and escaped to the Island of Pierre. Washington, April 24. Another riot has taken place on Spotdale. Women fousjht fiercely; and two of them and five men were killed.

THE FATAL EXPLOSION.

Rome, April 24. Two hundred and fifty people al together were injured by the gun powder explosion.

GOLD.

Lonhox, April 24. There has been a large withdrawal I of gold for Lisbon, and Russia is ex j peeted to take a million m May,

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received April 25, 11a.m.) LABOR QUESTIONS. Melbourne, April 25. The Congress at Ballarat have re solved to demand, on behalf of the wage-earners affected and threatened^ the immediate enactment by the various Parliaments of remedial legis lation to cover the performance of all factory work m registered factories, the institution of a full lien for wages due upon all Work done, and the abo lition of the contract system of Govern ment works.. : ■> ■

ARREST.

: Brisbane, April 25. A man named Cole, who is wanted' m England on a charge of embezzling £3000, has been arrested at Herberton.

THE MARKETS.

(PEK PJRESS ASSOCIATION.)

London,- April 22., Consols, 96 ex dir, New Zealand 4 per cent, inscribed stock, 106 ; 3k per cents, 96J. April 23. At the wool sales good greasy merinos realised from 5 to 7$ per cent., and good scoured-from 7J to 1Q per cent, above the rates pbtainfed at .the February, series. All poor merinos show a decline of 5 per cent, as compared with February rates, ■while c'rossbreds remain at par with the best February price's except for coarser qualities, especially those from New Zea land, which sell poorly. Foveigners are purchasing freely, and have taken 55 per cent, of the quantity sold. The greatest difficulty is experienced m providing cold storage for New Zealand frozen mutton, owing to the enormous stocks m hand. (Received April 25, 10.30 a.m.) London, April 24. Wheat.—New Zealand long-berried, 455, firm ; South Australian, 45s 6d, firm. Victoria", 44s 6d, firm. The English wheat, market allows a general advance of Is; the Continental and American markets are still advancing. Canterbury mutton, 4ld; Wellington, do, 3^l. ■■-'■ ■ ■ ;...■;. . ;■- - Hemp.—Wellington, fair quality, £21 ; no demand. .

Grain and Produce.

! \ The following is the Covn Exchange Report for the week ending April 24th :- Wheat. —Transactions during the week have been numerous, the prices ruling locally having a tendency to induce growers to sell. Second quality has seen an improved demand for the Australian colonies. Oats are offering freely, prime nulling at quota tions arc, however, the only description asked for. Baiilky.—Very few samples of prime malting are offering, M'liile second quality are almost neglected. Beans have seen fair business, for shipment to London. Pbas.—The only sort attracting are Blue Prussians: other varieties are simply at feed values. Potatoes.—Large parcels are on offer, but business is restricted, owing to a difference m values between buyers and sellers, Daiky Pkoducis. —No material

alterations m values can be noted. Our quotations are as follow :—Wheat.— Prime •mllmg Tuscan 4s, Pearl 3s lOd to 3s lid, Hunters 3s 8d to 3a 9d. Oats.—Milling Is Sd, fehorl teed Is 6d, inferior and dis colored Is 3d to Is 4d. Barley.—Prime malting 33 3d, food Ik 9.1 to Is 10.1. Beans, 2s 6d. Peas.—H-uid-threshed Blue Prussians 3a, feed 2a 3 1 to 2* 4d. Potatoes.—Der wenta 25« to 27s 6d at country stations within a radius of 12 miles. Kidneys .unsaleable. Dairy Produce unaltered. The above prices are those paid to fanners for delivery f.o.b. Lytteltpn.. Sacks «xt» r < .■-- ---potatoes excepted. ' ' ■ MR P.TTIOMaS * Mr D.. Thomas rtpoi;ts upon the Uve,«fc*ek <-, j& market m the Asliburtou district for the week eliding 23th April as follows, viz. ; — On Tuesday at the 4shburtoii Yards the tisu.il weekly sale of live stock was held. The-on Dry of sheep, was again a large one, but .owing to the continued 'hy weather prices were not so firm as they have lately- ■ been. This was most noticeable m broken mouthed merino and crossbred ewes and lambs of every description. Young cross bred shnep for tun lips or ewes for breeding purpo.ji realised nearly as much as they have done any time during the last three months. The tol.als yarded for the day consisted of 8586 sheep, 37 rams, and 24 head of cattle, of which my entry was made up of 4745 sheep, 28 rams; and 24 head of cattle for the following clients :—Messrs G. W. Leadley, W. Wilkinson, M. Mahoney,D. Cameron (Clunes), K. Churck? J, jGrigg, E. Gates, P. Daley, D. McKendry, R. Mulligan, J. Janueson, J. Coehran, W. HLusten, James Johhstone, E. Hard wick, \V. B. Clarkson, J. Tasker, J. Murphy, R. Forsyth, H. W. Parsons, G. Cole, F. Uenniaon, F. Bonniugton, W. J. AVilson, Mr.3 Sherman, etc. In sheep my principal sales were—l 96 crossbred two tooths, 12s 2d; 248 two-tooth crossbredg, 15s lid; 20 fat crossbred ewes, 10s 7d; 29 ditto, 10s 4d; 53 fat crossbred ewes, 10s Id ; 139 crossbred two-tooths, 12s 9d ; 21 crossbred cull lambs, 6s 4d; 13 "woolly merinos, 5s lOd; 28 merino ewes, ss; 97 crossbred lambs, 6s 4d: 511 crossbred lambs; 6s 2d ; 318 cull merino ewes, 2s 6d ; 146 crossbred lambs, 7s 9d ; 98 crossbred ewes; 7s 7d; 83 • crossbred ewes, 8s '9d; 71 four and aix-tooth ewes, 5s Gd; 200 crossbred lambs, 7s; 956 tirstrcross lambs, 8s 2d; 137 second-cross lambs, 8s 6d; 32$ crossbred lambs, 8s 6d; 270 merino ewes, 2s 9d. In rams I sold for Longbeach 24 rains at from H guinea for aged rams, 2j guineas for two*-toochs, and 2^ guineas for ram lambs. For other clients 4 aged rams at 12s. In cattle the demand was very slack, a.id values obtained are not woth quoting. On i<'riday last I held my usual fortnightly skhvsa'.e at which: I catalogued 943 skins and 9 bags wool. Their was a good attend ance of buyers and spirited biddings, result ing m a clearance at very satisfactory prices. Best, pelts made 3a to 3s 8d; second quality, 2s to 2s lOd ; best merinos, 2s to 2s 9d; second quality, Is 3d to Is; inferior and dryfrom Id to 8d each. Wool m bags, 4^3, sid, to 7d per lb ;„ pieces, If dto 3M per lb. . ,

Oamaru Harbor Board.

(I*EK PRJSSS ASSOCIATION.)

Oamauu, April 24. At the montlly meeting of the Harbor I3o;*M held to-<\ay it was suited that the Railway Commissioners were deliberately boycotting the Port by not providing trucks for imported cargo. The Hauroto should have arrived to-day, but has not come as no trucks are available. The Treasury telegraphed that they had collected £3?7, the Board's railway earr ings, and asked if they should pay t' •. amount to the general Post Office towards the overdue interest. I he Chairman said he had written that the Board would not sanction such a proceeding, but. the money had still not arrived. It was re solved to telepraph the Treasury, and if the money did not [arrive to-morrow a special meeting would be held to consider the matter. A Committee was appointed to. draft a petition to Parliament with reference to the attitude of the Eailwfty Commissioners to the Board, and other grievances.

The Rev C.C. Brown's Lectures.

(Contributed.) The Rev M? Brown's second lecture was; on the question "Is the Bible a revelation from God ¥' . The lecturer claimed bhat the prosperity of the Eng lish nation, and the degeneracy of the French people may fairly be set down to the fact that one honors and m the main obeys the injunctions of the Scriptures, while the other opeuly despises and s^ 1* at naught its, precepts. The English professedly are a God-fearing nation, while the French are, as a nation, scepti cal, atheistic, denying GodandCHwlia^. v elation. ; I After further I introductory remarks Mr Brown proceeded to deal wiuh the question as to the dependable ness of the Bible. Are we as sensed people justified In regarding it as God-inspired, and of far greater worth than such iwrifcihgst as those of Homer, Plato, Shakespeare, etc, ? He argued at some length that we have .full evidence and ample testimony to warrant our so j regarding it, and took up the position that the Bible stands or falls as a whole. No picking or choosing is to be allowed. ''All or none," is the dioice before us so far as the Scriptures are concerned. , Now . what is being pretty widely taught to-day is that the Bible is a fable, a cheat, a lie ; but Christian people may, without the slightest misgiving, hold and teach that (1) The Bible is true; (2) That all it« parts harmonise and dovetail into each other; (3) That it? promises may be ■ trusted, and its threatenings will surely be fulfilled. As to the Old Testameat we have the authority of Jesus Christ as to its authority and value. Higher sanction no believer m Christ asks or wants, though'on other and independent grounds, the Writings can be depended as authen tic. As to the New Testament, the early Christians (for generations, before any" church councils meddled with the subject) read, believed, and quoted the very Books which compose the New Testament, the proofs of this being abun dant and inco ritro ver tible. Christ's disciples were to be His witnesses m the world, and they wrote under the influence of the Holy Spirit (as specially promised by Christ) the Gospels and Epistles, so that after their death the truths, as to the life. and death of the Saviour, might be uhder stood an kept m memory m all the world. The lecturer said he did not contend for verbal but for plenary inspiration, which means the subject matter was inspired, though each Ajio-stle wrote m his own peculiar style. The inspiration on Christ's crow was given ns an illustration. Each of the four Evangelists records different words as written by Pilate; but Mr Brown pointed out that there is no contradiction or real discrepancy, for m all we haye. : the spirit and substance of . the inscription. In this they are all agreed, all equally true as a report of what occurred. The lecturer concluded by saying that there are three things that drive many Englishmen, such as John Stuart Mill and Bradlaugh, away from belief m the Bible into infidelity. (1) It ■ is said science contradicts it. But the reply that while so—called scienca m its nfancy ancl errors may bungle «n4

$fefe' AftHBUBTON GHAttbUK." SATUKDAt, APEIL 25, 18&1



'' CLEARING SALES. MrGeo. Jameson reports:—Oh Mori day, April 20th, I held a clearing sale on account of Mr F. Wilson, at Done, of farm stock and implements, when all lots sold at very satisfactory prices as follows \ Draught horses £10, £12 10s, £1410s, £13, £18 30s; hacks £9 15s, £7 15s, £4; cows, £4, £2; old crossbred ewes, 6s 3d; drays, £5 10s to £9 ; three^urrow plough, £16 15s ; harrows, £2 15s ; spring trap, £17; wire binder, £7 ; stripper, £4 5s ; scoops,. 20s to 35s , oats, Is (id per bushel; seed wheat, 3s 8d per bushel. Grass seed 3s per bushel. Harness and sundries sold well.



Certainly the Moat Effective MEDICIN E m the world is SANDER and SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m Coughs, Colds, Influenzat etc. ; the relief is instantaneous. Thousands gave the most gratifying testimony. Read this certificate:—"24th April, 1885 — Messrs Sander and Sons, —It is with the greatest of pleasure that I testify to the excellence of your Eucalypti Extract, Having had inflammation of the bone of the leg, which came on after a severe attack of low fever, I was attended by Dr J. Boyd, who had made strenuous efforts to save my leg, but without success. He found it necessary to amputate my limb. Having heard m the meantime of the wonderful cures worked by the Eucalypti Extract, I obtained a bottle, and the extract had not been applied more than an hour when I began to feel greatly relieved. After applying the extract every four hours for nine or ten days it was out of all danger. I would persu&de all who may be effected with any such diae.ioe to give the Eucalypti Extract a trial, and I am convinced that they will find it the most wonderful of medicines.—You? etc., E. T. Curnow, Wattle street, Sand -9 fcHAdrt §



Wanted CASH Advertisement*" under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may h* Mb at this Office. T3IAN,OS and Organs on easy terms. _L Time payments. Inspection in vited. —H. M. J ones. 4 213 WANTED, immediately,' experienced Housemaid.—Apply Royal Hotel. 4 216 T* OST, this morning, two cloth door I -i mats. Reward lor information to " MaiT' Office, 4 218 \7" OUR character read and future JL foretold l>y Palmist, irom Dunedin Exhibition, East Street, near Hoult's, Fruiterer. 4 214 COOLING Mid invigorating Ice Cream as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. WANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens "jadies and Children.—W. H. Collier. WANTED Known —Some special lines m choice Dresn Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." WANTED Known -That Andrew Orr is offering 80 Ladies Sealelte packets, newest styles, at moderate Jrices. 4563 WANTED Known-Old Spoons and Forks Electro-plated and made equal to new at 15s per dozen all round. A. Black, Jeweller, Eist Street. 4 150 MILLINERY. — Specially selected Paris styles m Hats and Bonnetn. Mrs Gates has just returned from Sydney with all the latest ideas m Millinery.— Andrew Orr. 4 154 WANTED Known.—Mrs ,J. Bwh anas has opened as Fruiterer and Confectioner, next Messrs John Orr and Co., East Street. WANTED Known.—if you want good value for your money go to Melford House. Cheapest first-class Drapery m town. —H. C. Segkks, Melford House ANTED Known.—Mrs J. Buch anan, Fruiterer and Confectioner. Tea and coffee at all hours ; hot luncheon on Saturdays, 12 to 2. Next Messrs J. Orr and Go's, East Street. JUST opened a choice lot of Ladies' Plush Jackets, newest shapes. Also a new lot of Ladies' Pelerines and Bois. — H. C. Skgeks, Melford House. WAN TED Known—That Andrew Orr is appointed agent for the cele brated Standard Boots. Every pa" guaranteed. 4*54 WANTED Known —That Andrew Orr is offering at a'srealt reduction 250 pairs of best Kaiapoi and Roslyn Blankets, contracted for when wool was at its lowest price. 4§52 \\? ANTRD Known.— ly e are now VV opening all our new Winter Goods m Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, &c. —fl. C. Segeks, Melford House. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburtoh Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburtoii Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. /~^ LASS, Earthenware, and China, VIJ~ direct from the Manufacturers.— Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, . Saunders faiildinr/-**- — L"6cnnNDUsrß\\ -"(Huts' Sui> nvide to order from £3 10s. Ladies Dress Tweeds, double-width Kaiapoi made, beautiful goods at 4a 6d. Six yards to the dress.—A.ni>rew Orr. 4 155 LTANDSOME Presents given awaj LH. inJunt'. Now giving" tickets to every purchaser of 5.s and upwards oi Drapery, Millinery. Clothing;, -Boots, etc. ~-H. O. Sbgbrs, Melford House. /^HIL'AP SALE of Surplus Stock will V J be continued for this month only. B ;oks, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Music, etc., at Wholesale Prices to effect a clear .inte. Subscribers wanted for monthly parts of Leisure Hour, Quiver, Gar dener's Magazine, American Agriculturist, English Mechanic, and others.—L. F. Ani>rewes «fc Co. IMPOUNDED at Ashburton on' Apri' X 24th from Borough plantation, out red and white Heifer ; no visible brands. If not claimed and expenses paid by May 11th will be sold at 12 o'clock noon. JOSEPH HALE, 4 221 Poundkeeper, Ashburton. THE HORSEOrIMdT" PAGF.'S NO. 1 HORSE OILS an found a SURE CURE for Bruises and Sprains of any kind m Stock. The NO. 2 OILS cure Open Wounds or Sores of any kind. TESTIMONIALS from Stock owner* can be seen on application to (the maker. Any parties who have used the above OILS and are satisfied with them are re quested to notify same to the Proprietor, F. W. PAGE, CHERTSEY. Stephens Bros., MARKET HOUSE. NOTICE TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND THE PUBLIC. OWING to the demand being greatly m excess of our supply iast season for the Patent Double Refined KERO SENE, we have made special arrange ments this year with the shippers for regular consignments during the winter months. The first we have just landed, AND IS NOW IN STOCK. It has many advantages over the ordinary Kerosene, an 1 has no rival for Household Purposes, being perfectly pure, gives a mellow brilliant li^ht, wiP not dazzle or aft'ect the eye, is almost odourless, much more economical, absolutely safe, therefore dispenses with all risk m handling and danger m using where there are Children. We have also all kinds of ENGLISH CANDLES m stock including— STEARINE, SPERM, P4RRAFIN, WAX, ETC. Special quotations for Boxes, Cases, and Lapge Parcels. N.B.—All goods purchased from us can be returned if not satisfactory. Satisfac tion being our motto. STEPHENS UROS. , I4ABKET HOVSE.



MONEY JO LEND Tl/rONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £100 TOJBSOOO For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office. Chrtstehurch. "USTRALTAN MUTUAL PROVt- DENT SOCIETY, Established 1849. FOR LIFE ASSURANCE ON THE MUTUAL PRINCIPLE NEW ZEALAND BRANCH HEAD OFFICE—CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY, WELIJNGTON. LOCAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Hon. Morgan S. Grace, C.M.G., M.D., M-L.C. (Chairman). Hon. C. J. Johnston, M.L.C. (Deputy- Chairman). Alfred de Bathe Brandon, Esq. The Hon. Edward Richardson, C. M. G. Nicholas Reid, Esq. ANNUAL INCOME EXCEEDS £1,625.000 STERLING. INVESTED FUNDS EXCEED £9,000,000 STERLING, REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD AS SURE WITH THIS SOCIETY: IT is the only Colonial Life Office giving Asnual Bonnses, reducing the net cost of Assurance to the Lowest Possible Limit. It is the oldest, largest, wealthiest, and moat prosperous Mutual Life Office m the Southern Hemisphere. ITS Bonuses are larger than those of •ny other Life Office of similar age m ai.y other part of the world. The Society has distributed amongst its members upwards of £4,050,000 m Casl" Bonuses, representing Reversionary Bonuses exceeding £8,000,000 sterling. AFTER making unusual ample reserves, t • Cash Surplus for division for the ye«t 1889 was £426,494, a larger amount of profit than has ever been realised or divided m one year by any other office of the British Empire. THE Society issued 11,664 New Policies during the year 1889, assuring £3,679,459, with new Premima amounting to £133,000. The Society offers UNDOUBTED SECURITY, LIBERALITY, PROFITS. ITS investments m New Zealand securi ties are £1,273,514, and all the surplus Branch accumulations are invested m tht Colony, thus making it essentially a THOROUGHLY COLONIAL INSTITUTION BE CAREFUL YOU SELECT THIS SOCIETY, AND DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE SIMILARITY OP NAME OF SOME OF THE YOUNGER AUSTRA LIAN OFFICES EDWARD W LOWE: Resident Secretary Christen urch District Office, W. H. 1/ERRY, Local Broker, District Secretary H. ZANDER. CHRISrCUCROH DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Cashel and High streets S. M"" AND C 8 SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin anl Westport fTTK have gained the FIRST AWARI YV at the Dunedin Exhilit on fci Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appii *ncesfor the Mouth, and it is with tl < greatest confidence that ye guarantee tl( highest class work and perfect fit at th< most moderate cost A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Complete Set — Upper and Lower temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra fee or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE 3AS 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 sa. Extraction, 2s Od. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost AUTUMN, 1891. LATEST NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS :NTOW COST VIEW^ AT THK NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY TpVERYTHING new. New Shirt-. I*u New Underclotning, New Scarf* and Bows, New Hats, New Suits for Men, New Suits for Boys. Everything new and of the LATEST FASHIONS. New Tweeds and Coatings for Measure Suits to hand. Inspection Respectfully Solicited. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY W a WEBBER, Manager I