MAIL NOTICE

j The Letter-box will be cleared for de j spatch of correspondence from this office to the under-mentioned places, on and after Ist January, 1891, as follows — | For Christchurch aj>d North, daily 6.30 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 6.50 p.m. ; and on SJon \ days, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 10.30 a.m. ; Chertsey and Rakaia, daily, 6.30 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 6.20 p.m. ; Methven, daily, 3,15 p.m. ; Dunsaudel and Burn ham, daily, 3.15 p.m,, 6,20 p.m. ; Selwyn, daily, 6.20 p.m. ; Dromore, daily, 6.30 a.m.; Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, a»<l Temuka, daily, 10.30 a.m. ; and on Tues days, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 3.15 p.m. ; Willowby and Eiffelton, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 10,30 fl,m. ; Lismore, Tuesdays and Fridays, 10.30 a.m. ; Geraldine", daily, 10.30 a.m.; Timaru, daily, 10.30 a.m.,- I^-30 p.m. ; and on Tuesdays, Thursdays, arid Satur days, 3.15 p.m. ; Oamaru, Dimedin, an South, daily, 12.30 p.m. ; Greenstree^ and Ashburton Forks, Tuesdays, Thur« days, aad Saturdays, 6,30 a.m. ; Winch more, Tuesdays, Thursdays, ,an 4 Safeu r" days, 6.30 a.m. ; Mount S.onjer3? Springburn. and Alford Forest, daily, 4 p.m., Mayfield, and Ruapuna, Mondayß and Thursdays, 4 p.m. ; Wheatstonei Ashton, Waterton, and Longbeach, daily* 4.30 p.m. ; Fiemington, Mondays, Wed nesdays, and Fridays, 4,30 p.m. ; New land, Tuesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. ; Elgin, Wakanui, Seaview, SeafieJd, and Kyle, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Satur days, 6.30 a.m. N.B.—Letters containing anything of value should be handed to the Postmaster to be registered. Letters containing coin, if posted un registered, will be compulsorily registered $4 charged double registration fee.

ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Sckatcheo, Ashhurton.—Freedom was scratched for the Wellington Cup on Friday, January 16th, at 3 p.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1891. EDUCATION IN HUGIENE.

A paper read the other day at the Science Congress iri Christchurch has re-opened a subject which has from time occupied the minds of some of the most earnest of social reformers, namely, how best to disseminate amongst the people a knowledge of the laws of health. It is impossible to deny that among all classes there is great ignorance of the laws of health and disease, ancl n disregard of sanita tion, which unless removed before our towns become larger and more densely populated, will, without doubt, have serious effects upon the health of the community. New Zealand has fortu nately hitherto escaped any very alarming or widespread outbreak of disease, but that this is so is due more to natural cause*—the prevalence of high winds, for instance—than to any particular sanitary precautions that have been adopted. True most of the cities have a system of drainage more or less thorough, but even there residents have been slow to take ad vantage of the facilities provided for the proper disposal of sewage. In the country and m the smaller towns the conduct of many of the inhabi tants is simply reckless m its disre gard of cleanliness. All sorts of re fuse are allowed to collect about doors, dairies are situated close to reeking dungheaps, and the water supply is per mitted to become polluted by foul drainage. Under such conditions what wonder that typhoid, diphtheria, and other zymotic diseases are of fre frequent occurrence The remedy for the ignorance which allows of such a state of neglect must be found m Edu cation. In our primary schools the general laws of health must form a part of the teaching. This has been recognised m Victoria, where a text , book of the laws of health is m pre paration for the use of schools, ancl the [ sooner a similar step is taken m New Zealand the better for the health of I the community.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Though many high winds have blown lately last Monday evening was perhaps the worst experienced at Alforcl Forest for many years, very little sleep being obtained by any one. When Tuesday morning arrived the wind dropped and little damage was visible, as residents have got so accustomed to the winds that every precaution is taken. The penny-in-the-slot machine is not by any meo,us a modern invention. In the old Egyptian temples devices of this kind were employed for automatically dispensing the purifying water. A coin of five drachmas dropped into a slot m a vase set a simple piece of mechanism like a well sweep m motion ; a valve was open for an instant, and a portion of the water permitted to e&cape. This apparatus was described by Heron, of of Alexandria, wiio lived 200 years befori the Christian era, so that its antiquity is assured. It is thought that tho Whitaker Hut chison libel suit will now be set down for ; trial on the 3rd of February. It is very' improbable that it will be heard on that date, because an appeal lias been initiated by the Chief Justice, m Chambers, allowing Mr Hutchison's pleas implicating Sir Harry Atkinson and Mr Mitohelsou to stand. This appeal is to be argued at the first banco sitting after the law vocation, which does not expire until the 31st inst. The main case, of course, cannot be proceeded with till the minor point is decided. At the monthly meeting of the Geraldine Domain Board the sum of £22 12s 6d was passed for payment of claims by a number of man for working at the fire m the Geraldina bush. A large number of the townspeople gave their services free. Th« expense to which th« Board has been put by the fire is not the most important loss to the town ship, for beyond that is the ireparrble damage done to the bush by a fierce fire burning over several acres. Some splendid totara, black and white pine trees have been destroyed, and the ferns and under growth where the fire spread have been hopelessly ruined. A meeting was held on Tuesday evening of the Committee of the Ashburton Amateur Swimming Club. Correspondence was read from Mr E, G. Wright, M.H.R, accepting the position of patron of the Plub, and wish ing the Club success.. Mr Ferriman pre sented a prize to the Club, to be competed for by boys who have attended the Hamp stead School during 1889; Messrs D. McFarlane and H. M. Jones also presented prizes. The Committee's thanks to these gentlemen was recorded. It was decided to have a race on February 11 (entries Is) to take place at six p.m., and also to hold an after noon sport on March 11th to close the season. F<jr the latter meeting a large and varied jwgranißj.e was drafted. Mr Edmund Yates, iv the " World " con firms the fact that a general knowledge of Mr Parnell's doings was common property long before the Edinburgh enthusiasts moved to tDnfer the freedom of the city up on him. "Full two years ago," says Mr Yates, f'l told my readers about 'Mr Preston's ' littla establishment at Brockley ; and two years before that, again, I could have informed them of his intrigue with Mrs O'Shea. It was freely talked about at the time. The fire-escape and water spout incidents are new; but as for the rest, m commons vilh the Parnellite M.P.'s I knew the main facts, and, to use a city phrase, discounted them long ago. With knowledge of the facts, the Nationalist members have kept him as their leader hitherto, and they now insists on keeping him as their leader still, What is the use, then, of trying to bully them into taking another course ? It rominds me of one of their own Chief Baron O'Grady's celebrated utterances. The occasion was a cattle efceajing prosecution on circuit. The case for the ci'owtt was clear, and the defence was a mass of evidence to character. The Chief Baron's charge ssras given iv a single sentence :—' Gentle men at the jury,'said he, 'if you believe the witoess.es jn il}h case, the prisoner at the bar stole the" cow, $,ad Ue is the most respec^Js man m Mris parish f - We clip the following important testimo? ■I il from the Illawarra Mercury "' (If. S. W), ©f the 30th March. It needs no comment:— ' Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountaino writes to us that after suffering for four years with acute gravel, h& has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sons' Eucalyptic Extract, He says :—" Seeing the said Extract advertised m the ' Jllawarra Mercury,' his intense suffering induced him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He states that between 10th March inst., whefl h6 obtained the first bottle of the extract, ancl the 19*. the wse of that lucdicine continued to attbru hi" 1 relief, to wliioJi Jie Aio^l .fc?ei a stranger for four years. Mr Loveday ivifttes uiao i^iaj> fie has found the Eucalypti Extract n'cui;e forrlieuma^iaa) as well as gravel. He requests us to putjiißn this information through the' Mercury.'' We have much pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday's request, whose word cannot be doubted, and who can have no object m view other "it 1! an a pure desire'to benefit suffering hupwilv. "—(A4yt>) " 2 1

The 120 th rule of the Napier Sawyors' Operative Society reads :—"No member to receive funeral money for a wife of tenor thau ouc9 m three years." An Invercargill auctioneering and agency firm has been successfully floated into a Fanners' Co-operative Association on the same lines as those of Christchurch and Timaru. The Shag Point Coal Mine is now being Worked unrlor non-union rules, most of the miners having accepted the proprietors' terms. The President of the local Union resigned, and the Secretary was<dismissed. Robert Bullen, describing himself as an ex-inspector of police m New Zealand, was bound over to keep the peace for using threatening language towards his lodging j house-keeper, at the Melbourne Police Court last week. The services of Mr F. Back, late of New Zealand, as manager of the railways m Tasmania, are so much appreciated by the. Government of the colony that his salary has been raised to £1000 per annum, with £100 ! a year house allowance, A gentlemanwhohas justreturned to Inver cargill from a trip to Victoria brought over I two small boxes of fruit packed m powdered charcoal by way of experiment. The fruit, which consisted of black currants, goose berries, and cherries was packed quite ripe ten days ago, and opened as fresh as when packed. The London ''Hospital" has been good enough to work out how much alcohol a healthy man may safely drink. The maxi mum allowed per diem is four ounces of brandy, sixteen of sherry, twenty-eight of champagne, thirty-two of Claret, or thirty six of bottled beer. Each of the quantities given contains tv.ro ounces of alcohol, and that is the utmost limit allowable. Mr Beresford Hope, "one of the most proper of men," [speaking m the House of Commons on the arrangement of the ladies' gallery, m answer to demurs against im provements, said that there were many things m this century that w ere winked at. The papers next day announced that Mr Hope said " that m the ladies' gallery were many things to be winked at"—and he blessed the reporters. Certain persons m England (says the "Post") have applied to the Government for information as to whether facilities will be given to them for the formation of New Zealand Land Companies m Great Britain, such companies to have blocks of 50,000 or 100,000 acres each at their disposal for settle ment by practical agriculturists. Ministers have replied that they cannot set apart blocks of land for the disposal of companies, and that all information with respect to land laws m the colony may be obtained at the office of the Agent-General. At a general meeting of those interested m the Kaiapoi Bacon Curing Syndicate, a gratifying report and balance-sheet; showing a handsome return on the outlay was sub mitted. On this being adopted the question of carrying on the business of the syndicate was discussed. As the brand of bacon had obtained an intercolonial reputation, it was determined to maintain the connection of the syndicate, and m all probablity its operations may be continued during the next season. During the past season upwards of 2000 carcases have been cured. A singular coincidence is reported from Marton,. where says tht Wellington " Times " a gentleman residing m that town, after a considerable amount of trouble, per fected an invention for which he obtained patent rights. A few days ago, however, he received specifications and plans of an invention almost exactly like his wn, which his brother m England fhad patented at about the same time as he had. There could have been no agreement between .the two, as they had not corresponded for the past twenty years, and they had no idea that they were both simultaneously puzzling over the same thing. Says the "Post":—The verdancy of some people is really amusing. The solicitor of a Dus'iman, who was summoned m the Magis trate's} Court the other day for arrears uuder a maintenance order, stated that his client some timo. ago obtained a post-oliico order for the amount of arrears, but instead of sending it to the Cierk of the Court, m whose favor it was drawn, he put it carefully away m his pocket, fondly imagining that it was a receipt releasing him of all further responsi bility so far as Court proceedings were con cerned. In proof of the statement the identical receipt, bearing a date long eince passed, was produced for the inspection of the Court. An extraordinary proceeding is reported from Invercargi'l. It appears that at the last Mayoralty election there a certain mem ber of the Town Council became a candi date for the office. He had of course to make the usual deposit of £10 with his nomination. This deposit was m due course of law forfeited, as the candidate failed to poll one-eighth the number of votes recorded by his successful opponent. When the Council met, however, great sympathy was expressed with Mr Mathieson, and by way of showing this, and getting the better of the Auditor-General, it was resolved to vote the £10 by way of salary to the Mayor, on the understanding that lie would refund the amount to the Councillor. Mr VV. Houston, of Timaru, president of the Mill Employees' Society of New Zealand, and Mr Bidmeade, of Christchurch, secretary of the Canterbury Trades Council, have just 'completed a mission to the master millers of Canterbury, Otago, and Southland to request them to adopt the eight hours system m the flour mills. They informed the "Timaru Herald " that they have not met with a single rebuff, every mill owner having expressed his willingness to adopt the system on con dition tld|t it is adopted by all. The next step js to appqint delegates to represent each side, to discuss terms and fix a date for the rule to come into general operation. Thp Bedford mill, Timaru, already works eight hour shifts. So also do Rollitt's mill at Ashburton, and Wood and Co.'s, of Christ, church. The Sydney "Morning Herald " says: — There is probably not sufficient ground for anticipating just yet a collapse of the pro tectionist party m Victoria corresponding with that which has been witnessed m the t/ni!je<i gtates; but there is something re markable m the steady progress of the agri cultural people towards freetrade which has been taking place since the last revision of the tariff, the attendant discussions, and the consequent effects have opened men's eyes. So far as appearances indicate the movement has not only been steady but sure. There has been a continuous expansion over new grounql, and each new position taken up has been held. It is difficult to doubt as to the issue. If this movement goes on as it has begun a day of reckoning for protection will arrive. But vested interests die hard, and though the end may come it would be a mis take to be too sanguine as to its near approach. Iv a little brochure issued b,y Dr Barnado, he gives the story of '■' Twelve Sheep from Australia." He says m the interests of the Homes under my care, I am continually receiving communications froni all over the known world— even from squatters m the Australian bush, all alike breathing sympathy with, and interest m my y/ork of child rescue, and not a few containing or announcing gifts for its support and furthe rance. One such communication he recounts as follows: —"In December, 1888, twelve frozen sheep, carefully packed and m prime condfjfcioii, the fourth annual gift I had received f I'oni the same source, were duly delivered at the doors qi' our Home consigned from Australia. A letter received j a day ov Wo befppe their arrival reminded me that their generoiW do^or was an qld boy of mine, who was at one time on the streets of London, from which he had been rescued by £he Home." Dr Barnardo then quotes the letter of Uie gengrons donor, the ex street oral). Hoixo way's Ointment and Pilis,— A fiequsnt case of gout and rheumatism is £he inflammatory state, of the blood, attended with bad digestion and general debility. A few doses of the pills taken m time are an effectual preventative against gout and rheumatism. Anyone who has an attack of «ither should use Holloway's Ointment also, the power';:! *ctioa of V» ioh > c?™ b, in,?. d yjth the operation of the pm!, .must lufaUl'. Bly effect a auif. These pills act directly on the blood, which they purify- a;;d improve. Having once subdued the'severity of these diseases, perseverance with the ointment; after fomenting the affected joints with warm brine, will speedily relax all stiffness and pi event »»y permanent contraction, •• i

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL PRIZE MEETING.

[per press association.]

Puketaptt, January 20. At the short ranges of the Wellington match none of .the competitors scored the possible, bub Gunner Weir (Thames), Ser geant Lavery (Christchurch), and Private Wakelin (Christchurch) put on 31 each. Going back to the next range Weir and Wakelin scored 33 each, thus gaining a lead of one. The top scores at; this range were Sergt.-Major McCsvllum (O Battery, Auckland), and Lieut. Hughes"(Wanga nui), who went within one of the possible. At the long range Weir made 30, and won first money with a total of 97. Wakelin, who had kept with him up to the fit.ish of the previous range, fell to pieces, only being able to register 2.1. McCallum, who had 32 to his credit at 200 yards, managed to gain 28 at the last range, and conse quently took second place with 94. The third prize fell to Private McCarthy (Wai kari Rifles), who had kept close up at the three ranges, iraking 32 at £00, 30 at 500, and 31 at 600. Private Kruse (Wanganui Rifles) and Sergeant Martin (Tuapeka Rifles) also made 31 at the last, range. Sergeant Lavery, who was so well up at the short range, dropped down the list at 500 yards, as his score was only 27, but at the long distance he again came to the front with 31, and sained fourth position. Sfigfe-jSalek (Ashburton Rifles), with 83 points, was counted out.

A start will be made with the Hawke's Bay Match, counting m the aggregate for the Belt, at 7.30 a.m. sharp to-morrow. There was a heavy downpour of rain about 8 o'clock to-night, which has had the effect of cooling the atmosphere. January 21. When the last range m the Wellington match was being fired yesterday afternoon a young man named Fredericks who was marking m the trenches, had the third finger of his right hand lacerated by a bullet splinter. He was removed to the Napier Hospital where the finger was amputated. The examination showed that the injury was caused by a bullet and not by a splinter. The officers are at a loss to account for the accident, unless it was that Fredericks m turning the target had removed his hands above the sides of the trench. This is the first, accident that has happened m connection with the Association. A subscription list was started m the camp for the injured man.

At a meeting of competitors this morning it was unanimously decided to continue the system of counting sighting shots throughout the meeting.

CHILD MURDER CASE.

w_^. , [per press association.]

Ohristchurch, January 20. The hearing of the evidence concluded at 4.10 p.m.

TII3 accused were then charged

Mr Stringer addressed the Court, and said that as far as the female accused were concerned they would reserve their de fence With reference to Flanagan, he contended that there was not a particle of evidence on which to send the case to trial. He pointed out that the Coroner's jury did not mention Flanagan as having been concerned m the murder, and he took that as evidence tliafi they did not believe 'him guilty. The Bench, after consultation for a fe\*- moments, said it had been decided to commit all the accused for trial.

The accused were then formally com mitted for trial at the next sittings of the. Supreme Court. ":

The Science Association.

jTHE CHRISTCHURCH CONGRESS, [PER PKES3 ASSOCIATION.] Christchurch, January 20. At yesterday's meeting, Dr. Hacon ad vocated the appointment of a Minister of Public Health for the colony, and urged that science should be taught m the. public schools. Mr Robert Wilson,, engineer to the Midland Railway, de fended the use of the Abt system over Arthur's Pass, asserting that it would' save £400,000 m the cost of construction^ and afbrd every neoassary facility for; traffic. In the Astronomical system, Mr; J. T. Meeson, 8.A,, read papers (1) —On, the Origin and Development of the Nor' west Winds of New Zealand, (2)— On the Characteristics of the Nor'-westers of j Canterbury. In the Geological sections! papers were read by Mr J. Park on; "The occurrence of rare minerals'^ m New Zealand," by Professor Hutton, on "Ice marks and their counter feits." At the Biological Section, Mr G. i M, Thompson, of Dunedin, read a paper} on " Some aspect or acclimatisation m; New Zealand. The members m the afternoon went on an excursion to the Addington workshops, and afterwards to a garden party given by Bishop and Mrs Julius at Hambleden. There was a very large attendance of ladies and gentlemen, and the weather bein? excellent, a pleasant time wag I spent. Christchurch, January 21. This morning papers were read m various sections. A number of the members left on an excursion trib to visit the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory and the, Belfast Freezing Works.

Recent Imperial Legisla- tion.

The Imperial Parliament last year passed several important acts which will probably be followed as far as their prin ciples are concerned, by colonial legis latures. The law as to joint stock companies is dealt with by a group of three statutes. The first enables a com pany, by special resolution and with the leave of the court m certain specified cases, to alter its memorandum of associa tion with respect to its objects. The second introduces to a large extent the procedure m bankruptcy m the winding up of joint stock companies. The Directors' Liability Act renders directors and others liable for statements m pros pectuses, unless they can prove their innocence m the manner elaborately prescribed by the Act. The Bank ruptcy Act is another instance of won derons changes introduced m the progess of a measure. The Act as it now stands introduces several marked alterations m the law, particularly as to compositions and schemes of arrangement with creditors, and as to discharge. In future the first step m a composition will be the lodging by the debtor of a written and signed proposal, one meeting of creditors, only need be held, the Court is bound m certain cases to refuse its indispensable sanction unless f s 6d m the pound be reasonably secured, The law with regard to discharge is rendered much more stringent, and no discharge either by com* position or m bankruptcy is to freo the debtor from liability under a judgment against him for seduction, affiliation, or as corespondentinamatrimonial cause, except to. the extent and under the conditions which the Court orders. The Intestate Estates Act provides that when aman dies, leaving a widow but no issue, if the net value oi m.;:: al ancl nereonal estate^ dow not exceed £500 all shall belong iv widow. If th.c estate exceeds £'500 the ' widow- is td have a charge on it for that sum with interest'at' four per cent, until payment, The Act also" declares that any

provision which a widow may obt-rn under the Act is to be m addition to that which she would have obtained if the Act had not passed. Taken altogether the Imperial Parliament, notwithstanding the Irish question, found time to pass a number of most useful measures.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

PEII VKEsB ASSOCIATION]

Loni>oh, January 19. This Is the ninth successive week of frost.- Eleven thousand quarters of Austra lian wheat, prompt shipment, have been sold at 37s 6d. Mr Balfour's Insh Fund has now reached £30,000. Mr Dillon supports Mr O'Brien. Mr Parnell, speaking at Tralee, said i he had arrived at an agreement with Mr O'Brien a fortnight ago, and it was only his opponents who prevented a solution of the difficulty. At the Marlborough Club oa the 26th Lord Carrington will entertain H.R.H. the Prince of Wales ; Sir H. Norman, Governor of Queensland ; Sir Saul Samuel, Agent-General for New South Wales; Sir H. Robinson ; Rear Admiral Fairfax ; Admiral Tryon, and others i General Miles has formally an nounced that the Indian war is at an end. The South Pacific squadron has been been ordered to Chilian waters to pro tect British interests.

Rumors of further financial difficul ties m connection with South American Stocks had a depressing effect on the Stock Exchange. Consols fell half per cent., but have recovered to 97.

It is expected that Queensland will issue a loan of two and a half millions and South Australia one of a million and a half, within a fortnight.

News of the deficit of the Victorian railway revenue prejudices that colony's borrowing prospects and possibly she will borrow at par m April.

Paris, January 19. Successful experiments have been made at Nantes by the injection of goat's blood m cases of tuberculosis.

Constantinople, January 19. The Sultan has granted an amnesty to the Armenians who were* driven to revolt by the outrages of the Kurds.

Zanzibar; January 19. Colonel Wissman, who was engaged m attacking the stronghold of Mac honobar, has been recalled, he having developed symptoms of lunacy.

AUSTRALIAN

Perth, January 20 § All the having been re elected, Parliament re-opened to-day," when the Government announced their. intention of floating a loan of £1,336,000*. Sydney, January 20. The Murrumbidgee Elver is m flood, and North "Wagga is partially inun dated. Hansen has confessed his guilt m the Peak Hill murder. He had quar relled with Duke, and tomahawked him. Brisbane, January 20. A black gin has been found at Cook town suffering from leprosy m its worst form, and the woman is m a fearful condition. , Hobart, January 20. The Federal Council opened its sitting to-daf.

INTERPROVINCIAL

[per press association.]

Auckland, January 16.

The owners of the property at Huntley, where the recent mining' accident oc curred, Messi's Rilph, will subscribe £150 towards the relief of the families of those killed and injured on that occasion.

A proposal to hold scripture examina tions among the Sunday School children of their denomination has been nega tived by the Primitive Methodist Con ference. They received a deputation from the Women's Christian Temperance Union, iwho were assurred that that body had the sympathy of the Primitive Metho dist Church m the objects for which they were working. A petition signed by forty-seven cab men was received to-day by the Harbor Board, asking for a removal of the toll of sixpence upon each cab taken on the Queen street wharf. This toll is the cause of the recent boycott of che wharf by the cabmen. The question was # re f erred by the Harbor Board to the Works and Tariff Committee. The Harbor Board have decided to call for tenders for the erection of iron gates at the entrance to the Queen streel wharf.

At the annual meeting of All Saints Anglican Church last night It was stated that a deficit amounting to £62 was caused by the defalcations of D. F. Evans, a bankrupt, who recently departed for the Islands without consulting his creditors, after the bankruptcy proceedings had been commenced.

The residence of Mr H. H. Lawry at Newmarket, was destroyed by fire last night. The greater part oi the furniture was also destroyed. The insurances are —New Zealand office, £600 on the house, and £300 on the furniture. The origin is unknown.

Wellington, January 20. Mr W. N. Blair continues; to improve m health.

At a private meeting of shareholders of the V eliington Woollen Company, it was resolved to recommend that the Directors' fees be raised to £50 each, that the Chair man receive £15Q, and that the sum of £250 be voted to Mr T. I£. McDonald as a mark of the shareholders' approval of his services since the formation of the Com pany. ; A public meeting was held this evening m the Opera House, to discuss the drainage scheme submitted to the City Council by Messrs Ferguson, of Welling ton, and Cuthbert, of Ohristchurch. His Worship the Mayor presided. A resolu tion was carried expressing approval of the proposal to raise £165,000 by way of ■ a special loan, secured by a rate of 6d m | the £ for carrying out the scheme. A poll of ratepayers will shortly be taken on the question. Dowkdiw, January 20. Christie and Tatman, each with several aliases, were to-day committed for trial for robbery under arms at Rockland's station, Strath Taieri. Charles Cooper, an elderly man, died at Lawrence Hospital from injuries received by a log rolling on him while splitting timber. He lay pinned for twenty-four hours before he was discovered, and for some time refused to be removed to the Hospital. ■ ■ "

THE MARKETS.

MELBOUiOT WOOL SALES.

Goldsbrough's monthly circular, dated Melbourne, January 12, saysj: —The con tin«atio6of the sales from the date of ou,r

last summary, the 15th. ull., until i-;yir suspension for the Christmas interval, on the 22nd, was marked by a full maintenance of the keen competition then recorded, and gerer.il nnnnais m prices. While no quotable advaiK.e re sulted, the tendency throughout may be said to have been m sellers' favour, mostly shown m inferior greasy merinos, which were occasionally |rl per lb dearer. The sales were resumed on ihj> 7th insfc. when competition was again animated, and to some extent widened by an increased disposition to operate manifested. 'on German account. Prices for average and inferior greasy meriuo descriptions may now be quoted at fully Jd per lb higher than at the date of oui: last report. la the case of fine clothing qualities, this advance has been exceeded. Crossbred wools are without change m values. Medium and faulty scoured have sold relatively well during the month, when m fair-sized lots, but small lines and odd ments sell irregularly, as well as washed fleece wools, which have throughout been difficult of sale. The catalogues have, for this time of the year, been larger and more representative than m general, and there remains a larger quantity of wool yet for sale than is usual so late m the season. While, therefore, the quantity sold is still behind last year's total, the proportion is decreasing, and will be further materially reduced ere the season closes. It is impossible yet to form any reliable estimate of the season's total production of wool; the general opinion m the early months of the season that there would be a substantial increase is much shaken by the deficiency shown m the exports to date, as compared with those for the corresponding period last year. These figures, however, merely reflect the lateness of the season, and must shortly be materially altered ; the same reason, also, makes any forecast more than usually difficult, as well as the very varying results shewn by the different districts m the returns per head of sheep.

(Received January 21, 11 a.m.) Sydney, January 21, Wheat, chick, 3s 2d to 3s 5d ; milling 3s 9d to 3a lOd. Outs, Is lOd to 2s, Maize, 3s lOd to 4s. Barley, Cape, 2s 6d. Bran, 7d to 7£d. Pollard, B£d. Teas, Prussian blue, 4s. Potatoes, £4 5s to £4 10s. Onions, £5r Butter, dairy, 7d ; separator, 8d ; factory, 9d. Cheese, sd, Bacon, machine-made, C^d ; h:ind-made, 7W ; New Zealand, 9d ; hams, lid to 3l|d.

Milbotjr.nb, January 21. Wheat, milling, 3s Gd. Flour, stone made, L 7 10s to L 9. Oats, Algerian, Is 9d ; thin white, 2s; Danish, 2s 3d; stout, 2s 9|d to2slod. Maize, 3* 4d. Barley, malting, 3s to c!s 2d. Bran, 8h&. Pollard,-9d.

Adblaidb, January 21. Wheat, steady, 3s B£d. Flour, stone, L 7 10a to L 8 ; roller^ LBto L 9. Bran, Bfcl to 9d. Pollard, Bid.

LOCAL PROTECTION.

CANTERBURY FLOUR T\XED IN AUCKLAND. With reference to a most extraordinary proceeding of the Auckland Harbor Board m doubling the landing dues on flour and some other articles, the Auckland' 'Herald" says:—"The Harbor Board have lately taken a step "which we cannot see any justification for ; indeed the members, we believe, cannot find, any justification them selves, for we understand they said they knew nothing about it, and that the whole thing was done by the chairman and secretary. They have raised the tolls charged for landing flour, bran, and sharps from Is per ton to 2s per ton, while all other articles of the same kind, such as wheat, are only charged Is. They do not levy customs duties to carry on the busi ness of the country ; they have no power to do anything of the kind. They have ■Imply to make a levy for the use of the wharves, yet our board seem always to have an idea that they had power to do something m the way of taxation for pro tection purposes. What is the reason put forward by the chairman of the board for raising toll charged en the flour? He held ib to be an improper thing that flour should be' allowed to come m from the south to compete with our local mills. Now, a great many people believe that protection is a good thing ; but we do not think that the most fatuous protectionist ever contended that there should be pro tection between different parts of the same country. If the harbor boards go on m this way, deliberately imposing tolls for the purpose of excluding this or thatfrom being brought to our harbour, they will finish up by banishing shipping altogether. No harbour board m the south has ever dreamed of doing anything like this. The members of these bodies look upon it as their duty to encourage shipping, but possibly they will now try retaliation. For instance, we export twine to the south, although they have establishments for its manufacture there. The Lyttelton and Dunedin boards can very .soon put this matter straight for the Otago and Canterbury manufacturers by rising the wharfage dues on Auckland twine, and so with fruit. Without the slightest trouble, without bothering Parliament, without passing an act, the Harbour Boards m the south can place such a toll on Auckland fruit as will exclude it at once. The chairman of our board professes that his motive m raising the toll upon southern flour is to exclude it so that it shall not compete with out local mills. He has no business with that at all as chairman of the Harbour Board. He is net placed there to carry out protection—especially a mad protection like this " The "Star " defends the action of the Harbor Board m imposing a differential rating on certain southern products. It says :—We believe that a fair considera tion of this matter will convince most dis interested business men that the alteration is a perfectly equitable one, and will tend to increase the business of our port m connection with the tiugar and timber industries. The board have given a special rate for raw materials, and have reaped a handsome return m the increased shipping revenue. The flour industry is, we think, entitled to equal consideration. The Auckland mills pay a l&rge amount to the Harbor Board for dues upon wheat from the South Island, East Coast, and, m addition, pay wharfage on aH the flour, bran, sharps, &c., shipped to the South Island, Wellington, Napier, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa, New South Wales, Queens land, &c, These mills offer a ready money market to any farmer m the North Island for his wheat, thereby encouraging him to gi:ow more wheat, and so employ more men. Were the mills working full time they would employ far more workmen than they do, which means more money circulating every week for coals, wages, cartage, and harbour dues m Auckland. The southern mills invariably ship direct to many places that should naturally draw their supplies from Auckland, therefore they do not contribute anything to the revenue of this port. Auckland mills are also handi capped to the extent of Xs 6d per ton, inward and outward harbour dues, when attempting to supply those markets. The question is one which ihas an. important bearing upon every industry and mercan tile interest.in the city. Encouragement to ou* own manufactures, said a liberal treat ment of raw materials, ought to influence the policy of all our public bodies. We hope that the Board wilt not retrace a step which is so unmistakeably m the right direction m deference to the agita tion which has been caused among im porters of southern flour.

TFW ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1891



Thjs Best Hereby ron *H^jcgj;sTioK — Norton.:! Camomile Pills are countlently recommended as a simple remedy ior Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly dl <tfy,e peases to which we are subject ijfeßTQx's PjEMyS, with justice called the '-'Natural StxengtljAAOi' of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gejjtje Affiant, are mild m their operation, a^ gafe under any circumstances. Sold "m bottles, at is i&d, Ss ikl, 11$, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo id^ """ ,



3Afcwdays»goth»Jßinhopof St Asaph, says "Truth," referred, m the course of a spaeua <it some mncuon oi u« aiocese, to "hi 3 younger and rasher days," but the local papers reported him hw having deplored his "youngerand.timber day"."



MONEY JO LEND. IITONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of JBIOO TOJBSOOO For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office. Christchurch. Wanted CASH Ad ertisemenfcs under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be I left at this Office WANTED— A Driver for Traction Engine. Apply to Weymouth Roberts, Cox street, Ashburton. 1 120 WANTED to Rent for a Term, 50 to 200 Acres of Land within three miles of]Ashburton with residence thereon. Apply to Mr T. Bullock. I§llß WANTED— Sheep Feed for about 500 Sheep ; grass or stubble ; near to Ashburton. Apply to Mr T. Bullook. ltl 9 WANTED —In a private house, three Gentlemen Boarders. Private sitting room. ' Situation central.—Ad dress at Mail Office. 1 116 ISS COMPTON, Teacher of Music! will be glad to have a few more pupils. Terms moderate. Address, Park House, near Domain. 1 113 ANTED for~the Tinwald ~ District School a Pupil Teacher. Applica tions to be sent m on or before Jan 26th. to J. Gubsbll, Chairman of School Committee. 1 104 /"POOLING and invigorating Ice Cream \J as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. fTiRY the (rreat Drapery Sale now on X at H. C. Seger-s. \\[ ANTjSD Known — Some special V V lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." ■X^ANTED^Jmvwti— The "Strong VV wear " Boot is the best for Men adies and Children.—W. H. Colliek. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcoiin, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. BEGERS 1 Clearing Sale m all Depart merits now on. One trial solicited. —Melford House. , a , ANTED Known — The Cheapest vv' Shop to buy Tinwaro and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patch li/TELFORD House Sale now on. We JAIL only ask one visit.—H. C. Seoers. OOTS, BOOTS. rrKe7p~~you. feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ashbur ton. STOCK-TAKING. REDUCTIONS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS For one Month. NEW ZBAIA.ND CLOTHING FACTORI 4ge»t for the Wonderful Wertheim Sewing Machines W. H. WEBBER Manager



radlto Notices. ME S. B. BEYMOUB, SURGEON-DENTIST OF CHRISTCHURCH, WILL VISIT AS HBURTON on dates to be announced, and may be consulted at MR CAMBRIDGE'S, CHEMIST John Orr & Co. INVITE THE ATTENTION OF FARMERS To their Large and Varied Stocks of all classes of Goods, suitable ior the Harvest Field. 1000 Bales Binding TWINE, Crown Brand 250 Bales Manilla Binding TWINE Machine Extras and Fittings 100 Cases Binding WIRE, White Cros 100 Cases Castor Oil Leather Belting, l|in to 6in Valvoline and Lubroline Oil Lard and Olive Oil Cylinder Oil Perforated Zinc, 3/32 to 7/8 Seaming Twine McCormick Binders, The agents of the fl "McCormick reapers and binders have just received news of a very exciting trial at Tarn worth (N.S.W.) on Saturday, December 6. The prize competed for was the Society's medal, which was offered to the machines exhibited at their Show ; but m order to have a successful trial they m addition offered a prize of ten guineas, open to all coiners. Both prizes were gained by the McCormick, which was awarded the full maximum number of points. This was the first time this season where the winner at any trial m Australia obtained the full number of points under each heading. The McCormick also gained first prize at Stawell (Victoria) beating the Massey, Hornsby, and Deering. John Orr & Go. THE MM FIRE 11 MARINE Mill MIPAIY OF lEW ZEAIAP. P. CAPITAL £2,000,000 PAID UP £100,000 RESERVE & REINSURANCE FUND .£65,000 General Managkb. : W. DEVENISH MEARES E*q. OFFICES : 172 HEREFORD STREET, CHRISrOHURCH. Hpeeial Features t L'iib ONLY INSTITUTION of its kind having its HEAD OFFICE m CHRISTCHURCH. LIBERALITY m SETTLEMENT oi CLAIMS. RATES, ihe LOWEST CURRENT. To Farmers. CLIENTS of the COMPANY and others are reminded that all Gkain, Stack, and Implement RISKS are taken by this Company at Lowest Current tates. John Gr. Restell WEST BTEEET, ASHBUETON AGBNTf i



Irrigation. TUST what is wanted for the country, J also a REVOLUTION m the DRAPERY TRADE. HE SUB WE HAVE IT AT W. W. Spencer and Go's THE MOST GENUINE Clearing Sale Ever held m Ashburton. Everything Reduced 25 per cent. drapery7^lothing AND ■BOOTS- Men's Tweed Trousera 10s 6d, reduced to 6s lid Men's Tweed Suits 22s 6d Boys' Tweed Suits 5s 3d White Lace Curtains 2s 3d a pair Best French Merino Is sid Stay Busks, all sizes, 2d a pair Prints 2s 6d, dress length Prints 3M, 4Jkl, s|d, guaranteed to wash Towels 3|d each Washing Muslins 3d per yard Dress Goods 4£d per yard Boys' Braces 4d. Boots. Boots. Colonial Shooters 9s lid, Bluchers 6s 6d, 6s lid. Women's Strong Elastic Sides 6s 9d Ohilds Kid Elastic Sides from 2s lid AT 1.. f. SPEIER k tO, THE ABCADF Massey-Toronto Light Binder. LIGHTEST IN DRAFT. SUREST TO TIE. EASIEST TO MANAGE. SWIFTEST TO CUT, THE LONGEST LIVED. MOST SCIENTIFICALLY MADE Stationary Axle AND Raise and Lower Style 6, 6, and 7 FEET CUTS. Of the latter only very few on hand. £2000 V*jrth of Extras m Stock, which wil be supplied to farmers at manufacturer's prices at any time DAY OR NIGHT. FRIEDLANDER BROS._ iirfiiiniiip HIPMf OF lEW ZEALAND ■ (FIRE AND MARINE ) rOHE Business of this Company has JL been TRANSFERRED to the OOMMFRCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY, Limited, of London, by whom, through the various Branches and Agencies m New Zealand, all accounts owin? to and by and all losses under the Colonial Insurance Company's policies will be settled m future. F. ALLEN, General Manager. Wellington, New Zealand, December 11th, 1890. THK COMMERCIAL UNION ASSUR ANCE COMPANY, (Limitkd) Established 1861. Incorporated under Act of Parliament, 7 and 8 Vie, Cap. 110. Head Office : 19 and 20 Cornhill, London Capital fully subscribed ... £2,500,000 Total Invested Funds ... 2,351,707 Total Annual Nett Income... 1,132,239 HEAD OFFICE fob NEW ZEALAND : Lambton Quay, Wellington. With Local Boards of Advice m Australia and New Zealand. General Manager for New Zealand : FRANK ALLEN, J P. Every description of Fire nd Marine Insurance effected at LOWEST CURRENT EATES CUFF & GRAHAM, Managers for Canterbury, Christchurch. Agknts for Ashbukton : FRIEDLANDER BROS , 22 "Extraordinary /iheap q ale Dale FOR ONE MONTH AT ANDREW ORE'S. GREATEST BARGAINS EVER SEEN TS THE HISTORY OF ASHBURTON. Ladies' Kid Gloves up to 6i for 6d per pair. LadW Gloves at 2d ; Children's Id per pair. Ladies' Jackets, highly fashionable at 5s 6d. Children's Socks, 2d per pair. One lot of Turkey Red Embroideries at 4d per yard, worth Is. 12 dozen Dress Buttons for Is. 1 lot Genta' fashionable White Vests at Is 6d each, dents' Suits, Kaiapoi made at 30s, very good. 1 lot Bests French Merinos, various shades at Is 6d. 1 lot Black French Lustres at 8d per yard, worth 3s. 1 lot Colored French Lustres at 6d per yard. 30 dozen Girls' Nigrtt Dresses at is each An exceedingly large Stock of Ladies, Childrens and Gents* BOOTS GREATLY REDUCED CARPETS, FLOOR CLOTHS, &c, &c. REMEMBER—FOR ONE MONTH. ANDREW ORR ; WHOLESALE & RETAIL DRAPER