The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. LOCAL AND GENERAL

ilv John J. C. Qnane has been appointed a lire inspector for the Borough in place of Mr G. F. .Scott. A trial of Keir and Hunt's potato-digger will take place on .Saturday on Mr M. Reiimayue's farm at Tinwakl. Mass will be said at Kakaia by the Very Rev Father Cluistagiiou ou Sunday, February 22nd. Vespers at Ashbiuton at the usual hour. One hundred and twenty fat lambs from ChatmooS sold at Addington on Wednesday, at from 12s to 13s (id eaeli; and 110 -wethers averaged over 14* each. This week's mail brings news that the out break of " pinkeye" in Sydney has moder ated considerably, and moat of the horses are convalescent, while those which are attacked do not suffer so severely. The Sydney Tramway and Omnibus Company hope to have all their omnibuses ruaniug again in a few days. The first general meeting of the Farmers' Co-opeiative Insurance Company was held at Christchurch yesterday. It was decided that the number of directors be twenty, and a board of directors were appointed. It was stated that applications for insurances were coming in freely. A Bill has been introduced into the House of Commons for making the sale of grain by weight compulsory. The use of measures makes both the corn returns and agricultural statistics inaccurate. The increasing ten dency of farmers aud dealers is to sell grain by weight. A mysterious affair happened on Tuesday atLyttelton, At about 1 p.m., the mate of the ship Opawa, lying at the Gladstone I'ier, and other persons, heard a child scream three or four times, apparently from under the wharf, close to the ship. He looked over but saw no one. He jumped into the water, and swam the whole length of the ship with out finding any child. The police were informed, and dragged around the spot all the afternoon, but found nothing. An attempt was made on Tuesday evening to set fire to an unoccupied house in Vine street, Temuka. Mr G. McS. Gentlemnn observing the reflection of a light through one of the windows, promptly gave the alarm and called out the fire brigade, of which he is lieutenant. On arrival of the brigade at the house the lire had apparently died out. The house was broken into, and there were found evident signs of a determined attempt to destroy Uic place. The matter is now in the hands of the police. The London correspondence of the Auck land " Star " writes :—Mr Bone, of White chapel, whom I interviewed some time since on the New Zealand dairy produce question, given me gratifying information. He states that the recent arrivals of butter from New Zea land have been of-uniformly excellent quality, and have met with quick sales at espeoiaUy good rates. Home parcels, indeed realised as much as 11 (is per cwt, and the butter is rapidly gaining favour both with retailer and <-.o;;su;rier. Let us hope the cheese, of whiuh I Uqm' favourable reports, will meet with tlu 1. same Hutficss as its co-mate in exile.

Tho sheep worrying case heard te-day by the R.M. resuliediu a verdict for plaintiff for the full amount claimed, with costs, It is intended to erect a suitable monu ment, to the memory of the late Mr White foord, and Messrs J. Henderson, J. B. Oresson, and J. L. Wilson have taken the matter in hand at the desire of a number of the friends of the deceased gentleman. It is intended to obtain a return of all voluntary donation? in a month, when a meeting will be held to decide on the form of the memorial. At a meeting of the Committee of the Amateur Athletic Association at Ghrist cluu-ch 0.1 Wednesday evening a proposal was made to send a team of New Zealand amateur- athletes Home to compete at the English championship meeting, which takes place at the end of June. The proposal was very favourable received. It was decided to write to the various olubs inviting their sympathy and support, and askiug what financial aid they would be prepared to give. The team proposed to be sent comprises Batger, Hempton, Wood, Morrison, Hutchin son, and Cuff, provided they can obtain the necessary leave. The late Lord Carnarvon was one of the many members of the aristocracy who have invested money in lands in the colonies. The late Earl possessed very large estates in New Soiitn Wales, owning especially a great deal of land in and about Sydney, in which city he quite recently bought some valuable property in Geerge street.- He also had ex tensive properties in Canada, more parti cularly at Toronto. He was a large land owner in England as well, having estates in Southamptonshire, Devon, Somerset, Midle sex, Wiltshire, and Berkshire. The magni ficent diamonds left to Lord Carnarvon by his aunt Lady Harriette Stapelton, are to de volre as heirlooms. The growth of grass in the Temuka die trict during the past week has bean most extraordinary. The " Leader," says that on a plot of land in Temuka the grass was cut down a week ago and the young grass had since then grown at the rate of one inch per day. A second bloom may be seen in many of the orchards in the district, and they present a good deal of the appearance of the spring season, while at tbe same time the trees are laden with fruit. At the Geraldine yards on Wednesday no less than 9147 sheep, and between sixty and seventy head of cattle were yarded. There was a good attendance of buyers, and very satisfactory prices were mahuained. The new legislation on the property of religious orders in France ie likely to lead to one important result. In future the trustees of the properties of the Marists, Lazarists, Christian Brothers, Sisters of Charity, Sisters of Nazareth, Carthusians, and other corpora tions will reside in England. All available property will be transfered to English banks, and letters of administration or probate will be taken out in London. A Roman prelate in Paris states that nearly all the funds of the Roman Catholic Christendom are invested in finglis-h securities or house property, in cluding the reserve of »he Papacy itself. The "Hobart Mercury" reports that on on the arrival of the Te Anan two men named Daniel Trehey and Patrick Troy, steerage passengers, from New Zealand, were arrested on a charge of having stolen 42ozs of gold, valued £100, at Greymouth, the property of one Henry Marshall. The men joined the Te Anau at Wellington, and are miners from Greyinonth, West Go*st. The alleged theft, it is supposed look place on a division of profits in a mining transaction On being searched at. the Police Office drafts and some money were found in their posses sion. In connection with the late party contest for the Speakcrship of the House of Repre sentatives, the following extract from the " World" of the 24th December, is of in terest :— A vacancy in the Chair is invariably filled by a member of the party in power, and the Conservatives have not supplied a Speaker during the present rein. The last Conservative Speaker was Mr Manner.s- Sutton (the first Lord Canterbury), who was turned out by the Whigs in 1833. It would be entirely contrary to all precedent if Mr Peel were to be succeeded by anyone but a Conservative, and, as a matter of fact, I understand that Sir Matthew White-Ridley will be the Ministerial candidate should a I^. i-«« U u u> oe pie.sei men the reception by the English press of her story-book, " A Southern Cross Fairy Tale." Neariy every London paper lias made favourable mention of the work, and now the captious c itic of the "St James's Gazette " sets the seal of his approval on Mrs Claik's volume. He says :" The very novelty of the story she hns to tell is likely to rivet the attention of children, who are never better pleased than when they arp being told a story of the wholly new. Mrs Clark admits in her preface that she has sought to convey a little pleasant information about the land in which she lives. But she has contrived to do her spiriting so artfully that her youthful readers would hardly have suspected her perfidy had she not informed them of it. The book can be recommended as an admirable story of adventure in fairy life. These attractions are strcngthccl by the very numerous illustrations by the author and R. Atkinson. Both outwardly and inwardly the book ha 3 everything handsome about it."

The Shearers' Agitation

[P£R PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Bkisbane, February 18. The publicans at Clermont threaten to throw their houses open to Unionist shearers free of charge. The authoii ties have decided to close all the hotels in the district in the event of the trouble becoming more acute. A large tract of country in the dis trict is now on tire. (Received February 19, 11.30 a.m.) Brisbane, February 19. Large bodies of Unionists are arriv ing at Glermont. They are armed,princi pally with revolvers and Winchesters. Nearly one thousand Unionists are en camped in the vicinity of Barcaldine. Adelaide, February 19. The pastoralists and shearers have lirrived at a satisfactory settlement with regard to a new shearing agree ment.

Latest Cable News

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[PER I'IiESS ASSOCIATION.J

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

(Received February 19, 10.45 a.m.)

Lo3s:>o>7, February 18. Replying to Mr Howard Vincent's motion in the House of Commons, with reference to a Colonial Confer ence, Mr Goschen said that Great Britain might pay something to con tinue the Union of the British Empire, but not to increase the cost of food. There could be. no objection to the principle of a Customs Union, though there was this difficulty, that the country would not tolerate dieffrential duties. It would be essential, how ever, that the colonies put five per cent extra on foreigners, and pass a tariff' likely to protect Great Britain from loss. The amount contributed by the colonies towards the naval defences were extremely insignificant, and he would be gbyl to see the «ost of Im perial defence spread over a ayider area. At the close of the debate the previous question was adopted.

LABOR DIFFICULTIES.

The $bviki£ in South Wales lias ex tended to Penarth aijid IJany. (Received February 19, 11.30 a.m ) PR KOCH'S SPECIFIC. ]Sf ELBOUKNK. February If), j The Medial Board have decided to h:lug Dr Koch's cotySiimptive lymph v idti' the Poisons A<2t, i" orde^- to p.-event un<|uaiitied person^ usißg it, '

The Wheat Market.

Slowly, but; apparently surely, the wheat market? of the world show a tendency to a higher range of prices. Wheat-Growers have had a hard time of it for several years past, and New Zealand farmers have felt the effects of the low prices in Europe as much as anyone. It is a generally accepted theory thU, un less under exceptionally favorable circum r.tance.s, it does not pay Euglish farmers to grow wheat under 37s per quarter. The New Zealand farmer is on about the same footing, but though it coats him something considerable to get his wheat to London, he is not under the necessity of heavily manuring his land, and is not subject to the many onerous conditions generally imposed on leasehold farms in England. It was at one time thought that India could supply almost illimitable quantities at a much lower figure than that, but experience has shown that, at all events under present conditions, that belief has no sound foundation, for the export from India has shown a steady decrease for the past three years. The United States, too, seem to hay« passed their maximum power to export, a* least at ruling prices. In fact, in the last two years' the world's production has been largely under the world's consump tion, and had it r»ot been for immense accumulated stocks the price of wheat must have risen to a much higher level. The harvest of 1889 showed a shortage of 11,687,000 quarters, and it was estimated that for 1890 the deficiency would be nearly 5,000,000 quarters, but it is now known that the estimate was largely in excess of the actual crop, and the real deficiency was probably 10,000,000 quarters. If so, this must have nearly cleared off the accumulations of the pre vious two years, amounting to 22,000,000 quarters. It is curious to note how the area of grain-growing is shifting. In Russia the yield is steadily falling, but the deficiency thereby created ia made good by large increases in France and Italy, and the gross production of Euiope keej-'s about the same level, and may be averaged at 155,000,000 quarters. To feed the people in Europe 117,000,000 quarters more are required. Of this the United States and India supply the bulk, but there has been a steady falling off in the exports from both these countries during the last three years. It is seated authoritatively that the consump tion of the States is rapidly over hauling the production, and that the export from there must entirely cease in a very few yeara. If so, that will make an enormous gap, for the States supply, roughly, half the wheat imported into Europe. The closing of that source of .supply, must have a great effect on prices. Perhaps, however, slightly better prices would stimulate production in the States and India, and so prevent a high level being reached. The Argentine Re public, Chili, Canada, and Australasia show steady increases, and if wheat goes up a few shillings more it is certain that there will be a great expansion in the ex ports from those countries. It is un likely that a higher level than 40.* a quarter on the average will be reached, for such a price would prove a great stimulus to production, but it is also un likely that the low values of the last few years will ever again be maintained for long, for, as we have seen, with such prices production falls below the demand for consumption.— i 4 Exchange."

Railway Reform in Victoria.

One of the principal planks of the plat form on which the Munro Government cii.raf»~Jiiiii~ ofliffo «wv AfeM>!i\3lllleCl," ""DUE a' kind of general improvement was thought necessary. One of the principal grievances was against the engineering department, which h-id supplied ridiculous estimates of the cost of new lines. The works in most instances had run into figures at least a third higher than those given as the esti mates to Parliament. .The Government have therefore been putting a, proposal before the railway commissioners for the retirement of Mr Watson, the head of the engineering department, and perhaps of a member or two of his staff, with the view of filling their places with younger men, 7/ith more modern ideas and knowledge. One of these new men, it is proposed, should come from America. There is a general feeling that our Rystem of railway construction is altogether too expensive. The interior of Victoria presents few engineering difficulties, and it is thought that railways built at a cost as low as £4000 or £5000 a mile would answer the purpose quite as well as the fully equipped line which runs into £10,000 or £12,000. The railway com missioners, however, cannot see that any thing is to fee learned from America. Mr Speight has only recently returned from a trip oo Europe and America, and in the latter country he declares he could pick up no " wrinkles.' ( He declares that our lims are as well constructed as those of tither England or America, andas cheaply constructed also, and he cannot see any advantage to be gained from the iatroductu nof American blood into the service. The greatest length to which he will go is to express his willingness to have the Victorian system of railway sur veying and construction, and everything appercaining thereto, inspected and re ported on by an eminent railway engineer either from America or any other country. The Government have not yet made up their minds on the matter, but it is evi dent that the relations between them selves and the railway commissioners are a little strained. Mr Speight naturally cannot be brought to admit that " railway reform" is necessary.—"Otago Times" correspondent.

The Salvation Army.

LAST YJ?Alt's WORK

General Booth, in a letter recently sent to the friends of the Salvation Army, summarised the work which that organi sation has accomplished during the past year. He says out of England there were now 5277 officers, or an increase of 1239 in the 12 months. In India there was an increase of 172 in the number of native agents, most of whom were the army's converts from heathenism. In South Africa an important property had been secured atJKiinberley as headquarter?,and operations were commenced .amongst the Swazis. Further encouraging re sulfcs had been obtained amongst the Zulus. An expedition was about to start for Mashonaland. In each of the Austra lian colonies remarkable progress has been made. In the United States and Canada the army's position was improved. In South America a substantial hold had been secured. Friendly relations were established with the Argentine Govern ment, J;«nd obtained in Buenos Ayres for buildings, and immediate reinforcements were urgentlyrequired by the pioneer con tingent already at work. On the Continert of Europe the Salvation Army had had a wonderful year. Its position was unproved in Fiance. In German and French Switzerland, despitp bitter per secution, progress was being eU'eclud, and new stations opened continually. In Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland thousands have been converted. In Ger many, notwithstanding great difficulties, the number of officers and corps had been more than doubled. In Holland, too, Ll)me was a forward movement. A most promising start had been made in Belgium, several c >rps formed and large premises acnuh^cj in tlje heart if Brussels,

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per press association.]

liONDON, February 17 and 18. The Admiralty have ordered the sale of a quantity of surplus and obsolete gunpowder, which is stored in Sydney harbor. The riggers, boatmen, and others, engaged in waterside pursuits at Cardiff* have gone out on strike, as an expHfession of sympathy with the dockers, seamen, and'coal heavers. It is feared that the railway men will follow suit. The wool sales have been postponed owing to fogs. . The conversion of the remaining New Zealand stocks is expected to be a success. Unfounded fears that a difficulty would be experienced in discharging the cargo of frozen meat by the Matuara, has caused New Zealand mutton to rise one farthing. There is abundance of free labor at the docks. ' O-v'ing to the dockers refusing to discharge the steamer Matatua from New Zealand, the butchers are dis charging her meat. The dockers also refused to discharge the Australian steamers Almora and Taroba. Silver is quoted at 3s B|d. Owing to fears regarding the health of the Queen of Hawaii, Princess Kaluloni, who is on a visit to England, has been recalled. The Oceania has arrived at Brindisi, thirty-six hours late. The vessel en countered terrific weather, which caused the delay. It is now stated that, shortly after the Doncaster races had taken place, Colonel Sir Wm. Cumtning was accused of cheating the Prince of Wales at cards, and that the latter then induced Sir William to sign a paper agreeing never to play at cards again. The incident was kept a secret until January, when it oozed out, and Sir W. Cumniing alleges that he signed the paper under compulsion. Only small stakes were being played for, and although the matter is only trivial, Radical members daily ask questions in Parliament respecting the suspected gentleman resigning his posi tion in the army. Opinion is divided whether the Prince of Wales should have exposed Sir W. Gumming or concealed his offence. Members of the Guards' Club are very indignant at the charges made against Sir Wm. Gumming, one of its members, and a meeting has been con vened to consider the matter. Mr J. B. Patterson, formerly Com missioner of Trade and Customs in Mr J). Gillies' Government in Victoria, who is on a visit to England, was enter tamed to a banquet at Newcastle last night. Referring to the labor struggle in Australia, he said the strike which had occurred amounted almost to a social revolution. The orderly instinct of the people was rallied by Govern ment, and disorder was suppressed. Amid enthusiasm, lie stated that Aus tralia was determined to maintain her credit and secure the personal liberty of all. Couii'c.'l of London, on December ofch, calling upon the workmen represented bjr them to abstain from doing any work, either dirrsct or indirect, that would conduce to the sailing of the vessels of Messrs Shaw, Savill and Co., the New Zealand Shipping Company, and the British India Steam Naviga tion Company has produced an ex cellent effect, and a compromise with the Shipping Federation is now con sidered probable. The strike has 'extended to Swansea. The railway men are calmer, and the lightermen have agreed not to handle goods consigned to boycotted firms. The man Saddler, who is in custody on suspicion of having committed the last Whitechapel murder, is now sup posed to be "Jack the Ripper," and the knife which it is believed he used has been found. Accused was brought up before the Court to-day and re manded. The debate on the amendment raored by Mr Russell to Mr Morley's motion to the effect that the law muat be vindicated was adjourned. The contending Irish parties have agreed that the Parliamentary fund of £37,000 shall be devoted to the relief of tenants. Cairo, February 17. Egyptian troops have occupied El Teb. They did not meet with any opposition San Francisco, February 16. Information received from Honolulu states that the body of King Kalakaua which was sent from here in a United States cruiser, has arrived safely. Princess Lydia Kamakeha Lilinoka laui, eldest sister of the deceased, and who is married to his Excellency John O. Domonis, of Ohau, has been pro claimed Queen of Hawaii, Washington, February 17. The remains of the lato General Sherman will be buried at St Louis on Thursday. President Harrison, ex- Presidents Hayes and Cleveland, the members of the Senate, and 10,000 troops will escort the body to its last resting place. Berlin, February 17. It is rumored that a prosecution will be instituted against Bismarck in consequence of his recent utterances. Berlin, February 18. Prince Bismarck is suspected of organising Parliamentary opposition towards the Government. The Federal Council has decided not to prosecute him for his recent utterances, and will only refute the attacks made by Prince Bismarck in the German press.

AUSTRALIAN

Svuney, February 18. At a, representative meeting of New Zealanders, presided over by Mr Chas. O'Neill formerly of Wellington, ifc was decided to give Sir Geo. Grey a suit able reception on his arrival here as one of the New Zealand delegates to the Federal Convention.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, February 18. The yachtsman Mr W. R. Bindon, who recently visitor! Wellington with the Maritami, slates that he has been told by proimment members of the Auckland Yacht Club that that body or its Com nuttee passed a resolution'discrediting his trip to Wellington aiKli,«pjjdiating theMari

tana at a representative eyaoht, He con sider.] such action uncalled foi\ Nothing was said to him in Wellington about the letter, they were too much of gentlemen there for that. The Devonport Ferry Company have declared a dividend of ten per cent for the year. The profit and loss account shows a balance to credit of £2292. An ofheial enquiry into the cause of the fire in the Leading Wind's cargo is to be held. The hearing of evidence in the Hospital enquiry was concluded to-day, and two of the counsel, Messrs Cooper and O'Meagher, addressed the Commission. The other solicitors, Messrs Rees and Cotter, are to speak to-morrow. A settler named William Penzer, living near Mongonui, has been drowned through falling into a creek. He was riding across a bridge, which was under water owing to J the floods, when his horse walked over the [ side, there being no hand-rails. Penzer leaves a wife and four children. A resident of the Bay of Islands, Walter Irvine, who lived there for over j forty years, died last night rather sud- j denly. Wellington, February 18. The conference between employers and employees in the boot making industry is not likely to terminate before the end of the week. Messrs Trenwith, Foster, and Jones, representatives of the Auckland Master Bootmakers' Association* have withdrawn from the proceedings, declin ing to pledge the Association to carry out the recommendations of the Conference. The next Rechabite district meeting is to be held at New Plymouth in February, 1893.

An extraordinary meeting of share holders of the Wellington Woollen Manu facturing Company was held to-night, when the resolution passed previously vot ing £250 to Mr T. K. McDonald, M.H.R., Chairman of Directors, in recognition of the valuable services he had rendered the Company, was unanimously confirmed. In thanking the shareholders for their kindness, Mr McDonald mentioned that the Company had got over its difficulties, and was now on the fair road to pros perity. Yesterday he had gone over the works at Petone with two visitors from Australia, who expressed themselves amazed and delighted at the progress the colony had made in the woollen industry, and they said they saw no hopes of Australia holding the same position. He was glad to say the Company could always find a ready market for its pro ducts. Referring to the works at Petone he said he believed they possessed the newest and best machinery of any woollen mills in the world. Waipawa, February 18. At the R.M. Court to-day, C. Tally, clerk to the Waipawa County Council, Avas charged, under Section 186 of " The Counties Act, 1886," with having refused to produce vouchers of the county accounts for inspection by ratepayers. Mr Wardell, R.M., held that the words "accounts of the Treasurer," in clause 186, applied only to accounts specified in Section 177, and the information was dismissed. It is probable an appeal will be made to the Supreme Court. Dunedin, February 18. A rabbit preserving factory capable of treating 2000 rabbits per day has been started in Dunedin. The " Daily Times " Relief Fund now amounts to £150 and the Committee have collected £450, making a total of £600. The Hospital Trustees, to-night, prac tically decided to adopt the present site, and the architect was instructed to pre pare a general ground plan of the Hospi tal extension, with the view of proceed ing to the erection of a Nurses' I lome, for which purpose a sum of money is available.

The Mayor stated ab the Council meet. alter'llVemcidence of"taxat?on by increas ing the mnnicipal rates and .reducing by a coi responding amount the water rate, as it was deemed more advisable by the exeroi.se of economy to meet the ex penditure of the ensuing year, and look to rho gas'arid water departments to make up any deficiency. It was intended to approach Parliament Avith the view of securing legislation that will enable a Corporation to utilise balances from the water supply department in the same way as from gas. A nice point has arisen in connection with the "Denipsey trust, which has be-jn administered for the benefit of the Hos pital inmates by the Hospital and Chari table Aid Act. It is alleged that the trustees who had administered the fund ceased to exist, and the trust reverted to the Hospital trustees. This windfall is not regarded with a favorable eye, as it appears the amount of the legacy was in vested in a block of land on which the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's warehouse stands. The Com pany are entitled to full valuation, and they do not intend to renew the lease. The valuation of the buildings is about £16,000. The members of the Dempsey Trust intend asking the Supreme Court for a ruling as ts their status, but the Hos pital Trustees decline to do anything which would saddle the Trust on them under the present conditions. Invercargill, February 18. Lee, A well-known storekeeper at Queenstown, was found dead on the ranges about Skippei's. He had gone out on a business round, and was last seen about the 7th inst. There is no suspicion of foul play, A traction engine crossing Menzies' ferry bridge over the Mataura river this evening broke through and fell into the river. Robert Dodd was killed and Andrew Simpson, the owner of the engine, severely shaken. The engine was on its way from Dunedin and was crossing the county bridge at the owner's risk. A reaper and binder trial to-day, under the auspices of the Southland A. and P. Association, was an extremely represen tative affair, nina makers entering the lists, while the Mercer machine was pre sent on exhibition. The weather was fine and the crop an average one, on the light side if anything. The awards first an nounced were as follows :—Massey, 172 points ; Hornsby, 171; M'Cormick, 170 ; Deering, 159; Wood, 156; Brantford, 154; Reid and Gray, 150; Triumph, 148; Howard, It 3; maximum points, 195. No points were given for lightness of draught. The Massey machine had been first in the two previous years. Subsequently, and after some, of the judges left, the (Secretary stated that he had made an error, and that the Hornsby should have two points more. This, if upheld, makes that machine the winner.

POLITICAL NOTES.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, February 18. The Premier is favorably disposed towards amending the law regarding the proportion of votes i*equired to carry proposals for municipal loans. The Mayor of Petone to-day suggested to him that an amending Bill should be intro duced next session enacting, say, that a three-fifths majority of ratepayers, who actually vote, should be sufficient ; also that more than one polling booth should be allowed. Mr Ballance expressed him self entirely in sympathy with the suggestion, and undertook to submit the matter for the consideration of the Cabinet, with a view of legislating on the subject nest session if the idea met the support of his colleagues. The Hon. Mr Copley, Commissioner of Crown Lands in South Australia, left this morning to inspact the settlement between Pahiatua and Woodville. Mr Gopley had an interview with the Premier ygsterday.

Wellington, February 19. Mr W. .7. M. Larnach and Mr T. K. Mac Donald, M.H.R., will probably be two of the Commissioners to enquire into the working of the Public Trust Office. The. Government are not likely to spend the £500 voted for the Tasmanian exhi bition.

Decline ot Volunteering

At a meeting of fche East of Scotland Tactical Society, held in Edinburgh on November 17th, a good deal of discussion took place on the decline of interest in volunteering, and how things might be improved. Two colonels advocated the application of the Militia Ballot Act, on the ground that as the volunteer force was exempt from the act, young men would become volunteers in order to avoid the ballot. Several speakers said that the attractions of football, cycling, &c, were acting prejudicially on the- force. Colonel Menzies stated that year alter year one-fourth of tho strength of the Queen's Brigade (one-fourth being about 500 men) paused away. Enthusiasm at the present time was on the wane, but if they could abolish football they would get the'corps up to full strength in a fort night. Other speakers, thought, how ever, that with the advance of time enthusiasm in the volunteer force would return,

Rats.

The clearing »f stoats and weasels from Lincolnshire for export to New Zealand has given the rat« in that county free scope to increase and multiply, and farms are over-run with them, and great loss suffered. A practical person, who i« engaged in the extirpation of rats in the Fenlands, states that he himself ha« killed in one parish, which is intersected by the Cardyke and the South Forty-foot Drain, 3220 rats, 2500 of which were killed on one farmstead. This number, however, by no means represents all tha rats destroyed in that one parish, for several of the farmers; to save expense, have their rats killed otherwise than by contract. In the districts infested by the plague, the va fs ard in every bank, rick, barn, and out-house, and the amount of damage done to the unthreshed corn is rnosb grievous. The Fens are Very favor able for rats, because there is water in the dykes close to hand, and there are no stones in the soil, therefore the banks are easy to burrow in ; but the accessibility of water is a great advantage, for where the rats are obliged to travel fcr water they get destroyed in fa ansitu.,,

SPORTING.

THE DUNEDIN MEETING.

[per press association,]

Dunedin, February 19. At Forbury this morning Wolverine did two miles at three-quarter speed, accom panied by Wayland and Dormeur. Hilda and Cruchfield galloped a mile and a half fast, the mare going better than pre viously. Cissy did a mile at a sound pace. Occident went two milea with Assyrian King at three-quarter speed, both pulling up sound. Gazeile beat Tempest and Mariner over six furlongs. Freedom did a servicable gallop twice round, the second round with Blizzard. Reprisal, Fiesole, Florrie, Tassy, and Tom Field also did fast work.

This morning Mr D. Rutherford's Ahua and lxion, Mr H. Lunn's Cajolery, Mr M. Sherwin's Dragon, and Mr P. Butler's Crackshot and Bay King, went through to Duncdin.

EGMONT MEETING.

A.t the Egmont races to-day the Egmont Handicap of 300 soys, two miles, resulted as follows: —Dudu 1, Leorina 2, Eileen 3. Won comfortably. Time —3min 40f sec. Dividend, £2 Bs.

Mr Barnard, the fainour handicapper for the Victoria Racing Club, has resigned* after a service since 1809. The OfcagoThne§r Melbourne correspondent says that Mr Bar nard is now over 70 years of age, and his handicaps of some recent events have given poor satisfaction. The case which has ex cited most comment is that'of Greygown, who has been thrown into various good events. No one hints that Mr Barnard has wilfully shown favouritism. There has never been a shred of suspicion against him. But the club, were beginning to feel that he was failing, and it is understood they pro cured his resignation. Mr Scarr, of Sydney will in all probability be his successor.—One of the brothers Dakin is also mentioned as likely to succeed to the office.

Supreme Court

[van pkuss association.]

Dunedin, February 18. In the case of Campbell against Ros«, it appeared that Rose was acting as agent for Campbell, and on the latter calling at the office and refusing to pay two guineas he was ordered out. Campbell declined to go until he got his papers, when ilose attempted to carry him, and in doing so fell on the plaintiff, who had his thigh bone broken. Plnintiff stated that he had paid £158 for medical attendance. Hia Honor said the whole trouble appeared to have arisen from misconception by both parties of their rights. The owner of an office had the right to put out a person who declined to go, using such force as was necessary to overcome the resistance offered, and if in the struggle the person being ejected met with an injury, the owner of the office was not liable. If more violence than necessary was used, however, he was liable. The jury gave a verdict for £200 damages. Wellington, February 19. Nineteen cases against twenty offenders are set down for hearing at the criminal Missions which begin on March 2. The principal charges are eight cases of forgery and one of personation.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

(PER I'llESs ASSOCIATION.)

Gun Accident. Palmerston North, February 19. Mr W. X.' Hellish, solicitor, acciden tally shot himself this morning. His death was almost instantaneous. Deceased was a son of Mr Mellish, who was Hesi dent Magistrate at Christchurch for mnny years. ITlilforil Sound Prisoner*. Wellington, February 19. The reports regarding the prisoners at Milford Sound are much exaggerated. The work is going en well, and all the men who show signs of insubordination , will be removed. Xlio Ilospitnl Enquiry. Auckland, February 19. The Hospital enquiry concluded this morning, after Messrs Cotter and Rees had addressed the Commissioners on behalf of nurse Arnaboldi and the friends of McKenzie. The report of the Com missioners will probably be issued about the end of the week. ,

The Prince of Montenegro has hit upon an ingonious method of utilising his army in the time of peace. Hitherto every man bearing arms has looked upon himself as extempt from the vulgar necessities of labor; but Prince Danilo, who it may be remembered, lias been spoken of by the Czar of Russia *3 the only friend lie possesses in Europe, has issued a general order that every soldier shall yearly plant 2!K) vi'joii, every corporal one olive tree, every liiHiteuant five olive trees, every chief of a hatUi.lion 10, and every general "20. Thus 4,0J0,000 of vines and '20,000 olive trees will be annually planted, aud swords may be advantageously trans formed, iutq j>r uuing-hooks,

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTO.N—THURSDAY.

(Before Mr C. A. Wray, R.M.)

STKAY CATTLE. John Campbell was fined 5s without costs for .allowing a cow to graze in Tancred street-, and R. is. Bean Is for a stray pony. R. Akorn was charged 'in three informations with haying-allowed a cow to be at large in the Boroughs The cow was impounded twice in one day. The poundkoeper arid Frank Peters gave evidenco as to alleged straying, and defendant in denial of some of the evi dence. The latter stated that he had .securely closed the gate of his paddock, but it had been opened. He was fined 10s on two informations and the third was dismissed. Robert Elston was fined 5s for allowing a " tricky " pony to open the stable door and get out. E. Cox was fined 10s for allowing two horses to graze on Havelock street. BBEACH OF THE SHEEP ACT. H. T. Shepherd, Baling, was charged by W. G. Ree.s, Sheep inspector, with having mustered his sheep without giving due noHce of his intention to his neigh bors. The Inspector asked for the verj lightest penalty, as in the present state of affairs, when sheep stealing was prevalent, it was imperative that farmers should know that the Act demanded that notice should be giver-. The charge was brought with the object of bringing under sheepowners' notice this clause in the Act. A nominal fine of Is was imposed. J. T. Ford was fined 10s for having forty un branded sheep in Tinwald yards. CIVIL CASES. His Worship gave judgment in the case of Benny v Dowding heard last Court day—claim for amount due on contract for grass cutting. Judgment was given for plaintiff for £28 : and in the cross action—Dowding v Benny—Mr Purnell elected to accept a non-suit. SHEEP WORRYING CASK. W. Sutton sued R. Anderson and James Corbett for £910 d, value of sheep worried by defendants' dogs. Mr Purnell ap peared for the plaintiff and Mr Wilding for the defendants. Plaintiff, in evidence, said he was a farmer on the Ashburton Forks. Corbett's place was about four miles from witness' and Anderson's a mile farther. On the 25th of January witness found two dogs in his paddock worrying his sheep. One was a large sheep dog, black, with a little tan—generally, a dog easily to be dis tinguished ; the other a small aainial, what is known as a blue dog, with white points. The dogs had the sheep in three lots, and the large dog was worrying the sheep in the first lot while the small one was rounding up the second lot.: When wit ness came into the paddock, the dogs made off: Followed the dogs to Green's, keeping them in view all the while. At Green's got two horses and the assistance of Green's sin, and followed the dogs up the riverbed. The little dog, which was lame, stopped at Corbett's, where witness dismounted and knocked at the door. When Corbett came outfhe acknowledged ownership of the dog, and when, the other dog was described, Corbitt at once re cognised it as Anderson's, Meanwhile young Green had been keeping the other dog in view. .Remounted and joined Green, and crossing the fence at Ander son's followed the dog to Anderson's house. At the house Anderson said the dog was his, but when told it had been worrying sheep, said he was prepared to stake £5 the dog would not bite a sheep. He also expressed his belief that witness had missed the trail of the dog he was after and got on to his. After some talk about the time Anderson said his man -tWi"ouoct told him the clog was running about at eight o'clock when he got up to wash. Anderson declined to make good any "damage done by other people's dogs." Corbett said he would pay half the damage. On the day of worrying iwo sheep died, another died on the day fol lowing, another the day after, and twelve had to be killed. The sheep had been ripped from two inches behind the shoulder to the thigh, and the entrails were showing, in some instances trailing on the ground. There were two hundred sheep in the paddock—first-cross hoggets. Mr Wilding cross-examined the witness at some length as to his following the dogs. The sheep were worth 9s or 9s 6d a head, and had cost him 11s 3d each before shearing. He shore 3s worth of wool from each. The carcases had to be buried, being useless for any purpose, and the skins were valueless. Robert Green corroborated the evidence of plaintiff. At this point Mr Anderson wished to ask a question to Robert Green, and persist ing in his intention Mr Wilding threw up ! the case. The question was one as to the track to the river which the Magistrate failed to see the relevancy of. Peter Greely said that on the morning of the 25th January Sutton came to his place, and calling him out pointed to a dog about fifty yards away. To the best of his belief the dog was Mr Anderson^. George Robertson, shepherd, with twenty years' experience among sheep, advised Sutton to kill fifteen of the badly worried sheep. Valued them at 9s a head for the dead sheep, and 3d a head for depreciation in value of the remainder. [Left sitting.]

ASSESSMENT COURT

I The Borough Assessment Court sat to iday for the hearing of appeals against the Valuation Roll. Mr C. A. Wray, R.M., was judge of the Court. The following business was done : — AshburtonDrug Company, name altered to J. H. Twentyman. T.S. 214,223 and dwelling, Havelock street. Alexander Craighead, name altered to James Taylor. T.S. 1222 and dwelling house. W. H. Collins, name altered to Mrs S. J. Collins. T.S. 783, Peter street. Charles VV. Baker, name altered to Mrs L. Baker. T.S. 694, 695, Cameron street. Rudolph FrieiUander appealed against the ratinp of sections 417, 418, 423, 4?4 borough reserves in Moore and Tancred streets. They had been assessed at £16 each by the Valuator, while the rental paid to the borough was only £5. The Valuator said the fee simple of the reserves was £100 each, «md £16 was a proper figure to rate at. Ultimately £12 was fixed. Same, £320, grain store property, re duced to £300. G. P. Milsom, soda-water factory, cottage, and shed rated at £40; ten sections reserves, for grazing, £20. The valuation of the business property and dwelling house was sustained, the grazing paddock reduced to £15. W. W. Spencer, shop, Burnett street, £100—reduced to £84. Chas. W. Baker—T.S. 714, carpenter's shop, Wakanui Road £30, reduced to £20. The Court then rose.

News received in Auckland from Calcutta announces the death there of W. Woodyear circus proprietor, well-known in New Zea land. He died of cholera, after two days ill ness. The "Rangitikei Advocate" says "that while the London stockbroker looks askance at the wishes of the colonies to borrow, English capital is exceptionally abundant for investment on mortgages at remarkably low rates. We have heard of one gentleman ,in Rangitikei being requested to place £10,000 in this district on freehold security at 5£ per cent, and a Marton man advertises £3000 at the same comfortably low rate. The Associate-l Banks of Australia have re duced the interest on fixed deposits by \os per cent, and everything goss to prove that while the credit of the Australian colonies.: stands very low, money for investment in the colonies is pirticulariy 'abundant 'and cheap,?' ' ' T

TFR ASHBURTOJN GUARDIAN, THTJKSDAY, FEBRTJABY 19, 1891



' WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY '2SmL For the United Kingdom and Continents of Europe and America, and West Indies (via, San Francisco), Saulwieh Islands, etc., and also Northern Ports of New Zealand at 6.20 p.m. ; registered letters, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m. Note—lt should be note:! that the post age is reduced on letters to the United Kingdom only.



The luwt medicine kuoua; is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYITI EXTRACT, Test its eminent powerful effects in coughs, colds i;>fluy;iz&, etc. —the relief is instantaneous. Tlion«»H')s g'iye the most gratifying testi mony. His MajG.-i( ; ;/ the King of Italy, and meilical syndiejittM afl fjygi; the globe are its patrons, head the official rej.'.t is n-Miy i\ivli hottla. IMosler, M.1)., I't'oft^sor | University, (Jriefswalil, l'cports : — 'J'lie Isuu-i)vj)ti Kxtiuct proved magnificently suc eossful' lit ycyy severe contusions, bruises, .•spi.-uns, ivoumin, <iif;ij'.]iiigis broken ribs, and li)nbfj. (" Medical .iWw.u*]," Nov., ISSI. | ;n disi'.:>se.-5 of the kidne_ys, citUi;,- y.fitfvc Cfni irc^t.ii.'ii or snpjiression, (nru'inai) ov it'l\,miii, nuriit, di"i\Ky, Jithargy, nothing will eqna j in its naiUtu K^calypti Extract. Dosok tivc to-iis {\w\i--i.. i)o«loVi M.1)., Profyssor Univci-i-ity, (inufswaiij, 'yMntrta: —Diphthc, ri:i. ToitrtiLi «ontjiHiS(lly wyfiuiei^t pvosiintiug iiloors with \v\\\Ui «xmlfits. fjiu'trl Jij fgui' tc:ri ('ays. Surged (Jlijijy of t'i'of. M'Juiyi-o, ('•)'i';.L(e of I'iiysi^Lins ;ujil Sui'geouy, &t. I^> li i---S<;irrhin of IVenat — Kxeistou Jouc:i -!y;>!.i X : 4;v.ct, employed. Xo swelling, heat, fA di;:jj!onitioii. Ctirt-1 in fourteen days. ] —AUvl 4



Wanted CASH Advertisements under this headin* not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-, Addresses may be loffc at this Offin« fTIRY the Oreaf: Drapery Sale now on X {lfc H. C. SEGEIIS. J3RESENTS. —All holders of Tickets JL will oblige by bringing them in as soon as possible. - H. C. Seguiis, Melford House. /"POOLING and invigorating Jc« Crcuu \_y as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectiwner, East Street. \\ / ANTjSD Known — Some special » V lines in choice Dress Goods fit very low prices showing at " The C »rner." WANTED Known—The " Stromr- Avear" Boot is the best for Mcns 'jirlies and Children.—W. H. Collier. t^EGERS' Clearing Sale in all Depart k^ wonts now on. One trial .solicited. -- Melford House. A ITANTED every man m tlio County W to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robkut Alcohn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Sa.under's Buildings. GLASS, Earthenware, and China, direct from the Manufacturers. — Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Srumders' Buildings. WANTED Known—The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods in Ashbarton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with cles paten. ANTED KNOWN — MRS J. BUCHANAN wishes to inform her country friends and the public, that she will open business on Saturday, February 21, as Fruiterer and Confec tioner. Tea and Coffee at all hours. Hot Luncheon on Saturdays,|from 12 to 2. East Street next John Orr and Co. 2 110 TT~ALENTINES ! VALENTINES ! at V L. F. Andkewbs & Co. Just opened up a Large and Varied Assort ment to suit everybody. Sale of Surplus Stock shortly when Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, &c, &c, will be offered at GREAT REDUCTIONS. L F. ANDREWES & Go. IMill |ll———M—.lll, II I _ j SINGING. " ALA.DV (now resident in Chvist clnircb), thoroughly competent to teach Singing, is desirous of obtaining pupils in Ashburton. Lessons at their own residences. Apply "Alpha," Mail Office. ? 106 * THE MIRROR. ' A HIGH-CLASS Weekly, Social Political, Literary, and Dramatic paper, to be published every FRIDAY price 3d, by the Centennial Printing and Publishing Company, Limited, Melbourne Terace, Rus*elJ Street Melbourne.



ALL who have used the '' Wertheim ' Nt'tV High Arm sowing machine, proclaim it to bs the most perfect sewimr machine yet produced. Inspection invit id. *\TEW ZEALAND CLOTHING _LN FACTOB V, the leading Hat, Cap, and Clothing Manufacturers, EAST STREET, ASHBUETOIT. A<Ji''?l for the Wondorfi.il Wertheim Sewing Machine W. H. WEBBER, Manager. A USTRALTA** MUTUAL PROVI- Xi. DENT SOCIETY , ' ESTABLISHED 1849. FOR LIFE ASSURANCE cm the MUTUAL PRINCIPLE. NEW ZEALAND BRANCH HEAD OFFICE—CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY, WELLINGTON. 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. i!) Iward 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 Auuual Bonnscs, reducing the net cost of Assurance to the Lowest Possible Limit. It is the oldest, largest, wealthiest, and most prosperous Mutual Life Oftice in the Southern Hemisphere. ITS Bonuses are larger than those of any other Life Office of similar age in ai.y other part of the world. The Society has distributed amongst its members upwards of £4,050,000 in Cash Bonuses, representing Reversionary Bonuses exceeding £3,000,000 sterling. AFTER making unusual muplereseivep, the Cash Surplus for division for the year 1839 was £420,404, a larger amount of profit than has ever been realised or divided in one year by any other ollice of the British Empire. THE Society issued 11,004 New Policies during the year 1889, aHKUi'ing £3,079,459, with new Pi-emims amount ng to £133, 000 % The «S >citifcy*. oJi'era UNDOUBTED SKC irfef'l' V, LIBERALITY, IROFITS. ITS investments in N«w Zealand sucuri« ties are £1,273,514. and. all the surplus Branch accumulations arc invested in the Colony, thus making it essentially a 'THOROUGHLY COLONIAL INSTITUTION BE CAREFUL OU SKLECT THTS SOCIETY, AND DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE SIMILARITY OF NAME OF SOME OF THE YOUNGER AUSTRA LIAN OFFICES. EDWARD W LOWE, Rt3<ul<>jif-. Sm-etary. Chrisfccl.urch District Office, W. 11. j JERRY, Local Broker, Airtfiitvy Clerk, H i£AX->:-H.



/""I ENTLEMEN requiring ths very \JT latest fashion in FLEXIBLE HATS (all colors) will find a choice stocV at the New Zealand Clothing Factouy. WHITE and Fancy Scarfs, White and Striped Vests, Tennis Shir's, buttoned and lacec'i fronts, all colors, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. SUMMER Merino and Gauze Merino Undershirts, with long or short sleeves, at the New Zealanp Clothing Factory. WASHING Derby Ties Gd each, six for 2s 6d. Increasing demand for these at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. I)OYS' School Suits, well fitting, } durable, and moderate in price at the New Zealand Clothing Factouy. AGENTS for the Wonderful New High Arm " Wnrtheim " Sewing '''Mv^iTligesV ■-"'■"'



jfublio Notices. "l/TONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, in sums of £100 TO_ £5000 For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office. Christehureh. WITH TEETU a: HOUT 'f CLltt CHRIS rUHLROH DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Cashel and High streets s. m™ io a SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin and Westport {TTE have gained iht FIRST AWARD W ** the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that ye guarantee the highest class work and perfect tit at the most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Comple 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 cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE C4AS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration, ss. Extraction, 2s Od. Artificial Teeth and Denture*, made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost