The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1891. LOCAL AND GENERAL

The Very Rev Father Chastagnon will celebrate Mass at the Schoolroom, Long beach, on Sunday next, and Vespers at Ashburton. | The Master of the Ashburton Old Men's Home desires to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of a quantity of c:tke from the Key Mr Uarbett, Tinwald, papers from Mrs Stephens, Treverton, and a parcel of clothes from a friend for the use of the iuimti* >. The " North Otago Times " understand that a new coal mine, on co-operative prin ciples, has been opened on the land of Mr J. M'Kenzie, of Shag Point. The men work ing the mine are those who lately left the 1 Shag Point Coal Mine. A very dangerous place on the Main South Road betweeu Mr Markey's and the County Saleyards exists. A wooden culvert under the road has given way, and there is now a depression m the road, and also a hole about a foot across and fully three feet deep. This should be seen to at once by the proper authorities] For the Ashburton (suburban) Licensing Di strict the local option poll which was taken at Tinwald, on February 3rd, gaye—Publicans' licenses, increase, 21 ; against, 49 ; majority j against, 28. New Zealand wine licenses, increase, 19; against, 49; majority against, 30. Accommodation licenses, increase, 20; against, 47; majority against 27. Bottle licenses, increase, 17 ; against, 50 ; majority against, 33. The " Napier Daily Telegraph " says :— ," For the complete triumph of a Liberal democracy we must have a Parliament com posed of gentlemen who have not a second skirt to their backs." As the barbarians of heathen lands judge a man by the number of cows he owns, so the " Telegraph" has established a standard of its own, m which a man's ability is m direct proportion to the number of shirts he owns. Will some kind friend be generous enough to forward the " Telegraph " one shirt.—" Oamaru Mail." Notice has been received that at the January quarterly communication ( of the Grand Lodge of South Australia fraternal recognition was accorded by unanimous vote with acclamation to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Bro Hulbert, of Christchurch was appointed representative of the Grand Lodge of. South Australia to the Grand Lodge of New Zealand; and P. M. Bro George Gordon (late of Lodge Winchester and Lodge of Otago), was approved as the representative of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand to the Grand Lodge of South Australia. The inquest on the victims of the Ballarat tragedy was reopened last week when Dr Jordon stated that Johnston, who is still m the gaol hospital, was to ill to attend, and he would not be surprised to hear of hi» death rtt any moment. He did not think that Johnston could live a week longer. He was sensible on every subject but _the death of his wife and ohildreu. The inquest adjourned for a fortnight. Johnston is still under the impression that his wife and children are still alive. Theßiverton correspondent of the " Otago Daily Times " telegraphs that a phenomenal hailstorm passed over Riverton on Tuesday. The largest hailstone picked up measured six inches m,length, another one four inches, and any number from two to three inches m diameter, and of many fantastic forms. The glass m nearly every skylight and conserva tory was smashed. Fortunately there was no wind, or every window m the exposed side of the buildings would have been broken. A perfect deluge of rain fell at the same time, causing a good deal of damage to the goods m some of the shops, as the spouting not being able to carry the water off the roofs as fast as it fell, it ran over and down through the roof and down the walls inside, damaging the goods on the shelves.

The balance-sheet, as audited, of the New Zealand Exhibition Company (m liquidation) shows that the total receipts of the exhi bition amounted to £30,011 11s lid, and -.that'the expenditure amounted to £49,709 17s 9d, of which the sum of £35,039 18s 6cl was disbursed by the various committees and £4603 10s 9d went m salaries and wages; The balance of £19,098 5s 7d, being the excess of the expenditure over the receipts, was met m the profit and loss account by the Government subsidy of £10,000 and donations to the extent of £403 19s 6d, leaving a further balance of £9098 5s 7d to be provided for m the capital account. The avaiable balance, after paying off ' this deficiency and meeting the claims of sundry creditors, not included m the items of expen diture, amounted to £891 3s 11s, which being divisible amongst 905 holders of 12,482 shares, yields a dividend of Is 5d per share —not 15s per share as telegraphed. The annual meeting of the Lyttelton Harbor Board was held yesterday. The Secretary's report shewed the receipts for the year to have been £55,548, including £10,292 credit balance from last year. The | expenditure and outstanding liabilities were £28,994, leaving a surplus of £26,554. Since dredging was begun 2,833,950 cubic yards of material have been removed, at an average cost for ten years of 6d per yard. The graving dock account shewed a credit of £248. The Sailors' Home had sheltered 245 men, as against 196 the previous year, and the Board had only to contribute £80, as against £150. The chairman staled the accumulated sinking fund amounted to £15,954. The Board had now, apparently, no other alternative than to go to law with the Railway Commissioners, who persisted m retaining possession of No. 5 storage shed, notwithstanding they had no funds to pay for it, nor were likely to obtain any, " Typo " reproduces the following story from the early seventies, which has the merit of being true, The two veteran printers concerned are both m Wellington vow —they were then m Canterbury. Mr W. Nation, of Christehnrch, bought from Mr Haggett, of Timarn, some second-hand printing plant-, including an old press which had seen much service, and was decidedly the worse for weap, When the bulk of the stuff was sent, part of the press remainel behind. This was afterwards despatched, and Mr Haggitt sent advice by wire as follows: " Ribs and broken leg by afternoon train." The ghastly message sent an electric thrill of horror through the telegraph office, and the mysterious document was privately shown to the Jnspectop of Police before delivery. At the appointed time Mr Nation i repaired to the railway office, when he was touched outhe shoulder by a constable; who, wanted to see (fthmi ribs and that broken leg." Mr Nation had some difficulty m re pressing his emotion, lut dissembled, With the air of a detected culprit ho led the stern officer to the platform, and pointed out the flcshless ribs and fractured limb. The con stable had nerved himself for a tragic spec tacle, but was not prepared for the reality. It was too much, and he beat a rapid re- The steamer Elderslie has on her official staff two apprentices who have evidently not been educated with a due regard to the im portance of her Majesty's representatives m the colony. Thp two. young gentlemen m question were originally drafted from a training ship iv England, which was visited by Lord Jersey before he sailed to take up his vice-regal duties m Sydney, The noble lord patronismgly invited any youngsters who might visit Sydney to call upon him "and P'iy their respects to the missus." The young shavers m question, baing possessed pf uncomfortably long memories, on arrival of the Elderslie m Sydney, formed tliemsel/es into a deputation of two to wait upon his Vice-Regalship. Having removed as much of the engine grease as they could shift with the aid of a swab and holystone, they donned their dress suits, and with their cird cases m their pockets presented them ■clvcs at the door of. Government House. By sheer lliitish cheek they paralysed the gentry n.t the entrance, and forced their way into his Ex^llencyship- Fortunately the "Jersey Lilly waß suffer jng from the geni ality evoked by a square weal and a pood cheroot and welcomed his young fiends vyitji effusion, and after discussing domestic affairs and ipkmS tueir °Pimoa °" a few Srave questions #£ State, the young gentlemen, were dismissed wick a month's wages pre wted to each from the viceregal honora rium and a request to give " Jarsey's " love 1 m the <^ueen when you get back, » ,

A meeting of the Upper Ashburton I Licensing Committee should have been hold yesterday, but lapsed for want of a quorum. At the Local Option polls m the Mount Soniers and Mount Hntt licensing districts nob a single vote was recorded. The Canterbury Fruit Growers' Associa tion lias telegraphed to the Government requesting them to at once prohibit the im portation of fruit from colonies and diatricta infected with the codlin moth. Proceedings m the actions taken by Mr John Meikle, kte starter for the South Canterbury and Geraldine Racing Clubs, J against Mr W. C. Webb and the" Lyttelton j Times " Company have been discontinued. At the inquest on the body of H. L« Mercier, at Christchurch, evidence was, given by Dr Prins, who was called m, and other witnesses, and it appeared that de ceased had regularly taken chloral for sleep lessness. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." An extraordinary discovery was made at Edinburgh on Dec. 10, on the Lord Provost's Committe resolving to have Mr Parnell's name expunged fron the burgess roll. One of the Councellors asked to see the roll, and found (so it is reported) that the name of Mr Parnell had not been inscribed on the page left blank for that purpose. The Bishop of Bedford (says the "Daily Telegraph ") made some amusing confessions at the annual dinner of the b'insbury Polytechnic recently. He rejoiced that the clergy now took active interest m stimu lating football and cricker, but deplored that some of his young curates were thereby placed under the necessity of sometimes appearing m church on Sundays with the undesirable accompaniment of a black eye, whose rich hues denoted that it had been received late m the previous afternoon. Mr Yates tells a good story m his con tribution to one of the Christmas annuals. An American gentleman had come over to England on purpose to see the Derby. The luncheon provided m one of the boxes, how ever, so occupied his attention that " the great race " was run without his knowing it, and he only rushed out m time to see the jockey brought back to scale. He summed up his grief m the remarkable exclamation, " Oh, scissors ! I have come 3,000 miles to eat cold beef and pickles !" Australian papers state that a scandal has arisen m connection with the Bourke Flood Relief Fund. A public meeting held a few days ago demanded that the Mayor should publish details of the distributions. It ap pears that several well-to-do persons, in cluding two aldermen, received from £100 to £170 out of the funds provided for the alleviation of distress among the poorer classes. At a meeting conveyed to express confidence m the mayor of Bourke, a motion to that efiect was groaned at, and a vote of censure carried, The meeting dispersed m great disorder. The Martini-Henry rifle recently imported by the Government is an improvement m several respects upon those previously m use here. The base of the foresight, instead of being a square block, runs down towards the breach m a slope of about three quarters of an inch long, and m shooting at long ranges the deration can be kept even by taking m the whole of the barleycorn. The liver is about three inches longer, and the handle of the stock is slightly altered. The rest for the thumb of the right hand is done away with, and a better grasp of the stock can be ol> tamed. The price of the new rifle is £4 Is. Perhaps the most effective blow ever aimed at the Napoleonic legend m France has been administered by M. Thaine, m the fifth volume, which he has just published of his " Les Origines de la France Contemporaine," m which, while doing full justice to the wonderful genius of Bonaparte, he convicts him, by a mass of unimpeachable testimony, of having been one of the most infamous scoundrels that ever curbed mankind ; utterly destitute of a moral sense, a beast m sensuality, a stupendous egoist and so malignant an enemy of France that he was responsible for the destruction of 1,700,000 Frenchmen, and of probably 2,000,000 of men belonging to other countries. In his youth", as a Corscian, he had exclaimed '' I will do those Frenchmen all the harm I can ;" and for once at least he kept his word.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

[PER FRBSSi ASSOCIATION. J

Wellington, February 5, Government have asked Sir Harry Atkinson to assist as one of the New Zea land representatives to the Federal Con vention, but he has not yet made up his mind.

POLITICAL.

[PEK PHEsS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, February 5. Sir G. M. O'Rorke has consented to act on the Arnaboldi Commission, so will not be appointed on the Native Land Titles Commission. The third member of the latter is still unchosen. The Minister for Public Works lias agreed to place £4000 on the estimates for the completion of the lunatic asylum at Christchurch. Norbury and Trevor, £17,000, are the successful tenderers for the Porirua asylum. The total acreage of Crown Lands disposed of last month was 37,892, being perpetual lease, 22,852 ; cash, 13,150 ; deferred payments, 1888. Sir W, Fitzherbert is not expected to recover.

SPORTING.

D.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

[per press association,]

Dunedin, February 4. The following handicaps have been de clared to-day for the Autumn Meeting :— Handicap Hurdle; Race, of 100 soys. One mile and a half :—Ahau, 12st 101 b ; Ixion, 12sb 31b ; The Spy, list 51b ; Little Arthur, "list 21b ; Romulus, IQst 121 b ; Erin-go-Bragh, lOst 91b ; Ivanhoe, lOst 71b ; Garibaldi, lOst 51b j Waitangi, lOst 31b ; Trimolifce, lOst; Trapper, 9st 71b ; Tired, 9st 51b j Smuggler 9st 31b ; Erebus, 9st; j Stewards' Purse Welter Handicap, j of 120 so' 7s. Six furlongs :—Cissy, lOst 121 b ; Blizaard, lOst 51b ; Quibble, 9ifc 121 b ; Harkaway, 9sfc 71b ; Retina, 9st 51b ; Yon Tempsky, 9st 31b ; Breadalbane, 9st I 21b : Inez, 9at 21b ; Thackeray, 9st ; Ben Trovato, 9st; Miss George, 9st; Mariner, Bst 121 b; Fiesole, Bst 121 b ; Queen of Trumps, Bst 121 b ; Tempest, Bst 101 b ; Loo, Bst 101 b ; Bay King, Bst 101 b ; Don -Ciesar, Bst 71b; Dragon, Bst 71b ; Catamount, Bst 51b ; Warlock, Bst 51b ; De Trop, Bst 21b; Tired, Bst 21b; Parronade, Bst 21b ; Lady Sockburn, Bst; Dormeur, bsfc. Hilda and Cissy haye arrjved after a gppd passage. The fprmer's price for the Gup has shortened to 2 fco" 1, Priniq Warden and Occident 4 to 1, Orackshq find Fr^oclom 5 to h

THE LABOR BILLS.

The one important legacy which the present Government inherited from their predecessors m office was the Labor Bills. These measures, it will be remembered, were founded upon the report of the Sweating Commis sion, and the Atkinson Ministry intro duced them with a great flourish of trumpets, declaring that if nothing else was done the session should not be allowed to close without these measures passing. We all know how that romi&e was fulfilled ; hut the position of affairs" should not be allowed to emain the same as it is at present. The evidence given before the Com mission showed that " sweating," as that term is understood m England, docs not exist to any great extent m New Zealand ; still there are several evils that require remedying, and al though Mr Hislop's Bills savoured, perhaps too much, of grandmotherly legislation, the question is one which should by no means be lost sight of. The new House, composed as it is of a larger proportion of working men than is usually to be found m the Legisla lature, is particularly well fitted to deal with the subject. The amelioration of the condition of their own class was one of the main planks of their political platform at the general election; and we may take it for granted that promises: made on the hustings will not be forgotten. The only fear is that some of the new men will be inclined to go too far, aad lose sight of the fact that m law-making there is more than one class of interests to be considered. Then, again, the recent strike has had the effect of consider ably extending the field. !No doubt the labor party gained a decided victory m the election, and they now have the ball at their feet. It is, however, one thing to have the power, and quite another thing to realise how far it is wise to exercise that power. This is the first lesson a young politician has to master, and during the recess this will doubtless be accomplished. There will always be m the House a number of men holding extreme views which they will endeavor to force on the country ; but, judging from the recent short session, we do not think there is an undue proportion m the present Parliament. Compromise must always form the basis of good government, and quite sufficient injury has been done by hasty legislation m this colony m the past to serve as a warning for the future. When the Ministry bring down their Labor Bills, as it is to be presumed they will as early as possible next session, they will probably be found to be much on the same lines as those of the late Government. The question has nothing whatever to do with party politics, and had the present Opposition, when they were m power, been really m earnest, there would not have been the slightest difficulty m passing them through both Houses. 'The measures were, m fact, used simply as a stalking-horse m view of the coining election; but the people of the colony have shown clearly and distinctly that they were not to be hoodwinked. If the Labor Bills are to become law, it is a House m which the labor party is m a majority that should pass them. The question is of paramount importance to the welfare of a large number of people m this colony, and members would do well to carefully study it from all points of view, so that when they re-assemble the subject will have been well thought out, and no time will be Avasted m useless discussion. One thing is cer tain, namely, that there will be no shilly-shallying with the matter, as ! was the case last year, as the present House has quite made up its mind that legislation is required, and the session will not be allowed to expire before some efficient measure dealing with the evil has found a place m the statute books of IMew Zealand.

Addington Stock Market.

Chkistchukch, February 4. The market to-day was well attended, and the'business dohe was very satisfac tory m all classes except store cattle, m which, there was a conspicuous absence of competition or demand. Stoke Sheep. — About 1800 were yarded, all of which sold at most satis* factory rates, and the demand was not satisfied. The principal portion of the entry consisted of two and four-tooth cross bred wethers and mixed sexes. Four tooth wethers sold at 10s 4d .and 11s 3d, others bringing 9s 6d and 10s. Dry crossbred ewes realised 4s to 6s lOd, and a line of crossbred lambs brought 7s lOd. Fat Lambs. —There were about 700 m the pens, and some prime sorts brought as much as 15s. The majority'sold at from 7s to 11s 6d. Fat Sheep.—Only about 4000 wera yarded, but there were some good sorts amongst them, and prices remained firm throughout. Best crossbred wethers and maiden ewes, fetched from 13s to 15s ; light weights, 9s to 11s 9d, and some Dalethorpe merino wethers brought up to 11s 6d. Fat Cattle. —The entry of beef was generally of a very even, qiiality, nice little steers and heifer^, wiffl a few fat cows. The number entered militated against a successful sale, and the price obtained of late was hardly sustained. Best steer beef was sold at from 17s to 18s 6d per lOOlbs, and other sorts from 13s upwards. Store Cattle.—There was only a small entry of odd lots of dry cows, which met with anything but a willing market, and very little business was done. A few dairy cows that were sold realised fair prices, but the quality of the entry was not up to the usual standard. Pigs.—There was again a large entry of seful sorts of stores for stubbling, a good assortment of porkers, and a few light baconers.

The Gothenburg System.

The Agent-General of Victoria has for warded to the Premier of that colony a copy of a report prepared by her Majesty's Legation m Stockholm on the working of the system. " The report, which is based on returns from all the British Consul ates, m the country," writes Sir Graham Berry, "proves beyond all doubt that under the operation of the system the consumption of spirits per head of the population has fallen from 28.90 to 16,05 litres, while the number of convictions for drunkenness proportionally to population and of cases of delirium tremens has also steadily diminished. A remarkable fact is mentioned m the course of the report that when m one day a number of public-houses m Stockholm were reduced from 193 to 87, 'no protest was made on the part of the lower classes, who thus suddenly found 106 of their- customary' resorts plosed agajnst them."' This, certainly, is a gqqd record, and at this distance sounds well for the success, of the system. A pamphlet which iwcon.ipa.ni9B Siv (faajiam.

Berry's communication explains that the object aimed at by the founders of the Gothenburg system was " the decrease of the widespread poverty of the working classes, m so far as it was caused by the : abuse of intoxicating liquors. The mean? by which it was proposed to bring about this rsjbult were the radical reform of the manner m which the public house traffic was conducted, and the artificial heightening ■of the price of spirituous lipuors to be secured by the •suspension of the principle of competi tion. With these things m view, the iiut-horities' agreed to transfer the pnblic-hou.se licenses existing- m Gothen-. burg toacompany who consented to under take the business on the understanding that neither the shareholders nor the persona engaged as managers should derive any profits from the sales beyond a f xed percentage on the capital invested. This I principle of 'no profit to the sellers' is ' the keystone oi the system wherever it has been established m Sweden."

Auckland Harabour Dues.

THE PROTECTIVE CHARGES

[per press association.]

Auckland, January 4. A deputation of flour importers and others waited on the Harbour Board and protested against the increase m wharf age charges for flour, bran and chaff. They pointed out that the extra duty on flour was most oppressive and fell on a few importers. They considered that the tax should be uniform, and that if the rates for flour were raised the rates tor all similar goods should also be increased. Eventually the consideration of the matter was deferred for a fortnight, whenj owing to the election for three seats, a change will have taken place m the personnel of the Board. The Harbour Board have agreed to remit for «ne year the inward wharfage charges on sheep brought here for freez ing and export purposes.

The Macquarrie Sealers.

THE KAKANUI MISSING,

PROBABLE LOSS OF 19 LIVES,

(per press association.)

Bluff, February 4. The Hinemoa arrived from the Mac quarrie Islands at 6.30 p.m. She reports that the Kakanui arrived there on the 2nd of January, and left again on the 3rd, taking away eight men from the island, and leaving Mr Mellish, the manager, and hia wife there. Two days after leaving the Macquarries, a fearful westerly gale was experienced there, and it is most probable that the Kakanui foundered m that gale. The people on the Macquarries had plenty of rice, flour and biscuits, and also ate the penguins' eggs and parts of the birds themselves. Mr Mellish refused to coins m the Kakanui, preferring to await the arrival of the Gratitude, ketch, from Invercargill. A thorough search has been made of the Auckland, Snares, Solanders, Traps,, and aU outlying islands, but no trace of anyone has been found. The gale experienced at the Macquarries after the Kakanui left was so violent that casks of oil were blown along the beach and a hut was blown down. Captain Fairchild fears chat it is only too likely thai the Kakanui experienced that gale and foundered, as when she left the Mac quarries she whs very deep and had ap parently a good stock of coals on board. Dunedin, February 4. So far as can be ascertained, the names of those on board the Kakanui are as follows :—Captain William Best, married, with four children ; Captain Jacob Eckoff, married, with six or seven children; Charles Mardon, mate, married, one child ; Robert Stewart, engineer, mar ried, no children ; William Morgan, fire man, five children; William Ressler, cook and steward, married, one child ; George Ludwig, seaman, married, two children ; Charles Silvester, seaman, single, no relatives m this part of the colony ; —■ Sanne, seaman, married, one child ; and a fireman name unknown ; Jas. Stewart, customs officer, son of Captain J. Stewart, of Big Dredge. The eight men taken off the island were C. Gamble, H. Couzens, A. Watson, G. Godfrey, W. Dow ; H. Lewis, and two lads, W. Cowan and W. Ralph. Couzens and Dow are Dunedin men, and Lewis was a fisherman at Port Chalmers. The Hinemoa's news has cast quite a gloom over the place. No one ever dreamt that the Kakanui had made such a smart passage down. As to the statement that she was deep m the water, that can scarcely be correct, as ske sailed with only sixty-five tons of coal on board; and about twenty-five must have been con sumed on the trip down. She ought, therefore, to have been m the best possible trim. The news greatly shocked Mrs Best, who is m ill-health; Inveecargill, February 4. Alex. Watson, the only man from thw quarter on board the missing steamer Kakanui, has a wife here. He was second mate of the Circe, and afterwards mate of Mr Hatch's schooner Awarua, but joined the shore party m March last. The pro bability of so many lives being sacrificed for what proves to be an unfonnded rumor that the people on the Macquarries were starving has caused a painful sensation here.

The Stanley Scandals.

A meeting under the auspices of the Aborigines Protection Society was held m London on December 13th, Sir R. N. Fowler, M.P., m the chair, to consider the disclosures m connection with the Emm relief expedition, and to take steps to prevent a recurrence of such brutalities m the future. The chairman said the opening up of Africa on proper lines would be a great blessing to humanity, and of the highest commercial advantage to this country and to the natives of Africa. Such, however, was not the character of Mr Stanley's semi-military expedition, which was under no legiti mate or proper control of any Govern ment, but existed on a sort of indepen dent filibustering basis. The expedition had no right to kill the natives, or even to punish them, and yet horrible cruelties have been inflicted without a shadow of authority Christians protested against armed intervention of the character which they flll so much deplored, and demanded that future expeditions should be free from the evils of which they so justly had to complain m regard to Mr Stanley's pro gress through Africa. Mr Frederic Harrison, m seconding the resolution, contended as a lawyer that the whole ex pedition was illegal, and that the leaders had rendered themselves liable to the criminal law of this country. It was a slave trading and raiding expedition, and Mr H. M. Stanley had" brought himself within the provisions of 5 George IV., c. 13. At any rate there was sufficient prima facie evidence to warrant a public body like that society taking up the matter and getting it settled m"a court of law, and he suggested |that |some eminent counsel should be consulted. Miss Colenso, daughter of Bishop Colenso, also protested against what had taken place m Central Africa and m Eululand, where the present Government had pre mitted atrocities as bad as any which Mr Stanley had committed. The Govern sliduld purge itself of the charges brought against itsoffic^K m Zululand m 1887-9. A resolution was unanimously carried : "• That, tajs, meeting regards with indigna tion the cruelties, practised on African natives ty iflembe^ of $« JJjnfn, l^tyjf

Expeditionl, find urge? on hoy Majesty's Government fche duty of. taking such action as may preveit the occurrence of similar offences it future." Prince Kitoji Ajassa (Dahoney) thanked the society for the proteefcfan of his country men, and denounced t/ie,savage treatment of the natives by Mr Stanley and his officers. Mr Bonny (of Stanley's rear guard), said that it vas through him that many of the cruelties complained of be came known to the public. No doubt they hail been committed, hut they must bear m mind the whole of the unparalleled d,nd desperate circutiisfcance m an unknown country. The public amid have no con ception of the character of the natives or of the difficulties eu<buntered, and rather than insist up^n" fur&, er inquiry h e ad vised them to draw a over all these unfortunate events. w\ ie tlotails had not yet come out, ana no o- o od to anybody would result froi. further revelations. Similar atrocities *» other parts of the world had escaped nou^g and although he had regretted what 'hel had seen, be did not think the evils could have been avoided. If all the truth were told Englishmen would bow their heads with shaitie, and Europe would point at them with scorn.

Zonal Railway Tariff.

In reference to the agitation m favor of railway zonal tariffs a Home paper says: —The decay of first and second class rail way traffic and the enormous growth of third class, ab any rate m Great Britainj are startling facts, and have caused many reflections on what has been called the de mocratisation of our railways. In the last half year therrhas been almost? every where a sensible filing off m the receipts from the two upper clashes, and an enor mous increase amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds m those of the third class. In a few jears almost everyone over here will traVel third, and Becond class will have disappeared. One thing, however, is wanting for the thorough de mocraCisation of the railways, and that is a revolution m the fa'es. The years will bring that, too. What is the experience of Hungary? Less t»an a year ago the the country was divid?d into zones, and extremely low fares were fixed for ordi nary trains from any one point to any. other within a given zone. Under this system one can travel from end to end of Hungary for about Bs. The change has resulted m a great success. I believe thai long-headed man, Sir Edward Watkin, who is* chairman of the Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire and South-i Eastern lines, sent a representative over to Hungary some time ago to watch this experiment. It is only a question of time, and. we shall travel at a farthing a mile.

Novel Contempt of Court.

Swift punishment has overtaken 1 th enterprising reporter who " interviewed " the jurymen summoned for the trial of Eyraud and Gabrielle Bompard m the hypnotism; iflurder case m Paris, to as certain beforehand what their verdict was likely to be. He appeared to-day (writes the correspondent of the '' London Daily Telegraph " on November 26) before the Tribunal of Correctional Police, charged with causing injury and annoyance to jurymen, and interfering with the due course of the law. The defendant pleaded that he had no intention of doing either the one or the other, thinking that lie was accomplishing merely a smart stroke of journalistic Avork. The President read him a lecture on the duty of newspaper writers observing decent reticence when the administration of justice was con cerned. It came out m the course of evidence that the reporter's ''interview ing " was not nearly so complete as the article he wrote attempted to make out. Instead of seeing 21 jurymen, he only saw four. Three declined to speak to him, and the other was indiscreet enough to talk, because he thought the man was not an "interviewer," but a doctor. The court sentenced the offender to a month's imprisonment. The trial, it niay be mentioned, had to be postponed for a month m consequence of this incident.

Gaming and Lotteries Act.

THE " REFEREE " CASE,

[PER PIIESS ASSOCIATION.]

Christchxjuch February 5. In the Supreme Court this morning before Mr Justice Denniston, the " Referee " case was argued. The case was an appeal from the judgment of Mr Beetham, R.M., m which the appellants, Messrs Selig and Bird, proprietors of the "N.Z. Referee/ were fined* £50 each, or m default three months imprisonment, for having ad vertised that they would receive money for putting on the totalisator, which was held to be a breach of the Gaming and Lotteries Act.

The Markets.

[PER PKEBS ASSOCIATION.]

London, February <k. At the wool gales there is keen compe tition. The prices remain firm. Melbourne, February*. The wool market is buoyant. Prices range trom par to a farthing higher than the sales of a fortnight ago. Good combing merinos, greasy, brought up to 10|d ; do., washed fleeces, uo to Is 2^d ; greasy crossbreds. 8d to 9|d; scoured crossbreds, l<Hd to 12^d. Invehcakgill, February 4. The second series of wool sales is largely attended. About 1500 bales were sub mitted, with spirited competition. The prices ranged from 8d to 10£ d fbr crossbred, and as high as llfd for halfbreds. The demand for merino was more active than the last sale. .

, The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have re ceived the following cable message, dated London, 3rd February, 1891 :■•—, Wool—The sales progress firmly. Since close of last sales superior greasy merino has advanced neariy §d perlb; fine greasy crossbred, §d per lb; fine scoured crossbred, £d to Id per lb : coarse crossbred, |d per lb. Other descriptions unchanged. Up to date 77,000 bales have been sold. Wheat—Market is dull. New Zealand wheat, f.a.q>, to arrive iron ship is worth, C,i.f., 37s per 4801 b, [January-February bills of lading. Other quotations are un changed.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per press AssoeiA'ribJirj]

Lond,gn, February 3. Sir H. Loch has arrived to , consult the Colonial Office on African affairs. Lord Salisbury has refused-to per tnit Arabi Pasha, now m exile, m. Ceylon, to return to Egypt, A Baron was detected cheating at cardsjwhilein corapany with the Prine* of; Wales; and be-has ilecl the country. The waterside UwV-ms have refused to work with nou-.U'uioniyts, and a struggle is imminent. Mr McCarthy, speaking at Liver pool, |said it was necessary that the

Irish Parliament should have the con trol of the land and the police. The Irish party was united on this question, and would soon.present, an unbroken front. Steamers with an aggregate of 450,000 tons are lying idle m the ports of Great Britain. Mr Justice North m the Chancery Division to-day decided that the Dock Companies have power to compel ship owners to discharge their own vessels. The funeral of the lato Mr C. Brad laugh was attended by labor delegates from the principal towns. Mr Morley was also present, besides many other members of the House of Commons. Silver has risen to 46|d per oz. Mr W. L. Murdoch and Dv Barrett, two of the last Australian cricket team, have been selected m the All- England team, whichproposes to make ; tour of the United Kingdom "*' Mftp ~2E£:d Commons to-day the J«ght Hon. Mr Lowther gave notice to move that it is essential that immediate step 3be taken to effect prompt preferential fiscal relations wiih the colonies. A calico syndicate, with a capital of £5,000,000, is being established. New i'oiiK. February 3. Information is to hand that Val paraiso has been re-taken by the Presi dent's troops, who defeated the insur gents. The country is now reported to be quiet. Paris, February 4. The sentence of death passsd on Eyraud for the murder of a process server named Gouffe, was not com muted, and Eyruad was executed to day. . Lisbon, February 3. The Portuguese finances are m a precarious condition. Vienna, February 3. 1 Professor Mostig, of this city, alleges he has discovered a cure for cauceß Bbemn, February 3. Dr. Miguel succeeds General Caprivi as President of the Prussian Cabinet, the latter still retaining the Chancellor ship of the Empire.

AUSTRALIAN.

Syiwis^ February 4. The captain of the Tekapo reported that when sixty miles east of the Heads he passed the barque Sharp shooter, from Noumea, with six feet of water m her hold. Offers of assistance were made to her, but these were de clined, the crew stating that they could hold out for another forty-eight hours. The Sharpshooter arrived safely ,m the baabor to-night. She sprung a leak on Monday. The pumps becoming swaitped, the water rose almost to the deck, when all hands took to bailing with buckets. The sea going down about the time the Tekapo was sighted enabled the crew to partially block the leak, and the water was reduced. Arrangements for holding the Foderal Conference are completed. Mr Frederick William Webb, clerk of the Legislative Assembly, has been ap pointed Secretary.

INTEPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, February 4. Sir George Grey, when ha. arrived yesterday afternoon at Rotonia, "wllibliear he had gone for the benefit of his health, was welcomed by Mr Malfroy, on behalf of the Europeans, and also received hearty greetings from the Native!?, who made a demonstaation m his honor, sing ing a song of welcome. At the Resident Magistrate's Court, Coromandel, Harry Pittar was fined £5 and costs for having advertised himself as a dentist, and practised as one, whilst he was not registered under the Dentists' Act, 1890. Pour children of a widow, named Lund,; whose ages ranged from two to ten years, were rescued from a brothel kept by their mother this morning, and committed to the Industrial School. It was Stated m evidence that Mrs Lund had another boy but recently sold him to a Chinaman fof five pounds, and he was taken to China, Sir George Grey has been elected Presi dent of the Auckland Liberal Association. The Managing Director of the Onehunga ironworks, Mr Kissling, addressing the employee there yesterday, aesured them that there wrs no truth m the rumor which had been circulated that the Direc tors intended to lease or sell the works. As a result of the reoent fire on board the ship Leading Wind, the Harbor Board have authorised the Chairman, Mr Niccol, to communicate with' the' Government, suggesting that an enquiry be held into, ■ the probable cause of fire m flax cargoes, so as to determine whether or not flax is. subject to spontaneous combustion. A man named Michae'J O'Connor, em ployed as a navvy at Fallbon's railway contract, near Ngaruawahia, fell down the face of a cutting there 70ft, dislocating one wrist and injuring his back and sides. Those who saw the accident consider it marvellous that the man was not dashed to pieces. He has been taken to Hamil ton Hospital.. . It is said that Mr Adam Porter will be | a candidate for the Aroha seat if another, I election is held. | The cases m regard to] the Hunfcley i Mine disaster were before the Court at Huntley to-day, when John Kaye and James McLellan were charged with having neglected to make safe the. new dip por tion of Ralph's mine. A. similar charge against William Montgomery was with drawn. Captain. Jackson, R.M., was on the Bench. Mr Hay appeared for the Crown, instructed by Mr Wilson, Mining: Inspector. The defendants, who were without counsel, pleaded Not Guilty,., The case is proceeding. Another charger to the same effect, against Willyuu Col lins, manager of the mine, for whom Mr Tole appears, has been adjourned. - The Government is willing to grant licenses to officers of the Salvation Army to solemnise marriages, on the presenta tion of a certificate signed by twenty four persons that the officer making the application for the license is - minister. If necessary the la^v will be amended to enable this to>be done. At the inquest on the firev »ti Anderson's store m Taranaki street on the night of 19th January, the jury returned an open verdict, and added a, rider that the cir | cumstances were suspicious. Tney were, also of opinion that the stock was over insured, and the Insurance Companies, should exercise more care m accepting risks. '' The Government have decided to bes represented at the Postal Gottfererice shortly to be held m Australia, and the Postmaster-General wiU» if possible, iro over. ' R , The Hon. Mr Cudman, Native Minister wiU accompany his Excellency the Gover ns? on his inland trip through the North Island, WkllixPtTow, February 4 Before the Chief Justice m Ba^ thfe afternoon argument, was takan on the appeal by plaintiff m th? v Whitaker- Hutchisoncase. SirF. W&ifcker appealed against the decision of the Chief Justice ' m refusing to stj-^e out from the state ment of the defence certain references ™«n wora njficte to the private accounts of afory, A&VWtluul Mr Mitqbelsou,

THIS ABHBUBTON GUARDIAN, THURSDAY, iTEBBUARY 5, 1891



SANDER AND SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT.—In protection of the world wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following: Hazard, M.D., Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the Mind and Nervous System, says m an editorial published m the "Clinical Record":—"We have examined half-a-dozen specimens of different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sons was the only one that proved to lie reliable and corresponding to scientific tests." Another concoction called "Refined Extract of Eucalyptus" has made its appearance since. This product stands, Recording to Dr Owen, foremost m causing injurious effects That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzroy became most seriously indisposed through its use. In another case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from tle effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of our manufacture we eel warranted m expo ing the above facts, aid desires the public to exercise care and precaution when buying, SANDER and SONS. (Advt.) 7



STOCK-TAKING. REDUCTIONS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS For one Month. NEW ZE A I A N D CLOTHING FACTORY hganb for the Wonderful Werthehn Sewing Machinesf W. H. WEBBER' Manager



MONEY TO LEND. TITONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £ioo to^sooo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to i J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Christchurch. WJTM.TEETH AiitlCUT TtuTH CHRIS L'UTiGRCH DENTAL SURGERY. Corner of Oashel and High streets C: TVyfYERS AND fiU. SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin .mcl Westport {TTE have gained thi FIRST AWARD VV M 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 th* most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Comple Set — Upper and Lower temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natukal, Duraele, 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 park or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE c>AS 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 Cd. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost



WANTED Known —Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." i WANTED Known—The "Strong wear" Boot is the best for Mens *_adies and Children.—W. H. Collikr. QEGERS' Clearing Sale m all Depart O ments now on. One trial solicited. - Melford House. WANTED Known — The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods m Ashbarton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des atcfl. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburton Tweeds. —Robeut Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. OOTS, BOOTH. . " Keep you. feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock m now. Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcoiin, Ashbur ton. VT"ALENTINES ! VALENTINES ! at V L. F. Andrewbs & Co. Just opened up a Large and Varied Assort rnent to suit everybody. Sale of Surplus Stock shortly when Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, &c, &c, will be offered at GREAT REDUCTIONS. L F. ANDREWES & Co.



Wanted ] r^...mm m i CASH Advertisements under this { heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be loft at this Offi»w f^ ENEBAL Servant Wanted.—Reier- VJX ences required.—Mrs Rollitt, Canterbury Mills. 2 21 WANTED Known—Bicycles, &c, repaired. First class workman ship guaranteed.—C.Grant. 2 22 fpHK Ashburton Cycling Clua will JL hold a run on THURSDAY next at 7 p.m., from the Post Office. 2 14 TZ"NOTT I T7"NOTT I TT^NOTT I _O_.NOTT I XVNOTT 1 ±>_NOTTI Mr J. Knott is coming. 2|l rpRY the Great Drapery Sale now on JL at H. C. Segers. T3RESENTS.—AII holders of Tickets _L will oblige by bringing them mas soon as possible.- H. C. Segeus, Melford House. /POOLING and invigorating Ice Cr#am \J as made by H. G. Flowhr, Con fectioner, East Street.



WM. SPARROW, TAILOR AND MEN'S MERCER. BAST BTBHET, A USTRALTAN MUTUAL PROVI- J\. DENT SOCIET* Established 1849. FOR LIFE ASSURANCE ON 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). Charles John Johnston, Esq. (Deputy- Chairman). Alfred de Bathe Brandon, Esq. The Hon. Jfiiward Richardson, C.M.G., M.H.K. Nicholas Reid, Esq. ANNUAL INCOME j 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 Annual Bonuses, reducing the net cost of Assurance to the Lowest Possible Limit. It is the old largest, wealthiest, and most prosperous Mutual Life Office m the Southern Hemisphere. ITS Bonuses are larger than those of any other Life Office of similar age m auy other part of the world. The Society has distributed amongst its members upwards of £4,050,000 m Cash Bonuses, representing Reversionary Bonuses exceeding £8,000,000 sterling. AFTER making unusual ample reserves, the Cash Surplus for division for the year 1889 was £426,494, a larger amount of profit than haa ever been realised or divided m one year by any other office of the British Empire. THE Society issued 11,664 New Policies during the ye ir 1889, assuring £3,679,459, ;\ th new Pi-eniima amount ng to £133,411. i Societ t s UNDOUBTED SECURITY, LdERALITY, PROFIT ITS investments m New Zealand securi ties are £1,273,514. and all the surplus Branch accumulations are invested m the Colony, thus making it essentially a THOROUGHLY COLONIAL INSTITUTION BE CAREFUL YOU SELECT THIS OCIETY, AND DO NOT BE DECEIVED BY THE SIMILARITY OF NAME OF SOME OF THE YOUNGER AUSTRA UAN OFFICES. EDWARD W LOWE, Resident. Secretary. ChrisUsliurch District Office, W. H. JJERRY, Ja> pi Broker, Agency Clerk.



ART NEEDLEWORK, AND FANCY REPOSITORY, AST STREET, ASHBURTON. ! MRS "ADAMS I S now showing some nice designs m JL. Piush, Canvas, Raised Woolwork, Crash, Arresene, New Shades m Macrame Tinsel Silk, Filloselle, New Transfers, Cords, Tassels, and Fringes, Braces and Smoking Caps ready for working. China, Glass, and Japanese Ornaments m great variety. Wedding and Birthday Gifts Agent for Mesclames '; foigel and Butterfak's cut paper patterns, and Eclipse Dye Works. Registry Office for Servants. 2 8 STEPHENS T)ROS TEPHENS JL> R O S MARKET HOUSF. TO STATION OWNERS, CON TRACTORS, 4NDHARVFIST HANDS WE have just landed a First Class Stock of this Season's TEA, in cluding the very Choicest Varieties that money can procure. The Indians are flowery and pungent, whilst the Oeylons are spring pickings with plenty of grip. We have also m China Kaisow and Moning, both of excellent quality. In addition to the above we have secured for this district the sole right of Belling and introducing the Kangra Valley Co.'s TEAS, which have been so highly com mended and appreciated m other parts of this and the adjoining Colonies. We have therefore no hesitation m recom mending them to our Customers and the Public. We have further been successful m pro curing the agency for this town for Sutton's, of London, ' FAMOUS FRUIT SAUCE, Cheapest and best m the trade. No Housewife should be without it. All other Goods m Stock of Best quality, —Including— HARDWARE, TINWARE, BRUSH WARE, GLASSWARE, CHINA WARE, HOLLOWARE, CROCKERY, &c. N.B.—All GOODS purchased from us can be returned if not satisfactory, (^^.Satisfaction being our Motto. "fgJI STEPHENS BROS. MAEKET HOUSE ASHBURTON.