DEATH.

Gunk. —At Winslowon March 30, Donald, son of Hugh and Mary Elizabeth Gunn, aged four months and two weeks. Deeply regretted.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 1891. FEDERATION.

The pause m the public proceedings of the Federation Convention, and the outside utterances of some of the dele gates, have led to the considera tion of the altered aspect of the Federation question as it af fects New Zealand. The principle has been adopted that the future Commonwealth of Australia is to be,as regards tariff", freetrade between the various States and protective against the rest of the World—New Zealand being it is tacitly assumed one of the j latter category. «This has brought home to many of our public men the position into which New Zealand will lapse under these conditions. Our cereals will be excluded from Austra lia, and under the general protective tariff some industries which have hitherto bsen unsuccessful are certain !to be promoted, and may interfere greatly with our manufactures, especi ally of woollens, machinery, and implements. The Hon. Mr Ward— who was a spectator of most of the proceedings of the Convention, and had opportunities of becoming ac quainted with influential public feel ing on the question—has said that it is impossible for New Zealand to hold aloof ; all our liabilities m respect of defence and other obligations sink into nothingness compared with the magni tude of our interests m obtaining free admission for our produce into Aus tralia. Meantime the attitude of Victoria renders it very unlikely that the Constitution Committee, who are now at sea, will be able to evolve a Constitution which will be ac ceptable to what a Sydney writer terms " the discredited, depressed and financially worm-eaten colony of Vic toria." Federation jtvill come, though not to-day, and when it comes New Zealand must either secure a favorable commercial treaty or cast m her lot with her neighbors.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

m : • The Mr William Seattle who was found drowned at Oamaru on Saturday is supposed to be the manager of Lake Heron station, Ashburton Gorge, who went to Oamaru a fortnight ago to visit a sick friend and has not since been heard ofF. The English Postal authorities state that the reduction in the postal rates between Australia and England to 2|d per half ounce has resulted in a Urge increase in the amount of correspondence sent from Australia. In the first mail at the reduced rate, brought by the Steamer Britannia, (he letters from Sydney numbered 12,684, as against 10,525 by the two proceeding mails respectively, This is an increase of about 20 per cent. The first mail from Victoria under the new postal rates included nearly double the ordinary number of letters dispatched. From New Zealand the increase i.i the number of fetters sent was only small, but it is expected that following mails will take considerably larger numbers. In regard to newspapers, nothing is stated, but a London newspaper says that they have been delivered very badly since the increase in letters showed itself.

We clip the following important testimo nial from the " Illawarra Mercury " (N.S. W of he 30th March. It needs no comment: — ' Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountaino writes to us that after suffering for four years with acute gravel, he has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sons' Kucalyptic Kxtragt. He says :—" Seeing the said Extract advertised in tire ' Illawarra Mercury,' his intense suffering induced him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He states that between 10th March hist., when he obtained the first bottle of the extract, and the 19th, the use of that medicine continued to afford him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four years.

A lady's handbag, containing two return railway tickets to Ashburton was found on the Riccarton Racecourse yesterday. The cricket match between Wellington and Canterbury, was finished this morning, the former winning by eight wickets. The ships Strathgryfe, from Lyttelton, December il; Auckland, from Lyttelton, December 20; and Waipa, from Timaru, December 15, have arrived Home. At Christchurch to-day Frederick Hall, one of the spieling fraternity, was sentenced to a month's imprisonment for stealing a totalisatir ticket value £'2 3s 6d fron a man at Riccarton Racecourse yesterday. Before Mr A. Harrison, J.P., this morning, a man named Anthony Ferrick was sentenced two one month's imprisonment for vagrancy and drunkenness. Two first offenders were dealt with in the usual way. The Salvation Army Anniversary and I Harvest Festival will be celebrated next 5 Sacurday, Sunday, and Monday. Special officers and the Christchurch Lasses' Band will be present. At Christchurch the holiday attractions were the Autumn Meeting of the Canterbury Jockey Club, the Veterans' cricket match at Hagley Park, the Band of Hope Demonstra tion in the North Park, and a Catholic picnic at Lyttelton. The weather was beautiful. A new process for freezing is to be used at the Ngahauranga works of the Wellington Meat Export Company—viz., an ammonia machine, supplied by the Linde British Re frigerating Company. It is claimed for this process that by its use meat can be refri gerated at one third the present cost. At Timaru there was beautiful weather for the holiday and the town was almost deserted. About 900 went by the special train to the Oamaru camp ; 300 to Fairlis Creek Races by another special; and 400 attended the Friendly Societies' sports, and there were picnics in all directions. Tho regular monthly meeting of No. 5, Female Orange Lodge was held in the Orange ' Hall, on Thursday evening, when there was a good attendance of members. President Sister Page opened the Lodge in due form. One candidate was initiated into the order, and one proposed; and a large amount of j other business was transacted. In Austria they think it worth while that farming should be done intelligently. That couutry has not only a high school of agri culture, but 15 intermediate and 83 primary agricultural schools, besides nine chairs of agriculture in polytechnic establishments and agricultural experiment stations. There are also 162 courses of agricultural lectures attended by about 10,000 persons each year. The services *t St Stephen's Church on Easter Sunday, were of the special nature suited to the occassion, and were well attended. Rev E. A. Scott, incumbent, officiated, and the appropriate anthems were snug. The Church was beautifully decorated with flowers and foliage by the ladies of the congregation, among those who took part in this labor of love being!Mesdames A. Curtis, Kempthorne, Makeig, Scott, and Trevor, and Misses Earwaker, Fergusson, Fowler, Gates, Littlecote, Purnell, W. Purnell, Reed, and Traumann. At the annual meeting of the Prince Alfred Hospital, in Sydney, reference was made to the circumstances which, 23 years ago, led to the foundation of the institution—viz., the attempted assassination of H.R.H. theDnke of Edinburgh. Sir William Manning said there was an incident connected with the affair which had never before been made public—he supposed for political reasons. This was that the would-be assassin, O'Farrell, after his trial, informed the police authorities that what led him to attempt the murder was the fact that ten Irishmen in Sydney had received a warrant from Dublin ordering the murder of the Prince, and it fell to his lot to fire the shot. The Woodville correspondent of the " Evening Post" writes :—The bush fires sc far have been a miserable failure, and all ho!:e is about past tor this season. Only on very elcvt.ted positions lias the fire gone through at all sufficiently to get the seed on. Quite 15,000 acres of bush are still unburnt, which means no sale for grass seed, small demand for labor, and the loss of a year's grass to the owner. The bad season is a disaster which will take years to set right, because not only will tho district suffer from the bad burning season, but also from the disaster to the hay, corn, and potato crops The latter in many instances arc rotting in the ground. It is estimated that the bad season has caused a direct loss to the district of £20,000. English papers say that the rat plague is still very prevalent in the Lincolnshire fen district, and farmers are suffering serious loss inconsequence. Although the numbers have been considerably reduced in Eome places by persistent ferreting, yet in others, whero the killing was neglected last whiter, they have alarmingly increased within the past few months. Many of the tho new corn stacks already swarm with the rodents, and the mangel and potato graves have also suffered considerably. Nearly every experiment has been tried with the object of extermination, some of which have proved beneficial, but the majority useless. The ratcatcher's system of ferreting has been attended with the best results, an enormous number of rats having been slaughtered in this way. On one farm it is said that one man alone has killed over 5000 this year. Farmers are offering 2d and 3d per rat, and ratcatchers are at work nearly every day. The anniversary services of the Baptist Church on Easter Sunday were conducted in the Oddfellows' Hall by the Rev Arthur Dewdney, of Lincoln Road, who preached in the morning from Acts xxvn., 23, and in the evening from Jude 20 and 21. The preacher dealt with his subject in a masterly manner, showing the blessedness of a Christian life, and that by living such a life only could the greatest good result to the greatest number. The experiences of the unconverted and those ako of the converted were dilated upon, and much profit was derived by the hearers. The choir sang I suitable anthems, and Mr Wildsmith pre sided at the organ with his usual ability. I The London correspondent of the "Argus" writes:—lt is curious to note that one of tli3 dsvelopment-s of democracy is to" bring into favour as politicians sporting baronets and half-pay colonels. At Hartlepool the unionists pat up a man who had crealel t! e town and sail employed 4000 hands in his works, ami thought him a trump card. But he was beaten by another employer of babour, who, like himself, was also u member of the Anti-trades-unionists Shipping Federation. A man high in the | councils of the Tories has told mc that the managers of the party now perceive that they might have won the election if their man had bean one who was totally discon nected with industrialism, and had never done anything to earn a fortune, for then j they could have afforded to abuse the Gladstonian as a capitalist. The day had passed, they feel, when an elector can be i affected by gratitude towards the man who pays him his wages, which after all, are the only current rate of wages in his trade. If one side discards employers and capitalists, then the other side will do so likewise, and and thus the sporting baronet and the half pay colonel will have the field all to them selves—which will in turn produce the result of a definite cry for the payment of members. K eating's Cough Lozknges euro Coughs, Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony states that no other medicine is so effectual in the cure of these - dangerous maladies. One Lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bedtime ensuaes rest. For relieving difficulty I of breathing they are invaluable. They cou tain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists, in tins, Is l|d and 2s 9d each. Holloway's Pills and Ointment are remedies which should invariably be taken by travellers travelling in search of health, pleasure, or business. Many deleterious in fluences are constantly at work in foreign climes, tending to deteriorate the health. These and the altered conditions of life will entail on those who travel the necessity of carefully attending to early symptoms of disease, and they will find the use of these remedies to be highly necessary, the action of the pills being purfying_ and straighten ing and of great service in cases o ffever, ague, and all inflammatory diseases, whilst the ointment is a sovereign cure hi case of piles, bad legs, bad breasts, -wounds, and ulcers. Hollo way's remedies do not deterio rate by ehmpge of climate.

The Weather.

ALIfORD STATION. The following is the Meteorological report for the week ending 20th March, 1891:— ;

Fatal Artillery Accident.

(per press association.)

Melbourne, March 30. A terrible accident occurred at the Easter manoeuvres at Queensclifl. While Corporal Brailey and Gunner Donaldson, of the Geelong battery, were closing the breech lock of a six-inch Armstrong gun, the gun exploded, and both men were mangled beyond recognition, nothing being left on their bodies but their boots. Other men belonging to the detachment were sent reeling about m blinding smoke, streaming with blood, and are badly scorched. Four men who were close to the gun which exploded are severely but not danger ously hurt. Colonels Price and Gold stein, Captain Uphelby, and other officers dashed up to the battery and recovered the wounded. The cause of the explosion is unknown.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

(Received March 30, 10.45 a.m.) London, March 29. The trial of those charged with being concerned m the Tipperary riot con cluded yesterday. The Jury .acquitted Breen, Breenock, and Keating, and disagreed m the cases against Dalton and Gill. New York, March 29. John O'Connor, one of the Parnel lite delegates to America, is at Boston, suffering from influenza. His condlr | tion is regarded as critical. Rome, March 29. It is understood that the principal reason for the Pope desiring an inter view with Archbishop Walsh was to obtain greater control over the Nation a 1 ■ ist party and render political assist ance to England. ! London, March 29. Messrs Dillon and O'Brien, who were confined m cells attached to the county Court during the trial of the Tipperary rioters, were safely removed when the fire broke out. The flag flying from the Ccu-thouse remained intact till the last and fell amid a scene of wild enthusiasm. London, March 30. The supporters of Parnell to-day stoned the followers of McCarthy, at Lasky, a small village m the vicinity of Sligo, where Parnell is carrying on the campaign. The police fixed bayo nets, but were powerless to protect Mr McCarthy, who fled to Siigo, hotly pursued by a large number of opp.o nents, who continued stone throwing. Mr John Pinkerton, M.P. for Galway, received a nasty wound on the head from a stone.

The Shearers' Agitation.

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[PEll PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Brisbane, March 30. A prominent labor leader named Berry, who succeeded the officers previously arrested, was taken into custody on his arrival at Clermont. Four hundred and fifty military are now stationed m the disturbed dis tricts. The Unionist leaders have cabled to the Government of the Argentine Republic asking if they are willing to assist bush workers to take up land with the view of establishing co-opera tive colonies. [Received March 31, 10.35 a.m.] Brisbane, March 31. A riot occurred near St. George, m which a party of Unionists were engaged. One free laborer was badly injured. Sixty men were arrested. The heaviest rain kno.vn for years is now falling m the disturbed district.

The Federal Convention.

(per press association.)

Sydney, inarch 30. The Constitutional Committee of the National Convention have been sitting all day, and will probably sit all night considering the draft Bill, which it is expected they will have ready when the Convention meets to-morrow afternoon.

The Chilian Civil War.

[per press association.]

Valparaiso, March 29. The rebels have captured Ohimeral. President Balmaceda lias dismissed eleven Judges of the Court of Appeal and four from the Supreme Court. (Received March 31, 10.35 a.m.) ■Valparaiso, March 30. The Chilian Premier has resigned, and intends to contest the Presidential election.

Latest Cable News AUSTRALIAN

(PBII PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

(Received Marqli 31, 10.35 a.m.) THE HOLIDAYS. Sydney, March 31. Fine weather was experienced for the holidays all over Australia except m Tasmania and a portion of Vic toria. OBITUARY. Melbourne, March SI. Sir Francis Murphy, aged 82, formerly Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and one of the Commi ssioners who decided the' site of the capital is dead.

THE NEW ORLEANS TROURLE.

I Tub disputes between the Sicilians 1 resident in New Orleans and an in fluential section of the American-born citizensj which culminated in the lynching by the latter of a number of the former, and which threaten to expand into an an international difficulty, present some peculiar features. A glance at the circum stances leading up to the present position of affairs will be of interest. Of all European peoples the Sicilians have the worst reputation for relentless vindictiveness. The "Vendetta—that deadly family feud which consists 'in the murder of each other by the heads of the respective antago nistic families—has its home in | Sicily, and professional assassins could until a very recent period I indeed—it is said can now—be hired for ' the purpose of carrying out dark deeds of vengeance or malice. Many (Sicilians were among the large numbers of the lowest orders of Italians who emigrated to America and made their homes in the Southern States, where the con ditions of life were in many respects similar to those which exist in their native country. Some of them took up their previous occupation of fruit growing and kindred pursuits, but many gravitated to the large towns, where they in course of time almost monopolised certain departments of labor. In a country where the in fluence of rings and combinations is continually manifest in every grade of society it was only . natural that the clannish instincts of the Sicilians would be revived, and before long some of their old-world secret societies were established among them, There were several of these societies, the ob ject of each being to protect the in terests of its members, and to avenge, even by the deatli of the offender, any wrong which any mem ber might be considered to have suffered. The Mafia is the most powerful of these societies, and for the last two or three years its power has been evinced in New Orleans, in a man ner which caused something closely approaching a reign of terror. Assas sinations of recalcitrant members of their own organisation began to be taken as a matter of course, and the im possibility detecting the perpetrators was recognised. But growing bolder the Mafia took upon itself to deal in its peculiar manner with those citizens who resisted its claims, which begin ning with regulating those branches of the labor market in which its members were interested, became more and more pretentious, until an organised system of intimidation and corruption was set up, and even the administra tion of justice was sought to be con trolled. This state of affairs was in sufferable, and the authorities deter mined to take steps to suppress the society. Hennessey, the chief officer of the Mew Orleans police force, was one of the most effective of those em ployed in this dangerous duty, and so obnoxious was he to the Mafia that his assassination Avas ordered and effected Some of the party avlio shot him were recognised and brought to I trial, but the jury had been terrorised or corrupted, and four of the prisoners were acquitted. In the case of three others the jurors disagreed, and the j trial of four others was postponed. | Sicilian methods thus appeared to be in the ascendant, but laAvful American I methods having failed, the irregular methods of that great country were brought into operation, and the citizens, rising en masse, disposed of the whole of the accused summarily accord ing to the method laid down by Judge Lynch. The representative of the Italian Government, as Avas his duty, demanded an explanation, which the United States Government has promised to furnish. Meantime we hear that the Italian fleet is being prepared for active service, and that some hundreds—thousands one tele gram has it—of Italians in the States are arming and drilling, with a view, we presume, to meet the disciples of Judge Lynch on their oavii ground. It is a case of an illegal gathering assuming the function of dealing with an illegal combination, as the Mafia assuredly is. Much smaller matters have in times past brought nations into conflict, but there is very little fear of the New Orleans affair being made a casus belli. One point is very prominently shown by the affair, and that is that the Sicilians are one of those nationalities which Avill never assimilate with the Americans. Like the Germans, the Poles, and some others, they speak their own tongue, intermarry among themselves, and ob serve their native customs--some of which, as Ave have seen, are not toler able in a civilised, and. on, the Avhole, well-governed community.

Primitive Methodist Church.

On Monday evening a tea meeting was hold m the church at which 300 guests were entertained. The tables were attended too by the following steward esses :—Mesdames Davis, Crum, Addis, Trevurza, Watkins James, and Robinson, and Misses Hardley, Crum (2), Addis, and Hop wood. At the public meeting that followed room was found for no less than 473 persons. The Pastor, Rev Mr Cocker, presided, and m his opening address gave some interesting Primitive Methodist statistics. The connection had existed for eighty-two years, and had during that time built seventy-one churches per annum, the estimated value of which, as properties, was now over £3,000,000. The membership was 200,000. Last year 3000 members had died and fourteen ministers, and forty eight ministers had been received on probation. The other speakers were Rev J. W. Sawle on " Earnestness," 1 the Rev a, M. Beattie on a kindred subject; and addresses were also given by Revs E. A. Scott and J. N. Buttle- The musical portion of the pro gramme was specially attractive, vocal items having been contributed by Mesdames Marsden, Flower, Burfoot, and Gamble, the Misses Gates and the Misses Steele, and Messrs Flower and Gates, and a sweet violin solo by Master Broadley. Mr Smith's excellently trained choir and efficient orchestra gave several anthems with superb effect. The usual votes of thanks were given, and the meeting terminated with the benediction.

Newfoundland Difficulty

[PER PKJEtoS A.SSOICATION,]

(Received March 3!), 10.45 a.m.) Ottawa; March 29, The Canadian Government request the Marquis of Salisbury to prohibit

J Newfoundland discrimination m favor \ of America, respecting the sals of bait. St. Johns, March 29. Captain Walker, of H.M.S. Emerald, will appeal to the Privy Council against the decision of the Court by which he was mulcted m damagoa for closing Baird's lobster factory.

The Duke of Orleans.

[Received March 30, 10.45 a.m.] Paris, March 29. The " Gaulois " has published a.tele oram, professedly from the Due dOr leans from Tiflis, denying his appear ance m public m Paris with a singer.

Upper A shburton Road Board.

The monthly meeting of this Board was held yesterday. All the members were present. Correspondence was read as follows : — From Messrs Todhunter and Doweling, drawing the Board's attention to the height of the crown of Black'* road, and stating that it stopped the natural drain age and flooded their land. —Resolved that the Clerk meet Mr Dowding and attend to the matter if necessary. From the General Crown Lands Office, Welling ton, stating that the resolution passed by the Board re the departure from the present arrangement whereby the Board receives the deferred payments thirds, etc., had been received by the Hon. the Minister of Lands. From the Mount Hutt Road Board, stating that they are willing to pay their share of the cost of metalling the portion of the Boundary road from the bridge near Thompson's to Maguiness' road, a distance of rather more than one mile. It was resolved to call for tenders for the following works :—^l) Metalling Laghmor road, a distance of some ten miles, more or less ; four yards metal to the chain. (2) Picking tussocks off McDowell's road, a distai.ee of some t'Avo miles, more or less, between sections 27394, 28728, The tender of Mr John Devery was accepted for the metalling J required on the Lyndhursb road. Re stone picking.—The Board gave Mr Harper authority to put on men in his ward to clear stones off the Hackthorne road to the junction at Maronan. It was moved by Mr McLean, seconded by Mr Sargent, and carried, that "This Board is of opinion that with the consent of the Minister of Lands it is desirable to assist settlers occupying land on perpetual lease and deferred payment in obtaining water through their sections." Accounts amounting to £37 15s 3d were passed for payment and the Board ad journed.

Ashburton Cycling Club.

ANNUAL RACE MEETING.

 The annual race meeting of the Ash burton Cycling Club was held in the Domain yesterday. In spite of Captain Edwin's gloomy foreboding as to storms and tempests the weather was most favourable—very little wind, and not too much warmth—the day, in fact, was all that could be wished, and the general joke at Captain Edwin's expense Avas the Yankee one that " you should never prophesy unless you know." In con sequence of tho good Aveather, as Avell as the expected good sport, the attendance of the public was large, quite 1500 people having been present on the ground. The provision made for the supply of refresh ments was ample, Mrs Ranger having her usual booth in a sheltered corner, and receiving a fair amount of patronage. The proximity of the grounds to the town seems to make the presence of a publican's booth unnecessary, and this is now the tliiid large gathering that has been held in the Domain successfully without a publican's booth. The Ash burton Brass Baud occupied a place near the cricket pitch, and played selections of music during the day with their accus tomed ability. For the ten bicycle events on the card no less than thirty-four individual com petitors entered. Five of the riders were from the North Canterbury Bicycle Club, five from the Pioneer, one from the N.Z, Cyclists*Alliance, one from the Waimate Cycling Club, one from the Timaru Tourists' Club, five from the Bicycle Touring Club (Christchurch), and the remainder Avere members of the Ashbur | ton Cycling Club. The three-mile A.C.C. ' Championship was a race in which some local interest Avas taken, but it Avas a gift to Bennetts, who played with Thompson, and made a close finish by winning by two feet. The Five Mile Roadster Han dicap Avas also woii by our local crack ; and the Ten-Mile Bicycle Handicap, I after a toughly fought contest fell to jE. J. Craighead, another local rider. This win was as popular as it was un expected. Owing to the handicapper having been under a misapprehension as to Clarkson's machine he was rehandi capped at 500 yards. Craighead began slowly, but soon joined the others Avho started from the same mark, Fitzhenry by repeated spurts forcing the pace. Salek was caught in the fourth mile, and ■ the other four Avent on in close order with Craighead in the lead, Fitzhenry con tinuing to force the running, Clarkson, during the next couple of miles, took a feeler or tAvo, and seeming to hold the others safe was content to ride along in the rear. Entering upon the last mile, hoAvever, Craighead drew about thirty yards aAvay from the others, and Avheh Clarkson in the last lap made his effort— amid great excitement—Craighead was able to respond, and Clarkson's machine skidding r„t the turn into the straight the local man just managed to get first home. Enthusiastic cheering greeted the winner, and he was carried shoulder high to the tent. W. J. S. Hay ward, on his pneu matic-tired safety carried off the Three- Mile Roadster Handicap in capital style, and rode a good race in the Two-Mile Bicycle Handicap to young Alfred Curtis who rode under the Waimate Club's colours. The last-named had previously carried off the Mile Maiden Roadster Handicap, and his brother Reginald scored a clever win in the Obstacle Race. Bennetts, besides the successes already noted, had the Two-Mile Roadster Handi cap comfortably Avon, but easing up ere the post was passed, allowed Thompson to make a dead heat Avith him. The eA rent was not run off, and no intimation was made as to the apportionment of the prizes. A Consolation Handicap avms added to the programme, and was a gift to Fitzhenry, Avho Avell deserved it for his plucky, though scarcely judicious riding during the day. The foot-races Avere poorly contested. Messrs A. Har- f rison and E. Kempthorne acted as judges ; MrD. Thomas as starter; Messrs A. Lowry and W. G. Murray as time-keepers; Mr E. F. Wright as referee ; and Messrs A. J. Midler, W. G. Murray and H„ H. Stephens Avere the handicappers, and allaquitted themselves well. The arrange ments were of the primitive nature usually seen at country sports, but every thing passed off without a hitch except that through somebody's blunder Un framing the card most of the events Avk*e run before the stated time. The follow ing are details :—: Maiden Roadster Handicap; one mile.—A. Curtis, jun., (W.C.C.), scr, 1 ; A. Mullaney (A.0.C.), 200yds, 2 ; C. G. Moss (A.C.C), 200yds, 3. Forbes (8.T.C.), 25yds ; Waller (P.B.C) 10yds : Price (8.T.C.) 50yds ; Crone (P.8,.C), 50yds ; A. G. Will jams (Alliance), 50yds ; J, Scott (A.C.C), 75yds; R. Curtis) (A.C.C). 75yds; and A. E. Matthews (A.C.C), also started. Moss and Mul- j laney held the lead alternatively for three i

lam, Aviih R, Curtis close up. Entering the last lap A. Curtis went to the front and won by ten yards from JVTullaney, Moss third. Time—3min 2 and 2-sth'sec. Roadster Handicap; three miles.— W. J. S. Havward (P.80.), ser, 1; J. Is. Clarkson (B.T.C), 100yds, 2; E. J. Craighead (A.C.C), 200yds, 3. A. H. Thompson (N.C.B.C), 100yds; W. Suckwood (N.C.B.C), 150yds; A. J. Bo ly (A CO.), 200yds ; also started. The -limit-men kept-the lead for several laps when E, Craighead and Clarkson forged ahead and led alternatively up to the ninth lap. Clark-on then dashed forward and took the load, fohWed by Hayward, who 100 yards from hon,« Avent to the front with a splendid spurt and wph by twenty yards. Time —9min 35sec. Lambs' Bracelet ; one mile.—W. F. Bennetts (A.C.C), 150yds, 1; 0, G. Moss (A.C.C), 350yds, 2; J. Scott (A.C.C) 230yds. 3. W. J. S. Hay ward (P.B.C ), 50vds ; E. K Fitzhenry (B.T.C), 100yds;. ,J."B. Clarkson (B.T.C), 100yds; J. Whelau (T. L\C.», 150yds; A. Curtis (W.CC), 160yds ; W. P. Waller (P.B.C) 170yds ; J. Forbes (B.T.C); 200yds : also started. Time— 2min 43 and 4-sth sec. Handicap Foot Race, 120 Yards.— S. Salek, 10yds, 1; A. Pilbrow, syds, 2 ; R. Shearman, Byds, 3. Won by a yard; a yard separating the. others. Time, 13 sees. I A.C.C Championship, three miles.— W. F. Bennetts, 1; H. Thompson, 2. E, J. Craighead and H. Stewart also started. All the riders were on roadster machines. Bennetts and Thompson quickly assumed a strong lead, but Bennetts was simply playing with Thompson, securing Mt H 'H."Stephens' special prize by passing the post first ten times, Thompson securing the other two on sufferance, and Bennetts winning by a couple of feet without being called on for an effort. Craighead retired in the ninth, and Stewart in the last lap. Time, lOmins. 6secs. , Obstacle Race, two laps, (competitors to dismount, pick up an object and ride" to post),-R. Curtis, A.C.C, 1 ; A. R. Barker, B.T.C, 2 ; T. Wall, A.C.C, 3. Curtis was the only competitor who handled his obstacle—a sack of shavings —cleverly, and Avon by a long way. Foot Race, 220 Yards.—A. Pilbrow, scr, 1 ;S. Salek, 2yds, 2 ; R. Shearman, 6yds, 3. A good race ; won by a yard. Time, 26 2 otlis sees. Roadster Handicap ; five miles.— W. F. Bennetts (A.C.C), 250yds, 1 ; J. Whelan (T.T.C), 250yds, 2 ; E. E. Fitz henry (B T.C), 250yds, 3. W. J. S. Hay ward (B. B. C), scr ; A. H. Thompson (N.C.B.C), 200yds ; G. A. Olttk (B.T.C) 250yds, also started. Thompson, Clark, and Hayward dropped out before the eailier laps of the fifth mile had been covered, and Fitzhenry was soon after wards left behind. Bennetts made the semblance of a race of it with Whelan, the two alternately passing each other, but in the last lap the local man put on a spurt, and av"u with comparative ease, by about twenty yards. Time, l7min 4sec. The Avinner was heartily cheered, and carried shoulder high from the track. Bicycle Handicap; two miles.—A. Curtis (W.CC), 250yds, 1 ; W. Hayward (P.B.C), 90yds, 2 ; J. Whelan (T.T.C), 200yds 3. J."B.Clarkson(B.T.C),2ooyds ; A. *J. Body (A.C.C), 250yds ; and H. Thompson (A;C.C). 250yds, also started. Thompson and Body soon retired, but Curtis, the Waimate-Ashbu.rton man, took command and ultimately proved"a popular Avinner, Hayward and Whelan fighting out a grand tussle for second place,.which was secured by the former with but little to spare. Time, 6min 59secs. Handkmp Foot Rack; 440yds—R. Shearman, 20yds, 1 ; S. Salek, 10yds, 2. Shearman avoii easily by 10yds. Time, 59secs. Roadster Handicap ; one mile.—A R. Barker (B.T.C), 250yds, 1 ; K, Curtis (A.CO.), 225yds, 2 ; T. Wall (A.C.C), 175yds, 3. G. A. Clark (13 T.C), 150yds; W Stack wood (M.CB.C), 150yds; 11. "SteAvart (A.C.C), 175yds; J. Forbes (B.T.C), 200yds; A. H. Mullaney (A.C.C), 300yds; 0. G, Moss (A.C.C); also started. Time, 2.47. In the second lap only Curtis, Barker, and Wall were left in if, and Curtis seemed as if he were to win flying, but Barker collared him 70yds from home, and beat him on the post, Wall third. Bicycle Handicap ; ten miles.—E.J. Craighead (A.C.C.), 500yds, 1; J. B. Clarkson (B.T.C), 500yds, 2 ; J. Whelan (T.T.C), WOyds, 3. E. F.. f Fitzhenry (B.T.C), 500yds, and S. Salek (A.C.C), 1200yds, also started. Salek's 1200yds advantage was worked off in the fourth mile, but he stuck to the course until he was again lapped before he finally retired^ Fitzhenry, Whelan, and Clarkson ran together, with Craighead one hundred yards behind until the fourth mile. Here Craighead closed upon the others, and in ; the seventh mile they were all riding together, passing and re-passing each other. In the next mile Craighead gained a burst of cheers, as having passed the others lie came along the straight. In the course of the next mile the positions j of the men ; varied often, and in the last lap, Whelan and Fitzhenry, evidently beaten, dropped to the rear, Craighead i by this time holding a lead of thirty yards. Clarkson settled down to collar him, and got on terms at the bottom end, but the local man drew away again and rode in a winner by less than a machine's length, after a most exciting finish. Time, 34 mins 29secs. (Private watches made it a minute less.) The winner received the usual honors. Roadster Handicap ; two miles.— W. F. Bennetts, (A.C.C), 50yds, and H. Thompson, (A.C.C), 100yds, dead heat, 1; A. R. Barker (B.T.CA 200yds, 3. T. Wall, (A.CC), 120yds; W. Stackwood, (N.C.B C), 50yds, and A. G. Williams, (Alliance), 150yds, also star ted. Bennetts and Thompson soon raced aAvay from the others, and the race apparently narrowed itself down to a question of how much the former Avould win by, but he eased at the finish and a dead heat was the result. Time, 6min 9 4-sth sees. Consolation Handicap; one mile.— E. E. Fitzhenry, (B.T.C), scr, 1 ; H. Stewart (A GC)., syds, 2; P. Crone, (P.B.C), 50yds, 3. Fitzhenry caught his men in the first lap, and left them in the last lap, winning by a couple of yards from SteAvart, avlio came with a great run at the finish. Time, 3min. 32secs. During an interval, A, 01 Wilmot, the well-known North Canterbury cyclist, who happens to be somewhat at a differ ence with the Alliance on the matter jof amateurism, and did not run in any Jof the events, attempted to break the road ster half-mile record. Tw6 pace-makers (H. Thompson and A. Craighead) were appointed, but at the start Craighead's tire came off, and Whelan took his place. Thompson had a spill in the second try, but Wilmot Avent on, and made the half mile in lmin. 25secs. a second over the time he wished to attain, A one-mile tandem record followed Wilmot's effort, Adams and Forbes being , the riders on the double midline. Their [ record for the mile was 3mir.s. 3 l-fjbh sees—not a very low speed. '

THE DINNER.

la the evening, the local Club enter tained the visitors from other Clubs to dinner at the Commercial Hotel. Over seventy sat down to the banquet, which was purveyed m host Henry's well-known stylo, and after fi<ll honored been done t;oi«he viands, an adjournment WEts made to the large commercial room, m which the entertainment took the shape of a smoke conceit. Mv 11. H. Stephens was chairman, and Mr A. Harrison, croupier. The toasts of the Linwood, Pioneer. Koyth Canterbury, Tinwu Gtafe

were enthusiastically honoured aul suit jably responded to by Messrs A. G. pYiiliama, Myers, Wihnot, and Whelan jE§p their respective Clubs. The proposers acknowledged the valuable assistance of the visitors m making the meeting a [success, and the visitors spoke of the of the track and the promising form shovra by some of tho local riders. In proposing the Rangiora Club, the Chairman made reference, to the,..mis uncleivtarMlmg between the 'Alliance and Mr A. C. Wilmot, which had the effect of preventing Mr Wilm.>t from running that dap. Mr Wilmot, m ; replying said that as to the matter between himself and the Alliance, a certain charge had been brought, a^aiiiht him, which h>d cropped iip six years ago, and its falsity he would be able to prove at next meeting of the .Alliance. He thought he should have been allowed to run at Ashburton under protest, as he had been m hard trainina; for the meeting, and was much astonished and disappointed when he learned only on Thursday last that he was , not to bn allowed to run. | Replyingtothe toast of "The Alliance," Captain Lowry said that cycling owed much of its forward position to the efforts of the Alliance. He regretted that the question of Mr Wilmot's difference with the Alliance had been referred to. The facts were that the Secretary had written to Mr Wilmot, asking if a certain charge made against him were true. A fortnight elapsed without any reply having been received. Mr Wilmot was telegraphed 10, and wired back a simple denial, but gave no explanation. In the absence of a more explicit reply, and pending further investigation, Mr Wilmot was suspended. Mr Wilmot admitted that he was £g * blame m not answering the. Secretary's letter at the proper time. He believed that a proper exp'anation would remove the unpleasantness, but meanwhile he trusted members would withold their opinion until the whole facts were before them, as the Alliance had a duty to discharge without favoritism or any un fairness. In proposing the " Ashburton Cycling Club," Mr Hay ward, of the Pioneer Club, said the visitors had been surprised at the splendid Ashburton track, and the splen did riding of the Ashburton men. ' They certainly did not expect to see such riding as that of Messrs E J.'Oraiqhead and F. W. Bennetts. The track would be better if it were made exactly a quarter mile, and he made other suggestions of a tech nical character for the track's improve ment. Mr Bennetts acknowledged the toast. Songs, recitations, etc., were given by both guests and hosts, arid the meeting broke up m time for the northern visitors to return hoitie by the special train carry ing the JSorthevn Volunteers.

Taranaki Jubilee.

[per press association.] New Plymouth, March 30. The Taranaki Jubilee proceedings com menced last evening, when a commemo ration service, largely attended, was held, To-day the exhibition, sports, and bowl ing Contests made up the programme. The exhibition was opened by the Pre mier. There were also present Messrs Srcith, McDonald, Maeuirc, M.H.K's, and a large attendance of the public. Mr Ballance read a telegram from the Go vernor, regretting his inability to attend. The Premier regretted the>bsence of Sir HA. Atkinson, who had taken a leading part m politics ia Taranaki, and he felt sure the people would join with him m hoping that Sir Harry Atkinson would soon be restored to health. He said the vicissibucles through which Taranaki had'triumphantly passed entitled hoy to. tire -sympathy of the rest of -- the colony.. Those difficulties were of no ordinary character. No part of the colony had passed through greater difficulties, and no people had shown more spirit and self-reliance. New Zealand was the most favored part of Australasia,, and Taranaki deserved the title of the garden of New Zealand. After seeing New Plymouth Harbor, he thought a great task had been accomplished,-, and that a small expenditure would make the harbor capable of what it was intended for. A small expenditure m dredging would enable the largest interproviricial steamers to trade with New Plymouth, It had been said m the House that the money had been thrown away, but he thought it had been well spent, and the harbor would be of as great use as those at Timaru, Oamaru or any other ocean harbor 1 m the colony. The Premier advo cated Uie opening up of land as the means of promoting the welfare. He congratu latted Taranaki on its mineral resources, and said the Government would do its best to develop them. Referring to «dv 1 cation, he said the expenditure might be made more useful. He complimented the people oh the Exhibition, and declared it open.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per press association.] London, Match 29. Further assaults have been made on Mrs Jackson, who was recently ab ducted by her husband. Shortly after her abduction, her friends obtained a writ at habeas Corpus compelling Jackson to reltwe her, and as.she was pawng through the streets to-day she was set upon by a disorderly mob, who were apparently instigated by her husband. The spot-barred billiard match,' m which J. Roberts (champion), conceded W. J. Peall 12,000 points m 24,000 for £i) 00 aside, resulted m defeat of the champion by 2950 points. Pilling, the well-known crick&ier is dead. It is rumored that Mr J,. S. Blame and Lord Salisbury have amicably settled the|case of the Sayward* the British sealer which was seized for in fringement of the Behring Sea fishery regulations m January. New Yok*, March 29. Qne. thousand deaths are reported from Chicago from influenza this week. Dr. Gentry, of Chicago, claims'to have, discovered an influenza microbe. _. Sofia, March 30. Eighteen arrests have besn made m * connection with the assassination of M. Beltcliff, Minister of Finance, in cluding M. Karavelofi; formerly Pre mier under Prince Alexander's Ad ministration. The semi-official Press allege that the assassin is a-Russian ag<?nt,andit is,-believed fchao he has made his escape to Servia. m, . fawn*. March { 29. lnere is an agitation m Italy to abstain from sending exhibits to the world* fair at Chicago, m retaliation tor the lynching of the Sicilians at New Orleans. Buenos. Ayrjes, MAroh 29, U-A pQJJspiraoy .Jias.; been detected among the police, who seized a number of rifles. ,Severalarreats^have .beeiijniade. , ... ,-' .';>'■"' -iJ-I^-'-- ' _ ' Saj* Francisco, March 30. Intormation from, Honolulu states that reformers are opposing several of the appointments made by the Queen m the Hawaiian Cabinet. . .

AUSTRALIAN

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IMfe ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, TUESDAY, MAftCH 31, lM



Shade, i Date. — Low. Sigh Monday ... 34' GO' Tuesday ... 25" 68' Wednesday 31- 80" Thursday... 29- 60- Friday ... 28- 60' Saturday ... 31" 78' Sunday ... 34' 62'

iHigli in Sun.

128 --126" 143 --- 9-0- -1-- 14243--120-

State of Weather.

jPine, N.W.

■■ >>•..-.■ )>

Light rain, S. Fine, calm. - „ ■■■ -A-".  calm.



Mr Loveday Avrites also that he has lovmd tlie Eucalypti Extract % cure for rheumatism [as Avell as gravel. He requests ms to publish | Una information through the ' Mercury.' We have njugli pleasure in complying with Mr Loveday's request, Avhoae word cannot- be | doubted, and who can have no object in A'iew ' other than a pure desire to feenefjfc suffering humanity. »~(A,dvt.) 8 '



The Bkst Remedy for Indigestion — Norton's, Camomile Fills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to whicn we sire subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the ' Natural Str'engthener of the Human Stomach.," act as a, pqwerful tonic and gentle aperient, are m'ikl" m their operation, and afe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l|d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo Id



NOTICE TO TENDERERS. i | rpHE time, for receiving Tenders for | JL Buildings at Westerfield is extended I to SATURDAY. 4th April, at noon, j 3 200 R." BIRD. OASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be If ft at this Ofh>ft \l> ANTED Known.—Mrs J. Buoh- VY anan has opened as Fruiterer and Confectioner, next Messrs John Orr and Co., East Street. WANTED Known.—lf you want good value for your money go to Molford House. Cheapest first-class Drapery in town.—H. C. SEGEKS,_Melford_Housc. Tl 7 ANTED Known.— Te arc now W opening all our new Winter Goods in Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, &c—H. C. Segers, Melford House. W~~~~~ANTED Known.—Cheapest House in town for First-class Diapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, &c—H. C. Segers, Melford House. ■ COOLING and invigorating Ice Cream as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. WANTED" Known.—Mks J. Buch anan, Fruiterer and Confectioner. Tea and coffee at all hours ; hot luncheon on Saturdays, 12 to 2. Next Messrs J. Orr and Co'f, East Street. WANTED Known —Some special lines in, choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Comer." WANTED every man in the County to have a suit of the Ashburton ! Tweeds. —Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. ANTED Known—The "Strong wear " Boot is the best for Mens 'jadies and Children.—W. H_. Collier. /""I LASS, Earthenware, and China, \JT direct from the Manufacturers. — Robert Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. VTOVV ON —At "Stationers' Hail" _lAI Great Sale of Surplus Stock of Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods Music, etc. Great reductions for cash, for one month only. Hundreds of books at less than English price. At L. F. Anurewes & Co.'s, Stationers Hall. v» \; ANTED Known — The Cheapest V *"' Shop to buy Tinware and Gal v'anised Iron goods in Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett btreet. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patch.



Public Notices. 1 MONEY TO LEND TITONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREIi- HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of iSIOO TO^£5()00 For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ash burton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office. Christchurch. [a. carp.] M. O. I>. MLKA.I*ICS, Bakkisteb and Solicitor. 194 Hereford Street, CHRISTCHURCH. £15,000 to Lend m .sums of £250 and upwards at 6 per cent. 3 163 o W. W. Spencer & Co, EXTENSION OF W. W. SPEHUEH * Cod Geeat Cieariko Sale. Being heavily overstocked, and m order to make room for a shipment of Goods which we have landing from Home m about a fortnight, we have made Greater Reductions than ever. AH Wool, colonial flannot, 10|d, 4-ply fingering wool, all colors, Is lid; Calicos 2a 3d the doss; Dress Goods 4|d; Washing Prints, 2fd, 3|d, and 4|d ; Washing Muslin -- 2s lid the doz ; Towels, 3|d \i\ each ; a very large Towel 9|d, 4 Onow 6|d ; very good Ticking, Jj , 6d: double width Sheeting, J*] <] 7|d; heavy white Linen Twill E 0 Sheeting, ll|d ; heavy cotton Shirting, s^d; Cretonnes, 4^d ; l fljj Men's woollen Sox, ll£d; Boys' p jl Braces, 4d ; Men's Braces, 8d ; \f <| Men's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid ; Men's good Tweed Suits. 22s Q __ 6d ; Boys' Tweed Suits from f. |l{ 4s lid ; Men's colored Moles r M 7s 6d, now 5s lid ; Boya' do. j- H 2s lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. £ [H Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d ; Men's £ colonial made Shooters, 9s lid; Boys' strong Boots very cheap. Women's strong Elastics, 6s 3d; Girls' and Maids' Kid Elastic Sides and Button Boots 2s Hd. 3s lid, &nd 4s 6d at" W. IV. SPJEirCEII * Co's THE ARCADE. N.B.—We have this day purchased a Traveller's Set of Samples at a discount of 50 per cent. If you want a real bargain now is your chance. Tlie Arcade^ WJTB T£ET« A l/; iIQUT '"TCETH ciißisrcacßOH dental SURGERY. Corner of Oashel and High streets S. M™ AND OS SURGEON HENTIST ; And at Dunedin anA Westport {TTE have gained tin FIRST AWARD VV " 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 fit 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 CtAS 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, 2a Gd, Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at sma'l cosf. ' NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNJN' c m. as. <J. __JF. f C TTATS. Caps, Shirts, Pyjamas, | C _J L Sleeping Suits, Collars and * G Cuffs, made to order at the New * y, Zeai,akij_Clothing Factory. f q QOFT Felt Hate, Fard Felt p C O Hats, Tweed Hats, 'Varsity F C and other Caps, splendid variety, F C at the New Zexlksv ClothixVg F C yfCTORY. *] C -y ADIES' and Gents' Water- * J_J proofs, made t.o measure, 5? choice lot of patterns to select j? jj from, at the New Zealand Cloth- p C Iyq Factory; F C T> OYS' Suits, iii Sailor, Fritz, F 0 XJ Guard, and Ajax shapes, F ■C nicely made, Coat and Knickers * c lined thioughout, fromlos6d, atthe ' j 9* Nkw Zealand Clothing Factory. |, 9, f^\ ENTS' Tweed Suits 35h, f C VT Gents' Tweed Trousers 9s p C 6d, all our own make ; thorough jv C good value at the New Zealand F C CLOTHiyr; Factory. F \iiKRTHEIM New High Arm * p VV Sewing Machines are the best y, Kin tho wold. The mast .simple, j, e\ most, durable, most noiseless, best y> q linishwl and lightest limning How- [,' O, ing Miiehiuo m tho market. ■ -Nfjw F O ZfiALAKOCLOTHIKfiFACTOnY Agents F C TTENTUMTTn^I^ Silk and ]J C \JC Washina Scarfs m immense j-, p, variety, Riding Gloves, Braces m jj, « Ambuilttiwc, Argosy and Impe nl k (new designs), at the New Zealand p i) 11 TEN'S >nu\ Boys' Knits made F . C .JjX. to measure ;first cla«i«fit and F C workiMiiHwJiip 'guaranteed m every F (5 ff-iruifiit w<3 (ti)cxei'Uiko. Wo invit A C .innpuctiui)., c&j*i}«j,rj ; son, patronage. |'. (* \>ve i/vatl!»«»,{( [<