The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1891. INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS.

The manner in which New Zealand l athletes distinguished themselves at Sydney a year ago and at Auckland ; this month has caused many of them j to sigh for fresh fields to conquer, and a proposal lias been mooted to. send half-a-dozen of our best performers j | Home to take part in the Engiish championships. No time was lost in bringing the project before the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, who at ones submitted it to the various athletic clubs. The proposal has much to recommend it. It would, to use a hackneyed but in this instance very true phrase, be a splendid advertise ment for the colony. Nothing can tell more in favor of a country than the possession of a body of healthy, muscu lar, well-educated young gentlemen— such as those are whose names have been mentioned in connection with the profosed expedition. As to their pro bable chances of success against the English champions we can only take the performances at the last English championship meeting and compare them with those which our men have made in public. Taking first the Auckland performances we see that Hutchison ran the quarter-mile in quite equal to 50 3-5 seconds, against^ol 4-5 seconds by the English champion. Wood's half mile at Auckland, 2 minutes, was 1 3 5 seconds slower than the English time; and his mile took 4 minutes 31 seconds against fche Eng lish 4 minutes 23 1-5 seconds, but the Englishman is an exceptionally fast amateur. Our hurdle-racer, Batger, holds the world's record. The other suggested representatires did not com pete at Auckland, but Hempton has a record for the hundred yards far below the English 10 2-5 seconds; Morrison can be depended upon to closely ap-1 proach if he does not equal the English times for the half-mile, one mile and four miles; and the English long jump of 20 feet is well within " H Caffs compass. The high jump, pole jump, weight putting, hammer-throwing and walking are not proposed to be contested by the New ; Zealanders, but it would be simply a matter of condition for the suggested team to make certainties of three of the other events and the odds to be on their winning each of the other four of the twelve events of which the Eng lish championship programme is made ' up. It may be objected that some of | the performances at the last English championship meeting were below the best records previously made. This no doubt is so, but it has never yet been possible to get even the best performers t of the c"ay all together at one meeting, and it is safe to say that no such com bination of athletes as that which it is j suggested to send Home has ever re presented England at a championship meeting. Beside.?, and this is no mean argument in favor of the present carrying out of the project, H. M. Reeves, a brilliant runner at distances up to and a little beyond a quarter mile, will be in England this year and would no doubt give his assistance to the team. The question of -ways and means is the greatest difficulty. The cost of the expedition would be between £600 and £700, and looking at it from a patriotic point of view this sum should not be impossible i to raise, even in the short six or seven weeks which elapse before it would be [ necessary for the team to sail. Some of the Athletic Clubs look rather hesi tatingly at tho matter, but we consider that it is, as we have already premised, more than a mere question of superiority in athletic sports, and everybody possessing any spark of public spirit should gladly give what aid they can afford towards carrying out a project in which the colony can not fail to show itself to advantage.. We hope to hear of the matter being taken up warmly and carried out successfully.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Aunty: "Do they teach by the object system at your school ? Little boy: "Yes'm. They is always objecting to something or other." Mr Mark Scott has sold his business of the Tinwald Hotel, which he has conducted very successfully for a long, term of years. The new tenant, a well-known hotelkeeper from the Selwyn district, enters into pos session in about three weeks. At a meeting of graduates held at Christ church to-day, Mr L. Cohen, M.A., was elected to serve on the Board of Governors of Canterbury College. The election is note worthy as being the first time a graduate has been elected a member of the Board. While on the Napier breakwater on Mon day looking at the damage done by the: heavy sea Mr Frank Rhodes was washe 1 into the sea by a breaker. Being a good swimmer he succeeded in gaining the Harbor Board's punt, but not without having to divest himself of his coat and vest-=-a pocket of the latter containing a god watch and chain. The annual pic-nic of scholars of the Hampstead School took place yesterday at the old sports ground, the use of which was given by Mr Andrew Orr, chairman of the I School Committee. The children met at the school in the morning and marched to the ground, whore, a constant succession of races and other sports was kept up throughout the day, with intervals for luncheon and tea. Tcf nis a.id other games were also provided. Mr Malcolm, head master, and other members of the teaching staff, Mr A. Orr »nd other members of the School Com inittee, and a large number of visitors assisted in promoting the enjoyment of the youngsters, and the large body of fine looking, well-behaved children speiit a very happy day.

I A msafcmg of the IVlifctoal Asaaoiafcion wll 1, [ he hold this evening at tt\o Orange Hall. Mr L. P. Andrewea, Stationer's Hall, announces a clearing sale of books, stationery etc., beginning to-day. , Judge : " Prisoner, have you any visible means of support?" Prisoner: "Via, sor, your honour; (to his wife) Bridget, stand up so that the Coort kin see yez." "Did the plumber comedown to inspect the pipes this morning 1" "Yes." "What (lid he say? "He said there was nothing the matter, but he could soon remedy that." In 1862 the income-from land in England was 60^ millions; from trade 182 millions lv 1889 from trade 336 millions; from land only 58| millions. In Switzerland, it is said, they will pay higher wages to a milkmaid who can sing to the cows than one who cannot. This is done on the principle that bad treatment of a cow injuriously affects its milk. ■ The Wanganui Harbor Board's dredge," which was was washed out to sea by the flood a fortnight ago, has been found wrecked on some rock?. The hull is injured past repair, but the machinery may be recovered. The anniversary services in connection with the Primitive Methodist Sunday School will take place to-morrow. The Rev J. H. Gray will preach in the Oddfellows' Hall, morning, afternoon and evening. A stranger in a small town, having lost his way, accosts a gentleman on the street. 'Please, my good man," he says, "tell me the way to the post office." "1 am not a good man," says the person accosted, with conscious dignity ; "I am the mayor." Proprietor of cigar store : "I like enter prise, Jim, but you're carryin' things a little too far." Assistant: "How's that f' 1 Proprietoi. : "Why, that sign you've got up, ' Real Imported Havana Cigars Made V} hile You Wait.' It won't hardly do." The petition to the Governor in favor of the commutation of the women Flanagans' i sentence was signed by several leading resi dents of Lytcelton on Friday. The ground of the-petition is that in the opinion of the petitioners the claims of justice would be met, and society sufficiently protected if their sentences were changed to imprison ment for life. At the annual meeting of the National Coursing Club, held at Dunedin on Friday, the balance-sheet showed a balance in the bank of £9 18s 3d, and a balance in favour of assets over liabilities of £15 193 9d. Sub scriptions to the amount of twenty-seven guineas were reported to have been received as stakes for the season, and in addition £30 was given by the Dunedin Jocky Club. Mr Hugh Gourley was re-elected President, and the other officers were also re-elected. An Eastern man who was travelling in i Arkansas entered a bank in a certain village and asked for a draft on New York ? "Don't keep'em "was the prompt reply. "Don't you do any business with New York ?" " No sir." "Isn't that a little singular?" "I don't see it. When a bank has got a mort gage on every farm in the country, a lien on every mule which comes into town, and a first claim on every ttalk of corn and cotton for miles around, what does ifc want to fool with New York for ?" Mr R. E. N. Twopeny of exhibition renown was recently offered the editorship of a monthly journal which is being started under the auspices of the Australian Pastoralists' Union, and has accepted the position, taking a share in the venture, which is of a promis ing nature. Publication of the journal is to be commenced at once. A singular incident occurred on the road between Canterbury and Do/er during the severt winter in England. The night was intensly cold, and the snow lay hard on the ground, but the mail cart driver set out from Canterbury as* usual. At several of the stopping places those in charge of the mails noticed that the driver had not his customary word of greeting, and thought it was ill humour. On the arrival of the mail cart at Dover Post Office it wns discovered that the man sat on his scat stiff and cold, with the reius in his hands ; the frost lia.l stiffened him unto death. The horses had stopped voluntarily at the usual calling places, and on the slamming of the door behind the cart had started off again. : A good story is told an to the new Bishop of Durham's visit to Windsor to pay homage to the Queen. When In's lordship reached the castle, accompanied by Lord Knutsford, the discovery was made that neither of them had -a copy of the oath. In vain was a messenger despatched to the Bishop's resi dence in search of the missing document. The position was serbus. In sheer despera tion a message was despatched to the Home Office, asking that the terms of the oath might be telegraphed direct to the castle, and this was done, but the shave was so close that there was not time to make a copy of the telegram, which was read as it was received from the local telegraph office. In consequence of the recommendations from the public trustee, the Government have decided to appoint an officer to take overcharge of thebusinessin Canterbury. Mr J.M. Hamilton, who has for some years been sub-accountant in the head office, has been selected, will take up his residence as district agent. As the necessity of the the change was a matter of urgency it was determined to make the alteration without waiting for the l-eport of the Commission. The latter will not be able to get to work till their appointment is signed by the Governer, The Wellington Athletic Club and Cycling Association have considered the proposed visit of an athletic team to England. A resolution was passed condemning the project as premrtire, and endorsing the Dunedin Club's opinion, but adding that if a majority were agreed in favour of the trip, they would give it every help; further that it would be well to postpone the proposal for a year, and that in any case there was no need to send a manager with the team. A paragraph went round the papers not long since that a woman of bad repute, in Auckland, had sold one of her children to a Chinaman who had sent him to China. The Wellington correspondent of the " Lyttelton Times" says that inquiries by the police have revealed (1) that the child is in Dunedin j (2) that it was not sold ; (3) that it djd not go to China ; (4) that ifc was sent to school in Dunedin; (5) that it i 3 well cared for and wants nothing! A Wellington telegram says that Mr Hamilton Wilson leaves Sydney for New Zealand the first week in March to collect and collate statistics for the Agricultural Department of New South Wales. Mr Wilson was manager of the largest butter factory in New South Wales, producing one ton of butter per diem. He is an expert in packing, and on hia visit he will deliver lectures to the New Zealand farmers free of charge, In all probability he will be accredited by the New Zealand Govern ment. The late Dr Norman Macleod, of the Barony Church, Glasgow, once told a good story. When minister of the parish of Dal kcith, and in the course of his visitation, Norman called at a cottage one day about two miles distant. The only occupant was a lad of about six years of age. The father ■ was at the coal pit, the mother at the harvest field, and the other members of the family employed one way or another. The minister was rather taken with the sharpness of the ' hoy, and entered into conversation with him. Aniougst other questions the following were put:— -Q ; —-"D.O you go fc& s^hqol f A-— "Sometimes." Q.— "Can you read?" A.— " Yes." Q.—" Do you read the Bible ?" A.— " Sometimes." Q.-~" Can you write ?" A.— "A little." Q. —"Do you pray night and mgrniug-?" A.—"Not often." Q.—" Do you say grace before, meals?" A.—'" Yes." Q. — " Well," said Kormon, *• let ing hear you say grace?" A.—" Let me see some meat first,?

Tub Best Bemk»y iwa Isiwoes-moh— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently ecommendod as a simple remedy for Indigestion, whicli is the cause of nearly all the diseases to whicn. we are subjects Nokton's Pills, with justice called the ' Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo Id"

MAGISTERIAL.

SOUIH RAKAIA-FRIDAY.

(Before Mr C. A. Wray, R.M., and W. L. Allan, Esq. Civil Cases.—Primmer v W. J. Welsh claim £22 13s Id. Judgment summons. Mr Cuthbertson for defendant. JN ro order made. W.* iStubbs yJ. Ivess claim £5 10s 6d, value of a cheque given to accused to cash and not returned, and 10s 6d costs of a lawyer's letter, endeavouring to re cover same. Mr D. Wynn-Williams appeared for plaintiff. The 10s 6d was disputed ; the £5 confessed. Judgment-i for the full amount, and costs £1 16s 6d. (t. Jameson v T. Cronin claim £1 17s Id for goods supplied. Judgment for the amount and costs. Harvey v Kennedy claim £1 Is 2d for work done. Judgment for the amount claimed with costs. Cromie v T. Cronin claim £15 7s 8d for work done. Judgment for the amount claimed and costs, £1 Is. Primmer vT. Cronin claim £16 6s 4d. Goods supplied. Judg ment for the amount claimed and costs, ' £1 Is. F. Wilson vT. Dowling claim £2 10s. Balance of account for lambs pur "chased. Mr Cuthbertson for defendant, ludgment for defendant with costs. Stray Cattle.—W. Kemble, for allow ing four cattle to-be on the roads, was fined Is. Jane Todd and Joseph Foley were charged under the Public Works Act with knowingly and wilfully permit ting cows to be on the railway. The cases were both dismissed.

Labor Settlements.

THE MINISTER OF LANDS AT WAIMATE.

Waimate, February 27. The Minister of Lands, accompanied by Major Steward and Mr Hall Jones, M.H.R.'s, and Mr March, Steward of Village Settlements, arrived, here to-day, and visited certain education reserves, in the neighborhood of the town, proposed to be acquired and utilised for labor settlements. Subsequently a meeting of persons desirous of taking up allotments was held at the County Chambers, at which about fifty were present. The matter was fully explained by Major Steward and others, and the Minister stated that he was fully convinced as to the suitability of the land and of the necessity for the establishment of labor settlements in this and other districts. He promised to endeavor to make arangements Avith the School Commis sioners with a view to prevent these lands being leased for a longer period than one year, and undertook to bring in a Bill next session to deal with the matter.

The Chertsey Fatality.

THE INQUEST, An inquest v,-as held on Thursday night by Mr L. Oxley, J.P., and a jury of six, on the body of James Shepherd. Pi-.ter Doig .said deceased, Mr James Shepherd, was his nephew. His father lived at Swananoa. Deceased had lately been employed on Strachan's threshing machine. On Monday, February 23rd, '■ was called to the machine and found deceased lying in one of the bunks in the whare. He complained that his back was hurt, andappeared to bo partly paralysed. Hud him removed to jhe house and scut into Ashburton for medical assistance, and Dr Anderson came out during the evening. The doctor said his spine was seriously injured, and there were other, internal injuries ; he gave no hope of re covery from the fir.sK Everything pos sible was done, but he died abotib twenty minutes after four on Wednesday. •John Doig saw deceased skylarking with John Smith, one of the machine hands, on Monday afternoon. There had previously been some skylarking. I saw them fall together. After the fall noticed deceased was hurt ; he cried out to wit ness saying " Oh, Johnny, I am done for now." Never heard ;xny disagreeable words between deceased and Smith, in fact they were quite friendly. Deceased stepped away with Smith on his back and fell. Robert Forsyth, a feeder at Strachan's machine, noticed deceased take hold of Smith before the latter took hold of him. After deceased took hold of Smith's legs, Smith took him round the neck, as he was of course standing over him. They moved out of witness' sight and he did not see them till he heard they were on the ground. Smith being a heavy man, it Avould have been a difficult matter, con sidering the position, for deceased to avoid falling forward. They were the best of friends, and it was just a bit of play between them. Deceased remarked nfter he was moved into the whare" that if he " got over this he would not skylark ! again." He also said that the accident was caused by his own fault. William Lewis, constable at Rakaia, said he was present on February 24, when the statement following was given by deceased ; — James Shepherd, sworn, said:—On Monday, February 23, between five and six o'clock, I was sitting on the fore , carriage of the cooking galley, and John Smith came walking out at my back, and I caught hold of him by the legs, and to prevent himself falling, Smith took hold of me round the neck. NeSt I started to throw Smith over my head and I lost my balance.and remember nothing more till I was picked up off the ground. We were skylarking and the accident was caused through my own fault. (Taken before L, Qxley, J,P., February 24th, I 1891, John Smith said he was employed on Mr Strachan's machine, About five o'clock on Monday, February 23, was in the whare" in connection with the machine. Deceased was sitting on the fore-carriage. Walked out to the back of him. He did liot speak but took witness round the" legs. Witness then took hold of his two shoulders to prevent his falling off the whare. Deceased stood up and took about two steps, cariying witness. He then said "now see me throw him over my fcead." He tried to pu witness over, and he wont, but could not say if he fell clear or not. Could not see how deceased fell, Was always on good terms with him, and were simply larking. Did not attempt to, throw deceased. Had nob been wrestling during the day. Several of the hands were often skylarking to gether. When deceased stepped from the whard he stooped with witness' y/eight. Could not say if he slipped. He cried out for water whe,n he was picked up, but did not hear him say his back wae hurt. The jury, after considerable considera tion, returned a verdict of "Accidental deadly" and considered that nq blame was t,o be attached to Sr { iitlj ;

IRRIGATION.

Tub letter on irrigation published in our columns last week over the signa ture of Mr C. Napier Bell is of especial interest, not alone because of its appositeriess *fq the now uncley consideration by "the Gouiybjr

Oouncii, but because also of. tho pi'O-] fession and status of the writer. Mi' Napier Bell, being himself an engineer eminent in his profession, ought to know, and doubtless does know, what he is, writing about, and as he admits himself to be an interested party (i.e., as we understand him a property owner in, and therefore a ratepayer of, the county),it may be taken for granted that in his advocacy of irrigation works he is advocating an expenditure which he believes will prove remunerative. He points in proof of the correctness of that belief to the results obtained in .France in a district " similar to the, Canterbury Plains, but more parched and barren," where it appears that land valued originally at £2 per acre has been rendered " enormously " more valuable through irrigation, the reason for which is apparent when it is added that the area cultivated with the advantage of a sufficient supply of water yields a "net profit of £7 per acre." Mr Napier Bell calculates that the value of land on the plains would be trebled by irrigation, and the increased income of the cultivators at no less than £81,000 a year. Now if these figures are anything approaching the truth then there can be no question that it would pay, and pay handsomely, to go in for a thorough system of irri gation works. And, it may be added, that without such a system it will not be possible to adapt our system of cul tivation to the requirements of the times and of the markets, which, as we take it, point clearly to the necessity for 1 substituting as soon, and as much, as possible the growing of meat and the production of butter for the growing of grain. We know that a number of county ratepayers are alarmed lest the Council should launch out, or endeavour to do so, into a comprehen sive scheme involving the necessity of very extensive works and an expendi ture running into hundreds of thou sands of pounds, and it is for thib reason that so much reluctance is entertained in many quarters towards the proposals recently mooted. But this is, we think, altogether a mistaken view. It does not appear to us to be at all necessary that such enormously ex pensive works should be undertaken. It would suffice in the first instance that some of the existing races should be enlarged, and perhaps some others pro vided, so as to bring in from the river an ample supply of water to enable its utilisation for irrigation, and that thereafter reticulation with a view to distributing the water over the land should be carried out piecemeal—that is to say over such sections of the country in which from time to time tLe ratepayers shall be willing to become responsible for the charges consequent upon the works necessary to render the water available in those districts respectively. If the Council proceeds thus cautiously and tentatively, no very large expenditure need at the outset be incurred, and irrigation Avill gradually be introduced, spreading from.district to district till it covers the whole surface of the county, as one set of ratepayers after another, learning its advantages from the experiences of others of which they will be themselves eye-witnesses, de mand the extension of the water supply, and thereby announce their willingness to bear the cost necessarily to be incurred, to enable them to par ticipate in its benefits. We have said nothing as to Mr Napier Bell's sug gestion that tho Government should be called upon to provide the funds in the same way that funds are or have been provided for works on goldfields, because, although there is a certain amount of plausibility about this way of putting the 'matter, the cases are not parallel, and there is not the smallest probability, in our opinion, of obtaining the money from the coffers of the colony. It is no use setting out on so Quixotic a quest, and the county ratepayers may as well make up their minds to accept the fact from the out set that if a .system of irrigation is to be obtained, it must be obtained on their own responsibility—in plain words at their own cost and charges.

COMMERCIAL NEWS

Christchurch Corn Ex change.

The following is the Corn Exchange report for the week ending Friday, February 27th:—The rainß during the past week have done some damage to the unharvested grain, of which there is a good quantity near the hills. However' the rain has done an infinite amount of good to the grass and turnips, which will counterbalance the injury done to the grain crops. The samples on offer have been in good condition, but the majority are on the thin side. Wheat has hardened slightly, and our last week's quotations are easily obtainable. The absence of-freight in Port makes buyers more independent than they otherwise would be. Pasture seeds are in firm request; but Daiby Produce is hardly so firm. Quotations as follow :—Wheat. Prime milling Tuscan, 3s 4d to 3s 5d ; .Pearl, 3s 3d to 3s 4d ; Hunter*, 3s Id to 3s 2d ; whole chick, 3s ; broken, 2s 6d to 2s 9d. Oats.—Milling, Is 8d ; short-feed, Is 6d to Is 7d; long and inferior, Is 4d to Is sd. Barley.—Prime malting, 3s 3d ; medium, 2s 9d to 3s ; feed, Is 9d.to 2s. Peas,. —rPrussian Blues, true to name, 3s 3d ; feed sorts, 2s 6d. Grass Seed.— Machine-rdressed, 6s 3d ; farmers' lines vary from 3s 6d to 4s 6d, according to quality. Cocksfoot, machine-dressed, sd; growers' samples, 3fd to 4jd. Dairy Produce. Factory made butter, 7d to 8d ; farmers' keg, 6|d to 7d j cheese, loaf shape, 4id ; medium and larger sizes, 4f d to 6dT The above prices are those paid to formers for delivery f o.b. Lyttelton, sacks extra.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, report upon the live stock market for the week ending February 27 :—At the Ashburton yards <hi Tuesday there was a fairly large entry of all classes of sheep. There was eager competition, and tl}e prices realised were in advance pi thosje obtained last week. Values no doubt will be maintained, as there is evidence of a scarcity of young sound crossbred shpep, for which there are numerous enquiries. The late rains have had a beneficial effect upon the pasture, apd the turnip crops ha.ye come on wonderfully well, and with continued enquiries from the South fcr sheep of above class, prices are sure to rule high. The following are the prices obtained :— Merino ewes, from f>s 3d to, 7s 8d ; aged crossbred ewes, 8a to 10s 6d j two and four-tooth maiden ewes and wethers from lls to 14s 6d. In stores : Crossbred two tooths from 8s 6d for small sheep up to lls, and up to 13s 2d for sheep in forward condition. Crossbred kmbs sold at .from 3s to 5s for culls, and from 6s 6d to 93, and up to 10s 3d, a cording to quality. One lino of well grown fat lambs sold privately at 12s 6d. In aged sheep there , was sj, fair ejifcry. Crossbred ew<js

realise'} from 6s to 8a 6cl j merino owes from 2s to 3s 3d,

Messrs Miles and Co., per Mr (r. .Jameson, report on tho sale held at the Ashburton County Saleyarcls on Tuesday, February 24th :—There was a fairly large entry of sheep for tin's sale, comprising several lines of good quality suitable for export, with the usual accompaniment of j fat crossbred ewes and merino wethers, | also two-tioth crossbred s and crossbred lambs. Sheep are known to bo scarce, and there were plenty of buyers .for every line of good, sound sheep. Old crossbred and merino ewes are noc much sought after by farmers, except, perhaps, to fatten off on stubble ; broken-mouthed - owes do not pay to hold over winter. There were about 4890 sheep entered for salo, of which we offered and sold 2670, at the following prices :—For Mr John McLean, Lagmhor, 200 cross bred wethers at 13s 2d ; for Mr Georee Geddings, 290 Bfc lls to 12d 9d ; for Mr P. Madden, 29 crossbreds at 12s ; for Mr T.'Jfl. Upton 117 crossbred two-tooths at lls 5d ; for feprott Bros., 32 mixed sexes, 9s ; for Mr M. Redmayne, 62 fat ewes, 8s 7d ; for Messrs ColJison and Thornton, 61 cross breds. 8s 6d, 70 fat lambs, 10s 3d ; for Mr S. J. Mullins, 50 two-tooth crossbreds, 7s 3d ; for Messrs Todhunter and Dowding, 470 old crossbred ewes, 6s to 8s 6d ; for Mr W. F. Allen, 250 old merino ewes, 3s 3d ; for Messrs Ealham and Curtis, 372 old merino ewes, 2s 4d ; for a client, 500 ewes , and lambs, 8s 6d, all counted. One small line passed unsold. Nine pigs at 12s 9d each. Mr George Jameson reports that he held his monthly sale of sheepskins on Friday, the 27th, when 2000 skins were entered— all of which were sold at satisfactory prices. Butchers' crossbreds weresokfat equal to s£d per lb ; farmers' 4£d to 4£d ; pelts up to Is lOd each.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION, J Lompon, February 27. The wool sales closed firmly, compared with the December sales. Better grades of merinos and fine crossbreds were 5 per cent cearer, and inferior grades 5 per cent lower. The Antwerp wool sales have been fixed for March 10th to 13th. Nine thousand five hundred bales are cata logued, 500 of which are Australian.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following cable message dated Lon don, 26th February :— Wool—The sales clewed firmly this day. Superior greasy merino and merino combiug, washed, have advanced £d per lb since close of last sales, Market is irregular for superior combing washed merino. Scoured merino has advanced fd per lb since the close of last sales. Market is easier for medium and inferior greasy and scoured merino. Fine and coarse greasy crossbreds have advanced id per lb since close of last sales ; medium and inferior merino lambs have declined |d to Id per lb ; other descriptions un changed. The total quantity sold during the past sales is 320,000 bales, of which 134,000 bales have been taken for the Continent, and 16,000 bales for .America. It is estimated that 10,000 bales have been held over for future disposal. New Zealand hemp—Market dull. Medium is worth £24 10s per ton; '

A. Sham Clergyman.

(FROM OUR PARIS CORRESPONDENT.)

A in an named Barber was the other day sentenced by the Correctional Tri bunal of the Seine, in default of his putting in an appearance, to five years' imprisonment, besides being ordered to pay 3000 franks damages for swindling. In September last the accused, who represented himself as an Enalisn clergy man; and who appeared in the most ap proved clerical attire, bought some j jewellery to the value of 100 franks, afc the establishment of Mdme. Prevost. On October 3 he took furnished apartments at the Rue Bossans, at the rate of 100 franks per month, and again returned to Mdme. Prevost and made further purchases. On this occasion he was accompanied by an invalid lady, who walked on crutches, and in paying his little bill he happened to show a portfolio well filled with bank notes. On October 10 he reappeared at the shop, and stated that his daughter was about to be married, at the same time showing her a paragraph which had appeared in the " Figaro " asjfollows :—"The approaching marriage is announced in Paris, of Mr W. Thompson, stock-broker in New York, with Miss Helena Barber, only daughter of the Rev. H. Barber, usually domiciled iv New Zealand," • He ordered jewellery to the value of 35,000 franks as a wedding present to his daughter, and Mdme. Prevost delivered the goods at his residence. On arriving there she was of course received with all due ceremony aad was told to take a seat in the drawing room while the pseudo clergyman retired in order to show the jewels to the afflicted lady who had been previously seen on crutches. After wait ing impatiently for three quarters of an hour Mdme. Prevosi sought to leave" the room but found that she had been locked in, and when she was finally rescued it was discovered that the pseudo-clergyman and his companions had disappeared. They have not since been traced.

The Functions of Goyemment.

AN AMERICAN DEFINITION.

At the late annual meeting of the Liberty and Property Defence League, Mr Dudley Field, the ablest lawyer or America, presided, and made the principal speech. He said that the whole fabric of government was in itself nothing bub a league for the defence of liberty and property, and the question naturally arose—why should there be another and a feebler organisation constituted for exactly the same purposes as the larger one within which it was contained ? As an American, he c^uld not answer the question, and he would therefore confine his observations to discussing the true functions of the State. A. great garb of life Aras regulated by custom independent of law ; and an immense work was daily performed by voluntary association prompted by sympathy, and all that properly belonged to the domain of custom or of sentiment might be left out of the domain of the State. The true function of the State was the protection of all its members in all their rights, including the establishment of such public enterprises as the necessity or convenience of the public might' re quire, and to which individual effort was unequal. He saw no reason to go further than this. The purpose of human life, was humfin happiness, wh;ch was best promoted by the nearest ajjproa.e)i possible to the ideal of manhood, In- dividuality was the necessary condition of such development. Self-.help was better than the help of another, and thence it followed that what the individual could do for himself, the State should not <Jo for him. But what of the (jlaaa v, rha could nob help themselves ? What wag to be done with what General Booth called the -'residuum of misery?" The first condition of relief for those persons —said to be one in ten of the population —was that in helping the tenth the interests of the other nine must not be forgotceii. It was proposed, on the ono hand, that the State should take into its hands all the property of the people, apportion th^-ir labor, and distribute the fruits of it; and, on the other Jiaricl, that the Stato should find, work for those who ejuld nob find it for them*

TBJE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN, SATUBDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1891



Hollow ay's Pills. — Nervousness and want of Energy. —When first the nerves feel unsirong, and listlessness supplants energy, tijg'jtinie has come to jtake some such alternate as Hollow's Pills to restrain a djs^rder from developing itself into a disease. rJ?hese jjx cellentPillscorrectftlUrrogularitics and wesk ness. They act so kindly, ye' so energetically on the functions of digestion and assimilation, that the whole body is revived, the blood rendered richer and purer, while the muscles become firmer and stronger, and the nervous and absorbent systems are invigorated, liiese I'ill's are suitable for all classes and all age's, they" liav'e a 'most marvellous effect oi) persons who are out of condition] phey only rectify whatever iss in fajilt, : i-estor^ heal fh to the body and goufideiice JLq tl^e jniutl



Certainly the Most Effective MEDICIN R hi the world is .SANDER and SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects in O«ughs. Colds, Influenzat etc. ; the relief is instantaneous.. Thousands gave the most gratifying testimony. Bead this certificate:—" 24th April, 1883 — Messrs Sander and Sons, —It is with the greatest of pleasure that I testify to the ex<Sj&lleftc.o of your Eucalypti Extract. Having had inflammation of the bone of the leg, whjeh cajne on aff,er a mfevfl attack of low fever, I was; attended by pr j, F^yd, who had made strenuous efforts to save my leg, but without success. He found it necessary to amputate my limb. Having heard in the meantime of the wonderful cures worked by the Eucalypti Extract, I obtained a ***fcjfcj& and the extract had not been applied more f-ha^ an hour when I began to feel greatly relieved, -^ftp" aPplyi"g the extract every four hou^s for pine bi,- tou ityya it was oxit of all danger. I would per'suf»&'« all who i^ajr b t o effected wi,th airy such disease to give the Eucalypti Extract a t^: jal and I am convinced that they will iind i£ / the most wonderful of medicines. —Yours, etc., E. J. Curxow, Wattle street, &uid j lirsfc —(Adyt 6



Wanted ] CASH Advernsemeir.s under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be . left at this Offices rri-RY the Great Drapery Sale now on J_ at H. C. Segek*. PRESENTS.— All holders of Tickets JL will oblige by bringing them in as soon as possible. - H. C. Segeks, Melford House. /"POOLING and invigorating Ice Cream V_y us made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. W r ANTiSD Known — Some special lines in choice Dress Goods at' very low prices showing at " The Corner." WANTED Known—The "Strong wear" Boot i.s the best for Mens Oadies and Children.—W. H. Collier. WANTED every man m the County to have a suit of the Ashburfcon j Tweeds.—Robert Alcoiin, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. BEGERS' Clearing Sale in all Depart ments now on. One trial solicited. —Melford House. a LASS, Earthenware, and China, direct from the Manufacturers.— Robekt Alcorn, Tea Warehouse and Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known—The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods in Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A arge stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des pate , "TI7 ANTED KNOWN —MRS J. VY BUCHANAN wishes to inform her country friends and the public, that she will open business on Saturday, February 21, as Fruiterer and Confec tioner. Tea and Coffee at all hours. Hot \ Luncheon on Saturdays, from 12 to 2. East Street next John Orr and Co. 2 110 NOW ON — At'lSt!) boners' HalT^ Great Sale of Surplus Stock it i Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods^ Music, etc. Great reductions for cash, for one m*>nth only. Hundreds of books at less than English price. At L. F. Andrewes & Co.'s, Stationers Hall. f~] ENTLEMEN requiring the very VJ latest fashion in FLEXIBLE HATS (all colors) will find a choice stocks at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. WHITE and Fancy Scarfs, White and Striped Vests, Tennis Shiris, buttoned and laced fronts, all colors, at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. O UMMER Merino and Gauze Merino - J Undershirts, with long or short sleeves, at the New Zbaland Clothing Factory. WASHING Derby Ties 6d each, six for 25,6 d. Increasing demand for these «fc the New Zealand Clothing Factory. BOYS' School Suits, well fitting, durable, and moderate in price at the New Zealand Clothing Factory. AGENTS for tl-e Wonderful New Hkh Aim "Wfirtheim 'Sewing' Machines. Latest improvements, new appliances, noiseless motion, increased advantages, ALL who have used the " Wertheim " New Hij;h Arm sewing machine, p:< clivm it to be the most perfect sewing machine yet produced. Inspection iavitsd. "EW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, the leading Hat, Cap, and Clothing Manufacturers, EAST STREET, A SHBUBTON Agentffor the Wonderful Wertheim Sewing Machine \Y. H. WEBBER, Manager. I"—"' ill MUM Jim mJ n II ———ll———»W MONEY JO LEND. ■jl/rONEY t;> Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, in sums of £100 TOjgsooo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office. Christchurch. WJTH.TEETIi AiTHOsJT J~ ELTtt CHRISrCRCRCH DENTAL SURGERY, Corner of Cashel and High streets s. m™ and a- SURGEON DENTIST And at Dunedin and Westport iTTE have gained tin FIRST AWARD VV "' the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and ifc is with the greatest confidence that v:e guarantee the highest class work and perfect tit afc th<? most moderate cos A Single Artificial Tooth, 100. Comple Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfortable Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al .nosfc immediately after the extraction of decayed fceefch or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE G)AS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influeutie is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee foe Administration, fys. Extraction, 2s fid, Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost, 1



fflfr""w. Frvhompisbii. SURGEON "pvENTIST, URGE ON JUENTIST, 218 HIGH STREET, CHRISTCHURCH Hours —10 a.m. to 6 p,m. Having purchased Dxt N. A. Neely'h Dental practice, MR THOMPSON may be consulted at the above address. 2 31 JAMES BAKER, ~ TIMBER MERCHANT, AND GENERAL FURNITURE \3D FANCY GOODS WAREHOUSE, HAVELOCK STREET, Opposite Harrison r Auction Mart, imURNITURE and Picture Frames P mide to order in any design at shortest notice. Sole Agent in Ashburton for Clegg's Perambulators. A'so, Wiesner Pianos iiipMT ■TT7E ARE CASH PURCHASERS OF , SECONDS Wheat IN ANY QUANTITY A.± Ilitcliest. Marlcet Kates ROLLITT & 0 ). 2 121 John Orr & Co. INVITE THE ATTENTION OF F. A R M E B S To their large and Varied Stocks of al classes of Goods, suitable for the Harvest Fie?d. 1000 Bales Binding TWINE, Crown Brand 250 Bales Manilla Binding TWINE Michine Extras and Fittings 100 Cases Binding WIRE, White Cioss 100 Cases Castor Oil Leather Belting, l|in to 6in Volvoline and Lubroline Oil Lard and Olive Oil Cylinder Oil Perforated Zinc, 3/32 feo 7/8 Seaming Twine McCormick Binders The agents of the McCormick reapers and binders have just received neivs of a very exciting trial at Tamworth (N.S.W.) on Sauturday, December 6. The prize competed for was the Society's medal, which was offered to the machines ex hibited afc their Show ; but in order to have a successful trial they in addition offered a prize of ten guineas, open to all comers. Both prizes were gained by the McCormick, which was awarded the full maximum number of points. This was the first time this season where the winner at any trial in Australia obtained the full number of points under each heading. The McCormick also gained first prize at Stawell (Victorie) beating the Ma^sey, Hornsby, and Dearing. John Orr and Co. *"*• JIJ. O c y m o v r SURGEON DENTIST, 15 Colombo Street (new Buildings nea 0 >rner of Gloucester Street.) Established ... ... ... 1869 S<!ALE of Charges : Extraction, 2s 6d per tooth ; fillings, 5s \'er tooth. A. red icton made where a number require attenling. ARTIFICIAL. TEETH. The charges for artificial teeth are made wi'Ai a view to strict economy, regulated by .such eh'cumstances as cases present, or such materials as patitnts prefer. Par ticulars given an application. Consulta tion free. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) adminicle! ci when required. Attendance, 10 a.m. to G p.m. J5 Ooli M*o Street, CHR'sxcHuiiir.



Jr*ublio Notices. THE DOMESTIC PAPER PATTERNS OF NEW YORK. m n si» o i» i: WISHES to inform her many Friends and Customers that she has the Ageucy of the above celebrated Patterns, thut by each San Francisco Mail will RECEIVE NEW ONES. —Also — ••THE STYLE," Price 3d Monthly. TUB BIJOU ART NEEDLEWORK DKPOT, Morten's Buildings, Opposite Bank New Zealand, OHBISTCUUBCH. r 2J?O [~] •« et Q W.H. COLLIEH W. H. Collier is now The Corner W. H. Coixier The Corner W. H. Collier showing The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier NEW The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner \T. H. Collier and The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H- CollierC HOICE The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner IV. H. Collier MILLINERY The Corner W. H. Collier ULSTERS, The Corner W. H. Collier JACKETS, The Corner W. H. Colierl RIBBONS, The Corner W. H. Collier FURS, The Corner W. H. Collier <4I,OVES, The Corner W. H. Collier DRAPERY, The Corner W. H. Collier etc., etc., The Corner W. H- Collier for the The Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier AUirMll The Corner W. H. Collier ww^;..™ The Corner W. H. Collier ****"» The Corner W. H. Collier SEASON. The Corner W. H. Collier _ The Corner W. H. Collier The Balance The Corner W. H. Collier of The Corner W. H. Collier SUMMER The Corner W. H. Collier STOCK The Corner W. H. Collier is still being T"he Corner W. H. Collier The Corner W. H. Collier SOLD OFF The Corner W. H. Collier uu v w The Corner W. H. Collier CHEAP The Corner W. H. Collier to make room The Corner W. H. Collirr for The Corner W. H. Collier NEW GOODS The Corner Wi H. COLLIKR ARRIVING. THE CORNER "The Corner." W- W. Spencer & Co. EXTENSION OF Great Clearing Sale. Being heavily overstocked, and in order to make room for a shipment of Goods which we have landing from Home in about a fortnight, we have made Greater Reductions than ever. All Wool, colonial flannel, 10id, 4-ply fingering wool, all colors, Is lid; Calicos 2a 3d the doz ; Dross Goods 4.W; Washing Prints, 2M, 3ld, and 4jd ; Washing Muslin n 2s lid the doz ; Towels, 3id -, .{j| each ; a very large Towel 9£d, H Rnow 6|d ; very good Ticking, *JQ 6d; double width Sheeting, jj <f 7W; heavy white Linen Twill £) 0 Sheeting, lHd ; heavy cotton Shirting, s£d; Cretonnes, 4|d ; . {£ Men's woollen Sox, ll£d; Boys' p Vi Braces, 4d ; Men's Braces, 8d ; H <5 Men's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid ; *> Men's goodTAveei Suits, 22s Q __ 6d ; Boys' Twetd Suits from l~ y\ 4s lid ; Men's colored Moles \P W7s 6d, now 5s lid ; Boys' do. f-. 2s Jld. BOOTS. BOOTS. P Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d ; Men's Q] colonial made Shooters, 9s lid; Boys' strong Boots very cheap. Women's strong Elastics, 6s 9d; Girls' and Maids' Kid Elastic Sides and Button Boots 2s lid 3s lid, and 4s 6d at W. IV. OPCMCER * Cos 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. " Tiie~Areade. " 71 II THE COLONIAL IOT« COMPANY OF IB! lEAUII (FIRE AND MARINE.) rPHE Business of this Company has 1 been TRANSFERRED to the COMMFRCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY, Limited, of London, by whom, through the various Branches and Agencies in New Zealand, all accounts owing to and by and all losses under the Colonial Insurance Company's policies will be settled in future. F.ALLEN, General Manager. Wellington, New Zealand, December 11th, 1890. THiC COMMERCIAL UNION ASSUR ANCE COMPANY, (Limited) Established 1861. rncorporated under Acfc of Parliament, 7 and 8 Vie, Cap. 110. Head Office : 19 and 20 Cornhill, London Capital fully subscribed ... £2,500,000 Total Invested Funds ... 2,351,707 ■TV.nl Annual Netfc Income... 1,132,239 HEAD 1 OFFICE for NEW ZEALAND ; Lnmbton Quay, Wellington. With Local Boards of Advice in Australia and New Zealand. General Manager for New Zealand J FRANK ALLEN, J P. Every description of Fire nd Marine Insurance effected at iK/WEST CURBENT EATES CUFF & GRAHAM, Managers for Canterbury, Christchurch. A«iWTB v(m Ashburton FRIEDLAHDER BROSJ 22