The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1891. THE SHEEP SUPPLY.

In New Zealand the cry among farmers and those engaged m the meat export trade is of impending scarcity of sheep. In Australia, particularly m New South Wales, the reverse is the case, the danger there being that the country is becoming overstocked with sheep for which there is no out let. What New Zealand sheep far mers are being called upon to guard against is the extermination of the ewes of their flocks by killing them oft' as lambs and two-tooths for freezing. In New South Wales a leading pastora list urges the absolute necessity of re ducing the number of breeding ewes. He says : " The whole of New South Wales is at the present time very fully stocked for a good season. Should a dry time come on us the colony will be greatly overstocked. We have no outlet, and it will not even be possible to fatten, as the colony will be too full of sheep, and the losses will be something unprecedented. In this juncture it i 3 the plain duty of sheep owners to reduce the number of breeding ewes, and as the season for putting the rams m is at hand, I wish to show that the loss that will be sus tained by substituting wethers for breeding ewes is much less than is usually estimated; indeed, if all sheep breeders would reduce, the increased value of the reduced number of surplus stock would more than counter-balance the apparent decrease m number for gale." The writer then enters into figures to demonstrate the soundness of his argument, and conclude*} :— " Even if we manage to export sur plus stock m the shape of frozen mutton, reduction m numbers must take place, or there will not be enough country available for fattening. I strongly urge upon flockmasters the absolute necessity of immediate action, and as many may not figure the matter out, I have though it worth while to draw attention to the small legs in volved m the substitution of wetiiers for breeding ewes. I have, not alluded to the immense gain to the flocks of the colony that will result if 2a per

cent to 30 per cent of the worst \ ewes are culled out and fattened off and boiled down." We fear it will be a long time before a regular export trnde is opened up m Sydney merino mutton, which at the' best is poor stuff. Even the crossbreds of that colony are not to be compared with even second class New Zealand mutton. Fattening oft and boiling down the ewes is not a profitable mode o f disposing of them, especially with tallow at the present low price. Other means will be looked for before that is resurted to, and it may be worth the while of some of our understocked sheep farmers to consider whether they could not obtain from the abundance of our New South Wales neighbours some good sound ewes tq replenish their scanty flocks. If ewes are to be sold there at boiling down prices it wouid surely pay to bring them here, where sales have been made afc six shillings and upwards "off the shears." It; would cost no more to bring sheep from Sydney to (say) Timaru, than to trans fer them from the Amuri to South Canterbury.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Influenza is spreading m the city and suburbs of Christchurch. The disorder is of a mild type, am) no fatal results have been reported. A wave of emotional religion^ is passing over some parts of France. A number of Protestant peasants are travelling with tents, preaching the end of the world, bareheaded and with naked feet. The number of electric launches on the River Thames is constantly increasing. They will soon equal the number of boats using steam on that river. The mo3t of these boats are using storage batteries. Two large special settlement associations at Master ton have been formed m connec tion with the Knights of Labor there. They consist of seventy members, and have appli«d for two blocks m the Fuketoi district, one of 7000 acres and another of 4000 acres. Mr Hans Irvine, of the Great. Western Vineyard, Victoria, is visiting France m order to study the process of manufacturing champagne, and of purchasing a plant which will enable him to commence the manufac ture of that wine on his return to the colonies. Employer: "I'd engage you for the place at once, only I must have a married man." Applicant: "Keep the place open for an hour sir. I'll fix that! It's easier to get married than it is to get a job. 1 About noon yesterday a woman was found dead m Hagley Park, CSuistchurch. She was apparently about 37 years old, and wore two wedding rings and a keeper. There is no sign of violence. The body has not yet been indentified. Tho natives are supposed to possess pecu liar powers of foretelling the character of the seasons by observance of natural signs, and we ("Thames Advocate") understand they prognosticate a hot, dry summer m conse queuce of certain indications given by the flower of the nikau. The Tasmanian Minister of Linds and Works has approved (says the " Mercury ") of an increase of wages to the permanent way hands on the Government railways on the following scale -.—Laborers, first year, 5s 6d per day ; subsequent years, (is p^r day ; gangers, first year, 7s 6d per day ; subse quent years, Bs'per day 1] A young offi :ev m the British House of Commons,' a number of years ago, wore a tremendous pair of moustaches, on which one of the members said: —"My dear fellow, now the war is over, why don't you put your moustaches on the peace establishment?" "Had you not better put your tongue on the civil list," was the prompt and hippy retort. The Committee of the Ashburton Caledo nian Society met on Saturday evening, and arranged the programme for the annual sports m the Domain on Boxing D.iy. This day, although on a Sutur.lay, has been decided on after consultation with the auctioneers, merchants, and other business people of the town. The day's sports will include the usual athletic events, dancing, and pipe music, and also swimming races. A new system of electric traction, which has at least the merit of novelty, is to be tried on one of the French railroads. The inventor, a Mr Heilmann, proposes 10 place a steam engine (not a locomotive) and a dynamo on a car. The current from the dynamo is to be conveyed by suitable conductors to'the other cars, where it will drive motors attached to the axles of their wheels. The inventor's idea is to utilise the whole weight of the train for adhesion, and he hopes to be able to ascend grades ot 1 m 200 at a speed of 50 miles an hour. A peculiar accident happened m Sydney on the afternoon of the Prince of Wales' birthday. A lumper named John M'Ginley, 26 years of age, was playing with a little girl named Cecilia M'Court, three years old, on the balcony of the house. Taking the cMld m his arms, he was showing her some thing m the street, when he suddenly over balanced, and falling heavy on his head broke his neck, death being almost instantaneous. The child received a tracture of the skull, and, though still alive, is m a very precari ous condition. A charlatan, who was running the " Insti tute of European Staff of Physicians" m New York,- was arrested on 13th August on a complaint of extortion. During the investi gation that followed he frankly confessed that he was no physician, but had formerly been a German army surgeon's servant. The medicines he gave his dupes were bread pills and a solution of Epsom salts, which he told the Couit m an impudent manner would at least not hurt those who took them. The fellow had accumulated a fortune. He was held to appear befoie the grand jury m l,ooodol. bail. The other day we were informed by cable that the Bishop of Adelaide had found a great sea serpent dead on the sea shore there. Of course the impriiratur of a bishop settled the great controversy, but the " Adelaide Advertiser " has a different version of the occurrence. It runs as fol lows : —'« Mr W. Bishop, writing to an Adelaide friend from Avoid Point, near Coffin Bay, says that while riding along the seabeach about two weeks ago lie came across a dead sea serpent that had been washed up by the tide. It was ab^ut sixty fe^t m length and liad a head like an immense snake and five feet m length, with two blowholes oh the top, while there were no teeth. The body was round and the tail resembled that of a whale." The' 'lady doctor" is likely (says the ' 'otago Daily Times " correspondent) to become an institution m Victoria, Two ladies afc least, holding foreign diplomas, are already at work m Melbourne as "legally qualified medical practitioners," and last week; for the first times ladies were admitted to the rank and privileges of Bachelors of Medicine m the University of Melbourne. Miss Grace Clara Stone and Miss Margaret Wh>te it is who have completed th<; five years' course of study, walked the hospitals, ;nM passed all the required tests. At the same time Miss Maud Higinbotham, a daughter of the Cliief Justice, received her degree of Bachelor of Arts. More than a dozen girls are following m the footsteps of Miss Wljyte ard Mifrs Stone m the medical school,

The racing record of Bridson, the New i ' Zealander, who won the amateur sculling race on the Lower Yarra a few days ago, was 31 firsts, 7 seconds, 2 thirds and one fourth. Commenting upon the purchase of the ! Messrs Burt's Craigmore estate, 5500 acres, m South Canterbury at a very high figure, tlve "Tenmka Leader" saya: — "Mr Elworthy had, we are given to understand, about 60,000 acres of land before purchasing thia property. He is ona of those whom MrScobieMcKenzie calls the 'submerged tenth of New Zealand,' the poor unfortunate creatures who are so badly off at present, and will, we are told, be ruined by the new taxation. Now here is proof positive that the new taxation will not burst up the large landowners, or injure them toany appreciable extent. If it were so, Mr Elworthy would not add 5500 acres to his already enormouj estate." The ''North Otago Times of {Saturday sa ,ya ;_" The Government, are showing cve'/y desire to make the rain experiments m this district a success. In reply to the tele gram from the Executive Committee, the Minister of Agriculture wired to say that Captain Morrison"'and two men of the torpedo corps would be at the disposal of the Committee.,,. At a meeting of the Committee, held last nigh fc, it was decided to ask Captain Morrison to come up at once and explode several large mines m various parts of the district. As the explosion will be considerable, due notice will be given of the place and as far as possible of the time, though the latter will be largely dependent on a favorable condition of the atmosphere. The com mittee are incurring heavy responsibilities, and it is to be hoped that those m charge of subscription lists will do their utmost to make a thorough canvass of the district, and supply thsm with a sufficiency of funds." '

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

PER PKKSS ASSOCIATION. W«w Vl.viiKMitli Harbor. New Plymouth, November 23. The Chief Surveyor having been ordered to make a report on the sand accumula tions in New Plymouth harbor, says there has been a decrease of seventy-eight thou sand yards of sand since the last survey was made, fourteen months since. The second i auk of sand reported by the surveyor in August, 1890, as running out in a northerly direction for one thousand feet from the end of the breakwater, has disappeared altogether. Considerable change has also taken place in the shape of the sand banks, they having moved bodily. Near the wharf where the Hawea was wrecked, which had three feet of sand, it is now quite clear. The surveyor says from a computation made, there has j been no increase in the sand drift, but an actual decrease, but the bulk of the sand | in the harbour has shifted bodily, and now obstructs the shipping at the wharf. If | fifty thousand yards of san:l ware dredged it would give a channel three hundred feet wide and twelve feet depth of water at low spring tide. ■Toiiml Dcail. Tauranga, November 23. A woman named Jon»s, who was mis sing since Thursday was found dead at the bottom of the eighth Avenue embank ment, with her neck broken. She had fallen over the cliff.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expiessed by our correspondents.)

ASHBURTON POST OFFICE.

TO THE EDITOR, Sir, —As one of the tradesmen of Ashburton I cannot agree entirely with your article on the defects of our Pi sfc Office ; not that you have misrepresented anything, but you have quite overlooked the fact that m some respects the evils you mention are blessings m disguise to some of us tradesmen. In more than one instance some of us poor down-trodden tradesmen, groaning under the evil of long accounts, have showered blessings on the grey hairs of the PostmaSter- Gjneral (I presume his hair is grey) for giving the Ashburton public only a ten feet counter on which to transact all their business, including putting money m for deposit, and taking out money orders for sweeps, etc. Many times, as we have calmly stood by the doorway, or lazily leant up against the narrow ledge on which you write your telegrams, survev i ing the scene before us, we have been able to pounce like a spider on a fly on i some unsuspecting individual (who owes us that little bill so long) as he asks for a Posr. Office order on "Adam Bede " or some other "sweep." How joyfully we reach over and say "No you don'b, old man, that will just do nicely to come oft' your account," and before the astonished party can recover himself his pound note has been collared towards our next fourth. Or we hive a lonsc-winded customer who doesn't like parting. We overlook him about to make a deposit m the Post Office Savings Bank, gently tapping him on the shoulder with a " How do yedo ? lam just m good time to ask for that little bill, I see." He has no alternative under the circumstances but to part. Oh! Mr Editor, our Post Office counter is quite big enough ; and please don't put any more articles m your paper about haying a place built so that if a person wants to take out a P, O. O. or put m or wifiir draw money, or write a telegram, he would be able to do so without anyone else knowing anything about it. It is nice to be able to see who the people are sending telegrams to, and to know that so and sols getting shore of cash and has to njialjie a withdrawal, or that so and so is | abjetoput some m; and Oh ! fancy, so and so ! 6#n s@nd a pound for a sweep, and he has'nt paid his washerwoman £or a long time. Yes, it is so nice to know something about other people's affairs, if ifc is only through a Post Office. So may our ten feet counter reign.—l am etc.,

ROAD BOARDS.

WAKANUI.

The monthly meeting of the Wakanui Road Board waa held on November 7. Present — Messrs Bruce (chairman), Leadley, Megson and Goe. COIIBI>PONI>KNCE. "Thirds."—Fi\»m the Commissioner of ' Crown Lands with reference to the ex penditure of *'thirds " »>n supplying t;:e settlers with water. Gorse on Roads.—From the Hampstead Towj Board, requesting the Board to take the necessary steps <o Live gorse cleared off Trevor'B road.—The Clerk reported that notice had been served on the oc cupier of the land. The Clerk was in structed to mteiview him. Testimonial. — From Mr J. Kiijrour, psking for a testimonial. It was resolved to comply with the request. Insurance. -From the a {cut of the Union Insurance Company re insurances on buildings. The Clerk was instructed to attend to the matter, and the proposals for new policies were signed by the Chairman. Property Sold. ■— From Mr A, H. Ayrton, informing the Board that lie had ceased to occupy R.S. 25104. WATER SUPPLY JFOR VILLAGE SETHJERS. Ifc was resolved that the County Council" be informed that the Board is m receipt of a communication from the Crown Lands office, informing the Board that the moneys accrued from " thirds " voted by the Board for a water supply for the Village .Settlements must be expended on fche section's furnishing the same. As there is only reserve 264 from which this Board receives any moneys, the Board has to request that the money, viz., £15, voted by the Board for a water supply be expended for fche benefit of that particular section. It was further resolved m reply to the letter from the Commissioner of Crown; Lands, to inform him that the County Council had been requested fco expend the amount of meney voted by this Board from accrued "thirds" for a water supply for the benefit of settlers of the reserve ■supplying the moneys. surveyors' report. The surveyors reported that the tus socking of Rule's road had been com pleted. The shingling of part of Dromore road and formation of part of Wakanui Township toad was not commenced, and that tenders} for forming part of Gardiner's road had been called, and would be laid before the Board. |fori>s The surveyors were instructed to inspect fcwo fords on River road and write to the County Council on fche matter. DROMORE ROAD* «? It was resolved to have an extra length (about ten chains) of Dromore road shingled. TENDERS. Tenders were opened for forming part of ■ Gardiner's road and that of J. Hol borough accepted. RATE, The resolution parsed at last meeting striking a race was confirmed, and Messrs Leadley and Coe appointed to sign the rate book. SMALL BIRD NUISANCE. Ifc was resolved to obtain two bushels of Powell's poisoned grain, ROAD NEAR STATION. The surveyors were instructed to report on the road running through Lofc 84. R.S. 4844. ACCOUNTS After passing accounts fche Board ad journed. ■

LONGBEACIL.

The monthly ihectins; of the Longboach Road Board was held last Tuesday. Pies nt —Messrs Grig* (Chairman), Hor sey, Croy, Bishop, and Wilson. COUKESI'ONDESOE. Gulf ill for Water.—.From Mr :;W. Harding requesting the Board to bay half cost of straighleninw creek through his property so as to get a bettor fall for the water coming off the Boundary Road —Messrs Horsey and Wilson to inspect and decide. Claim for Damages.—From Mrs Alice Hawkins claiming damages caused ' by water flowing oft' the Great Soutli Road over her crops, and asking permission to make a drain along the road from the culverts under the railway line to Long beach Road.—The Board did not recog nise the cliim for damages but resolved to allow Mr.s Hawkins to make a drain along the south-east side of the road. Contract.—-From P. Clifford asking the Board to: allow him more money for making drain and track on Boundary Roafl, as he found he could not do the work at the price. —The request was not acceded to. Gorse on Road. —From the contractor for forming part of Griffith's Road, com plaining of the gorse on the road not having been cleared off.—The Surveyors were instructed to have the matter attended to at once BOUNDAKY KOAD. It was resolved to take up a bridge on theßoundary Road opposite R.S. 7822, &c, and make a ford. SIDES OF ROADS. The Surveyors were instructed to have the sides of-roads ploughed out to destroy gorse, and which had been lett uneven, attended to at once. SURVEYOES* REPORT. The Surveyors reported thafe Church Road formation and shingling had been j completed, also a short length of j McLcnnan's Road. The other contracts let at last meeting were being proceeded with. SMALL BIKDS NUISANCE. It was resolved to pay 2s per hundred for eggs anr] heads of small birds. STOVE. It was resolved to put m a new stove m the kitchen of the Board's cottage a,s soon as funds from the rent of schoolroom will permit. OItEAT SOUTH ROAD. Mr O'Connor, the contractor for shingling the Great Soutli Road inter viewed the Board and complained that the Surveyor would not allow him for the shingling m accordance with the size of the gauge. .Afcer hearing Mr Horsey and the Surveyor, the Board decided to allow at the r.ite of ten yards to the j

chain.

The Sydney Financial Troubles.

LEVANTING DIRECTORS. (I'ER I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.) Lojsrnpy, November 22. Messrs Bloom and Douglas, owners of tiie yacht Beagle, were arrested in, Honolulu, having in their possession' 50,000 sovereigns, alleged to be the proceeds of a Bank robbery in Sydney. The accusers failed to sustain the, charge, and the prisoners were re-' leased. They have, it is believed, gone to Japan. J Sydney, November.22. reference to the cablegram ponce rning the arrest of Messrs Bloom and Douglas at Honolulu, it is believed I they are identical with Messrs Bell and Davis, the levanting Directors of the Australian Mercantile Loan and Guarantee Bank which failed recently. The yacht Beagle which they had with them was formerly a gunboat. She had been lying in Melbourne Harbor for many years, and about the time of the flight of the defaulting Directors was purchased ostensibly lor trading ' purposes, '

THE MARKETS.

(IKB PbEHn ASSOCIATION.) London, November 19. The wheat market is easier owing to fche non-appearance of the threatened prohi bition of export by Russia which is fully discounted

Outbreak of a New Volcano.

[pElt PIIES3 ASSOCIATION.] Taukanga, November 21. . Rumors have been set afloat of a vol canic eruption at Plate Island, a detached rock no(s an acre m extent, near Maketu. The i umor is probably due to a few earth tremors felt m the Bay of Plenty during Hie last day or two and a fire on the rock kindled by a fishing and mutton-bird party of natives who went thither on Thursday. There is not the slighest apparent foundation for the sta feu)ent and no visible indication whatever of an eruption. A small steamer leaves to-night to investigate. The earth tremors have originated m the usual sources, m the Lakes district. A chimney waa cracked at Te Puka yesterday and a little crockery smashed, but no serious damage was done. Wki-linoton, November 22. A ''Post" special from Tauranga, re the eruption, supplies the following de tails :—" Another severe shock was felt | about 10.45 a.m., and then all was quiefc until about 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon" when some Natives on the hills at Te Pdfce observed a black cloud rise from behind Maketu and shortly afterwards bursts of flame were plainly seen. The Natives rode over to Makecu, where they found that the Natives resident there had also observed tlie phenomena, and it was then ascertained that Plate Island, known by theNativesas Matungatuanahad become a volcano. The eruption was also ob served after dark from here by Mr Lundon (Mayor) who says that there can be no doubt that Plate Island is now a volcano. Unless one gots back on- the hills, Plate Island cannot be seen from here, as high land hides is, but there are clouds of steam m the sky now over the place. Captain Scein of the Katikati, which left Maketu for Tauianga at 9,30 last'night, reports that he saw volumes of flame ascending from Plato Island and it is stiil blazing this morning. The Katikat i was close to Plate Island the clay previous but there wer<> no signs of volcanic agency at work at that time.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

[PER PIIESS ASSOCIATION.

ACCIDENT TO A STEAMER.

London, November 19. The Gorman Lloyds' steamer Elder, which was overdue from New York, ■ has arrived. She met with an accident to her engines. SIR GAVAN DUFFY. Sir Gavan Duify is willing to stand for the constituency of Monaghan at the next general election in the Mc- Carthyite interest. SHIPPING EXCHANGE. It is proposed to form a shipping federation in London. THE CARPENTERS' STRIKE. The arbitrator in the dispute between the carpenters and employers has re fused to recommend an increase in wages, but advises liberal treatment of the $»en with regard to overtime. He also declines to abolish the system of sub-Jetting any piece of work, but, authorises 50 hours a? a week's work, and fixes the standard wages at 9d per hour.

MELBOURNE DRAINAGE LOAN. London, November 20. Three of the English Banks and Sir Graham Berry, the Agent-General, concur in the opinion that great risk ■ will- be run in issuing at present even a portion of the Victorian Sewerage \ Loan, and that there is not the i slightest chance of raising two mil lions, even at a low minimum, and on easy terms.

"the financial policy. London, November 21. The "Economist" considers that the policy of Mr Ballanee's Government jeopardises a large portion of the £75,000,000 of British savings invested in New Zealand which is quite unrepre sented in the colonial Parliament. It further considers that damage is done to New Zealand interests by the de preciation of the value of land. LORD OARRINGTON'S SPEECH.

The " National Observer " refers to Lord Carrington's Bristol speech m uncomplimentary terms, and asserts ;that while he was Governor ia. Sydney his indiscretions were concealed under a sporting exterior. The "Saturday Review" ridicules Lord Carrington preten ding that Eng lish Conservatives are the foes and the Liberals the friends of the colonies.

ANTARCTIC WHALING. Mr David Gray, of Peterhead, is endeavoring to form a Syndicate in London, with a capital of £50,000, to develop whaling in the Antarctic seas.

EMIN PASHA.

Zanzibar, October 21. Emm Pasha is marching on Wadelai, and it is reported that an English Captain has keen sent from Uganda to prevent Eiuin removing. the store of ivory left behind when Stanley rescued hiui. The English position m Uganda is said to be weak, and the natives are reported to be restless.

THE CRISIS IN BRAZIL.

Rio de Janeiro, November 20. Parana and Cruzada have joined the rebels.

OUTBREAK IN PERSIA.

Teheran, NcTember 21. The outbreak m the province of Mazanderan has been suppressed. During the emeute 220 persons were killed. The leader of the revolt was captured and brought here.

CANADA AND THE STATES.

Ottawa, November 21. The Dominion Treasurer declares that Canada is willing to accept reci procity with the United States, but would not agree to any discrimination against England.

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Paris, November2l. " L,e Paix }' states that there is no truth m the allegations that a treaty of alliance between Russia and France has been signed, but it admits a com? plete verbal understanding has been arrived at between the Grand Duke, at present m Paris, and President Carnot. The French naval budget proposes to increase the Mediterranean fleet fporn thjr.ty to fifty vessels, and also, the scjuadroß. '

AUSTRALIAN.

OBITUARY.

Sydney, Nivember 22. Mr Thomas W. Lewis, Under-Secre tary for Native Affairs m New Zea land, died to-day from inflammation of the lungs.

CRICKET.

Adelaide. November 21. In the cricket match, South Austra lia v. Lord Sheffield's team, the local men were firsb to bat, making 163, Scrymgeour being top scorer with 57. The fielding of the English team was perfect. The Englishmen m their first essay knocked up 321, of which Briggs made 95.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, November 22. At a meeting of the Committee of the Auckland branch of the Journalists' Institute strong objection was taken to the regulation providing for receiving press messages, and it was decided to telegraph to the Postmaster-General pro testing against the rule, and also telegraph t;> the Council of the Institute asking them to move to have the regulation abolished. Wellington, November 21. Croft who was arrested m Sydney, for merly held the position of Deputy Official Assignee afc Gisborne, and absconded m March last. His defalcations are said to be about £600. Wellington, November 22. Major Somerville. Chairman of the New Zealand Rifle Association, is expected to arrive on Tuesday, for the purpose of laying out the new range at Wallaceville. The Railway Commissioners having re fused to grant free passes to members of the Garrison Band attending the band contest m Dunedin, a deputation waited on the Minister for Defence yesterday j afternoon, when the latter declared lie was always glad to be able to assist bands m their efforts to cultivate high class music for the benefit of the Volunteer force, and that he would instruct Lieut.-Colonel Hume to pass tnpmbers of bands as on duty, which would entitle each ot thtm to tcav.el free on the railway line At a meeting of the Mokau Coal Com pany the Directors expressed themselves as feeling assured that the Company was m possession of a good property, which, when properly developed, would prove to be one of the most remunerative indus trial undertakings ever attempted m the colony. Geeymouth, November 22. Heavy rain fell from yesterday evening to this afternoon.. It was much wanted by the miners. The river is m flood. Oamaku, November 22. A boy named Genge met with an accident at the Show on Friday. He was passing behind a shooting gallery when a bullet passed through the shield and lodged m his stomach just below the ribs. He was taken to the Hospital, when an operation was performed for the extrac tion of the bullet. The police have received information that a large lire has taken place at the township of Kurow, forty miles inland. Thiele's general store and house, Waddell's store and house, Delargy's hotel and public hall, London's shop and Farr's ■dwellinghouse weie totally destroyed. The fire commenced at 9.30 on Saturday night. The insurances are not known, bub it is said the New Zealand Insurance Company loses £1900 and the South British £500. There are also other insurances. Dunedin, November 22 s: John Wilson, the unfortunate man shjfc at the butts on Fii ay, was accorded a military funeral to-day, he being a m iiibi-r o." t'io yc.tli DuaJaia Bifles. There was an immense attendance on the occa&ion.

Annivesary Services.

WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL,

The anniversary services m connection with the Ashburton Wesleyan Sunday School were held m the Cameron Street Church yesterday, and were of a particu larly interesting character. The anniver sary celebrated was the fourteenth, and to such of the Ashburton residents as were present at the first anniversary meeting of the school the progress made during the fourteen years must have been specially marked, Even m 1877 Wes leyanism was strong m Ashburton, and a good many children attended the Sunday School, considering the population then. But m these fourteen years many of the children who were Sunday scholars m 1877 have become heads of families them selves, and their olive plants now occupy their parents' plicos on the class benches. An attendance of thirty or forty m the early days was looked upon as something extraordinary, but m 1891 the school has increased so much that the choirmaster, Mr James Gamble, was able to place upon the galleries a choir of scholars numbering over a hundred and twenty, m 1877 the Wesleyan adult choir was the merest makeshift affair imaginable, now it occu pies a position of the proudest m our local musical world. In 1877 an orchestra was not to ba thought of m the district, but now it is not a difficult thing to organise an orchestra of more or less talent among * the members alone of almost any of ©ur churches ; while the kindly spirit that animates. Ashburton musical people i<* such that the ranks of any organisation of the kind could be recruited, to great strength, both m numbers and talent, at a moment's notice. On Sunday the Wesleyan Church was beautifully decorated, thanks to the ladies of the congregation, and when service was ready to begin m the morning the scene presented was decidedly engaging. The children's choir was ranged m terraces reaching high up against the rorth wall, the adult choir occupying the lower benches and the orchestra the dais below, whil« the preacher, the Rev S. Lawry, occupied the pulpit m the centre. The music and hymns were of course specially chosen for the occasion, and the signing of the children was admirable both m time and taste, thanks to the patience, tact, and ability of thoir trainer, Mr Gamble, upon whom the whole labor rested, —all the more to his credit that it was wholly a labor of love. And what has been said of the music at the morning service may be repeated for both afternoon and evening. The sermons at both morning and evening services were more particularly addressed to adults, and dealt m very pointed lan guage with their duty towards the chil dren, not only m the matter of instruction by precept but m the hundredfold more effective method of teaching by the ex ample of a pure and upright life. In the afternoon the address was of course to the children direct, that service being whollys a children's service. At all the services the congregations were very large.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—MONDAY. (Before Major Steward and Mr D. Thomas.) Drunkenness. —A first offender was dismissed with a caution. Vagrancy.—A girl named Amy Fin z lay was charged with being an idle and disorderly person, with no visible lawful means of' support. The police said she was eighteen years of aje, her mother was dead, and her father was addicted to drink. She had been m service for some time but m consequence of her bad be hayioiu 1 §he Iml been, dismissed. A

1 situation had been offered to .Jier five • miles out of town, but she declined to ) accept it as it'was too far to walk. She had been sleeping at nights under the trees m the Domain and at the Western Fire Brigade. Mr J. R. Colyer gave evidence as to (he circumstances under which she had left 'h'» employ. Con stable McGill said 'he had seen the girl constantly on tha street with larrikins, find during the race week her companions Ivul been jockey boys. He had several times been complained to about this girl being on the street.. Constable Hunt arrested her on Sunday morning about seven o'clock. He found her asleep under the macrocarpa trees at the Western Fire brigade. Constable Whitty asked for a remand, with a view to 'ascertain her true r age. The Bench said if she were eighteen years of age she" couli I not 1)3 sent to Burn ham,'and it would be a pity to. send her to gaol. She would be remanded for three days, and if, '■meanwhile she could be taken charge of by Mrs Stribling or Miss Torlesse of the I Christchurch of England Home, until a situation could be found for her, she need , not come up before the Court for sentence.

FARM NOTES.

Miss L. E. Ormerod has resigned her appointment as consulting entomologist to the Royal Agricultural Society, partly on account of ill-health and partly be cause of a preposterous claim by the Royal Agricultural Society to transfer her work to the Board of Agriculture as their pro perty—a claim that the society have had the good sense to withdraw under threat of legil proceedings.

The following are the average prices realised for some of the clips from this district ab the London wool sales m September last:—Creasy merino— Acland (Mount Peel) 206 bales averaged 7|d; Pit, Mayneld, 49 bales B|d ; PR,, Maranui, 53 bales 7fd ; SOW, 77 bales 7f I ; Lake, M, 78 bales 7£d ; Clent Hills, 44 bales 7|d ; Blackford, 43 bales 7|d^ Greasy crossbred—ooo (Buccleuch), 34 bales B|d ; Alford, 26 bales 9£d ; MMM, Lagmore, 84 bales Bjd ; PR, 23 hales B|d.

Extremely gratifying intelligence con tinues to be received from time to time of the success of artesian wel;-boring m Queensland. Mr M'Millan, the driller m charge of Mr F. W. Prell's station at Richmond Downs, has telegraphed that he has struck a flow of 2,000,000ga1. per day at 600 ft. Barely a month has elapsed sinca his last report was received of a similar supply having been struck at 850fc; and the result of the present bore brings the total supply for nve bores of less than 1000 ft each to 8,000,000ga1. of pure artesian water per day.

In a letter to the "Clutha Leader," "T.M." says:—Never mind if ca's are only a shilling a bushel; we can do with out Australia for a market, and turn the oats into mutton, and get a good price. A hundredweight of green oaten chaff costing Is 6d will, with a few turnips (which can he grown to perfection), put a sheep w«?ll through the winter ; an acre of oaten hay being enough for say, 40 sheep, and this will improve the health, the wool, and mutton m quantity and quality. It will also enricii the land, increase the summer feed, and enable a full .crop of wheat to be grown ttt little expense for manures, and help the farmers all round.

The idea of sulphate of iron being as efficacious as sulphate of copper as a remedy for potato disease has been proved entirely wrong m experiments carried out m Fiance this year. The sulphate of iron indeed, is said to have proved quite use less. On tl:« other hand, the application of twenty pouncs of sulphate of copper, and ten pounds *of* quicklime m 10i> gaPons of water (the two solids being disolved separately m wooden vessels, and the lime solution strained), has proved remarkably successful m England and France^

The "Economist" gives the following figures denoting the fall of wool prices as illustrated by che fourth series of colonial wool sales :— Average Prices Per Pound.

The fall is attributed chiefly to the great increase of sheep m Australasia.

The following summary of prices ruling at the recent Ho]cncastle horse fair will give a fair idea of the present value of horses m the Old Country : —the best cart horses sold at from 60gs to 80gs. whilst good useful ohes fetched from 30gs to 47gs. Lower class horses for farm work made from £12 to £24. The of the Irish and Welsh drove ponies realised ptices varying from,3ogs. In the hunting classes prices were from 65gs to 210gs. Carriage horses which were few, fetched from 70gs to 147g3. Really good cobs made from 502s to 80gs. Hackneys sold, at from 40gs to 70gs, and were well repre sented. English ponies made from 20gs to 35gs. Every horse that had good form and was of a first-rate order, was eagerly secured the first day of the fair.

Itabbits, which are now m some dis tricts a perfect nuisance to the farmers of the county, were unki-own m Ayrshire previous to 1777.. They jiad dwelt m the Little Cumbrae from time immemorial, and it was not without some considerable trouble that the prolific rodents were m duced to take up a permanent residence on the waste lands that fringe the sea coast. Experiments were .made with different varieties, but what is nowcsthe common wild rabbit was not long m establishing-its superiority. In the year 1800 the skiiis were sold at 8s a dozen. Tea years later the price rose to 15s, while the carcases which had brought 7d a pair,, rose to lOd. A report; to the Board of Agriculture, 1810, advocates greatpr stringency m their protection, otherwise, says the reporter, "doss, oats, polecats, weasels, gleds. hawks, corbies, and other depredators would soon extir pate this fertile race." The rabbits were not long m finding out that beyond the shore lands there were . richer pastures, and foi* many years the whole of the West of Scotland has been familiar with the descendants of the Little Cumbrians.

Wonderful strides' are being made m tins country (says the English agricultural correspondent of the " Witness ") m agri cultural and dairy-education. Nearly ail tho county councils now have comprehen sive schemes at work, sustained by the ample funds recently placed at their dis posal, m the shape of the extra be.er and spirit duties collected locally. We have dairy schools and classes m nearly all counties, agricultural aids to county and endowed schools, classes, lectures and experiments. At present the greatest good has been done by the dairy schools and classes. It does not take long to teach a lass qr lad how to make good butter. There is move to. learn, m cheese-m/cikjni:. especially if tnp student desires to make all kinds, of cheese; but compared with the study of agricultural science, that of dairying is a light task. Already- great' improvement m the butter made m many parts of the country is noticeable.

|t appears that the Chjgint^ti P.rise.

Current adheres to its extraordinary esti mate of the wheat crop putting the total at 585,000,000 bushels, and the exportable surplus at over 200,000,000 bushels. The area of the crop is about 39,000,000 acres, The maize crop, on nearly 78,000,000 acres, is calculated by the Fame authority to belikely to producenboul 2,000,000,000 bushels; while oats, on 25,875,0U0 acres, arc credited with about 700,000,000 bushels. The produce of these crops for th? lc*sfc five years has been as follows :—

It will be seen that if the estimates of the produce of 1891 above given are not greatly exaggciated, this season is a particularly prosperous one for the American farmer. It is reported that the Canadian Govern ment has been notified that, owing tj the great promise cf the crops m Manitoba and the North-West, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company has ordered fifty new locomotives and 1500 box cars, to trans port the season's harvest to the seaboatd. It is estimated that it wiil require ten trains daily for seven months to remove the crop.

SPORTING.

[per press association.] Sydney, November 22. Mr White's well-known thoronghbred stallion Chester is dead.

ASHBURTON RACING CLUB.

AUTUMN MEETING, 1892.

Tire following entries were received on Saturday:— The Ashburton Stakes, of 2 soys each, with 100 soys added; second horse to receive 10 soys from the stakes. For two and three-year-olds, bred m the district or that have been commonly resident In the district and owned by persons residing; m the district from the day of entry and up to the date of the meeting. Two-year-olds, 7st 71bs ; three year-olds, 9at; fillies and geldings allowed Slbs. Winners since August 1, 1891, of any race or races (excluding selling races) of the individual or collective value of £25 to carry 41 bs extra ; of £50, 71bs extra ; of £100, lOlbs extra ; of £200 or upwards, 141 bs extra. Maidens hav ing started twice or oftener allowed— two; year-olds, 51bs; three-year-olds, lOlbs." Penalties and allowances to be calculated to the time of starting. Five furlongs. Mr J. McKellar's eh f Corruption, by Apremont—Bribery, 2yrs. Mr G, G. Stead's blk c Reynard, by Le Loup—Miss Kate, 2yrs. Air James Carlan's b f Sporting Grove, by Perkin Warbeck ll—ldalia 11., 2yrs. 1 Mr C. Stratford's eh c Tom Field, by Johnny Faulkner—The Fly, 3yrs. Mr W. Russell's g g by Burlington— Fair Nell by Python, 3yrs. Mr W. G. Lunn's b f by Holderness— Alice Grey, 2yrs. Mr F. W. Worner's Oarsmaid, by ; Hanlan, 3yrs. Mr Et. Rhodes' bo Morpheus, by St George—Hammock, 3yrs. Mr K. Allen's br c Saracen, by $>t George—Fair Nell,. 2yrs. Mr L. Markey's b f Maria Martin, by Johnny Faulkner—Miss Martin, 3yrs. Mr L, Markey's b f Yattaghan—by Nordenfeldt—Yattacy, Ryrs. Mr 0. F. Todhunter'a br c The Winch man, by Cadogan—Miss Russley, 2yrs. Mr C. F. Todhuntcr's eh c The Lumper, by Cad ogan—Caprine, 2yrs. Mr S. Alexacder's eh c by Cad- gan— Nonsense, 2yis. Mr S. Alexander's eh c by Liverpool— Rosedale, 2yrs. Mr a. Alexander's eh g Rosebloom, by Burlington—-Rosedale, 3yrs. Mr B. R. McDonald's bf Canadian Girl, by Hanlan, 3yrs. Mr A. J,.; Kelly's b c Glencairn, by Perkin Warbeck 11.-^-Idalia 11., 3yrs. Mr E. Wilson's eh c Ringrove, 3yrs. Mr R. H. Bennetts' b c Warrington, by Gorton— Mountain Lily, 2yrs. I Mr E. Gates' b f Throne, by Perkia Warbeck ll—Peggy, Uyrs.

DUNEDIN SPRING MEETING.

Dunedin, November 22. The following acceptances have b«en received: — Spring Handicap Hurdle Race, of 100 soys ; 2 miles and a distance. st Ib st lb Christmas ... 10 10 Trimolite ... 9 10 Capt. Abram -10 3 Rangiora ... 9 7 Waitangi ... 912 Kildare ... 9 0 Otago Cup, of 500 soys ;1J mile. st lb st lb Crackshot... 9 6 Florrie" ... 712 Cynisca ... 811 Cajolery ... 710 Whisper ... 8 7 Galtee ... 7 0 British Lion 8 5 Exile ... 6 9 Boulan^er... 8 3 May ... 6 7 Cruchfield... 7 12 Dilemma ... 6 7 Occident ... 7 12 Federal Handicap, of 200 boys ; 6 fur longs. st lb st lb Whisper ... 9 2 Galtee ... 7 4 Cynisca ... 9 0 Conjurer ... 7 2 Clanranald 8 12 The Idler ... 7 2 Boulanger... 810 Pique ..." 7 0 La Rose ... 8,8 Huguenot... 7 0 Lady Zetland 7 12 Yataghan ... 6 12 Heather Bell 710 May .£;.. 610 Carronade ... 7 10 LadyMab... 6 7 Dormeur ;.. 7 4 St. Kilda Welter Handicap, of 120 soys; lmile, st lb st lb La Rose ... 10 2 Leinster ... 9 0 Bay King ... 9 6 Miss Itfa&c 812 MonLoup... 9 2 Assyrian King 812 Galtee ... 9 2 Don Pedro 8 10 Derby ... 9 0 Tempest ... 8 7

DUNEDIN NOTES.

j Dunedin, November 23. Heavy rairi set m at four this morning, interfering with the wovk. Exile had a thr c mile sweat, Kuby and May did a good mile at nearly top ; Cruchitix long steady work, moving freely; Crackshot two miles at a serviceable pace, the soft going suiting him ; Galtee two miles at three-quarter speed; Occident a two mile bound gallop, showing no sign of lameness. These were the only Cup horses out.

THE ASHBUBTON GUARDIAN; MONDAY, NOVEMBER 33, 1891.



Oct. 1891. s. d.

Dec. 1890. s. d.

Dec, 1889. s. d.

Melbourne merino washed ... ... 1 3 Sydney merino, greasy ... ... 0 8 Jew Zealand merino greasy ../ .„ 0 8 Crossbred greasy .., 0 9j Jape merino cjrea&y 0 6

1 4 0 9 0 91 OlOj 0 7"

1 7 010| O'iOJ Oil 0 8



1886 1887 18SS 1889 1890

Wheat Maize O«s. Bn<*e!s. Bushels. Bushfels. .. 457,118,000 1,665,441,000 634,i3|,«<00 .. 456.329^0 i,456,i6i,9cx) 659,618,00 c! ■.. ■ 415,868,90 a - fc987i790,n00 70i,735,<w0 .. 490,560,000 2,112,892,000 ysijSiS-''oo • • 399,262,00b 1,489,070,000 523,000,600



The European population of the colony on the 30th September last was 629,093, and that of the Maori race -41,523, or a total of 670,616. The Honorable the Minister for Public Works was a passenger by the express to? day for Dunedin, to meet the farmers attending the Agricultural Show. on account of the Property Taa? are due on Thursday, the 26th inss, A fin* of ten per cent is imposed on all accounts not paid by that day. "Keatijto's Pcwdek" destroys Blugs Fleas, Mothd, B.eetles, and all other insects., whilst quite harmless to domestic aniii'als, In exterminating Beetles the success of this pqwder is extraordinary. Jt is perfectly clean m application. See the article you purchase is " Keating's," as imitations are no.xio.us and ineffectual. Sold m Tins,6 d, Is, and 2s 6d each. l>v all chen>^ats. Many exhibitors at the h\te Ashbt<rtoi\ Show, were doubtless disappointed, m n Jfc 1 winning prizes. A picture value %0m U g^von n-vfaiy with every Fifty S^iliing^ 1 worth of Warburton's Can't tie Bent faking Powder.—Fact. Ask for Ninian ftyslop, a.nd Co,'s Imperial new seasons Pure Oeylon and Indian Teas. Special priws.—(Advr,) Ninian Hyslop and Co.'s " Imperial' Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct from the Tea piaqtations.—(Ad,?*,)



Holloway's Pills.—Pure Blood.—When the blood is pure, its circulation calm and { equable, and the nerves well strung, we are well. These pills possess a marvellous power m securing these essentials of health by purifying, regulating, and strengthening tne fluids and solids. Holloway's Pills can be confidently recommended to all persons suffering from disordered digestion, or worrier! by nervous fancies, or neuralgic pains. They correct acidity and heart-burn, dispel sick headache, quicken the action ot the liver, and act as alteratives and gentle aperients. The weak and delicate may take them without fear. Holloway's Pills are eminently serviceable to invalids of irritable constitutions, as they raise the action of every organ to its natural standard, and universally exeruise a calming and sedative influence. The best medicine known is ZANDER and SONS EUCALPTI EXTRACT. Test it eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony, His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe, are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occa sion to offer rewards m proof of the genuine ness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all these are authentic documents, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome ol one of the various cases treated by Siegen] M.D , Professor, etc. Burning of the right hand through the explosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the volar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose and half of the phalaux of the nail of the middle finger was coaled. The wounds thus contracted healed m three weeks under daily applications of Eucalypti Extract dressing. The patient has retained the full use of her hand.—(Advt.) 1



Tins Bkst Rkukdy fop. Ltdiokstion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confident^ recommended as' a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Stren^thcner of fie Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonieajf.fl gentle perient, ai;s miU i" their operation, aud J safe under any <,>U'inimstanc,es. Sold m bottles, at Is 1 J-d, 2a 9<l, Us, by»J> ipediejue vendors throughout tl*•=» world. True economy To purchase Counfcesa Tsfr for two shillings. Free from any ex cess of JS rinian Hyslup and Co.'s " Imperial" pure Ceylor and fad inn T^a q,re the bjjfjb m ths market. -CAJvt.)



Wanted CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Wtat this Office. WANTED, a good Hoy for the stable. Apply Max Frsedlander. 11 134 "tXTANTED, a sixth standard Boy as f » apprentice to the printing trade. Apply Manager, Mail Office, between the hottrs of 10 a.m. and noon. \l/ ANTED, smart Lad to learn the VV trade. Apply Jambs Pattbkson, | SaHdler, Tancred Street. 11 132 j WANTED, Apprentice s to the Dress making. Misses Morkison and Hoixoway, Tancred Street. 11 135 WA N TE D Known — Tomorrow Night, Wosleyan Church Sunday School Anniversary Tea Meeting. Tea on tables at 6 p.m. H lffi WANTED Known —Choral Concert To-morrow Night at Wesleyan Church, after tea meeting, at 8 p.m. Admission, Is. H 136 STRAYED or Taken from Burford House, East Belfc, on Sunday even ing a bkek and tan Terrier Puppy, about four months old, answers to the name of 41 Spec." Mad on a small leather collar. Finder please return to Mail Office." WANTED Known—A special line of Cashmeres, all shades, now selling at Is per yard. White Blankets 5s lid per pair.—H. C. Segbrs, Melford House. - > ICE Cream ready at all hours, during the summer months at Flower's. Cough Drops as usual-—H. G. Flower, East street. WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width. Is 10|d ; original value, 4s. —H. C. Skqers, Melford House. WANTED Known.—At "The Corner' now selling Ladies' French Shof s. 5s lid. See thenf.—W. H. Collier^ "OROOKE'S Carbolised Scaly Blight Jt3 Cure is the best of all, bar none. ANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. Jtl. Collier. ' A""" LL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 50s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. I HEFiP SHEARS. Having secured a < Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and as there are very few m the Colony, Shearers arj requested to call early.— Robert Alcorn, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known —- Being over stocked m Corsets, we have re cuced every pair. Ladies from Is 6d Cheapest house m town.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. „ ARTTSTS' Materials, Drawing Papers and Copies (lines not m stock quickly procured), Birthday Books and Booklets m great variety. Inkstands m glass, wood, and electro-plate.—H. M. Jones. : . intrANTED KNOWN genuine Clearing ' V Sale is going on and the Boots are going out Bust value yet offered, ten per cent for cash, the very be.sfc work and repairing done at once at J. M. Moison's lovrn Hall, East Street. WANT BD Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—JY W. Haudley, East • treefc. 6|202 fpO Meet the Times.—T am supplying 1 Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspection invited. — J. W. llardlbv, Eas street. ONEY TO LEND, upon Freehold security, m sums to suit bor rowers. Small amounts can be repaid by instalments, if so desired. Apply to Mr C. W. Puknell, Solicitor, Mont gomery's Buildings. 9 130 WANTED Known.--H. Bairstdw has opened those premises m East street next J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs iv Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on viw. Having a good stock of well ■seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. Ilt6l