which turns the water i*equired tor the race into a tunnel, and this runs under ground for a good distance, the surplus water going over the top of the dam. On our way back through Springfield we saw where they were working at the West Coast Railway, but we had not time to go over and have a close look at it. Here we dropped across a, traction engine with a load of wool on her way to Christchuvcih. Thinking it rather strange they should not send it by rail, I began to make enquiries, and I was told, much to my surprise, that tht-se traction ] engines could take it to town nearly a Shilling a bale cheaper than the railway, and make it pay at that. Surely there must be something wrong somewhere. Taking & run round Homebush we find the cropa looking fair, considering the season; but the nor' westera have made havoc with the fruit trees, destroying nearly all the fruit. Setting off towards Christchurch we crossed the new water race they are taking from the Waima karari, about' six miles from the head works. It is about sixteen feet deep where we crossed it. As we got nearer to Christchurch we began to see a few stacks, and further on some of the earlier crops are threshed. Everything is very dry down here. On our way back to Ashburton we passed through Broadfields and Weedon's, and on to the Great South Road. The crops to this point seemed fair though very short, but from here to the Rakaia there is very little to be seen except tussocks.

Ashburton Live Stools Market.

Mr D. Thomas (late of Matson, Cox and Co.) reports upon the live stock market for the Ashburton District for the week ending February 3rd, as follows :— On Tuesday at the Tinwald Yards I held my usual weekly sale of sheep, cattle, and pics. There was a total entry for the day of 2653 sheep, 17 cattle, and 39 pigs, of which I sold 639 sheep, 28 pigs, and 14 cattle. There was a slight rise m sheep, but cattle and pigs were very dull of sale. The following were the prices realised :— For fat merino ewes, 7s lid ; medium do. Os; crossbred ewes, 10s 6d to 12s. In stores, two tooth mixed crossbreds, 9s 6d, 10s, to 10s 2d. In pigs, stubblors 9s 3d, 13s. In cattle, fat cows £3 10s, £<t 10s, £4 14s, £5 10s ; stores, very poor prices.

Messrs Miles and Co. (per G. Jameson) report on the stock sale held at the Tinwald Saleyards, Tuesday, 3rd Feb ruary : —There was about the usual number of sheep and cattle yarded for this sale. Sheep were m demand, and most lines were cleared at highly satis factory prices. Our entry comprised 2038 out of a total of JJ2653 sheep yarded. Our sales were as follows:— Fifty four fat ewes at 9s 4d, 71 cross bred ewes at 9s 7d, 40 crossbred ewes at 8s sd. 161 meririos at 5s 3d to 6s 2d, 60 lambs at 6s 2d, 374 two and four-tooth crossbreds at 9s 6d to 10s, 222 two-tooth crossbreds at 10s 6d, 950 two-tooth crossbreds at 9s 6d to 10s Id.

Dummyism and the Land. Laws.

The promised amendment of the land laws and, which is more important, of land administration will be anxiously looked forward to by intending settlers. The new Minister of Lands (Mr John M 'Kenzie) is not only a practical farmer himself but has had many years ex perience of the working of the Land Act m his capacity as member of the Otago Land Board. If the reports that reach us from time to time are even nearly correct, dummyism is rampant m its worst aspect. It has been reduced to a science, manipu lated with mathematical accuracy, so as to prevent the settlement of the country by bona fide settlers. As described to us, the way it is worked is as follows : - -Some settler, or settlers, having grown-up chil dren, born on the soil, are desirous 6i planting them on land contiguous to their own well-cultivated farms. They apply to have the land sold, and if their application is runted a public sale is advertised. Applicants can elect to purchase either on deferred payment conditions, or on per petual lease, or for cash. It is m connec tion with this last that the mischief is done The runholder applies tor himself, his wife, his sister, his infant children, and, to maVe assurance doubly sure, he hires some commission agents and clerks to make application also—always for cash ; whilst the genuine setder goes m for de ferred payment or perpetual lease. All the applications are submitted to ballot; and it is a remarkable thing that the cash purchaser, or one of his dummies, al ways Sets the land, because perhaps of his harm* double-banked and treble banked the settlers' applications. We »re not stating any imaginary case. Ihese things have happened repeatedly during the last few years, and some very flagrant cases have occurred lately. When, there fore Mr Richardson plumes himself on the successful financial results of his land administration, it becomes more than questionable whether the system pursued has been beneficial to the. country. Fewer cash sales and more settlers would cer tainly have been a greater gain to New Zealand. Be it observed, however, that the late Ministry are not responsible for the worst evils of existing laws. The Land Act of 1885 is the product of the Stout-Ballance Minis try In an "explanatory preface to that Act, " published under the authority of the Hon. John Ballance, Minister of Lands " m 1885, special attention is drawn to the fact that " on full payment of the purchase money no further obligation iests on the purchaser, nor is there any restriction as to the extent of land he may acquire." The Act of 1887 remedies this m a measure by restricting the purchase of land to 640 acres of first-class land and 2000 acrea of second-class land. Out of this wise and proper restriction the dummyin" system was resuscitated with renewed * violence. The very means sought to stay it, have aided its growth and progress, Iso that now the young men ni New Zealand are casting anxious eyes to Australia, despairing of getting a free hold m their native land. It is time that some decided action were taken, if we do not wish to lose the flower of our popula- Ttis charitable to suppose that these dummies do not understand what they are doing when they sign the statutory "declaration " required by the Act They solemnly declare that they are purchasing the land " solely for their own use and benefit," and not " directly or indirectly for the use and benefit of any other persons whomsoever." And they know that they ™t doing so; yet they run the risk o * being placed m the dock for felony, and oftomng all the pains and penalties nnd Horace of perjury, m addition to Sh t =r is maximum area permitted by the law, and they can go on doing this for ever, be cause as soon as they get the Crown grant they can transfer the land to their equally criminal patrons, who find the cash and pay tke commission. Mr M'Kenzle has promised a full and searching inquiry into such transactions ; and developments of an astonishing nature, and most astonish ing to the " dummies," may be expected. If tfeese statements regarding cash stiles be true, it is advisable thai they should be entirely suspended until the fisting law is amended % lor as they operate at prwsent, the greatest possible injury is being done fo the country and to the cause of settle (merit.— Dun«di» •'•' Stet"

How to Choose a Draught Horse.

The choice of a heavy draught horse is * great deal ea»w thm of a racehorse. Yet

I t is important to know how to distinguish the best, strongest, most enduring, those which would feed well, those which fiery, and those which are slow. The draught horse derives its power fro.n several causes- the development of those parts which constitute bulk, the energy of ith muscular action, and the firmness and hardness of its organs. The exterior characteristics of a good heavy draught horse are a lurge, deep cheat., straight .shoulders, a little inclined to be fleshy, a thick body yet not too much belly, straight loin, the hind quarters a little ! depressed, thick through the thighs, and a long perimeum. The horse which has a I long perigeum prolonged down from the I anus, and thick short muscles of the I thighs, is a very strong and good draught animal. The walk of a heavy draught horse is immaterial. There are draught horses which are quick, and there are those which are slow. The light, quick ! horses are good for farm work where the : ground is light and even ; the heavy, slow horses with firm tread are excellent for new sticky ground and on bad, uneven roads. A horse fcr drawing leads, to be well formed ought to be high m front, having high and"projecting withers, large chest, front legs strong and well spread apart, back and loins straight, hind quar ters a little depressed, muscular, short m the flank, large sinews. With such a shape a draught horse is solid and able to I resist all the knocks from uneven roads and weight which presses upon it when going down a hill. To be too fiery is a fault m a horse drawing heavy loads on an uneven raod. In this case a strong and 1 slow horse is better ; it will resist fatigue I more, and do more service.

Corn Exchange Report.

The following is the Com Exchange for week ending Friday, February 6, 1891:—During the week there has been a fair quantity of new grain on offer, but as yet we can report but a limited business. The samples of Wheat offering are of fair quality, the winter grain being the best. Buyers are shy to make offers preferring to wait till the rates become more settled. It is anticipated that prices will open at | 3s at country stations, with prime Tuscan m good demand for Home shipments. Oats are weaker on account of the new crop offering so freely, and but little out side demand. Barley—Maltsters want prime sorts, but anything of an inferior character is entirely neglected. Blue Peas are offering freely. Grass Seed has a good demand, but samples are coming up from the South which will ease the" enquiry. Dairy Produce unaltered. : Following are the week's quotations :— Wheat (old)— Tuscan 3s 7d, Pearl 3s 5d to 3s 6d, Hunters 3s 3d to 3s 4d ; (new) Tuscan 3s 4d to 3s sd, Pearl 3s 3d, Hunters 3s 2d to 3d 3d ; fowl wheat, whole 2s 9d, broken 2s 3d to 2s 6d. Oats — Milling Is Bd, short feed Is 6d to Is 7d, long and" inferior Is 4d to Is sd. Barley —Prime malting 3s 3d, second .quality 2s 9d to 3s, feed Is 9d. Peas—Prussian Blue 3s (if true to name), feed 2s 6d to 2s 9d. Grass seed—Town machine dressed ss, clean farmers parcels 3s 6d to 4s, in ferior 2s 6d to 3s. Dairy produce Fac tory butter 7d to Bd, farmers 6d ; cheese, small loaf 4|d, larger 3£d to 4d. The above prices are those paid to farmers for delivery f.o.b. Lyttelton. Sacks extra.

Remarkable Restoration.

A most remarkable story of the restora tion of a !r.an who had apparently lost his life by drowning came before Mr C. C. Lewis, the coroner for Es*>ex, at an inquest held at Rainham lately. On Sunday, October 26, three residents of Erith were on the Thames m an open sailing boat, and, the small vessel being caught m a squall, it was capsized and two of the three men were drt.wned. The survivor was John Alfred Hudson, a working saddler, who was tho principal witness at the inquest. He stated that he started to swim, but soon lose con sciousness, and remembered nothing more until he found himself m bed at a public house at Erith on the following day. He went on to state that from what he had been told his body was seen floating m the water, and Mr Withers sent a man from his yacht m a rowing boat to fetch the body m. The boatman was so satisfied thatifc was a dead body that he towed it behind his boat to the yacht. Mr Withers at once took the body ashore to Erith, and a medical man pronounced life to be extinct. However, two sanguine men re sorted to rubbing, and after two hours of unceasing exertion animation began to return. Hudson was then placed m bed and carefully attended to, and on the following day he recovered consciousness and is now m good health. The coroner said it was the most remarkable case of recovery that had ever come under his notice.

POTITICAL NOTES.

[per press association.]

Wellington, February 6. The Minister for Defence has approved of the new undress uniform for the Volunteers. The color is brown, and the material similar to Kharkee. The Speaker has been advised that he can do nothing m the matter of the Te Aroha seat until the judges' report is received, and he will accordingly ta^e no action. Major Steward leaves for the South by the Rotorua this evening. The Premier to-day received a cable message from Sir Hy. Parkes, Piemier of New South Wales, expressing the hope that New Zealand would be fully repre sented at the Federal Convention, which opens on the 28fch inst. Sir Harry Atkin son has informed the Government, that he is willing to act as one of the representa tives for New Zealand. The Government have again communicated with Sir G. Grey m the matter. Invercargill, January 6. The Hon. W. G. Ward, Postmaster- General, received a semi-public reception on his arrival from Wellington, and after an adjournment to the Club Hotel, m returning thanks for the congratulatory remarks of the Mayor, he said he was proud to belong to such a Ministry, every member of which save one had risen from the ranks. He expressed the conviction that the present Government would bring down a satisfactory policy, but gave no indication of what it would be.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

[per press association.]

Anident New Plymouth, February 7. The Venerable Archdeacon Govefct was thrown from his carriage yesterday after noon and seriously hurt. His right arm is broken m two places. H*i>ir»leiim The Petroleum experts have now gunk 320 feet, and they consider the luclica tionsS^i^tory. A^c|atio Wellington, February 7. Mr Fitzgerald, Auditor-General, has been elected President of the Public Ser vice Association unopposed; Dr. uueo, Auckland, and Mr Cooper, Colonial Undersecretary, "Vice-Presidents for the Korbh MawcjL . • Ort»«. «jJover«o» 'H «f.ov«-nM«»*«. The Governor has afcs»n4Q»pd hw pro posed trip through the ITriwera pQiuitry for the present, and will go to Lake Waikatemoana, and thence to Waotapu Valley, on his way to Auckland. The Countess will probably inato a trip along

i the northern coasts m (he Hinemoa. It ' is understood that the Urhveras asked the Governor to postpone his visit till they were ready to give him a suitable reception. I Sir Win. ¥itrto**rtn>rt Sir W. Fitzhevbert is extremely ill, fmd not exbectod to live through the day.

The Markets.

1 [per press association,.] London, February 6. The Ituapehu arrived at Plymouth yesterday. The passengers _ are all well, and the meat m good condition. The n.s. Duke of Westminster proceeds to Melbourne an' Sydney on thtl7th imt. The Dukft of Buckingham is loading for Ota go and Canterbury, whither she pro ceeds via Australian ports, on the 26tli inst.

The New Zealand Farmers' Co-opera tive Association report having received the following cable from their London agents dated sth instant: — * Wool—The market is better, and New Zealand clips are m demand. Wheat —Present prices and s'.ate of the market for New Zealand wheat, ex Mark Lane, per 496 lbs, sacks extra, is 375. The market is stationary. Lambs—There is an improved demand, and prices have advanced to 4s per stone.

TELEGRAPHIC

HOME AND FOREIGN

[per press association.]

London, February 5 and 6. It is reported that the concessions promised by Mr Gladstone to the Home Rule party m iespecb to the settlement of land and the control of police m Ireland are considered satis factory by Messrs O'Brien, Dillon and McCarthy, but Mr Parnell is also claiming the control of the militia. The Joint Dock Committee has abandoned the discharge of shipping, leaving the shipowners to fight the dockers themselves. In order to pre vent a block it will be necessary to organise a loading and unloading stafij and two thousand men will be required for ordinary needs. The shipowners m Cardiff declare that they will lay up their vessels for twelve months rather than surrender their freedom m the selection of the crews. During the debate on the Religious Disabilities Bill, Mr W. H. Smith pointed out that m the event of Home Rule being granted to Ireland, the Viceroy would be the only link con necting the country with the throne, and it was essential he should be a Protestant, as the Catholics regarded their allegiance as due to the Pope before the Queen. It is, however, considered certain m political circles that the measure will pass later on. A general strike has taken place at Cardiff and paralysed trade. The dockers at Bute intend to prosecute the coal heavers for alleged breach of contract. Sir F. Abel, Secretary to the Im perial Institute, has been made K.C.M.G. Professor Hanken, of Cambridge, lias made successful experiments for the cure of anthrax , m sheep, with an injection extracted from the spleen of rats mixed with 50 per cent, of gly cerine. The Syndicate carrying on Baring*' business has decided to take over the assets at the official estimate. It is proposed that a Conference should be held m May between the representatives of Canada and Aus tralia on the question of the Pacific cable. It is considered certain that the Vic torian loan must be postponed. The "Chronicle" regards the South Australian debt as excessive m propor to the population, and thinks the fate of the last loan will have a salutary effect on the colonies. The Victorian loan will probably be placed on the market early m April. A few additional applications have been received for the South Australian loan, and it is suggested that a com mittee of the leading bankers should fix the minimum of the loan. The "Times" m referring to the failure of the South Australian loan considers it will be a useful lesson to the colonies, as they are inclined to presume too much on the readiness of investors to lend. Mr Justin McCarthy promises to make known the terms of the settle ment with Mr Parnell on February 12. The " Standard " says Mr Gladstone will also shortly reveal the pledges he has given with regard to Home Rule. Ottawa, February 5. The Canadian Government is in iclined to favor reciprocity with the ' United States, but will not agree to a tariff which would prohibit trade with England or the world generally. The Canadian elections will be fought entirely on the trade issue. The Government favor reciprocity with the United States for natural products only, while on the other hand the Opposition advocate unrestricted reci procity. Capetown, February 6. Mr Cecil Rhodes, the Premier, re pudiates the statements that conces sions have been made to Portugal m Manicaland, and he refuses to grant the Portuguese Government a strip of territory across the continent. Washington, February 6. The silver party will probably make an attack on the Free Coinage Supply Bill. Sardou's play, " Thermidor," which has been prohibited m Paris owing to the Radicals objecting to the criticisms mit on Robespierre, wil shortly be produced m London, New York, and Australia. Paris, February 5. The French Customs Committee has voted a surtax of three francs sixty centimes on bonded wools from Aus tralia and the Cape.

AUSTRALIAN

Sydney, February 6. The ship Deveron, bound from Fremantle to Howland Island, where] she was to load guano, has arrived here after a most eventful voyage. On the voyage to Howland Island, she met with adverse winds, and the passage occupied the lengthened period of seventy-four days. On arrival at the Island, lying off was attendant v iijb <neat danger, and the officers and men signed a round robin to the captain, requesting him to leave with the ship. Finding himself m an awkward position, the captain was forced to p-scede to the

request of the crew, and the vessel was he:;de<l for Auckland, but not without a protest from the captain. On the way to Auckland the Deveron again fell m with bad,.weather, and .is she was unable to make that port the captain came on here, where the vessel arrived after a passage of twenty-four days. It is the intention of the captain to prosecute the crew on a charge of mutiny. The Darling river is rising, aud the water at Bourke is now within 12ft of the height attaiued at the late heavy flood. There is a large quantity of water still to come down the river, and some anxiety if felt for the town. Melbourne, February 6. Government have decided not to niter their plans respecting the.loan. There is no immediate need of funds, and it does not matter whether the loan is floated for five months or not. Adelaide, February 6. The Government are acting similarly to the Victorian postal authorities with regard to the reduced postal rates. The "South Australian Register" states that the yield of wheat is far below expectations. The deficiency, which is largely due to the locust plague, represents three or four bushels per acre, and a value of nearly, a million sterling. The total yield is estimated at 12,374,000 bushels, with an average of a trifle over 6| bushels to the acre. After making the usual allowance for consumption and seed there will be available for export about 235,000 tons. Brisbane, February 6. A local auctioneer claims to have discovered a cure for consumption and cancer, and he intends to erect a plant capable of treating 10,000 patients. He has offered his specific to the Queensland Government for £25,000>

INTERPTROVINCIAL.

Wellington, February 6. The poll m connection with the City Council's Drainage scheme to-day resulted m the proposals being rejected. Half the number of votes aud voters on the roll, 1551 and 2886 respectively, were required to be registered, while only 124* persons voted, possessing 2637 votes, and of the latter 2290 were m favor of the loan. Hokitika, February 6. j The Back Cm,k rush continues to de velop. More claims bottomed on payable | gold during the week. Jack and party j washed up 30 loads, which gave a return ] of 10 dwts to the load. They hays over four feet of wash. The "' West Coast Times' " correspondent says that twenty claims are on gold which should return £10 to £20 a man per week. Dunedin, February 6. The Trades and Labour Council have passed resolutions protesting against the attempts to enforce the use of Whitcombe and Tombs' books m public schools, and requesting the Minister of Education to consider the desirability of the Govern ment publishing uniform school books for the colony. A representative meeting of Free thinkers, Sir R. Stout presiding, passed a resolution of sorrow at the news of Brad laugh's death, of affectionate sympathy with the daughter, and of deep regret at the irreparable loss the Freethought and Radical parties have sustained. Invercargill, Februavy 6. Ben Bowin, charged with harboring the Milfcrd convicts at the sheep station where he was cook, was fined Is and costs, Mr Rawson remarking that the man, who had a large family, had lost his em ployment over the affair. Bowin's offion'ce ■\v i-i not very serious, and the police, to whom he denied knowledge of the men, did not state what they were, and were m plain clothes. He knew Lewis, the negro convict, having been m Lyttelton gaol with him, and was afraid to tell the police as Lewis was close behind him, aud carried a sheath kniEe. At the police court to-day a man was charged with travelling first-class on a second-class ticket while accommodation was available. The information was dis missed on a point raised by counsel that it did not atate that the defendant did it " knowingly and wilfully." Besides this counsel contended that the charge should have been laid under section 158 Public Works Act, 1882, and not under the rail way by-law, as the Minister had no power to make such a bye-lavv, that even if he had the bye-law provided for the pay ment of oosts ; as well as a penalty of £10, provided by section 145, which the Minister had no power to do. Mr Raw son, R.M., admitted the latter point was a nice one, but dismissed the information on the first-mentioned point. The same defendant was fined £1 and costs for threatening the guard with violence for taking possession of his ticket.

ATHLETICS.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING.

[per press association]

Auckland, February 5. The weather was beautifully fine for the Athletic Championship Meeting, which began to-day m the Domain. About 2000 people were present, but the clay was not declared a holiday. The results were as follows :— Three Mile Championship Walk.— Burton, Auckland, 1 ; Cox, Christchurch, : Pearce, Auckland, 3. Won by 15 yards amid great excitement. Time— 23min 37|sec. Five Mile Bicycle Race.—Wilmott, Christchurch. 1 ; Steadman, Dunedin, 2 ; Ledsham, 3. The Southern men had everything their own way. Won easily. Time—lsmin 58 l-sth sec. 250 Yards Flat Race.—McPherson, ' Sydney, 1; King, Wellington, 2 ; Sefton, ! Sydney, 3: Won by 5 yards. High Jump. —Hume, Wellington, and Laurie, Auckland, tied at sfb 3in. Half Mile Flat. —D. Wood, Christ church, 1; J. F. Grierson, Christchurch, 2; W. W. Winks, Auckland, 3. One other starter. Time -2min. Hurdles, 120 Yards.—H. W. Batger, Wellington, 1 ; W. J. Moir, Christchurch, 2; B. Owen, Auckland, 3. These were the only starters. Won easily. Time— 16 2-sth sec. Ten Mile Bicycle Race.—Wilmott, Christchurch, 1 ; S. It. Steadman, Dunedin, 2 ; Selby, Auckland 3. Three other starters. Only the placed men finished ; won by a yard after a magnifi cent race between Wilmott and Steadman. Time—33min 2l£sec. Long Jump.—Upfill, Auckland, beat Mackay, Auckland, and Batger, Welling ton, jumping 20ft 4in. He subsequently jumped 20ft 9in., beating the New Zea land record. One Mile Flat.—Wood, Christchurch, 1 ; E, C. Corner, Sydney, 2 ; J. Grierson, Christchurch, 3. One other starter. Time—4min 31sec. ( Auckland, January 7- The weather is again beautiful for the Championship meeting, and die "Domain is crowded. 120 Yakiw Handicap.—First Heat- King, Wellington, 1 ; Burgess, 2 ; Swartz koff, 3. Won easily. Time - 11 2-sch sees. Second Heat—Sefton, Sydney, 1; R. Kelly, 2 ; Larken, 3, Won by half a yard. Time—l 2 i-sth sees. Thjrd Heat —Mowbray, Auckland, % ; A. Roberts. 2 ; Moir, 3. Won by half a yard. Time —12 sees. Fourth Heat—Hesketh, Auckr land, 1 ; Hill, 2 ; Bull, 3. Won by 2or 3 yards. Time—l 2, l-sth se«s,

One Mile Walk.—Burton, Auckland, 1 ; Cocks, Christ-church, 2 ; Pearce, Auckland, 3. Time, 7min 51|secs. BauVy, Sydney, was disqualified for bronking. 100 Yalm>« Handicap. —Crocker, Auck land, 1 ; Gold water, 2 ; Winks, 3. 100 Yaiuw Championship.—McPher son, Sydney, 1 ; Kins, Wellington, 2 ; Sefion, Sydney, 3. Won by four yards ; time, lOsees.

Latest Cable News

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per press association.]

(Received February 7, 11.30 a.m.)

SOUTH AFRICA.

London, February 6. A report, which, however, lacks con firmation, is m circulation to the effect that France has agreed to buy Portu gal's rights m South Africa, and to abandon her claims on the New foundland fisheries, on condition that England admits the French sovereign rights m Portuguese Africa.

CHILI.

! ' Valparaiso, February 6. Street fighting has taken place at Gfcstro, a town m the South of Chili, lumbers on both sides being killed. Th insurgents are losing ground every whare.

JEWS IN RUSSIA.

Washington, February 6. The foreign affairs committee m the House of Respresentatives have passed a strong resolution of sympathy with the Jews m Russis on account of the harsh treatment they are subject to.

POSTAL RATES.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received February 7, 10.45 a.m.)

Sydney, February 7. The Postal Conference meets on February 26. The order of business is not yet arranged, but the two principal items will be the discussion of the postal and cable rates.

COURT MARTIAL

Hobart, February 7. A court martial has ordered Lieut. Moore, of H.M.S. Penguin, who was charged with writing a letter making frivolous and unfounded charges against a superior officer to forfeit five months seniority and be dismissed from the Penguin.

MAGISTERIAL

SOUTH RAKAIA—FRIDAY,

(Before C. Hardy, L. Oxley, and W. L. Allan, .T.P.'s.) BRIDGE BYE-LAWS. Thomas Betts was charged with having driven a vehicle on the Rakaia bridge im mediately before a train, thereby com mitting a breach of the bye-iaws, and causing delay to the train. He was further charged with resisting-the bridge keeper when endeavouring to stop him. He pleaded guilty. W. H. Shephard. the bridgekeeper, stated that on the day m question he had to open the gate to let a conveyance off the bridge from the north end; at that time a train was waiting to go on, and as soon as the gate was opened accused pushed through and refused to stop. W. Jordon, the driver of of the engine, also gave evidence. Accused was admonished,"and lined £1 and 14s costs.

WRECK.

[per pre»s association.] Auckland, February 7. Arrived Rotokino from Fiji. She brings news of the total wreck of the barque Lochnaw, of Sydney, on a reef at the north of New Caledonia. She drifted ashore m a calm, aud became a total loss. Ail hands were saved.

Mr J. Knott, of Auckland, the eloquent lecturer, begins a Temperance Mission m Ashburton to-morrow, with an address m the Oddfellows' Hall at eight o'clock m the evening. The Dunedin Jockey Club have decided to pay over the stakes to the owner of Joe, winner of the Tree-mile Trot at the Novem ber Meeting. It will be remecibered that after the race an objection was lodged against the horse on the "ground that he was from Melbourne and entered fraudulently. He has been owned m Ashburton for the last three years. The annual meeting of subscribers to the South Rakaia Library, was held on Wednes day— Mr Hardy presiding. The Treasurer's balance-sheet was satisfactory, showing a a balance m the bank of £21 Is, and out standing subscriptions (not very satisfactory) £9. 5s Od; against this there were some small outstanding accounts. The following were elected a committee for the year :— Messrs Hardy, Oxley, Gee, Hughes, J. Turner, Liddy and W. B. Dixon. Mr Broadbent was re-elected Librarian and Secretary. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Major Stewart for his contribu tion of the Ashburton papers. The Com mittee met and elected Mr Hardy Chairman and Treasurer, and after passing some accounts adjourned till 7.30 p.m. on Mon day. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand, meets m Christ church next week, commencing m St Andrew's Church, when according to the "Lyttelton Times," the Very Rev A. M. Beattie, of Ashburton, will preside, and preach, but according to the "Press" the Very Rev H. B. Burnett, of Newport, will be the President and preacher. It happens that the Rev Mr Burnett formerly, had charge of the Ashburton congregation, now m the hands of the Rev Mr Beattie, but the friends of both these gentlemen will no doubt be surprised at the new titles conferred on them. Thk Bkst Remedy for Indi«estion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently 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 Rtrengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l£d, 2a 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo Id

THE ASHBCIiTON GUARDIAN, SATURDAY, ffEBBTTAEY W 1691.



'■■■'■'■':''■ ■ '■."■' '■'■■■■ ■■■." !«■'■ ■ ■■'■'' '. ■^■•;' <;■' 8 ■■■ 1h 1"v ' ■ ■■■ ■■ 'H^v^^^^wCr ?i ■ ' '"■ ■'' :!" ' ■■■■"■■■ ROBT. jjjjf| URRAY. PRACTICAL WATOH AND CLUCK MAKER, JEWELLER, &c HAS to hand an immense Stock of ' WATCHES, CLOCKS, JEWELLERY and PLATJS of the latest and most approved designs. WATCHES.—HoId and Silver, Eeiijrlish and Geneva, American Hunters, and Crystals. JEWELLERY.—An almost endless variety of-Fine Gold, Bright Gold and Silver Brooches, Lockets, Ladies' and Gentlemen's Guards, &c.,. &c. A splendid assortment of Gem, Wedding, Keeper, and Signet Rings of all sizes. A large and well selected Stock of MARBLE CLOCKS and TIME PIECES, Silver Plated Goods, suitable for Christmas and Wedding Presents, at reduced pneea. Exceptionally liberal terms to Presentation Jommittees, School Committee*, etc., &c. All Departments of works done on the Premises with despatch, and at moderate charges. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. 2 147 SANTA CJL.ACJJS IS COMING A ND so is Old Father Christmas, to'give the above a fitting reception. The ./"V Undersigned is now opening up a varied and well selected Stock of Useful and 'Ornamental Goods suitable for Presents, Prizes, Rewards, Xnias and New Tear Gifts, ranging from a diminutive Penny Doll to a Seventy Guinea Piano panese Toys and Fancy Goods, Albums, Photo Frames, Desks, Work Boxes Cabinets, Ladies Bags, Glove and Kerchief Boxes,: Dressing Cases, Electro-Plated, Goods, Ornaments m great variety, elegant and chaste m design, Pjrfumery and Toilet Requisites, Cricketing Material, Fancy Glassware, Tea Services, Opals Brackets and Plush Leather Goods. BOOKS Suitable for Prize and Presentation purposes, specially imported from the Religious Tract Society, Ward and Lock, Cassell and Co., and other publishers for the Xmas Trade. Booklets m great variety and Xmas Cards. The above is the largest and most complete Stock uf Books and Fancy Goods m the county, affording the greatest choice, and offered at the LOWEST POSSIBLE REMUNERATIVE PRICES? School Committees purchasing Bo>ks for prizes Tos and Fa my GOOI3 fors^hool treats will be supplied at lowest possible charges. ...... Inspection Invited. H. M.IVNES, TIMBER. TIMBER. TIMBER. TT|7"E HAVE JUST LANDED AND TO ARRIVE— : Ex " Invercargill," 30,000 ft of RED PINE, B.OARDS and SCANTLINGS. Ex "Loui," 20,000fc PRIME WHITE PINE FLOORING and MATCH LINING. Ex "Wild Wave, 20,00 ft, V.D.L. TIMBER, all Sizes. Ex " Wild Wave," 20,000 ft, 5 and 6ffc PALINGS. Ex " Zior," 20.000 ft KAURI FLOORING and MATCH LINING, MOULD INGS and TIMBER. COAL csoXl_. OOAI;] —NOW LANDING AND IN STOCK— WESTPORT COAL, GREYMGUTH COAL, NEWCASTLE COAL, SHAG POINT COAL, KAITANGATA COAL, MOUNT SOMERS COAL Every Description of Building Materials PAINTS, OIL, GLASS, and BUILDERS' IRONMONGERY kept m Stock. I. H. Cols and Co. TIMBER AND COAL MERCHANTS ASHBURTON He Rojai insnrance- Ooinpanj. fTlHE'fwealthiest known Fire Insurance Company m the world, and sci nguished X "for MODERATE RATES, PROMPTITUDE, and LIBERaLITY. ACCUMULATED FUNDS OVER £6,000,0 CC:. beg'to advise our Clients and others that we are prepared to receivr is for Insurance m the above Company, on BUILDINGS, MERCHANDISE, FURNITURE, etc, and GROWING CROPS AT LOWEST RATES. W. H. COLLINS & CO.. AGENTS jdJAST STREET ASHBUPTOta- WHEAT WHEAT WHEAT WE AEE PROMPT CASH BUYEKS Of PRIME MILLING WHEAT at highest market price. We are also prepared to STORE GRALN on Farmers' account m our NEV r GRAIN ' STORES, West Street Ashburtoii, on favorable terms. Cornsscks ond Twine supplied at Lowest Current Rates, R O L L ITT & C 0., CANTERBURY MILLS. OFFICES and STORES : West Street, Ashburtou. I am a Cash Purchaser —OF— Wheat, Oats, & Barley. ... _ 1 1,., »Q 8 i. ,1 ir .-) CORNSAOKS SUPPLIED AT CURRENT RATES GEOEGE JAMESON ASHBURTON AND RAKAlA ■■■■■'■■■ '■■■.-. 1 ■'•■^M-



MR GEORGE JAMESON ASHBURTON YARDS. MESSRS MILES & CO. are instructed to offer by auction at the above Yards on TUESDAY NEXT, -j s\ f\ r\ Crossbred TWO-TOOTHS, J_V_.' \J \J mixed sexes. A renlly good line. Also, —Fat imd Store Sheep. J. T. FORD, Auctioneer. 2+24 GEvJ. JAMESON, Agent. FOR PRIVATE SALE. OC\ C\ ACRES Land, 2| miles from £\J\J Ashburton, all m grass, with five-roomed House and four-stalled Stable. QAA ACRES at Nowlands. -j J^qK ACRES at Wakanui. T.S. 250 and 251, corner of Moore Street and East Belt, on which is erected a well built Six-roomed House. ' LOTS 1, 2, and 3, Creek Road, Aiien ton, containing f-acre land, four-roomed House. A low price will be accepted for this property] Apply to GEO JAMESON, Land Agent, Ashburton and Rakaia. ~~ mr"f. mjTckman" ' Monday, February!*, isoi. ~ MR F. M. RICKMAN has received instructions from Mr Frank Steel to sell by Public Auction on the Premises, Cameron Street West, all his Household Furniture and Effects, consisting of— Iron Bedsteads, double and singlet, Bedding, Washstand, Chest Drawers, Looking Glasses, Cots, Curtain Poles, Vienna Chairs, Tables, Easy Chairs, Fenders, Five Jrons, Carpets and Linoleums Mats, Lamps, Wringer, I Se\ying Machine, Portable Copper, Lawnmower, Kitchen Utensils, and Sundries too numerous to menfeitaiu No Reserve^ Sale at 1 o'clock sharp. F. M. RICKMAN, *\w Auctions©?



IPuiictuali. HO. XH /HRAIGHEAD . OC ili. V^RAIGHEAD, TTTT AIL OO RR SSS T AAIL OORB S T AAIL OORRS T AAAIL OORR SSS TAAIL OORR S TA AIL OORR S T A A I LLLL OO R R SSS TANCBED STREET, A.SHBTJRXOIV.



Mb F. IV. Thompson SURGEON "F\ENTIST, URGEON JLJkNTIST,, 218 HIGH STREET, CHRISTCHURCH | Hours—lo a.m. to 5 p.m. Having purchased Dr N. A. Neeley's Dental Practice, MR THOMPSON may be consulted at the above address. 211 THE DOMESTIC PAPER PATTERNS OF NEW YORK. IBIPOP E WISHES to inform her many Friends and Customers that she has the Agency of the above celebrated Patterns, and that by each San Francisco Mail will RECEIVE NEW ONES. —Also— "THE STYLE," Price 3d Monthly. THE BIJOU ART NEEDLEWORK DEPOT, Morten's Buildings, Opposite Bank New Zealand, CHRISTCHURCH. 2 30



IN BANKRUPTCY. In the Estate of James Johnston. mENDERS are invited for the 1 Assignee's interest m 317 Acres of first-class Land at Ashburton Forks. Tenders, with ten per cent, deposit, to be sent to me on or before TUESDAY, 17th February, 1891. Particulars on application at my office. J. 0, BELL, Deputy-Official Assignee. Ashburton, February 2, 1891. 2*9 "licensing district of the borough of ashburton. I HEREBY give notice that the . following persons have been duly nominated as Candidates for election as members of the Licensing Committee of the District of the Borough of Ashburton, viz., ROBERT ALCORN I RICHARD STANLEY BEAN THOMAS BULLOCK , I ALFRED HARRISON HENRY MANWELL JONES DONALD McLEAN JOHN ORR JAMES WRIGHT SAWLE JOSEPH SEALY DAVID THOMAS. And I further give notice that a Poll for the election of FIVE of the above named Candidates will be taken at the Borough Council Chambers, Baring Square West, Ashburton, on MONDAY, the 9th day of February next, commenc ing at 9 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. CHAS. E. FOOKS, Returning Officer. Borough Council Office, Ashburton, January 30, 1893. 1J173



TINWALD TOWN P-OAKD. "\TOTICE is herein- ■/i'.<-u ,A\nt it is the _i_Ni intention of '.-.; Tiuwald Town Board at a special nice: m;; to beheld on MONDAY, February 16, J391. to strike and levy a General Rate of THREE FARTHINGS m the £ on the rateable value of the whole of the property m the Tinwald Town District for tho_ period commencing en the Ist day of April, 1890, and ending on the 31st day of March, 1891, payable m one sum on the 20th day of February, 1891, and that the Rate Book is open for inspection at the offices of Messrs Fooks & Son, Moore Street, Ashburton. MARK SCOTT, 2t35 Chairman.



ODDFELLOWS' HALL. MR X T7"NOTT of R J . JLVNOTT, Auckland, Will Conduct a TEMPERANCE MISSION m ASHBURTON, —Commencing— SUNDAY, Fel>, £, atß p.m. During his stay he will give J. B. GO'tG ll' S GREAT ORATIONS. Don't Fail to Hear Them. Thames "Evening Star," Jan. 22nd, 1890, said "Mr Knott allows the subject to absorb his own nature, and for the time being forgcis that the is Mr Knott. Last night's meeting was one of the most thrilling temperance meetings ever hel4 on Thames." Chair taken a.*; S p.m,, Collection to defray expenses. Music by United Choirs. Subjects as follows :— SUNDAY—THE TWIN SISTERS. i MOKDAY-THE POWER OF HABIT, I 33Q