The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19,1891. CURRENT TOPICS.

We have before now called attention to the want of a road to the Wakanui beach. There is really no public access, and visitors to this favorite and healthful resort can only arrive there by grace of the farmer whose land abuts on the beach. On the County map two roads to the beach are shown, but neither has ever been opened. One is across section 7186, m continu ation of Coe's Road ; the other is from the termination of the present road at Ricketta', across the gully, round sec tion 4098, and down to the beach by the side of section 2102. The present road comes to an abrupt end at Mr Bicketts' gate, and the only access to the beach is through his farm, for mrhich he exacts a toll of one shilling— not an exorbitant demand, but very ex asperating, considering that public roads are shown on the map and should fee open. The matter is one that should ■without delay engage the attention of the Road Board, or, if either of the roads be a county road, the County Council. It is characteristic of the apathy which prevails among Ash burton people on such matters that this anomaly should have been allowed to remain so loug un'remedied.

Mr 5. R. Scott is probably the most talked-about man m New Zealand, and if half rumour says is true he will be still more talked of before his case is finally disposed of. It is stated that he has confessed judgment for the full amount of the Crown claim against him; that he has raised an action •gainst the company for whom he alleges he was merely th» agent m his tenancy of the McKenzie Country run; and thafc the strong action of the Crown was induced by the suspicion— which his action against the National Mortgage and Agency Company leads on« to believe was not ungrounded— of hi* being implicated m an oet of dutnmyism. The Dunedin Conserva tive papers hint at an action for unlaw ful imprisonment, but MrScott does not seem inclined to pursue his temporary advantage to that extremity. The case is surrounded with interest, and further devetopnients are awaited with curiosity.

Some of the speakers at the Moor's installatioii luncheon 00. Wednesday got somewhat out of their depth when they ventured from the safe ground of fpunidpal matters to the ri&y sea of

politics. The Mayor's and Borough Solicitor's remarks were expressions of ) opinion, which they were perfectly en titled to make—but we are equally entitled to say that some of the Bills thrown out by the Legislative Council would have been productive of great good to the country, a,nd that the pre sent House of Representatives is by no means the worst, but is one of thebest, that has been returned. But when the recent taxation legislation is pro tested against as bearing unjustly upon farmers it is evident that certain exparte statements which have long ago been completely disproved are still accepted as gospel m some quarters. Now that the allegations respecting the effect of the new taxa tion upon farmers, and the figures by which those allegations were sought to be supported, which were published by opponents of the Government, have been so utterly demolished that they have ceased to be reiterated, it is some w hat late m the day to ask farmers to believe that they are to be the victims of unjust taxation. The political part of Wednesday's proceedings furnished an additional reason why politics should be tabooed at such a function.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The case of Wheeler v. Randerson m the Supreme Court at Ghristchurch, is adjourned to Wednesday. Plaintiff's case is not yet finished. The election for the north*west ward m the Christchurch City Council, vacated by the election of Mr Prudhoe as Mayor, resulted m the return of Mr 0. M. Gray, the retiring Mayor, by 292 votes to 179 polled by his opponent. Mr George Tombs. It is stated that the Queen has finally decided to confer a dukedom upon Prince George of Wales soon after his arrival home, and that most probably the dukedom of Kent will be revived. A teacher asked a girl how many bones there were m her body and her answer was 208. "Wrong; there are only 207," said the teacher. " Yes'm," was the triumphant response, "but I swallowed a fish bone to-day." Owing to the excessive stinginess m the matter of "refreshments" now characteristic of Hobart upper crust "social functions " — the exampl* being set by Government House it is the Usual thing for dancers to take their supper tied up with their dancing shoes. It is said that an unusually large number of people are suffering from delirium tremens m Napier. In prison they make night hideous, and they spend half their time m catching canaries, bees, and rabbits, and attacking ferocious rattlesnakes. The funeral of the late Mr J.G. Rudden. Wku took place yesterday afternoon at Christchurr-h. The high respect and esteem m which the deceased was held by the citizens of Christchurch was testified most strongly by the large and representative attendance on the occasion. The special train arrangements for Boxing Day, m connection with the Cale donian Society's Sports at Ashburton and the Bicycle Races »t Christchurch, are advertised by the Railway Department. It will be noticed that the times of running of the morning and evening trains are altered all round. A Hobart bench of magistrates, to the surprise and disgust of the superintendent of the police there, ruled that one man standing by himself could not be an obstruc tion on a footpath. A coustable had "woke the wrong man" when he ordered a lawyer's clerk to "move on," for he demanded the policernan*s number and wrote a letter to him demanding an apology for interfering with him on the public street. On. Thursday an election for the return of a licensing Committee of five members for the Eyreton District was held, m which a good deal of interest was taken to secure (he return of either a Temperance Committee or a Licensing Board of moderate men. The latter had five can didates m the field, and returned them all. The temperance party's candidates, through an informality m the nomination of one, was reduced to four. It may not be generally known that his Eniineu'ie Cardinal Manning played m the Oxford eleven at Lord's against Cambridge m the year 1828. Another fact connected with the Cardinal's early life alno not generally known is that for a time he figured as a clerk m the Colonial Office, and was practically driven from his career by Sir Gordon Gairdner on account of his illegible writing ! This tends to show that talent is not always appreciated as it should be m our Government offices. The Governor and Lady Onslow visited the Ngaitahu tribe at Kaiapoi on Thursday. They were entertained at luncheon, and ad dresses of welcome were presented from the native sohool children, and from the chiefs and people. The latter complained that they were suffering from poverty, owing to the neglect of the Europeans to fulfil the pro visions of the cbed winch transferred the rights of the natives to them. The Governor replied, thanking the Maoris, and saying that he considered that they were mistaken m supposing that they had been treated with injustice. A Montreal despatch, dated October 1, gaya—R. N. O'Brien, a newspaper correspon dent, who has been on trial the last five days on a charge of libelling Prince George of Wales by means of a "fake" dispatch, representating that the Prince had gone out on a debauch while m Montreal, was found guilty by the jury to-night, with a recom mendation to mercy. Ihe counsel for the prosecution then announced that, as public justice had been vindicated, the Crown would agree to a suspension of sentence, and the Court suspended the sentence. The famous St. Bernard dogs are very carefully trained. A traveller who visited lome of the monasteries of the monks of St. Bernard a few days ago found the monks teaching their dogs from the earliest stages of puppyhood. Not only is physical and mental training included m the teaching, but spiritual culture is by no means neglec ted. At the meal time the dogs sit m a row, each with a tin dish before him con tainlug his repast, Grace js said by one of the monks; the dogs sit motionless with bowed heads. No oiw stirs until the "Amen" is spoken. If a frisky puppy par takes of his meal before grace is over an older dog growls and gently tugs his ear. Ifc may be interesting to remark, and per haps reassuring to hear, that for several years past the consumption »f intoxicating liquor at the bar m the members' lobby of the House of Commons has very greatly fallen off. Practically a very pretty form of local option has really been at work there since 1880. The fashion has run distinctly and directly m favoijr of non-intoxicants. Lemon-squish and barley-water have, with the great majority of members, taken the plaoe of sherries and brandies and sodas. The barley-water can is now quite an institution of the lobby. Ten years ago Mr Came evicted fcho stingers from the members' bar to one round the cornei?, and here drinking has been undiminislied. The alluvial plain of Heretaunga, around Jjf&sfcings, Hawke's Bay, has a fertile soil, bull fch« <jnlj crops for which it has any claim to fame arg hops and bankruptcies. The hops have grown ifcp perfection on one estate, and bankruptcies on many. And no wonder. People gave ridiculously high prices for the land. A prominent Hastings it&u, eratwhilg mayor, lias had to file, largely because m 188 me brought 357 acres of it at £38 10s an acre. He paid £4754 down, and raised £9000 on mortgage at 8 per cent. He spent £2000 m improvements and now the place is valued at only £35 an acre. Ak that figure the estate may well produce another bankrupt.

SCHOOL PRIZE DISTRIBUTIONS.

HAMPSTEAD SOHOOL,

Yesterday afternoon the annual prize distribution took place at the Hampstead School. The afternoon was given up to amusements, which the children enjoyed thoroughly ; and about four o'clock tea | and cake were provided for the children, their parents, and a number of visitors, ! who made quite a picnic m the play around. The teachers of the School, and the members of the School Committee wth their Secretary, did everything possible to promote the enjoyment of everybody, and m this they were greatly ; aided by several ladies, who kindly lent assistance m reducing the goo A things to handy sizes for distribution, and the preparation of tea. The young folks were seated on the grass along the fence and under its shade, and there were at least four hundred of them present. For tunately the weather was all that could be desired, so that there was nothing to mar the complete enjoyment of the occa sion. After each had been supplied, the classes were ranged up m ranka m the centre of the playground, and ordered to sit down on the grass. A platform had been extemporised, and cables brought out from the school, on which the prizes were displayed. The prizes consisted of books, excepting those for sewing which were workboxes and other appropriate articles, and the successful result of the concert (whicii brought m £43 odd) en abled prizes of substantial value to be given. Forms wore requisitioned from the class-rooms for the accommodation of the lady visitors, of whom there were a great many present. After everything had been satisfactorily arranged, the head master, Mr W. . Malcolm, called the scholars to order for the presentation of prizes. He explained bhat many of the best scholars m the school had been absent through sickness, and had thus become either altogether disentitled to prizes, or occupied a much lower position on the prize list than they otherwise would have clone. Ho then asked the children to listen attentively to Mr lii. G. Wright, who had been received on his first appearance on the ground with hearty cheers, and a<min received a sah o on rising to speak. He told the four hundred dear children" present that to distri bute the prizes that had been gained was certainly a pleasing duty, but he was at a loss to understand why their Oom , mittee, who had worked so earnestly and successfully to provide prizes, should not take the honor of the distribution of them themselves. Instead of doing that, they had gone out into the highways and the by-ways to get an unfortunate like him self to do it, who had been working hard all day at important County business. / Laughter.) In his rambles about New Zealand, he had remarked the number and the healthy appearance of the chil dren attending school. It was not surprising that, m a colony like this, the children should be healthy, for all their surroundings were of a character calculated to raise up a manly race m New Zealand. The children of this colony enjoyed special privileges as regarded education, but they also enjoyed another special privilege m being the children of New Zealanders ; for there was scarcely a spot on the face of the earth that possessed greater advantages, a more genial climat«, better scenery, and all that made life pleasurable m it. To this th^y had the testimony of intellectual travellers—nut the globe trotters who came here to-day and were off to-morrow almost ;is ignoiant of the colony and its value as when they arrived —but men of mind and culture, whose names were of world-wide fame. Tho.se travellers said there was not >i brighter .spot on the face of the earth. He°hopecl the children would bear this m mind, and cultivate a patriotic spirit. He felt that he hardly needed to say to such child feu as those before him to be loyal and obedient to the masters and mistresses. The teachers, they knew, worked for their good, and at times when they may be thought to have been unduly severe, it would be well to remember that teaching children from morning to night was an arduous task, and that the teachers may be suffering themselves from cares and anxieties of their own m connection with their work. He urged the young people to attend closely to their studies now, and they would find it better for them selves m after life. He counselled them to remember that although some did not cet prizes at school, it was not always the brightest genius that won the race m life. The race was not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, and hard, steady, plodding, persevering application often gained when brightness without the quality of application to wo. k failed m the race. Specially did he favor the giving of good conduct prizes, and he valued much the young people who were considered deserving of these prizes. For next year's distribution of prizes he would be happy to give £1 for the boys' and £1 for the girls' department of the school, to be competed for m good conduct. (Loud applause.) Mr Wright then proceeded to distribute the prizes, which he did with a kindly word to each recipient. The following is the PRIZE LIST. Standard VII.--Nellie Caird, 1; William Coohraae, 2. Standard Vl,—Bella Caird, 1 j William Collins, 2. Standard V.—William Sando, 1 ; Albarfc Dudson, 2; Lob Cooper, 3; Emily Stunners, 4; Florence Malcolm, 5; James Malcolm, 6; May Collins,7; Lily Keeley, 8 ; Charles Buker and George Fowke (equal), 9; Regi nald Collins, 10, Special for diligence— William Baker. Special for attendance since examination—Montie Baker. Standard IV.—Kate Miller, 1 ; Thomas Smith, 2; Bertie Williams, 3; Edward Poison, 4; Agnes Piokford, 5 ; Joseph Stephens, 6; John Hurrell, 7; Percy White, 8, ; Evu, MacClatchie, 9; Kate Hoare, 10; I Harry Meypnbei'g, 11 { Thomas Nolan, 12; I Elizabeth Kerr, 13. Special for diligence- Lizzie Stewart and William O'Connor. Special iqv attendance since examination— Christina MacClatchie. Standard 111. — William Colrlicott, 1; Alfred Hopkins, 2 j Frederick Amos, 3 ; Mary Porter, 4 ; George Keeley, 5 ; George Bi&sct, 6 ; Petrie Malcolm, 7 ; Minnie Tilly and Herbert Addis (equal), 8; Florence Stunners, 9; William Nicholls, 10; John Poison, 11 j Minnie Mackee, 12, Extra prize—Agnes Baker. Standard ll.—Sydney Hopkins, 1; Arthur Pritcbard, 2; Melville Collins, 3; Charles Gamble, 4; John Caird, 5; William Hurrell, (5; Thomas Stephens, 7 ; Cecilia Huffam, 8 ; Leonard Bright, 9; Mary Rattray, 10; Henry Hopkins, 11; William Bisset, 12; Robert Hjcks, 13; Esther Carter, 14. Special fq'r diligence—Leonard Andrewes, Coralie Edwards, and Charles Milsom. Good conduct—Harry Stephenson. Standard I.—Francis Baker, 1 ; Adrienne Orr, 2 j Gertrude CMdicott, 3 ; Maud Sage and Ernest Dudson (equal), 4; Amy Hunt, 5 ; Edith Stunners, 6 ; Ernest Hitch jugs, 7 ; Viola Fowke, 8 ; Thomas Finlay and Thomas Kerr (equal), 9 ; Cecil Collins, 10 ; Arthur Stigley, 11. Special for diligence —Frederick Andrewes. Sewing Prizes.—Standard VI. —Louisa Stunners, 1 ; Emily Leggett, 2 ; Annie Cates, 3. Standard V.—Florence Hitchings, 1 ; Ethel Newman. 2; Annie Crooks, 3. Standard IV. — Alice Bisset, 1 ; Maud Hopkins, 2 ; Sarah Meaclem, 3. Standard 111. —Matilda Baker, 1; Minnie B.aker, 2 ; Rhoda Robinson and Amy J<Qhn (e.qual), 3; Amelia Junes, 4. Standard ll.—May Thompson, 1 ; Edith Stigley, 2; Mabel Audrews, 3. Standard I. — May Griffin, 1 ; Ruby Williams, 2; Mabel Mackee, 3. i Good Attendance Prizes (given by Mrs Malcolm). — Standards VI and VII. — William Collins. Standard V.— James M. Malcolm. Standard IV. —Harry Mayenbeig. Standard lll.—Oscar SantfG. Standard 11. William Mackee. Standard I.—Albert E. Baker.

\ Awards m connection with the "Kin f derspid" were given to—Annie B. Malcolm, Laura Rattray," Ethel Childs, Frederick Pritchard, Bertie Amos, Bertie Baker, Mid Henry Stephenson At the close, Mr W. Crooks, Chairman of the School Committee, moved a vote of thanks to Mr Wri.ahb, thanking him, m the name of the Committee, for his presence and his kindness m distributing the prizes. They were specially pleased to have him present, seeing that he was not only fhe member of Parliament for the district, and a member of the County Council, under whose jurisdiction Hamp stead was, but also a member of the Education Board. The vote was carried by acclamation, and with enthusiastic ch°ers by the children. Mr Wright bi-iefly acknowledged the compliment and asked for cheers for the teachers and for the Committee, which were given with great heartiness. At the request of Mr G. W. Andrews, cheers were given for Miss Shirtcliffo, Mr Gamble, and the ladies and gortlotnen who had assisted with the Kinderspid, the success of which had enabled the ! Committee to provide the handsome I prizes distributed that day. •j Mr Malcolm then dismissed the school for the annual vacation, to resume again on January 25.

District Court.

FEK PRJSSS ASSOCIATION. Oamaku, December 18. Ab the sitting of -the district court to day, VV. McCiusky, for attempted suicide, was convicted and ordered fco come up for sentence when called on. Thomas Lefevre, charged with wife desertion, und Alexander McNaught, charged vifch fraudulent bankruptcy, were found nob guilty, and were discharged.

Ashburton Markets.

MR D. THOMAS. Mr D. Thomas reports upon the live stock market m the Ashburton county for the Week ending December 18, 1891, as follows, viz. :—On Tuesday at the Ash burton yards the usual weekly sale of live stock was held. The attendance of farmers and others interested was a small one, and biddings were not so keen as they have been of late. The catalogue, presented for the clay was a fairly repre sentative one, nearly all classes of stock being present. In sheep there were several good lines of fat crossbreds, good crossbred hoggets, merino and crossbred ewes with lambs ab foot, also one or two lines of forward merino wethers, and al though the larger portion of the entry was sold, still a drop m values on late rates must be reported. Ib is always so at this season of the year, and those who have good sheep will be foolish to sacrifice them any way at this time of the year. Sell your culls, bub stick to your young sheep. The total entry for the day comprised 5800 sheep and 38 head of cattle, of which my catalogue consisted of 2910 and 32 head of cattle ; my principal sales being— 53 fab crossbred ewes, 10s 5d and 10a 4d ; 68 store merino wetiiers, 5s 6d ; 72 fat crossbred ewes, few wethers, 12a 6d ; 128 crossbred 2-tooths, 10s Id ; 224 merino ewes, with 17s lambs, 9s 9d ;'t 416 merino ewes, with 50 per cant of lambs, 8» 61; 308 merino ewes, and 217 lambs, 9s 3d ; 96 merino ewes, 90' lambs, 12s 6d ; 43 merino ewes, 41 lambs, lls 8d ; 198 cross bred ewes and 189 crossbred lambs all counted, 7s 3d each, etc., etc., In cattle, trade was very dull, butchers apparently being full up. In fat caltle I sold 3 at £5 17s 6;1, 2"rtt £5 15s, 3 at £3 15s, 2 at £3 2a Gd. In young cattle I sold, two year-old heifers, 3 at £2 15s ; I do, steer, £2 12s 6J ; 1 do, steer, £2 17s 6d ; 1 18 months old heifer, £1 lls ; dry cows, 31s to £2 lls ; 4 yeirlings, 27s ; bull, 16s 6d; and springers £2 15d to £4. On Saturday at Bullock's Arcade I held my usual weekly salt. Before sbarting the horses I offered a lob of reapers and binders and sundries, and I- quitted a lot of the reapers at from 40s to £12 10s ; also drays, stripers, potatoes, etc., etc., at market vafces. Horses were a little more lively than they have been during the last two months. In draughts no thing very good was brouglib forward. I sold more than half the entry, and I can promise any clients a good sale far first class draughts during tlu next month. There will be no sale at the Arcade on Saturday, December 2(i, but fco suit the requirements of the season I intend hold ing a special sale of horses and sundries on Thursday, December 24, afc 1.2 o'clock, for which I solicit entries of good sorts. During the week I have sold 500 cross bred '^.tooths at lls Od ; also 200 fab sheep at a satisfactory price ; also 300 merino ewes and lambs at 10s 3d. I have also sold 400 acres m the Rangitata dis trict unimproved at a satisfactory price.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

England sohemo propounded by his father promises to be an abundant suc cess. He states that £25,000 will be set aside to establish the over-sea colony immediately the General returns ; that £40,000 will be expended m establish ing the city colony, and £34,000 m promoting the farm colony. He threw out a hint that the colonies should be asked to provide passage money for those sent out under the scheme, and also funds with which to build home steads, the money so advanced to be paid m three or four years, and secured by mortgages on the homesteads. London, December 18. The "Times" asserts that the ac counts of the Salvation Army will nob satisfy business men, and that shelter homes, works and farms all show a deficit. The " Standard," discussing the Sal vation Army reports, considers it an absurdity to criticise the year's work ing of General Booth's scheme at Home as it touches the merest fringe of " Darkest England." The " Daily News " refers to it as a good beginning of a vast enterprise. REPLY TO LORD C&RRINGTON. Baron de Worms, Political Secretary for the Colonial Office, addressing a meeting at Eastbourne, condemned Lord Carrington's strictures on the Colonial Office as most inaccurate and misleading, and showing astounding ignorance. He said the colonies agreed upon naval defence at the Con ference m 1887, when the New South Wales delegate moved a vote of thanks to the Home Government for their action m the matter.

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SEVERE RIOTING. London, December 17. During riots at St Vincent, m the West Indies, matters became so serious that the sailors of the man-of \yj.r Buzzard had to lane}. During th# fracas which followed Captain Brown was nearly killed. BROKEN HILL WATER SUPPLY A strong syndicate has been formed to pump water from the Darling river to the Proprietary mine m Broken Hill and to connect Stephen Creek with the scheme or mine direct. Machines capable of raising a million gallons of water daily will be complete m about fifteen months, ELECTION. Mr Barton, Conservative, has been elected for the vacancy m the Mid- Armagh division m the House of Commons, created by the death of Sir J, P. Corry. THE DUKE OF CLARENCE. Persistent rumors are afloat that Government intend to recommend to Parliament that a grant of £15,000 a year should be made to the Duke of Clarence and Avondale. The London Corporation has voted a ' sum of £2000 to purchase a present for the Duke of Clarenc* on the occa sion of his marriage. COLONIAL "BORROWING. City financiers deprecate so large and simultaneous an issue of treasury bills by the colonies. The stock holders, too, complain that it is cruelly unjust to them, and destroys any chance of their realising without loss ; also that Victoria applying under the altered situation makes matters even worse. The bankers consider that it is imperative purchasers of bills should be secured 4J- per cent, for their in vestment, and that the bills should be issued though Banks privately and, gpadually, and only for an amount sufficient for immediate wants. A public announcement they consider is prejudicial. It is believed here that the Tasmanian Government desires a further issue of treasury bills to the extent of £700,000. THE SALVATION ARMY. Mr Bramwell Booth, of the Salva tion Afipy, asserts that the Darkest

CANADIAN POLITICS.

Ottawa, December 17. The Minister of Marine m Toronto expresses the opinion that the basis of the national existence of Canada and interprovincial union and interests lie m securing a permanent British con nection. THE CANADIAN SCANDALS. The partisans of the Hon H. Mer cier are much incensed at the dismissal of his Government on the report of the Baie-Chaleues Railway Commission, and threaten to send and wreck the residence of the Governor. December 18. The excitement m Quebec over the dismissal of the Hon H. Mercier's Government continues, and his sup porters allege that the Lieut.-Governor conspired with the Federal Government to dismiss the Quebec Minister,

FAMILY TROUBLES.

New York, December 17. Cyrus "Field is not expected to live,

THE DISTRESS IN RUSSIA. Vienna, December 17. Reports published here state that the Russian famine districts have been declared m a state of siege, owing to the prevalence of brigandage and anarchy. STRICT ORTHODOXY. The magistracy of the city has closed a Methodist Church, and inhibited the pastor from preaching, because it was an article of their belief that the sacri fice of the Mass was a blasphemous fable and dangerous deceit, which teaching is considered insulting to Catholics.

AUSTRALIAN

BROKEN HILL RICHES.

Sydney, December 18. The approximate result of the year's work at Broken Hill is as follows :— 475,000 tons of ore were mined, yield ing 15,033,000 ounces of silver and 68,000 tons of lead. The Proprietary mine contributed nearly 10 million ounces. THE ROTOKINO DISABLED. The Rolakino, from Port Chalmers, was spoken fifty miles off Sydney Heads, and the captain reported that the vessel's shaft was broken. The Hauroto left at daylight to pick her up, NEW SOUTH WALES FINANCE. In the Legislative Assembly Mr See, Colonial Treasurer, introduced a mea sure to empower the issue of four mil lions of treasury bills, at a maximum interest of 4| per cent, over a period of four years. It was stated there was an enormous loan expenditure during the past year, which averaged £7000 (? £700,000) a month, and that for the next year the Government were committed to an expenditure of £350,000 per month. Messrs Carru thers and McMillan spoke in favor of the issue, and said they were inclined to think that if local stock were estab lished it would meet with a ready sale. The Bill was passed, only one member raising his voice against it. NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS Sydney, December 18. At one o'clock this morning Mr Reed, Leader of the Opposition, urged the Premier to agree to an adjourn ment, but the latter declined, saying that the Government intended to force on the financial debate. This led to a stonewall on the orders of the day, which was kept up till five o'clock, when the House adjourned for three hoirs. The House of Assembly at three o'clock negatived a motion to adjourn, and went into Committee on Ways and Means. Mr McMillan resumed the debate on the financial statement and members of the Opposition intimate I their intention of stonewalling until midnight to-morrow.

THE WEALTH OF VICTORIA.

Melbourne, December 18. The Government statist reports that the public wealth of the colony is £134,700,000, and the private wealth £456,162,000, the latter amount being equal to £400 per head of population. The value of the railways is put clown at £36,000,000. VICTORIAN FINANCES. The Bill empowering the Colonial Treasurer to issue treasury bonds to the amount of £2,000,000 has finally passed. COLONIAL LOANS. Sir Graham Berry, who lately retired from the Agent-Generalship of the pplony, writing tq IVfc Munro, the Premier, on the poor, state of the London money market, says it is to be regretted that some federal action cannot be taken m the matter, and a resolution simultaneously passed by all the legislatures stating that no further loans will be offered on the London market for at least two years, and thenceforth only moderate amounts will be applied for. If tim were dcnae. Sir

G. Berry says it Avould act like magic on the situation m London. i aijelaide, December 18. The Commonwealth Bill has been shelved by the Legislative Council for this session. COOLIE LABOR, I The Indian Immigration Bill, deal ing with the. Northern Territory, was rejected. THE SEA.BIRD WRECK. Hobart, December 18. The barquentine Seabird, which was washed over the Macquarie bar, has become a total wreck, and it is feared that the whole of the cargo will be lost.

INTERPROVINCIAL

Auckland, December 18. I George Benton, a boy nine years of age I accidentally shot his brother and sister yeserday, ab Mount Roskill. The elder ulster was cleaning down for Christmas, and pub an old fowling piece on the verandah. It had nob been used for the past four years. George was playing about and tried to snap a match head with the hammer of the gun. Ifc exploded and passed through the stomach of Addison Benton, aged six years, and lodged m the arms of Agnes Benton, aged two. The children were removed to the hospital, where the boy died about seven o'clock last night. The girl is still m the hospi tal. The dead body of Mrs Reynolds, who has been missing from her home at Cam bridge, has been found m the Waikato river. Mr A. P. Radcliffe, Customs officer ab Whangaroa, died from the effects of an accident at Auckland several weeks ago, when he was knacked off the wharf by a dray and fell on the deck of a steamer causing internal injuries. ! Nabibu, December 1.8. The inquest on Samuel Robertson (not O'Neil as previously telegraphed), who was fatally stabbed on Thursday night, was opened but adjourned to Monday afternoon. The body had been viewed, but the police were nob ready with the evidence. Deceased was a sailor, aged forty-six. Michael Sullivan was charged with wilful murder, and remanded till Monday. He is a station hand aged fifty six. Oamaeu, • December 18. E. W. Roxby, a pioneer settler, died yesterday. Invekcaegill, December 18. After three days' hearing, the seal fishery case, m which Messrs Waddell, Bradshaw, and Roberts were charged with being accessory to the larceny of 285 sealskins, the property of Joseph Hatch was concluded. Mr Solomon" contended for the defence that the evidence did not .liscloap a prima facie case to go to the jury. Ib showed that defendants; acted with bona fides. Mr Wdde, counsel for the prosecution, claimed a committal till the acts of defendants were explained. Mr Rfiwson, R.M., m delivering judgmeut said there was nothing whatever to reasonably show any criminal act on the part of defendants. There was no evi dence fco go before a jury, and the evi dence against either of accused was insufficient to put them on trial for an indictable offence. There was some applause when the decision wasnnnounced, and one applauder was seized by the police and reprimanded.

SPORTING.

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London, December 17. Lord Kesfceven has purchased the Aus tralian-bred thoroughbreds Wenfcworfch (by C'.i'j.iU;:-—Ti-.-.f .'.,'i:v, fjr ILO guineas, and Nepean (by Chester—lolanbhe), for 110 guineas.

SOUTH CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB.

At the half-yearly meeting of the South Canterbury Jockey Club last night, it was stated that the Club had an actual cash balance of £222 lls lOd, besides £100 outstanding for subscriptions and rent. Ifc was resolved that only 10 per cent be deducted from totalisator investments and that the Club pay the 1| per cent tax. The Autumn Meeting was fixed'for April 28 and 29.

IRRIGATION

Although the great work of thoroughly irrigating the Plains of South Canter bury is as yet a long way from accomplishment, it is pleasing to be able to record, not only that it has been begun, but that operations m this direction are extending. Ashburton has something like 1500 miles of water-races, Selwyn about 1050 miles, Geraldine some 500 miles, and now Waimate, the southernmost county, has made a beginning at its southern most end. That county has, for its first work m this direction, entered into contracts for the construction of forty miles, to be followed by another contract including some fifty-five additional miles, and on Monday last the formal opening of the first section of 15-| miles took place at a point above Redcliff, and distant some, sixteen miles or so from Waimate. There was quite a representative gathering on the occasion, including Major Steward, the member for the district, and Messrs A. E. G. Rhodes and T. Y. Duncan, members for the adjoining electoral districts, and at the contractor's cam.p the visitors one and all expressed themselves m terms of admiration at the excellent manner m which Messrs Meason and Marchant, the engineers, and Mr Fletcher, the contractor, have respectively designed and carried out the work. The water is taken from the bed of the Waitaki at a point where there is always, even m the driest seasons, a good depth of water, being led through a pipe into a large concrete tank, or trap, fitted with a floor ingeniously hung on a balance m such a way as to automatically regulate the quantity of water admitted into the race, Thus, if a flood m the river cause an unusual weight of water to enter the tank, that additional weight operating on the hinged floor depresses it so as to act as, a floodgate and narrow the aperture by which the water, gains A admission, thereby preventing an undue flow ln'o the race. Again, the intake works are admirably protected by a willow planted embankment, itself m turn protected by an ingeniously contrived fence. This consists of twisted gal vanised wires, supported by standards of railway iron • eacli qf these standards being supplemented by a strong post of poplar or willow driven well into the ground, and strengthened by struts of the same timber, the lower ends of which are driven into the embankment, and the upper ends morticed into the heads of the upright posts, into which they are growing, forming a natural solid joint. In these and a\\ other details of the work at the intake, it is evident at onc.e that the engineers, kqqw t»qw to enlist |fa.tu,re m,

service, and the methods of Messrs Meason and Marchant are well worthy of study by others who may have to do with similar works. The county has also been fortunate m securing tho services of Mr Fletcher, as contractor, all the details of the contract having been excellently carried out. A splendid stream of water is now flow ing along the main channel right through the Redcliff settlement, whence it is to be taken through the lower Waihao, and thence to the sea. As m Ashburton, the laces we have been describing are merely what may be termed stock races, that is to say are intended for the watering of cattle and sheep ; but, as was remarked at the banquet by Mr Duncan (himself a practical farmer), their value m this direction can scarcely be over-esti mated, as m time of srarcity of feed stock can be kept m good condition when they have access to a good supply of water, while with a scant water supply even fairly good feed will not alone suffice to keep them going. Dur ing the last three years we have had ample evidence of this m our own county, and, indeed, but for the water races that period, trying as ib has been to farmers, would have been infinitely more so —indeed to many altogether disastrous. Time was that m Ash burton the proposal to undertake the existing system of water races Was strenuously opposed, but now that its benefits are known by actual experi ence, its extension is continually asked for, and neighboring counties are fol lowing m Ashburton's wake. This is well; but existing irrigation schemes a.re but a very small thing as compared to those destined to be carried out m the future. These will undoubtedly provide for the watering of the land for grass and crop»growing purposes, and under such a system we believe the productivity of the soil would be doubled, or perhaps trebled. Speak ing on this subject at the banquet above referred to, Mr Marchant threw out a very valuable suggestion. He said that large irrigation works were bound one day to be carried out on the Plains, but it would be premature to undertake them until farmers generally were educated up to the value of irri gation, and as a means to that end he suggested that the various County Councils possessing systems of watei races should allow of the supply oi water to farmers, upon the easiest I terms possible, for the purpose of carry ing out experiments m irrigating por [ tions of their land. He was sure, he : said, that if farmers generally could thus be induced to make trial of the effects of a water supply upon small areas of their holdings, they would speedily be so thoroughly convinced of its value that a general demand would arise for a comprehensive irrigation system. The suggestion is one whicli might be made a note of, and be acted upon by the Ashburton Council. Il has so far taken the lead m irrigatior matters and, encouraged by its experi ence, may now well proceed a little farther m the direction indicated.

It is said that the Government has senf; to England for 2000 of the present regulation rifles of the British army —the Metford-Lee— and for 1,000,000 rounds of ammunition for them. ■ ■ : The programme of the Swimming Club's character concert and tableaux vivants is advertised m this issue, and a perusal of it will at once apprise the reader of its excel lence, and the attractiveness of the enter- Dainmenf-. News of the crops from all parts of Of ago (says the " Witness") is of a most favourable nature, and with favourable weather an abundant harvest; is assured. The growth of grass this season h&s been almost pheno menal, and everywhere feed is abundant. Tauranga is over-churched, and the Wes leyans at the Auckland. district meeting have resolved to approach the Presbyterian body with a view to either one or the other retiring from the district, m order to provide a decent living for the parson whose lot may be cast to remain. The feeling of the meeting was that if the Wesleyans retired from Tauranga the Presbyterians should surrender control to the Wesleyans m some other churched settlement, or vice versa; and if thought desirable they will refer the Tauranga. matter to the United Evangelical Council to decide which body should vacate that field m favour of the other. This is the first practical step taken m a project that has been much talked about. The London " Sporting Times " publishes the following as an extract from an election address placarded at Shewsbury :^f" Ladies and Gentlemen, —Having been requested by a large and influential body cf electors of your important ward to contest the ward on November 2 next, I, with every confidence as to the result, place my services at your disposal, I have resided among you for up wards of forty years, and my mother before ] me. I am also known to you as the feeder of the largest pig ever before the public. With regard to cottage gardening my ideas are of a very sweeping and decided character, and as a commercial man I strongly advocate the payment of twenty shillings m the pound. Should you, ladies and gentlemen, return me as your representative, I am prepared to back my opinions for any part of a tenner.— I have, etc, B. Grain." SANDER AND SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT.--In. protection of the world wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following:— Hazard, M.D., Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the Mind and Nervooa System, says m an editorial published ifttoe " Clinical Record ":—" We liw examined half-a-dozen specimens x& different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sons wasj the only one that proved to be reliable and corresponding to scientific tests." Another concoction called " Refined Extract of Eucalyptus" has made its appearance since. This product stands, according to Dr Owen, foremost m causing injurious gffecta. That gentleman communicates, a& a meeting of the Medical Society Qf YiQtor-ia, that a child living at Fitaroy peQamemost seriously indisposed th.¥<Wgh its use. In another case ti lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of our manufacture we feel warranted m expo ing the above facts, and desires the public to exercise, <sare and precaution when buying, SANDER aud SONS (Advt.) " 7 "K.ea.tuig's. Powder" destroys Bugs fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m application. See the article you ourchase is " Keatisb's," as imitations are oxious and ineffectual, Sold iv This, 6d, Is and 2s 6d. w°K W all chemists, : Tip Best Resjepy fob Inmgkstion— Norton's Camomile PUUi are confidenty recommended ft* ft simple remedy for Indigestion, whioh is the cause of. nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of the Human "Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gen tit perient, are mild m their operation, »nd' safe under any circumstances, S^ld m bottles, at Is lid, 2s 9d, 1 is, toy all medicine vendors throughout tyifi world-

Hot,loway's Ointment. — Miners and Workers on the Goidfields.—This invaluabl and renowned ointment is extensively used and patronised by such people to their very great advantage, being easy of application and portable m small compass. When used m conjunction with Holloway's Pills m accordance with the clear and concise direc tions for us'j which acconipay each pot and box, there are but few of the diseases which afflict mankind which will not yield to the sanative powers of the combined remedies, Holloway's Ointment and Pills do not dete riorate by keeping nor by change of climate, and as they contain no deleterious mineral drug, they can be used .with the most perfect safety under the most adverse climatic and sanitary con it ions.

<mv ASttBTJRTON GITARDIAN : gATtJftDAY, DECEMBER 19, ISfll.



Xnias 1891. " JJKAUTIFUL SELECTION of NEW GOODS SUITABLE FOR CHEISTMAS PRESENTS. —Also — A LARGE VARIETY OF \KW €?OOl>£ IN EVERY DEPARTMENT. PIONIO BASKETS IN GREAT VARIETY. Andrew Orr. Cliristoias Holidays THE STORES AND OFFICES ot the Undersigned will be CLOSED ox December 25, being Christmas Day ; December 26, being Boxing Day; January 1, New Year's Day. GEO. JAMFSON. FRIEDLANDER BROS. D. THOMAS. JOHN 1 G. RKSTELL ROLLITT&Co. Ashburton, December 15, 1891. ' 12§143 TDURSUANT to the terms lof the -L "Ranks aud Bankers Act, 1880," and the " Bankannd Bankers Act Amend ment Act, 1882," MONDAY, the2Bth December insfc., SATURDAY, 2nd, and MONDAY, 4th. January, prox., are hereby appointed Special Bank Holidays at tho Offices of the Undermentioned- Banks throughout the Colony : — For the Union Bank of Australia, Ld. k G. E. TOLHURST, Resident Inspector. For the Bank of New South Wales, W. G. RHIND, Inspector. For the Bank of Australasia* E. tV. MORRAH, Inspector. For the Bank of New Zealand, ; W. T. HOLMES, General Manager. Noie.—The Banks will alse be closed throughout the Colony on the following days, being Statute Holidays :— . FRIDAY, Dec. 25, Christmas Day. SATURDAY, Dec. 26, Boxing Day. FRIDAY, Jan, 1, New Year's Day. 12 142 HARRY MEMBER, TOBACCONIST, HAIRDRESSER, AND PERRUQUIER, FANCY GOODS MERCHANT, AND PURVEYOR OF SPORTING GEAR AND TACKLE. The Holiday Season. "PRESENTATION PIPES, &c, m. _L every style, from the most costly m the market to the humble cherry wood, TOYS. I have received a direct shipment of these Goods, and School Committees and others would do well to inspect my stock before purchasing elsewhere. On account of there beins; no presentation Almanacks; this year, I will allow TEN PER CENT off all Cash Purchases of [Fancy Goodfe and Toys, THE SUMMER REASON, Angling, Cricket, and Lawn Tennis outfits for old and yoi>a>*» and suited to every purse. |E3^ P*y bs a visit. Hill FlfiLllEß, EAST STREET, MR D- THOMAS. Public Notice. THERE will be NO HORSE* SALE* at BULLOCKS ARCADE on SATURDAY, December 2(5, 1891. 12 134 D. THOMAS. ~*" BULLOCK'S ARCADE. SPECIAL SALE. HORSES, REAPERS AND BINDERS?, AND SUNDRIES. THURSDAYfDECEMRER 24, 1891. I*o suit the requirements of my Clients and others, I have determined to hold a SPECIAL SALE as above, and I now solicit Entries of. Good Draught and Light Harness Horses,. Reapers and Binders, and Sundries for the above Sale, which will start at twelve o'clock sharp. ~b. TQOMA&V X3§^3q Ash>urtou,



Nin.i&n Etyslop,and Co.'s "Imperial. Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct from the Tea PlaAta.tio.na — ( Advt,.) JS'iriiiui Hyslop and Oo.\s '* Imperial" pure Ceylon and Indian Teas* are $ihe, b.e§ inthe^rk;et,~-(Asiyti.) " '



Xt yam Wj^nt your Christmas Cakes to be a success use' ''C.aii't Be Beat Baking Powder," acknowledged k¥ #11 to be the best. Leading grocers sell it m 6d, is iw^d Qz ns. Ask for Hyslop, and Co.'s Imperial new aeasjQns Pyre Ceylon and



Wanted. j CASH Advertisement, uudur tlis heading not excoadiag SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Mtat this Otpce. COME and See our Poultry, Dunks and Fowls. None killed unless ordered. Orders promptly attended to.—Mrs Whittikchon, opposite Salvation Army. 12 144 J"IAMERON Street Wesleyan Church.— \J Preachers for To-Morrow—ll a.m , M».r. Aix?on ; 6.30 p.m., Rbvß. Lawry. Subject—" God's Revelation m the ln * «ariw»tfi Son." -A study for Christmastide. W"~ ANTED for * few weeks, some good farm hands. -A. J. Htotot Flemington. _____ TtrOTHING will Cool you so quickly and ■XS invigorate the system so much as lee' Cream —H.G. Flowbr, Confectioner, East Street. MISS CARSON, Music Teacher, Burnett Street. Christmas Holi days, December 23 to January 4. 12 I°° W~ ARTXD Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Under clothing, Pinafores, &c. Come and see *-%: HandsomeiX^^fogg Civing away-—" - ' IT—-.-?. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2a 6d and 2s lid j worth about ..doubled W. it. CollierY ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50a cash. Robert AiiCORN, Aahburton Clothing Marl, Sounders' Buildings. WANTED Known.—For first-class Drapary and Millinery go to Melford House ; cheapest .shop m town. fSee windows.) Beautiful Xmas present s beinst given away.—H. C. Sbgers. HEF.P SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and m there are very few m the CoKmy, Shearers ar« requested to call early.— Robert Amjokn, Saundera' Buildings. WANTED Known. -At '.'The Corner' now selling Ladies' French Shops. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Collibb , WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width. Is 10W ; original value, 4s. -H. 0. Segers, Melford House. WAITED Known—l have a large stock of Tin anrllronware Goods to select from. Register Gratos, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Haedley, East .treet. 6|202 MONEY 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. Pukxeix, Solicitor, Mont gomery's Buildings. 9 130 ff 10 Meet the Times.—l am oupplying J Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s Upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of ill desariptions. laspscticn invited.™ J. W. Hakdlby, Eas street. 6J201 WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English, Colonial, and his hk'hly reputed make by calling at J. Mbisosr. During coining holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. ANTED Known.--H. Bairstow has opened those premises m East street next J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on visw. Having a good stock o( well seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture tc any design. Inspection incited. 11+61 CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. There will be no publication of the UitL or Guakdian on SATURDAY, December 26—Boxinjr-Day.