The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1891. CURRENT TOPICS.

Now that the London newspapers, which criticised so adversely the new financial policy of New Zealand, have reached the colony, we are enabled tc see on what information their strictures were based. It is not surprising to those who know the channels through which the information that reaches the English papers is filtered, to find that the lafcure and effect of the new taxa tion hare been grossly misdescribed ; that, m fact, the distorted, where not altogether erroneous, statements that appeared m the Conservative press of the colony have been the basis for the hostile remarks of our Home critics. the opinions of "The Times," the "Economist," and other respectable and influential journals must, as a rule,, be treated with respect, but when the arguments are, as m the present case, based on false data, they are scarcely worthy of consideration. Tt is unfortunate that at the time of the publication of these criticisms m Lon don we had no Agent-General there to place the true state of affairs before the English public, but Mr Perceval will soon: be at his new post, and we may then depend upon having the erroneous impressions removed. We shall then hear less about the loss of conHdeiieein the colony and withdrawal* of capital.

Why has the Governor resigned ? is a. question that is being asked every where. He is everywhere received with'the heartiest welcome and every evideiide of his great popularity, and he■■ seems to be enjoying ■ himself re uiarkably well m our country. All softs of answers are given. Nobody, towebow, seems to auunpt th« reason

assigned by His Excellency, that busi ness connected with his estates de manded his personal attention on the spot, as the real cause for his resigna tion, and the. reasons given by others are, most of them, absurd m thoir improbability. Opposition politicians of course declare that His Excellency has been driven to the step by the financial policy of the Government, which they say he disapproves but can not change. Others have it that he is resigning rather than consent to make the appointments to the Legislative Council that the Government propose ; that the typhoid-impregnated state of Wellington indisposes him to risk the hf-alth of his family there; that the Countess is disgusted with Colonial society ; that Lord Onslow is wanted at Home as a counterpoise to Lord Carrington as an authority on Colo nial questions, and other equally wild surmises. We are strongly of opinion that His Excellency's reasons are personal and not political, and there fore it is impertinence to pry more closely into them.

* The ruling bodies of New Zealand racing, m conference assembled, have seen fit to disregard the intimation given by the Premier to the Napier club, and have decided that the tax of one and a half per cent shall be deducted from the investments of the public m the. totalisator, m addition to the commission of ten per cent which the Racing Clubs deduct, and of which the greater part goes to their funds. We shall not go so far as to endorsed the allegations that have been generally made that political influences w'Gre at work to bring about this decision—that the public that placed m power the Government that imposed the tax must themselves bear the burden. We have not observed, even on the part of the sporting writers m the press, any disposition to attack the Government for imposing the tax, and i.i the reports of the discussions of the conference and of the individual Metropolitan Clubs political reasons are not mentioned or suggested. The Government appear to have regarded the revenue which the clubs derive from the totalisator as income and tax it as such, though at a heavier rate than the taxation on any other subject. The effect of the taxation, it is already evident, will be to cripple the clubs who are most progressive m the promotion of high-class rac ing. At Christchurch the increase m the amount put through the totali sators was not nearly m the same ratM as the increase m the attendance. At Ashburton the investments shewed a considerable shrinkage and there is no doubt the sporting public cannot afford the additional taxation. The clubs would probably be just as well off m the long run were they to pay the tax out of them commission, depending on the growth of the investments to make up to them the deficiency caused by the payment of the tax. We note that some of the Hawke's Bay people pro pose to call the attention of the. Govern ment to the mode of levying the tax, and probably the Government will see that their intention on this point is carried out.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A child, two and a half years old, died at Christchurch, on Friday from the effect of eating wax vestas. We are glad to learn that a meeting with the object of forming an Horticultural Society will be called at an early date. The Defence department has issued a cir cular notifying that the rate of capitation for adults for the current year will be £2 per man for all corps. The shipment of oats to the L"mdon market, the satisfactory result of whic'i we made reference to a few days ago, was nude by Mr Meredith WiUon, of Wakanui, tfirough Messrs Friodlander Bros. Excursion fares froni Ashburton and Rakaia to D.unedin for the Show and Race 3 are advertised. T.»e3e cheap tickets, a< travellers have previously found to their disgust, are not issmd at intermediate 3 tat ions. A notification is gazetted that Justices Williams and Denniston have been appointed to hear Mr Eden George's petition against the election of Mr Sandford as member for Christchurch. The North Otago "Times " calculates that the deficient crop of last season as com pared with ordinary seasons means a loss to farmers of something over £150,000. Of this total, wheat represents £91,779, oats £21,839, barley £2500, and potatoes about £7000. Mr James Porter, of the Allenton Nursery is m evidence with an eloquent appeal to the senses of sight and smell, m the form of a stand of boautiful rose-blooms. Old friends as well as new faces are mongesfc them, and the perfection of the blooms is such that one would think' there had been neither rain nor wind since the buds formed. Rust has made its appearance m the wheat crop m several parts of the district, and from reports which appear m the columns of our contemporaries indications of attacks of this plague are pretty general throughout Canterbury. It is much to be regretted, for otherwise the crops promised abundant yields and an early harvest. Lord Onslow, m company with the Minis ter of Mines, intends visiting the west coast of the South Island, spending the month of January m visiting various places of interest. He then returns North, and purposes leaving the colony at the end of February. His final port of departure has not yet been de termined. Foreign languages are now taught m some of the American cities by means of phonographic cylinders. Sets' of these are also supplied which contain a conversational eoiuse of French or German, eacli phrase numbered to correspond with its written characters m a book which serves as a key to the sentences with which the cylinders are charged. In this way, ear and eye are simultaneously informed, and the difficulties of pronunciation conquered. Some time ago (says the Auckland "Herald") we gave a description of a cradle which rocks automatically, the invention of Wo Aucklanders, m the in terests of worried matrons, who are m pro cess of rearing their familes. The colonial rights were disposed of, were understand, for £1000, and one of the parties interested is now m London with a view of patenting the invention, and floating the affair as a company. At the nautical enquiry into the stranding of the Duke of Buckingham, before Captains Preece, Popham, and Joss, evidence was given by the captain, thrae officers, several quartermasters, engineers, and seamen ofjthe steamer; ui.o by Capta;n Whit by of the Jane Douglass, who siid that the current was exceptionally strong that night. Ths other evidence was to the effect that no pre cautions had been neglected. All were sober; the compasses were right, aftd no mention of the current was made m the last edition of the Ne.v Zealand Pilot (IS9J). After the accident the ship was kept within a mile of the shore so as to beach her if necessary, a3 they did not expect that she would reach Lyttelton. The judgment of \ the assesors was deferred till the 27th inst. True economy To purchase Countess Tea for two shillings. Free from any ex cess of asfcrinsrencv

For tin-kettling and throwing stones upon the house of a newly-married couple at Woodstock, near Hokitika, three youths were fined m sums amounting m all to £11. It is reported m the Wanganui papers that a disease exists among the Maoris m the district, which Hie Maoris believe to be leprosy. In some insta»ces ifc is stated that the flesh on those afflicted dropped off m pieces. A woman suffering f rom the disease is said to be at Oaepuhi pah. I The cost of producing the Picturesque [ Atlas is said to have been £170,000. The lawyers will make the best thing out of the vexatious book, or rather out of those who j object to the book and those who are attempting to force payment. If it be true, as reported by cable, that glanders has broken out amongst the horses m Sell's Circus now m Sydney, and that the circus will m consequence return to Ame rica, special precautions should be adopted to quarantine the next outward-bound Frisco steamer, on which the circus will probably be. It would be excessively dangerous to permit her to come alongside the Auckland Wharf with glandered horses on board. No precaution should be spared to prevent the introduction of a disease so fatal, not only to horses but sometimes also to human beings — "Post." It is calculated that as many as 150 public house licenses have been taken away at the Brewster Sessions just concluded throughout England. This is the result of the House of Lords' decision that the justices have an absolute, veto m regard to licensed houses. The brewers, who own the majority of the 'licensed houses of the country, are naturally m a state of great alarm. Mr Pickersgill, M.P. estimates the value of the property destroyed by the justices at £300,000. The opinion of a former Masterton resident regarding the Zeehan (Tasmanian) Silver field will be read with interest, seeing that there are many JNew Zealanders working on' the field. Writing to a friend at Wellington! he says:—"With reference to this silver field, I can assure you that it is still m its infancy, both as regards area and value. Every day fresh discoveries are being made and areas) taken up for mitring purposes. It would be impossible to adequately describe it, as one requires to live at Zeehan some weeks to get an insight into affairs ere he could grasp the magnitude and prospective wealth that cnly requires capital to unearth." A meeting of the People's Political Asso ciation was held last night, at which there was a large attendance of members. Mr James Keir was chairman. A letter was read from the Premier intimating that he would address a public meeting m-Ashbur ton before the next session of Parliament. A resolution was passed that the name of the Association be changed to the " Ashbur ton Liberal Association." The following office-bearers were elected:—Messrs H. M. Jones, Chairman ; T. Scott, Vice-President; J. Dalley, Secretary; J. M. Maynard, Treasurer; Committee—E. Cookson, C. Littlecott., J. Keir, A. Carson, jun , and J. Edwards. The "North Otago Times" says —The committee appoiuted to arrange for experi j ments m rain producing have been making I exhaustive enquiries and arrangements for au early "trial. They 'communicated with the Minister for Agiiculture, who, at once recognising the important character of the movement, has promised that the Govern ment will subsidise all subscriptions for the purpose at the rate of £ for £ up to £100, and also supply gnn*cotton at cost price. The committee will probably be able to make a satisfactory test within the next few days. On retiring from the Agent-Generalship, Sir I l'. D. Bull received a letter from the private secretary to Lord Kuutsford. as follows :—"His Lordship desires me to take this opportunity of expressing his apprecia tion ot the courtesy and ability with which you have invariably conducted all your business wit'i this department, and his regret, that you are now retiring from the office which you have filled with so much ad vantage to Her Majesty's Governmena as well as (o the Government of New Zealand."

John Clark, a visitor from Oimaru, went to the Fletnington racecourse to sec the race for the Melbourne Cup. He went early, and spent the t"ma which intervened between his arrival and the first race iri liberally patronis ing the various refreshment booths, with the result that when the starting bell rang he. was so s'.eepy that he sought 'the shelter of a carriage iv the puddook, lay down under it. He quickly sanll into slumber, and did not wnke until all (he races, includ ing the Cup, were over, and the owner of the conveyance under which he slept begged his pardon for disturbing him, but said it was absolutely necessary that he should remove the carriage. Clark shook himself into wake fulness and discovered that he had not only missed the sight he had travelled from New Zealand to see, but also his watch and chain, his money, and his pipe, which some inc-m ---siderate thief had stolen from him.

A gentleman lately from Birmingham, England, tells the " Ifawera Star" that just before-leaving he visited the business premises of the New Zealand Frozen Meat Company, situated m the Bull-ring, High street. It was six o'clock m the morning, aad the large shop was filled with frozen mutton, about 1100 carcases, he was told. Eight hands were employed. At eleven o'clock at night he again called, and there was scarcely a scrap of meat left. Hundreds of people nocked m and out of the shop during the day. The reason for such a ready sale was obvious ; where English meat cost from lOd to lid per lb, New Zealand could be obtained for 4d to 6d. The people like the frozen meat, and m a city like Birmingham, where there are thousands of factory people, the industry is considered a j great boon and freely patronised. The Christchurch police have received m formation that the Rainbow accomodation | house, on the road from Tarndale to Top ; House, one of the oldest m the district, on the overland road to Nelson, wag burned on Tuesday, also that an old man named John Watson, whom Mr Acton-A^ams had m it as shepherd and caretaker, had been burned. The deceased, who was a Nelson man, had resided at the house for many years. Mr Act m-Adams states that the house was not insured, and he is not able to give any further particulars.

SHOWS.

Ipbr press association,] Wellington, November 20. The receipts At the show cover all expenses, and will nearly wipe off the debt on the building. The Committee hope to give £1000 m prizes next year.

Death of Hon. Mr Fulton.

[per press association^ Dujsedin, November 20; Mr J. Fulton, M.L.C., died this after noon at Taieri, it is supposed from, heart disease. He was sixty-one years of age. He w.is for many years Resident Magis trafe at Outran], and .became member .for Taieri on Mr Donald Reid's retirement. He was called to the Upper House by Sir H. Atkinson three years ago. He leaves a widow and a family of six, three sons and throe daughters, all grown up. ■ ,

MELBOURNE NOTES

(from our correspondent.) Melbourne. November 10. Lord Hopefeoun is not by any means impressive to look at, but he is a very good man to listen to. He speaks wisely and well, quietly and without affectation, but certainly not without force, sense and spirit. He took into his head to refute the slanders that'have, recently been pub lished m British magazines by Messrs John Fortescue, Francis. Adams and David Christie Murray, and m the :1»« ---guage of the native Australian he certainly made those gentlemen "sit up," He condensed their accusations of disloyalty, Vavaj/ery, want of good faith, and mtfehfe to repudiate our public debts into "a'few: strong sentences, and then m sharp sar castic terms demolished the "travelling scribes" for whose. sale 9 we had even gone so far as to "see their plays acted by themselves ;" and from his own knowledge of Victorian feeling, and his own ex perience, repudiated the conclusions of out- slanderers. He had fully earned the hearty cheers he received when he sat down, and indeed has never done better service to his Queen and his country. Mr Munra is nob m the least alarmed at the position of his Government. Pc sees quite clearly that the Upper House is m so conservative a mood that did it acb up to its convictions there would be no p-nrby m the Assembly able to work with it. But the wiser spirits m the Upper House are perfectly aware that they have no chance of getting their way, and are quite ready to consent to a compromise. They see that if Sir Bryan O'Loghlen, for instance, were to propose a vote of censure and turn out the Government they would have no chance of more con sideration from him than from Mr Munro, while the accession of Mr Deakin to power would' be worse ; consequently, as Sir James Macßain said last night, there is little chance of harmony between the two Houses and the Government being seriously disturbed. The more people see of the dual vote proposal the more perplexed they are to know what to do with ifc. Trades Hall would chuckle with delight to see L. L. Smith's proposal adopted and ench rate payer given an extra vote, because the great mass of Workmen are on the rate payers' roll. On the other hand the people who have hitherto enj >yed the plural vote see that (lie workmen would swamp them and they do wo 1; like the I r ispect. Yet; he "Argus" proposal to give the second vote to freeholders only would disfranchise the c'tissens of Melbourne as thoroughly ds Mr Munro's Bill would do. The Ministry, m short, is boiuv". to c nue out on tho'top.if Mr Munro keeps his temper—but this is such a big "If." Mr Stanley opens his season heire to irorrow, and already the infeerviewwrs are chasing him. He is a thickset, medium j sized ma'), with white hair, ordinary features and a determined manner. He has been drawn on to sa.y some very silly things ; that shown he is nob above the vanity of the average new chum, who, as a ruk>, is ready to teach us to govern the country the moment he lands. Mr Stan ley* pet idea is a division of the northern half of this continent from the Southern half, no colored man to come south of the line. It would be interesting fo know how he intends to protect the line against the invasions of his colored pets. It would take half the white population of Australia to play sentinel. ,1 ust as trade looked to be reviving m Melbourne ifc has gone suddenly down again, and on all bands you hear the most doleful bewailings and melancholy fore bodinge. It" seems that the final-effects of the lane boom which is really respon sible are worse than all that went before. The last series of bills are just coming due, and a great many men c-tnnot meet them. Indeed an eminent official who was supposed to be above all danger, and to have netted a million by selling out early, has actually announced his intention to resume the practice of his profession— that of a solicitor.

The Governorship.

The Wellington " Post" imagines that; it is nob improbable that the Governorship of New Zealand will be offered to the Earl of Kintore, the present Governor of South Australia. He is, like Lord Onslow, one of the budding politicians of the Conservative Party desirous of gaining colonial experience. The climate of South Australia is said to have proved very trying fo Lady Kintore, and as removal to New Zealand would be promotion, although the salary is the same, we should not be surprised if he were offered the vacancy caused by Loril Onslow's retire ment. New Zealand is not m very good odour at Home just now, and it might be easier to fill up the South Australian Governorship satisfactorily than fo get a suicible new man for New Zjnland. Several South Australian Governors have been promoted to this colony. Lord Kintore has the reputation of being an able man. ;

Fruit-Growing in the North Island.

Mr TI, S. Tiffen, of Taradale (says the " Wood villo Exfiminer ") has put every one else m the shade with this vigorous action he has taken m introducing the fruifc-growlno; industry m the district. He has arranged to plant out about 50 acres of vines, apples, Japanese plums, prunes, persimons, etc. This season J4 acres have been planted out m vines, of which there are 27,000, Mr Tiffim having collected from all parts of New Zealand the best varieties. A long row of wire fence has been erected to each row of vines, and to these i.he shoots will be trained on the French system. Special varieties for the manufacture of currants and raisins have been planted, also the best kinds fov the manufacture of wine. Five acres have been planted m apples, the varieties being those best suited for export. We also noticed a row of persimons and a lot of Japanese plums, prunes, etc. Twenty tons of tomatoes are being grown for sup plying the tomato sauce factory. T!ie plants, are put m between the vines and will this season be trained to the fences erected for training the vines on.

The Best Remedy for li>rDi«KSTroN— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenfcy recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, ■vvhich is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are suhj^cte Norton's Pills, with justice called the > Natural Strengthener of fie Human $tomachj" act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and' safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the worfd,

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

[per press association.

ALLEGED FRAUDS.

London, November 19. ' Whaley, a deceased Blackburn solicitor, is alleged to have defrauded his clients of one hundred thousand pounds. . THE SALVATION ARMY. r: London, November 20. The Salvation Army's self-denial week produced £'22,000. LORD MARTINGTON ON LIBERALISM. Lord Hartington, s in the course of an address to his constituents, said the principles of Liberals nowadays were akin to those of the Democrats in foreign countries and not like the historic Liberalism of England. Home Rule would be a surrender to revolu tionary pressure. '

LABOR QUESTIONS.

...','., Paris, November 19. The miners' strikes have extended to the Nord. Those on strike m the province of Pas de Calais are over awed at the extensive military precau tions to.prevent disorder. - ■'': ' Piitis, November 20. A deputy from Basle urges the French Government to assume the management of the coal mines. M. IVeycinet, proposes arbitration, which the strikers are willing to accept. They demand pensions for pitmen. The " Journal dcs DeKats " states that Government will introduce a Bill m the Chamber of Deputies for* the establishment of a Board to prevent disputes. M. Clemenceau's motion for compulsory arbitration was rejected by 2 to. 1, and a vote of confidence m the Government carried by 3 to 1.

SETTLEMENT IN CANADA.

■ Ottawa, November 19. The .Government of the Dominion has decided to place a* million settlers m the ■North-West Territory within the next five years.

THE BRAZILIAN REBELLION.

Rio de Janiero, November 19. 'Eighteen regiments, comprising almost the total force m Rio Grande, have joined the Junta, and the move ment is largely m favor of the restora tion of the monarchy.

THE EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Rome, November 19. The Marquis Rudini proposes to re duce the time of service m the stand ing army to two years. St. Petersburg, November 19. The Government has decided to send 40,000 infantry to reinforce the Russian troops stationed m. the Polish frontier. ■'Belgrade, November 19. Ex-King Milan is receiving money with Which to pay his debts ; also other pecuniary assistance. In consequence of this assistance he resigns; the con trol of bis son, the present King, and all rights to ths thvone.

THE SCOTCH CHURCHES.

Dr Charles has been nominated as moderator of the Church of Scotland, and Dr Blaikie as Moderator of the Free Church.

THE GERMANS IN AFRICA.

Berlin, November 20. Baron Gravereutli has been killed and many Germans wounded m a fight with natives m the Cameroons, West Africa.

THE DISORDER IN CHINA.

Hong Kong, November 20. The situation m China is reported to be improving.

AUSTRALIAN.

AUSTRALIAN SYNOD.

Sydney, November 20. The comments of the London 11 Guardian " are based on the report presented to the Anglican Synod of Australia, which met here in Septem ber, recommending that the Committee on Home Reunion should organise through the Primate a private con ference consisting of representatives of other -Christian bodies, for the purpose of obtainingan understanding as to their mutual position?, and prepare the way for an organic unity on the basis of the Lambeth Congress. The motion for setting up the Committee to carry out the recommendation was lost. ARREST. Croft, of Gisborne, an absconder, was arrested here and brought before the Magistrate, who ordered his re mand. • VIOLENT' THUNDERSTORM. During a violentthunderstorm to-day a building in course of erection at Homebush wag struck by lightning, and a workman named Wotton was killed instantly, and five others badly injured*- - . ■ RAIN MAKING. Rain-making experiments will be tried at .Broken Hill shortly. A TORNADO, A tornado has almost demolished the township of Round Hill, in the Barrier ranges.

ANOTHER VESSEL SEIZED. The gutter Freak, belonging to the same owners as the Emma Fisher, was also seized by H.M.s. Royalist for breach of the trading regulations in the Solomon group. THE TAILORS' STRIKE. A conference between tailors and masters has come to an end in conse quence of the former refusing to con cede freedom of contract.

THE VICTORIAN RAILWAY BILL.

Melbourne, November 20. In the House of Assembly a heated discussion is taking place on the Rajhvay Bill. Mr Gillies requested the Government to report progress, but the Premier declined, stating that he intended to finish the Bill last night, whereupon the whole of the Opposition followed Mr Gillies, who retired from the Chamber.

RIFLE SHOOTING. Lieutenant Kirk, of Williams,town, iss winner of the Queen's prize with a score of 276, THE CHARITIES CONFERENCE. The Charities Conference has re solved to request charitable people in the several cqlonies to consider', the expediency of establishing workmen?s colonies pn the, German plan, to which.

able bodiedroendicants aud unemployed can be referred. The Victorian Go vernment has promised the Melbourne charitable authorities a piece of land for the purpose.

LORD CARRINGTON'S SPEECH.

Adelaide, November 20... In the House last night Mr Play ford, the Premier, stated that if-Lord Carringfcon made the statements, attri buted to him m the messages from Home they were quite unwarranted.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, November 20. An old man, aged seventy-eight years, «los. Hemming, a farmer, living at East Tamaka, was driving a horse and cart down Wyndham street with a load of hay for the market whi jn the horse bolted and Hemming jumped off, falling under one of the wheels. His thigh bone was fractured, and he received some severe wounds oh the head and concussion of the brain; He was taken to the Hospital, but died shortly afterwards. ■'•';■ Some earthquake shocks, none of them severe, were felt at Rotorua last night and to-day. There is reported to be quite a boom m business allotments m Hamilton west, and during the past two or three days several properties m the principal streets of the town have changed owners at good prices. Weixinoton, November 20. Mr H. D. Bell, a candidate for the Mayoralty, m an address to-night laid great stress on the necessity for raising a loan for the proper drainage of the city. On laaving here the warships Tauranga, and Ringarooma will proceed north to Auckland, visiting Napier, Gisborne, and Tauranga, on the way. Jn January, they will return to Lyttelton, after which the Tauranga will visit several southern ports and be present m Nelson for the jubilee celebration m February. The Ringa rooma will come north again. The object of these-visits is to acquire accurate infor mation regarding all ports and anchorages. The West. Coast coal pits will also be visited m due course. The "average clause," to be brought m by the Underwriters' Association, applies to all mercantile and trade risks above £5000. The Order-in-Council, setting apart 24,081 acres of land for the l\aihu Valley Railway Company, is revoked. The present registrars' districts under the Native Land Court Acb have been annulled, and the colony is now divided into three—Auckland, Gisborne, and Wellington. The latter includes Tara naki, Wanganui, and the whole of the South Island. ; Regulation 5 are published m the "■ Gazette " for the election of members of Boards under the Hospitals and Charit able Institutions Act by contributory local authorities m grouped districts. A despatch has been recei"ed by the Governor from ths Admiralty, stating that while they are not prepared to de part from the principle of the continuous and general service system, their Lord ships will be willing to make arrange ments for admission into the Royal Navy of men and boys of Australian and New Zealand birth on the following lines":—' (1) Able or ordinary seamen, to be entered on the Australian station to fill vacancies as non-continuous service men for six months' trial on station, and if after that time tney are found suitable they will be allowed to join the navy as continuous service men, and will be paid (as continuous servica men) from the date of original entry. Men so entered will be sent to Euglnri'.l for'training m .gun nery, etc., but they will afterwards be employed on the Australian station if they so desire. (2i Hoys who volunteer Hiil c mo u t j to ata.j Jui\i wiil Lt accepted and brought to England for training wiih the paid-off crews of her Majesty's ships, and after undergoing the necessary train ing they will be employed a-i far as possible on the Australian station if they so desire. IS elson, November 20. At the City Council meeting to : night, a letter was read from Humphries, a consumptive patient under Mr Claphani's treatment, stating that his cough is.much better, that the night sweats have gone, that his breathing is easier, and that he can walk four times as far as he could previous to the treatment. He has gained live pounds m weight and feels much better.- Dunedin, November 20. The " Star " publishes the correspon dence between Mr Fish and the Premier m reference to the latter's attitude towards the labor party last session. The exchange of compliments is very strong. Ab the inquest on Wilson, the jury brought m a verdict that he was acci dentally shot by a shot from the rifle of GunnerDa'vy, who was exonerated from all blame. None of the members of the Irish Rifles were called to sec if shots had been fired by that corps. At the same time it is thought it s"eems just as probable that the shot from one of them at the wrong target was as likely to have hit Wilson as Gunner Davy's shot.

NEGLECTED ASHBURTON.

Although down this way-—and very properly—we think no small beer of our town and county which will cer tainly, as to the town, bear compari son m its general characteristics with any town of similar sisje m the colony, and as to our county, is m the matter of grain-production, and not m that matter alone, a long way ahead of any other county ; yet, nevertheless, there is no town or part of New Zealand which has received fewer favors and greater neglect at. the hands of the Government. This is noted and: com* merited upon by visitors and strangers, even more than by ourselves, who have grown accustomed to what has locally come to be regarded as the normal state of tilings, and it is really high time that the public generally, and? those m local authority m particular— e.g. (no pun intended), the worthy member for the district, and the Borough and County Councils —made strong and persistent representations on the subject. Take, for instance, the miserable accommodation afforded at the railway station and post office. The former has been erected some seventeen or eighteen years, and the buildings which sufficed for the busi ness of the newly-opened' line have long ago, although patched up and added to from time to time, become totally inadequate for the largely expanded volume of traffic of all descriptions. The business transacted at Ashburton is, we believe, greater than at either Timaru or Oamaru, while the accommodation arid facilities afforded are infinitely inferior. There is not half enough room, as anyone can see any day with half an eye, while astpwaitr ing-rooms for passenger,l? they are con spicuous by their absence, with the ex ception of a miserable little apartment which only by stretch of .courtesy— rather we should write "by perver sion of terms "-^-can be denominated a "ladies waiting-room." ! ■ There is no proper "left luggage office," and the accommodation for the station master is miserably meagre. Then the refreshment-room is' not half

' . ' LI. '11l H.l | Ilj I, i big enough, and-in a word there C is only one set'of offices for pas sengers' convenience, and which need not be described, which is at all ade quate to the public requirements. Surely it is high time that the miserable buildings \vhieh_are a reproach to the Department should be puiJed do\vn,and roomy, commodious, and comfortable buildings erected. The wonder is that this was not done long ago, as we believe that the plans for a new station for Ashburton were prepared so far back as 1879, but if so, they have been carefully pigeon-holed ever since. As to the Post Office, the case is even worse. All the business of the postal department, the telegraph office, the po3t-oftice savings bank, and the money order office, besides all sorts of registra trations, etc., has to be transacted by the public at a single 10ft. counter, m a Space that would not suffice to ; " swing a cat m," and, as to anything i like privacy m any matter, it is abso lutely out. of the question. This as regards the public is bad enough, but as regards the officials, things are quite as bad, if not "worse, anything i like proper convenience for the trans- I action of the multiform business of the office being utterly -unknown. The wonder really is that the business gets dono at all; and that it is done <so well under such difficulties reflects great credit on Major Douglas and his officers. We really wonder that our new and energetic Postmascer-General, Mr Ward, did not, on his accession to office, pick out Ashburton as one of the places at which new buildings are absolutely-necessary ; and if he is not aware of £he fact, the sooner his atten tion is drawn thereto the better^ m order that this urgent work may be provided for m the Public Works Estimates of next session. But if the Ashburton people want these matters attended to—and we know.they do — we counsel them to make their voices heard loudly and persistently, for " Sib silent and Starve" would appear to be the motto of Government ad •ministration, at anyrate so far as New Zealand is concerned.

Grain and Produce.

The following is the Christchuroh Corn Exchange Report for the week ending, Friday, November 20:—But little business could be noted m Wheat, though the market still remains firm aft quotations. Oats have seen an animated enquiry for export. Barley is now out of the hands of the growers, and little business is passing. Beans and Peas—Nothing doing. Grass Seed— The season may now be said to be over as far as loyal sowing is concerned ; any heavy parcels of Cocksfoot, however, find ready purchasers. Dairy Produce—Butter stiil continues m full supply ; while Cheese is iv fair demand. Quotations arc as follows :— Wheat Tuscan, 3s lOd; Pearl, 3s 9d; Hunter's, 3s Bd. Oats—Milling, Is lOd to Is lid; short heavy feed, Is Oil to Is lOd; long and inferior, Is 6d to Is BdL Barley— Malting, 3a ; medium, 2s 6d ; feed, Is lOd to 2s 3d. Beans, 3s. Peas—Blue Prussians, 2s 9d to 3s. Dairy Produce—Butter (prime quality), 61. Cheese (average r weights), 4d to 4M ; lout' shape, 5(1. '- \ " The above quotations are those paid to farmers for delivery f.o.b. at Lyttelton. Sacks extra.

Ashburton Markets.

MESSRS FMEDLANDER BROS. Messrs Friedlander Bros, report upon the live stock market for the week on-line 20th instant:—At the Ashburlon Yards "about 3.100 sheep were penned. The attendance was only, a fair one, but prices ruling were good for nearly all classes. In fat sheep the principle entries were merinos, which sold at from 10s M to 12s 9d, and a few pens of merino ewes to 8s (id; crossbreed ewes, 13s. A nice line of four-tooth erossbreds, m for ward condition, sold at 13s Id ; while both merino and crossbred ewes with lambs sold at prices which were m advance of those at previous sales ; for the former up to Us 6d, and for the latter 13s 6d to 16s Gil was obtained Hoggets m the wool, of which diere was only a small entry, met with fair competition, and sold up to 13s 9d, which 1 price we obtained for a line of fairly well grown first-cross. Store merinos m the wool sold up to 8s Gd. At our usual skin sale every line was cleared. The catalogues were heavier than usual, and prices quite up to those lately ruling. The shearing being now m full swing we do not expect there will be many more woolly skins to offer. The first of the Ashburton wool Bales is advertised for December 1, and a fair catalogue of wool will be offered for that date. Wool is now commg:forward to the various stores. •

MR D. THOMAS.

Mr David Thomas reports upon the live stock market for the week ending Friday, November 20:—The usual weekly stock sale wa« held at the Ashburton Yards where a very small entry was yarded. The attend ance was fairly good and the prices realised w«rs quite'cna par with those obtained at the" previous week's sale. The total entries were 2874 sheep and 14 head of cattle, of which my entry comprised 1135 sheep and 6 head of cattle, all of which I sold. My prin cipal sales were as follows :—64 fat merino i wethers, 12s j 40 fat merino ewes, 8s 6d ; 60 fat merino ewes, 7s; 92 fat merino wethers, 10s 3d ; 4 fat lambs, 8s 6d j 205 four and six tooth shorn crossbreds, 13s Id; 119 merino ew.es, 98 per ceut lambs, lls Id; 100 merino ewes, 98 per cent lambs, lls 3d ; 183 merino ewes, 88 per cent lambs, lls 4d; 58 cross bred ewes, 100 per cent lambs, l(js 6d ; 248 merino ewes, 90 per cent lambs, Us 3d, Three fat cows, Jt'6 ; 2 fat cows, £5 15s.- On Friday I held my usual fortnightly skin sale afc Tattersalls. My entry com prised about 3000 skins, all of which I sold ; the prices obtained were less than those obtained at the previous skin sale. I sold dry skins at 4^d per Id; station merinos from Is Gd to 3s 3d ; station crossbreds from 2s 4d to 4* Id. Butchers' merinos, 3s 3d to 4s 5 butchers' crossbreds, 3s to 4s 4d ; lamb skins, (id to Is; pelts, Id to Is. Good cross bred bag wool, 4Ad to 7d ; inferior, 2Jrd to 4d.

SPORTING.

DUNEDIN NOTES. [I'ER MIESb ASSOCIATION.] Dunedin, November 21. A t Forlmvy this morning Galtee, Don Pedro and Dilemma went a mile and a half at racing pace, all going well. Con jurer did a fast six furlongs—a good gallop. Cruehfield two miles and a half ; La Rose six furlongs, as fast as she could go ; Assyrian King, two miles, the second at a rousing pace. Exile only shaped i moderately in i» mile spin. Occident was not out, and it is reported both h<j and Mariner are amiss, Occident only slightly so.

WHEATSTONE.

OPENING OF THE PUBLIC HALL.

The WheafcsfconePublic Hall was opened on Friday evening by a tea, concert, and ball. The tables were given by Indies m the district, Mesdames Shearer McConnell, Haymau, Bond, and the Misses Ford, and a number of young lady friends assisting. The hall and tables were gaily dceprated. with flowers and evergreens, . and the tables were liberally spread with good things. . The concert which followed the tea was a great success, the r h»H being literally crammed. Mr David Thomas' presided, and by his genial manner and happy tact made everything go as pleasantly as

A. number of the Ash burton amateurs kindly gave their services and a varied programme of songs and recitations was highly appreciated l.y an*attentive audience. The piano was kindly lent for the occasion by Mr John Small. The ball commenced abont eleven o'clock and was kept up with great spirit till daylight, the Misses Jamieson from Wakanui, with M> J. Jamieson and Mr Robinson providing excellent dance music. The Committee tender their thanks to all who gave their assistance on the occft' ■ion.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

(per press association:) Kulcidr. Palmbrston North, November 21. John William Franklin committed sui cide this morning by cutting J)is throat with a knife. He had been .drinking heavily. He was 38 years of »ge and un married. A man was drowned in Manawatu rh:e? near the town yesterday. He was seen to enter the river with a view to fording ib, and disapp&ired. The body has fiqf yet been recovered. No information jjjgp. be obtained as to his identity. Pcmontil, Wellington, November 21. The Native Minister is in the Bay of Plenty district, enquiring into* Native attain*. The nraflv* l»epartm*at. Mr E. W. Lewis,' undersecretary to the Native Department, is seriously ill in Sydney. .

Baptist Conference.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. WBixiNOToy, November 20. At the Baptist Conference' to-day, it was resolved "That the Union take some steps to advance the interests of members of our denomination m district*, where there »re no Baptist Churches." Rev. C. North moved, ''That, m the event of a suitable agent presenting himself, and some satisfactory assurance of support being received, the Committee be author ised and instructed to engage the services of an agent, whose mission it shall be to evangelise, and where practicable to organise schools and churches m connec tion with our body m places where no Baptist Churches exist."' The motion was unanimously adopted. It was resolved chat the Committee take into considera tion a plan for making provision for aged or infirm Ministers, also to issue a cir cular to Lhe Churches inviting subscrip tions to secure a substantial monetary testimonial for the Rev,; H. H. Driver, who suffers from throat affection. Mr T. Spurgeon was engaged for another year as Evangelist of Che Baptist Union. The Conference close this evening. Wellington, November 21. At the Baptist Conference, the follow ing officers were elected for the ensuing term :— President— T. Kirk, Wellington ; Vice-President—S. H. Matthews, Auck land ; Treasurer—.!. F. Garlick, Auck land; Secretary—Rev. Wolley, Thames.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per pkjsss association. I *' ' / (Received November 21, .10.15 a.m.) THE BANK OP ENGLAND. . London,- November 20. Mr David Powell, who at .present holds the position of Deputy-<JOvemor of the Bank of England, will -succeed Mr William Lidderdale as Governor of that Bank in April next. .

IRISH AFFAIRS.

The " Irish Catholic " declares that a widespread scheme is m existence m Ireland, its objects being to induce young men to join secret societies.

AFRICA.

Rome, November 20. Lieutenant Livraghi has been ac quitted on the charges preferred against him of having submitted natives m Massowah to barbarous treatment. ■ Zanzib4b, November 20, Emm Pasha is at TJsongora within the British sphere, and is reported to be continuously at war with the natives.

THE INFLUENZA.

St. Peteksbukg, November 20. Influenza is raging, here, and the hospitals are crowded.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received November 21* noon.)

A BANKRUPT TOWN.

Sydsby. November 21. The Irenrith municipality ia m finan cial difficulties, and unless Government renders some assistance it willp^obably be placed m the hands of the receiver.

THE S.A. AGENT-GENERAL.

Adelaide, November 21. Sir A. Blyth, the Agent-General of South Australia m London, resigns m December.

A SUNKEN ROCK.

Hobart,. Ijfovember 21. The steamer Talune, on her voyage from Melbourne, struck what is sup posed to be a sunken -rock m the vicinity, of Swan Island. She was going at full speed at the time and the shock threw the passengers oft' their feet. The engines were stopped, but worked erratically, and. when, again started it was apparent there had been some injury to the propeller. The i vessel herself has sustained no serious damage, and she has resumed her voy age to New Zealand;..; Vessels have from time to time struck,a. hidden rock near Swan Island, but a lonjaf search has failed to discover it.

SHEARERS AND PASTORALTSTS

Brisbane, November 21. The Secretary of the labor federation has written to the Premier authori tively denying any intention on the part of those he represents to, foment ill-feeling between shearers and pas toralists, and he asks Government to appoint Arbitration Boards for the settlement of disputes.

RICH REEFS.

Perth (W.A.), November 21. One of the pioneers of the Murchison gold field confirms the statements of the wonderful richness of the reels. He himself dollied 40ozs gold m one day.

THE MARKETS.

| PEK MtESS ASSOCIATION}

(Received November 21, 10.45 a.m.) London, November 20. The weekly returns of the Bank of Eengland published to-day show the total reserve to be £14,374,000, being an in crease of £400,000 as compared mth fcha

THE ASHBUBTON GTJABDIAN: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 31, I§j9l.



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 Nervous System, says m an editorial published m the "Clinical Record ":—" We have examined half-a-dozen specimens of different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sons was 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 1)r Owen, foremost m causing injurious effects. That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzroy became most seriously indisposed through its use. In another case a 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 care and precaution when buying, SANDER and SONS (Ad\t.) ' 7 Holloway's Ointment and Pru.s.— Travellers and Emigrants,—Those who cross the seas change the climate, but they do not change the constitution. The altered con ditions of life, the exigencies of travel and other causes render the traveller and emigrant peculiarly liable to diseases and accidents when far from efficient medical aid. With these associated remedies at hand they may be said to have a physician always at their call, and they may be certain that situations will be constantly arising m which they will require a ready resource m time of need. The directions for use which accompany each box and pot of Holloway's Pills and Ointment are written m plain and simple language, and are applicable m all cases. Many exhibitors afc the late Ash burton Show, were doubtless disappointed m nst winning prizes. A picture value 10s is given away with every Fifty Shillings' worth of Warburton's. Can't Be Beat Baking Powder.—Fact. Ask for Ninian Hyslop, find Co,'s Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian Teas. Special prkes,-~(Advt,) '



JS rinian Hyslop and Co.'s '* Imperial" pure Ceylor and Indian Teaa aits the best m fche market, -(idvfc.)



Wanted CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be lt-ftat this Office. WANTED Known—A special line of Cashmeres, all shades, now selling at Is per yard. White Blankets 5s lltl per pair.—H. C. Seuurs,' Melford Hquse, TjiIRST Prize Butter, Inch Clutha '..•*- . Cheese, at.d extracted Honey, on sale at Carson's, East Street. 11 109 /""lAMERON Street Wesleyan Church.— V-/ Sunday School Anniversary Sermons, To-morrow, 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 6.30 p.m. Preacher—-Rev. S. Lawry. Special music at each service. 11124 LOST, on Friday, m Ashburton, a Manuka Walking-stick, with hook handle Finder rewarded at "Mail" Office. 11 125 REMEMBER the sale of work m Primitive Church, December 18 and 19. floods thankfully received by Mem bers. 11 126 PRIMITIVE Church Services To- Morkow, Preachers, Morning, Sir Allen. .Evening, Rev Cocker. Subject, Some Proofs of Peter's Love. 11 127 Mtt WM. EASTON, Evangelist. will preach the Gospel (D.V.) on Lords Day. November 22, at 6.30 p.m., m the Orange Hall. All are cordially invited. ' 11110 FOR SALE.—A Four-roomed House. Corner of Cox and Chss Streets. ■Apply on the premises. 11 108 ICE Cream ready at all hours, during the summer months at Flower's. Cotijh 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. Skgkrs, Melford House. WAISTKD Known. -At"The Comer 7' now selling Ladies' French Shof s. 5a lid. See them.—W. H. Collier, "OROOKE'.S Carbolised Scaly Blight Jl3 Cure is the best of all, bar none. ANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2a 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. . Collier. . ALL Wool Colonial Tfreed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert Aloorv, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. HEKP SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and Hi ilfere JiM very few m the Colony, Shearers aw 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. Seoers, Jtfelford House. __ _____ _ A RTISTS' Materials, Drawing Papers f\- aud Copies (lines not m stock quickly procured). Birthday Books and Booklets m great variety. Inkstands m glass, wood, and electro-plate.—H. M. Jones. \ "ANTED KNOWN genuine Clearing Sale is going on and the Boots are going out Best value yet offered, ten per cent for cash, the very best work and repairing done txt once at J. M. Moison's lown Hall, East Street. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin arid Ironware Goods fco select frotn. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m ftock.—J. W. Hardley, East • treat. ' 6J202 rrO Meet the Times.—T am supplying j -JL Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s j upwards, warranted for twenty years, j Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspsction invited. — J. W. Harolby, Eas street. MONEY TO LEND, upon Freehold security, m sums to suit bor rowers. Small amounts can be repaid by iustalmants, if so desired. Apply t> Mr C. W. Purnell, Solicitor, Mont' gomery's Buildings. 9 130 \\T ANTED Known.—H. Bairstow \'V 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 vbw. Haviocc a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and K*uri» he is i prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. 11+61 .^3EwIS^AirVOLUMES. Hew Xuisis Cards, NEW BOOKS for PRIZES and PRESENTATION. FANCY GOODS, etc L. F. ANDREWS and CO.