The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prævalebit. MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 1891. THE SCIENCE CONGRESS.

It is to be feared that the proceed ings at the Congress of the Australa lian Association for the Advancement of Science, now being held at Christ church, are not attracting that degree of public attention which they merit. Truth to say scientific research occupies a very small space amonj? th» occupa tions or recreations of the great majority of colonists, and that New Zealand has attained to creditable distinction m this field is due almost entirely to the persevering and unsel fish labours of a small band of professional and amateur workers, whose published records issued annu ally by the Nmv Zealand Institute t<lke the highest place among Australa sian contributions to the scientific literature of the day. Yet there is no sftt&led country where there i* a wider field oj? mot'Q probable rich reward for scientific rese»£cj? .than m New Zea land. Thanks to Sir «jT, Yon Haast, Sir Walter Buller, Sir James Hector, at»4 others, the zoological and botan nicai treasiires of this colony have been the subjects of wv}@ most interest ing and valuable volumes. 1$ the fieldi of geoiogy and mineralogy many \ important discoveries have been made,' but many problems of th© first magni- i tude are yet unsolved, and #re worthy j subjects for the investigation is of the foremost men of science- of the day. Important though our isu&jng industry already is, it has relatively secretly advanced beyond the prospecting stage, when the possibilities of our almost unexplored recesses ojp yalley and mountain are considered.. Ev.«*i our climate and soil, subjects of para mount importance to the agriculturist, I are as yet little understood, and who can say what great results might ensue from their being submitted to move thorough scientific -examination thau has yet been brought to bear upon them. It is too early m the day of New Zealand colonisation to ask or ifco hope Ux much active participation by colonists m seiejitiftc labors. They »re too busy, one with his farai ajjd another with his merchandise, to be $l>leio giye time to such matters, and are content |e»¥^ them m the bands of the

University professors, curators of mnseums, and a very few amateur scientists, none too well provided with ways and means. Yet when one of our visitors announces his intention of endeavoring to account for the pro valence of nor'-westerly winds (« pity he could not discover a preventive of them), another devotes his attention to Antarctic exploration, which may fur nish knowledge leading to increased safety m the navigation of the southern seas, and the avoidance m future of the losses of so many fine ships as have lately taken place, and other sub jects of direct practical value are en quired into it becomes a duty to give all the assistance m our power to those engaged m the work. One of the chief objects of the Association is to encour age scientific observation and research among non-professional individuals and circles, and there should not be a dis trict m which some scientific society, however modest, is not established. The general knowledge of the laws of Nature is not so large but that it njay f>e greatly increased by a little well directed enquiry and observation, and if these should be excited by the pro ceedings of the Association the Congress m Christchurch will have done good service.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A Ballarat telegram states that the town ship of Chines was lately invaded by locusts. The local bowlers, who were engaged m a match, had to suspend play for a time hi order to battle with the pest. The mode adopted to get rid of the plague of insects was to hose the green with water. The locusts continued their flight m the direction of the farming districcs. It is a significant fact that the enterprising man who begins to farm, with a knowledge of other pursuits, is willing to learn and experiment. He starts outside of the " rut" of the past; chances are even, at least, that he will light ou the turnpike of progress. On the other hand, the purely practical, "simon-pure" farmer "knows it all." — "Southern Cultivator." The " Taieri Advocate " says : — As an indication of the effect of the ravages of the small birds we are informed by a local resident who has a goodly number of fruit trees growing that, whereas some months kick cherries and plums were growing m such numbers that the boughs bent under the weight of the fruit, but a few pounds of cherries were left untouched, while the plums are slowly but surely being spoilt by these pests. General Booth has purchased, for the sum ol: £4000, an old brewery m Shoreditch (England) which will be converted into a " city colony." The brewery will give room for 500 inmates. The administration of affairs will be precisely on the lines explained m "Darkest England." For six months back a small working depot—an experiment m city colonisation—has been conducted by the Salvation Army m Whiteehapel, and concurrently with the formation of the Shoreditch colony it also will bo developed. The General has also taken a place m South wai'k street, where he proposes to find sleep ing accommodation for at least 300 of the superior waif's and strays who can pay a copper for their beds. The Lawn Tennis Club was very fortunate m having a perfect day for the opening of their tournament ou Saturday last, when four matches were played oif. Mrs Rees and Mrs Leahy provided afternoon tea, which was thoroughly appreciated by the players and spectators. The first match was between Messrs Polhill and Weston, and was won by the latter by eighty points to seventy-nine, after a most exciting contest. The second proved rather an uneven game, as Buchanan had a very easy victory over Paterson, whose handicap proved too much for him m; the third match. Ross, who had five points start of his opponent Peter, just managed to get home seven points to the good, though at one time it looked as though he was beaten. The last match Denshire v Curtis clearly thowert these players could start even, as Curtis won by fifteen, just the amount of his handicap. There are two more matches of the first round to be played off during this week, and it is expected the h'nak will take place next Saturday.

The following appeared m the "Illust rated London News":—The will (dated January 31, 1890), with a codicil (dated April 15 following), of Mrs Emma Josephine Campbell, late of Ofcetcaike, Otago, New Zea land, who died on April 17 last at Dunedin, was proved m London on October 8, by Bryan Cecil Haggitt and Alexander Campbell Beg", the executors, the value of the personal estate m England amounting to upwards of £14,000. The testatrix bequeaths £5000 to the Otago Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, upon trust, for the relief of patients m the Dunedin Hospital; £6000 to the Dunedin Diocesan Trust Board to erect a church and pai"sonage house m the district of Wuifcaki for members of the Church of England; and there are large legacies to her own and her late husband's relatives and others, and a special gift of her }ate hus-r band's Eton leaving books. As to the resi due of her real and personal estate, she leaves one half to her sister, Alice Hum phreys, and one half, upon trust, for her brother, Cyril Goodrioke Ha\ydou, for life, and then for his children. The Post Office officials, as a rule, manage to deliver letters to those for whom they are meant when the address is not at all clear or sufficient, but they occasionally make curious mistakes. At Wellington an official letter from the Registrar-General's office was posted to a gentleman residing m Thorndon. The address was "Hobspn street, city," and' the writing was remarkably good, except };hat the "y" m the word "city" had not much of a tail. The missive was posted on the 24th December, and reached its destina tion a fortnight later, having m the interval travelled over the greater part of the colony. According to the postmarks with which it is spotted back and front, on the 27th December it was m Christclmrch, on the 31 st m Auck land, on the 2nd January back m Welling ton, and on the 7th hist, at Otaki. Several ineinos, written and printed, such as " Not found," "Try Auckland," and "Try Wel lington agajn," supplement $he postmarks, and to make the decorations yompjef;^ fchere is a kind of gridiron across one end, on which about a dozen initials appear one under the other, probably those Jof the astute Post Office official through whose hands the missive passed. The mystery f9 bo>v there was any difficulty about the address af, all. In an English country church the curate had to give out two notices, the first of which was about baptisms and the latter hail t9 do \j#h & new hymn book. Owing to an «,ccident lie'invow4 tbj? order and gave out as follows; "lam rjequest.ed £o announce that the new hymn book'will be i;sed for the first time m this church Sunday next, a&d. I an? requested to call attention to the delay which oft^i takes place m bring ing children to be bapt'JUed; j%y should be brought on the earliest day 'possible. This is na-rtjcularly pressed on mothers who nave young bal^S.-" "And' for the "information of those who ka-ve jjonii, " added the rector, m gentle, kindly tones, a#d f ho, being deaf, had not heard what had bseu p^yj^ujsly ;yj.i(J_" and for the information of "those wh'p have &o#£, I B?ay state, if wished, they cmi be obtained Qn' &j>sscation m the yestry immediately after sei'vice fc}r v day. Limp cues, one shilling each; with sftgf ba'clp, two sUUUng?, p Hollo way's Oiktmest and Pills.—A figquent case of gout aim rheumatism js the inflammatory state &* the blood, attended with bad digestion and general debility. A few closes of the pills taken m time are an effectual preventative against gout and rheumatism, J^pyone who has an attack .of either should ,nse Holloway's Ointment also, the powerful action of which, combined with the operation x>f the pills, must infalli bly effect a iiujie. These pills act directly on the blood, which thav purify and improve. Having once subdued the severity of theae diseases, perseverance with the ointine#£/~ After fomenting the affected joints with warm | brjuc, jyill .speedily relax all stiffness and V pt eveat my fWiWnjgt cottjt|actio% " ':

The San Ifranoisco mail closes at. Ashbur- 3 ton on Friday next, at 6.20 p.m. Money orders must be obtained not later than 3 p.m. on that day. We are glad to learn that arrangements have been made by which the Rev Charles Clark will deliver one or two of his celebrated lectures at the Oddfellows' Hall, Ashburton, about the end of this month. Mr Marmaduke Dixon writes to the Christ church papers as follows:—"Sir, I anticipate if the phenomena hold, broken weather and perhaps heavy rain on Friday cvsning and Saturday next. Those who have turnips to sow may proceed with confidence; also keep stooks well set up." The shearing ami mustering of stragglers m Marlborough and Nelson sheep districts, having passed over without the detection of any scab, the Government has announced in tention to declare those districts clean. The flock owners have for some time held clean certificates, bit the declaration was withheld to make doubly sure. Mr W. N. Blair, the Engineer-in-Chief, is dangerously ill. He has been suffering for f some time from an affection of tho kidneys, but had regained his health sufficiently to leave his house. He worried, however, over the escape of prisoners from Milford Sound, I'which he was told was a reflection on his department to such an extent as to bring on convulsions ; and on Saturday night he was not expected to live. On Sunday Mr Blair had recovered consciousness, and his medical advisers stated that he was certainly better, though still extremely ill. In the cricket match, Ashburton C.C. v Wesleyan C. C., on Wednesday, the players to represent the former will be selected from the following:—Rev E. A. Scott, Messrs Rolitt, Denshire, Makeig, Cuthbertson, Sawle (2), Dixon, Kidd, Grubb, Fooks, Davis, and L. F. Andrewes. The Wesleyans will be repre sented by a team selected from the following : Rev Mr Buttle, Mcssr3 Andrews (2), John stone, Murray, Vesty, Undrill, Pauling, Bonnington, Carson, Gamble, Purchase, and Buchanan (2). Play will start at 2.30 m the Domain, and not 3.30 as previously stated. At the Police Court this morning, before Messrs Bullock and Harrison, Justices of the Peace, James Bradley, alias Crawford, an incorrigible, who had been three times before the Court m six months,* was sent to gaol for a month with hard labor, for using obscene language on the street while drunk, and was fined 10s or twenty-four hours 1 imprisonment for having been drunk. Five lads, named respectively M'Kee, Campbell, Dineen (2), and Choat, were fined Is each, or imprison ment for six hours tor robbing Mr Kemp thorne's orchard. W. Stewart was fined 10s and costs of court and stabling, with the alternative of twenty-four hours' imprison ment, for leaving his horse and cart unat tended. At the Christchurch Police Court on Saturday a man named John Bruce Watson, a drunkard, who was m the habit of neglect ing his \\ ife and family and treating them with cruelty, was sent to prison for three months and ordered to pay £1 163 per week for the support of his wife and four children. Watson had a house of his own and £160 iv the Bank. Mr Beethani, m disposing of the case as above, said it differed from the ordinary run of such affairs, m which the Bench was deterred from punishing the husband because the wife and family being deprived of the husband's wages were made to suffer. Fortunately m this case another course could be pursued without inflicting hardship on the unoffending wife and chil dren. The case was a typical one. The husband, with his sottish propensities, gave way to the most beastly habits, he outraged his wife and his children, he beat them like ,a brute, and polluted tiieir ears with the 'most beastly language. He rendered what might have been a happy home a perfect hell upon earth, and there seemed to be nothing else to bring him to a sense of his position than to punish him severely. , The marriage rato is rising. The Registrar- General of England, m his quarterly report, states that 118,088 persons entered the holy bonds m three months ending (June last, which total corresponds to an annual rate of 161 persons out of every 10,000 of the population. This number is 4.5 per cent above the second quarter of the previous year, and {what is more to the point) 6.6. per cent above the average rate of the correspond ing quarters for ten years from 1880 to 1889 inclusive. More persons were married than at any time since the prosperous year of 1876, with the sole exception of 1882. The pes simists who said that matrimony was becom ing less popular—because m the time of depression the rate fell off—were clearly m error. The return of better times m trade has been followed steadily by the normal rise m the number of weddings, and this growth is seen m every part of Eugland and Wales, except the six counties of Kent, Cambridge, Suffolk, Somerset, Hereford and Shropshire. In London, which always ranks high m the marriage roll, the aug mentation was scarcely 3 per cent. In many of the agricultural counties there would seem to have been a notable making up of arrears. Berkshire and Hertfordshire show an improvement of over 20 per cent, and little Rutland 50 per c.f>nt. The figures at any rate point to improved well-being. 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 Dr Owen, foremost m causing injurious effects That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitssroy became most seriously indisposed through its use. In another case a lady states on the strength »f statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard >"he high reputation of our manufacture we gel warranted m exposing the above facts, and desires the public to exercise care and ■recaution when buying, SANDER and SONS. (Advt.) 7 Thk Best Remedy for I^qiqestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently, recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestiou, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which \pe are subject. Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthoner of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold' m bottles, at Is l£d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the wo Id."

Ashburton Wool Sales.

THIS DAY.

The second series and last for the season of the local wool sales w?),s held this after noon. About 1100 bales of wool werp catalogued besides a large number of sacks. The sale took place m the Orange Hall, and the attendance of buyers and growers; was I'afch.er smaller than usual. So far as the saieshq.<:( progressed when we went to press competition though not mated had been strong enough to enable the selling brokers to clear almost every lot. Prjjj§3 of good half bred and three-quarter bred wpojs were equal to those obtained at the December s^ies, bl|t coarse and badly-condibiohed lots suffered a slight decline. Merino benefited by the presence of th& fotyyej? for the Ashburfcon Woollen JVftll, arid realised au of Jd to |d per lb on December vailiesV

Horse Market.

Mr F. M. IJickman reports h^idin^ hif first sale of horses, implements, harness, etc., on Saturday the 17th inst. at the Arcade Horse Bazaar. There was an entry of 40 horses and a number of binders, drays, etc. There was a iavge attend&ucg of the public, but the bidding was not very spirited/ Fifteen horses of various stamps were disposed of at prices up to £21 for draughts, and up to £12 for light harness horses and hacks. No doubt on account of the opening sale taking place during the middle of harvest is the reason that the number of h. orjses phanging :handg was f o sm^U,

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[l'Ell MSE3S ASSOCIATION.]

London, January 17. The Serpentine river m Hyde Park is frozen so hard that vehicles are enabled to cross the ice. Europe has been re-visited by a re markable frost, and at Naples a foot of snow fell. I A rumor is current that Sir F. N". Broome, formerly Governor of Western Australia, will succeed General Sir Hy. W. Norman as Governor of! Queensland. The statement has not yet been confirmed. It is considered likely that Sir Malcolm Fraser, Colo nial Secretai'y of Western Australia under the old Constitution, will be appointed to an important position m the West Indies. The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants has sent a second donation of £3000 to assist the men on strike m Edinburgh. The Countess Russell is instituting proceedings for divorce on the ground of cruelty. Mr JBradlaugh, M.P. for Northamp ton, is m critical health, and his con dition is causing anxiety to his friends, The Russian Commission on petitions has returned the memorial forwarded by the Lord Mayor of London protest ing against the treatment of the Jews m Russia. Zanzibar, January 17. It is reported that Colonel Wissman has attacked Machonaba's stronghold, situated m dense jungle, but without success. Ernin Pasha is m constant hostility with the Arabs, and has killed many of them. Pjekin, January 17. The Emperor of China gives an audience to foreign Ministers, notwith standing that the Courtis m mourning for his father, whose death was an nounced recently. General Li Hung Chang has been summoned to the highest position m the Empire. Berlin, January 17. A motion under discussion m the Reichstag, providing for the abolition of the duties on corn has bee,n rejected by a large majority. Professor Koch is much annoyed at tho importance the Emperor attaches to the criticisms on his remedy, and visits Egypt until the Koch Institute, which it is proposed to establish m Berlin, is begun. Valparaiso, January 16. The rebels who had assembled at Entre Rios have been disarmed. Washington, January 17. It is stated that the United States Government has made overtures to the Canadian Government for reciprocal trade relations, and that Canada has made a request to the English Govern ment to bo allowed to carry on negotia tions. Vienna, January 17. The Turkish Minister m this city made a desperate attempt to commit suicide by inhaling gas and strangling himself. He inflicted injuries to such an extent that it is believed they will prove fatal.

AUSTRALIAN

Melbourne, January 18. The Defence Commission recommend the erection of a light at Cape Leuwin and its connection by telegraph with Albany, also the location of a battery of artillery there until the arrange ments for a federal regiment are com pleted 1 that a permanent garrison at King George's Sound be iurnished by Adelaide. The Commission further recommend that a local artillery force be raised at Albany, where an infantry force is necessary, which, m time of war, should not number less than 300 men. The cost of the armament offered by the Imperial Government is £15,276; that recommended by the Commission will cost £285 more.

The Weather

ALFORD STATION The following is the Meteorological report for the week ending January 18th, 1891 :—

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinion Wfpiessed by our correspondents.)

IRRIGATION.

TO THE EDITOB, Sir, —A stay of six months m town has put me a good deal out of touch with the eoqnty, and to return to it m the middle of the worat season that it has experienced within the memory of man is itself discouraging. But there are hopeful signs, even to a pure outsider. The first regards the rainfall. We have had now for three years a rainfall lessening each year. Since 1864 this state of things has happened m Canterbury only once before the present instance, In Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin there is no record of such an occurrence. We may, therefore, expect at least an average rainfall this current year, The nest hopeful sign is the action of the County Council wifch regard to. irrigation, and the real interest shown m it by county men. It seems we must give up our first notion of making water furrows every ten feet, as the means of distributing, " Cosmopolitan " sketches tlie" check's ■' system, by which, as ft seems to ma, banks are thrown up to stop the water back. Fow as the slope of the county is not far from 30ft per u»ile, will not the " checks" system require too many b&nljs f- If so, how would the following plan act—a plan that may be dubbed the " ups and downs" system, and implies that we must nqt (ji% get g supply of water for irrigating, but also go to a £oq4 deal of trouble to shape the surface of our fields into the fittest form for receiving tlie water. So SQO.n as science and art are applicable, Nat«r^ i^ugfc be honorably cashiered. Well, I suggest jbnegi^ijHlplpuglung of tl^e fields into ups and downs, the'<J.tsfc^nes between two' ups or two downs being, §ay, under $8 fgejj, go that the wavy surface of the fields will fidir^t of reaping. The str-jke, or direction of the wps and downs, woujd, of course, be at right angles to the i slope, and the adniitted water would lie! for a time m the hollows qv " downs," and thence gradually soak the ris?s or j '.'ups.'-' The difference hi ley el between the ups and dewii? wou,ld be merely a few

inches. However, this is not the place to b 3 entering into details. With regard to the proposed visit of the Engineer.to Australia I suggest that he bo instructed to make the trip a hoii day rather than a business one, so fchafc he may return m the best of health, to cope with what seems to me the greatest eiigiiieerii-g feat yet attempted m the Southern Hemisphere. When one stand;; on (he Rakaia Gorge*brHge and, looking at tho grand flood bolow, asks himself how tjiat flood can be brought o*vr the plains while its shingle is left behind, he is rather staggered for an answer. For we know that the gravel on which the soil of the comity rests has been brought through the Ashburtonand RakaiaGorges, and the operation is going on now as ever. If the Engineer is successful it will be difficult to reward him too highly. Now what help can we get from over the sea ? I think none of any use, as tho Victorian and American irrigation regions are utterly unlike this country m eve^y respect, m rivers, m soil, surface, and slops, m subsoil, climate, rainfall, and extent. It seems to me that the amount of engineering required at Mil dura and m America ia not more than that required at the source of our water races at the Pudding Hill stream, and less than that at the Malvern supply headworks on the Kowai. Looking at a good map of Victoria we caii see the character of the Mildura or Millewa region m the N.W, of Victoria* lo is m area, say, 16,000 square miles, or as big as Canterbury and Westland. The map gives the following natural elegancies that grace this God-forsaken shop: — "Sand hills 200 ft.," "holes m rock/ "salt lakes" by the dozen," "salt bush flats," " open salt bush plains," with malee belts, "surface water," "native wells " only m the south, " pine clumps with occasionally grass," "scrub gums," and so on, till the reader of this map is athirst and looks for a village where he may refresh himself with an imaginary beer, but he finds not one. Really it seems to me that, irrigating such a howling waste is very different from iirigating our fertile plains. But Victoria would help us perhaps by showing how the public money applied to irrigating has been actually used. Since 1886 about £1,000,000 a year has gone into irrigating, and the " Leader " says :—" All there is to show for it at present are extensive weirs and channels constructed m various parts of the country, the cost of which, m some instances, might well cause any nation to hesitate before undertaking." It appears that the Victorian irrigation boom is now over, and sober life and payment of in terest have begun. Now let us look at the American Arid Region, I feel I must be careful how I invade the domain of " Cosmopolitan ", or Mr Colyer, who can score points over us natives by a display of "chip-munks and gophers," while we can only bring up rats and rabbits. I will just glean from a paper on " The Arid Region " by Mr J. W. Powell, Director of the U.S. Geologi cal Survey. The region is to be the scene of coming American irrigation. It em braces such well known districts as Arizona, Colorado, . Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, and the major part of California, totalling an area thirteen times that of New Zealand. The Survey divides it into three classes, the high lands, useless for | agriculture; the pasturage land, now graz ing one bullock per 20 to 50 ; acres and thirdly, thelow lands, "dry and hot, and almost destitute of grasses." Of these three divisons the low lands only are irrigable and will be irrigated. "The bettor pasturage lands are usually too high for agriculture " Of course a good deal of low lands is shifting sand and strewn rocks and absolutely worthless. Mr Powell mentions no difficulty m obtaining or distributing water, and it is very evident that the Rakaia and Ashburton County has no counterpart m the arid region of America. We have clearly our own difficulties to meet, and we must not expect much aid save by way of encouragement, from our neighbors' cases. I am sure we have brains enough to do what is required for success, but we must not forget to give our thanks to "A Plains Farmer" for work ing up the opposition side, and giving us a complete list of minor difficulties m the way of irrigation. However, they do not look formidable, and indeed, ■ I do not think any obstacle will have strength to keep us back, when once we realise the incalculable advantages of irrigation. ' Pon my word !' an agricultural heaven, a pastoral millenium is booming m the near future, when all crops shall be the best every year, and the whole county for the sunny six months a continual oappet of green and gold; when droughts are vanquished and sorrow drowned m flowing milk and honey; when the air is alive with melodies, hums and murmuring leaves unheard to-day, and deepest dews bedeck the fair young dawn with a shower of brilliants ; and artificial manur ing, Ihe true concomitant of irrigation will bring yields up to the maximum; and then scientific and associated work will place the coping stone 'and give us the leadership which clearly it was always Heaven's intention to bestow on this county. The third hopeful sign, liming, will with some further remarks on associations make another short letter,—l am, &c, J. R, Wilkinson. Chertsey, January 9, 1891.

Smallpox in Melbourne.

THE TERRIBLE VOYAGE OF THE KELTON.

The Kelton, which is a new four masfced ship, left Rio de Janeiro on the 6th of November m ballast for New Caledonia, with 32 hands all told. All went well until five days after leaving port, when it was found that smallpox had developed on an A.B. named M'Coll. By the 16th of November he was very ill, and the disease assumed the form of confluent smallpox of a very severe type, from the effects of which he died. As the body was launched into deep waters the mourners asked one another whose turn it would be next, and they anxiously awaited developments, hoping against hope that the disease might not spread. M'Coll died and was buried on the 21st November, and the crew had scarcely resumed their ordinary duties when three others took ill. Every preparation had been made by the master of the ship, Captain Jfoung, m anticipation of the results which quickly followed, As the men took the disease they wei'e isolated.. The second mate was seiaed with the illness, but fortunately his attack was of a very light character, and he was soon able to bo about and attend to his fellow sufferers m the quarantined portion of the ship. On the 2nd December the captain took ill, and m his case the disease deve loped m a very severe form. For some' nighta previously he had scarcely slept, fiwjng to the anxiety which he felt for the safety of hjts ci'tiw arid ship. He became dangerously ill, but is now convalescent, although not abie to le?,ve ]}is bed, owing to weakness. In the meantime 2Q of the crew were attacked with various decrees of severity. Fortunately, the weather was fairly favorable, and although §h'ort-handed,' the shiji ">vas kept well under control. The chief officer became i\\ oi] the 13th of last month/ and deve loped confluent smaji^ox. lie \n ac pre, r sent with the other patients m the, hospi j tal iv quarantine, and is still seriously ill. Owing fe t)1? constant medical attendance 1 and the uevesMry ciiufflrtsj supplied at the quarantine hospital, the con ditions of the p.Uionts have much improved since they came ashore, Two skilled nurses are m attendance, and no fresh cases have *9 yet developed. It

liiiy prove interesting to tt:*to that the sufferers who developed disease m a. severe f-.u:n vi-ure unvaccinated, and those who took tho disease lightly had been vac cinated m infancy. All those who vere nob vaccinated have now been operated on. Tho Kelton was well found m provisions, and put into Port Phillip owing to the wind being favorable, to procure medical assistance.

SPORTING.

SCRATCHING.

[per press association,]

Wellington, January 19. Pearl Powder was scratched for the Wellington Cup on Saturday night.

Wellington, January 18. The racehorses Ixion, Ruby, May, and Rosebud, arrived from LytteUon this morning to fulfil their engagements at the Racing Club's meeting. For the Wellington Cup Crackshot is favorite at 3 to 1, Dudu beiug a point longer, 8 to 1 Strephon, 10 to 1 Kotuku, 12 to 1 Cynisca. There is, however, little or no wagering. The uncertainty of Crackshot being a starter m \iew of important engagements m Australia, has caused backers to wait for the day.

The Land Revenue.

THE PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT.

(per press association.)

Wellington, January 17. At the beginning of the financial year, there was a deficit m the land fund to the amount of £45,000, of which £34,000 had arisen m the previous year, and £11,000 m 1888-9. So satisfactory has been the land revenue of the last nine months, that up to the 31st December the total amount collected was £34,191 m excess of the estimate for the whole year. As the best three months of the year, from a revenue point of view, are yet to come, the Minister of 'Lands is confident tHfct the whole deficiency will have been wiped out before the year's accounts come to be made up. The progress of settlement m the four principal parts of the colony during the last three months is shown by the largest returns of land taken up under the most important systems of tenure such as follows:—Cash sales — Auckland, 63 settlers, 4588 acres ; Otago, 58 settlers, 1825 acres; Canterbury, 140 settlers, 4610 acres ; Wellington, 16 settlers \ 1857 acres. Deferred payment—Nelson, 27 settlers, 2270 acres; Auckland, 13 settlers, 1807 acres; Wellington, 7 settlers, 877 acres; Taranaki, 16 settlers, 1144 acres. Perpetual lease—Auckland, 58 settlers, 11,831 acres; Wellington, 43 settlers, 19,847 acres; Otago, 26 settlers, 5144 acres ; Taranaki, 14 settlers, 3295. acres. The totals for the whole colony were :— Cash purchases, 199 settlers, 15,373 acres; deferred payment, 66 settlers, 7655 acres; perpetual lease, IP4 settlers, 45,142 acres. For nine months of the year the totala were, cash system, 448 purchasers, 84,857 acres; deferred payment-, 215 settlers, i 28,745 acres ; perpetual lease, 586 settlers, 220,687 acres.

NEW ZEALAND RIFLE ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL PRIZE MEETING.

[per press association.]

Napier, January 19. The weather is magnificent, and every thing points to the thirteenth annual meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Associa tion, which opens on Tuesday, being a. great success. The range is situated at Omaramui, on the banksof the Tutaekuri viver, nearly ten miles from Napier, and m many respects, Captain Somerville says, ia the best that has been obtained sinoe the formation of the Association. Twenty-seven targets have been erected, and the trench is one of the cleanest and easiest to work that Major Somerville has met with. Tho camp which consists of about .seventy tents, occupies the, position of the old pah at Omaramui, where an engagement took place with » party of Hauhaus m 1866. The graves of the Maoris who fell m the fight has been fenced m by Major Somerville, who took part m the engagement. The number of competitors is not expected to exceed 220, but if they come up to 200 all prizes will be paid m full. Major Webb will be m command of the camp, he having been appointed by Government at the request of Major Somerville. At this gathering a new departure will be made with regard to the Championship. Hitherto the range to decide the holder of the belt was fired a day or two before the conclusion of the meeting; but on this occasion the Championship" will not be fired for till eyiery other event m the pro gramme is finished. 4.t the annual meeting of the Association next week, the question of a permanent site and date for holding the competition wilf be finally decided. Lieutenant JSarles, 3rd battalion Vic torian Rifles, and Messrs Cairns and Sloane, Tarrawonga Rifle Club, are the only representatives of Australia.

The Indian Rising.

I THE GHOST DANCE The ghost dance, which is playing an important part m the present Indian rising, m inflaming the enthusiasm of the warriors, has seldom been witnessed by a white man; but an American paper describes one of them as seen from a distance by an enterprising contributor who persuaded a friendly half breed to take him to the spot. The camp m question was situated m a hollow between a narrow belt of hills. Many of the Sioux are farmers and freighters, and their wagons were corralled m the'middle of the valley. Some of the older braves and squaws, who have never reconciled themselves to modern ways, had tents apart. The oxen, pigs, and poultry were cooped or tethered on the outskirts of tht camp. The dance began at dark ; and though the old squaws had carefully raked •ub the fires, a blaze arising from them now and then repealed the fact that the braves were m full war-paint. The warriors formed m rows at the eastern end of the camp, those m front kneeling, with the young bucks and squaws standing be hind them. At this point there was a pause of a.bqufc ten minutes during which perfect silence and absolute immobility prevailed. Then the old squaws joined hands and knelt down m the ■ centre of the valley. They began chanting what sounded like a dirge, varied by savagely triumphant yells. Ths warriors advanced, and, joining hands m a larger circle behind the old squaws, they began tho ghost danoe, They, too, chanted a dirge, but less shrilly than the squaws ; and then came the invocation to the dead braves to arise and exterminate the white man, The old women, mean* while had each procured a bumming tfipk; that had apparently been dipped m some kind of pitch. Returning with these, they stole like shadows under fche linked arm* of the warriars qnd passed through tlie circle like a procession of sphinxes. This was repeated again and again, and it is said that the dance lasts, till. daylight, when everyone concerned m it m nior« oj less exhaustedj * .

Mr Seddon's Success.

Hie seprqt qf Mr Sedd/m's suocess i\\ the recent election was due to the in fluence of the fair ses, and he hag made a oluvalrous acknowled,atmenfe of the fact. As an instance of hqw Mr Sieddon enlisted the inflmiUQe of th« h^ea, the following

THE ASHBTTBTON GETABDIAN, MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 1891.



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ra blio Notices, STOCK-TAKING. REDUCTIONS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS For one Month. N E *V ZE A I A N D ILOTHIHG FACTORY \go-»)t for the Wonderful Wertheim 'Sewing Machines W. H. WEBBERS Manager



Wanted CASH Ad ertasenienks under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office \\T ANTED for the TinwaW~~District v v School a Pupil Teacher. Applica tions to be sent m on or before Jan. 26th to J. Gudsbll, Chairman of School Committee. \ \q^ Equal to new. Light, strong, and cheap. £10 crush ; cost £20.— H. M. Jones. j 91 rANTED TrTLTt—One two and one four-roomed House, with half a?re of land to each.—H. M. Jones. 194 WANTED,— The Public to ook out fo~r Primitive Methodist Bazaar to b 3 held at Easter.—J. Cocker. 1 100 ■ANTEIX=To~SeII House of aix rooms, with pantry, wash-house, s^ible, &c. ; acre of land on North Bolt. Apply, PicKFoiiD and Ukdrill, Cabinet Makers \ 97 WANTED Known.—Coal—WelfcpoT^ Newcastle, Kaitangata, Shag Point .and Malvern Coal, at R. S. Bean's, West Stree^ 1 gg CIOOLING and invigorating Ice Cream / as made by H. G. Flower, Con fectioner, East Street. TMRY the Great Drapery Sale now on JL at H. C. Skgers. W" ANTED Known —Some special lines m choice Dress Goods at very low prices showing at " The Corner." WANTED Known—The "Strong wear" Boot is the beat for Men adies and Children.—W. H. Collier. \T7"ANTED every man m the County VV to have a suit of the Ashburton Tw-eeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. QEGERS' Clearing Salelnall Depart k I ments now on. One trial solicited. - Melford House. W ANTED .Known-The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanned Iron goods m Ashbarton, is at W. F. Hannaforo'w, Burnett Street. A argo stock kept on hand. ' Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with des patch . MELFORD House Sale now oik We only ask one visit.—H. C. Segeus. BOOTS, BOOTSr~ rrKe^T7ou:iie~t Dry and save Doctor's Bills, have a splendid Stock m now. Try mv Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert Alcorn, Ash bur ton.



j MONEY JO LEND. I 11/TONEY to Lend at LOW RATES OF INTEREST, on Mortgage of FREE HOLD PROPERTY, m sums of £100 TO^£sooo For further particulars apply to the Postmaster, Ashburton, or to J. C. PRUDHOE, District Agent. Government Insurance Office, Christchurch. John Orr & Co. INVITE THE ATTENTION OF FARMERS To their Large and Varied Stocks of all classes of Goods, suitable for the Harvest Field. 1000 Bales Binding TWINE, Crown Brand 250 Bales Manilla Binding TWINE Machine Extras and Fittings 100 Cases Binding WIRE, White Cros 100 Cases Castor Oil Leather Belting, lfin to 6in Valvoline and Lubroline Oil Lard and Olive Oil Cylinder Oil Perforated Zinc, 3/32 to 7/8 Seaming Twine McCormick Binders. The amenta of the ' McCormick reapers and binders have just received news of a very exciting trial at Tamworth(N.S.W.) on Saturday, December 6. The prize competed for was the Society's medal, which was offered to the machines exhibited at their Show ; but m order to have a successful trial they m addition offered a prize of ten guineas, open to all comers. Both prizes were gained by the McCormick, which was awarded the full maximum number of points. This was the first time this season where the winner at any trial m Australia obtained the full number of points under each heading. The McCormick also gained first prize at Stawell (Victoria) beating the Massey, Hornsby, and Deering. John Orr & Co. TIE mill nil All IAIIIE IftIIUICE fOMPMY OF sew fuuii. im CAPITAL £2,000,000 PAID UP £100,000 RESERVE & REINSURANCE FUND £65,000 General Manager : W. DEVENISH MEARES E-Q. OFFICES : 172 HEREFORD STREET, CHRIS rOHURCH. lire ONLY INSTITUTION of its kind ! having its HEAD OFFICE m CHRISTCHURCH. ! LIBERALITY ix SETTLEMENT or CLAIMS. RATES, iHB LOWEST CURRENT. To Farmers. CLIENTS of tho COMPANY and others are reminded that all Grain, Stack, and Implement RISKS are taken by ♦his Company at Lowest Current lates. John GL J?estell WEST tfTKJfiIST. ASHBURTON AGENT



PubHc Kotices. I "\ MR S. B. SEYMOUK, SURGEON-DENTIST OF CHRISTCHURCH, WILL VISIT ASHBURTON • 1 dates to be announced, and may be consulted at MR CAMBRIDGE'S, CHEMIST ' THE ASHBURTON MAIL. From and after the 30th November, 18S6, the terms of subscription to this Journal will be as follows, viz:— IF PAW IS ADVANCE. Per Quarter ... 6a 6d, by po3t 7s 6d „ Half-year... 12s o<l, by post 14s Od „ Year 2«) a Od, by post 26a Od IF BOOKED. Per Quarter ... 6s {id, by post 83 Od ,; Half-year... 13s Od, by po 3 t 16s Od „ Year... ... 26s Oil, by post 32a Oil Birth, Marriage, and Death Notices, if paid for at the time of insertion, 2s 6d each ; it booked, 4a each. Stamps may be sent as payment. Massey-Toronto Ligbt Binder. LIGHTEST IN DRAFT. SUREST TO TIE. EASIEST TO MANAGE. SWIFTEST TO CUT. THE LONGEST LIVED. MOST SCIENTIFICALLY MADE Stationary Axle AND Raise and Lower Style 5, 6, and 7 FEET CUTS. Of the latter only very few on hand. £2000 T*jrth of Extras m Stock, which wil be supplied to farmers at manufacturer's prices at any time DAY OR NIGHT. FRIEDLANDER BROS. the ninui mum COMPANY OF Ilf ZEALAND (FIRE AND MARINE ) THE Business of this Company has been TRANSFERRED to the OOMMFRCIAL UNION ASSURANCE COMPANY, Limited, of London, by whom, through the various Branches and Agencies m New Zealand, all accounts owing to arid by and all losses under the Colonial Insurance Company's policies will be settled m future. F. ALLEN, General Manager. Wellington, New Zealand, December 11th, 1890. THK COMMER^mTuNION ASSUR ANCE COMPANY, (Limited) Established 1861. Incorporated under Act of Parliament, 7 and 8 Vie, Cap. 110. Head Office : 19 and 20 Cornhill, London Capital fully subscribed ... £2,500,000 Total Invested Funds ... 2,361,707 Total Annual Nett Income... 1,132,239 HEAD OFFICE for NEW ZEALAND : Lambton Quay, Wellington. With Local Boards of Advice m Australia and New Zealand. General Manager for New Zealand : FRANK ALLEN, J P. Every description of Fire nd Marine liMwmnce effected at LOWEST CURRENT RATES CUFF & GRAHAM, Managers for Canterbury, Christchurch. Agwnts for Ashburton : PRIEDLANDER BROS 22 Ladies! Ladies! WHOLESALE DRAPERY HOUSES IN GREAT TROUBLE THIS SEASON WITH IMMENCE SURPLUS IMPORTATIONS,, OF SUMMETJ fiOODQ UMMEii AjOODP —THEREFORE- We hare made an Extensive Purchase French Muslins, Zephyrs, Ginghams JiTC., EMC. WHICH ARE NOW ON VIEW AX MITCHELL C> mURNEirS, ITCHELL GO .1 URNER'S, &AIAPGI HOUSE