MAIL NOTICES.

•>■ Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— THURSDAY, June 2. For Northern Ports, per Takapuna at 0.30 a.m. FRIDAY, Juue 3. For Northern Ports and Greymouth, per Janet Nicoll, at 6.30 a.m. For Northern Ports and Australian Colonies (except Tasmania), per Talune at 10.30 a.in. ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Aorangi, left May 14, due London June 24. , Coptic, left May 26, due London July 6. Rimutaka, leaving June 9, due London July 30. OUTWARD—DIRECT MAILS. lonic, due Colony May 30. HOMEWARD—SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Monowai, left Auckland May 21, due London June 22. Alameda, leaving June 18, due London July 20. OUTWARD—SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, due Auckland Juue 17.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Vertas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 1892. " FARMERS AND COUNTRY SETTLIRS."

The desperate anxiety which a certain class of the community is evincing to pose as the friends of the farmers ard settlers has signally failed to induce any response from those who are sought to be befriended. All sorts of wiles are being spread for the farmers, but they have the hard fact of £ s d with which to meet the plausible-sounding sophistries of the capitalist landowners that the small farmer is the victim of oppressive and unjust taxation under the Land and Income taxes. The latest move of the Christchuroh Con servatives has been to endeavour to beguile the country settlers into mem bership of an association upon which has been conferred the title of " The New Zealand Fanners' and Country Settlers' League," wlmh was with diffi culty hatched into existence m Christ church a few days ago. The ostensible object of the League is to watch the interests of the country districts ; and to do this it will m the first instance, take steps to oppose the present system of taxation, but at the same time, it would not be bound to one side or the other m politics. One would naturally think that a society declaring that its object was merely to insist upon justice being done to the farming comunity would have attracted to it a large number of small farmers ; let us see who were the chief movers at the meeting. Firstly, Mr 0. Ensor, whose published correspondence with reference to the Land tax showed that he understood neither words nor figures, and further stamped him as one of the most bigoted of partisans. Mr H. W. Peryman is known by the company he keeps, and that is ultra- Conservative. Mr G. H. Moore, who wrote approving of the object of tho meeting, has hitherto escaped suspicion of having any sympathy with the small farmer. Mr John Holmes' presence was somewhat of a surprise to those who remembered his anti-property tax opinions when contesting the Christ church seat against Mr Joynt. These are the self-constituted champions of the farming community, and we think the farming community will prefer to be without such champions. The first object of the League, to oppose the new taxation system, can only be understood to mean a return to the Property tax. Farmers are not such fools as to support any sucii movement. The Land tax has materially lightened the burdens of the farmers, a few exceptional cases alone excepted, and the capitalistic cloven hoof is tooplainly shown for farmers to allow themselves to be made the instruments of imposing upon themselves the extra taxation which has m future to be borne by the large landowners. The farmers will prefer to strengthen the handa of the Liberal party m the first successful effort that has been made _m New Zealand to introduce a just incidence of taxation.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Gisborne telegram, dated May 31 says: —One ni the unemployed named Simeon Miller, sent there from Auckland on bun day last by the Labor Uureau was ordered to Napier gaol for six weekts this morning by the B. M. for using obscene language. Five men who were out bush-felling on a property have decamped takiug the tents, tool , and food supplied by their employers, ihc police are looking for the men, At a meeting of tho committee of the Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon, aijA Uiivy Society held on Monday evening a good deal of routine business was transacted. Letters were received from Christcltut'ch aiuj Elie^mere covering donation* for special prizes. The question of providing a place for th# exhibition, and details as to tie feeding of th# birds sent to the show, were deferred till next meeting. A good safety manufactured by the firm for £15 15s is wonderful value. Ihe fce'e crraphic address is Savillb, Christchurcn II aye Healthy Children by nou»wh ng hem with Aufcobrook ari. Cos Arrow I root Bjseuhs . I

We learn that Mr Henry Rosen dale,', nanager for Mr Sommerville's farm, The L'erraces, Meihven, has sold 1000 fat sheep it 18s 6d on the farm, *o a well-known 3hristchurch buyer for freezing. The subscriptions received towards the sxpense of sending the Athletic Team to ' England areas follows:— Canterbury, exclu sive ofTimarn, £271 13s 7d; Wellington, £164 16s'; Auckland, £20; Napier, £19 5a ; Pimaru,'per H. W. Postlethwaite, £13; Pabnerston North, £8 8s; Dunedin, £8 7s ; Kurow, fo us. Total, £510 14s 7d. Ib is understood that Messrs Garrick, Cowlishaw, and Fisher, solicitors for the plaintiffs m the case of Taylor and oHicrs v laitb and others—the Sydenham Licensing election case—have been instructed to carry the case on appeal to the Privy Council, and that efforts will be made to bring the'cise before that tribunal at as early a date as possible. A sensational .incident occurred m Mel bourne on May 18. Police Constable Heffertr.an, who lost £500 through the Larkin defalcations, was found lying on his beat m an intoxicated condition, and was removed by a fellow-constable to the lock up. On arrival at the lock-up he suddenly pulled out a revolver and Bred on the arresting policemen, but missel him and was overpowered. He bore an excellent name prior to his misfortunes. Dr. Lucas will lecture to-night for the last time m Ashburton, when his subject will be " Great Britain and her Colonies, or the future of the British Empire." As Dr. Lucas has already established himself m the favour of the Ashburtou people, there is hardly any need to bespeak for him a crowded house at this his farewell lecture. As a gentleman who has travelled much, and observed closely, his views on such a subject are sure to be worth hearing. The Mayor will occupy the chair. A special meeting of the Elgin School Committee was held last week. Present, all the members except Mr John Coehr&ne. A unanimous vote was given to Mr ¥. W. Adams for the vacant seat on the Board of Education. The following nominations have been made for the School Committee : —Messrs Andrew Leathan, Thomas Cavill, David Cochrane, Francis Clemens and G. P. Hoatten. The householders' meeting take 3 place next Monday evening at seven o'clock. Mr John Grant, of Willow Bank, Temuka, lost a very valuable horse on Monday after noon m a singular manner, says the "Timaru Herald." He was leading the horse behind a mob of sheep when, irritated by flies, it turned to bite at its fide. In doing so it caught a projecting tooth m the bars ot the stirrup iron, and being a horse of consider able spirit it immediately reared and plunged violently. Mr Grant attempted to cut the stirrup leather so as to release the poor brute, but before he could do so its neck was broken. The whole occurrence did nob occupy a minute. The horse was valued at £40, and was highly prized. A shocking case of baby-fanning was re vealed at au inquest on the body of an in fant at Carlton, Melbourne on May 17. The evidence showed that a woman named Eliza beth Perry lived m a filthy hovel where three infants were found, two having been " adopted " by Mrs Perry : for the third a weekly payment was received. A few weeks ago a fourth child, the subject of the inquest, was added, the child, about six weeks old, being ac'o^ted by Mrs Perry for £10. All the children were filthy, neglec ted, and m a half-starved coudition. The jury returned a verdict that the child died inn insufficient nutriment and disease. They found Mrs Perry guilty of manslaugh ter, and committed her tor trial. The interim report and balance-sheet of the Union Steam Ship Company for the half-year ending March 31, has just been circulated. It shows that the amount at the credit of the profit and loss account, including the balance brought forward from last year, and after providing for deprecia tion, is £21,437 5j 8:1. The directors regret to report that the continued unsatisfactory state of business m Australia has adversely affected the company's trade, and that consequently the hope expressed at the last annual meeting, that the depression then existing would only prove of a temporary, character, has net bean realised. Under the circumstances they consider ib prudent to limit the interim dividend to C per cent per annum, which will absorb £17,907 12s. The usual monthly meeting of the Chertsey School Committee was held m the school room on Saturday evening last. Tliorewere present Messrs Childs (chair), Page, Downie, Fendell, and Jackson. The Chairman re ported that the Board of Education had granted £2 towards the cost of a ladder for school use. It was also decided to have another form made, It was agreed to sup port the candidature of Mr John Holmes for the seat vacant en the Board of E luca tion. Mrs Page wrote expressing the opinion that her children got more than their share of punishment at school. As there was only one tenderforschoolc'eaningit was decided to accept ib. A small account was passed for payment. James Kennedy, the " human ostrich " of New York, lies at death's door m a hospital iv that city. A human ostritch is a person who, for the presumed edification of others, swallows quantities of nai!s, tin tacks, and pieces of broken cvockeryware and flint glass. The other day Kennedy surpassed himself by swallowing quite a pound of these materials, but the indiges tion which followed has very nearly killed him. The operation of laparototny had to be performed by the surgeons but it is not surprising to hear that they have little hope of saving his life. Kennedy, it appears, has been engaged m his strange profession ever since the age of thirteen. He is now twenty-one. But who are the people who encourage these dangerous experiments ? England (says a writer by the last mai] is face to face with a great industrial struggle. Already the thousands who are starving have threatened violence, and violence seems certain to come. Bread riots have occurred m the north, owing to the shutting down of cotton mills. Bread and grocery shops have already^ been broken open m Suudcrland, and m West Hartlepool people are starving rather than accept pauper relief from the authorities, as thereby they would lose their right to vote m the coming election. An appeal will probably be issued to the workiug men and women throughout England who still have employment to come to the aid of the thousands m distress, but there is little hope of a favourable response at this time. The gigantic strike of the Durham co.il miners threatens to become a national calamity. Never m the history of trade and industry m the north of Kngland has there been so grave a crisis. Next week not a single furnace producing Cleve'and pig-iron will be at work. Among the 60,000 miners themselves and their families there is great suffering, and thousands of children are being fed by charity. At West Hartlepool, m Durham, 1200 men have been discharged from the steel works, and many of their familes are without food or fuel except that furnished by the Town Council and poor law guardians. Still the miners remain firmly determined not to accept a reduction of wa-'ep, At a ballot, recently taken as to whether they should return to work on the masters' terms about 30,000 strikers did not veto. Professor Sir George Humphrey, F.R.S., m addressjug the Cambridge Temperance Association recently (says the " British Medical Journal "), took occasion to protest against the common form of intemperance in* drinking, which was short of drunkenness, but which, as it was general, was more pre judicial, and was {doing more damage than actual drunkenness. This was the habit of ."nipping.'' Taking a glass new, a glass then, and a glass often ; m the morning (which way wopst of all), at the nnd-day meal, m the afternoon, and m Ihe evening. Kvcmi more than drunkenness, this was terribly damaging to the system ; it made men soldened, and was evinced m a general Blmkiness of the hand, sometimes of the and 'above all of the tongue ; m fact a, general "shakiness of all the organs. The "nippers" succumbed to slight accidents, slHifc illness, of slight shocks of any kind. Prick then, and tho l«o, as it were, ran out of them. They say, "My wopk W hard, ' and they took the very means which unfitted them lor good and prolonged work. By tern peranse iv drink, he meant that nothing should ))e taken whatever, under any con dition, e'^QPpt at meals, and very little then. Those who could not i,e absolutely temperate wid conteut with moderation should become total abstainers,

Rangitata Road Board.

ELECTION PETITION.

In tho KM. Court Ashburton, yester day, before MrC. A. Wray, U.M., George Henry Sewell,, D. Kellahaji, electors, and Edward Taylor, candidate, m the election of members of the Rangitata Itoad Board, held on May U, 1892, petitioned for an inquiry into the said election, and prayed that the election of Mr Frank Petar, one of the successful candidates, should be de clared null and void, on the following grounds :—(1) That an irregularity oc curred m tiie proceedings, which tended to defeat the iainics.s of the election. (2) That the candidate, the said Frank Peter, was not capibleof holding; the office to which he was declared to be elected. _ (3) Thai; persons voted who were not entitled to rote, or gave more votes than they were entitled to give at an election. ; Mr M. Donnelly, Chrisbchurcb, ap peared for the petitioners, and Mr Puniell for Mr Peter. Mr Donnelly called "the following evi dence :— William Simpson said he acted as re ; turning officer for the Rangitata Road Board on May 6, 1892. Tho candidates were J. W. Siwle, 88 votes ;C. J. Har per, 86 ; E. M. Goodwin, 73 ; ff. Peter, 70 ;E. G. Wrisjht, 09 ; W. P. S, Elmslie, 68 ;E, Taylor.'4o ;D. Morrow. 43 ; Doyle, 19. Witness declared the five highest duly elected. All the candidates, includ iug E. Taylor, were duly nominated. The roll from which the election was con ducted was made by witness from the valuation roll and the ratepayers' mil. Used both rolls because the valuation roll was old and irregular, and it was neces sary to use the ratepayers' roll. Made the ratepayers' roll from the valuation roll and from his personal knowledge of the district acquired while acting: as assessor for the Government. Was aided also by consulting tho county roll. Could not say how much of the valuation roll was used and how much of the ratepayers'. Did not read particularly the Local Elec tions Act, and had not read that the roll to be used had to be one made accordingly to law. , Mr Purnell took exception to the evi dence Mr Donnelly was leading, :xs the objecc of such evidence—attacking the rcri'j—would be against the whole election, while tho petition was only against the candidate Mr Peter. Mr Donnelly Jsaid His Worship's juris diction wtsnob limitedtoa dispute between Mr Taylor and Mr Peter, but extended to the whole electorate. The object of the petition was specially the ousting cf Mr Peter, but it would be for His Worship to say after hoaring the whole evidence, whether or nob he would declare the whole election void. Mr Purnell held that the petition limited the Court to the election of Mr Peter, and requested His Worship to take no evidence that dealt with the whole election, His Worship reserved the point and the evidence proceeded. Witness -The roll be used at the elec tion was signed by the Chairman, and was the one he had compiled. Ib was pub away with the ballot papers. A copy of the roll was made and attested by Mr 1 Harper. Ib was now, witness believed, m the hands of Mr Purnell. Mr C ; J. Hai'yer voted at the election, and received live voting papers. Charles John Harper, Chairman of the Rangitata Road I3oard, produced the valuation roll of the district, also the rate book. Had a ratepayers' roll, which he gave to the returning officer. That officer made a copy of the roi\ and gave ib fo witness, Mr Donelly asked for the copy, but Mr Purnell objected. The Magistrate, how ever, asked for the copy, which. Mr Purnell put iv under protest. Witness—Acted as clerk m virtue of his position as Chairman, and instructed Mr Simpson to prepare a roll, under section 4L of the Road Boards Act, em ploying Mr Simpson for the Bjard. Signed every sheet of that roll, and believed ib was used l<y Mr Simpson W. Simpson, re-called—Tho valuation toll pub iv was nob the roll used, bub the one used was compiled from ib and the rate book. The name of Charles John Harper appeared on the rate book and on the valuation roll. He voted at the elec tion. The name of William Henry Packer (executors of, C. J. Harper) was also ou both rolls. He did not think any votes were recorded by any representative of W. H, Packer. Mr Purnell took exception to this question, as the proper way to get evi denca of this was to have the proper roll laid upon the table and compared. The returning officer was compelled by law to seal up roll and voting papers and hand them over to the Clerk of Court, who could only produce them by order of a competent Court. Mr Donnel'y fully recognised what Mr Purnell had said, bub it was for him (Mr Donelly) to ff ive prima facie evidence thafe irregularities had occurred, sufficient to warrant His Worship m issuing an order to open these sealed packets. By Mr Purnell —Was occasionally em ployed by the Rangitata Board to do clerical work for them. The valuation ' roll before him was the roll m force ab the time of the election. Compiled the rate book from it, but; had to note the altera tions m proprietorship that had occurred. The rate book was absolutely correct so far as he knew, and all the ratepayers who had been notified by him had paid rates— j nearly all : ab anyrate none had objected to the rate. George Henry Sewell, one of the petitioners, had nob objected to the roll, and only one person—Mr McKeage ' —had claimed to vote, whese name was nob upon either valuation roll or rate book. Mr Frank Peter's name was upon the valuation roll as occupier of property representing about £5000, and he was a member of the last Board, elected on that roll. ' By Mr Donnelly—Altered the valuation roll' m pencil when compiling, where alterations were necessary. In regard to George Henry Sewell an alteration was made. Donald Fraser's name was on both rolls, it had been altered from the Moorhouse estate. Tho alteration was initialed by the Chairman some time before the owner's name was written m. Tho en'-.ry T. B. Richards was not altered. The name Claude M. Sbrachey 1 was on the roll, arcd was nob altered. The names of Mrs Peter and her sons were originally on the roll as senb down by bhe Property Tax Commissioners, and were not altered by witness. By Mr Purnell—For purposes of the election the valuations would be added to gether and the names put upon the roll with the totals after them. C. J. Harper, recalled, and examiner] by Mr Donnelly—The roll was prepared by Mr Simpson, and witness, taking hia word for its accuracy, signed it. Pro duced the minute book of the Board. The Property Tax Commission supplied a roll periodically. The roll for 1889 did nob have upon ib the name of Donald Fraser. Ib was placed on bhe roll m June 1891, and witness read the minute recording the tact. The owner asked for the change to be made. Also read the minute sanction ing the change cf Mr T. B. Richard's name for that of Mr C. M. Sbrachey, Mr Strachey's name was on the original rolj. Could not say why, m the case of F/aser, the name of the owne.r was nob filled m when tho name wos first put on, bub l]e saw it \w\ bopn p^t on m pencil s'inpe. Declined to s.ay whether he exercised she vot-es of the executors of William j Henry Packer. | His Worship said he was not called upon to answer that question. Mr Donelly pointed out that m three caeeij Mi I-Licpuv appeared upon the roll,

—first, m ■p'opria personae ; secondly, as ( the representative of P«eki r's executors ; and thirdly, as the representative of A. B. Napier. If he voted iv all these capacities he would have given thirteen v-ttes, while he was only bylaw entitled .' to use five votes. Witness—Did nob vote for either Packer's t-usbees or Napier's. Exercised only his own votes. Fraser, Packer's execubors, Napier, and Richards had paid rates when the election was held, and so had Mrs Peter and Frank Peter, Frank Peter said ho was on bhe rate roll of the Rangilata Read district as the occupier of certain sections. Counsel avaued the right of the Court to revise the rate roll, Mr Purnell con tending that the appearance of Mr Peter upon bhe roll as an occupier of property and a ratepayer for that property, _ was sufficient right to vote or be a candidate for a seat on the Board. It did not matter for the purposes of the election who was the owner if bhe occupier had paid the rates set against his name, and had nob be«n removed from thf, roll by objection'raised and heard m proper Court. Mr Purnell quoted authorities m j support of his contention, speaking at 1 SDinc length. Mr Donnelly held that being * on the roll, although it g«,ve a man a right to vote and was conclusive m that matter, did nob necessarily give a man a right bo be a candidate, and cited English authorities m support of his argument. A man to have a right to be a candidate must have a right to be on bhe roll, and it would bo for Mr Peter to show that he had the qualifications of a candidate seb forth m the A ct. His Worship did not see his way to go behind the roll, Mr Peter's presence on which established ia his Worship's view his right bo be a candidate. The Court adjourned for luncheon, and on resuming, His Worship said he had decided before giving a final verdict on this point, to look into it more closely, and to more carefully consider the arguments advanced by Mr Donnelly, and the case he had cited—Flintham v. Roxburgh, Queen's Bench division 44p. vol 17. It was not every day they had a petition case before tho Court, and as | there was no provision for an appeal, the point should be very carefully considered. If tho witness now being heard had no objection, it would be well perhaps it' Mr Peter were to give a statement of his tenancy. Mr Purnell objected to the private affairs, of Mr Peter being inquired into. The Property Assessment Commissioner had evidently satisfied himself as to Mr Peter's bona fides before he admitted him bo the valuation roll. Counsel submitted the cases cited by them, and His Worship took notes of them for reference and consideration. Examination continued by Mr Donelly —The property mentioned m the rate book as occupied by him was part of the Anama estate. Declined to say whtther the money with which he paid the rates on the Anama estate was his own, or as to where he got it. Would answer no questions m. regard to the private afiairs ef the estate. Mr Donnelly pointed out that when a property was split up, -as this estate appeared to be, for the purpose of creating faggot votes—several members of bhe Peter family havirg vobes m this electorate—such votes must be removed from the roll. The common law of England applied to New Zealand, and the statutes of the colony had to be interpreted m the light ot the English common law. Tho statutes had been thus interpreted m the cases of the Christchurch and the Akaroa elections, notwithstanding the statues. Mrs Jane Peter saidshe wastheowner m trust of the Anama estate. Had not meddled with the estate. As ib was left so it was now. Formal evidence as to the petition was given by the Clerk of Court, who received it ; and by Edwa;d Taylor, a candidate m the election, who signed it before Robert Alcorn, a J.P., bub who did not see Jewell and KeiUhan sign, as their names were down before his ; by Daniel Kella ban, an elector, who signed the petition before the same Justice and m. the presence of Mr Wright, Sewell's name being on the petition bef jre his ; and by G. 11. Sewell, the other petitioner, who also signed before Mr Alcorn—all three signing on May 17. Mr Donnelly drew attention to the' Local Elections Act, 1876, section 2, and to sections 4, 7, and 10 of the Rating Act, providing for the manner m which a roll was to be prepared. All alterations were to be initialed by the Chairman, and the roll from which the electoral roll was copied was full of alterations and addi tions, not initialed ab all by the Chairman, and of which there was no proof that they had ever been sanctioned lyy the Board. .Such a roll was no roll at all, and was conclusive of nothing; and an election held under ib was no election at all. Mr Purnell reiterated what he said at the beginning of the case, that the inquiry was limited to the election of Frank Peter. As to the roll, it had been proved Hiat a roll under section 46 of bhe Act had been drawn up by Mr Simpson, and signed by the Chairman. He admitted the irregu larity mentioned by Mr Donelly, bub held that these did not nullify the roll, quoting precedents for his argument. His Worship adjourned the further hearing until June 9.

ISLAND NEWS.

[fJBH I'KUH.S ASSOCIATION.]

IbyiKNJSY, May 31. H.M.S. Archer, which has just arrived from thelslands, reports that two Belgians belonging to a trading schooner at Poi, mutinied and shot the Captain and super cargo, and poisoned the other members of the crew. They seized the vessel, and altered her name. At Pnnipe a half-caste gave information to the Government, and the schooner was seized and the Belgians i arrested at the point of the bayonet after ! a violent resistance. They were im prisoned, an:l eventually sent away heavily chained m a Spanish man-of-war to Manilla for trial. News por Upolu, from Samoa, reports that things are quiet amongst the Islands. The German warship Sperber was at Apia. Nothing fresh is reported regarding Mataafa's movements. Malietoa was ill. The collection of the Samoan poll tax, m copra, was deferred for a short time Some concern was manifested by Euro pean residents at Apia at the announce ment that the Oceanic .steamship Com pany's mail steamers would possibly not call at Apia m future.

TOWN BOARDS.

TINWALD.

The monthly meeting of the Tinwald Town Board was held on Friday, May 27. Present—Messrs M. Scott (Chairman), M. ( Redmayne, J. (ludsell and T. Williams. I UOKRESI'O.VnENCE. From Bank of New South Wales, i-e dis posal of property ; from W., Badger, re Local Government Law ; from Commissioner of Taxes, asking that valuation roll be delivered to R.M. Court; from Ashburton Borough Council, forwarding report of meeting of delegates from local bodies, re forming Board of Health. TENDERS. Tenders were opened for the supply of shingle, and that of James Hampton at Is 6d per yard was accepted. WORKS. Catherine Street. —Instructions were given to the Clerk to make arrangements for re lieving the streat, of storm water. Culvert across South Road.—This culvert was ordered to be taken up and a new one put down. I'AVAIJSNTS. Accounts amounting to £14 15a 4d were {passed for payment, and the meeting ad i journud.

HAMPSTED.

The ordinary meeting of the Hampstead | Town Board was held on Monday even- ■ ing. Present—Messrs Andrews (presiding), Crooks, McElrea, Meaclem, and Elliot. The County Council wrote enclosing copy of a resolution of the County Council, and a memo from the Ashburton County Coun cil m reference to th 3 water supply; the Commissioner of Taxes wrote requesting that the valuation roll be forwarded to the R.M, Court, Ashburton; the Commissioner, of Crown Lands wrote advising payment of £3 14s " thirds," and stating that Mrs Beard, a deferred payment settler, com plained that tradesmen's carts could not cross a gully near her house. The Clerk stated that he had replied to the eflect that the Works Committee had inspected the place with a view to its improvement, and that the greater portion of the accrued' thirds had already been spent on this road ; Mrs Morrison wrote asking that her name be taken off the roll.—Agreed to. Mr Braddbll was appointed rate collector to the Board. The Works Committee's report was read. It recommended shingling the footpaths at the bottom of Trevor's road, and some work on the road itself, the whole not to exceed m cost £3; also'some shingling on Slaughter house, Jones's, and South roads. Tenders to be called for . forming Patching's road with sft. footpath on each side. That a fur ther inspection of Mrs Beard's gully be made on Saturday next. The report was agreed to. The Inspector of Nuisances reported the district to be m a satisfactory condition sanitarily, with one exception. Tie was ordered to take steps to have the nuisance he complained of remedied. Accounts to the amount of £1 7s were passed, and the Board adjourned.

Dr. Lucas' Mission.

"THE INDIAN TRIBES."

Last night the Rev. Dr. Lucas delivered a lecture m the Oddfellows' Hall on "The Indian Tribes of Canada." There was a large atbendance, and the Hon. Major Steward was chairman. There were also on the platform, the Rev. S. Lawry, of the Wesleyan Church, and Mr Alfred Harrison, J.P., a gentleman who resided many years m Canada previous to makkg New Zealand his home. The hon. Chair man having introduced the lecturer m a racy speech, Dr. Lucas began his lecture, by telling an auoedote illustrative of the objection of the Canadian • aboriginals to the appellation of Indians, and pointing out that bhey were called Indians because Columbus, when he discovered America, mistakeoly supposed that he had if ached a coast of India. Of course he called the natives Indians, though they should properly be called Americans, and the misnomer had stuck to them to this day. There were 125,000 Indians m Canada, a territory extending 4000 miles from east to west, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and 2000 miles from north to south. There were remnants of all the ancient tribes still extant, and there still existed a great diversify of languages.- In illustration of this the rev. gentleman quoted the words " brethren and sisters" as spoken m their native tongues by the Ojibbewas and the Mohawks,' the differ once being very marked indeed. He then went on to deal with many of the customs of the tribes, such as the arti ficial extension outwards of the lower lip practiced by the women of oue tribe, ob tained by making an incision and inserting a shell, gradually replaced by larger ones until m some instances this unnatural pro trusion expended as far as two inches. Some tribes practised the artificial changing of the shape of ths head by fastening boards on either side qf it, so that the skull was brought into a pyramidal shape, and some times extended from the brow between the eyes a foot or more to the top of the head. Strange to say, this abnoi mal con dition of the pkull did not appear m any w*y to affect the brain. He then re ferred to the •' medicine " system, giving a moab gruesome description of the orgies of the medicine men, and proceeded to speak m high terms of the natural oratorical gifts of the children of the forest, The Indians had been well treated by the Canadian Government, who had paid them for every square mile of territory taken from them, leaving suit able reservations of land for the tribes to live on, giving them seed corn, brood stock, implements of husbandry, and supplying them with practical teachers so that they should be m a position m culti vate their land m a proper mamnjr, and do their own carpentry, smith work, eto. The interest of the purchase money of the land was also divided among ths tribes. I By this means the Indians weve retained as loyal subjects, and lived at peace with the white man. Referring to the natural gifts with which many of;the Indians were endowed, Dr Lucas men tioned the great talents for sculpture which some of them possessed, their ability to manipulate the black marble of their country being extraordinary. He felt quite certain that; if some of the boys he had seen could be taken to Florence and given a sight of the world-famed works of art to bo seen there, they would develop into sculptor? as great as the masters of old. The rev. gentleman then went on, m the happy style with which Ashburton audiences are now so pleasantly familiar, and which is essentially the Doctor's own, to deal with Indian wit and humor, and the stories he told m his own inimitable way kept the house m roars of laughter for the remainder of the evening—about half an hour. He closed by singing a hymn iv the native language of one of the bribes. The Doxology having been sung, the meeting was closed by the benedicbion pronounced by the Rev. Mr Lawry.

Cole mane and Sons Eucjalypte Ex tract is the only genuine m the market, and was a warded medals and diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating all competitors. For all affections of the Chest and Lungs, Consumption, Asthma, Coughs, Colds, Gravel, and Kidney Com plaints, its has no equal. Agents— Ash burton Drvcj Com r ant. The world is ever moving on towar Is perfection, bubseldom attains it, Constant improvement i§ bei^g made m every branch of Industry, but m Baking Powders Perfecoion has been reached |m Warburton's Can-1 Be Beat. Important tq CvtiusTii. — A good Safety Bicycle for £15 15s. Repairs and Cycle accessories at exceptionally low rates at Savillb's "Calliope 1 Cycle? 'Works, HO Colombo street, Christ church

SUPREME COURT.

[PER I'KKSS ASSOCIATION.]

Auckland, May 31. Ab the Supreme Court, a youth named Ernest Lawsoa was sentenced to twelve aiontbs' imprisonment, with hard labor, on two charges of ho'isebreaking at Ponsonby. Jamps Watson, who has been twenty-live times convicted of offences, was sentenced to tive yeuV penal servi tude fur theft of a swag from a boarding house. Tiie prisoner had been only five days out of gaol when he .stole the swag. Fred. Williams, a young man, who pleaded guilty to stealing a horse, aud who received an excellent character from several witnesses, was released on pro j bation. The trial of Robert Sucton, ! charged with the murder of Arthur Katton, at Helena, is to begin to-morrow. Wellington, May 30. No bill was returned m the. case of Nicholson alias Seaton, charged with larceny. Lane, on a charge of burning down a siml! cofcbag Q at Silverstream, was acquitted this afternoon. May 31. The Grand Jury found no bills m t"fre oases of Fred Windsor alias Boyd alias Smith for stabbing and wounding, and Janiel Egan for forgery. In the Supreme Court John Frederick Recce pleaded " Guilty " to forging the name of W. A. Coates, a solicitor, and was remanded for sentence. The Crown Prosecutor men tioned that the police had another warrant against the accused for an offence alleged to have been committed m Christchurch. Alexander Koss, charged with house breaking ab Feilding, was sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment. Philip Letchfqrd pleaded " Guilty " to forging the names of residents of Pawa Flat to orders for books, and was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment. Peter Ramage was convicted of larceny, and remanded for ihe Probation Officer's report. Walter Lane was convicted of entering the Panama Hotel with intent to. commit felony, and sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment.

The Mauritius Hurricane.

ENORMOUS DESTRUCTION.

Albany, May 31. Details of the severe storm which visited Mauritius are to hand. A third of St. Louis was annihilated. Countless houses and public buildings, including twenty-four churches, were razed to the ground. The greater part of the sugar crop was destroyed, and it is estimated 25,000 people have been rendered homeless There were no indications m the morning of the approach of the stortn, but at noon the wind increased to the rate of sixty eight miles per hour, with terrific squalls, still no damage was done. At 2.30 p.m. there was a lull for an hour when suddenly the wind, veered round to the south-west, a hissing noise was heard, followed by a squall of wind of tremendous speed, which burst like a clap of thunder, causing fearful vibration of buildings. Squall followed squall m quick suc cession, and the rate of the wind blow ing was 128 miles an hour. The sights m the streets were of-a horrible nature as the buildings bsgan to fall. The wind soon abated, and within an hour relief parties were out. The debris catching fire was a new element of destruction, and many of the wounded m the falling buildings were burnt to death. The estimated damage to buildings is 12,000,000 rupees, and to the sugar crop 14,000,000 rupees. The damage to the country is estimated at 200,000,000 rupees.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN

\yasx pxtt-ss association],

(Received June, 110.30 a.m. W/shington, May 30. If Senator Stewart's Silver Bill passes,the President will probably veto it, which will almost certainly be fatal to his chance of re-election.

London, May 31, Queensland will send exhibits to the Royal Agricultural Show at Warwick.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(I "SH PIvKSS ASSOCIATION.)

GENERAL BOOTH'S SCHEME. London, May 30. The Earls of Aberdeen and Dysart and others have written a letter to " The Times " urging help for General Booth's colonial scheme. ANOTHER «PLAN OF CAM PAIGN." The lf Belfast Telegraph " publishes Ulster's'plan of resistance. Elections to Dublin Parliament and all judicial and magistrate appointments are to be ignored. Only the Queen's taxes to be paid ; special police to be enrolled ; Custom houses m Belfast. London derry, Lame and Newry to be seized; and that, while refraining from aggres sion, steady preparations be made for war. ILLNESS [OF BARON HIRSCH. Baron Hirsch is seriously ill, suffer ing from influenza and congestion of the lungs.

THE FIGHTING IN UGANDA.

Paris, May 30. M. Ribot, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the instance of French missionaries m Uganda, Central Africa, urges the Premier of England to enquire into the conduct of Captain Lugard m th,at country. The Catholic vicar m Uganda country reports that the Protestants were the aggressors m the fight which took place towards tlie. en,d cf April, and thftt they were assisted to a large extent by CaptaiD Lugard with men and munitions of war. He also asserts that the mission has been ruined.

AUSTRALIAN.

DISTRESS IN MELBOURNE. Melbourne, May 31. An urgeiifc appeal is b,eing made to the public to relieve the distress m the city. In the Legislatve Assembly to-, morrow the Premier will raa^e ment relative tQ the amount of poverty existing m the city and suburbs. GREAT FIRE IN MELBOURNE. A fire broke out on the premises of, J. Service and Co, general merchants, of Collins street. The top floor was gutted, »nd the re it of the building wag

damaged, principally hy water. The total damage is estimated at £55,000. The linn were insimcl for £50,000, including National and Phoenix offices £3000 each, New Zealand £2000, and South British £1500

THE NEW GOVERNOR.

m ._, Sydney, May 31. The New Zealand Government steamer Hinemoa, with Lord Glasgow and suite on board, cleared Sydney Heads for Wellington at 3.30 p.m. to day.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Ar-'-:;-ANJi, May 31. Referring to the Government experi mental nursery at Wangarei, Mr W. Bishop announces that a number of forest trees will be given from the nursery to school Committees and others wishing to inaugurate art Arbor day. ° _, Wangajjui, May 31 The bngantine Charles and Arthur, which lately stranded on the south spit and was abandoned by the underwriters, was floated off on this morning's tide, and safely berthed at the Heads wharf for discharge of cargo. So far as ascertained her injuries are not so great as supposed. MAsrBRTON, May 31. A fatal accident happened at Mangatai noko, near Pahiatua,. this morning. It appears that the Rev. J, Farrow was crossing the bridge on horseback, when the horse kicked at a settler named Alex ander, striking him m the chest;. He was picked up and taken into his residence close by, where hi died. He leaves a wife aud large family. Wellington, May 31. Captain Barry, after several interviews with th» Native Minister, has come to a satisfactory arrangement m regard to rendering available his recently reported valuable mineral discoveries m the King Country. The locality is near Kawhia, and the block has already passed through the Native Land Court. The Native Minister has undertaken to adopt imme diate measures for acquiring a title to the land and making necessary surveys. A large mineral lease will then be secured to Captain Barry as the discoverer. Hokitika, May 31. An extraordinary gold find occurred yesterday. In washing SO me potatoes a fair prospect of gold was obtained. The dirb was then taken out and washed, and found to be payable. The potatoes were grown at Kokataha, about twelve miles from here. Several diggers have gone to the locality, Invercargill, May 30. Iwo men named Metzgen and Radka were fined with costs £10 each today for shooting wild fowl on March 20, be ing out of season. They were seen by three members of the Acclimatisation Ssciety at New River where the firing vf guns was heard and the ducks were seen to drop, Ihe same afternoon the *ame party engaged a boatman to row them down another river and gave him the ducks shot as a recompense.

Land Tax Assessments.

BOARD OF REVIEW.

The Board of Review, under the Land and Income Tax Act, sat m the Court house to-day. The Commissioners were Messrs David Tnomas, Andrew Ms- Farlane, and Thomas Taylor. Mr W. C. Walker was also present for the Land Tax Commissioners. Mr D. Thomas, Chairman of the Board, said that, before opening the business, he had a remark to offer m reference to a letter that; had appeared m the Lyttel ton Times/ signed by Mr Charles Ensor. The writer said—"The ownera who object have to appear before Review Courts, too often packed with prominent Government supporters, and sometimes even with men whose only qualification for the position is that they are Govern ment supporters. Further than this, the review assessors are generally shepherded by a Government agent." He wished it to be distinctly understood that m con ducting the business of this Court, the Commissioners would be untrammelled by..political considerations of any kind. The business would be conducted on the same lines as the Resident Magistrate's Court, and m open Court, and m no case would costs be allowed. The order of business would be as follows :-The Board would sit from 10 a.m. till 12.30, and from 1.30 till 5 p.m. on each of the following days : -Wednesday, Thursday, aad Friday,. June 1, 2, and 3, and notice would be given of future meetings. The Board would sit from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. on each of the above dates to hear borough aud suburban objections. The order of hearing would be Moi-nt Somers, Mount Hufct, Rakaia, Rangitata, and Longbeach. Mr Walker asked that the hearing of objections m the Mount Somers district should be held over until the arrival of the express, by which train the assessor for that district would arrive. _ Mr Trippsaid he wished to get away by the express south, and asked that his statement of objection be taken now, that of the assessor to be taken afterwards. The Bench decided to take Mount Hutt district first, and proceeded with the hearing oi objections from that district D. G. and J. Holmes, Blackford estate. Mr Wynn-Wilhams appeared for the Trust and Agency Company. This was a question of ownership for the purposes of the Act. The Board decided that the Messrs Holmes were the proprietors so far as liability to pay the taxation was concerned. Max Friedlander. Objection to valua tion of plantations and fences on Ardaah and Lyndhurst farms. Bench allowed Ikt 10s an acre on the plantations—B7 i acres. AVF < Somi»3rville. The Terraces Farm. Mr Rosendale, for Mr Sotomerville, ob jected to the valuation of the land over all at £6 Is an aire. This was fair enough for the good land, but the terrace land was fit only for running sheep on. There was no abjection to the valuation of the improvements. There were barely 1100 asres m the farm, which was valued at £9204. The Bench reduced the valua tion by £422^ _^

fSE ASHBtflitfON mtAKDJAN : WEDNESDAY, Jttiffl- 1, 1893.



The best medicine known is SANDER an SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerfnl effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc. —the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the. &ing of Italy^ and medical syndicates ftli aver the globe are its patrons, head, the official reports that accom pany cad} battle. Mosler, M.D., Professor University, Griefswald, reports : —The EucalvptiExtract proved magnificently suc cessful m very severe contusions, bmises, spiains, wounds, scaldings t broken ribs, and limbs. ("Medical Journal*" Nov., 1881). In diseases of the kidneys, either active con gestion or suppression, (uroamia) or atbumij nuria, dropsy, lithargy, nothing wiU equa m its action Eucalypti Enroot, Doses five to six drops. Moslem, M.D., Professor University, Grieswald, reports:—l)iph #liq« ria. Tonsils coijti^vially coherent presenting ulcers w^th white exudants, Cured m four teen days. Surgical Clinic cf PvAf-, M'lntyre, College of Pliysiciang ai^d Surgeons, St< Louis—Scin-huss $ Breast —Excision, Euoa lypfci Extract employed. No swelling, heat or discoloration. Cured m fourteen davß< ~4dvt 4 The Onslow Biscuit. The latest and most delicate biscuit manufcotured by Aulsebrook and 00, Crack^w* and Digestive Biscuits for Invalida are unsurpassed. Made by AULSKBKOOK AND Co 1 Ninian Hyslop and Co's\ Imperial , Pure Ceylon and Indian Teas ape the best i- the nwrls#j— (4^V,>



Ninian, Hyslop and Co.'s "Imperial pure Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct i-om the plantation Arlvfcj Keatixu's Cough Lozknxjks cure Coughs Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony spates that no other medicine is so effectual m the cure of those dangerous maladies. One lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bedtime ensures rest. Far relieving difficulty of breathing they are invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists m tins Is I£d and 3s 9d each, Thk Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills arc confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all bhe diseases to which we are subjects Noiiton's Trills, \yib\i justice called th.? •'Natural iStrengthener of the Human Sfcomaqli," ac.fc as a powerful tonic and genjple perierifc, ' are mild m their operation, and i safe unde.r any circumstances. Sold m pottles, ajj }s Ikd, 2s Pd, Ila,b,yall ippdipine vendffrs thpauQfhou t tbe'wMlpl; Ask for Ninian Hyslop, and Cos, Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and t Indian Teaa. Special prices -*(Mv



NOTICE. A DVERTISEMENTS for the First (Country) edition of the Guardian must reach this oiiice by 2 p.m. Advertisements for the Second (town edition will be received up to 3 p.m. ASHBURTON PUBLISHING CO. May 23, 1592. N C T I 0 B. Communications on matters connected with any Department of the Paper, SHOULD NOT be addressed to any member of the staff by name. Letters relating to Advertisements or other Business, to be addressed to THE MANAGER. Literary communications to THF EDITOR.



Wanted. ; CASH Advertisements under :s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be i left at this Office. __ WANTED, by a Dressmaker, two furnished or unfurnished rooms, or nice small Cottage, m or near Ash burton. Apply, stating terms, to 8.C., "■ Press " Office, Christ-church. 6^l A' FEW very pretty Wall Fans ju=t opened. Also,—new Line 3 m Ornaments and Fancy Goods.—H. M. JoNE-i. S SPECIAL Value m Pianos by Haake. *** Iron frame, full trichord, over strung, brass wmt plank ; guaranteed. £42 10s-H. M. Jones. "TW AN TED Known.-The nicest stock W of New Winter Dress Goods, Mantles, Millinery, &c, is at S. W. At-corn and Co.'s 5 5U WANTED Known—Dr Scott's cele brated Electric Corsets can only be obtained m Ashburton at W. II Collikr'h, "The Corner." __ WANTED, purchasers of Blankets, Flannels, and General Drapery o remomber that Best Value m the trade sat?. W. Alcorn akd Co.'s 5 51 -| ej(\ NEW Volumes just Added to my JLOxJ Circulating Library. Subscrip tion 3s 6d quarter ; 10a 6d per annum. H. M. JoHfis. _ ___ t SOMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest, the largest, the best, and the cheap est. Small Goods a specialty. Full weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. ~W. J. Silcock. 4J182 W~~ ANTED Known.—lf you want pleivty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. O. Seg^rs. 1 \\TANTED Known.—l have a large W stock of Tin and Ironware Goods o eelf.ct from. Register Grates, Stoves, °ortable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kep*i m stock.—J. W- Hardlby, East , fetreet. 6J202 "TT7 ANTED Known.—Come and see VV tUe Bargains now on at Melford House.- H. C. Segers. /"CHOICEST new season's Figs and \J Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2s each.— 11. G. Flower, Confectioner, East street. WANTED KNOWN.-250 Ladies Maids' and Children's Ulsters and Jackets (mostly good qualities) marked cheap to clear,. Many one third and half the ucual price.—H. C. Segbrs, Melford House. W" ANTED KNOWN, Grand display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at * The Cornbk.' * — ~~^A LL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to XJL. measure; fib and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robbri Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. W~ ANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and h highly reputed make by calling at J. Moison's. During coming holidays dis ount for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranfeed. ■mO~MeoTtho Times.—l am supplying JL Galvanised Iron T;mk<* from '30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all dessriptiontv Innpscfcicn itivired.— ■J, V. Hahdlby, Ka-t street. «J2oi BALL Dresses, Evening filovos, Mounts m Silver and Gold, Muff-;, Fur Collarettes, Ladies' Evening Shoes, Invigorator Corsets, with strand, IT and H. Zone and all other makes, juat opened.—Andrew Orr. 4 57 "\TTANTED.— Earn Money at Home, VV either sex ; new work ; just startftd ; all earn good wages ; no ivalking or travelling required ; anyone can do the work ; boys and tfirld earn nearly as much " as rasn. Write for particulars at once, before our list is full, and enclose addressod envelope and stamn for reply to Jambs G. Sargood, Manager, P.O. B 'x 986, Sydney; or, 65 Royal Arcade, George and Pitt Streets, Sydney. 4 110 /GENUINE SALE, to reduce Stock, VT previous to Stock-taking. Books Stationery for office and private use Music, Account Books all size?, Parlor Games, and a variety of other goods too numerous to particularise. All goods Reduced m Price for Cask during this month. —L. F. Andrewes a?*d Co. Stationer's Hall, Ashburton. T^^—™'" ""■" '* " "~"'"' "~ ~ ————— NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. nOOD News for the Winter- Best -" Makes m English and Colonial BLANKETS at reduced prices.-New Zealand Clothing Factory. » • "OUGS—Opossum, Roslyn, Mosgiel, JLIJ &c, m endless variety.—New Zbalak" Clothing Factory. /SIOTHING-You will find it ho your V_y advantage to buy your Men's and Boys' CLOTHING from us. Capital assortment and prices right.—Nkw Zea t and Ci.oTHiya Facjory. Of\ f\ Pairs Men's Tweed TROUSERS £j\J \J at Bs, just opened, good value. New Zealand Clothing Factory. f^\ ESTS' HATS—If you wish to look VX well, buy your HATS from the New Zealand Clothing Factory. The fastest shapes and colours to hand. ■< ■" 'TT"ALUE Unequalled m Overcoats, V Waterproofs, Waterproof Riding Aprons, Waterproof Ponchos, Bicycle Capes and Leggings, Waterproofs made to measure.—New Zbaland Clothing Factory, Waterproof Manufacturers. f~] EiSTLEMEN'S Natural Wool Under- VjT clothing, "recommended by the faculty." Winter shipments to hand. Inspection Invited. — New Zealand CtoTHtNG Factory. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. W. H. Webber, Manager. Agftnts for WertueunCelebratsdSewing Machine. HoLLpwAY's Ointment and 'Pills.— Counsel for the delicate.—Those to whom seasons cf changeable temperatures are pro tracted periods of trial should seek the earliest opportunity of removing all obstacles to good health. This cooling ointment, perseveringly rubbed upon the skin, is the most reliable remedy for overcoming all diseases of the throat and chest. Quinsey, relaxed tonsils, sore throat, swollen glands, ordinary catarrh, and bronchitis, usually prevailing at this season, may be arrested as soon as discovered, and every symptom bfcuiahed by Holloway's simple *nd effective treatment. * This ointment and pill* are highly fe*?ommen:led for the facility with which they successfully conquer influenza ; they allay m an incredibly short tinie the iliatressiuz fever a^i ts»3iug gough.