The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1892. EIGHT HOURS.

Home papers recently to hand give a summary of the provisions of the Eight Hours' Bill, which we heard by cable a few days ago has been thrown out on the motion for second reading m the House o! Commons. The Bill was introdu«ed by Mr Cunningharae Grahame and Mr Conybeare, and provided that on and after January 1, 1893, no person should work or cause or suffer any other person to work on sea or land m any capacity for more than eight hours m any one day of twenty-four hours, or for more than forty-eight hours m any week, except when, on the application of a majority, as ascertained by a ballot vote, of the workers m any trade or occupation the Secretary of State might by order exempt such trade or occupation from so much of the Act as prohibited work ing longer than eight hours m each twenty-four, or forty-eight hours m Oach week. It also proposed that any employer, manager, or any other per son who should knowingly cause or suffer any person subject to his or her authority or commands, or m his or her employment, to work more than eight hours m any one day of twenty four hours, or for more than forty eight hours m any week should, on conviction, be liable to a penalty of not less than £10 or more than £100 for every such offence, These provisions appear sufficiently drastic to have put a stop to the long working hours which are so grievous an evil m the Old Country, and thnre is no doubt the proposed legislation would greatly improve the condition of the workers, if it were practicable to adopt it. But, as we have heard, the economic reasons again.st the re striction of the hours of labour were too strong, and the Bill was rejected. It appears hopeless to expect that the measure can pass while the hours of labor m Continental countries, with the manufacturers m which the British manufacturer has to compete m the domestic and foreign markets, continue to work their twelve or four teen hours a-day, and that at lower rates of wages than are received by British workers. The condition of factory workers m the United King dom has been improved very much of late years, while on the Continent there has been very little change for the better, and it is evident that workers m foreign countries mu^t obtain further concessions before their English brethren and sisters can ex pect so radical a reform as that em- I braced m the Eight Hours Bill.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The following are the Boards of Review for the Ashburton district of Assessment under the Act of 1891:—Andrew McFarlane, Alford Forest; Thomas Taylor, Ashton; and David Thomas AfchWton. On Thursday R. P. Clarkson, captain of the Bicycle Touring Club, lowered the New Zealand record for 50 miles, doing that dis tance m 3 hours 6 minutes on the road be tween Riccarton and Leeston. The previous record was 3 hours 26^ minutes, by W. J. Hayward, on the same course. Clarkson rode a Star safety with pneumatic tyres. The English record is 2 hours 54 minutes 44 second?. The annual meeting of the Ashburton Club was held on Wednesday evening. The attendance was the largest yet seen at the club's meeting. The statement of accounts submitted was nio.?t sati fiv-tory. Mr T. Thornton was elected President, and Mr C. Truckle, Vice President; the Treasurer and Auditors were re-elected and seven vacancies on the Committee filled. The supper and smoke concert which followed were held m the Orange Hall, where a very pleasant evening was spent. From the report of the meeting of the Board of Education on Thursday we extract the following items of business transacted of local interest. The Buildings Committee had accepted the following tenders for work : -—LaurMton, painting, J^Caigw 1 £17 10s; Bm- Hill, painting, J. Opaigie, £12; Sea field, painting, J. Craigie, £14 10s; Lismore, painting, J. Craigie, £19 The Appointments Committee reported the following business : —Riverside (Wakanui), Mr H. Speight, master. Winchmore—A letter was received from the master respecting the amount of his rent allowance. It was resolved to adlif re to the usual practice. Elgiu—Applications for appointment as mistress were received and considered. Reports—Reports were received from Mr Wood on the schools at Mayfield, Lismore, and Ruapuna. Elgin- Mrs Willis was appointed mistress. The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe are its patrons, head the official reports thataccoir. pany each bottle. Mosler, M.D., Professor University, Griefswald, reports : — The Eucalypti Extract proved magnificently suc cessful m v«ry severe contusions, bruises, sprains, wounds, sealrlings, broken ribs, and limbs. (''Medical Journal," Nov., 1881). In diseases of the kidneys, either active con gestion or suppression, (uraemia) o* a&umi nuria, dropsy, lithargy, nothing will equal m it« action Eucalypti Extract. Doses five to six drops. Hosier, M.D., Professor University, GrieswaW, flsworfc*!—Diphthe ria. Tonsils continually co&ereat pFfSftntinig ulcers with white exud&nfcs. Cured w four teen days. Surgical Clinic of Prof, WUiyif, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St.

The Aonmgi, from London, arrived at \u000cnd this morning. The annual Harvest Festival at St. "Stephen's Church will be held on Sunaay next. Gifts of fruit, flower, etc., will be thankfully received at the schoolroom irom Ito 4 p.in on Saturday. !, The destitute uneir^oyed m Sydney are j now being sheltered m the Exhibition Buil.ling, the arrangements for their com fort being much better than those existing during their occupancy of Brown's stables. The skipper and Chinese cook on a Brisbane river steamer were blown oti the vessel by the recent cyclone. With difficulty' the skipper was saved, but the Chinese cook has not been seen since. The sale by auction of Mr Quinn's stock of watches, clocks, jewellery, etc., by Mi- David Thomas, takes place m the Arcade to-morrow. This will be .-n opportunity such as seldom presents itself to buy good articles at cheap prices. A series of prosecutions initiated for the purpose, of terminating if possible, t'ae operations of the Chinese lotteries m Mel bourne, concluded on April 2, and fines were inflicted m all case 3. Altogether the Govern ment will receive £280. The " Mataura Ensign " says the Croydon Rabbit Factory has received an average of 6000 rabbits per day since the opening of the season. On one day the total reached 8000. New machinery will be m operation m a few days. A London Society paper complains that though Colonial Agents-General are most decidedly ambassadors, they most unfairly enjoy little of the social position and none of the many privileges allowed to diplomatic representatives from territories not nearly so important as those which have grown up at the antipodes. A challenge to run any greyhound now on the West Coast, the beat two courses out of three, for £50 a side, wUh the greyhound Hurricane, appears m the Grey "Star." Hurricane was bred by Mr F. Lewis, Tinwald, and is by Ringwood—Seabreeze. He was Dought by Mr ftt. Digby, and after being m Mr R. Duncan's kennel for some time, and running with fair success, was sold to a Wesfc Coast sportsman, who has won several matches with him. Recently a minister without a charge was called to supply a pulpit near Melbourne tor two or three Sundays. The thoughtful treasurer (says the "Australian Christian World ") handed him a small cheque on the Sunday evening. During the week he had his purse stolen, and M'ith it the cheque. The treasurer was forthwith asked to stop payment. The facts got abroad m the suburb, and great was the amusement m the congregation next Sunday when the " sup- | ply," with apparent innocence of any refer ence to his misfortune, read as his text, "A I certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves." The trade m fish between Auckland and Australia is evidently (says the " Herald ") destined to become one ot large proportions. Nearly every steamer that lias left here for Sydney lately has taken large consignments of both frozen and smoked fish. On Tuesday the steamer Wairarapa took 190 cases of frozen fish, principally schnapper. The de mand m Australia for New Zealand fish is constantly increasing, and the prices obtained should be sufficient to make the trade remunerative. In some instances very high prices have besn given for schnapper m .Sydney, where the fish is very highly prized by connoisseurs. Mullet is about the cheapest fish m the Australian market. There are many people m Dunedin (says the " Taieri Advocate ") who are trying to give the Women's Franchise question a lift, although it is directly opposed to their convictions. They want to get " that fellow Fish out of Parliament," and they think that if the women get a vote Fish will go. But H.S.F. has safely weathered a good many storms when people thought he was sure to get shipwrecked. When the women get a vote Fish will ferret put some thing or another to prove that they are the t'ictims of tyranny, and then he will pose as their champion and fight tooth and nail for them, and fight so well that he will get their votes ; and once again H.S.F. will come out on top. He is a regular Tom Sayers—a mighty hard man to beat.

The Ashburton Orchestral Society, under the management of Messrs Gate 3 and Wood gave an entertainment at Methven on Tuesday night. The programme con sisted of songs and instrumental,items, every one of which v/as rendered m a. mo^t pleasing manner. Where all were so good it is impossible to select one as better than another, but perhaps the opening piecs by the company, a selection of Welsh airs, was the most enjoyed. The audience was very scanty, which is to be regretted, as it is disheartening to so gocd a company to re ceive so slight support; should, however, they wish to try their fortune agaiu m Methven, it is probable that a large attend ance will be secured, as those who attended on Tuesday thoroughly appreciated the programme.

In the course ot on interview between a deputation from the Invercargill Borough Council and the Minister of Lands, the Town Clerk mentioned that the Invercargiil Council had done good service iv the capa city of a Domain Board, the Corporation gardener (Mr T. Waugh) having distributed about 200,000 trees among school committees and other public bodies m Southland. The Minister said he had seen the public gardens on the occasion of his former visit, and was very much pleased with them. The gardener, who accompanied the deputation to give in formation as to tne municipal endowment iv Seaward Bush, mentioned that he had avail able for inspection some of the sand-binding grass which had been sown m the Sandy | Point Domain, and the Minister said he would take an opportunity to see it before leaving Invercargill.—"Southland Times. " The following are extracts from a letter dated 11th March, from the Annear gold field, West Australia :- " The Elder exploring expedition left Cruikshank's station about a fortnight ago to a well called Yarra Bubba, seventy miles east of the gold fields, where they have formed a depot to await the leader's return from Adelaide. On the 23rd February, Wells, the secoud officer, aa'ing under instructions from Mr Lindsay, started eastward to complete as far as possible the exploration of block A. Wells took with him Cumouong Mills, two Afghans and a black boy, thirteen of the fittest camels and eight pair of water casks, being fully prepared for a long dry stage. The night after they left two inches of rain fell at the depot camp, and a few days later a blackfellow came m from the eastward and said there had been plenty of rain out there. Consequently Wells has a splendid start, and we hope to hear m about a month or six weeks that he has completed tiie work and had a successful trip. The camels at the depot are m splendid order." In many instances during the present season, says " Bruni," m the "Australasian," a disposition has been shown to set down all fires, the origin ot which is unknown, to the party of revenge among the Union workmen. I lately travelled a short distance with a Melbourne gentl§man returning from his station m the north of Queensland, and so far from attributing the numerous firea that have occurred this year on his run to Unionists, he is quite satisfied that, not one was tb,3 work of an incendiary. Lightning has been veiy frequent of late, and this he bcliovcs is the cause of the majority of the fires. On one occasion he had four tires on the ruii at the same time, all of which he feels satisfied wepe caused by lightning. Ho believes, notwithstanding some blustering on the part of the agents of the Union, that the next shearing will pass off quietly. The season has been a bad one for the selectors, many of v/hom liaye had to dispose of their stock owing to the drought. Es-en the long established stations that have not secured a supply of artesian water have a bad prospect before them, as the chances of obtaining a per manent supply from the rainfall are daily becoming less. The Best Remedy fob Ijjdigkstion — Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for fndjgfisjiion, yl;j,eli is the cause of nearly all i;he diseases to whicty wp ar,e subjects NoK'SGr'S Pills, with justice cat^d fa? 'Natural Btwstgfche»er of ttye Ijhiman Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle j perient, are mild m their operation, and } &fe under any circumstances. Sold m pottles, at Is lid, 2s 9d, .Us, by all medicine

FARM NOTES.

The area of wheat sown m India is about the same this year as last. The condition is poor. The drought continues over the greater part of the wheat country. The crop is expected to be about 15 per cent less than last year and the exportable surplus aboafc 23,000,000 bushels.

The Russian people soeni to have arrived at the conclusion that the principal cause of their trouble about the hunger now prevailing is the lack of infor mation and skill among the farmers The demand for fanning and ayrricultur.il publications ha» become so great that the book stores of the metropolis are hardly able to fulfil all the orders they receive.

Agricultural labor has afc least ono ad vantago over work hi a factory or a coal pit. It has more variety. The changing seasons bring with them change of toil — ■seed time ; hay harvest, corn harvest, ploughing, stock feuding, lambing time. The yearly round of pastoral and arable vicissitude is m itself a lightener of toil. - "National Review."

Writing on February 20, the English agricultural correspondent of the " N.Z. Herald " says :—There are reasons for believing that the predicted advance m the price of wheat has set m steadily, though prces have not improved greatly at present. For a long time the weekly receipts m Europe have been less than the current requirements of importing countries, sc that the glut occasioned by the heavy imports of the early portion of the cereal year has pretty well subsided. Then, there are reports of damage done to the winter wheat crop m America, and of very serious injury m South Russia and Routnania. In Northern France, again, a considerable acreage has been spoilt by frost, and will require re-sowing. In most other European countries the prospects are fair at present—or rather, were so before the present severe weather set m ; but Hungary is the only im portant exporting country m which there is a fair outlook for a wheat crop.

During the five months of the cereal year ended on the 31st of January (says the correspondent of the ' • Witness "), we received from foreign and colonial sources the following quantities of wheat and flour, as compared with those of the corresponding periods of the two preced ing cereal years: — &eptember-Januaky. 1189-60. 1890-91. 1891-92. Qr. Qr. Qr. Wheat ... 5,580,673 5,966,169 7,937,107 Flour as wheat 2,422,542 2,071,007 2,413,229

Total ... 8,003,215 8,037,17610,350,336 —over 2,300,000qr of wheat, including flour, m excess of the quantity received m the five months of either of the t.vo preceding years ! It is not surprising that there was a fall m prices during the winter months. But such supplies are not coming m now, and will not come m during the rest of the cereal year. This fact is recognised m the giavn trade, and a turn m the tide of prices has taken place accordingly. Last year we im ported much fewer cattle and sheep thai.' m 1890, and the decline is still going on. In January we received 29,660 cattle, or 3571 fewer than m the first month of 1891; while sheep fell off from 13,526 to 7251 for the month. For a wonder, even the supplies of mutton showed a considerable deoline. Only 35,427cwi came from Australasia, against 88,259cwt m January, 1891, and enly 63,574cwt altogether, against 125,005. But the figures for a single month do not count for much, as a bis cargo being a day or two over time would make a great differ ence. Our total imports of dead meat of all kinds were 737,000cwt for the month, as compared with 817,000cwt m January, 1891. Butter, on the other hand, came m increased quantity—l74,32ocwt, against 167,201cwt.

There have been on exhibition m Auck land (says the " Herald ") ?ome samples of grass*s which attracted a great deal of attention from farmers attending the market, for as fodder gras&rs they are likely to becomeofgreat value cocolonists. One was an exhibit of Professor Wagner's L.athyrus silvestris for dairy cows. This is apparently a fine fodder grass. The sample on exhibition was the third cutting from one year's growth, and it was from eighteen inches to two feet m length, healthy and esculent m quality, and ap parently of the nature of the vetch. It is a magnificent grower m any soil, and its peculiarity is the great depth to which ib throws its roots, besides which it is claimed for it that once sown it is good for fifty years. It cannot be fed off as with ordinary grass, but it is said to be all that can be desired as ensilage, and as food for dairy cows. There were also en view some specimens of buffalo grass with the creepers, showing its climbiug quali ties, and several specimenp of Louisiana grass, a tall and healthy growth of useful food for stock.

A few weeks ago ths " Bacchus Marsh Express," a Victorian paper, recorded some wonderful achievements of a certain duck m the egg-laying business. Ducks have beeu known to lay two eggs m a day of twenty-four hours, but for a duck to accomplish the task of producing three, or even four pggs m a day, shows the astonishing and prolific capabilities of a I duck once she takes a fit to supply her owner with a certain quantity of eggs m a given period. The following is the story as supplied to the v Express ":— ''The duck is of the common grey kind, and is the only animal of the ovipositing species kept on the premises ; it is well fed on a particular kind of diet; the result will be made known to you. The duck m question came into the possession of its present owner at a bazaar, and on the morrow was to have formed the chief ingredient of a savoury dish, but early m the morning it rewarded its new-made owner with an egg, so its life was spared. It continued to lay an egg each day, but on the fourth and fifth days the owner was surprised to find it had laid fcwoeggy ; but the extraordinary part of the affair i that on numerous days it laid three eggs, and on several days fcur eggs a day ; and, as if to tax one's credulity to the utmost, numbers of these eggs, when opened, are found to contain two and three yolks. I am informed that i;he eggs are of various sizes, sometimes not half the size of an ordinary duck egg, and frequently they are shell-less, probably from the want of lime m the food. On 94 days jt had laid 1 egg per diiiy j on 22 days, ci per day ; 17 days, 3 j 2 clays, 4 J it missed laying on 26 days, thus laying 197 eggs m 157 days. T have enclosed the daily record of this duck, which kindly return." Strange to say, Mr L. Dugdale, the well-known stock-breeder of Myrniong, has perfect faith m the alleged extraordinary laying capabilities of thjs duck.

Caught In His Own Trap.

A girl, young and pretty, but, above all, gifted with an air of adorable candor, lately presented herself before % certain Parisian lawyer, and thun addressed him. ' Monsieur, I come to consult you upon a grave affair. I want to oblige a man I lovo to marry me m spite of himself. How shall I proceed V The gentleman of the Bar had, of course, a sufficiently elastic conscience to i reflect a moment; then, being sure that no third person overheard him, replied, unhesitatingly— ' Mademoiselle, according to our law you always possess the means of forcing a man to marry you. You must remain on three occasions alone with him, then you can swear before a judge that he is your lover.' ' And will that suffice, monsieur 1 .' Yes, mademoiselle, with one further condition.' 'Well?' * That you will produce witnesses who will take oath to their having seen you remain a go.»d quarter of an hour with the individual said to have trifled with your affections. ' Very well, monsieur : I will retain you as counsel m the management of this affair Good-day.' A few days' afterwards the young girl returns. She is mysteriously received by th 1} lawyer, who, scarcely giving her time to seat herbelf, questions her with .the most lively curiosity. 'Well, Mademoiselle, how do matters prosper ?' 'Oh! all goes on swimmingly. I have passed a half hour with my intended. I have been seen to' go to his office and comedown again. I have four witnesses who will affirm this under oath.' 1 Capital—capital! Persevere m your tbsign, mademoiselle But mind the next time you consult me you must tell me the name of the young man we are going to render happy m spUe of himself.' 'You shall have it without fail." A fortnight afterwards the young per son, more naive and candid than ever, knocked discretely at the door of her counsel's room. No sooner was she within than she flung herself hastily into a chair, saying that she had mounted the stains too rapidly, and that emotion made her breathless. Her counsel en deavoured to reassurp her, and made her inhale salts, and even proposed to fetch a doctor. 'it is useless, monsieur,' sud she. ' I am much better.' ' Well, now do tell me the name of the fortunate mortal you are going to es pouse ?' ' Are you very impatient to know it!' ' Exceedingly so.' ' Well, then, fortunate mortal, be it known to you, i—yourself,' said the y >ung beauty, bursting into a laugh. ' I love you ; 1 hove been thivo times ' tete a-tete ' with you, and my fuur witnesses are below, ready and wiling to accompany us to the magistrate,' gravely continued the narrator.' The lawyer, thus fairly caught, ha<? the good sense not to get angry. The most singular fact.of all is, that he adorea his young wife who, by the way, makes an excellent housekeeper.

MOUNT SOMERS.

ANNUAL SPORTS MEETING,

The Mounfc Somers annual sports meet ing was held on Monday last m Mr H. W. Felton's large paddock. These spoi ts, far some reason or ofcher, have been dis continued for two years—but an infus'on of new athletic blood into the district has had the effect of resuscitating them, and accordingly a strong committee was elected to ascertain the feeling of the public on the matter, and to solicit sub scriptions on their behalf. The people liberally responded to their solicitations, with the result that the Sports Committee were enabled to draw up a good pi» I gramme of sports, and allotmost liberal prizes m the various events. The Committee's arrangements as re garded the convenience of competitors were perfect, a tent being pitched for a dressing room. On the ground was also a booth"at which light refreshments were dispensed, and was fairly patronised by the public. The number of entries for the several events was large, and each race was well contested. The events were all got off m fairly good time, and the very beat feeling prevailed through out. The following list will show the various events and winners : — Maiden Race, 100yds.—Chas. Beckley 1, David Annet 2, D. Patton 3. 440 yds Handicap Hurdles.—D. Annet 1, R. A. Pearse 2, Joseph Brown 3. Running High Jump.— \V. J. Ash worth, sft"l|in, 1; R. A. Pearse, sft, 2 ; W. Bennets 3. 250 Yards Handicap—W. Bennetts, 15yds, 1; C. Beckley, 15yds, 2 ; R. A. Pearse, 3. 100 Yards Handicap-James Hender son 1, N. Carney 2. 150 Yards Handicap (Boys under 16) — 0. Sandman 1, Warren 2, Thos. Brown 3. 880 Yards Handicap—C. Beckley 1, [saiah Gallagher 2, D. Murray 3. Q-ioits —Perry 1, Coory 2. Wrestling, Cumberland style--W. Hut chison 1, Bishop 2. Hop, Step, and Jump—Stringer, 35ft 9in, 1; Ashworth 2, McAnulty 3. Old Men's Race (over fifty years), 100 Yards—John Bull 1, Robert Gallagher 2, J ; Beckley 3 % Marriud Women's Race, 100 yards— Mrs Lylian 1, Mrs McKen^ie 2, Mrs Tait 3, 440 Yards Handicap—D. Annefc 1, J. Henderson 2, N. Carney 3. Young Women's Race, ICO Yards—Miss M. Brown 1, Miss K. McKenzie 2, Sack Race, 100 Yards-J. Gallagher 1, R. A. Pearse 2. Vaulting with Pole—Ashworth, Bft 7|in, 1 ; J" Brown, Bft Qin, 2. One Mile Race—l>. Annet 1, C. Beck ley 2. _______

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PSESS ASSOCIATION.)

THE MINERS' DISPUTE.

London, April 21. Nearly a million people have been thrown out of work owing to the strike of the Durham miners.

THE ANARCHISTS,

Nichol, the editor, and Mowbray. the publisher, of the Anarchist paper ".Commonwealth," have been arrested on a charge of inciting to the murder of Mr H. Matthews, Home Secretary, and Sir Henry Hawkins, Judge of the High Court of Justice. Both accused were remanded m custody. Mow Dray was arrested four hours after the death of his wife. He has a young family, and bail was refused, though he was granted permission to attend the funeral m custody. Nichols, the editor, when arrested declared he was responsible for the article, and that the publisher was unaware of its contents. The Anarchists propose to hold a demonstration m Hyde Park on Mon day m sympathy with the Walsall Anarchists. Paris, April 20. The authorities are experiencinga diffi culty m finding judges to take the trial of Ravachal, the leader of the Anarchists. Paris, April 21. The Executive Committee of the French Labour Demonstration on May Day has issued a ferocious manifesto. The Anarchists m Lyons issue a mani festo threatening to kill the bourgeois.

THE EARTHQUAKE IN CALIFORNIA.

San Fkancisco, April 21. The earthquake was the worst ever experienced m Sacramento Valley, and hundreds of houses were burned owing to the capsizing of stoves. The loss is estimated at a million dollars,

THR CANADIAN SCANDALS.

Ottawa, April 21. The Hons. H. Mercier and G. Langlier, ex-members of the Executive Council of Quebec, and M. Pacaud, Financial Secretary of the first named, have been summoned to appear on a charge of conspiring t© defraud the Government of the Dominion.

SETTLEMENT IN CANADA.

During the March quarter 7000 settlers were placed on the land m north-west Canada. .

THE ITALIAN MINISTRY.

Rome, April 21. A hitch has occurred m the forma tion of the new Cabinet by the Marquis Rudini, and he will probably adandon the attempt,

TURKEY AND EGYPT.

Constantinople, April 21. Mukhtar Pasha has been prohibited by the Sultan from interfering m internal affairs m Egypt.

THE DANISH ELECTIONS.

Copenhagen, April 21. The elections have resulted m the decisive defeat of the Radicals.

ROBBING THE ROTHSCHILDS.

Berlin, April 21. Jaeger, an employee m Messrs Rothschild's bank at Frank fart, has absconded with two million marks of the firm's money, which he embezzled.

RELIGIUS WAR IN UGANDA.

Zanzibak, April 20. Cttholic natives of Uganda, headed by M'wanga, killed some of the fore most of the Protestants. Captain Lugard interfered, and the bishops and clergy, with a number of their followers, escaped to an island. The Protestants returned the attack, and a bloody fight ensued. Captain Lugard who rescued several of the priests and bishops, has nominated a successor to the deposed King M'wanga.

FRANCE AND DAHOMEY.

Pauis, April 20. The passing of a vote by the Chamber of Deputies to carry on operations m Dahomey has aroused the King of that country, and m return he threatens to destroy Porto Novo. April 21. Intelligence is to hand that the King of Dahomey has warned the French that he will destroy Porto Novo and all the French settlements m the event of war.

THE UNITED STATES TARIFF.

New Yokk, April 90. The Norway Steel Company, oi Boston, has closed down, owing to tax ation of materials.

ADVENTURE WITH A MAD MAN.

Lisbon, April 20. A madman, armed with a revolver, to-day managed to gain an audience with Senhor Carvalho, and demanded the sum of £100. The latter paid a portion of the amount and promised the remainder, but m the meantime the perpetrator was taken into custody.

AUSTRALIAN.

EIGHT HOURS.

Melbourne, April 21. The Eight Hours Demonstration to day was a pronounced success.

THE ELECTIONS,

Six of the labor representatives re turned at the general election held seats m the last Parliament. There is a general feeling of satisfaction at the result of the elections, Ministers claim $ixty-four supporters.

THE NEW SOUTH WALES PREMIER.

rru Ti « ™ Sydney, April 21. The Hon. G. R. Dibbs, the Premier, leaves for England at the end of the month, and during his absenge the Minister of Education will act as chief or the Government.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

ti n 4. r, Ato kland, April 21. The County Council Conference to-day agreed with the report of a Committee recommending that all subsidies paid to Ci° UnS 6\ ofcher fchan fifoldfirtds counties should be expended to maintain trunk roads, the subsidies to ba at the rate of *,^ tor every £1 expended on the roads Ry the county. Ifc was also recommended Wat rating be altered to provide that all lands against which judgment h,as been '

obtained under that Act should become t j absolutely the property of the local body, I ', if not redeemed by the owners within five years from tho date of the judgment. A motion was passed suggesting that the number of local governing bodies now m existence .should be reduced, and that the Hospital and Charitable Aid Act be amended so as to empower each local body to administer outdoor relief m its 1 own di§Lrict. . Wellington. April 21. At a meeting of the general committee of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association it was resolved (1) That the Government be requested to stop the importation of stock from England until such time as that country is declared free from foot and mouth disease ; and (2) that the secretary com municate with kindred societies enclosing the foregoing resolution, and asking their co-operation m urging the Government to give effect to it. Pcnedix, April 21 At a meeting of the Committee of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr A. Hill Jack was appointed delegate to the Congress of Chambers of Commerce m London m June. It was decided to submit the following suggested clause m the Bank ruptcy Act to the other Chambers : —" An order of discharge shall not release a bankrupt from any debt incurred for food, groceries, fuel, clothing, or medicine supplied by retail within three months prior to the order of adjudication, not withstanding that any creditor may have proved m respect of such debt and have received, dividends on it." It was pointed out that retail traders who supplied necessaries could not avoid giving credit to people apparently m decent positions. At a conference of delegates of tho Trades and Labor Councils to-day, the report of the Executive was adopted. The scheme for the federation of all the Trades and Labor Councils m the colony was then considered clause by clause. With some slight amendments the scheme was adopted. It was resolved to hold the next' conference m Chris tohurch m Easter week next year. k. motion was also earned recommending that October 28 be, as hitherto, Labor Day. Morris Heppner, a tailor, single, forty years old, died of heart disease last night while reading the paper. The Education Board to-day set up a I special committee to report on the financial position. At a meeting of the Charitable Aid Board to-day it was decided to refuse the whole of the requisition from the Benevo lent Trustees and vote only a sum equal to one-tenth of the estimate of annual ex penditure forwarded by the trustees. The Board recently failed to pay when demanded the amount claimed as due to the industrial school, Caversham, and the Government intercepted the amount due to the subsidy to partly liquidate the debt. The Board has iiovr made reprisal by resolving that it has no funds to pay a further and larger claim made on behalf of the school, Apollos Dale, railway stationmaster at Port Chalmers, received injuries this evening which resulted m his death. He was proceeding to Port from Ounedin and went so far as Ravensbourne m the guard's van. He then appears to have proceeded to get into a carriage, and had hold of the stanchions. When the train started he missed his footing and fell be tween the carriage and the platform. The carriage wheels passed over both legs which were shockingly mangled. Mr Dale was put into the up train and taken to the hospital where both legs were ampu tated, but he died shortly afterwards. Deceased, who was a widower, leaves a family of seven children. He joined the service m the provincial days, and has been at port for many years.

The Postal Revenue.

[per pit ess association. 1

Wellington, April 21. The revenue collected m the postal dis tricts of New Zealand for the quarter ended 31st March was £54,953, as against £56,345 for the corresponding period m 1891. Auckland contributed £6213, Chrisbchurch £5809, Dunedin £5555, Wellington £7484. The telegraph revenue for the quarter was £24,779, against £31,309 m the pre vious year. The value of Government telegrams i ansraitted was £6490, as against £6317. The Savings Bank transactions of the colony for the quarter show that the deposits have been £509,089, and with drawals £507,428, as against £485,406 and £434,905 respectively for the first quarter last year. In Auckland last quarter the withdrawals exceeded the deposits by £7361, Dunedin £2059, Grey mouth £2032, Thames £1409, and Wanganui £1293. The excess of deposits over withdrawals was — Christchurch £1052, Invftrcargill £2370, Napier £4306, Oamaru £1099, Timaru £808, and Wel lington £5956. Tn the first quarter last year the excess of deposits over with drawals was £50,501, while for the corres ponding quarter this year it Amounts only to £1660. During the quarter money orders to the value of £167,621 were issued, and £154,609 paid, as against £153,367 issued and £142,102 paid m the quarter ended March, 1891, Last quarter postal notes of the value of £20,246 were sold; and £19,816 paid, while for the corres ponding period of 1891, £18,167 were sold and £17,811 paid. In all instances shillings f.nd pence are omitted.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We dp not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions exptessed by our correspondents.)

O'SHEA'S ROAD.

TO THE EDITOK.

Sir, —I have read the long and plausible letter signed by Mr Tt. Carpendale re O'Shea's road, but I will only trouble you with a short one m reply, as the matter can be of very little interest to the general public. If the statements made m the letter referreJ to were correct and fairly put, no doubt Mr Carpendale would have i cause for complaint. Many of the state ments are, however, incorrect, and all are put from his poinc of view. There will be an annual meeting of ratepayers of the Mount Somers ltoad District on Monday, May 2, and any rate payers interested i.i the mitter can then get full information about it, and it will be open for Mr Carpendale to move a vote of censure on the Road Board if he thinks lit to do so. —I am, etc., A. Edward Pbache, Chairman Mount Somers Road Board.

SPORTING.

AUSTRALIAN JOCKEt CLUB'S AUTUMN MEETING.

PER. PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

Sydney, April 21

The weather for the third day of the Australian Jockey Club's autumn meet ing was showery, but there was» good attendance. Two-Year-Old Plate. — Rioula, 1 ; Widden, 2 ; Fashion, 3. Nine started. Won easily. Time—lmin 3Jsec. Aix-Aged Stakes. — Bungebah, Bst 101 b, 1: Trieste, 6st 131 b, 2 ; Marvel, 9«b lib, 3. Strathmore Bst 61b and Lady Ec tfe 6st 131 b also started. Betting, even on Marvel, 3 to 1 Trieste, 4 to 1 Bungebah and Strathmore. Won by half h length. Time—-lmin 41sec, Welter Handicap. -Derman, 9st 71b, t, 1; Cremorne, 9stlllb, t, 2; Tliought, 9at 71b, %; Nonsense, 9st, f, Twenty-three started. A double de^d heat. Time— lmin 45|sec. Derman won the run off easily. First Biennial Stake?.—Meli, 1; Mascara, 2; Autonomy, 3. Won b> a neck. Time—lmin 19|sec. CtfMBERMND Stakes.—Marvel 9st 41b, 1; Highborn Bat 121 b, 2 ; Strathmore Bst 21b. 3. .Stromboli Bst 21b, also ran. Betting—2 to J against Strathmore, 3 to 1 Marvel and Stromboli, 4 to 1 Highborn. Won by a length. Time—3min 43£ sec. The public showed strong disapprobation of Marvel's victory m the face of his defeat m the All-aged Stakes. City Handicap!—Yowi. Bst 91b, lj Helene, 7st 111 b, 2 ; Epinicon, 7st 111 b, 3. Eighteen started. Betting—s to 1 against Portsea and Helene, 7 to 1 the others. Won by a length. Time—2min 45seo.

THE MARKETS.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. London. April 21. The wool sales re-opened to-day. There was a large attendance, and prices were fully maintained. (Received April 22, 11.10 a.m.) London, April 21. The total quantity of wheat and flour afloat forthe United Kingdom is 3,000,000 quarters, and for the Continent 1,296,000 quarters. The American visible wheat supply is estimated at 56,400,000 bushels.

POLITICAL

THE PREMIER AT FEILDING.

TER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Feilmno, April 22. lne Premier addressed a crowded meeting last night, the mayor presiding. He spoke for an hour and a half, and was frequently applauded. The principal topics dealt with were capital leaving the country, which he explained was a political move of the Convervatives. He quoted the vast progress made m Lind settlement. He reviewed the taxation policy of the Government, and said the question of borrowing to make roads and bridges would have to. be faced before long. He referred to the useful work of the Labor Bureau^ made a scathing attack on the dual vote proposals of the Conserv?tive Political Associations, and supported land nationalisation. In reply to questions he said he favored women's franchise and compen sation of publicans for loss of licenses. A vote of thanks and confidence was passed.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

| FKR PftfcSS ASSOCIATION]

(Received April 22, 10.30 a.m. V

COLOURED LABOR.

Tv i. « London, April 21, Bishop Berry, m a letter to the " Guardian," condemns the revival of the Kanaka traffic, which is almost a slave trade. He alleges it will in evitably injure missionary work m New Guinea. Queensland ought to obtain labor from India. The " Guar dian " urges the Imperial Government to interfere. :

THE ANARCHISTS.

m , ■ ■ . ■ . -Braonr,.April 21. The stringency of the German laws against the anarchists is being in creased. mr . Madrid, April 21. Minor anarchist outrages m Spain continue.

FRANCE AND DAHOMEY.

XT , , Paris, April 21; News from the West Coast of Africa states that twelve thousand Dahomeyan troops are within a mile of Kotoupu. armed with rifles and machine aims. They also threaten Grand Oporto and Porto Novo.

THE VENEZUELA REVOLT.

_; (Receded April 22. li.lOii.m.l

xr i; , : EW Vo »k, April 21. .News has been received from Vene i zucla to the effect that the Government troops attacked the insurgents at Poiito, and after a desperate fight the former were defeated, losing one third of their number. Five thousand are marching on Puerto Cabello, a town on the coast some distance west of the capital. The population of the place are fleeing m terror. The Government has ordered a general conscription. The commerce of the country is para lysed. Many of the Government soldiers are joining the rebels. There has been great slaughter on both sides. Later intelligence state that the in surgents have inflicted another defeat on the President with heavy loss, and are m full march on Caracas.

The San Francisco Mail.

TER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

» • j  Auckland. April 22. Arnved-Monowai, from San Francisco, with tho English mail.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1892.



evtii', m most of the manufacturing' counties, llns was to be expecbed, be cause, although farm laborers earn much higher wages m the manufacturing and mining counties than iv the purely agri- t cultural parts of the country, the tempta- \ tio.i of still higher pay m the towns is much greater m the former than m the' latter, A scarcity of capable jaborers, however, is felt, m Pome of the agricultural counties also, and Mr Rew proceeded to dUxuibs the various remedies proposed. t The chief are higher wages, the providing of allotments and small holdings, and im proved cottage accomodation. He con ; tended that farmers could not afford to advance wages unless the men would prove themselves worth more ilnn they f?ot now by increased industry and efficiency. As to small allotments and ! small holdings, he urged that good j gardens are better than allotments and small holdings, without expressing any distinct opinion ; while cottages he rightly ! declared to have been much improved m I-recent times.



Amended regulations under which com. missions m the British Army may be obtained by officers of the colonial military forces and by students from colonial ■Diversities, are gazetted. The Hon Major Steward addressed his constituents at the Oddfellows' Hall, Waimate, on Wednesday evening. A number of questions, principally cf a local character, were asked and answered, and a vote of thanks and confidence was unanimously passed. The North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society have decided to recommend the Government to open the season for selling native game on April 13 instead of May 1, and that all dealers having game m their possession before the former date shall be liable to a fine. Ninian, Hyslop and Co.'s "Imperial 1 pure Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct from the plantation. Advt. JS'in ian Hyslop and Co's'.tn.perial purein Ceylon and hidiftn Teas, are the best n the market -+-(A v.\ * '-'• Ask for Ninian Hyslop, and Co.'s Imperial new seasons Pure' Ceylon and Jmlift Teas. Special price* —/My



Holloway's Pills.—When inclemen weather checks to a considerable extent the action of the skin, an alternative is required to compensate the body by means of other channels. Holloway's Fills can be confi dently recommended as the easiest, surest and safest means of attaining this desirable end without weakening the most delicate or. incommoding the most feeble. When from frequently recurring chills or Hie inha lation of impure air the blood becomes foul and the secretions vitiated, these pills pro sent a ready and efficient means of cleansing the former and correcting the latter. By this salutary proceeding disease is arrested at its outset, its pains rn:l inconveniences averted, and the nervous structures saved from the depressing effects entailed upon them by an illness. A good safety manufactured by the firm or £15> 15s is wonderful value. The tele graphic addass is Saviiab, Clu'istchurQh,



Support Local Industry. —Th Lozenges, Jujubes. Comfits, and London Mixtures manufactured by Aulserrook and Co. are equal to best imported. Gbacknkli, and Digestive Biscuits for invalids are unsurpassed, made by AULSBBKOOK AND Co. Keatino's Cough Lozkjtuks cure Coughs Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony states that no other medicine is so effectual m the cure of those dangerous maladies Que lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bedtime ensures rest. For relieving difficulty p.f breathing they are invaluable. They Qontain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists m tins |d aft d fa 9J, sao/i



The subject of the Migrations of Farm Laborers to Towns w*s discussed at a recent meeting of the London Farmers Club, when Mr R, H. Rew, secretary of the Central Chamber of Agriculture, read a paper on the subject. He showed that the extent of the migration has been a good deal exaggerated, at any rate as far as the principal agricultural counties of England are concerned. Taking fifteen of these counties, he showed that the popula tion of the rural districts (that of all urban districts containing 10,0C0 inhabi tants or more being excluded) was 2,477,112 m 18,71, 2,370,683 m 1881, and 2,55i,573 m 1891. The decrease m the ten yea'r§ ending m 1881 therefore was 43 per cent, while m thg last decade ifc was less than one per cent. The decrease of the rural population was greater, hyw-



Louis—Scirehiw of Breast—Excision Jiuica lypti Extract employed. No swelling, heat or discoloration. Cured m fourteen days -Advt 4 Have Healthy Children by nourishing j them with Aulsebrook ixv.l CVs Arrow- j ryot Biscuits,



31 AIL NOTIONS. j Mails close for the following places as .' ---under, subject to the necessary alterations :— SATURDAY, April 23. For Northern Ports, per Penguin, at &.%£€> p.m. ; late fee letters, guard^s I van, 6.55 p.m. For Kaikorua, per Jane Douglas, at eaOp.in.; late fee letters, guard'-* van, 6.55 p.m. WEDNESDAY, April 27- For Chatham Islands, per Kaku, at 6.30 ;p.i*i. ; late fee letters, guard's van, express, 6.55 p.m. For United Kingdom and Continent oi Europe, via Brindisi, Point de Galle, India, China, Japan, etc., and also for Australian Colonies, per express (to connect with s.s. Talune at Port Chalmers), as follows: — Ordinary letter at 15.30 \>.m. ; late fee letters, express van, at 12.53 p.m. ENGLISH MAILS. lIOMBVVARD—DIiraCT MAILS. Doric, left April 2, clue London May 12. Ruahine and Tongariro, left April 16, due London May 28. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Alameda, left March 26, due London April 27 Mariposa, lea\ing April 19, due London May 21. OUTWARD—DIRECT MAILS Coptic, due colony May 2. I SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. 4 Monowai, due colony May 18. ____



Important to Cyclists. — A good Safety Bicycle for £15 15s. Repairs and Cycle accessories at exceptionally low rates iat Saville's "Calliope" Cycle Works, 110 Colombo street, Christ church. The world is ever moving on towards perfection, butseldom attains it. Constant improvement is being made m every branch of industry, but m Baking Powders Perfection has been reached m Warburton's Cart t Be Beat. The Onslow Biscuit. The latest and most delic-ite bi-cuit manufactured by \n"u<j* I- ok and 00. C -I.KMANK amp Sons Eucalyptjb "Ex it, <>■■, r/i he o!ily genuine m the market, .;,,.} x;i vjir.'d inediils and diplomas at -v,-., ■, '•"■■■''•• '^•nw.Jin'l Adminicle, beating .:, , ; . '"'■■!.• (ill affections of the Oiin.-nmu'ion, Asthma, , !-vhl, and Kidney Com p'amtp, its ins no equal. Agents— P*W* C'PJIIANY' I



X 892 WINTER. 1892 —NOW SHOWING— THE New Overcoats and Water proofs New Tweeds and Suitings LARGEST New g . n Boys , Clofch _ ing AND **ew Hosiery and Gloves New Collars and Shirts CHOICEST New Scarfs and Bows New Travelling and other Caps * StOCk New Soft Felt Hats New Flexible Hats EVER New Styles m Boys' Hats and Caps New Rugs and Umbrellas SHOWN NewoT c le Capes »nd Riding Aprons Uy New Goods m all Depart ments Inspection Respectfully US. Invited NEW ZEXLAND nothing Factory. W. H WEBBER, Manager. Agents for WertheimCelebratedSewing Machine. .



;pO Meet the Times.—l am supplying X Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years. Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all dessriptiotis. Inspection invited.— J. W. Hakoi-ky, Eas street. 6J201 \"l/HlT rtKGTON'S Tomato Shuc , W together with testimonials, m; y j be seen at Mrs Jambs', Fruiterer, E st Street, and Mrs Pearson's, Ft-uiten r, Wakanui Road, where orders will be received and prices given. 3 Ifos NEW Supplies of Stationery, Account Books, Music, Fancy Goods, Games, Orders for Printing, Book oindins, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted" Schools and offices supplied with pverv requisite. Macuzines and News papers suppli«d.-L F. ANDEEWES & CO., Stationers' Uall. BALL Dresses, Evening Gloves, Mounts m Silver and Gold, Muffs, Fur ColUrettea, Ladies' Evening Shoes, Invisorator Corsets, with straps, V and JV Zone and all other makes, just opened.— Andrew Okr. 4 57



"TT7 ANTED Known.-Come and see W the Bargains now on at Melford House.-- H. C. Segers. WANTED KNOWN.-250 L idles Maids' and Children's Ulsters *nd Jackets (mostly goodqualitiea) marked cheap to clear. Many one third and half the ucual price.—H. C. Skobrh, Melford House. ' WANTED KNOWN, Grand display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at moat reasonable prices at 'The Cobkbh." ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure j fit and workmanship auaranceed; from 50s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mari. SaunderV Buildings. WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his W?hly reputed make by calling at J. Momon's. During coming holidays dis oounbfot Cash. Repairs done at once. A st*ff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed.



BAY and Evening classes for dress cutting and fitting. -^m 8 ™ application, to Mrs &mv* C^BKON^oore^Stree^^^^^ WASTED Known—Dr Scott's cele brated Electric Coraets can only be obtained m Ashburton at W. H. CoiMßn's, "The Corner." /CHOICEST new season's Figs and \j Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2* each.—H. G-. Flower, Confectioner, Bust street. tITANTED Known.—lf you want W plenty of firßt class Dra Pcryt Boots »nd Clothing for cash, come to j Melford House Sale.—H. 0- Sbcsrs. ' \VTANTED Known.—l have a large W stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, °ortable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kep*- m Ptock.-J. W. Habdlky, East treet. °+ M~



CASH Advertisement «»*?* Jj heading not exceeding bUvlliifiiw WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office. ■ WAITED » Smirt Boy. ..Will apprentice if suitable. Apply F. Black, East Street 4 16b WANTED KNOWS.— Having com menced Bacon Curing, I aliall have on Saturday a good supply of Reil Eoping Pork Sausages.- T. Homa, Sjg Street. ____———— ITTAN TEcTIkNOWN,— Come and VV try my large stock of Home-made Jams, Tomato Sauce and Mushroom Ket chup.-^. Hoult, Fruiterer and Con •ctioner Faa* Sreet, *J^ XntedknownT-g °™* al *J«j" iU Cycling and Athletic Club, 4 167