The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MAY 23, 1892. THE POLHILL GULLY JOR.

The report of the Commissioners cap pointed to enquire into "all the cir cumstances connected with the pro posal to purchase, and the negotiations incident to the purchase of, a certain block of land situate m or adjacent to the City of Wellington, known as the Polhill Gully Bifle Range," will not, increase the public respect for the manner m which the Defence Depart ment was managed under the Atkinson Government. Very little interest has been taken m the transaction outside of Wellington, although ever since it took place there has been a vague im pression that there were some facts connected with it that would not stand the light of day. No less than thirty eight points were referred to the Com mission, and twenty-three witnesses were examined. The evidence did not make it clear by wh«in the transaction was first mooted, and the first definite record was that early m 1890, Mi- Atkinson, of the firm of Messrs Kirk and Atkinson, solicitors, Wellington, had a conversation with Captain Hum frey, Defence Under-Secretary, fol lowed by a discussion with Captain Russel, Defence Minister, on the sub ject ; but nothing was done at that time. Some two or three months later Mr Kirk, the other partner of the firm, called upon the Tender-Secretary for Defence, with the result that on July 25 Messrs Kirk and Atkinson received from the Defence Department a letter proposing to treat with them as agents for the purchase, and informing them that the Government was prepared to give for the block required, estimated to contain some forty-four acres, a sum | not exceeding £3000. Several unre corded conversations then took place between Mr Kirk and Captain Hum frey, and on August 20 Messrs Kirk and Atkinson forwarded a btter to the Under-Secretary for Defence pro posing to sell to the Government thirty seven acres of the required land for the sum of £3000, or so much of the thirty-seven acres as might be pur | chased without any great difficulty ; and, whether the' purchase of the required block was completed or not, if was ultimately stipulated that Messrs Kirk and Atkinson should be paid for all that was purchased at the rate of £81 per acre. Then, and not till then, was the Native Lands Com missioner consulted as to the value of the land, and he assented to the value first mentioned by the Defence Depart ment (equal to about £68 per acre.) Mr Mackay's valuation was, however, apparently based upon the property tax valuation of the land made m 1888, but evidently without any knowledge of the price at which the land could be purchased from the native owners The Solicitor-General was also consulted about this time as to the agreement with Messrs Kirk and Atkinson, but his opinion that "it would have been preferable for the Government itself to have taken the land under the Public Woiks Act,' was not acted upon even at that stage of the negotiations. The question whether the site was suitable for the purpose was never enquired into—Captain Humfrey told i he Commissioners that as a military man, he was an expert, and thought it unnecessary to seek outsideadviceon the point. Further than this, though the first letter from the Defence Depart ment to Messrs Kirk and Atkinson, distinctly included the condition that that firm should act as agents, and supplied them with information which should have been given only to an a^ent for the Government, Captain Humfrey, without the knowledge or sanction of the Minister of Defence, allowed the firm to drop the position of agents and take up that of principal vendors, no other agents being em ployed on behalf «f the Government to effect the purchase. When first commissioned by the Department, Messrs Kirk and Atkinson were not the registered owneus of any portion of the land which the Government pro posed to purchase, but they claim to have had an interest m and control of a section of les* than five acres, registered m the name, j>f J. B. Blair, and belonging to a sydnicate consisting of four persons—Messrs J. R. Blair, A. 0, Donahoo. (surveyor), R. C. Kirk, and M, T. Atkinson. This land was purchased by Messrs Kirk and Atkinson from the syndi&ate at the exceptionally high price of £80 18s 3d per acre, being more than three times as'much as the average price paid by the same firm to the Maoris for ad joining land of a stoUar character. The same land %yas purchased from the Natives by the ayndicate on the Gth June and 4th July m the preceding \ year for £120. In brief the account Of this land-boomlike transaction stands thus:—Buying price of 26 acres and %h perohea, purchased by Messrs Kirk and Atkinson, £953 10s; selling price of 26 acres 23 perches sold by Messrs Kirk and Atkinson to the Government, £2118 13s Id, thus showing that the Defence Department engaged to pay Messrs Kirk and Atkinson for the 26 acres 25 perches no less fcjjan £1165 3s Id more than the sum jtor whfeh they purchased it, besidesthe handsome profit(some £135) made by the firm as members of the syndicate. As the Commissioners re mark, ''there can be no doubt of the ex tremely disadvantageous character of the agreement entered jutp with that firm by the Defence Department," The reckless manner m which the transaction was entered into is shown by the fact thafc t^i? Commissioners " have reason to believe frhafc $1 neces sary rights to use the range might have been secured for «ome years to come without any such serious out/hj j whilst, even now, such a right has not been obtained by the costly purchases made from Messrs Kipk.and 4-tkinsoft. Nor would such a right have been obtained if the whole (thirty-seven acres had been purchased, ax event then tfoe Government would have secured no l&tui on the right hand side of the long range, without which that range can oaly be usecjl Vy permission of the occupier (d the tow# pflsgrve which abuts upott it/ By.en now it kf& fc?P n found necessary to use another s^te ; and projected building operations a,nd the increase of population m .the locality will soott r?«4^ &* use $ $&

PollhillGiiliy range,already dangerous, { altogether impossible. The Commis sioners express no opinion as to the degree of responsibility attachable to any person, and we shall not do so ; but we shall be surprised if Parliament does not take strong action m so I scandalous a matter.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The New Plymouth school committee have decided that it is inadvisable to give prizes to children attending the Government schools. The ordinary meeting of the Borough < Council and Ashburton Domain Board will bo held this evening at half-past seven. j There is one individual m New Zealand at the present time 103 years of age, another 101, and a third 99. Over 14,000 persons have passed the threescore years and ten. "Truth "says:--The Prince of Wales sold a splendid pen of Southdown ewes, which were bred on the Royal farm at Sundringham, to Mr M'llraith, for exporta tion to New Zealand. A young woman (says the "L?ods Mercury ") who married an old mm thirty years ago, expecting to be left a rich widow soon afterwards, died recently aged about fifoy, leaving her disconsolate husband, aged 100, to mourn her loss. A Boston woman on a visit to Rome culled at the Vatican, and, being informed that the Pope was ill, offered to give him the Chris tian science treatment, but the offer w0,3 de cliaed. The Pope sticks to the old school. A Gippsland farmer is boasting of having grafted a tomato vine on to a pota fo plant, and gathered a crop of tomatoes off the top and a pile of potatoes from the roots. The gentleman who essays to make two blades of grass grow where one grew before is small spud 3to this enterprising sod thumper. In no fewer than 35 school districts m Otiigo there was a failure on the part of the householders to elect school committees on the night fixed for (hat purpose last month. The exceptionally bad weather which pre vailed on the night m question is, of course, accountable tor such a heavy default. The census of C ipo Colony, the prelimin ary totals of which' wore sent out' m April last, is now complete, and gives a grand total of 1,527,224. The analysis shows that the total European population is 367,987; Malay, 1.3,907; Hottentots, 50.358; Fin goes, 229,630; Kaffirs, 603,456, and all other coloured people, 247,808. A fruiterer m Sunderland has had to pay heavily, and very properly, for a stupid " joke "he played upon a lady. He sought to amuse himself by dropping a mouse on to the shoulders of a lady, who, seeing the jest m a different light, took legal proceed ings for "injury to health, and medical attendance," and was. awarded the solatium of £15. Mr John F. Soanlan, a noted Irish advo cate m Chicago, who was one of the late Dr Cronin's most intimate friends, and whose efforts were largely instrumental m bringing about the arrest and subsequent conviction of Coughliu and others implicated m the Cronin murder, says that new and important evidence has been obtained, affecting not only those now m prison, but others against whom there hive been suspicions all along. The time, he declares, is near when the country will see the history of the great conspiracy laid before it trom beginning to end. A Bill has been introduced m the Ameri can House of Representatives granting a pension to the widow of Thomas Lomasney.' an Irishman, who fought on the Northern side through the American Civil War, and went to London from Washington m 1884 with the avowed intention of blowing up some of (he Government bnilding3 there. Lomasney is the supposed author of an attempt to blow up London Bridge, the ••xplo3ioii only shattering a boat. Some fragments of clothing wore found at the time, and Lomasney has not since been seen, .The Pension Office has refused to consider the claim because there is no proof of death. Every application for a new license that came before the Kensington (London) Bench at the recent licensing meeting was refused, including one for "The World's Labour Exhibition." A curious case came under consideration. With a view of enlisting public sympathy on his behalf an applicant had caused placards to De posted m the district announcing his intention to give T2OOO to the West London Hospital aud £2000 for local improvements if the magistrate could be induced to grant him a license. This measure, so fur from enlisting their sympathy, was sevcrly reprobated, and the application was rejected. There was a curiou3 mixture of meta phors m Mr Healy's speech at Dublin, lately. "Precedents," he said, "were now crystallising m the city of Dublin, which m a future time would come horns to roost with boomerang consequences." A boomerang which first crystallises and then goes home to roast deserves a place even m a Hibernian museum of literary curiosities. '* Tim " has distinguished himself more than once m the nice dorangemenp of epitaphs. The following is from his speech at the Tipperary trial: — "We gave the Govern ment a knock-down blow, and we were delighted when we saw them m a fluid state and throwing out signals of distress ! ( M. Jules Simon thinks the day is near a band m Fiance when there will be as many divorces as marriages. When asked, many years ago, why he did;not like to marry, the French working man answered :—-"j would marry if I could get a divorce when I thought it neqessary." N6w that divorce has been introduced, however, the number of marriages has failed tq increase, and the number of separations grow from year to year. In 1890 the number of marriages m France was 3602 less than m 1889. In 1889 there were 1627 divorces to 10,000 mar riages ; m 1890 there were 5457 divorces to 10,OQO marriages. MrHanlon, the fjmjt expert, has come back from the Wairarapa district (says the New Zealand " Times") impressed with the fact that frtufe culture has been sadly ne glected and that the settlers need to be aroused to a sense of the profit they might reap by devqting greater af tpntion to this branch of industry. For instance, he has heard of orchards whose owners have been making as much as from £50 up to £80, and as high as £J3O, an acre out. of their fruit. Apples are the fruit n>osfc largely produced, but Mr Hanlon thinks that pears and cherries might also be grown with great ad vantage. The objection raised to the growth of cheri ies is that the birds play havoc with thorn, but if a hundred or more trees were grown together the spoils of the birds would be inappreciable, as tfrey only begin to prey upon the fnpt when ft is pipe for plucking. A gentleman of position and influence m Sydney, who sympathises with labor representation and radical reform there, writes to a gentlemen m Auckland about the internecine strife that is going on m the Trades and Labour Council. He regrets that the great gugcegs achieved at the last elec tion is likely to be lost, ar,d says :—" bince the Conference of Labor Electoral Leagues reduced tha representation of the Trades and Labour Council from eleven to thres the Trades au<| Labour Council have been doing their utmost iv 'd\§ credit and destroy these very leagues by whk'h auc^ a, Jarge measure of success was achieved fdr the' tyotkew at the last General Election of the colony. The actiiiii of the Conference was undertaken with a view $ ridding the leagues of the stigma of being appre^tty thp political in strument of a narrow trader Union e**bal, This m(rife m the ranks of .labour, is doiiK' incalculable hfirm, and is making easy the task of those monopolists* \j-]),o are seek ing more effectually to enslave the toilers.'? Have lfe%lthy Chjldren by jpuvish vg them witty Aujsebiftolf: Arrow pot IJiscuir?. ... Tm^OUTAN'I' TO GyOMSTS. — A g/JOCI Safety Bicycle for £1.5, I£>*. Repairs and Cycle accessories afc exceptionally low rates ab Savij&b'm -"(Mlppe" <?jrde Works, 110 Colombo street, Olnist hurch Support Local 1nd ttsthy. — The Lozen«es, Jujubes, Comfits, and London Mixtures manufactured by Aulsebsoqk ANi> Co. are e'jual tv tostrtotyorted ♦

SPORTING.

AUCKLAND WINTER MEETING.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. Auckland, May 20. The following acceptances were received to-night for the Winter Meeting of the Auckland Racing Club :— Grand National Hurdle Race, of 250

Gbeat Nobthern Steeplechase, of 400 soys. About three miles and a half.

HEATHCOTE BIRTHDAY MEETING.

Tho following acceptances have been received : — Handicap Hurdles, of 40 soys. One mile and a half. —Magpie list 51b, Kil mamock 9st 71b, Tornado 9<st 3lb, Regalia 9at. Disposal Uubdlk Handicap of 25 soys. One mile and a quarter.--Folly lOst 131 b, Clarice lOst slb, Lady Grey 9st 12lb. Birthday Handicap, of 50 soys. One mile.—Crackshot 9st, The Idler Tat 71b, Yon Tempsky 7st 31b, Drift 6st 131 b. j Sumnbr Handicap, of 25 soys. Five furlongs.—Ciirronade Bst 121 b, Inez Bst 4lb, Missile 7st 91b, Drift 7*t 51b, Euphro syno 7ht 21b, Springston 6»t 121 b, Sobus topol 6st 101 b. VVooistoN Hioh-Wbtgiit Handicap, of 25 soys. One mile.- Drift lOst 7H>, Silvec Pine lOst 41b, Penn:ne 9^t 131 b, Thackeray 9st s!b, Specton 9st 31b, Renga 9ot. Heatiicote J. C. Handicap, of 40sovs. Six furlongs.—Crackshofc 9»t 31b, Inez 7st 101 b, The Idler 7st 51b, Missile 7st 21b. Euphrosyne 6st l^lb, Springston 6.^t 101 b. Heathcotb Maiden Pl.vte, of 15 soys. Weight for age. Seven turlongs. —Rsinga, Masonic, Tom Field, Tournament, Isi doress.

DUNEDIN J.C. BIRTHDAY MEETING.

For the above meeting, which takes placa to-morrow and Thursday, " White Choker" sends the following as probable winners :— Hurdles : Erin-go-bragh ; Maiden : Beau Nash ; Trot (3 miles), Miss Hilda ;Birthday Handicap : Palliser ; Tradesmen's Handicap : Conjuror or Lady Zetland ; Selling Race : Tassy..

Arrival of the SAN FRANCISCO MAIL

AMERICAN SUMMARY.

(PER PBKSS ASSOCIATION. )

to Washington arraigning the Govern ment for its treatment of his people and demanding justice, The name of the chief is White Ghost, and the document rather startled the Commissioner of Indian Affairs by the vigorous, logical, "and even elegfi^t language m which it.was couched. While Ghost had discovered that his Indians were being swindled by the local agent at the reservation, and he uvide such a trenchant exposure of the whole affair that an investigation muse follow. The Chicago Wt-rld's Far grounds were visited on April 7 by a .series of tornadoes which ripped and tore the fancy buildings m the course of erection and scattered them on all sidas. Several mm were '■injured l>y the wrecks.

Sax Francisco. April 30. Grcnt depression of business prevails m California and throughout the Pacific coast.. ■ The Senate Committee on Military Affairs reported favorably upon the pro position to establish two additional military posts on the Canadian frontier, as a precaution m case of war with Great Britain—one oppositeßouse's Point, Lake Chaplain, the other somewhere on Puget Sound. A stop has been put to the murders of Jewish settlers m tha Argentine by lynching one of the assassins, a police man. One of the largest irrigation enterprises has I egu l m Arizona. Can d reservoirs m Santa Cruz Valley and a canal, seventy miles long and width thirty feet at bottom, well reel im 300,000 acres for agriculture, at a cost estimated at 1,200,000 dollars, which has been supplied by English capital, An earthquake of unusual violence occurred m California ou \pril 19. |The vibration was from north to south, and lasted about thirty seconds. -The peninsula on which San Francisco is located experienced a smart shake, but no damage resulted. Several towns m the interior were shattered, but no lives were lost. Consequent on the earthquake shocks on the Pacific coast many volcanos near Lake Subelee, Gulf of California, became astive. The country twenty miles round was illuminated, and Indians m the neighbourhood were m great fear, flying m all directions. European immigrants are arriving 1, at New York at the average rate of 7000 a day. The Police Department of New York, from superintendent to patrol, have been arraigned before the Grand Jury of tho county for levying from keepers of concert halls, gambling salopns, and houses of ill repute, black mail that annually amounts to 10,000,0Q0 dollars. After a fierce ftght m the Senate, the Chinese Exclusion Bill was defeated, by a big majority. During the debate the Pacilic Coast, for whose special benefit the Bill was intended, was derided, and the people mercilessly insulted by some of the speakers. This action will probably costthe Republican party the vote of these States. Meantime the present laws governing Chinese immigration remain m erce. Accoiding to Panama ad vices up to April 27 the canal scheme is threatened with a total collapse, the Government having removed, as previously threatened, the chain across the channel entering the canal, which the canal company had piaced there to prevent trufftc. The Qorcpawy have now chained the canal itself; The canal people" having sold a portion of the machinery, m violation of their con cession, the Government will probably annul the contract, William Astpr, one of the New York millionaires, died at Paris. Deceased was the father of Mrs J, Ooleman' Pray ton, an:l was greatly worried over the Fox- Millbank scandal m which she was involved. Next to his nephew, William Waldorp Astor, and probably Jay Gould, William Astor was the richest citizen m America, His wealth was recently estimated at £70,00!},000. The greatest part is invested m New York real estate. D3legate3 from 203 labor organisations m New York were convened on April 29 to settle all past differences and unite m I a solid body fco. work m harmony m the future. ■ v '  Hostility exists between the Poles arid Hungarians m Cleveland so bitterly that the $re}J3 m the quarter of the city where they reside were found to be poisoned recently. Immense pressure has been brought to bear oh Congress for a revocation of the mil m: d bi-is law. This ontctment has had" the effect' of stopping' hydraulic mining for gold everywhere m the S,tate of d&lit'Q»»i&, except m the northern part of the counties, it hay caused, immense jioss to mine owners, and a decrease£n the put put of gold. It was passed m, the jnterest of agriculture■ The mistake of it is wow sjo apparent that there is but little doubt that |ihe laqr wilj he repealed. The American Indians are begjnnjng to assert themselves. The other day one of the leading chiefs of the Sigus sent a letU'i'

GENERAL SUMMARY.

The Countess of Antrim, wife of the Karl of Antrim, died m London cm April 4. Mr John Hartnesfi, astronomer of the Mersey Harbour observatory, fell from the building and was killed. Mr Charles Stewart Parnell's widow sued twelve of her tenants for non-pay ment of rent, at Wieklow Sessions, on April 21. Several of the applications were dismissed, the tenants producing receipts showing that the rent was not yet due. In the other cases the tenants re fused to pay unless the abatement allowed by Mr Parnell before his death was given them. i The Dean of Gloucester has discovered m the cathedral of that place, the remains of Oai'ic, King of Northumberland, who was buried m the year 729, benfath the beautiful shrine erected to his memory. Thomas W. Tarkersley, of Scott, United States of America, is taking steps to establish his ownership to the township of Tarkersley, England, now m the pos session of the Earl of Fitzwilliam. Mr Tarkesley claims under the will of his ancestor, Roger de Tarkersley, who left England for America m 1870. Mr Henry M. Stanley has consented to stand as a candidate m the Unionist interest for a seat m Parliament at the general election. Mr Stanley is not popu lar, and the party dread his candidature. While a priest was holding Good Friday services m the Church of the Angels, Madrid, on April 18, kneeling at the altar, a man armed with a revolver and swoid assailed him. He nearly severed ihep pare's head from his body, besides cutting off one hand. The victim fell dead, and the blood flowed down the altar steps. The assassin, subsequently recog nised as one Allina, was arrested. He then turned and began firing into the crowded congregation right and left. Women shrieked m terror, and many f tinted- One was shot d°acl and many seriously wounded. Allina, having emptied his revolver, sprang into the midst of the panic-stricken crowd, slash ing riglit|and left, dangerously wounding many persons. The crowd parted m wild affright, and the assassin, whose actions could be compared to nothing so closely as a Malay running amuck, reached tho street, started on a run and soon vanished. [Allina has been sen tenced to twenty years' imprisonment.] In addressing a meeting of the unem ployed workmen on April 11, m London, John Moore, a packer, promised to in augurate an agitation surpassing that of Trafalgar square. Uuloss speedy relief was afforded thousands of men would rise up and demand work. Another speaker trusted that before the end of the month such large demonstrations would be held as would oblige the authorities to open relief works for the unemployed. The Unionists intend contesting every seat m Ireland at the next election. The object is ta ascertain whether there has been a Unionist opinion growing m that country. In the House of Commons Steeplechases on April 9, the sport was spoiled by an accident, which resulted m the death of Captain Middlecon, a well-known rider. X* 1 was thrown from his horse m the race and instantly killed. Lord Dunraven sold his yachb Valkyrie to the Archduke Carl Stephen for £4500. A man named Hamilton, residing at Melksham, Wiltshire, engaged to be mar ried to a young lady, became convinced that the unole of his liancoe was seeking to influence her to break the agreement, and killed him on April 11. He *l»o killed a policeman who tried to arrest him, but was finally overpowered and locked up. The eleventh anniversary of the death of the E'irl of Beaconsfield was, on April 19, celebrated m accordance with the custom inaugurated m 1883 by the Primrose League m memory of the dead Prime Minister, whose favorite flower was the primrose. The day was universally observed as a holiday by the knights, dames, and associates of the leaguw, each of whom ivoi-a a bunph of primroSbS. Theleague's prime minister is the Marquis of Salisbury and the membership is very large, amounting to over one million. The statue of Lord Beaconsfield m West minster Palace yard Wcis covered with primroses.

THE WEATHER.

ALFORD STATION.

The following is the Meteorological report for the week ending May 22, 1892:—-

THE MARKETS.

[PIiESS ASSOCIATION TKLECUIAM.] London, May 20. The 13ankqf England returns published t«-day show the tutal leserve to be £16,048,000, being an increase of £632,000 as compared with the previous week. The proportion of reserve to liabilities is 43"52. Consols, 97£. \ fNew Zealand 4 per cent inscribed stock, 105j : 3| per cent do, 96J. Lomdon.. May 21. The Antwerp wool sales closed to-day. The marked was animated, and the lise m good qualities was fully maintained. In ferior sorts were rather neglected. Out of 9500 bales offered 5000 were sold. Nearly all consignments from Australia were withdrawn, (Received May 23, 10.50 a.m. London, May 20. The English wheat market is steady, the Continental shows a general decline, and the American is firm. For Australian cargoes on the passage sellers ask 36s 3d, but buyers are only willing to give 35s 9d. For off coast cargoes sellers ask 38s and buyers offer 37s 6d. For New Zealand off coast car goes sellers'price is'36s 9d, and buyers offered less.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(f«:"R PKESS ASSOCIATION.)

SIR R. HERBERT.

London, May 21. It is reported that Sir R. Herbert, who recently retired from the josition of Permanent Under-Secretary of the Colonial Office, will be created a Peer on the Queen's Birthday.

SERIOUS FIRE. I

A serious lire occurred m Wiltshire. Sixty houses were destroyed.

THE MAURITIUS HURRICANE.

Details of the hurricane which swept over Mauritius show that it was excep tionally violent. Twenty-four churches, chapels, and colleges, were blown down, and many sugar mills were wrecked. It is reported that fifteen hundred lives were lost m the storm, while the list of those injured is stated to be thousands, and hundreds have been rendered homeless. Twenty-nine steamers have been wrecked along the Mauritius coast. The Lord Mayor o£ London has opened a subscription list m aid of the distressed.

DISASTROUS FLOODS.

New Yoek, May 21. In the Central States exceptionally heavy rain has fallen, and severe floods have been experienced. lowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Missouri, have suffered most, while Minnesota and Kansas have been partly inundated. Much misery has resulted, and m Chicago business is paralysed. The present estimate of the damage is many millliona of dollars.

THE VENEZUELA REBELLION

The rebels m Venezuela have made a successful attack on the city of Lastallas, but at Ciudad they were re pulsed by the Government troops.

AN ALLEGED QUACK.

St. Petersburg, May 21. Galschowsky, who was arrested on a charge of being a quack doctor, and to whom was attributed the death of M. Gressers, the Prefect of Police, has been released from custody, the authorities being unable to sustain the charge against him.

DEACON'S CASE.

Paris, May 21. Deacon, the Amerioan, who shot dead M. Abielle, the French attache at Nice, whom he found m his wife's bed room, was sentenced to a year's im prisonment. The audience received the sentence with a general tone of dissatisfaction, and the Judge and jury were hissed.

THE WOOL BILL.

Washington, May 21. The Finance Committee of the Senate are considering Mr Springer's Wool Bill, but even if they approve the measure, it is not expected that the Senate will pass it.

THE ANARCEIISTS.

Madrid, May 2t. At Bilbao the Anarchists have been very busy lately, and a recent explo sion m a dynamite factory, which re sulted m the death of nineteen personSj is attributed to them.

CONTRADICTIONS.

Paris, May 21. lloulez, the Parisian club man, who declared that ho fought four duels last week and severely injured his op ponents, now declares that the whole story is a myth. : Sofia, May 21. Dalsciel's telegram, stating that a revolt had taken place m Bulgaria, is denied.

AUSTRALIAN.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS.

Sydsky, May 20. The agricultural statistics for the season ended April, show a decrease of the area under cultivation of 6341 acres. There is also a decline m wheat growing, the yield being 16| per cent below the average of the last ten years. The total yield was 3,649,216 bushels, being an average of 10.95 per aero. ;

THE HINEMOA

Svdxey, May 22. Arrived —New Zealand Government steamer Hinemoa, from Wellington.

BIGYCLING.

At the Association's wheel races, m the two mile race at the cricket ground, J. Williams, of Bendigo, with 120 yds, was returned winner. '£. Warwick, of England, who Avas at scratch, and W. S. McCoinbe, of Victoria, with 140 yds, filled the places William^ won by twenty yards m Srain 25 3-sth sec.

LORD GLASGOW.

Adelaide, May 20. Lord Glasgow left for Melbourne by the express to-day.

VILLAGE SETTLEMENT.

Mblboujrxe, May 20. Four families, making a total of 150 persons, have left for the new village settlement at Manwandah.

THE QUEENSLAND LABOR QUESTION.

Brisbane, May 20. The Governor m Council has ap proved of the regulations regarding the employment of Kanaka labor, They consist of fifty-four clauses, and provide for every contingency which is likely to arise. Only British sub jects will be employed m recruiting, and separate accommodation "will te provided m the vessels for the Kanaka women. No firearms, liquor, or dice are to be given to the natives while on board the vessel; the recruiting agent and crew are not to sleep away from the ship, and the ship's master is to obey the instructions of the Govern ment. The labor is to be recruited m the presence of the agent and no at tempt is to be made to take those islanders who are unwilling to go to Queensland. On returning to the islands they will be taken to their own villages. A hospital is to be established m Queensland fop the treatment of. those islanders who nqay fall ill. liONDOJf, May 21. It is uonsidered possible tJjat the introduction of Kanaka lab,qr into, Queensland will result m an increased vote for the western mail service. Admiral Erskine, who was for a on the Australian station, m a l^ter to one of the leading dailies, observes wit>!* soi'iw aatl dismay the attitude

that has been adopted by the Imperial Government m the matter. He con siders that even under the most stringent regulations wrongs and abuses of the traffic will ocsur, leading invariably to reprisals and bloodshed. The proposed recruiting m New Guinea, he says, is contrary to the terras of the protectorate. ACTION AGAINST DIRECTORS. Biusbanb. May 21. After a heaftig of fifty-two days a verdict has been given m. the case of the Queensland Investment Company v. Sir Thomas Mclllwraich, Mr Palmer and others. Thirty-six questions were ' submitted to the jury. The answers were nearly all m favour of defendants, as the directors had made bona fide investments on full and sufficient security, and with the full knowledge of the London board.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Napier, May 21. Two of the unemployed who are being forwarded by the steamer Australia from Wellington to Gisborne, landed v here yesterday, and got drunk and disorderly. Thomas Ityan was sentenced to-day to three months for resisting the police, and two months extra for damaging a uniform. The other one, W. Thomas, got fourteen days. Masterton, May 21. In the perjury case against F. F. God frey, the bench considered the evidence insufficient to justify a committal of the accused. He was therefore discharged. A fresh information will be laid this morn ing against Searle. Paimerston North, May 20, Two women, Cecilia Jacobsen and Emma Hill, charged with sly grog-selling, were fined £10 and costs. Dunkdin, May 20. ] , At the annual meeting of the Free Kindergarten Association it was reported that there was a credit balance of over £100. Jn the first school I here are eighty six names on the roll and m the second seventy-nine were enrolled, but the at tendance averaged thirty-three. Several medical men and teachers referred to the excellent work being carried on. At the annual meeting of the Accli matisation Society it was resolved to strongly recommend the Government to give effect to the resolution passed at the conference of delegates of the different acclimatisation societies held at Oamaru i lately respecting the importation «.f salmon ova from the Home Country. MrW.O. Smith, president, Mr W. Sin clair, vice-president, and Mr T. Brydon, will represent, 'the Otngo Association at the Agricultural Conference, May 22. A seven-year-old son of Mr Scobie McKenzie, M.H.R., met with a fatal accident on Saturday. He was playing about an outhouse which was only nigh enough to allow him to stand up. He had evidently put Ins head but not his arms through a noose m a rope and was swinging himself when the noose slipped and caught him under the chin. The jerk dislocated his neck. The rope was only two feet from the ground, and >vhen the body was discovered the knees were just touching the ground. A boy named Fraser, son of a wcotl and coal dealer at Caversham, was killed by the overturning of a cart. Two other lads whoVere m the cart r.t the?time escaped. \ Invkkcaholl, May 21, The grain traffic on tho Southland rail ways from the first week m March till the middle of May reached 281,000 sacks, against . 188,000 m the corresponding period the previoos year, being an increase of 93,000 or nearly 30 per cent. ; ■ Dissatisfaction is expressed with! the intention of the rabbit Departmsnfc to order poisoning to commence about the middle of June. The rabbit preserving industry employs a thousand .'hands m Southland, most of whom, will bo thrown out of work, besides entailing a serious loss to the proprietors of works and in volving a serious waste of food. Those engaged m the industry ask that poison ing be postponed till the end of August and continued no longer than the middle of February. :

The Edwards' Case.

PRIVY COUNCIL DECISION

THE APPOINTMENT INVALID

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

(Received May 23, 10.30 a.m.) London, May 22. The decision m the appeal case, Buckley v. Edwards, was given yester day by the Judicial Committee of; the Privy Council, The case was brought by the Government of New to test the validity of the appointment of Mr Edwards as Judge of "the Supreme" Court, and the decision was m their favor. No costs were allowed on either side., , .

Wellington. May 23. The Government have received a cable from thd Agent-General stating that the appeal m the case Buckley v Edwards hap been allowed, the Court holding that j'ltlges can only bo appointed for whom salary is fixedi by la\y.

POLITICAL.

(fJSR PRESS ASSOCIATION],

THE DAIRY INDUSTRY, Wellington, May 23. It is proposed to ask Parliament next session for a vote to further the dairy in cluatry. The attention of the Depart ment has been drawn to the importance of having cool chambers at the chief ports and Government will probably make arrangements for these conveniences. The engagement of Mr, Sorehson,, "assistant Inspector, is up, but the vacancy will not be tilled tfll Mr Sawers returns from Mel bourne* ' .' •' ■ •'-

The Sydenham Licensing Case.

APPEAL SUSTAINED

I'EK I'UESS 4SSI JIATIOK.

Wklmngton, May 23. In the Sydenham Licensing. Case the Court unanimously allowed the appeal, bub without costs..

SECOND EDITION

THE Deeming Murders.

TEU PBESS ASSOCIATION,,. '

(Received May 23,11.3U a.m.) Mblbouhhe, May 23. The Bishop of Melbourne visited Deeming yesterday. The convict ex pressed contrition, and stated he would not make a speech on the gallows bub would die protesting his innocence,

THE EXECUTION.

(Ttectsived May 23, 1 a.m.) f Meluouunk, Mdy 23. Deeming was hanged at ten o'clock this morning, death being instanta neous. He made no statement, but merely said uLmI, receive my soul." Received May 23, 1.10 p.m.) There were about a hundred persons present at Deeming's execution, in cluding the leading doctors' and University professors and ths repre sentatives of the English, Australian, and N"e\v Zealand press. At a few minutes to ten the Deputy-Governor of the gaol entered, accompanied sby the executioners, and proceeded to the convict's cell. After prayer by the chaplain, Deeming was pinioned, and punctually at ten o'clock walked to the scaffold. He was slightly nervous, and twitched his head while the noose was being adjusted. In reply to a question whether he had anythingto say, Deeming merely replied "Lord, receive my soul." His face was pale, but other wise the doomed man seemed calm. After the drop fell there was hot the slightest movement m the body. Deeming has left a statement with the governor of the gaol, but it' ig not believed to contain anything new. Up to early this morning he continued to protest his innocepoe of the RainhUl murder.

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

AUSTRALIAN.

[per press association.]

(Received May 23, 11.30 a.m.)

DISTRESS IN SYDNEY.

Sydney, May 23. A deputation waited on the acting Premier to-day respecting the condi tion of the unemployed, Mr Barton said that m times of distress like this the magistrates should not be too severe m administering the law because a man stole bread when unable to get work. The law should be administered fairly, for people- must live. Work would be found shortly which would give employment to three thousand men for twelve months, or six thousand for six months. ;

LORD GLASGOW.

! Melbourne, May 23, I Lord Glasgow was formally received on his arrival by Lord Hopetoun. He leaves for Sydney by this aftereoon's express.

RETRENCHMENT.

The Retrenchment Committee pro poses that the Land and Agricultural Departments should be amalgamated, and suggests the advisableness cf Victoria and New South {Wales main taining one observatory betweem them, instead of two separate establisments.

FOOTBALL TEAM DROWNED.

A shocking accident occurred m the harbor on.SatuixJay. 1( The half-decked centreJbosrd boat Express was convey-, ing a team of footballers from Mordialloc to Mornfngtqn, when she was struck by a squall m the open water and capsized. The boat was found sunk stern first. Fifteen mem bers of the Mornington football Club, including three sons of the Rev, Mr Beldwell, were drowned. Three bodies only were recovered.

THE ASHBUItfON CmAttDUft: MONDAY, MAY 38, 1893.



soys. Two nines. bt lb sb lb Couranto ... 12 0 Belrnont ... 9 5 Somnambulist!. 112 Flukem ... 9 4 Waterbury 1L 5 Warrior ... 9 3 Theorem ... 10 8 Try Fluke... 9 2 Hune 10 7 Vapakura ... 9 0 Commotion 10 6 Silute 9 0 Lonely ... 10 0 Potentate .. 9 0 Shillelagh ... 10 5 Ika Vuka ... 9 0 Fabulous ... 9 9 Assassin ... 9 0 Rewarewa... 9 8 Onslow ... 9 0 Tupara ... 9 8 Never Miss 9 0 Glenete ... .9 5 Neli 9 0



st 1b st in Whalebone 11 5 Shillolagh ... 10 0 luctor&ngi ... 10 9 Waterbury... 9 H Fishmonger 10 8 Silvio 9 10 Hune ... ...10 7 I Glenelg ... 9 8 Qouranto ... 10 7 Tupara ... 9 8 Somnambulist 10 5 Salute ... 9 7 Chance ... 10 5 Potentate ... 9 7 Colonel ... 10 4 Rewarewa... 9 7 Hopeful Kate 10 4 .Scaltheen ... 9 7 Commotion 10 3 Oasl-w ... 9 7



. Date.

Shi

.de. !

High in Sun.

State of weather.

Low.

[High!

._^ _l Monday s,. Tuesday ... Wednesday Thursday... Friday Saturday ... Sunc'ay ...

33' 32' 33' 43 --40 ■ 30* 35-

76- Us' 83 --1- 1-- 1--- 11368--113-

_ __

50 --54' 58 --- 5-- 8--52 58 ---

Overcast S.E. Fine tf.E. „ N.W.

Rain S. Fine, Calm i  N.W.



A touching incident marked the consecra tion of Bishop Hortsmann m Philadelphia the other day. At the close of the sermon Archbishop Ryan addressed a few words bersonally to the Bishop-elect." "May you be ever, as you have been m the pastj the sentinel of the sanctuary," he said. "You ate soon to give us all your blessing, Ibub, first of all, lot the first tyessimj of y^ur episcopaoy be bestowed upon your mother, who is present here to day, and is justly -prpud of her son." Every member of the yafsfc congregation ""gaged expectantly at Bishop Hortsmann, who, after the mitre liad been placed upon his head, passed down from the altar and paused m tha centre aisle to receive his first pew. A tall, grej-hiired woman rose tq receive, his first blessing. {The blessing done, she threw her arms impul sively about his neck and kissed him. ' The : incident caused "a great sensation m" tho immense cathedral.



The San Frar.eisao mail is being 1 roughfc I from Wellington to Lyltelton Ly the kManaponri, and should reach Ashburton I by the morning, or at latest the txpiWJ train to-morrow. The local "Caste" company left ly express to-day for Timaru, where they rehearse to-night, and play m the 1 heat re to-morrow night. The time has been extended for receiving tenders for the construction of frrds on Boundary and Ford's roads, invited by the Longbeach Road Board. The rendei 8 must be tent m on or before Saturday. Jur.e 4. To-morrow moniing at nine o'c'ock the 'Ashburton Rifles will (muster at their head quarters and fire tlie usual feu-dc-joie m honor of her Majesty's birthday. That ceremonial over th" co npany will proceed to the range, an.i lire for the tradesmen's prizes. The following letter has been received by the secretary of the Aahburton Cycling Club, from the New Zealand Cyclists' Alliance m regard to the handicapping difficulty m connection with the recent meeting of the club:—"A,.l. Miiller Esq., Hon Secretary, Ashburton Cycling Club.— Dear Sir, —I am instructed by the Executive of the above Alliance to advise you that they have decided that the only couree open to your club is to pay over the prizes to the winners of all events at your last meeting. They consider it would be unfair to withold prizes from winners as it was not the fault of the riders the handicaps were wrong. Trusting you will pardon me for not writing to you sooner.—l am, yours truly, W. B: Wallkk. " Hotxoway's Ointment.—Sores, wounds, uleerations, and other diseases affecting the skin are capable of speedy amendment by this coolingand healing ointment, which has called forth the loudest praise from persons who have suffered for years from bad legs, bad breasts, piles, abscesses, and chronic ulcers, after every hope o{ cure had long passed away. None but those who have experienced the soothing effect of this oint ment can form an idea of the comfort it bestows by restraining inflammation and allaying pain. Wherever Holloway's Oint ment has been once used it has established its own worth, and has again been eagerly sought for as the easiest and safest remedy for all such complaints. In neuralgia, rheumatism, and gout, the same application, properly used, give wonderful relief. Keatimj's Cough Lozkngks cure Coughs, Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony j states that no other medicine' is so effectual m the cure of those dangerous maladies. One lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at I bedtime ensures rest. For relieving difficulty of breathing they are invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold I by all Chemists m tins Is 1 Jd and 3s 9d each J The Onslow Biscuit The latest and most delicate biscuit manufactured by Aulsebrook and Ob, A go@d safety manufactured by the firm for £Ip 15s is wonderful value. p^he te'e graphic address is Saviixb, Christchurch



A'inian Hyslop *nd CVs', Imperial ! Pure Ceylon and Indian Teaa are the I best in -tin, »rket—(4 r,> w4



Ckacknjsli, and "Digestive Discuiti for Invalids are unsurpassed made by



COLPTANH AND SONS EUCALYPTK Ex trvc't is the only g&nmnt} iii the market, arid was a .farded medals and diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, boating all compefcitpris. For all affections of the Chest and Lungs, Consumption, Asthma, Coughs, Colds, Gravel, and Kidney Coin plaints, ib has no equal. Agents— ABHBUMON DRpa COMIANY. ' Ask for Ninian Hyslop, and Cos Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian Teas. Sp^cia.lprice.s — < 4dv Ninian. Hyslop and Co.'s "Imperial" pure Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct I font &«. ptyMoq.. A.dvfo,



Public Notices. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. - /-^OOL>News for the Winter-Best ' T "Makes m English and Colonial BLANKETS at reduced prbes.-X*bw Zealand Clothing Facjorv^ HUGS— Opossum, Roslyn, Moggiel, &c, m endless variety.— Wtw Zealand Clothing Factory. /^ILOTHING—You will find it to your V-/ advantage to buy your Men's and Boys' CLOTHING from • us. Capital assortment and prices right.—Nbw Zea j and Clothing Factory. aaa p^s Men's Tweed TROUSERS Jj\J\J at Bs, just opened, good value. Sew Zealand Clothing Factory. GENTS' HATS—If you wish to lock well, bay your HATS from the New Zealand Clothing Factory. The fastest shapes and colours to hand. 'TT'ALUE Unequalled m Overcoats, V Waterproofs, Waterproof Riding Ayrons, Waterproof Ponchos, Bicycle Capes and Leggings, Waterproofs made to measure.--Nbw Zk aland Clothing Factory, Waterproof Manufacturers. 1 ""/^1 EN TLEMEN'S Natural Wool Under \JT clothing,' 11 "recommended by ike faculty." Winter shipments to hand. Inspection Invited. — New Zealand Clothing Factory. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING .FACTORY. W. H. Webber, Manager. Agents for WertheunOclebratsdSewing * Machine. „, ■ MAY 2t. - ADVKRTISEMENTS for Tuesdays Guardian must be handed m not later tlian 10 a.m. on that day. .- This Office will be CLOSED from 1 p.m. o 6 p.m. , ___!_ , .^. «*-*, m. i i __. LJ * Thrf'world is e^er moving on to war! perfection, bat seldom attains it. Constant improvement is being made m every branch of industry, but m Baking PowdersfTPerfaction lias beisn reached m



Wanted. J CASH Advertisements under th^s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN i WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be ' loft at this Office. WANTED, a Strong Lad, used to farm work. Apply W. n. Davis, feast Street, Ashburton. &S*&2 f\ ATEN Sheaf Chaff, £3 per ton, also %J good eating potatoes, 2s 6d per bag delivered, W. H. Shiluto, Tinwald. , 5 153 *"CIOI}ND, m Ashburton. on' Tuesday -I- May 17, A Note. Owner can have swie by sending particulars to F. 0. Hisus. 5 *154 TO LET—-A three-roomed Cottage and half acre good land. Apply .James Porteu, Nurjeryman, AUeutun, or Mul Office. " ?i!? 1 f}{\ NEW Volumes just idd'ed to my • XOvl Circulating Lib ary. Subscrip tion 3*Gd quarter;"lo*6l per annum. H. M. Jo>:bs. - . > rrf 7 ANTED Known.- The nicest stack VV • of New Winter Dress Goods, "Mantles. Millinery. &a.,. U at S. W. AXOORN AKD CO.'H 5 M -kxrANTED Known—Dr Scott's cele ;> W brated Electric Corset c-au only be obtained m Ashburton at* W. H. Colmkr's, "The Corner." 'XrfANTED, purchasers of Blankets, YV Flannels, and General Drapery to remomber that Best Value m the trade is at P. W. Alcors and Co.'s 5 51 \l/"ANTED Known.—lf yoi w.int VV plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing f f;r cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Segues. I "fTfT ANTED, —Apprentices totheDress- TT making. Apply Mrs Meech, Tancred Street, opposite Dr. Trevor's. WAITED Known —I have a large " stock of Tin. and Ironware Goods o select from. Register Grates, Stoves, °ortable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging finp f-in stock.—J. W. Havlvuw, East afreet. 6t202 ~XX7 ANTED Known. - Come and see VV the Bargains now on at Melford House.-H. C. Sbgees. 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. Silcogk. 4+182 "TTTHITriNGTON'S Tomato Sauce. VV together with testimonials, may be seen at "Mrs Jambs', Fruiterer, East Street, and Mrs Pearson's, Fruiterer, Wakanui Road, where orders will be received and prices given. 3 100 /"CHOICEST new season's Figs and \J Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2s each.—H. &. Flowbk, Confectionar, East street. ANTKD~ KNONVN^iot) Lidioa Maids' and Children's Ulsters und Jackets (mostlygoodqualiliea) mtak&d cheap to clear. Many one third and half the ucual price.—H. C. Skgers, Mwlford House. ANTED KNOWN, Grand display of new Millinevy, UUterj., and Jaokefcs. at most reasonable prices at >_Tjgg_Coßyß«. > ALL Wool Colonial Twosd Suits to measure; fib and workmanship fruarnnfceecl; from 60a cash. Kobkri AmokK, Ashburton Clothing M»ri-, S-iunders' Buildings. __________ W"^~A'NTED Known—That you mil make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, ana lv highly reputed make by callini? at J. Moison'sS. During coming holidays dif souutfor Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept acd beat material and workmanship guaranteed. ALL Dresses, Evening {i}?™ s > Mounts m Silver and Gold, Mutts, Fur Collarettes, Ladies' Evening Shoes, Inviaorator Corsets, with straps,. V and N. Zone and all other makes, just opened.—An prew Our. 4 5' /Genuine salf, to reduce stock, VJT previous to Stock-taking. Book*, Stationery for office and private me Music, Account Books all sizv«, Parlor Games, and a variety of other goods too numerous to particularise. All goods Reduced m Price for Cask during this month. —L. F. Anmuswes am> Co. Stationer's Hall, Ashburton.