MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— SATURDAY, May 14. For Grey mouth (direct), per Kawatm, at 6.30 a.m. -. _. , For Weßtport (direct), per Dingadee, at 0.30 a.m. " , , For South America, United Kingdom, and Continent of Burope, (specially addressed correspondence only) per s.s. Aorangi, at 630 a.m. .., . ' For Kaikorua, per Jane Douglas, at 0.J30 p.m.; late fee letters, guards van, 6.55 p.m. For Northern Ports, per Rotorua, at O-JSO p.m.; late fee letters, guards van, 6.55 p.m. WEDNESDAY, May 18. For United Kingdom, Continent of Europe and America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, etc., and also for Northern Ports New Zealand, per Taka puna, as follows :—Ordinary letters, books, and newspapers, 6.50 p.m.; registered leUers, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m.; late fee letters express van, 6.55 p.m. This mail is due m London on June 22. ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Tongariro, left April 16, dua London May 27. Ruahine left April 21, due London June Arawa, left April 30, due London, June 10. _ , Aorangi, leaving May 14, due London June 24. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, left April 22, due London May 23.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1892. A WEEKLY HALF HOLIDAY.

For some reason or other, probably not difficult to trace, Ashburton is far behind the times m the matter of holiday keeping, as compared with many other towns m Canterbury. This does not speak well for the common sense of the residents, and says little for some of the shipowners and others engaged m business, whohave young men and women m their employ. We are glad to learn that an effort is being made to secure this boon, which, for the credit of the town, we hope will be carried into effect very shortly. There are positively no substantial arguments against such a half holiday, while those m favour of it are legion. It is hardly necessary to enlarge upon the advantages that would accrue from it, but to assist the promoters at the present juncture we point out a few of the leading benefits that a half-holiday would bring about. Foremost among these is the great benefit to health. Young men and women, even m the most favored establishments, and m the most healthy localities, must, if they are confined to those establishments day after day and evening after even ing, become more or less injuriously affected by the strain on their constitu tions, and will gradually but surely be sowing the seeds of lung and other diseases, which follow on continuous indoor life. They are prevented from taking part m any athletic or pleasure giving sports, so beneficial to the young of both sexes, and are precluded from enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, except on Sundays. The young men m particular are hindered from taking a lively interest m th<j records of prowess which are constantly set before them m the public prints, because they lack that interest that & practical knowledge of the various games m which that prowoaa io attained would give them. They naturally feel when they are reading reports of football or cricket matches, or of the doings of a renowned athlete, that these mat ters do not interest them, be cause from want of time to practise they cannot emulate them ; but they should be vitally interested, for to reach a good old age exercise of the right sort is necessary to provide a sound body for a sound mind. Brought up as shopmen or mechanics, and learn ing nothing but their daily routine of work, they lose all interest m sports of a manly character and fail to appreciate the grand re&ults to be attained from mingling together for the development of muscle and good fellowship. With a regular weekly half holiday—to be depended upon—they would be able to take a part m all good national sports such as cricket and football for the men, tennis and calisthenics for the females, and thus learn to look forward each week to a thorough change of scene and activity. The benefits to their employers would be incalculable. They would find their employees better fitted for their work taking more interest m their several duties, anxious rather to earn the commendation of their employers than to accept it as a favour, and to show their employers that no loss to j them would arisp t but rather a gain, ps the work would be better and more cheerfully done and m less time than j under the present arrangements. The employers themselves would find great relief m a few hours freedom | m each week from the cares and worry of business. Let it be made generally known that a half holiday is required, and that every Wednesday or Thursday is the day, and all the respectable trades-people will close their places of business on the afternoon fixed, and the customers will promptly make their arrange nents accordingly. The experiment has been made m Timaru Temuka, Winchester, Waitnate and other places, and has proved more than satisfactory ; so that Ashburton need not hesitate. Indeed at these places the system has become so general that those trades-people who have do employees, find it to their own personal advantage to close up, and follow the general bent. A few difficulties appeared at first to hinder the operation of the holiday^ but less than a month showed that they no longerexisted Nothing of thekind need exist m Ashburton. We would suggest that the matter be submitted to a public meeting of the burgesses, when it would, we think, be found to have fewer difficulties facing it than are anticipated. We wish the promoters of the half holiday movement a speedy realization of their wishes.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

At the meeting of the North Canterbury Education Board on Thursday, the Building Committee reported that no funds were available for painting the outside of Hainp stead school. Leave of absence for two months—one month on full p;iy—was granted to the master of Penlarves School. The election of Peudarves School Com roittce was declared, invalid,

The North Canterbury education Board j have approved of the principle of appointing j truant officers to enforce the compulsory., clauses of the Education Act. A man died ao Melton-green, Cheshire His bupbismal certificate was dated 99 years back, and he remembered walking to the church for the ceremony. The fastest regular train m the world is run between Hamburg and Berlin, Germany, ! making|fiftytwo and one-third miles per hour, including stops. Rev. Joseph Davies, Welsh Baptist minis ter of Bifkenhead, was surprised on return ing home from attending a meeting to find that his family of six, by the arrival of trip lets, had been increased m his absence to nine. Itseem3 that at Hyderabad a photo graphic studio has been opened m which the operators are all women. The Koran for bids the making of portraits, but the muftis have declared that photography cannot be included m the prohibition, since the prophet knew nothing about it. The moral the "Taieri Advocate" draws from the Bruce election is that " For a long time to come the scheme of State aid to pri vate schools, unless it can be propounded m some new and more attractive form, is as dead aH Julius Csesar." The Chief Postmaster wrote to the North Canterbury Education Board asking that persons seeking employment m the Posta Department might have their educational fitness tested byone of the Board'slnspectors. The Board decided they could not incur any responsibility for persons not taught m its tohooli. ' A child, three and a half years old, named Francis Vere Mitchell, son of Mr J. A. Mitchell of Richmond, Christchurch, fell into a tub of scalding soapsuds on Monday, and died from the injuries on Tuesday. Four doctors attended him, and one of them gave a certificate. Three well-known Temuka residents, Dr J. S. Hayes and Messrs W. Akroyd and P. Coira are about to visit their native lands, and had a "send off" m the form of a dinner, on Wednesday evening, when they received the good wishes of a numerous gathering. Before Messis David Thomas and W. G. Rees, J.P.s, this morn ing Matthew Patterson pleaded guilty to a charge of having been drunk m Moore Street the previous evening. The prisoner had only finished a two months sentence for assault, and been liberated on May 6. The Magistrates fined him 10s and costs, with the alternative of forty-eight hours' imprisonment. The wisest of us have our pet super stitions, one or more. The great house of Rothschild has |unwritten canons on the subject. The head of the firm, if he met a pig on his way to his office, would not con | elude any financial transactions on that day. On one occasion he determined rise above his weakness, and after meeting his omen he arranged a large loan by whio the firm lost over a million sterling. At an auction sale m London som Madeira wine supposed to hive bee n presented by Napoleon 111. fetched thrree c guineas a bottle. A set of Henry vnl pennies sold for £4, and some antique silver realised 303 an ounce. Some pearls belong ing to the late Miss Forbes, ot Wimbledon, who claimed to be the lineal descendant of James 11., and which were found mm her coach-house after her decease, fetched £19,000, one necklace selling for £5000. A huge mustard plaster, made of one hun dred pounds of the best mustard, mixed to the proper consistency m a barrel, was I applied recently to the Elephant Queen Jumbo, m Golden Gate Park, San Fran cisco. The animal had shown symptoms of pneumonia ; and the plaster, aided by an internal application of five ounces of quinine m two gallons of whisky, effected a cure. The police of St. Petersburg took special measures for the safety of the Imperial Family on the 13th and 14th March, m con sequence of the receipt of secret information from the Paris police.that the revolutionary party were preparing an attempt upon the Czrr's life on one of these dates, rendered memorable as the anniversary of the assas ination of the Emperor Alexander 11. and the accession of his son. The following gentlemen have been nominated for the vacant seat on the Board of Education caused by the resignation of MrT. S. Weatoh":—Messrs T. W. Adams, T Gordon, John Holmes, Thoe. York, and the Revs P. R. Munro and A. Whitehouse. School Committees will have to send the name of the person they vote for from the above list to tb.3 office of the Board on or before May 6. This morning an accident happened m Cass Street by which the shafts of Mr Andrew Orr's waggonette were broken. The horse became restive, and getting a leg over the shaft, fell down, doing the mischief men tioned. The boy who was driving was not hurt, and no other damage was done to the vehicle. When the animal was got upon its legs again, it was found that it also had not been injured. One o£ the objectors before the Board of Reviewers at Ohristchurch made a quain observation. "I want to point out," said he, " that the Salvation Army are going to build close by the section which we are objecting about, and I would ask you Mr Chairman, whether the Salvation Army coming into the Btreetf will improve the property mit ?" The Chairman declined to answer the question, feeling no doubt unable to measure the alleged depreciation m value as suggested by the objector.—"Press." The ratepayers' meeting held recently at Marton (says the " Fielding Star ") upon the question of purchasing a recreatiou ground was conducted m a manner that is becoming peculiar to Marton. There were two chair men, for as soon as the Mayor was down another was up. We don't think more than six people spoke at a time though a dozen were yelliu^ abusive personalities as inter jections, and as everyone wanted a different; thing, we strongly recommend tor peace's sake that whatever ground is obtained should be divided off by hurdles and allow each ratepayer to recreate himself by himself. The annoymons writer of the po3t card to the Edinburgh Observatory who set all the astronomers m the world—for there is reason to believe the American astrono mers knew something of it towards the end of December —on the alert for the new star, was the Rev Thomas D. Anderson, D.Sc, Edinburgh. The remarkable, thing about the discovery is that it was made by means of a small hand spyglass with astro nomical eye-pieces, which magnified only ten times. Mi Anderson might have been earlier m the field with his discovery, but he thought astronomers must be aware of the presence of the star. Not seeing any references, however, to it anywhere, he thought be would risk the anonymous post card, so that if he were simply announcing "pipers' news " his identity would be con cealefl. Thie annual meeting of subscribers was held m the Chcrtsey Library last Tuesday evening. Mr D. T. Todd m the chair. The Secretary, MrG.Scarlett, waspresent, and the Treasurer, Mr H. StringfeJlow, submitted a statement of accounts which showed that a balance of £16 7s 6d was on hand, with outstanding subscriptions to the amount of £4 ss. On the motion of Mr Downie, seconded by Mr Childs, the balance-sheet was adopted as read. The following Com mittee were elected to hold office for the ensuing year:—Messr3 Todd (chairman), Childs, Murphy, Scarlett, McDowell, H. Stritigfellow, Matthews, Ballance, and Downie. Messrs Scarlett and Stringfellow were re-elected Secretary and Treasurer respectively. The Chairman was instructed to write to the Government Survey office for a plan of the Chertsey township. To prevent future irregularities m the giving out of books, it was resolved to allow no subscriber to have the key of the library except on ordinary nights, unless holding a written authority from the Chairman or the Secretary of the Committee, Messrs Scarlett, Childa, H. Stringfellow, and the Chairman were appointed to draft out a set of rules for sub mission to the Committee. Librarians were appointed for the winter months, so that the library will be open every Tuesday and Saturday evening between the hours of half-past seven and nine. It was resolved to call for tenders for the erection of a chimney. The next meeting was fixed for Jane 7. Cracknisll and Digestive Biscuits for invalids are unsurpassed, made by

THE Deeming Murders.

[per press association.] Melbourne, May 12. The Medical Association has made a j request to the Government that Deeming's head should be handed to them for scientific research. London. May 11. The solicitors believe that Deeming does not intend to appeal, or he would not have made a confession. May 12. No petition has been lodged m the case of Deeming. .

LABOR MATTERS.

OPINIONS OF MINISTERS. PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION.] London, May 11. In reply to a deputation from the London Trades Council re the eight hours system, the Premier said he believed that a reduction in houres would not produce an increase in work or wages. It would Vie a treraendoua experiment risking the interests of the whole community and would drive many employers to countries where a lower rate of wages was in force. He believed any attempt to force the system into operation would injure the , workmen most. The slower action^of public opinion was preferable to in voking the aid of the law or ordering strikes. He admitted that sympathy with the movement was growing, but employers would certainly defeat any immediate attempt to limit the hours by legislation. Mr Balfour concurred >in Lord Salisbury's opinion. He thought an eight hours law would not apply equally to all conditions of labor, and would prove as crude a method of solving the difficulty as the use of strikes. Lord Salisbury, Messrs Balfour and Goschen also received a deputation on the subject of commercial and rural labour, in the course of which the Premier mentioned that the Govern ment had arranged to confer with the United States on the silver question. Mr F. G. Shipton introduced the eight hours deputation to the Govern ment, and stated it was not desired to include trades which desired exemption. The Marquis of Salisbury said he gathered from the deputation that they admitted there was only a general desire for a legal eight hours, and that there was not any unanimity in the matter. He thought much additional discussion was required before action was taken which would embody the common wish. He doubted if legisla tion would prove easy or safe, and the belief that wages would remain un altered was a most marvellous convic tion. He mentioned that consumption was certain to decrease, and emp'oy-. ment must diminish. Mr Balfour, in replying, said it was rash to rely on Parliament to effect the objects of the deputation, which could be much better achieved by other methods. Mr John Barns was not one of those forming the deputation.

ROAD BOARD.

MOUNT voOMERS.

The monthly meeting of the Mount Somers Road Board was held on Monday, May 2. Present—Messra Peache (Chair man), Edson, Syme, Chapman and Me Millan. The Overseer's report was read and considered. Gorge Road, Woolshed Flat portion-^lt was resolved to partly reform this road, so as to stop the sidea from washing away. Pound Road.—lt was resolved to shingle about twenty chains of this road ; also to form about twenty-four chains of Simp son's road. The Overseer was instructed to call tenders for the works, O'bhea's Road.—lt was resolved to withdraw the Board's permission for gates to be on this road, and the Clerk was in structed to write to Mr O'Shea to that envct, and to request him to have the gates remove^ by the end of the month. Gorse on Roads. —It was resolved to notify owners that the gorse on the roads adjoining then land must be removed by the end of July. Correspondence was read from five of the Alford Forest Village Settlers, asking for the road adjoining lots 3 and 4 to be closed, and one m a line with Grant's to be^oper.ed m its place.—lt was resolved to recommend the alteration to the Chief Surveyor. From Messrs Dalgety and Co., asking the Board to put Mr Musgrave on the roll for the Lake Heron Station,—Ordered to be done* From Mr John Hood, drawing the Board's attention to the bad state of the lid to the well.—Resolved to nail down the lid, unless Mr Wright used the well, and m that case he be requested to put a proper and safe top on it. From the Chief Surveyor, agreeing to the proposed work on the Alford Village Settlement roads. —Received. From the Receiver of Land Revenue, j that he has lodged m the bank £2 9s 7d, being thirds from R.S. 36185 and 36194. —Received. From the Commissioner of Taxes, for warding statement of values for the fchr,ee years commencing April 1, 1891, for inspection and correction. From Mr Herring, Manager Alford Estato, asking for alteration to be made to the roll with respect to land sold ; and from the Manager New Zetland Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, with similar request.—Resolved that owing to the quantity of land changing hande, appli cation for alterations to the roll must be endorsed by the buyer before being received ; and the Clerk was instructed to return the above applications for that purpose with a copy of the resolution. Tenders were opened for several works, and the lowest m each case accepted as follows:—Price's road, J. Brown, Is 8d per yard ; Gough's road, A. Harvey, forming 6s 3d per chain, shingling Is 3fd per yard ; Buccleuch road, A. Harvey, Is 3d per yard ; Spoor's road, T. Fagan, forming 3s per chain, drain 2s per chain, shingling Is 7d per yard ; Village Settle ment road, No. 1 contract, A. Gunderson, forming 3s 6d per chain ; Village Settle ment road, No. 2 contract, A. Grant, 9s per chain; Village Settlement road, ! shingling, T. Fagan, Is 4d per yard. Trie pay-sheet, amounting to £96 36s sd, was passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

The annual meeting of ratepayers of the Mount Somers Road District was held m the Board's office on Monday, May 2. Mr Peache, Chairman of the Board, took the chair. About twenty-five ratepayer? were present. The balance-sheet showed receipts, in cluding balance from previous year, £511 13s 2d, a total of £1081 Is sd, and ex penditure £535 11s 2d, leaving a credit balance of £545 10s 3d. It Avas resolved that the accounts be passad so far as the meeting could do. so btfyjvo the audit,

MrJEL Martin asked whether persons leasing gravel-pit reserves were supposed j to keep the gorse grubbed. The'chairman stated that the old leases did not contain that clanse, but any new ones would, as the same question had been asked last annual meeting. Resolved that Mr Hood be requested to call a meeting to consider the best means of destroying the small birds. It j was also resolved that Mr Wright M.H.It. - be written to, asHnsr him to bring m an I act for the compulsory destruction of small birds, A conversation took place about the gates on O'Shea's road. The Chairman informed the meeting that the Board had withdrawn its permission for the gates to be on the road. Mr A. McFarlane proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman and members for their past services; seconded by Mr Fagan and carried, and the meeting then ad journed.

Christchurch Presbytery

ASHBURTON DISTRICT BUSINESS.

At the meeting of the Christchurch Presbytery on Wednesday, Mr W. Gavin reported oh beha'f of the Rev P. J. Riddle that a vote had been taken m the Methven-Bangitata congre gation, and sixty-three had voted for the Rev B. J. Westbrooke, and thirty-nine m favor of the Rev Mr McKee. Mayfield, however, was m favor of hearing mora candidates. The Rer R. Erwin commented very strongly upon the mode of procedure that had been adopted, and said that to take a vote such has had been done waa a direct violation of Presbyterial law. He also mentioned that the remuneration received by candidates who had preached for the vacancy was ridiculously small. After a discussion, the matter dropped. The Rev A. Blake moved, as per notice —-'■' That this Presbytery, m pursuance of the instructions of the General Assembly, and m keeping with the action taken by the Otago Church, tatce steps to memorialise the Government m favor, of Bible reading m schools m accordance with the provisions of the English Educa tion Act of 1870." The morer spoke at some length, giving a number of xeasons why he considered that it was desirable that the Bible should be introduced into, the State schools. He referred to the resolution of [ General Assembly which neb m Auckland m February, eiijoining Presbyteries to co-operate with the Otago Church m petitioning Parliament. The Otago Association had spared neither money nor pains since 1881 to secure the object m view. The fact that religious instruc tion was given under the School Beards of London and was working well, showed that the usual objections made were theo retical and disappeared m practice. The present system of education was ad mirable, but there was this great detect — the exclusion of that Book without the knowledge of which a nun could not be said to be educated. It was well referred to m the Canterbury report of 1863, from which it appeared that the majority of the inhabitants would never be satisfied with the exclusion of the Book. The pet'tions at present being signed m Otago proved the same thing. Numbers were being added to the electoral roll every year, who had come from our public schools and had never read the Bible, and there was a growing desire for its reiatro duction on tho part of numbers m all denominations. The Rev H. Irwin seconded the motion. The Moderator said that m England the denominational system was supported by the Government on the broad groun I of political justice, but he contended that if that were done here the price would be too great to pay for the advantages they might receive. If Bible reading m the public schools were conceded, it would lead to grants being made to the Angliciu and Roman Catholic denominations on the grounds of political justice, as m England. The present system of educa tion m New Zealand could nob be called a purely secular, system unless by a gross abuse of the English language. He had recently taken up a sixth standard reading book and found that some of the lessons contained the best of religious teachings, [t would be more reasonable to hold a Conference among themselves, and discuss the matter fully instead of bringing it before Parliament m its present form. After some discussion it was resolved on the motion of the Rev A. M. Beattie, seconded by the Rev W. J. Gow—" Tint the debate be postponed till next meeting, with a view to a conference on "the subject."

SPORTING.

GERALDINB AUTUMN MEETING. Obari, May 12. The following concludes our report.— Disposal Stakes, of 20 soys, winner to be sold for 5 soys ; six furlongs.—The Jewel, 1; Loiter, 2 ; Almond, 3. Won by a head. Dividend —£2. The winner was bought m at 19 soys. Welter Handicap, of 25 soys ; seven furlongs.—Sebastopel, 9st 41b, 1; Beau ! Nash, list 131 b, 2 ; Beach, 9st, 3. Eight ran. Won by three-quarters of a length. Dividend-£137 3s. Hack Selling Race, of 10 soys; five furlongs.—Fire King, 1; Loiter, 2; Fraud, 3. Seven ran. Won by a head. Dividend —£24 4s. The winner was bought m for £40 10s. Squatters' Handicap, of 25 soys ; on<s mile.—Count D'Orsay, bst, 1 ; Coinage, Bdt 81b, 2; Countess, 7st 51b, 3. Six ran. Won by half a length. Dividend— £5 Bs.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

THE RAILWAY ASSAULT.

(I SR PfcESs ASSOCIATION.)

(Received May 13, 11.40 a.m.)

London, May 12. The Hon. Patrick Greville Nugent was convicted of the charge of assault ing Miss Price m a railway carriage, and sentenced to six months hard labor.

THE MONEY MARKET.

The cheapness of money continues, and the stock market is animated. Everything is rising. Short loans are at J per cent, and three months bills at -| to 1 per cent.

SALVATION ARMY.

[Received May 13, 12.40 p.m.)

London, May 12. General Booth is m treaty with the Shaw Saville and Albion Shipping Company to convey a band of his oversea colonists to New Zealand instead of Cape Colony.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Brussels, May 11. Dynamite cartridges are constantly being found m Liege.

FATAL CATASTROPHE.

Vienna, May 11. In Buda Pesth a tram car was partly demolished by a charge of dynamite, but no one was killed. Buenos Aykes, May 11. A skating rink m the city collapsed^ and thirty persons were killed,

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received May 13, 11.40 a.m. THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT Melbourne, May 13. Mr Duncan Gillies has been elected Leader of the Opposition.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION, CREMATION. London, May 12. Baron Bramwell directed that his body should be cremated at Woking. HOME RULE. Sir W. V. Harcourtj ia the course of an address to an immense meeting at Bristol, ridiculed the idea of Ulster rebelling. Fenian Unionism would be as bad as Fenian Home Rule. He accused the Premier of preaching treason. INTERNATIONAL FRUIT SHOW An International Fruit ShoT is to be held m London m September. It is expected that the colonies will send exhibits. THE HANBURY DIVORCE CASE The appeal m the Hanbury divorce case tried m March was dismissed. Lord Esher, Master of the Rolls, said, a criminal was responsible unless his disease of mind was so great that he was unable to understand the nature or results of an act. The jury were the sole and ultimate judges of the scientific evidence as to the state of mind. Justice Lindley concurred; THE IMPERIAL INSTITUTE. Owing to the death of the Duke of Clarence, her Majesty the Queen has postponed the opening of the Imperial Institute until next year, but a portion will be opened m June for business and social purposes. PAN-BRITANNIC FESTIVAL. The Right Hon. A. J. Balfour con siders that a pan-Britannic festival is likely to develope good feeling between the English speaking races, but State patronage and control is undesirable. ELECTION. The election for the North Hackney seat m the House of Commons, ren dered vacant by the death of Lieu tenant-General Sir Lewis Pelly (Con servative), took place today, and re sulted m the election of Mr Bonsfield, the Unionist candidate, by a majority of 969 over Mr Meates, the Liberal candidate.

TEE SUNDAY QUESTION.

Washington, May 11. A million people have signed a peti tion against opening the Chicago Exhibition on Sundays. TEIiRIBLE COLLIERY EXPLOSION. Fifty miners were killed by a colliery explosion at Iloslyn, m Washington territory.

EXPULSION OF SOCIALISTS.

St. Pktersbtjeg, May 11. Three hundred foreigners have been expelled from Lodz, m Poland, and forty others sentenced to long terms of imprisonment as Socialists.

RIOTS IN THE LEEWARDS.

I'a.u.s Alay 11. Intelligence has been received that riots have broken out m the French Leeward Islands, West Tndies, among the coloured population. The Govern ment warship Tahiti is engaged m quelling the disturbance.

CANADIAN RETRENCHMENT.

Ottawa, May 11. The Canadian Government is dis missing several hundred postmen, and reducing the railway expenses.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, May 12, The cutter Eak has been driven ashore at Paparoa, near Coromandel; no lives lost. Jt is expected to get the vessel off. In connection with the robbery of £170 from the purser's cabin of the Tarawera at Sydney wharf, it transpires that the chief engineer saw a man with a Glad stone bag hanging about the passages leading to the cabin; and spoke to him. He has little doubt that was the man who broke into the purser's cabin. It seems certain the robbery was perpetrated while the vessel was at Sydney wharf, although the discovery was only made the day after the steamer left. New Plymouth, May 13. The inquest on the body of a native named Jeremiah, who died a short time since, resulted m a verdict being returned that he died from acute pneumonia, death being accelerated through hin leaving the i hospital against the doctor's orders. Wellington, May 12. The Rev. Father McNamara, S.M., has resigned the offices of Vicar-General and administrator of the Catholic parish, owing to ill-health, and he leaves shortly ' for Australia. Should the change have a beneficial effect he will return to New Zealand. The Gear Meat Company have sent to Sydney by a Union Company's steamer a hamper of game for Lord Glasgow on the passage from Sydney to New Zealand.

POLITICAL

Christchurch, May 12. A deputation of the Knights of Labor wj-ited on the Premier this morning to lay before the Government a scheme for the formation of a settlemonfc m the North Island on co-operative principles. They asked that the Government should provide funds to establish the scheme, and that as the runs fall m they should be devoted to this purpose. The Premier promised to consider the matter.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

JFKR PitMS ASSOCIATION]. The Birlmnu JUjrtttr.ry. Wellington, May 13. The inquest on Dickscn. found dead m Sydney street, will be resumed this after noon. The police have been tracing the evidence given by the woman Tierney, who said she saw somebody strike de ceased with a bottle, and have come to the conclusion that she is mistaken, and that there has been no foul play. Welliug-ton Flr««. Returns prepared for the City Council show that during the past three years ninety five fires occurred m the City, m buildings valued at £83,400 ; the total damage was £13,403 ; and the cost, of maintaining the fire brigade during the same period was £3571- Xhe MiNiilng- Pronpitctom. New Plymouth, May 13. The prospectors Roderiguez and Amos, who were reported lost, have turned up ; but the old man Coad is slill missing.

THE MARKETS.

Grain and Produce.

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange Report for the week ending May 14 :—^Wheat—Little more activity during the week. We submitted a large mixed line of sound, and all the offers Were the same—3s 6d, f.0.b., though we subsequently placed at a shade higher for an urgent demand Barley.—The market has fallen fiat. We have seen several lots for which good offers were made, put into store for a higher price, and the growers wish they may get it, though we fear they ' will not. Oats.—Very little demand and i few offering. Potatoes. —A few offered for delivery to August at 21s ; for im-1 mediate delivery price as las*;. The following are the prices paid to farmers f.o.b- packages extra :—Wheat, prime Tuscan 8s 7d, Pearl 3s tsd, Hunter's 3s sd. Oats, milling Is Bd, feed sorts Is 4d to Is 6|d. Barley, fair malting 3s 6d, feed descriptions Is 9d to 2s. Beans, 3s Id to 3s 2d. Peas, blue prusbians 2s lid to 3s. Ryegrass, machine dressed 3s to 3a 6d. Cocksfoot, same as last. Butter, factory lOd, farmer's 7d to 9d per lb. Cheese, 3d to 3|d. Potatoes, 17s 6d for immediate delivery.

Ashurton Markets.

MR DAVID THOMAS. Mr David Thomas reports upon the live stock market for the week ending Friday, May 13 :—The usual weekly stock salp was held at the Tinwald yards, where the total entries yarded were 6571 sheep, 21 cattle, 23 pigs, and 11 rams, of which my entry comprised 3561 sheep, 21 cattle, 23 pigs, and 11 rams. When you review the past six months, you think what a wonderful amount of stock must have changed hands during that period. In the Ashburton district al.me since November 3, there have been twenty-eight sales at the yards, and the entries for those sales tallied as f0110w5—193,703 sheep, 576 cattle, 379 pigs, and 898 rams, making an average of about 6918 sheep, 20 cattle, 13 pigs, and 32 rams weekly. My entries for that period were 103,735 sheep, 431 cattle, 253 piga, and 625 rams. Besides these totals nearly as much muat have changed hands privately, according to the reports of the various salesmen. And yet, after all, there are not enough sheep of the right class m the district to satisfy the demand. Not so long ago our yards were filled weekly with large lines of merino ewes, and the knowing ones declared the market was completely overdone. Consequently the speculators took fright, and ceased sending forward large mobs. But now where ai c those merino ewes ?—why they are held by their owners for the lambing season, and those who have held off ex pecting to be able to purchase when it suited them, are now m a hole. I could place about 5000 sound-mouthed merino ewes m less than a week, without any difficulty. Good turnip sheep are a?so very scarce, and the bulk of the purchasers are satisfying themselves with merino wethers, which, if m forward condition, will turn out well, but those which ara backward may cause some disappointment totheirowners. On Tuesday my principal sales were as follows:— Fat sheep and fat lambs :—44 crossbred ewes lls Id, 32 crossbred ewes 10s 6d, 50 merino ewes 7a Bd, 43 merino ewes 6s 2d, 8 crossbred ewes 9s 9d, 33 crossbred ewes 10s 7d, 35 merino wethers 9s 9d, 20 merino ewes 7s 3d, 62 lambs lls 2d, 353 two tooths 13s 2d, 100 crossbred lambs 10s lid, 213 lambs 10s lOd, 151 two-tooths 15s, 259 crossbreds 14s lOd, 184 two-tooths 13s 6d, 150 two-tooths 13s 7d, 912 lambs lls 6d, 54 merino wethers 9s 2d, 16 cross breds lls. Store sheep and lambs: -26 merino ewes m lamb 2s Id, 96 merino ewes 6s, 85 merino ewes 5s lid, 267 merino ewes m lamb 4s 3d, 59 merino ewes 4s 2d, 217 merino ewes 6s 3d, 558 merino ewes m lamb 5s lid, 1 ram 8s 6d, 2 rams 17s, 3 rams 30s. Cattle :—1 cow £6, 3 fat cows £14 10s, 3 cows £5 17s 6d, 2 steers £4 7s, 3 heifers £3 16s, 1 cow £6, 4 steers £6 2s 6d, 2 heifers £5 17s 6d, 1 cow £5, 1 cow £4 6s, 1 cow £6 5s 6d, 2 cows £6 17s 6d, 2 cows £2 10s, 1 cow £2 lls. Pigs :—4 bacon pigs £112s, 6 fat pigs £1 4s, 1 pig 7s, 13 porkers 15s 6d. Horse Market:—On Saturday last I held my weekly horse sale, when 1 offered 36 horses. The sale was a very poor one owing to the roughness of the weather, very few people being m town. Ifc would be useless to quote the prices obtained at last Saturday's sale, as they would be no criterion to go by. Any one having good young unbroken draughts for sale I should advise sending them forward at oncn, as I. have several inquiries for them.

Claiming a Husband.

PER PBESS ASSOCIATION, Invercargill May 12. Quite a romance came before Mr Raw son, R.M., this afternoon, wheira woman laid a complaint that James Brown, a horse dealer, her husband, had deserted her, at Wallacetown and left her destitute. The man denied all knowledge of the com plainant, and had never seen her till she came to the hotel where he boarded last month and claimed him as her husband. The woman's story was that her name was Mary Quealy. a native of County Glare, Ireland ; that she and defendant had grown up together from childhood; m 1878 when she was sixteen years of age, they were married. Being unable to keep house they continued to live wich their parents, and shortly afterwards Brown emigrated to this colony. Several years passed during which she never heard from him, but rumours occa sionally reaching her of his whereaboufs she came to New Zealand m 1889. As her husband had the marriage certificate, 6he brought an acknowledgment from the priest who had married them. She settled m Hokitika, where she had a half brother and sister, and worked tot her living all the time, making enquiries about her husband. Hearing that he was living m Inveroargill and seeing his name attached to a horse advertisement, she gave up her situation and came here, and identified defendant as the man to whom she was married, Although he denied that he knew her. Cross-examined, she said that Miss Kelly, of Westport, and Martin Clohesy, of Reefton, knew both her and her husband, and where m the village when they were married, and although not preseut they knew that the ceremony took place. Although she had beeii an attendant m a lunatic asylum her associa tion with the patients had not affected her mind. She had never claimed any other man as her husband. She had always gone by the name of Mrs Brown Defendant's counsel said that this was* the second woman m New Zealand who had claimed defendant as her husband. His Worship lefused to make an order. If that were done on such evidence no man would be safe. Complainants solicitor asked that defendant should go into the witness box, but (he other side declined, and were upheld by the Bench, on the ground that so far there was no case to answer, defendants assertion that he did not know the woman being suffi cient till further proof of identity was brought. His counsel said thab Brown would do his duty by the woman when she satisfied him that she was his wife.

COURSING.

DUNEDIN 'PLUMPTOM MEETING

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.^ J Dtoedin, May 13. In the first round of the Sfc Leger Mr R. Alexander's Sir Bryan and living's Gift, which were the only Ashburton competitors, were both beaten.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN; FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1893.



A good safety manufactured by the firm for £15 15s is wonderful value. The tele graphic address is Savillk, Christchurch Have Healthy Children by nourish ng them with A.ulsebrook aid. Co's Arrow root Biscuits. The world is ever moving on towar i 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 Can-1 Bp Beat. Holloway's OiNTME.ra.—Sores, Wounds, Ulcerations, and other diseases affecting the skin are capable of speedy amendment by this cooling and healing ointment, which hae called forth the loudest praise from persons who have suffered for years from bad leg?, bad breasts, piles, abscesses, and chronic ulcers, after every hope of 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. Whenever Holloway's Oint ment has been once used it has established I 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, gives wonderful relief,



Skins, —Our next sale of wool, skins, hides, etc., will be hold on Friday, May 20.



MR JOHN G. RKSTFJJC Mr John G. Restell, m conjunction with the New Zealand Loan and Mercan tile Agency Company, Limited, perJ. R. Bland auctioneer, reports for the week ending May 12—At the Tinwald yards on Tuesday, May 10, there was a good atten dance of farmers, dealers and others, and the prices obtained were quite equal to those of previous sales, with the exception of old merino ewes m lamb, which suffered a drop of 6d to Is per head, but for all young sheep there was a brisk demand. The entry was one of the smallest, for some time past, being only 6571 sheep, twenty-one head cattle and twenty-three pigs, of which we sold 1209 sheep as fol lows :—Nine crossbred two-tooths at 153, twenty fat crossbred ewes at 13s 6d, forty fat crossbred ewes at 12s 6d, 143 sound mouth crossbred ewes m lamb at 12s lOd, ninety-six crossbred ewes m lamb at lls sd, 300 crossbred ewes m lamb (old) at 9s 9d, 35J crossbred ewes m lamb at 10s lOd, thirty-five f»t crossbred ewes at 12s 9d ( twenty four fat crossbred ewes at 13s 6d. During the week we have sold privately 300 crossbred ewes at 9s 4d, 172 crossbred ewes m lamb at lls, 182 crossbred ewes at 12s 6d, 762 crossbred lambs at 10s 9d ; also a contractor's plant at owner's reserve.



The sensational divinend of £137 3s wag paid on Sebastapol, winner of the Welter Handicap at Geraldine races on Thursday The lucky holder of the ticket was Mr Josh. Lewis, Commercial Hotel livery stables, trainer of the horse, and his good fortune was m a manner thrust upon feim. He is a young man who may be depended on to put the money to good use, and it may prove to be the foundation of his fortune. A practice football match was played on the Domain oval on Thursday evening. Messrs Clowes and Matson picked Bides, and after a very enjoyable game, Clowes' side won. Those whojwere most prominent and showed best form were—C. Proctor, Cox Clowes, Moss, Maddern, Simpson, and Pauling. Many of the players were much out of condition, and if they -wish to be picked to play on the 24th they have to do a lot of training. The match that was post poned last Saturday, owing to the inclemency of the weather, will be played to-morrow commencing at 3.30 p.m. sharp. The Best Remedy fob Indigestion Norton's Caihomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all bhe diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Rtrengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and s*fe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is lsd, 2s 9d, Us, by all medicine vendors throughout the world.* Important to Cyclists. — A good Safety Bicycle for £15 15s. Repairs and Cycle accessories at exceptionally low rates at Saville's "Calliope" Cycle Works, 110 Colombo street, Christ church The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS EUCALPTI EXTRACT Teak it 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. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occa sion to offer rewards m proof of the genuine ness of our references. The official reports of medical olinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all these are authentic documents, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various cases treated by Siegenl M.D , Professor, etc. Burning of the right hand through the explosion of a small oil I stove. The epidermis on the volar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose and half of the phalanx of the nail of the middle finger was coaled, The wounds thus contracted hoaled m three weeks tinder daily applications of Eucalypti Extract dressing. The patient has retained the full use of her hand.—-(Advfc.) I The Onslow Biscuit The latest and most delicate biscuit manufactured by Aulsebrook and Co. Keating's Cough Lo^nges cure Coughs, Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony states that no other medicine .is so effectual m the euro of those dangerous maladies. One loaenge alone gives ease, one or two at bedtime ensures rest. For relieving difficulty of breathing, they are invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all QhemjftU iv tins la $d. and 3s Jj|e»cU,



MESSRS MILES AND CO. Messrs Milea and Co. report on their fortnightly sale at the Tinwald Saleyards as follows :— The entry comprised 6571 sheep, and as there was a good attendance of buyers, business was on the whole fairly brisk, and pood values were obtained. We penned 1861 sheep, and sold every line, with the exception of 35 old merino ewes. The following prices were obtained :—Merino ewes 5s 6d, 6s lOd, to 7s Id ; merino wethers, 8s 8d for a good line of turnipers ; fat crossbred ewes, 10s 2d to 10s fid ; crossbred lambs 8s Bd, 9s Bd, to 10s 2d. On Tuesday next at the Ashburton Yards we shall have for sale 2000 six and eight-tooth merino wethers m forward condition; and 400 eightrtooth crossbred wethers. Land.—During the week we have sold 151 acres, being lot 2 of the Chatmoss Estate, at £15 per acre, and are now m treaty for the sale of two other blocks. We have also disposed of lot 4 of the mama Estate, at £7 per acre, and 217 acres of the Alford Estate aba satisfactory price. On Saturday we offer, m conjunc tion with Mr T. Bullock, the farm at Flemington owned by Mr E, Watkins. I As this is one of the best blocks of land m the county, we look for keen competition. The farm comprises 93 acres, with build ings and nther improvements m good order. The demand for land at the present time is much improved, and many good properties are wanted. Graiw. —During the week a good deal of business has been done m wheat, there being a closer sympathy shown between buyers and sellers. Prices have ranged as follows :—Damaged wheat, unfit for shipment, 2s 3d to 2^ fid : sprouted, but fit for shipment, 2s 6d r.o 3s, according to quality and description. There is a very good demand for bright, well-filled, ' malting samples of barley ; but feed sorts are still very unsaleable. Oats, —Very few milling sorts are to hand, and feed qualities are d,u,U of sate, I



89i VVI^iTElt. 1892 —NOW SHOWING— THE New Overcoats and Water- , proofs New Tweeds and Suitings LARGEST „ o New Styles m Boys' Cloth ing AND -^ew Hosiery and Gloves New Collars and Shirt* CHOTOEST ew Scarfs and Bows New Travelling; and other Caps . IlitOCK New Soft Felt Hats New Flexible Hats EVER New Styles m Boys' Hats and Caps New Rugs and Umbrellas SHOWN w  . n , . New l/Tcle Capes and Riding Aprons BY New Goods m all Depart ments Inspection Respectfully t rs. Invited NEW ZEALAND Ctotlilii? Factory. W. H WEBBER, Manager. Agents for Wertheim Celebrated Sewing Machine. COT/EMANE AND SONS EtJCALYPTE Ex tract is the only genuine m the market, and was a warded medals and diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating all competitors. For all affections of the Chest and Lungs, Consumption, Asthma, Coughs, Colds, Gravel, and Kidney Com plaints, ifc has no equal. Agente— Ashburton Drug Company. Ninian, Hyslop and Co.'s "Imperial" pure Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct row tba plantation. Adyt,



Wanted. ___ THE Little Minister, byJ. M. Barrie, a lew copies just to hand.—H, M. ! JOKBS. WANTED, a Nurse Girl. Apply Mrs H. 0. Sbgbrb. 5 8* F~~AMILY and Pocket Bibles, Prayers j and Hymns. Various styles and j bindings, Birthday and Texts books. H. j M. JOMBS. ' _____ _ "TT7 ANTED Known.— The nicest stock W of New Winter Dress Goods, Mantles, Millinery, &c, is at S. W. A_corn and Co/s 6 50 WANTED Known—Dr Scott's cele brated Electric Corsets can only be obtained m Ashburton at W. H. Coiukr's, "The Corner." "TUST to Hand.—A nice assortment of >J Fenders and Fire Irons; also House Furnishing Ironmongery. Worth iiwpectioD. — Stephjns Bros., Market I&uae. 51° WANTED, purchasers of Blankets, Flannels, and General Drapery i to reinomber that Best Value m the trade is at!?. W. A_corn and Co.'b 651 W*" ANTED Known.—lf you want plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Sisokrs. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods o select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kep«; m stock.—J. W. Hardiby, East ■bwt. 6*202 WANTED Known. - Come and see the Bargains now on at Melford House.- H. 0. Sbgers. WANTED KNOWN.- 250 Ladies Maids' and Children's Ulsters »nd Jackets (mostlygoodqualities)marked oheap to clear. Many one third and half the ucual price.—H. 0. Sbgerh, Melford House. - _ _ WANTED' KNOWN, Urand display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at *Thk Corn~k.' ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 60s cash. Robbri Alcorn, . Ashburton Clothing Mart, Blunders' Buildings. UST Arrived consignment of Kero sene. Further redactions. All Groceries at Christchurch prices for Chriatchurch terms, cash. Stjbphexs Bros., Market House. 5 15 SOMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest, the largest, the beat, and the cheap est. Small Goods a specialty. Full weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. —W. J. Si-cock. *|182 W"~ HITTINGTON'S Tomato Sauce, together with testimonials, may be seen at Mrs Jambs', Fruiterer, East Street, and Mrs Pearson's, Fmiterer, Wakanui Bxwd, where orders will be received and prices given. 3 Ibs /"CHOICEST new season's Figs and \J Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2s each.—H. G. Flowbr, Confectioner, East street. \TEW Supplies of Stationery, Account i-1 Books, Music, Fancy Goods, Games, Urdors for Printing, Book oinding, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted Schools and offices supplied with rvery requisite. Magazines and News papers supplied.—L. F. ANDBEWES & CO., Stationers' Hall. WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and ariety m English and Colonial Boots, and is highly reputed make by calling at .3. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count, for Cash. Repair" done at once. A staff of men always kept and beat material and workmanship guaranteed. *pO Meet the Times.—l am supplying 1. Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30a upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all desariptions. Inspscticn invited. — J. W. Harp-EY, Eas street. 6J201 BALti Dresses, Evening Gloves, M'6unts m Silver and Gold, Muffs, Fur Collarettes, Ladies' Evening Shoes, Invigorator Corsets, with straps, T and fi, Zone and all other makes, just opened.—Andrbw Orr, 4 57 \ 1 .' ANTED. —Earn Money at Home. W either sex; new work ; just started •, all earn good wages ; no walking of rv '.; ' " '■''.■qurrM ; r.ny "c can fin the iv-.-jJ: ; iioy: -j-.i-'.i jrir'U nH»-n r:(U'!yas much w nwM. '■'rite fur pai'ticuiaivs at once, before -ur list is full, and enclose ;.dd-e.vsed envelope and stainn for reply t'-> .lames G. SSargooi), Manager, P.O. B x 986, Sydney; <»r, 65 Royal Arcade, Gtw_e ail PiU Streets, Sycluvy. 4 110