MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as Inder, subject, to the tiecassary alterations :— WEDNESDAY, May 18. For United Kingdom, Continent of Europe md America, and West Indies (via ban Francisco), Sandwich Islands, etc., and also or Northern Ports New Zealand, per Taka puna, as follows :—Ordinary letters, books *nd newspapers, O.«O p.m.; registered letiers, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m. ; late Eec letters express van, 6.55 p.m. This mail is due m London on June 22. THURSDAY, May 19. For Northern Ports and Greymouth, per Herald, at 0.30 a.m. For Northern Ports and Australian Colonies (except Tasmania), per Tekapo, at 0.30 a.m. SATURDAY, May 21. For Australian Colonies (except Tasma nia), per Kotokino, at 630 n.m. HOLIDAY, QU "SEN'S BIRTHDAY. On Queen's Birthday, May 24, the Ashbur ton Post and Telegraph Office will be open from 9 till 10 a.m. and from 7 tiU 8 p.m. only. Mails for Christchurch and North will close at 6.30 a.m. and for Dmiedin and South at 10 a.m. No mails will be despatched after 10 a.m. ENGLISH MAILS, HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS, Tongariro, left April 16, due London May Ruahine left April 21, due London June Arawa, left April 30, due London, June 10. T , Aorangi, leaving May 14, due London June 24. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, left April 22, due London May 23. Monowai, leaving Auckland May 21, due London June 22. OUTWARD—DIRECT MAIM Rimutaka, due colony May 16. SAN FRANCISCO SIAILS. Alameda, dm colony May 20.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1892. PETITE CULTURE IN SOUTH LAND.

Observant travellers through New Zealand, when recounting the resources of tlis country, seldom fail to mention its peculiar adaptability to the system of high cultivation of small holdings, generally denominated "petite culture" —after the method which is m general vogue m France. We have not yet the population to make the general adoption of the system possible—m France there are four million holdings of two acres or less m extent —but we learn from an Invercargill paper that the system has been introduced there with success, the results showing that an industrious man may make a \cry good living on '* three acres and a cow." A party of gentlemen, including a botanist from Christchurch, have recently been*investigating the matter, by visiting the various cultural im provements m the suburbs of Invercar giil. The party visited several of the small homesteads, and their descrip tion of them is very interesting. Every foo* m these gardens seems to have been made available, for we are (o'd that either vegetables or fruit- bushes were found to be growing right up to the sterns of the trees, and where this was not the case the 1-itter were found crowded together. The paper from which we quote gives a very interesting account of what may be be done with a farm of three acres, and liow the ground may be worked so as to maintain a large family. In the first place the writer says he would plant half an acre with fruit trees, say ten feet ajart, half an acre m potatoes, quarter aero m strawberries, raspberries, and rhubarb, three-quarters acre hi vege tables, such as swedes, carrots, mangolds, etc, and the remaining acre jn grass for the use of the cow. He wouid also sow grass between the apple trees, which, if cut and properly hus banded, would, with the assistance of the turnips, and say a load of straw, keep a cow through the winter. After the expiry of about seven years the fruit trees would require to be thinned out to a distance of say 20 feet apart, when there would be an acre m fruit trees, which (according to calcula tions made by the Hon. W. E. Glad stone) should produce fruit to the value of £50 a'year, but the writer thinks £30 per year would be a fair estimate. No doubt some of our readers will say that such a small holding would be no earthly good to a large family, but the writer says that if the land is worked m the way indicated it would take a family all their time to keep things m order so as to get good returns from the soil. The writer suggests that the Government should vote some £60,000 to form the nucleus of a fund where with to purchase small suburban holdings on the principle of " three acres and a cow," Also for building houses, purchasing trees for stocking orchards, and for fencing. There are acres and acres of land lying idle m the suburbs of towns and cities which could be bought up cheap, and the following, he says, would be a fair estimate of cost of each holding, m? eluding house, trees and fencing r—- Land £100; trees, £10; fencing, £10. Money laid out m the above manner could be paid back with a small interest (say 4 per cent) by monthly or quarterly instalments, which need only amount to a small rental extend ing over a period of say 21 years—no part of principal or interest to be paid until 12 months after entering on such land. There are many men who would be only too willing to start on a scale such as is above described, if they couid be helped over the first year by tho Government. This, we think, is just the drawback—the con continual claims that are made on the Government for assistance, instead of self-reliant individual effort being made. The system to our view offers a good iield for the employment of small capital by active men, particularly those having families, who are oftsn at a loss what to turn to within their physical and financial abilities. Occu piers and cultivators of "three acres " within & short distance of large towns would fjnd a ready market all the year round for vegetables, fruit (fr^sh and preserved), milk, pggs. and so on ; the initial capital required would be very small, and tho greatest difficulty would be to tide over the first unproductive or partially productive few months. After that time a steady income would be earned at the cost of light labor only.

Support Local Industry. — The Lozenges, Jujubes, Comfits, and London ! Mixtures manufactured by Aulsebrook im (Jo, j»re eywl to beat imported,,

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

At the request, of a number of residents ot Fairlie Creek, Major Steward, Member for the district, has obtained official sanction to the changing of the name of the township to " Fairlie." The change is gazetted. On Tuesday Mr Joseph Batty, of Lauris ton met with a nasty accident on the South ro id at the mill bridge. By a collision with Mr Trevurza's team Mr Batty was thrown out of his trap and suffered a fracture of the collar bone. He came into town and was attended to by I>r Leahy. The much-vexed question as to whether the notorious Williams was ever m New Zealand iias been settled by himself—if he cm be believed. In his address (o the jury at Melbourne, he said that he had travelled all over the world, except Russia and Now Zealand. General Booth announces the establish ment of the Salvation Army Matrimonial Bureau m the following eminently character istic notice:— 'Safety matches are now made by the Social Wing without sulphur or phosphorus, which will flame without striking. What do we mean ? Just this. That if you are unmirried an 1 do not know where to choose a partner, you can communi cate with Colonel Barker, Matrimonial Bureau, 101 Queen Victoria street, E.G., and he will probably supply you with what you want—somebody lovable and good." The Football club will meet for practice to-morrow afternoon at four o'clock. As two teams of the Club have engagements on the Queen's Birthday (next Tuesday) it is hoped that as many as possible will turn up for this practice, so as to enable the com mittee to make the best selection. The matches are ou Tuesday, the A team v. Lancaster Park m the forenoon ; the B team v. Southbridge m the afternoon. Practice will go on every afternoon lrom half past four to dark as usual, and members should take advantage of this opportunity also to gee into form. Che Geraldine Races last week brought out a number of the " spieling " fraternity, who put up at the Bush Hotel, Geraldine. During their stay there it was found that eveiy bedroom m the house had been ran sacked, and something like £15 was missing from tlie pockets m the clothes of persons sleeping there. The constable was im mediately informed, and the "spieling" fraternity were searched, but up to the present no clue has been found which is likely to learlto the conviction of the robber or robbers.—" Temuka Leader." Last week we ("Temuka Leader") drew attention to some choice blooms of chrysanthemums exhibited m Mr E. C. Dann's window by Mr Patrick, of Geral dine. Mr Dinn has just received a collec tion of blooms shown by Mr James Porter, of Ashburfcon, at the Chrysanthemum show. They comprise assorted colors of incurved, reflexed, anemone flowered, pompone, Japanese, and otiier varieties, and their beauty is indescribable. Temuka has hitherto taken a leading place m floriculture, but it is evident that m certain classes our local gardeners have much yet to learn. Colonel J. A. Grant, the tamous African traveller, died at Nairn on February 11, aged 64. He saw active service m the Indian Mutiny, but is best known through his exploration of the sources of the Nile with the late C.iptain Speke. He was a most modest man, and was greatly beloved by a wide circle of friends. Between him and Mr Stanley, a very close friendship ex isted. Colonel Grant was buried with pub lic honors at Nairn, his coffin being carried shoulder-high by a detachment of Seaforth Highlanders, while two pipers of the same regiment went iv front, playing " The Lind o' the Leal." A boy was called (says the " Waimate Times "), as a witness m a court case on Thursday, and when taking the oath his Worship, seeing the boy hesitate about kiss ing the Bible, asked him if he knew what taking the oath meant., and he replied that he did not. Further questioning on the part of his Worship elided the fact that the boy was 14 years old, did not attend school, and had never been m a ckurch. Th: boy had been m charge of an entire horse last season. Mr Stratford expressed sur prise that the boy evidently knew so little, and had never been inside a church, and ex pressed his disapprobation to the father who was present m Court. The London correspondent of the Auck land " Herald," writing on April 1, says :-- The arrival of the first cargo of New Zea land fruit this season created very little stir, and the prices realised were not of the sensational character of last season. The re.iaon of this is partly due to the very plentiful and late supply of Ameri can apples with which London has been inundited, and partly to the fact that the lonic's apples were poor m quality and only m fair condition. Ihe general prices range from 5s 6d to about 12s per box. There were a few cases that realised two or three shillings more, and one solitary box which sold for 20s. In the various fruiterers' windows some of the bettet qualities are displayed as Tasmaniavi, and nowhere can they be labelled New Zealand. On pointing out to a salesman that he had wrongly named his fruit, he remarked, " Oh, it does nob matter ; the public won't know the difference." It is to be hoped the Victoria's first cargo of Tasmauian apples, due here on the 11th April, will be of better quality, or a rude shock will hs experienced by the shippers when they see the prices realised." The London correspondent of the " Auck land Herald," writing on April 1, says: — Bent on "booming" New Zealand, and encouraging emigrants to select a colony as their future home m preference to other portions of the Empire, Mr Perceval, the Agent-General, has decided to petition his Government to grant assisted passages to small farmers, agriculturists, and others having a little capital. As a necessary step towards any sijeh arrangement, the shipping companies have been consulted m the matter, and they have expressed their willingness to concede a reduction of £8 on a second-class passage, on condition that the New Zealand Government will make a grant of a like amount. In this way the immigrants would pay only £20 instead of £36. Another pro posal put forward by the Agent-General is that a certain sum Khali be placed upon the estimates for advertising the colony m London. This sum he puts at £500, which would include £200 for printing, the balance of £300 would cover the cost of a standing advertisemsnt concerning New Zealand and " the workmen's Paradise," m something like fifty papers. Another idea the Agent; General has is advertising New Zealand's claims among the tourist class. He is now m correspondence with Messrs Cook and Son, with a view to see if they cannot arrange to include New Zealand m the circular tours they are organising m con nection with the Chicago World's Fair. Meanwhile, the Information Bureau at the Department's office is proving a success m every way. Certainly the Mqa,t Effective MEDICINE, m the world is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m Coughs, Colds, Influenza, etc. ; the relief is instantaneous. Thousands gave the most gratifying testimony. Read this certificate:—" 24th April, 1885 — Messrs Sander and Sons, —It is with the greatest vi pleasure that I testify to the excellence of yoiii' S|ucalypli JJjxtrapt. Having had inflammation of the bone of flic leg, which came on after a severe attack of low fever, I was attended by Dr J. Boyd who had made strenuous efforts to save my leg, but without success. He found it necessary to amputate my limb. Having heard m the meanti'iie of the wonderful cures worked by the Eucalypti Extract, 1 obtained a bottle, and the extract had not been applied more than an hour when I began to feel greatly relieved. After applying the extract every four hours for nine or ten du-y& it was out of all danger. I would persvu.de &! who may be effected with any such disc ise to give the Jjjucalypti Extract a trial, and I am convinced that they Hill fiijd |s thej'most wonderful of medicines.—You.'s, etc.,| ') J. Cukxow, Wattle street, Saud hurst—(Advfc ' :">" JiifioRTANT to Cyclists. — A good Safety Bicycle for £i|j 15s. Repairs and. Cycle accessories at exceptionally low rates at Saving's "Calliope" Cycle Works, 110 Colombo street;, Christ' church Have Healthy Children by nourish ng bhem with Aulsebrook awd. Go's Arrow* fwt Uiscuits,

The Telegraph Department can now accept ordinary messages for the North Island, hut Government and delayed tele grams will be posted from Blenheim to Wel lington. The Monthly meeting of the Thistle Lodge of Fi eemu.sons will be held to-morrow night. The proceedings include a lecture by Bro. Malcolm, P.M., on " The Immor tality of the Soul." The first meeting of the Board of Review of under the Land and Income Assesssment Act for this district will be held at the Ashbnrton Court House on Wednesday, June 1. The Hon. John Martin, M.L.C-, an eld and respected settler, died at Wellington on Tuesday. The immediate cause of death was pneumonia. Deceased, who was aged 69 years, was seized with a severe cold or: Thursday last, and was unable to rally. He leaves a grown up family. Mr Martin was father of Mrs Dr Tweed, of Ashburtoo. Mrs Martin, wife of the deceased gentleman, died only a few months ago. The performance of "Struck Oil" and "B. B." to-morrow night, promises to be the most successful of those given by the Dobson-Kenncdy Company here. The seats are going off rapidly at Harry Friedlander's, and those who have not yet booked should do so at once. The object and the perfor mances .ire each sufficient to ensure a bumper house, and there will be no dis appointment m this respect. Tickets may also be obtaiuad from Mr F. Mainwaring, Clerk to the Ashburton Hospital Board, at the County Council Office. The quarterly meeting of the Waterton library committee was' held m the hall on Saturday evening. Present, Messrs R>. Gilmour (chairman), Blee, Hugford, Ashton and Lirnmet. The chairman reported that since last meeting the hall had been re painted, and several other improvements carried out, and the hall was now complete. The treasurer's report showed that there was still a small deficit against the building fund. Some disenssion took place as to the best means of raising funds to pay up this debt and procure more books, and it was resolved to hold a tea, concert, and ball at an early date. The matter of getting up the tea meeting was left m the hands ot Mr Ashton to arrange with the young ladies of Watertou. After the transaction of some other busines and the passing of accounts the meeting adjourned. An important literary enterprise has been decided upon. Mr W. T. Stead, the well known editor of the " Review of Reviews, has made arrangements to root his famous magazine on Australian soil. The " Review of Reviews" is to have an office and literary staff m Melbourne, and will, m June next, make its appearance m an Australian dress. The Australian version of the " Review of Reviews," which will be published m the colonies simulta'ieDusly with th? Eng'idi edition, will consist of the full English magazine with a large Australian section giving a careful study of the political and literary history of the colony for the month The Australian edition will thus be larger than either the English or American editions —the very largest form, m fact, of the " Review of Reviews" published. It is to be sold, however, at the present rates. The English edition of the " Review of Reviews" will not be sold m the colonies after the May number. The subscription to the ■'Review "is very moderate, and will be taken by either of the Ashburton book sellers. The Sydenham ratepayers (says the Christ church "Press") are just now beginning to reap the direct benefit of the partial prohi bition which has been prevalent m the model borough during the past twelve months. At the meeting of the Board of Reviewers for Sydenham on Tuesday, two of the three houses which have been closed came under review. The Board emphatically stated through the temporary Chairman, Mr Trent, their intention to take into account the fact that these houses had been rendered of far less value than a private house, because they could not ha utilised for any other purpose. How this affects the Sydenham ratepayers may be gathered from the fact that the reductions made by the Board m the assessments of the three properties re ferred to were as under : —Sydenham Hotel, from £1400 to £1000, being a reduction of £400; the Sandridge Hotel, from £16C0 to £800, a reduction of £SOO ; the Kingston Hotel, from £1500 to £SOO, a reduction of £700. The total reduction on the assessment of the three properties amounted to £1900 This is m addition to the loss to the borough funds of the license fees of £40 each house.

A Lost Man.

A good story occurs m a paper on " The Nestors of Hunting " m " Baily's Magazine":—Once upon a lime there was a worthy cit'zen who, having made money, thought that he would go and live m the country. In due course he bought an estate, and, m due time, the "Co." ion down to see his old partner. On the road—for this was a long time ago—he quietly made some inquiry as to how the new proprietor was getting on. Coachee's answer was everything that could be desired, , He was quch a nice gentleman, did such a power of good, everybody was so fond of him, and so on. The visit was altogether so pleasant that a few months after Mr ''Co." volun teered an.ot.her visit. He got his seat on the box again, but Mr Coachman scarely ssemed to notice him. Ac last came the customary inquiry as to how they were getting on at the Priory, " Oh, but don't ask me, sir. I'd rather not say anything abjut them, if you please." " Why, what's wrong ?" The coachman only shook his head and looked graver than ever. 'fHe hasn't taken to drinking, I hope ?" " No, not he : wish he had." "Well, he isn't screwing down his tenants V " Why, bless you ! he's a regular model landlord ; pays what they likes, and when they likes." " He hadn't got to interfering m party politics '}"■ " No, no ; he ain't such a fool as that.'* '•What is it, then?" " What it it ? Why, he's shot a fox ! Shot a fox m broad daylight, on his own grounds, and he's a lost man. His character's gone, sir. The gentlemen won't bit m the same room with him, and the parson of the parish won't speak to him !"

CRICKET.

(jSB, mvjiSs ASSOCIATION.)

Lqndon, May 16. In a match between Lord Sheffield's Eleven, which lately returned from Aus trajia, and another English Eleven, fchg fust innings of the former closed for 89, the highest soores being Peel 35, Bean 18, Loiimann 10, Abel 10, In the trund. ling department Martin took four wickets for 14. At the end of tli3 day's play tho English, team had tostw"* wicket for 0 %

OBITUARY.

MR J A.MKS QUIJSN.

It is our sad duty to record the decease of Mr James Quinn, watchmaker, Ash burton, which took place yesterday at his residence. Mr Quinu had been suffer ing from an internal ccmipkint for a con sideiable tiire before the symptoms became serious enough to cause anxiety, and he continued to to business; but threa months ago his illness became too severe to admit of this, and he was confined to bed. From that time the disease made rapid progress, and finallj the end came yesterday morning. His illness was long and painful, but he bore his suffering without a murmur, and his fortitude remained with him to the last. Mr Quinn, who was sixty-five years of age, was born m Dublin city, and after .serving his apprenticeship, emigrated to Victoria, smitten with the gold fever. He was on the Bendigo diggings for some time, but with the roving spirit that characterised the diggers, sought other fields and turned up at the Thames golcl tields. In time, however, the gold fever coolsd upon him, and he settled dov.n to the business he was bred to. After a short residence m Auckland, he set about seeking a pluce for permanent residence, rt nd ultimately came to A&hburton. Our township was then m its infancy, and gave but litttle promise of becoming what it now is, but Mr Qiiuii's faith m it was very strong, as he had seen many towns grow m the southern colonies on less promising sit3s. That was eighteen years ago, and'all that time Mr Quinn worked away at his business until death overtook him. He was a quiet, unassuming man, a good neighbor and very public spirited, although his modest nature would not allow him to seek any office of honor. Bis sterling integrity was well known, and it can be safely said of him that he has left not a single enemy behind him. Mr Quinn leaves a widow but no children. Requiem mass will be sung m the Church of the Holy Name on Thursday at eleven o'clock.

General Booth's Scheme.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT,

The Wellington "Evening Post " re ports an interview with the Hon. Minister for Public Works m reference to the arrangements made between General "Booth and the Government. Mr Seddon was of opinion that there could not be anything m the matter, as the latest information contained m the official publications of the Salvation Army went to show that -the primary conditions of the rescue scheme had not yet been complied with. Gen t r;l Booth promised first to draft his raw material from the slums to the city colony, where they were to be put into shape for the country home, wherein they were to be further prepared for the farm colony, and it was only after further probation and training m that colony that picked men were to be sent to the over-sea colony Mr Seddon said that these conditions had had nob been complied with when the mail left, as only the first stage was arrived at —the garnering from the slums to the city. It would, therefore, be im possible for General Boot h to send any one out m accordance with his own scheme for a considerable time to come. As however, the arrai gement wifcii General Booth had been made by the Premier, Mr Seddon went to see him m reference to it. A meeting of Ministers was then held, which lasted a considerable time. On its conclusion, Mr Seddon returned and said that Government had received no communication from General Booth since his departure from the colony, The Premier's ngreement with General Bioth was that 500U acres of land should be available, to be taken up by the Army authorities under special settlement conditions. It was specially stipu lated by the Premier that the first detachment to settle on tl.Ls land should net come from Europe, but should consist entirely of settlers drafted from the Salvation Army m Naw Zealand itself, who were to carry out the experi ment on the lines laid down by the General. JSTo place was mentioned at which the 5000 acres was to be selected, no application for it had been since received, and no lan'l had been allotted m preparation for any colony. The definite conditions agreed to were—(l) That the draft was to be from within the Colony ; (2) That it was not to include any of the criminal Masses ; and (3) That there was to be preliminary selection and mutual approval of the land chosen. The Cabinet had, therefore, come to the con clusion that there could not be any foundation for news which would imply a violation of all these essential conditions on the part of General Booth, and that if he did contemplate a settlement m New Zealand, it must be on the private land promised north of Auckland. They had, however, decided to cable to the Agent- General for information on the subject."

Labour Questions.

run press association,J

London, May 16. In the House of Commons Baron de Worms told Mr J. A. Picton, member for Leicester, that the Ministry de clined to take the extreme course and disallow the Kanaka Act passed by the Queensland Government, but had agreed to cable to Queensland asking for the full terms of the stringent regulations contained m the Act. The « Pall Mali Gazette " m arguing that England should not meddle with Queensland and the employment of coloured labour, quotes some remarks made by Lord Carrington recently on ttie subject. The Stalybridge strikers have with drawn their objection to return to work unless the non-Unionists are dismissed, and have resumed operations at the factories. London, May 17. The " Post" cannot concede that an insult has been offered to Queensland by the way m whioh the Imperial Government have treated the coloured labour question.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,

VICTORIAN FINANCE.

London, May IG. A cable announcing that the Vic torian Government were awaiting a chance to float a loan has created un easiness on the mo'icy market. A large number of leading firms of brokers m the city declare that they are able to place a two millions loan at 3. 1 > per cent at 94. It is believed m the City that it is possible to place a million of Victorian Treasury Bills on similar terms to tlio^e of New South Wales, though both operations will damage colonial stocks.

BOOTH'S OVER-SEA SCHEME.

Although General Booth is endea voring to come to terms with the Ship ping Company, he has not submitted details o£ his colonisation scheme, but be will probably first make a cautious experiment with fifty families, who will be sent to Cape Colony to form a village community. Later. General Booth is negotiating with various Shipping Companies with regard to their terms to convey at once fifty thousand of the submerged tenth to New Zealand The General states that he intends to send his colonists oat m batches of 5000 each.

IRISH AFFAIRS.

John O'Leary and W. Redmond, on behalf of the subscribers, presented Stephens, the Fenian, with the title deeds of a house m Dublin. On the occasion of the presentation several speeches were made, and Mr Redmond, m the course of his remarks, stated that he fully shared Stephens' aspita tions; The Duke of Abercorn will preside at the Ulster Convention. London, May 17. Mr James McCalmont, M.P. for Antrim, is presiding at a meeting of the Orange Grand Lodge. Ottawa, May 17. The Liberals m thu Dominion Parliament intend to bring forward a motion affirming the desirableness of Home Rule being granted to Ireland.

DINNER TO SIR R. HERBERT.

London, May 17. At a dinner tendered to Sir Robert Herbert, who recently retired from the position of Secretary to the Colonial Office, Lord Knutsford and all the Agents-General were present. Sir Charles Tupper, who propose:! the toast of the evening, spoke m eulogistic terms of the services rendered by Sir Robert m consolidating the British Empire. In replying Sir Robert Her bert said he would be gratified and delighted to assist m the development of the resources of the various British colonies. Sir Saul Samuel, Agent- General for New South 'Wales, pro posed the toast of Lord Knutsford.

LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL.

The London County Council propose, after the next eighteen months has ex pired, to expend £1,600 ? 000 on public works, including £420,000 for housing the working classes, and .£200,000 for the purchase of tramways.

VISITORS TO THE COLONIES.

Sir Wm, Jervois sails m the Kai koura, on the 26th inst, for New Zea land, where he intends to spend some months, The Duke and Duchess of Abercorn propose to visit Australia shortly.

THE BUDGET.

The Budget resolutions have been agreed to.

A PERSIAN LOAN.

Persia has raised a loan m London to pay off the holders of the tobacco monopoly, m preference to accepting aid from Russia, which was offered a short time ago.

THE PAHANG REBELLION,

Singapore, May 16. The Sultan of Pahang is pursuing Orange, the rebel leader, whose son was killed m a recent skirmish.

THE FAMINE IN RUSSIA.

St. Petersburg, May 16. The Government are stopping the levies which were made on the salaries of civil servants m aid of the sufferers m the famine stricken districts, and are now taking collections made m the various churches.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE DEEMING CASE.

Melbourne, May 17. Mr Lyle has petitioned the Governor to grant a respite for a week m Deem ing's case to enable an appeal to be made to the Privy Council. Mr Lyle informed the Governor that the appeal had reached London on Friday last. "Williams is breaking down under the close confinement.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wellington, May 17. The Government anticipate that, despite the reductions m the valuations made by the reviewers under the Land and Income Tax Act, their estimate of the revenue derivable from the new taxation will be fully reached. H. H. Kingston, charged with sheep stealing at Carterton, was committed for trial. Over the single core cable between Wanganui and Wakapuaka the telegraph officials maintain a continuous flow of sixty-two messages per hour, averaging from twenty-five to thirty words each. Duplex instruments are being sent to Wanganui [and Wakapuaka to put on the. single cable,, and when these are m work ing ovder, probably on Saturday, thp Department hope to raitje the average to 12a per hour. During the break messages will be sent across the Straits, to be sent either from Wellington or Pieton, as may be found most speedy. The hearing of the case against Fred. Martin, a pork butcher, for laying the totalisator odds of the various racing clubs throughout the colony on Raster Monday was resumed at the Resident Magistrate's Court this morning, but was not con cluded when the court rose. Constable Gantley, m the course of his evidence, said thac he was not aware that there was .anything m the Police Regulations which I proyented him from investing money on the tptalisator, but racing investments of another character might possibly, he against the regulations,. Martin had. on^e fcqld him that he was prepared to lay totalisator odds m the colony, and start-, ing prices out of the cojony.

FARM NOTES.

Out of 484,433 ag'icultural holdings given as the total of occupiers m Great Britain by the official Agricultural Return for 1889, no fewer than 409,422 are at and under fifty acres ; one-fourth of the whole are occupied by five-acre men and those below them, and over one-fourth by twenty-acre men and those below them. Those returns do not include land attached to lnuses of any description simply as garden ground. Neither do they include plots of land recognised as allotments.

An increase of practically 4,000,000 acres m the permanent pasture of Great Britain has taken place during the last twenty years. Only 1,918,000 acres of it, however, have been taken from arable land, the rest representing the increase m the total cultivated area. Tina last quantity is due partly to reclamation, and partly to the claiming as pasture some Und formerly returned as mountain and heath lan-3. Most of the great falling off m the corn acreage is due to the decreased growth of wheat, which has lost ground to the extent of 1,265,000 acres. In Ireland the changes have been similar m character ; but the precise figures cannot be given, because the early Irish statistics did not distinguish permanent from temporary pasture.

The " Leeds Mercury " bays that a good deal of astonishment was created at a late meeting of the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture, held for the purpose of considering the Small Agricul tural Holdings Bill, by a statement made by a well-known Yorkshire land ag^nt, Mr Lipscombe, of Heath, Wakefield, to the effect that he had charge of 10,000 kcres of small holdings, the average size of each being twenty-five acres. These small farms are the property of several landowners, and are mostly situated m hill districts, which are not suited for faiming on a large scale. Some are pastoral and some are arable. These little farmers appear to have passed through the depression without being ruined, but, Mr Lipscombe said, " with a good deal of nursing." From one state ment which he made m conversation, it appears that the farmers m question do nob generally save money, but the mere fact, that there are so many small holdings m a single district will be a surprise to the public.

The establishment of a wool-classing department m Sydney m connection with the Technical College has not pleased the local traders m wool, who entertain f sars that a large number of youths of little ex perience will be certified as qualified to enter upon the work of sheep ard wool classing. The "Sydney Mail " publishes .some facts that should help to reassure the traders. It says :—" A recent visit to the class-room by a member of our staff shows that these students are not novices. Some of them have been m the wool trade for several years, and m one or two instances there are young men who have been classing on stations. They work m the class-room steadily from 9.30 a.m, until 4.30 p.m., with an interval of one hour to lunch. E^ch student classes his lot of wool and then submits it to the instructor, who points out what he con siders errors of judgment. The wool when classed is packed, pressed, and sold. On Saturdays the museum is visited and a lecture given on the highest class wools. The training all through is thoroughly practical and, so far as our observation lends, is more likely to serve ihpn injure the wool industry of the colony."

The Government (a contemporary says) have expressed themselves favourably in clined towards the> establishment of a general Arbor Day for the.whole of the colony. In America this is a great insti tution throughout most of the principal States of the Union. It is safe to fay that m that country millions of trees are growing to-day, adding not only beauty to the scenery but materially to the natural wealth of the country. These trees wou"d never have been planted but for the establishment of a National Arbor Day. In Wellington a private citizen inaugurated an Arbor Day last year, when some scores of ornamental trees were planted by the school children on the reclamation, now known as the i horndnn Esplanade. In Greytown, m the Wairarapa, Arbor Day has now reached its third year. In Queenstowu, m the far South, a day is regularly set aside as a school holiday, when the children plant trees and keep high festi val. In South Australia it is one of the most popular of holidays. The genial Vincent Pyke, on one occasion, when Resident Magistrate at Clyde, was trying a casp for damages caused to a young plantation by a predatory goat. "The man," said Mr Pyite, " who plants a tree is a public benefactor; the man who keeps a goat is a public malefactor." We should like to see a National Arbor Day instituted m New Zealand. Prince Krapotkin, m one of his pamph lets, writes :—lf the soil of the United Kingdom were cultivated only as it was thirty years ago, 24,000,000 people instead of 17,000,000 could live on home grown food; and that culture, while giving occupation to at least 750,000 men, would give nearly 3,000,000 wealthy home customers to the British manufacturers. If the 1,590,000 acres on which wheat was grown thirty years ago—only these, aad not more—were cultivated as the fields ire cultivated now m England under the allotment system, which gives on an average 40 bushels per acre, the United Kingdom would grow feed for 27,000,000 inhabitants out of 35,000,000. If the now cultivated area of the United King dom (80,000 square miles) were Culti vated as the soil is cultivated on the average m Belgium, the United Kingdom would have food for 37,000,000 inhabi tants ; and it might export agricultural produce, without ceasing to manufacture so as freely to supply all the needs of the wealthy population. And, finally, if the population of this country came to be doubled, all that would be required for producing the food for 70,000,000 in habitants would be to cultivate the soil as it is cultivated m the best farms of this country, m Lombardy, and m Flanders, and to cultivate the meadows, which ?«t present lie almost unproductive around the big cities, m the sa,me way as the neighbourhoods of ".Paris are cultivated by the Paris ityanachers. All these aro not fancy dreams, but mere realities ; nothing but modest conclusions from, what we see around about us, without any allusion to the agriculture of the future. The practice of ploughing down green crop of various kinds is well thought of by English students of agricultural science. In his recent effusion upon farming with out live stock Dr Fream recommended it as an effectual soupee of nitrogen and humus, essential ingredients of all pro ductive soils. The best crops for this purpose are lupinp, kidney- vetches, meadow veiches —broadly speaking, all forage crops suitable for the process of catch-cropping. Catch-crops, according to Dr Fream—independent of their root and stubble residues which may be estimated to form one-third; of the weight of the entire crop —furnish the soil with a larger amount of dry matter than is obtainable from an ordinary dressing of dung. Therefore "green manuring advantageously provides light soils at once Avith nitrogen and . with organic matter, and is more economical than the use of dung.'

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

I PER PKESS ASSOCIATION.)

THE CANADIAN SCANDALS.

(Received May 18, 10.15 a.m.)

Ottawa, May 17. The case brought by the Govern ment to recover from M. Picaud, late Financial Secretary to Mr H. Mercier, formerly Premier of Quebec, the sum of 200,000 dols m connection with the Baie Challeur railway con tract, has been dismissed, on the grounds that Armstrong, the con tractor, had not been sued conjointly, and also because fraud and collusion had not been alleged.

THE FAMINE IN RUSSIA.

St. fETBESBUEG. May 17. Owing to the famine the Gzar ha 3 ordered retrenchment to be made m all branches of the public service, and military movements are to be curtailed for the purpose of reducing ex penditure.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received May 18, 11.10 a.m.)

RAILWAY DISASTER.

Sydney, May 18. The independent Board of Enquiry set up to inquire into the cause of the railway disaster at Lama m April, reports that it was due to a flaw m a rail, and that the permanent way is sound.

DEEMING'S BRAIN.

Melbourne, May 18. The authorities have decided not to allow Deeming's brain to be examined, and it will be buried with the body.

FEDERATION.

In the House Assembly last night, Sir Bryan O'Loughlin expressed plea« sure that the " Federation ;> Govern ment was dead, and that the late Sir John Robertson's prophecy had been fulfilled.

THE WEATHER.

ALFORD STATION.

The following is the Meteorological report for the week ending May 15, 1892 :—

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

I'EU PJRESS ASSOCI \TION,

Hie Inward Direct Mr»il

Wellington, May 18. The Rimutalta arrived from London at two this morning. her dotes were London, April 9; Teneriffe, April 16 ; Cape, April 23 ; and Ho bare at 6.20 p.m. on May 3, Moderate weather was ex- Eerienced. Time on voyage, 44 days 19 ours ; actual steaming 43 days 11 hours, She has 58 passengers of all classes fo New Zealand ports.

flllititig- Accident*.

m consequence of the number cf acci dents occuring to men engaged m mining operations the Minister of Mines recently wrote to the Inspector of Mines'on the snbieefc. The latter-wrote to the manager of one of the mines m which an accideut had just oscurred requesting that the use of loose dydamite for blasting should be stopped and cartridges only used, and also that m the case of inexperienced miners a competent foreman should be appointed. In his report to the Minister the Inspector states m regard to the latter that he is of opinion the Act confers no, effective power So deal with so difficult a question.

THE MARKETS.

The Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Company, Limited, have received cable advice from London, quoting its brand of mutton at 4fd per lb ; lamb, 6d per Ib. " (Received May 18, 12.30 p.m. Sydney, May 18. Wheat, 4s. 6d. Flour, stone, £10 If a to £11; roller, £11 7s 63 to £12 15* Oats, feed, 2s 4d; seed, 2s 7d. Maize market weaker, 2s 8d to 2s lOd. Barley English, 3s, nominal; Cape, 3s 3d' Bran, Is Id. Pollard, Is Id, Peas, Blue Prussian, 3s 6d to 3s 9d. Potatoes New Zealand, dull at £4 7a 6d ; Circular Heade, £3 7s 6d. Onions, £3 10a to £3 11s. Butter, dairy made, lid to Is Id ; factory, Is Id to Is 3d; the article is m good supply. Cheese is quoted at sd. Bacon, medium, 5d to 6d ; hand cured 6Jd to r|d. Hams, 6d to 9d ; New Zea land, onred, lid to ll£d. Melbourne, May 18. Wheat, the demand is brisk at 4s 2d. Oats, Algerian, Is 9|d; prime, 2s 4W* Flour, stone, £8 15a to £9 ; roller, £9 "xm \ r Adelaide, May 18. Whext of average quality realises 4s d£dto4s4d for large parcels, and from Id to 2d less for small parcels" Oats quiet at 3s 3d. Barley, 3s 6d to 3s 9d • English, malting 4s sd. Bran, Is 2d.' Pollard, Is 3d.

TfiE ASftBtJRTON &UARDJAN: WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 1802.



Date.

Shi

,de.

High in Sun.

State of weather.

Low.

[High!

I

l ___ iFine E.

Monday ... Tuesday ... Wednesday Thursday... Friday Saturday ... Sunday ...

32 --31. 80 --- 3-- 9--36-29' 33'

58 --- 5-- 2-- -5- 4--- J-515-5-8-5-4'-

108-i 83- , 108 --- 9-4-80. 69" 112-

J» M

Rain P,W.

jFine, „"

i



The Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confident; recommended as a simple remedy foi [ndigestion, which is the cause of nearly all bhe diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the •"Natural Strengthener of th.p Human Stomach," act, as a powerful to^ie and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is LJd, 2s 9d, .Us, by all medicine vendors throughout the world, OOLEMANB AND SONS EUCALYPTE 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 Ins no equal. Agents— Ashburton Drug Company. A^k for Ninian Hysslop, and Cos imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and India Teas. Special urines — (\t\v\ Ninian, Hyslop and Co.'s "Imperial" pure Ceylon and Indian Teaa are direct rom the plantation Adyt, GEACKNJBiiL and Digestive Biscuits for Invalids are unsurpassed made by AULSEBROOK ANP Co. The Onslow Biscuit The latest and most delicate biscuit Manufactured by Aulseljrook and CVt '



ASHBURTuN COUNTY COUNCIL.' ELECTORAL ROLLS FOR 1892. "VTQTIOB is hereby «iven that Copies -Ll of the Electoral Rolls o f the various Ridings m this County, together with the Defaulters' Lists, are m view at Rangitata Ridino;—Road Board Office Liswore. Mount Somers Riding—Road Board Office. Mount Somers, Mount Hutt Riding-Road Board Othce, Methven. SouiiL.Rakaii> RWing—Road Board Ofhce, South Rakaia. Ashburton Riding -Longbeach Road Board Ofhce, Willowby. Upper Ashburton Riding—Miss Bis hop's Store, Alford Forest Road. Wakanui Riding — Schoolhouse, Wakanui. Copy of the said Rolls and Defaulters' Lists can also be seen at the Council's Offices, Asjiburton. By Order. F. MATNWARINGj Clerk. Ashburton, May 17, 1892. 5*122 LONGBEACH COACH. * QN and after MONDAY, AHtIL 4, fo the Winter months, thfc LGNGBEACK COACH will loav© ASHBURTON POST OFFICB»t4 f>.m. R, R. BROWNE, 206 Coacbmau,



A good safety manufactured by the firm for £15 15s is wonderful value. The tota graphic »44r^sa is Sayij«lb 4 Ch^ttth^k



-Ninian Hyslop and Cos. Imperial Pure Ceylon and Indian Teas are the best m. the arlrat —{A v,\|



We clip the following important testimo nial from the " Ilia warra Mercury" (N.S.W., of the 30th March. It needs no comment: — " Mr John Loveday, of the Biilli Mountains writes to us that after suffering for four years with acute gravel, he has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sons Eucalypfcic Extract. He says :—" Seeing the said Extract advertised m the ' Illawarra Mercury,' his intense suffering induced him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He states that between 10th March hist., when he obtained the first bottle of the extract, and the 19th, the use of that medicine continued to afford him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four years. Mr Loveday writes also that he has found he Eucalypti Extract "\ cure for rheumatism as well as gravel. He requests us to publish this information through the' Mercury.' We have much pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday's request, whose word cannot be doubted, and who can have no object m view other than a pure desire to benefit suffering humanity. " —(Advt.) 6



Hoixoway's Pills. —With darkening days and changing temperatures the digestion becomes impared, the liver disordered, and the mind despondent, unless the cause of the irregularity be expelled from the blood and t body by such an alternative as these pills, f They directly attack the source of the qv{\, thrust out all impurities from the circulation, restore the distempered organs to their natural state, and correct all defective or contaminated secretions. Such an easy means flf instituting health, strength, and cheer fulness should be applied by all whose stomachs) are weak, whose minds are harassed, or whose brains are overworked. Holloway's is esentially a blood tempering medicine, whereby it*, influence reicheg j ♦he remotest fibre of the frame and effects a i uuiver&il good. Thu world is ever moving on to war 1 perfection, bufcseldom attains it, Constant improvement is being made m every * branch of industry, but m B^&ng Powders Perfection has been reached m Warb. Hftyn/s (foil t Be Ue»t>, ♦



Public Notices NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ( OOD News for the Wi-iter- Best "f Makes m English and Colonial BLANKETS at reduced prices.—Njjw Zealand Clothing Factory. KUGS— Opossum, lloslyn, Mosgiel, &c, m endless variety.—New Zealand Clothing Factory. O~ LOTHING-You will find it to your advantage to buy your Men's and Boys' CLOTHING from us._ Capital assortment and piices right.—New Zea land Clothing Factory. QAA Pairs Men'sTwecd TROUSERS £J \J\J at Bs, just opened, good value. New Zealand Clothing Factoey. /H ENTS' HATS-If you wish to look ■•yJT- well, buy your HATS from the New Zealand Clothing FiCTORY. The lastest shapes and colours to hand. TTALUE Unequalled m Overcoats, V Waterproofs, Waterproof Riding Aprons, Waterproof Ponchos, Picycle Capes and Le^inga, Waterproofs made to measure. —New Zealand Clothing Factory, Waterproof Manufacturers. f^ EiSTLEMEN'S Natural Wool Under \JT clothing, "recommended by the faculty." Winter shipments to hand. Inspection Invited. — New Zealand C**>thin« Factory. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. W. H. Wbbjskr, Manager. Agents for WertuuhnCelebratedSewing Machine. |



Waniefi. _ CASH Advertisement under th;s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Vftafc this Office. WANTED KNO VS N -Barreit Bros. willtpjnin Timcred street next wsek, a well assorted Stock of General Drapery and Clothing. An inspection cordially invited. 5J124 -TTTANTED to Rent, six to eight Yf roomed House with Stable, within two miles Post Office. Particulars, Mail Office, 5J.23 WANTED to Sell—Carrots £1 a ton ; Mangolds, 17s (id a ton ; Onions frpm|d per Ik—A. W Ranj>ell. s§lol ~\\ 7 ANTED Known.— The nicest stock W of New Winter Dress Goods, Mantles, Millinery, &j., U at S. W. Alcorn and Co.'s 5 50 WANTED Knowu—Dr Scott'a cele brated Electric Corsets can only be obtained m Ashburton afc W. 11. "ollier'h, "The Corner." WANTED, purchasers of Blankets, Flannels, and General Drapery to remember that Best Value m the trade is at S. W. Alcorx and Co.'s 5 51 WANTED Known. —If you want plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Seo«srs. •\TT ANTED Known.—l have a large W stock of Tin and Ironware Goods o select from. Register Grates, Stoves, °wt«ble Boiler.s, Spouting and Ridging kep'V m stock.—l, W, Haudley, East. street. __ __ Jt*J2 WANTED Known. -Come and see the Bargains now on at Melford House.- H. C. Segers. WAFTED~KNOWN.--25() L-idiea Maid's' and Children's Ulsters fttul Jackets (mostly good qualities) marked cheap to clear. Many one third and half the ucual price.—H. C. Segeks, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN, Grand display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at 'The Cornek.' ,__ ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert Aicorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. j OMERfcET Meat Mart. The oldest, ] the largest, the best, and the cheap- j est. Small Goods a specialty. Full j weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. | ~W. J. Sblcook. 4J182 ■TO HIT riNGTON'S Tomato Sauce. VV together with testimonials, may be seenatMits James', Fruiterer, East Street, and Mrs Piuihon's, Fruiterer, Wakanui Road, where orders will be received and prices given. 3 165 /CHOICEST new season's Figs and \J Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2s each.—H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East street. ANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, aud h highly reputed make by calling at J. Moisox's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. "Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kopt and best material and workmanship guaranteed. tr\Q Meet the Times.— l am supplying. X Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty yeans Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all desariptions. Inspection invited.— J. \V. Hardlky, Em street. OJ2OI BALL Dresses, Evening Gloves, Mounts m Silver and Gold, Muffs, Fur Collarettes, Ladiea' Evening Shoes, Invigorator Corsets, with strata, V and N. Zone and all other makes, just opened.—Anorew Our. 4 57 /GENUINE HALF, to reduce Stock, \JC previous to Stock-taking. Book«, Stationery for office and private use. Musi©, Account Books all siz?.s, Parlor Games and a v«iriety of other goods too numerous to particularise. <* ll goods Reduced m Price for Cash during this month.—L. F. Andrewes a:^d Co., Stationer's Hall, Ashburton.