The Ashburton Guardian. Magna Est Veritas Et Prævalebit. MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1892. GARDENS.

One of the features of settlement on the Canterbury Plains which is least to the credit of the settlers is the general absence or neglect of gardens. Many of the homesteads are altogether ■without any garden; others have a patch of potatoes and perhaps a few straggling vegetables; but the number that have a well-stocked, well-kept vegetable, fruit aud flower garden is very small. In the small townships, and even m Ashburton, the capital of the Plains itself, the attention given to gardens m less than m any other town that we know. It is true that theclimate is often very trying and the labor and growth of months may be destroyed m an hour, but when som* who are no better situated than their neighbours are able to overcome all such difficulties, others should also be able to do so. A nice garden does not cost much beyond a, little not very laborious work, and it is a constant pleasure to the eye, be sides contributing to health by its Bupply of fresh vegetables and fruit, and by .precluding the collection of impure matter which might foster the germs of disease. We hope that the Horticultural Society will see its way to offer prizes for the best kept gardens of various sizes, m town and country. Such a course would awaken an in terest m gardening, and lead to that happy time when no house will be without itu garden. Some recent •words of the Hon. J. Chamberlain, on the subject, may be of interest and may s^ur some on to take more interest m horticulture. Speaking at th« twenty-third anniversary of the gar deners' Benevolent Institution, held m London recently, the honouwble gentleman is reported to have sairT, "It, Horticulture, has provided rest and brought happiness to itUe greatest and wisest of the laud. States men have found recreation m it-™ ---(cheers); philosophers have coin mended it; doctors have prescribed it; lawyers have advocated it, and poets have sung its praise.3. {Cheers). The great Lord Bacon, who devofced one <s>£ his essays to the subject, said * the eultiyation of flowers is the purest of human plea sures, and the greatest refreshment t# the spirits of men.' He did not think it at all beneatls his dignity to leave be hind him the most careful instructions as to the formation and jpjgnting of a perfect garden. But I venture fc? say

that one of the greatest recommenda- j tions of our hobby m this democratic ; age is that it is capable of affording delight to rich and poor alike, and that it can with the greatest ease be accom modated to the income of the million aire or the scanty pittance of the laborer."

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The cricket match, Canterbury Midland v Wellington Midland, resulted m a win for Canterbury by six wickets. The following is a list of letters received from places beyond the colony during the month of October and remaining unclaimed on January 1, 1892, at the Ashburton Post Office—Mr James Fen ton. The horse 3of the German Cavalry regi meiitsare to beentirelyshodwithpapershoes, recent experiments as to their durability, &c, having proved entirely satisfactory. By the Rimutoka which Arrived on Friday, a flock of three stud Shropshire Down rams and ten ewes, sent out to the order of Mr John Borton, of Oamaru, reached Lyttelton safely. The sheep have gone into quaran tine on Quail Island. The attention of members and intending members of the Ashburton Horticultural Society is invited to the fact that a general meeting is appointed for to-morrow (Tuesday) evening at 8 o'clock at the Arcade Chambers, to adopt rules, elect officers and committee, and fix the date of the first show. It i 3 stated that Captain Falconer is going to conduct operations for the removal of the wreck of the ship Lyttelton m Timaru h arbour about the end of the present month. Two thousand pounds of gun cotton are to be used, and the explosion will be the largest of its kind that has taken place m the Southern Hemisphere. " Anglo-Australian, " m the " European i Mail," says it is expected that at least a \ couple of peerages to Australians will be included m the New Year's honours, two having recently been given to Canada. Sir j Samuel Wilson will probably be one, and Sir W. Clarke the other. The same writer refers to the vacant Governorship of New Zealand as " a not too highly coveted post. " The "North Otago Daily Times" says that a supply of Balmoral bonnets, with feathers, have been procured by the Oamaru Caledonian Society, each director on the days of the sports will be expected to doff his ordinary head gear and don this badge of Scottish nationality. The bonnet will be the distinguishing badge of the directors on the two daya of the games. A day excursion train from London to Margate returned to town 50 minutes behind time, and too late for a passenger to get either a train or 'bus to his destination. He went by cab, and sued the London Chatham, and Dover Company m the Westminster County Court for the half-crown fare. The Company gained the day, as they had reserved to themselves theright to shunt when necessary. The plaintiff pointed out that he once brought a similar action against the Great Eastern Company and recovered. Judging from the recent annual meeting of the Auckland building and industrial societies, their affairs are being conducted on a sound and safe basis. A moderate rate of interest is being paid, and due provision being made m advances for a wide margin for fluctuation and depreciation. Those societies have proved of great benefit to working men, and m the case of the great maritime strike men were allowed to suspend their paymentsof principal on terms, thedirec tors declining to confiscate the properties for non-payments, preferring to let the holders recover themselves and resume payments under happier auspices, and so secure their little homes. The following private letter from a Govern ment surveyor m Northern Queensland to his father is published m the "Otagr> Daily Times " :—" December 6, 1891. —I returned home a few days ago after an absence of five weeks m the scrubs to the Jnorth of Card well, We had a pretty rough time of it, but got through all the work, though it took us nearly twice as long as I expected. The blacks where I have been are terrible cannibals, and eat one another with &a much relish as we eat chickens. It is quite a common thing for a black when tired of his wife to craok her skull or strangle her, and call his friends together for a high festival, at which she is the principal dish. They talk about it quite openly for weeks before the event and make no secret of it after. A selector who lives m a remote part of the district where the blacks are very numerous, said he new for a a fact that they had killed and eaten at least ten that year, and some of these were boys who used to work for him. I often saw parties of them, but they never molested me m any way, and did not attempt to rob our camp, but I always took the precaution of camping near a house when we had to leave the tent unpro tected." Our townsman, Mr W. H. Rule, has lost but little time m taking advantage of the success he scored at the last show of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association. It will be remembered that on that occasion Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.R., offered a prize of £5 for the best filter suitable for use m purifying for drinking purposes the water of the county water rases flowing over the plains. The objects aimed at by the com petitors were required to be capacity, effici ency, and economy. Several competitors entered, and some of the filters shown were really handsome utensils, other were rude and primitive to a degree, but all turned out fairly clear water, Mr Rule's filter—which he has named the "Acme"—was adjudged most points on the three essentials, and well it might, seeing that the casing used for the filter wa* a large glazed drain pipe set on end, and a bottom put m at the lower end, just above which is Ist into the wall of the pipe a Fiddian faucet, through whifih the filtered water flows. . Layers of sponge, shingle, gravel, sand, charcoal, and calcined bones, formed the strata through which the water filters, and the result is perfectly satisfactory. Mr Rule has patented his invention, and gone largely into the manu facture of filters of the Acme design. A goodly number have already been sold to farmers on the plains, and the reports to hand of the work they are doing are most satisfactory. On the bill for expenses connected with the Dunedin Mayoral election (which mc published the other day) "Civic" says:—"lt's a pleasant thing to be a mayor, but £319 15s 6d is a tidy little sum to pay f or it and so Mr Chapman seems to think. Not that for a single moment I would suggest that it's a penny too much. On th<i cpntrary, when Mr Moss considers all things he may be justly aghast at his own moderation. The chief magistrate of Dunedin is not to be ejected without, much strenuous effort of jntelleot, and jntejlept must be paid for. The chairman put himself down for a modest fifty, and js dirt cheap aj; the moneyj whilst a secretary for £2Q, an under secretary for £6, and clerical assistance for£o 109 com bine dignity with economy i« the happiest possible manner. Indeed economy almost passea into parsimony, for this extensive staff spend only £1 13s on pencils, ink, pens, gum and blotting paper. Drinks, Ffifrgshments, sundries, and other expenses tot aj. wnpwhat; but what would you have ? Canvassing jjs exhausting work, and politics are proverbially day. Wherefore an "Indignant Commit teeman'' is wr^ns; m saying that the committee must have t)oen drW< ttfajft and day if they had consumed the 3006 or i<?GQ drinks represented m the bill. Little he ktio^s of the capacity of an energetic committee! rJihu J&?il>, "Four hats (for bets), £4 45," m a mystery i can. jw>t solve ; bub no doubt; the investment was jud'4w«, airl m the best interests of the candidate, plucking good out of evil, as is n>y wont, J am .disnosod fcfl think that m referring the bill jto %v G^ew, tyr Qhapman is merely anxious to establish, a precedent for the benefit of posterity. Heretofore everybody has worked fu fcbs dark, and can didates have been <is coy abuuf tjjeir expenses as a young maid about hei J first love letters. A judicial descision, therefore, $a to the number of hats that may be vzsmm^v losfc >aml tlie a" ailt':tv. of bt! er t0 which a^ijHVfii'jfffj) coinmitteeman is entitled, will hs wyaiv&Vje. ~ F;-<jin this point of view Mr Chapman is .entitie'il to the thinks of the 'community, m& Ins Mectioij -bill willcmi ' stitute a UWtlgfgl J.W n<*umJ° **WQ <H$ father's

TELEGRAPHIC. HOME AND FOREIGN

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

AUSTRALASIAN DEFENCE

London, Jaauary 1. In an article m the " Nineteenth Century," Lord Brassey contends that at no distant date further concerted action to provide adequate naval de fence for commerce at the antipodes must be considered. He suggests that the colonies should assume the cost of all vessels maintained m Australian waters, and advise the Home Govern ment to permanently station m Aus tralia some ships of obsolete warfare m Europe. Though he admits that the colonies are novr fully capable of defending their own from » hostile attack, Lord Brassey thinks it would be prudent to institute a roving Com mission to enquire into the system of Imperial naval defence, as a prelude to another Colonial Conference. THE COLONIAL OFFICE. The "Times" considers that Sir Robert Herbert's retirement will be a serious loss to the Colonial Office. THE REVENUE. The revenue collected throughout the United Kingdom last quarter was £23,000,000, THE CORDELIA DISASTER. Artilleryman Barber, who was in jured by the bursting of a gun on board H.M.S. Cordelia m Australian waters m July last, has been pro nounced unfit for service, and retired on a pension. THE INFLUENZA. Influenza is spreading m Essex, Hampshire and Devonshire, the disease m the latter county being of a virulent type. The malady is also raging m Marseilles and Antwerp. London, January 2. Mr H. Labouchere/'M.P., is suffering from influenza. Brussels, January 2. The King of the Belgians is suffer ing from influenza. The disaster is spreading rapidly m most of the capitals on the Continent. Stockholm, January 2. The King of Sweden still suffers from influenza, and the Crown Prince has temporary charge of the Govern ment. It is considered likely that the King will spend the winter m the south of Europe. St. Petersburg, January 2. The Czarina who has been suffering from influenza, is improving. FAMINE IN FINLAND. One-twelfth of the population of Finland is reported to be m a starving condition. RUSSIA AND GERMANY. The negotiations proceeding between the Russian and German Governments relate to the exchange of Russian cereals and German textiles. Berlin, January 2. The Emperor will Attend the cele bration of the golden wedding of the King of Denmark m May next. The Emperor hopes to meet the Czar there. CHILI AND THE UNITED STATES. Germany offers to arbitrate m the dispute between Chili and the United States. THE PAMIR QUESTION. St. Pktersjjurg. January 1. A Conference on the Pamir question will be held m this city m the spring between the representatives of Eng land, Russia, China and Afghanistan.

FINANCIAL MATTERS.

London, January 2. One million and a quarter worth of New South Wales Treasury Bills have b^en placed on the London market. The deficiency m the estate of Messrs Mills, Bawtry, Dawny and Cuzon, bankers, of Colchester, who recently suspended payment, is £193,000. The year's Stock Exchange pay ments at the clearing house declined by £350,000,000, and the total busi ness of the clearing house declined by £953,000,000. LABOR QUESTIONS. In consequence of a quarrel be tween the colliers and mine-owners on the subject of the basis of the sliding scale of payment, 85,000 miners m South Wales were thrown out of work. Negotiations for a compromise were continued, and later intelligence re ports that the difficulty has been arranged. COAL DISCOVERY. Valuable seams of coal have been discovered m Northamptonshire, THE OROYA IN COLLISION. The steamer Oroya, belonging to the Orient line, collided with a Danish schooner m the Channel, The latter sank, and the captain was drowned, great difficulty being experienced m saving the other members of the crew. THE COLONIAL INSTITUTE. The Earl of Aberdeen has been ap pointed one of the Vice-Presidents of the Royal Colonial Institute, vice Mr W. H. Smith deceased. THE DUBLIN OUTRAGE. No clue has been discovered to the perpetrators of the dastardly outrage at Dublin Castle. THE REVOLT IN MOROCCO. London, January 3. H.M. ships Goshawk and Thunderer have been despatched to Tangiers to assist m quelling the revolt which has broken out ampng the hill tribes.

SPAIN AND JAPAN.

Madrid, January 1. The news that Japan had seized a depot on the volcanic islands, adjacent to the Caroline Group, is confirmed. The Spanish Government are making enquiries into the matter. THE SPANISH TARIFF. Madrid, January 2. TJj.e new tariff, which comes into operation m February, is of a protec tion character, and the most favored nation clause is abolished. The mini rajifli tariff is only applied m return for concessions granted to Spanish articles. The duty on fine wool is' $£ed at three pesetas per hundred kilogrammes, anjj fifty-four pesetas on manufactured wool.

THE UNITED STATES TARIFF.

WAsijtiwroN, January 2. The Bill which Mr Springer, Chair. man of the Committee of Ways and Means, will introduce into the House of Assembly, provides for the repeal of all duties on American imported wools excepting shoddy garments and waste, »MJ'*W&W sj3e<sjio duties op wool

and woollen goods, retaining the ad valorem duty.

THE FRENCH TARIFF.

Pauls, January 2. , The Chamber of Deputies and the Senate are m conflicb relative to the amount of duty to be imposed on petroleum. This is causing a delay m the passage of the Tariff Bill. i

THE CHINESE TROUBLES.

Hong Kong, January 2. Marauding bands of peasantry m north-east China are massacring Mongols and destroying the temples.

DEFALCATIONS FROM A SAVINGS BANK.

Buda Pesth, January 2. The chief cashier m a saving bank here embezzled over a million florins, the moneys of the institution. On his defalcations being discovered he committed suicide.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, January 2. An extensive fire broke out m Grey street at 7.45 this morning. Six two storey shops were destroyed and a seventh gutted. The fire commenced m the resi dence of Mrs Ella Hedfield, upholsterer, who had only time to escape with her three children m their night dresses, and saved nothing. She states that she noticed smoke coming from the lower part of the house, and as the cellar was filled with flax f 3i* upholstering purposes it is sup posed it became heated and caused the fire. The flames spread to the shops oc cupied by Richard Halloran, grocer, Theresa Hand, George Augustus Bryant, second hand dealer, W. H. J. Parkinton, photographer, Hugh Webber, dairyman, Davey's bootfactory ; also an empty sh«p. Four of the shops were owned by Mrs Goldwater, and were insured m the South British for £500. Parkinton's stock was insured for £100 m the Phoenix. Mrs Hadfield was not insured. The other buildings were owned by Colonel Dawson, and the insurances are not ascertained m consequence of the holiday. New Plymouth, January 2. Chew Chong has been successful m two or three cases of la grippe. He is sending to Sir J. Hector some of the parasites taken from one of his patients. i It rained heavily all day yesterday, and the sports were all postponed. Wellington, January 3. All those poisoned at Pahiatua are ■' reported to be doing well. The report that a child of Mr Naylor's had succumbed is incorrect. This fact was wired by the district constable last night, who states that the first information was obtained from one of the family. Mr Toss will, solicitor for the Naylors, has telegraphed to the Inspector of Police urging that Detective Herbert, who was about to return to town, should be allowed to remain a longer period m order, to nmkei the fullest enquiry into the unfortu nate affair. The Inspector is now m the district.

THE MARKETS.

I PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,] London, January 1. The Bank of England returns for the week show the total reserve m notes and bullion to be £13,092,000. The propor tion of reserve to liabilities is 36"16 per cent. Consols, 95|. Owing to withdrawals of gold short loans show a strong upward movement, and are now at s£. Three months' bills, 2g. New Zealand 4 per cent inscribed stock, 102 ; 3h per cent to 93 ; Auckland bonds rose l| ; Wellington 6 per cent, fell £3. Canterbury mutton, 3sd ; Wellington, 3fd ; beef, forequarters, 2^d. Butter, dairy made, shows a slight decline m demand. There is considerable enquiry for factory-made butter. No. 1 best Scotch pig iron ; f.0.b., m Clyde, 47s 3d. Sugar, German beet, 14s 3d ; Java, 16s 3d ; market quiet, London, January 2. The factory made butter ex Doric from New Zealand, was nearly all cleared at 124s per cwt, and the dairy made at 104s. The mild weather has caused a drop of four shillings per cw 1;. Farmers' kegrf are slow of sale ab 100s to ] 12s.

CRICKET.

(PEK I'RESS ASSOCIATION.)

Melboukne, January 2. The first innings of Combined Australia closed for 240 runs. Moses did not increase his score. Turner made 29. Sharpo secured six wickets for 84 runs and Peel three for 54, The Englishmen m their first innings made 248, the principal scorers being Grace and Bean 50 each, Abel 42, Briggs (not out) 41, and M. Read 36.

Additional Mail News.

GENERAL SUMMARY.

The London "Post "notices with satisfac tion the absence from the President's speech of signs of bluster towards foreign nations, and says if the Message meets the ideas of the President's party Mr Blame's chances are serious diminished. 1 The " Daily News " says :—" The Presi dent's Message leaves nothing to be desired, either m tone or temper. Mr Harrison is less exasperating than Mr Blame, and consequently more statesman like.' On December 3 a street was torn up by an explosion of gas m Glasgow m the new underground railway, Anderston Cross. At the inaugural dinner of the Shipping Exchange m London on November 30, toasts were proposed to the health of the Queen, Prince of Wales, and President of the United States. In proposing the last, the chairman said : "We should love our dear cousins across the water, and should stand shoulder to shoulder and whip creation." Purebred western buffaloes (bjson) arrived m England from America, and their future home is to be a park at Higgerston Castle m Northumberland. ■ It cost $IQOQ to buy the animals and j transport them agross the Atlantic. Mary Coi-nwallis West, a daughter of Colonel Cormvallis West. M.P., was married on December 8 at St. Margaret, Westminster, to Prince Hans Heinrichs, a former secretary of the German Embassy. The most prominent guests among the large number present were the Prince and Princess of Wales. At Millwall, on December 9, three Prussian and four English sailors quarrelled. One Englishman was killed, another fatally injured, and a, third seriously cut. ' ' Sir y. Leighcon consented to act as chairman of the fine ar|ts section of the Iloyal Commission of Arts for the Chicago Exhibition. The eldest son of the late King John of Abyssinia, who was brought to Europe to j bp educa'tedj was' sent'enged to a'jjffeekte | imprisonment m for being concerned m a street pow. MR BALFOUR ON IRELAND, The First Lord of the Treasury visited Glasgow for the purpose of being installed ah rector of the university. Being the J principal speaker at a Conservative meet ing there, he declared positively tjiafc

Ireland would never obtain her desire to have a Parliament sit m "Dublin. Mr Balfour said whatever the success of the Government policy m Ireland, it at any rate has been a sincere policy. The first duty of the Government was to see the laws obeyed, and by wise administration and tho expenditure of money to en deavour to increase the happiness of the people m every parb of her Majesty's dominions. In conclusion, Mr Balfour declared no matter what the future might bring forth, it would never bring Home Rule for Ireland. During the course of his speech the speaker also remarked that Greac Britain, m his opinion, would never again see a gigantic agrarian conspiracy fed by American funds raise its head m Ireland, and lie added that he hoped the country had finally and successfully emerged from its greatest difficulties. All that Ireland now wanted ho declared was firm, liberal, and kindly government. If only Mr Gladstone would abstain from advocating impossible legislative reme dies, Mr Balfour is confident a permanent cure for the Irish troubles would be effected. On December 1, Mr Balfour spoke at Huddersfield, and, m the course of his address, said '* Ireland, as an electoral cry, is played out." After announcing that the Board of Agriculture would at an early date introduce a Small Holding Bill, he pointed out that some difficulty would arise from the vital difference be tween the conditions m England and Ireland.

AMERICAN SUMMARY.

The Canadian Pacific Railway Company intend submitting to the Dominion Government a proposal for the establish ment of a service of fast Atlantis steam ships from Quebec to Plymouth m | England and Cherbourg m France. The* Company is determined to have a steam ship line on the Atlantic, as it already lias one on the Pacific, completing the circuit from England to Hongkong. Mrs Besant, the Theosophist,hasarrived m New York from England, and will make a tour of the United States as far west as San Francisco. In view of the increase of leprosy m the United States, Supervising Surgeon general Wyman has recommended the establishment of a national lazarette. The colonial steamship Mariposi, which arrived at San Francisco on November 26, brought from the Australian colonies nearly three million dollars' worth of sovereigns, and jnexc day the bulk of this lar^'e amount was received at the United States Branch Mint m Fifth street, where it was recoined m American 20-dollar pieces and will go into circulation here. Technically speaking, the sovereigns are "to pay exchange m London." The wheat exports from California this year will exceed 700,000 tons. The wheat will be lauded m England, and paid for m drafts on Australian banks. This obviates the shipment back and forward of bullion. Until this year the imports of sovereigns or other treasure from the colonies has never exceeded 300,000J01. The volume of business has been gradually increasing, however, and will be maintained.

THE SYDNEY EMBEZZLERS.

A letter from Honolulu, dated Novem -25, to the "San Francisco Bulletin" says :—" According to the accounts published m the Sydney papers, Bloom and Douglas, the owners of the yacht Beagle, who lftft this port very suspi ciously a few weeks ago, were interested m the Australian Mercantile and Guarantee Association, and defrauded that company out) of large sums of money. Bloom and Douglas' real names are Bell and Davis. Ib is claimed that they have succeeded m getting away with 25.000 soys, 6000 of which" belonged to Davis' mother. It has become known since the Beagle left that about 24,000d01s iv sovereigns where placed m the hands of a man named Leonard, who came from Hillo with Bloom and Douglas, for the purpose of keeping the sovereigns out of the hand.ii of the authorities, and also to change them into American gold, This Leonard succeeded m doing, and sailed for San Francisco on the steamship Mariposa, which left Honolulu on the 20th Novem ber. The name steamer carried the wives of Bell and Davis, who came lip from the colonies, A young man named Bynne (nephew of Davis' mother), and a sister of Davis, who tried to intercept the refuges and to recover the £6000 stolen from them, are still m this city.

BRITISH BARMAIDS.

Before the Royal Commission on Dec, 4, Barrister Short, secretary of the com mittee to improve the condition of bar maids, gave some testimony as to their condition and prospects. He estimates the barmaids of England at 80,000, and gave their average wage at 10s a week. On this sum he said they were expected to dress neatly and attractively. They were occupied fourteen hours a clay, and frequently compelled to sleep m unsani tary damp attics. Many publicans refuse to employ any barmaids except such as they can fully control, m other words those who are free from family ties and prepared to consult the proprietor's in-: terest m every way. Hundreds of girls are thus received, according to Short, every year. The ranks of the barmaids are recruited from the middle classes, and from the professional classes to some ex tent.

MR GLADSTONE AND LORD SALISBURY.

On November 25, Mr Gladstone was a participant m the, exercises attending the formal opening of a hall at Pqrt Sunlight, near Birkenhead. He made an address of considerable length, devoting much at tention to reviewing Lord Salisbury's arguments m his Birmingham speech, and declared that Lord Salisbury seemed ignorant of what was going on m the British Empire. Lord Salisbury had called Home Rule "capsuled medicine." Doubtless he was an authority on physic as he had had to take several nasty doses m reconfc years, like that at the Molton election. Lord Salisbury had talked of coming massacres and cruelty m Ireland if the Home Rule Bill passed. The Premier was like a silly nursemaid, who, when unable to pacify a child with rational means, triet:] to frighten it with hobgoblins. Let people dismiss such imaginations. They must be patient till Lord Salisbury gave them an opportunity of deciding the question, then they would see such bubbles blown into the air, and a reign of justice and good sense restored m politics, Two qi hiss reasons for placing lioree Rule m the van of Liberal policy were—justice to Ireland and the necessity for clearing the road for other legislation. Speaking on the labour question, Mr Gladstone said "the problem could be solved only by pound civil, secular, and Christian feeling, and a respect for mutual right. Profit-sharing was at tractive, but their was a question of what to do when there was a loss instead of a profit-. Strikes were m fact only adapted to what he nwht call a rude state of industry, Much mi^hfc be hoped from co-operation|ndistribution and production towards a ablution of the problem, because this would give the labourer the same position and feeling as the capita lists" In an eloquent peroration Mr Gladstone appealed to his hearers to give the workers, besides an. jr-crecise. of wages and a decrease qf "Purs, a* gen.se"of common "feeling with their'employers, to establish a brotherhood of jna'n and man, to look to the heart and conscience as well as the appetite and ambition for a solution of this difficulty, and above all to look to Providence that shapes our ends, and recollect the sacred words " Behold how ipocl and pleasant a, thing

it is for brethren to dwell together m unity." The United Stites s.s. Albatross arrived at Honolulu on November 21. The vessel i 3 surveying the cable route between Cali fornia and Hawaii, and her captain reports that the project is feasible. The greatest depth reached to the ocean floor was 3100 ft. The average depth is about 2600 ft. The man who attempted to asssinate Bussel Sage (the millionaire) and was killed, has not been identified, and so far all in quiries and the closest search have failed to reveal the name of the dynamiter. Ail that was left of him was his head, and that has not yet been identified by the p ilice. The fifty-second Congress of the United States was convened m Washington on December 7. Charles F. Chrisp, of Georgia (Democrat), was elected Speaker after some thirty ballots had been cast. The new speaker is a son of W. H. Chrisp, an American actor of note m his time. A movement is on foot m the States that compose the southern Confederacy to pension Mrs Jefferson Davis, widow of the Confederate President, putting her upon the game footing as the United States Government places the widows of its presidents. "It cannot be a very costly precedent for us," remarks a Richmond (Va.) despatch, "inasmuch as there never will be another Confederacy, there fore neA'er another widow of a Confedrate President." Natives as well as American colonists m the Hawaiian Islands flout the proposition of annexation to the United States, and also of English control. The general idea of th*6 people is to remain independent. The Countess of Aberdeen has advanced a novel idea to bring a number of girls from Ireland, place them m charge of a convent m Chicago, and have them m;ike Irish lace and do needlework for exhibi tion at the Columbia Exhibition. The sisters of the convent ard the Bishop of Chicago (Dr Feehan), approve of the idea. It is rumoured m Parisian theatrical circles that the Melba (Mrs Armstrong) scandal will be compromised by the in tervention of the Due d'Aumale, who is willing to pay the singer's husband heavy damages to get the Due d'Orleans out of his scrape. Those who know the Due d'Aumale's good nature and indulgence think the report worthy of credence. The Parisians give eager credence to the recent rumour that the Emperor of Germany is insane. A gentleman, named Victor Germaine, shot himself dead m the neighbourhood of Milan after he had lost every sou he possessed at the Monte Carlo gambling tables. The Italians are rejoicing over an abundant harvest. In the Italian Chamber on December 10, replying to a question on Italy's rela tions with the United States, Premier Rudini said he had taken note of the friendly expressions m President Harri son's message, and felt confident the questions at issue between the countries would soon be settled. Italy proposes to hold an Italian- American Exposition at Genoa m 1892, to celebrate the fourth centenary of the discovery of America by Columbua. The Czar has positively refused to receive a deputation of noblemen who desired to present an address asking him to grant a constitution to ftussia. Thieves entered ths Government treasury at Vladivostock on December 8, and got clear off with 250,000 do Is.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

SANITARY CONFERENCE.

j i'n;i vniw ax'-sootatton] (Received January 4, 10.30 a. a\.)

Rome, January 3. The Sanitary Conference is sitting at Vienna, The representatives of Great Britain intend to bring forward a pro posal to allow British vessels bound to British ports unimpeded transit through the Suez Conal.

LORD ROSEBERRY.

The betrothal of Lord Roseberry to Sir Charles Tennant's youngest daughter is announced,

THE FRENCH TARIFF.

P-ABIS, January 3. " Le Temps " states that France con ceded the minimum tariff to Great Britain and the United States of America, they according France the most favoured nation treatment.

AUSTRALIAN.

A PROTRACTED VOYAGE.

(Received January 4, 11.30 a.m.)

Newcastle, January 4. The ship lalanthe has arrived safely after a voyage of nearly one hundred days from Brisbane. Adverse winds were responsible for the protracted voyage.

THE RIVERINA FIRES.

Sydney, January 2. Eight stations are on fire m the Riverina district. Sydney. January, 4. Hundreds of thousands of acres m the vicinity of Brookong, m the Riverina district, have been laid waste by the bush fire, which is the largest ever known m that part of the colony. The lire, which was caused by a child treading on a wax match, is still burning, and as the weather is hot it will continue unless rain falls. It is calculated that it will take two or three seasons to restore the grass to the condition it was m previous to the fire.

THE TASMANIAN EXHIBITION.

Launceston, January 4. Up to date the exhibition has been risited by 75,000 people.

Death of a Notable Inventor.

After a life varied and busy beyond the wonb of men, Captain F. P. Warren/ R.N., has fallen a victim to pneumonia.' The son and brother of two famous admirals, and the son-in-law of a third, he entered the Royal Navy.at a very early age, and after a long career of service afloat, and as Naval Attache m Denmark, retired. But his retirement was only to begin a new career as one of the most prolific and ingenious of inventors, if is active mind covered almost the entire field of: industry. The. patents which he took out --and with the exception of Sir Henry Uossemep there is perhaps no Englishman whose name is connected with so many —comprised subjects as diverse as a mcotmeless pipe, and a new forjn. of life boat, cooking stoyes and Rots,, and 'lubri cants fa? engines, dog biscuits, and. horse torness. During the breathing smells which illness forced fe w tp fcta he foW gme to, r t de across Morocco to Fez and auuakeaeh, interview the Emperor, and devise plans for supplying Tangier with water and for reopening the antimony mmes ot Tetuan. In. addition he wrote on the defence of Gibraltar Stmtti om national granaries, and the partition of, fI»QWOCu ? and, w»3 a^t pi^ tipw'q> \^v\ \ '

politician that, during the Italian War of liifleDeade'jce, Garibaldi offered him the command of a i*egimcnt. It m.iy be added that Captain Warren's advice was often m demand on various Government commis sions, and that m addition to medals of all sorts—one for saving life—he was an officer of the Legion of Honor.

THE WEATHER.

ALVOBD STATION.

The following is the Meteorological report for the week ending January 3, 1892:—

Rainfall for December—Alford Forest, 4-80 inches ; Alford Station, 3'lß. Rainfall during the year—

TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL AT CHERTSEY FOR DECEMBER.

MONTHLY RAINFALL FOR 1891.

RAINFALL FOR PRECEDING YEARS.

The Governor on the West Coast.

[PER PKESS ASSOCIATION,]

Wbstport, January 2. The Governor and suite arrived at noon to-day, accompanied by the Minister for Defence, and Mrß. Reeve?, M.H.R. The party was met by the Mayor and members of local bodies, and on arriving at the town boundary the Town Clerk read an address of welcome m the presence of a large concourse of people. A procession was formed of volunteers, friendly societies and school children, headed by a band. The weather was beautiful, The day was kept as a holiday, and the town was decorated. Hia Exaellency left by special train for Danniston coal mine, where he is the guest of the Westport Coal Company. January 3. The banquet tithe Governor at Dennis-, ton last evening given by the Wesfeport Coal Company was a great success. Mr Miller, chairman of Directors, occupied I the chair. The Governor, m proposing the toast, " Prosperity to the Company," eulogised irs spirit and enterprise, and expressed the hope that employers and employed would walk amicably together m the future. He said that the Buller Valley and Denniston werß the mo«t interesting places he had visited m New Zealand, The Governor and party returned to Westport at 10 p.m., and received ad dresses. They left at seven this morning for Reef ton, en route to Kumara, and were accompanied by the Hon R. J. Sed don and Mr R. Reeves, M.H.R.

MOUNT SOMERS.

The Mount Somers annual school sports were held on New Year's Day, m a paddock kindly lent by Mr H. W. Felton, of the Mount Somers hotel. These sports are yearly attracting greater attention, and as theyaretheonlyones held along the foot of the hills on that day the inhabitants are beginning to look upon them as an institution^ The chil dren attending the schooi had been furnished with subscription lists and the people responding liberally to their re, quests a large sum was subscribed. The Committee were thus enabled to purcha&e a large number of useful as well as ornamental prizes for the various events of the day. The' weather during the past week was very unsettled, but fortunately the rnorning of the New Year broke with a clear sky. The arrange ments of the Sports Committee had been well arranged and were faithfully carried out. On the ground were erected two tents, one ?arse one m which were spread refreshments, m quantities which would have satisfied the cravings of a Sancho Panza ; and m the other were arranged the various prizes which were to be <johw peted for. As the day wora an large numbers began to qosh\% m. from Mayfield, Ruapuna, Springfield, Alford Forest $n(\ qtfier, places, until there were several | hundreds present. A long programme of sports was successfully gone through, each event bringing forward a. large amount of competition, {\n.dj exciting interest m the resist-. During the after noon the Qh^ldran were called together by th.c master, and each child attending the school was presented with a book as a New Year's gift. Two prizes for regu larity m attendance were also presented, to Harold Hood and Caroline Brown. Mr Felton also presented two prizes, to be given to the beat conducted and most popular boy and girl m the school. The boys to decide by ballot who among the girls should receive the prize, and the girls deciding which boy should be entitled to it. Thomas Tait a.wi Jane Jones were the successful and m a kindly speech Mr Felton presented the prizes to and cheers were given for the "happy recipients and for the donor of the gifts. To all who were too small to compete m the sports, toys of various kinds were presented, it be|ng the desire of the Committee ■tha.fc s.s far as possible all should hp satisfied. At, about seven o'elptofc the sports were brought to a eloso, everybody apparently well satisfied with their clay's recreation, In the evening a )arge. number of young people assembled m th.c schoolroom, and dancing was kept up with spirit till an early hour.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

(per press association.)

Tl»e Pallium;* l»ofNon(ng- Ca«e Woodviixk, January 4. All the victims of the poisoning at Pahiafcua aro now doing well.

On New Year's Day the choir and Sunday School teachers of St. Stephen's Church, to the number of about fifty, he'd a very enjoyable pic-nic ab Westerfield, Messrs Todhnnter .and Doweling having kindly placed their grounds at their disposal. A start was effected at 9.30 a.m., Mr Smith, carrier, being the caterer for the convey ances, a work which he carried out to the satisfaction of everyone. Wtsterfield was reached at 11.15 a.m., and the party was received by Mr Dowding, who, with much consideration; gave liberty to everyone to go every where, a permission of which full advantage was taken. Mr Wilson, gardener, conducted parties over the gardens, which are rich m rare kinds of trees, etc., tome very fine, bamboo canes, which might make a fisherman covetous, being especially notice able. Other members of the station staff most kindly gave assistance m various ■ways. Dinner and tea were enjoyed under the trees near the old house. At the close of an exceedingly pleasant day the party assembled before the house, and after singing a Christmas carol, the Rev E. A. Scott thanked Mr Dowding (Mr Todhunter was absent) for all his kindness, and after hearty cheers for the scation owners, station staff, and the Incumbent and Mrs Scott, a start home was effected at 7.30 p.m., Ashburton being reached without any mishap, all con cerned being warm m their praises of the Westerfield grounds and the kindness with which they had been received.

THE ASHBtfRTON GITJAtIDIA^: MONDAY, JANUARY 4, ]892.



Date.

ha

.tie. !

High in Sun.

h

State of Weather

Monday ... Tuesday ... Wednesday Thursday... Friday '...I Saturday ... Sunday . |

Low.

High

I .j

42 --47' 45' 52 --40' 47' 42-

82 --- 7-- 8-- -8- 2-- -8-4--80-

156 --148" 154 --1- 5-5-154', 148 --152-'

Fine, N.W.  Calm Showers,  .Stormy Fine, W. „ E-



Alford Forest Alford Station

1891 53 39 29-47

1890 4314 29.94



6 2 i 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

£- 71 71 68 74 72 73 72 75 82 75 80 76 71 70 67 80

s 42 52 44 48 48 45 52 55 56 55 52 50 50 56 52 56

'3 * «** 002 0-10 o'os

a I 17 91 18 77 19 79 20 72 21 78 22 59 23 73 24 75 25 74 26 78 27 64 28 79 29 68 30 73 31 83 Total

c 'S 63 56 48 tl 47 50 50 53 53 42 42 50 50 52 45

'5 'a ««« o-oi 0-18 003 0 17 1;68 0-14 2 32



MCONTH. ranuary February March Vpril lune

Inohjes. 1-60 4 34 0 39 2 36 273 0.58

Month. July August September October November December

Inches, 1-80 2 04 1-93 2 76 313 2-32



Year. 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885

Inches. 21-65 32 41 27 10 39-42 38-51 25-95

Year. 1886 1887 1888 1889 1890 1891

Inches, 44-44 40-46 37-01 20-96 17-80 25 98



Thjb Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Nobton's Piixs, with justice called the 'Natural. Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is ljd, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout the world • "KuEATlng's Powder" destroys Bugs Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m application. See the article you mirchase is " Keatins's," as imitations are ' oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, 6d, Is and 2s 6d each, hv all chemists.



Public Notioes ODDFELLOWS* HALL. FOR TWO NIGHTS ONLY.. THURSDAY & FRIDAY,, January 7 and 8. F lß miT ApP^^iWs m Asfibtirton of The World Rdnownecl Inimitable IBAIU^OW, I THE ORIGINAL BLUE TAILED FLY, In his Astounding Versatile, Vocal, Instrumental, and Character Entertain ments, which have been so well received m Chri&tchureh during the Christmas holi days. See Press opinions and Bills of the foy, •,■,..■; : ' - v^ 1* ASHBtJRTON WOOL_ SAIiISS* THE SECOND SALE of the Season will be held m the Grange HalL Ashburton, on MONDAY, JANUARY 11. Farmers* are requested to bring fa their wool as early as possible. MILES &CO, (per Gea. .Jameson}, D. THOMAS, FRIEDLANDER BROS.. 12+109 JOHN a RESTELL. TENDERS. rpEN DE RS are wanted for Stroking -■- and Stacking about 1000 acres of Wheat; also for Stooking about 1000 acres Wheat and Oats, at Lyndhurst. Tenders to be m by SATURDAY • January 9,1892, at Six p.m. ' For particulars, apply to ' j MAX FRIEDLANDEK, Kolmar, I+l Ashburton. T ONGBEACH ROAD DISTRICT^! ; •*-* Ratepayers of the above District , whose Rates are still UNPAID, are re quested to DEFER PAYING THEM until After the Bth of January JOHN GRIGG, Chairman Longbeaoh Road Board January 2, 1892. TINWALD RACING CLUB] SETTLING at Stone's Hotel, TinwiM TO-MORROW, (Tuesday) evenftS at 8 o'clock. ** 1. J. FOOKS, I*2o Swret^. ri^HE first gonejral meeting of members' -a. of the Ashburton Horticultural Society will t\ke place on TUESDAY, , January sth, 1892 m the Arcade Chambers at 8 p.m. Business : election of officers and committee, adoption of rules, and fixing date of first show. All intending members as well as those who have already joined the Society ares invited to attend. H. W. BARJRETT, I 21 tse«vf*o fan*^^



Holloways Pills.—Factory Operatives and Workers m Man uf actories. —The remark able remedies which have been discovered and prefected by Thomas Holloway, and which for more than forty years have been successfully used m every quarter of the globe, are especially useful m all the mani fold ailments which afflict those who by reason of their occupations are confined for years, or all their lives, m crowded buildings and workshops. Holloway's Pills and Oint ment are associated remedies, the former restoring the vital powers when diminished, and always acting as an efficient blood purifier, whilst the latter relieves local maladies and checks inflammation, and acts as a cleansing and healing agent m cases of bad Itgs, bad breasts, ulcers, and unhealthy sores of kinds. We clip the following important testimo nial from the " Illawarra Mercury " (N. S. W. of the 30th March. It needs no comment :— " Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountains writes to us that after suffering for four years with acute gravel, he has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sona Eucalyptic Extract. He says :— l« Seeing the said Extract advertised m the 'Illawarra Mercury,' his intense suffering indnced him to obtain a bottle qf the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemis^ of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He states that between 10th March inst., when he obtained the first hottle 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 fount! the Eucalypti Extract h 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 reqtiest, whose word cannot be doubted, and who can have no object m view other than a pure desire to benefit.suffering humanity. " —(Advt.} 2 Ask for Ninian Hy&lop, and Co.'s Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian Teaa. Special prices,— (Advt,) Ninian Hyslop and Co.'s " Impeia Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct from the Tea Plantations..—(Advt,) Ninian Hyslop and Co.'s " Ire,perial )j pure Ceylon and Indian Teas are kha bes m the market.—CAdvt.)



JV/TY wife is a capital housQ^eeper, Her cooking js c^ik& a treat j H,er fakes aß.di puddings, like mountains i,iso, In the baking po^dey her secret lies. w-'Tw W^b^ton's "Qan't be Bwt,



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under th's head ins: not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be l«»ft at this Office. WANTED, a good general Servant. Apply Mrs W. Mitchkll, Tancrod Street, Aahburtort. 1 17 T OST on Saturday last, between Ash •*-^ burton and Tinwald, a parcel con taining a long Cape. Finder rewarded. Apply to Mrs Farlby, the Parsonage, Tintfnld. WANTED, a good general Black smith. Apply to Gkorgb Tait, Wakanui. LOST, at Swimming Club Concert, a J Dancing Slippor. Finder kindly return to Horace Gatks. 1 22 WANTED, a respectable Girl as general servant. Apply to Mrs Stkv«nson, opposite Railway Station. 16 WANTED Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Under clothing, Pinafores, &c. Come and see them. Handsome Xraas presents now giving away.—H. C s Sbobrs, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Bugs at Is lid, 2a 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier. ■ NOTHING will Cool you m quickly and invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream.—H.GL Flowir, Confectioner, East Street. A LL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to XjL measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known.—For first-class Drapery and Millinery go to Melford House ; cheapest shop m town. ( See windows.) Beautiful Xmas present s being given away.—H. C. Sbgers. WASTED Known. —At "The Corner' now selling Ladiet' French Shops. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Collieb, "XJST ANTED Known—A Beautiful Line y » of French Dress Goods, double width. Is 10|d ; original value. 4s. —H. C. Seoers, Melford House. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods ' to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—JV W. Hardley, East ■ trect, 6J202 SHEEP SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and as there are very few m the Colony, Shearers are requested to call early.— Robert Alcokn, Saunders 1 Buildings. WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. Moisjon's, During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. rpO Meet the Times.—l am supplying A. Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all desariptions. Inspection invited.— J. W. Hartley, Eas street. 6J201 WANTED Known.--H. Bairstow has opened those premises m East street nextJ. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on view. Having a good sttock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inwpection invited. Ilt6l J^EW YEAR GIFTS, IT'ew Year Cards, AND BOOKLETS. HEW BOORS for PRIZES and PRESENTATION. FANCY GOODS, etc L. F. ANDREWES and CO.