The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1892. THE WOOL MARKET.

We have already made some quota tions from the report of the interview which Mr John Roberts, of Dunedin, had with the representative of the Dunedin "Tiiniss." Among other matters of general interest which were touched upon m that interview was the present position of the wool trade. Upon this Mr Roberts must be ad mitted to be an authority, being the head m New Zealand of a firm doing a very large business m wool, and having had a life-long experience of the article. New Zealand farmers who shipped to the London market have been disappointed at the prices they obtained, and puzzled to know why there should be such an extreme de preciation m values. Referring to the fact, which most farmers are painfully aware of, that the depreciation of merino wool is enormous, Mr Roberts says that the causes of the drop are several. First of all, fashions seem to run to a large extent m goods that are made from crossbred wools. These fashions, however, change from time to time, and he has no doubt that the de creased value of merinos will be a direct stimulus to the manufacturers to again try to tickle the public taste by producing fabrics that will command a ready sale, and which will be made from merino wools. Then again the large increase from Australia during the past couple of years of wools of this quality must have had a very appreciable effect. There is, however, another cause which has militated very seriously against New Zealand wools this past season, and that is the very heavy and unsightly ap pearance that the wools have presented. Buyers m London said that they never knew New Zealand greasy merino so poor m condition or so heavy. This very inferior condition of this clip aggravated the position and caused New Zealand wools to suffer more seriously than the Australian of simi lar descriptions. Mr Roberts hopes that the depression will not continue long, or the consequences will be disas trous, as even the commonest merino cannot be produced at fourpence or fourpence-halfpenny a pound—which is all that mo,ny growers are netting !at present. As to the probable pros pects of the coming year, he thinks it would be folly to make any forecast as to what is likely to happen. The wool market during the last fifteen years has demonstrated unmistakeably that no men or combination of men m Eng land or elsewhere can form the slightest idea as to what is six months ahead of us. In 1870, when merino wools were vevy low, and almost on a par with the prices now current, all the London importers and speculators were distinctly and emphatically of opinion that no rise could be expected. Wools during that game season m the colony were sold at s|d and 6d per lb, and m the face of the expressed opinion of the London people as to the im probability of an increase m values, before those wools could reach the London market wool had risen to double its previous value. Indeed, the result or purchases m the colony that year was that those who had courage enough to speculate m nearly every instance doubled their money. The chances are, however, as wool has reached an abnormally low value, that prices will rise, but whether that rise will take place this year or next or another year cannot be said. We will all hope that it will come this year.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

A complete spscification for a grain pick ling machine has been lodged at the Patent Office by Mr J. P. Henley, of Leeston. At the Wellington Park, Auckland, sale of yearlings, a bay filly by Johnny Faulkner —Tasmania, bred by Mr L. Markey, was sold for 85 guineas. We have to thank Mr Paul, local agent for the Christchurch "Press" for a very neat card calendar for 1892, printed m gold and colors by the Press Company. Endeavours are being made to induce Mr M. Leon-Driver, the celebrated pianist and composer, who has recently been playing with distinguished success m Christchurch, to pay Ashburton a visit. Before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P. this morning, Alexander Monro was sent to gaol for a month for stealing a coat the property of ( James Stringfellow, Chertssey, James i Donaldson was sent to prison for forty-eight i hours for having been found illegally on the premises of H. Davis, Royal Hotel, Mr St. John has arrived from Christchurch and will canvas for subscribers for a few days only, for a beautiful work of art, the production of a well-known Ohi'istchurch photographer. He has shown us a copy of the work, frajned m a superior manner, and should succeed m obtaining some good orders m Ashburton. At "Ruapuke, near Raglan, Mrs SJwanii while digging m her garden, unearthed a tin box containing eighty sovereigns. The mioney is supposed to have been hidden there by the late Captain Swarm, who was known to Ijjjvea large amount of gold m his possession, prior to his death. Bishop Julius, m a sermon £q f;he Fire Brigades, at Christchurch Cathedral, on Sunday, said Christchurch is a wonderful place fop lying, gossiping, and scandal mongering. It wfi§ a wonderful place for spreading scandal, and fee #-ould to God for a Fire Brigade to spread a litfclp cpjd water upon them, or a little hot. Three lads, two of them brothers named M'Kenzie (sons of the Waikouaiti county inspector), and the fchij'd named M'Kay, were severely injured at Port Chalmers $t a$ early hour on Friday morning. It appears that they had gone to the upper part of the Peninsula and laid trains of blasting powder which ignited rather more rapidly than they hac! anticipated, with the result that all three were serioaaljr burnt. After receiving surgical attention one of ith.c M'Kenzies was able to return to his home, hut ih/j other wiia taken with the lad M'Kay to the *esi : dence of tlie latter's father, and both lads are reported to be is ft rather critical condition. The authorities m Auckland are prosecut' 1 ing bakers under the Adulteration preven tion Act of last session for failing to fcuppW < their deltvery-carts with scales wherewith | to weigh tfieif loaves, and also for selling i light bread. In tvvo «&2os heard at the [local Magistrates (Jouri 3«#t wvmjlc, the ; ' Bench imposed minimum penalties provided > for the former offence—viz., £1 and costs $ /(.nd for defrauding his customers as to wAnghfc, another man was fined £2 and cost*, which i* Uw minimum for that offence. We were informed * i§w days ago by a resident iv Ashburton that on weighing a 21b loaf he found it to be six ounces Ugh*, "A/TV wife is a capital housekeeper, Her cooking is qwite & treat; Her cakes a»<i puddings, lik# mountains rise, In the baking powder lter secret fees.

On a recent evening the members of the I South Rakaia Presbyterian congregation met at the Manse to bid farewell to Miss R. Bruce who is leaving the district. On behalf of the congregation the Rev P. J. Riddle spoke highly of her zeal m work connected with the Church, m which she had filled the post of organist for the past ten years. He then presented Miss Bruce with a purse of sovereigns as a token of the appreciation m which her services were held by the con gregation. The brother of the recipient suitably responded. It is understood m Auckland that Government have given Mr John Lundon, of Northern special settlements celebrity, a sporting commission to buy certain Native blocks at the Bay of Islands for settlement purposes on the satisfactory principle, " No land, no mo ,ey.' Mr Lundou's ample and varied experier.ee as an electioneering agent will do him good service m such a mission, and if he aoes not succeed, it will not be for lack of trying. The northern setttlers are said to be watching the game with mingled feelings of amusement and curiosity. A letter just received m Auckland by Mr H. M. Stanley, the celebrated explorer, from Lieut. Stairs, at Bagarnayo, contains newß about Emm Bey, dated from a village m Usongoro. He is reported to be marching northward, and planting German flags m the chief villages, and refused to come back, though ordered to do so. Emm Bey dis tinctly states that he is making for Kibero m Atnijoro, with the intention of crossing to the other side of the Albert. The German officer at Bagamayo thinks he intends to annex for Germany all the territory east of the 30th meridian to the Nile, and the north-east corner of the Free State. The annual picnic of the Flemington Pres byterian Sabbath School was held on New Year's day, m a paddock of Mr McArthur's. A large company gathered, numbering about 200, and what with partaking of the abund ant repasts spread out, and indulging m the various games, the happy hours fled, until an adjournment was made about seven to the Church. There the bulk of the company again gathered, and a service of song en titled " The Thread of Gold" was rendered by a choir of over thirty, mostly from the Sabbath School, under the lead of Mr Dunn, the connective readings being given by the Rev A. Blake. The whole was rendered with good effect, and was listened to very attentively. This ended, the annual reward books were given to over sixty scholars m six classes. After some short addresses on the work of the School, votes of thanks were passed to Mr Dunn, Mr McArthur, for the use of the ground, and to Miss Henderson for presiding at the harmonium. A collec tion was made m aid of the Sabbath School funds, and a very successful gathering was brought to a close by the benediction. The rain yesterday was, for about an hour at midday, the heaviest that has fallen here since 1875. Fortunately this unusual down pour did not continue long, but the rain, which began about ten o'clock m the fore noon, continued to fall heavily until about three o'clock. In forty-five minutes during the worst of the storm eighty-eight points fell, and at another place m about an hour and a quarter—from twelve o'clock till about a quarter past one—nearly an inch an a half was recorded. The rain set m again about seven o'clock, and continued almost without intermission until ten o'clock this forenoon. The damage to crops has been considerable, many of the heavier being laid completely flat, and with very little prospect of rising again. Fortunately some districts escaped the force of the storm ; at Longbcaeh yes terday harvesting was not interrupted, at Willowby haymaking went on, and at Waka nui there was only enough damp to stop grass-seed threshing. The weather appears to have been stormy all over the east coast of New Zealand. The Native Minister (Hon A. J. Cadman) appears to be perfectly satisfied (says the Auckland correspondent of the "Otago Daily Times") with the result of his late negotiations with the Kingites. They will talk and bluster a bit, but at last accept the inevitable and allow the tide of civilisa tion to flow into tho King Country m a legitimate manner, instead of rising and overflowing the banks m a way which would sweep the Native people before it. Mr Cadman has pretty well told the natives that they must either bend or break, and that the Government will not be able much longer to withstand the pressure caused by their dog-in-the-manger policy, by which they hope to ace the value of their lands trebled at the expense of Kuropean labour and taxation. The older chiefs, like Rewi and Tainui, see no men rising up to succeed them m the chieftainship, see their race slowly but surely decaying and disappearing, and desire to break its fall by making the best terms possible. Tawhia'o'a manifesto about the land being under his maua, is simply a piece of silly gasconade, for kingfcm is as dead as a door nail, and although Wahanui has appeared to favour the aged monareh'sjpretensions, he is too shrewd a man not to have grasped ihe whole situation—that is treating with the Government rather than with an irregular stream of| frontier adventurers—in fact, preferring " the devil he knows to the devil he doesn't know." Few people m Otago (says the " Daily rimea ") give a thought to the possibilities attached to the culture of small fruit m this part of the colony. The c'hnate is specially adapted to the growth of goose berries and both black and red currants, and if an assured market were opened up the cultivation of these fruits might be indefinitely extended with advantage to the cultivator and country alike. To show that the matter is receiving some attention m the neighbourhood of Dunedin, we may mention that Mr William Ings, of the Forbury, has this season disposed of 44 50lb boxes of black currants, and 10 tons of gooseberies to Me3srs Irvine and Stevenson, besides selling a couple of tons of goose berries to the shops. Of those sold to Messrs Irvine and Stevenson three tons were specially supplied for canning purposes, the firm fn.cling a market for canned small fruits m the adjacent colonies, where they cannot be grown so favourably, Mr Ings last year disposed of 11 tons of gooseberries, and besides his orchard at the Forbury he has some acres on the Taieri Plain m small fruits. His sons are all being brought up to the business, and the cultivation will no doubt be extended year by year. Mr Ings showed us a sample of black currants which we should think have never been beaten. The berries were the siije of small grapes, as will be readily soncejved when we state thajb there were only 170 to the pound, The bushes though, carefully cultivated had liQt been subject to any special treatment, and the fruit certainly bore testimony to the favourable season we have experienced.

On Saturday, Mr R. Aleorn, J.P., sent a j man named Cole three days to gaol for | drunkenness the previous night, using ? obscene language, and resisting the police. Yesterday Mr D-'vid Thomas, J.P., dealt with a fir3t offender m the a&ual way. Those whose memories carry them back two or three decades and were then amused, and the younger generation who have often heard and would like to see how their fore fathers were amused, will learn with pleasure that Mr "Billy" Barlow, the •' blue- tailed fly," will visit Ashburton and give one of his old-time entertainments on Thursday even ing. Particulars will be found m advertise ment. At the Timaru Caledonian Sports there were only two pipers competing — Alick McKay and James Maben, both well-known- Ashburton men. Alick.McKay was first all round m the Highland dancing, and second to him was E. O'Sullivan, also an Ashburton man. David Campbell, one of the bear pipers m the coloay, who also has an Ash burton reputation, 'won all the first honors at Oamaru. j On Sunday afternoon, Mr Sharplin, a , brother of Mr Sharpliu of the sawmilling firm at Alford Forest, received a severe kick m the body from his horse. The injury inflicted was severe enough to warrant the despatch to Ashburton for a medical man, and Dr Hunter went up to the Forest and attended to the patient, who was brought down next morning to the hospital. There was quite a chapter of accidents at Lovell's Flat during Christmas week. Mr R. Cole, contractor, had his leg broken m two places by a fall of earth at the Beuhar coal mine, but no bones were broken. Mr B. Todd was thrown from a young horse and sustained a nasty gash from the elbow to the wrist from a hedge knife he was carrying. Mr Pink with Mr Cole and another gentleman were thrown from a trap, and all received wounds and scratches besides a severe shaking.—"Otago Daily Times." The remains of Captain Higman, Salvation Army, were interred m the Addington Gemetry on Saturday afternoon. The deceased met his death, while bathing at Port Chalmers, and the body was brought up to Christohuich four days ago. The funeral was largely attended by friends of the Captain and by members of the Salvation Army, to which the de'ceasedvbelonged. A special service was conducted m the barracks at Sydenham m the afternoon by Colonel Bailey, assisted by Majors Veal and Viuce, i after which a procession was formed to the burial place, where Colonel Bailey conducted service. The Ashburton Fire Brigade representa tives who competed at the Rangiora Sports on New Year's Day, speak m high terms of the hospitality extended to them by the Rangiora Brigade. The Christchurch Bri gade were very cordial m their attention to the Ashburton" visitors, and drove them up to the Rangiora meeting. Great kindness was also shown to them by the Lyttelton Brigade, who on the return journey invited them to port and looked after their enjoyment for the day. The record for two men manual competition (dry) was broken by three teams —Rangiora 36 3-sths sec (Jordan and McCracken); Rangiora 37secs (Reeve and D'Auvergnc); and Ashburton 37 3-sths sees (Compton and Nokes.) The Christchurch Pigeon Flying Club flew off its first race from Invercargill on Satur day. Great interest was taken m this match, as it is the longest distance that birds have attained m New Zealand. Eight birds were sent down to compete, divided among six owners, and up to 5.30 p.m. the same day six of them homed. They were despatched at seven a.m., and the winning birds, a flight of four of one loft, won m 10 hours 8 minutes 8 seconds, a, velocity of 869 yards—nearly half a mile—a minute. The weather at Invercargill was dull, at Dunedin raining, and the latter part of the journey was done under the disadvantage of a strong east, wind. A meeting of owners of property m Allenton and the Notherby district of Hampsteatl was held m tho Orange Hall, lust evaning, to nice* Mr Baxter, County Engineer, to hear from him au explanation of the water supply for those localities. Mr G. W. Andrews, chairman of the Hampstead Town Board, occupied the chair. Mr Baxter produced plans and estimates fora supply from the creek above the mill. A long cliscussion followed m which several questions were raised and explained. It was suggested that instead of this source of supply, water might be more cheaply obtained from the Borough race (which supplies the Domain and town) at the corner of the North-west and North east Belts, which would permit of a division at the railway, one stream being taken down the Belt, and the other down Princes street. It was ultimately resolved to defer further consideration of the question of distribution till the County Council replied as to the source of supply. There was a strong feeling against cairying the water along the division line between the Princes street —North-east Belt sections, at the backs of the houses, and a resolution was passed agreeing if the water could be carried" down the two streets that the owners would make their own culverts. Votes of thanks to Mi' Baxter and the Chairman were passed.

THE MARKETS.

|PKR PB.ESS ASSOCIATION,] (Received January 5, 10.15 a.m.) London, January 5, New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's debentures have risen two per cent; New Zealand fivi> per cent have risen one per cenc; Dunedin five per cent have fallen two per cent.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

JFHR. PRIi-.SS ASSOCIATION] (Received January 5, 10.15 a.m.}

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE.

Paris, January 4. M. cle Maupasan, the French author, twice attempted to destroy himself: at Cannes, but was prevented ; lie is, however, m a critical condition.

BULGARIA AND FRANCE.

Sofia, January 4. The Bulgarian Government, m a note to the Sultan, expresses a friendly tone towards France, but declines to recede from the position taken m ex cluding the French journalist.

CHILI AND THE UNITED STATES.

Valparaiso, January 4. Judge Foster, who tried the Chilians accused of stabbing men belonging to the U.S. warship Baltimore, has sen tenced two of them to penal servitude.

The Wellington Park Yearling's.

SIXTH ANNUAL SALE.

VER PRESS ASSOCIATIOX

Auckland, January 4. The annual sale of yearlings at Mr T. Morrin's stud farm, Wellington Park, took place to-day. There was a large attendance of buyers, including some from Victoria and from the southern parts oJ: New Zealand. About one thou sand people witnessed the sale, which was a pronounced success, as high prices were realised. The sum of two thousand two hundred guineas was paid for the brown colt by Nordenfeldt—Frailty, full brother to Zalinski, the purchaser being Mr J. Richards, Melbourne, who also bought the Nordenteldt — Realisation colt for eiaiht hundred guineas, and the filly by Nordenfeldt—Ouida, a sister to Strathmore, for seven hundred and twenty-live guineas. A good looking chestnut colt, by Nordenfeldt—Bianca became the property of Mr S. H. Gollan for five hundred and sixty guineas, and Mr Gol lon-likewise bought the Ingomar- Sylvia filly, paying five hundred and twenty-five guineas for if. chestnut colt, by St. Leger—Lovebird, offered on account of Mr L. D. Nathan, was bought by Mr Patterson, Auckland, for five hundred guineas. The seventeen year lings offered by Mr Morrin realised a total sum of seven thousand three hundred and fifteen guineas.

ORANGEISM.

MEETING OF THE GRAND LODGE

The annual session of the Grand Urantro Lodge of the Middle Island was held m the Orange Hall, Southbridge, on December 28. The R.W.G.M. Bro R. N. Adams occupied the grand chair, and D.G.M.Bro J. T. Smith, (-rand Treasurer, Bro H. W. M'Olelland, G.P., Bro K. Revell, P.G.M.'s Bros Anderson, Red nath. Christie, Mahan, Nelson and Galbie, • nd ninety ofli 3ers and delegates of private and district lodges were present. The Grand Lodge having been opened m due and ancient form by tho R.W.G.M., tho prayers and a portion of scripture were read by the Rev Bro IT. B. Ginger, G.C. Correspondence'and ordinary busi ness having been dealfc with, the election of officers "Was proceeded with. Bro R. IST. Adams was re-elected R,W.G.M.. Bro T. T. Smith D.G.M., Bro M'Clelland G.T. anil BroE. Revell Grand Secretary. The G.M gave his official address to the Lodge, pointing out the necessity of united action m opposing the Aided Schools Bill. He congratulated the bre threnonthe progress of the Order, shownin the Grand Secretary's report, and hoped that thecomingyearwouldshowastill better record. The address was received with the thanks of the Grand Lodge, and was ordered to be printed with fche annual reports. Notices of motion were dealt with. A vote of thanks was passed to Bros Joyce and Meredith, M.H.R's.j for their consistent support of the principles of the Order of Parliament. Bro Joyce returned thanks for the compliment. It was resolved —"That the Grand Lodge m session assembled respectfully enters its emphatic protest against the state ments cabled to England and Ireland ! that the Irishmen of this colony are m favor of Home Rule, the said cablegram representing only the opinions of the Roman Catholics, who number only one seventh of the population." It was re* solved—" 'Ihat this Grand Lodge ex presses its sympathy with the members of the Order who have been forbidden by the Commander-in-Chief to take any part while m the British Army m any Orange Assembly, and protests against the arbitrary enforcement of an obsolete rule, as the Orange Order has been repeatedly thanked for its assistance and sup port to the Crown and Constitution; and that copies of the resolution be for warded for publication m the Home papers." The thanks of the Grand Lodge were passed to Pioneer Lodge, No. 16, Southbridge, and No. 22, Le asfcon, for the very hospitable mariner m which they had entertained the Grand Lodge members on their first official visit to Southbridge. Bro R. 0. Brown, W.M. No, 16, re sponded, and hoped that this, the first visit, might be repeated m another year. A subscription m aid of the widow of a deceased brother was taken up, and the amount of £5 Is 6d, m addition to £50 al ready subscribed, was collected. The next session of the Grand Lodge was ordered to be held m Christchurch m December, 18R2. After passing a hearty vote of thanks to the Grand Officers for their service.* during the pasb year, the session was closed^ Rev Bro Hosking, S.G.C., reading the closing; prayer.

NOTES.

That the fruit-growing industry of the J colony is destined ere long to be one of large importance admits of no doubt. Experiments have demonstrated that apples can be successfully exported to the London market, and that, arriving as they do from New Zealand midway between the deliveries of American and Home-grown fruit, they are eagerly bought up at remunerative prices. As the demand is practically unlimited, the establishment of an extensive export business is assured, and apples are bound speedily to tiguro largely m our shipping returns. Softer descriptions of fruit cannot, however, we imagine, be successfully exported m what is technically termed a " green" state, but m relation to these there is room for a large extension of the preserving industry. The Messrs Kirkpatrick, of Nelson, have led the way m this direction, and hay« estab lished so good a reputation for their "Iv " jams, jellies, etc., that they used up last season all the fruit forthcoming and could have used up very much more. This will give an impetus to fruit-growing m that part of the colony, and what has been done m Nelson I serves to show what can also be done by energy and enterprise m other parts of the colony. Preserved fruits, jams, jellies, and fruit-preparations still .Appear among the list of our imports, but ought soon to be conspicuous by .heir absence from our Customs entries, and ought instead to figure largely on the 3xport list. People we know are apt to look upon the cultiva tion of small fruits as a matter of very little importance, but how well this may be made to pay might be learnt by anyone who paid a visit to 'Waimate this season. There several glowers have gone m for strawberry culture 31 a large acale, and with the most satis factory results. One of these has a strawberry farm of twenty acres, another of fifteen acres, and others have smaller areas under the same crop, so that m all, within a radius of a few miles of that township, there are probably upwards of forty acres of this delicious fruit. The fields—for they are fields, and large ones too —a month ago presented a really gorgeous sight. On one strawberry farm—Mr Tulett's —them were literally miles of plants, xnany of them two feet m diameter with a broad fringe of scarlet fruit, the berries lying m layers one upon another, and surrounding *;he plants with a border of uscious fruit to the depth, m some cases, of four inches. Day after day, for many days, crates and boxes of fruit to a total weight of from a ton to two tons left the Waimate railway station, principally for the Dunedin market, and altogether there must have been sent to outside markets somewhere between twenty and forty tons of fruit;

One of the latest of the many rumors supplied by cable as to the probable successor of Lord Onslow m the Governorship of this colony is that it is quite possible that Sir William Jervois may be appointed for a second term. It is, moreover, affirmed that " Barkis is willin'" and, if so, then the Colonial OffW could not poooibly do better than take advantage of the circumstance to send Sir William out to us once more. He was, and de servedly, exceedingly popular through out the whole term of his administra tion ; he got on equally well with the Government and the people of the colony ; he made no mistakes, and was universally liked and respected. We should all be rejoiced to have him back again, though everybody is sorry that we should be m want of a new Governor at aIL and wishes that Lord Onslow had been able to make up his mind to stay with us for another year or two.

The fact is undeniable that the colo nies have often given the Mother Country a lead m reform, for, though m some respects behind, we are m other matters far ahead of her. She is now, we learn by the cable, about to take another leaf out of our book m the direction of the amendment of the Law of Evidence, it being stated I that "the Imperial Government, after consultation with the Law Lords, has decided to introduce at the coming session a Bill re-casting the whole law of evidence, mainly with the object of allowing criminals (rather it should have been said ' persons accused of crime ') to testify on their own behalf." That is a reform which was effected m New Zealand two or three years ago; and while the Home Government are considering of following our example m this direction they might also well consider the advisableness of adopting at the same time the humane system of probation introduced by Mr Tole when Minister for Justice, and which has since worked so admirably and success fully.

A couple of items by the Frisco mail, elating to His Majesty the Kaiser, ar,e worthy of passing notice. One of these sets forth that m speaking to some recruits for the Guards recently, on. the occasion of administering the oath, the Emperor said :—" Recruits, you have, before priest and altar, sworn fealty to me. You are too young to understand the true meaning of the words m which you have sworn, b.ut be diligent m following the in structions given you. You have, my children, sworn allegiance j that means that you have given your services to me, body and soul. You have only one enemy, and that is my enemy. In the present socialistic agitation I may order you, which God forbid, to shoot down your relatives, your friends, your brothers, and then your parents, and you must obey without a murmur." It is not surprising to read that "these remarks have created a pro found sensation throughout Germany," and they form a fitting prelude to the other item of news referred to, which is that "it is said the Emperor of Germany has seriously spoken of sub mitting himself to medical examination as to his sanity, m order to offer con clusive refutation to critics m France and England who have been throwing out hints concerning it." Qi^i s'excuge 'accuse.

TELEGRAPHIC. HOME AND FOREIGN

(pee press association

THE QUEENSLAND OPAL MINES.

London, January 3. The Company which was formed to work the opal mines m Queensland will shortly go into liquidation. The stones obtained from the mines are of inferior quality. THE DUBLTN OUTRAGE. Referring to the attempt to blow up Dublin Castle, the Irish Press declare that the outrage was not the work of any political party, and that it has no political significance. >■ MASHON ALAND. Lord Randolph Churchill denies that payable gold has been found m Mashonaland, COLONIAL FINANCE. " Westgarth's Circular" prophesies that the Treasury Bills placed on the London market by the New South, Wales Government will bo successfully disposed of, and suggests that the holders of Treasury bills should have the option of converting them into inscribed stock. LABOR QUESTIONS. The Northumberland miners have agreed to a reduction of five per cent m their wages. London, January 4. The "Standard" states that the Government are determined to take steps to satisfy the lawful aspirations and feasible requests of the labour party. English Trades Unions have sent £4000 to the German printers out on strike. Newcastle, January 4. The price of coal having been re duced to 10s per ton, the hewing rate has m consequence been reduced by 4d. Miners are resisting the reduction, and it is feared a strike will be the result.

FATAL COLLISION AT SEA.

London, January 4. The barque Childwell has beei sunk m a collision off Flushing on the coast of Cornwall. Fifteen of those on board were drowned. THE SALVATION ARMY. j Further rioting m connection with the Salvation Army has taken place at Eastbourne. RUSSIAN FINANCE. The " Telegraph " says that holders of Russian bonds are selling them, fearing that the Government will re pudiate payment. M. BlowitZj the Paris correspondent of " The Times," states that Russia is attempting to float another loan m m Paris. IRISH LOCAL GOVERNMENT. The "Standard" says that if the Gladstonians oppose the Irish Local Government scheme Mr Balfour will drop it. THE INFLUENZA. London, January 3. In Antwerp the death rate from influenza is sixty a clay. At Vienna the hospitals are unable to cope with the epidemic. In Paris, Brussels, | Hamburg and the Hague, the disease is of a virulent type. London, January 4. Influenza is being severely felt m Ireland, and is ravaging Milan, Genoa, | and Schlesvvig. Brussels, January 4. ! Influenza is spreading rapidly throughout Belgium. One hundred and eighty-four lunatics have died at Gheel since Christmas. Gheel, which is twenty-six miles SE. of Antwerp, is I celebrated as a place of treatment for the insane. King Leopold, who has been suffer ing from influenza, is recovering. The death is announced from influenza of Emile de Lavelaye, the Belgian author.

THE PAMIR QUESTION.

Hong Kong, January 3. China favors the proposal that Great Britain should secure the Pamir dis trict.

CANADIAN POLITICS.

Uttawa, January 3. In the Legislative Assembly of On tario, the Premier said that the aspira tion to be independent of Canada was hopeless Avithout British friendship and alliance. Sir R. Cartwright observed that loyalty was due to Canada first.

EUROPEAN SITUATION.

Rome, January 3. In the course of his speech King Humbert said that Italy was striving to maintain peace, and the situation m Europe at the present time indi cated that her efforts would not be in vain. He felt convinced that the commercial treaties would prore beneficial. Paris, January 3. President Carnot, m the course of a speech said he trusted the year just entered upon would be one of peace and prosperity. St. Petersburg, January 3. The Russian Government has given orders for the construction of four large ironclads.. Vienna, January 4. It is reported that the Emperor Francis Joseph, of Australia, will shortly pay a visit to King Humbert, of Italy. Bermn, January 2, A socialist has been sentenced to three months 1 imprisonment at Kalbe, a, town of Prussian Saxony, for omit ting to cheer the Emperor William on a public occasion

CHILI AND THE UNITED STATES.

Valparaiso, January 3. The Chilian Government has promised Mr Blame to punish the assailants of the United States sailors. The case against the accused is proceeding.

THE REVOLT IN MOROCCO.

Mkxico, January 3. The Government have offered fifty thousand dollars for General Gorza's head. Gorza is leader of the rebel troops.

EUROPEAN TARIFFS.

Lisbon; January 3,. Portugual is revising the tariff, with a view to protecting her industries. The most favored nation clause will be abandoned, and special treaties entered into. Paris, January 4, TJke French Government is parley.

ing with Belgium, Holland, Switzef* land and Spain, with the view to the formation of commercial treaties.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, January 4. Joseph Newman, 77 years, a share broker, once a member of the Provincial Council, and for a short time member for Franklin m the House of Representatives, died to-day from injuries received last September by a blow on the head from a falling sipn board. Wanganot, January 4. The steamer Wairere made a second trip to Pipiriki and up-river .settlements this morning. The great native meeting at Parikino commences to-day ; there are over two thousand Maoris present from all parts of the Island. Major Kemp and Te Kooti will meet m the discussion of matters momentous to the Native race. Napier, January 4. On (Saturday evening the steamer Ahurm's steering gear went wrong as she was entering the Liner harbor. She struck the s.s. Fairy, making a large hole m the bows of that vessel, which sank imme diately. She had about 200 bales wool on board for one of the ships lying m the bay. Steps are being taken to raise her at once, as she obstructs the navigation. An inquest was held on the body of a Maori who had died while under ths treatment of a colored man named Lio Medo, who is well known over the colony. Medo was subjected' to along cross-examination to show that under anothor name he served various terms of imprisonment, but he denied everything. The medical evidence showed that the treatment had been for a wrong com plaint, but no skill could have saved the patient, and the verdict was death from natural causes. When the Inverurie arrives here, if there is still yellow fever on board she will be ordered into quarantine at Wel lington, the quarantine buildings here being out of repair and now surrounded by small farms. A man named John McDougall was found hanging dead m Holt's yester terday. The papers on him showed that he had belonged to Queensland, and had substantial bank balances at Brisbane and Auckland. He worked; op the wharves here tor a few days seeming somewhat morose and reserved. Verdict, suicide while of unsound mind. . Wellington; January 4. A grievance has arisen between traders to Raratongo and the administration of affairs there by the British Resident. The former complain that laws made by the Federal Parliament (which consists o*f native members only), are burdensome to them. Mr De Lisle, member of a trading firm, has arrived m Wellington with a petition from the Chamber of Commerce m Raratonga to Lord Onslow, m which they say-- We think that, when laws are made which affect us, and which compel us to p 9 y duties and taxes, we should be allowed to have some voice by repre sentation on that Parliament m the framing of those laws. Your resident here, m a question put to him by a depu tation from our body, said that he framed and proposed all laws brought before this Parliament. We would respectfully urge that he should noc propose laws that so immediately affect us without our being m some way consulted or permitted to ex press our views ; and we further believe that we should have the right allowed us to have some voice m the disposition of the revenue, the larger portion of which is raised by duties and taxes.; levied oa Mr J. H Heaton, mayor of Melrose, haa resigned the Commission of the peace ■and his seat on the Harbor Board. In a letter to the « Post "he Bivesßi ves the follow ing reasons--"These positions are gifts from the then Hon G. Fisher for political services rendered m the past, and as we are now opposed m political warfare I cannot consistently retain the above." m, , DuotMmy January 4. Ifae weather was worse than -ever this afternoon, heavy showers falling at fre quent intervals. The Caledonian sports were only moderately attended, and the delays caused by the rain necessiated the postponement of several of the chief events till Saturday, including the all comers* wrestling and the bicycle races. It. Kobertson won the Cornish and Devon shire wrestling. J. McDonald carried all before him m bagpipe music. Murray McKechme, and Morrison took the cSef prizes for dancing, McKechnie gaining the medal for the best all-round. nmgute n ai. ,Inveecaßgim.. January 4. Oa Saturday nearly seven thousand persons went by rail from Invercargill to bad weather spoilt it. Trains were run ning to and fro all day. Through some oversight v the preparation of the time table the passengers on the 30.50 niornin* mZ from f ,lnve 'cargill got a series fright and those on the next train, which left town a quarter of an hour later were detained nearly an hour at Woodend. Nearly a thousand passengers were on the first tram, and nearing Greenhills those on the front trucks were astonished to see another long tram empty and returning to town approaching them from the Bluff! Ihe whist c of the Invercargill engine T r^ atf dly sounded, the- steam Suit off, and brakes screwed down promptly, ihe other tram continued to advance, and the passengers m the front trucks fearing a collision jumped out, while others m the crowded carriages endea voured to get through the windows. The only accident that occurred was to an infant, whose mother leaped from the trucks, and it was but slightly injured. Owing to the train's lmigth tL paTen. gers m some of the compartments wpm ganger,,.ffiS^rS' SSSm.Sf ?ulled UP fco*void cattle. Ihe Bluff tram eventually drew up some distance from the down train/ The oftcera of the department are naturally reticent as to the cause, pending an in quiry butit is believed the occurrence .was.due to a misunderstanding m respect to the crossing at which the trains had to pass.

CRICKET.

(per press association.)

Melbourne, January 4. m their first innings Lord Sheffield's team made 264. The Australians have five wickets down m their second innings for 125. Bruce forty, Lyons fifty one, Bannennan forty-one.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Hie fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council *as held last evening Present—His Worship the Mayor (presid ing), and Councillors Tweed, Thomas Paul Flower, Jones, Bird, and Cuthbertson. ' FINANCE. The Mayor reported" the debit balance at the Bank as standing at £973 2s 3d The income received from all source's had amounted to £9 13?. THE MAYORALTY ELECTION The Colonial Secretary acknowledged receipt, of .formal notification of the election of Mr Hugo JFnedlander as Mayor. SCHOOL TREAT. L.eavo to use the Domain for the holding of a, school treat was granted to the. Rev E A ISeott. THE SWIMMING BATH. • fTte^ r Swim.ming Club wrote ask ing that the Council contribute the sum of" £q towards completing ths staging between the present diving stage and the pavilion, also for leave to alter the position of the steps agamst the ban^. The letter pointed gut that the Club had spent about £40 on the improvement ot the bath. Several of the OowunUon ware m favgr o f granting the.

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 3893.



" Keatiso's JRowDEK." destroys Bugs Fleas, T^Jotlis, Beetles, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powdep is ejftraocdinauy. It is perfectly clean m application. See the article you nurchase is v Keating's," as imitations are ' oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, 6d, Is and 2s 6d each, by all chemists.



' Ninian Hyslop and Co.'s "Impeia Geylon and Indian Teas are direct from the Tea Plantations —CAdyfc,} Ask for Ninian Hyslop, and Cq.'s Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian Teas. Special prioes,—(Advt,)



Holloway s Pills. —Factory Operatives and Workers m Manufactories. —Theremark- 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 Avho by reason pf their occupations are confined for years, or all their lives, m crowded building!) and workshops. Holloway's Pills an.d Oint ment are associated remedies, the former restoring the vital powers when diminished', and alwayii acting as an efficient blood. purifier, 1 whilst t'te lattes.' relieves local maladies and checks inflammation, and acts as a cleansing and healing agent m cases of bad legs, bad breasts, ulcers, and unhealthy sores_of lunds,



The railway employees at Ashburton, the town carriers, and a number of other friends of Mr W. T. Potter met on Saturday even ing, at the Orange Hall, to bid him farewell. Mr Stevenson, the Ashburton Station-master, was unable to be present, and Councillor Paul took the chair, supported by Councillor Bird, Captain Fooks, Lieutenant Miles, and Engineer Dolman, of the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade, Messrs Brooke, Milsom, and Salek, representing the " Caste " amateurs, and a number of other residents. Almost the whole of the railway staff and carriers were present. In proposing the toast of the evening, Mr Paul referred, m a neat speech, to the courteous, accurate, and unostentatious manner m which Mr Potter had discharged his official duties during his seven years' residence m Ashburton, and touched upon the many capacities m which he had made himself acceptable socially to the community He asked Mr Potter to accept a token of esteem which had been subscribed for by his fellow oiScers and the carriers—a very hand some clock—and expressed the hope that Mr Potter would not only find his present removal to his advantage, but would find it to be merely a step to still higher promo tion. Others present spoke to Mr Potter's high business and personal qualifications, and the toasfc was drank most enthusias tically. Mr Potter responded m a few feel ing remarks. Other toasts and some appro priate song 3 well sung, and recitations, amongst which was one by Mr Potter m his best style, were given m the course of a very pleasant two hours. Mr Potter left yesterday to take up his new duties asstationmastcr at Prebbleton. The timepiece with which Mr Potter was presented bore a suitable inscrip tion, and was obtained from tho establish ment of Messrs Salek and Co., East street. Like most other products of nature or art Baboo Knglish can bo explained (says "Civis "' )on scientific principles. Tho ver nacular speech of any people is the growth of ages, a natural growth that fits their habits of life and thought aa closely as a skik. Defect or excess is impossible. Transfer a vernacular from one people to another—from a European people to an Asiatic people for instance—and you have a ludicrous misfit— e.g., Baboo English. That is the whole explanation, and it is entirely out of my own head. I hope it is satisfactory- They have iv India a native newspaper press. Observe how the jnteljigent reporter deals with the exciting incidents ofc a n>o— /.'Mr Campbell, the'loco supei?ißtoncl«nt, stood forward with his stalwart frame m front of the horrid fire and his commanding tone of angelic voice mingled with his own example, to save the properties and the lives of the poor creatures inspired awe, respect, and veneration to ttie silent bystanders, and drew them up like "Roman islklanav to assist him m the deeds. But. this"was not all. He ordered his shop coolies to hasten teethe Wells and iv want of water, then to the only tank, about a Ciuarier mile distant, nnd m an instant water was ou hand s :e'iid.. Messrs Hartley, Nixon, Dixon, and ,the Key Jiowding, with their lives at frequent stake, stood on the burning huts amid constant boomings and loosened away the blazing .roofs with mighty strength and herculean labor that astounded the natives to Iwhojld from afar. They were also simulaneoujjly busy to p^inp wafer ho the tops of houses with extraordinary agility and bravity that made our hair stand on end, and our senses on their standstill." Ninian Hysloj> and Co.'s " Imperial" pure Ceylor. and Indian Teas are the beg iv the market. -*-f-Advt.)



Thk Bkst Rkmkdy fob li^iapTioN— Norton's Camomile J?jjl3 ar.e con^dentj. recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all fche diseases to which we arc subjects, Norton's Pit^s, with justice called the •'Nati^il Rtrengthener of the Human Stomach/ a.ct.^s a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are'mild'i,n their operation, and jßafe under any circnm'st'ancfes. f^old m toqttjes, a.t Is l^d, 2s 9d, lla, by all ljnedioin.e v«a&WS throughout the world.



The best medicine is Sander and Sons' Euealpyti Extract. Test its eminent power ful efW'cirf iff confrbs. colds, influenza, etc.— the relief is instantaneous, Thousands give the most gratifying testimony, His Majesty the King of Italy and medical syndicates all over the world are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle- We have no occasion to offer rewards m proof of the geuuiiitsUcss of our references. The official reports of medical oliiji.es and univer sitieSjthe official communications of the Consul General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded hy the International Exhibition Amsterdam.—all jLhesfi iffe authentic docu rft§nfcs, aijd, os such, not open to doubt. We add hers syifcome of one of the various cases treated at the clinte of Sohultz, M.D. Pro fessor, etc. —" C. 8., 24: yeat'H c>\<\ i conges tional abseeaH on the thigh. Incisions made m two places. Although Lister's dressing was* aj)i)lied, the secretion became, two days later, very cvMous, and had adopted a foetid decomposed cnai'acfei. rf'ho temperature rose enormously. In consequence ilig dressing was remoml and m its place \irere' 'made durjjw the day-time repeated irrigations with • Eueafyp.ia ijgtract. ' The offensive footer dis-! appeared very so&h, thp fever abated within : a few days, and the patieni f&cjjvered after : the lapse of several weeks. In .this iuntajice j ■wte njust not lose sight of the fact that .the | latter ty'estiw^fc sav.ed .the patient's life. — Advt/j 3 ;



Wanted. CASH Advertisement;:* under chis heading not excedding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be If ft at this Office. WANTED, a good general Servant. Apply Mas W. Mitchell, Tancred Street, Ashburton. 1 17 WANTED, three Flax Cutters and six Boys for Flax Mill. Apply sharp: permanent job.—H. G. Moore. c * J 1*29 WANTftD, a respectable Girl as general servant. Apply to Mrs Stkvknson, opposite Railway Station. WANTED Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Under clothing, Pinafores, &c. Come and see them. Handsome Xmas presents now giving away.—H. C, Segers, Melford House. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2a 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Colijer. . T\TOTHING will Cool you so quickly and -*■' invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream.—H.G. Flowbr, Confectioner, East Street. WANTED Known. -At "The Corner' now selling Ladies' French Shops. 6s lid. See thenf.—W. H. Colliek, WANTED Known—A Beautiful Line of French Dress Goods, double width. Is 10|d ; original value, 4s. —H. C. Segers, 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 ptock.—J. W. Hardley, East . treet. 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 Alcorn, Saunders' Buildings. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Roberi Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, S aunders' Buildings. WANTED Known.—For first-class Drapary and Millinery go to Melford House ; cheapest shop m town. (See windows.) Beautiful Xmas presents being given awaj.—H. C. Segers. ?pO Meet the Times.—l am supplying .JL Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all dessriptions. Inspection invited.— j. W. Hardley, Eas street. 6J201 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. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. WANTED Known.- -H. Bairstow has opened those premises m East street next J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on visw. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. Ilt6l JJEW YEAR GIFTS, ITew lf>ar Cards, AND BOOKLETS. NEW BOOKS for PRIZES and PRESENTATION. FANCY GOODS, etc. L. F. ANDREWES and CO. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, ASHBURTON. —ANNUAL GARDEN PARTY IN THE PARSONAGE GROUNDS. WEDNESDAyT JANUARY 13, 1892. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ashburton Band. Usual Stalls. Various Amusements. Admission, including tea, Is 6d. Children, Is. 1§27 DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP. THE Partnership subsisting between HENRY BARNES and JAMES SMITH, as Carpenters and Builders, is Dissolved by mutual consent as fnm the 31st December, 1891 (on account of Mr Barnes leaving for the North Island.) All Claims against the Firm must be rendered at once, and all Accounts owing are requested to be paid before the 14th inst. Messrs Barnes and Smith, while draw ing the attention of their Friends and Customers to the Notice below, tender their best thanks for the support accorded to them m their business, and trust the same will be given to Mr Smith and his new partner. HENRY BARNES. JAMES SMITH. Witness to signatures— H. W. BARRETT, Ashburton, January 2, 1892. With reference to the above announce ment, we have pleasure m intimating that we have entered into partnership under the style and firm of Brown and Smith, as from January 1, 1892, as Carpenters and Builders, and will carry on business at Mr J. L. Brown's present premises m Park and Cameron Streets. Mr Brown will complete all work now m ins hands, and Mr Smith will do the same with work undertaken by the late firm of Barnes and Smith, and all new orders will be taken by the firm of Brown and Smith, who trust to receive a continuance of the support that has hitherto been accorded to each of them. JOHN L. BROWN, JAMES SMITH. Ashburton, January 2, 1892. IJSI3 TABLE CUTLERY AND PLATED GOODS, —SPECIAL VALUE FOU J^OUBtTJEESJS DAYS XNTIiiNDING purchasers should inspect our Stock of Beautiful NEW GOODS. QUALITY GUARANTEED. JQJBN ORR & CO. ! 18 X 39