MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— THURSDAY, March 17. For Australian Colonies, and also for United Kingdom and Continent of Europe (specially addressed " via Brindisi" only), Point de Galle, India, China, Japan, &c; and also for France, Algeria, Mauritius, Cape of Good Hope, &c, (specally marked per "French packet" only), per express (to connect with s.s. Wairarapa at Port Chalmers) at 15.30. p.m. FRIDAY, March .18 For Greymonth (direct), per Rosamond, a(6.'3Oam. ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD —DIRECT MAILS. Kaikoura, leaving March 19, due London April 28. Doric, leaving April 2, due London May 12. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Monowai, leaving on February 27, due. London March 30. Alameda, leaving on March 26, due London April 27. OUTWARD —DIRECT MAILS Ruahine, dne colony March 21. Tongariro, due Port Chalmers March 22 SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, due colony March 23

Notice to Correspondents

Corre^pon c its are request id to forward their convitu i itions m msea'ed envelopes, or m wrappe s OPEN AT BOTH ENDS, a? required by the postal regulations. No words that are not intended for publication must be written either on the manuscript or on the cover of the letter. Letter rates of postage.must be paid <» alvertiaements. __

DEATH.

Williamson.—On March 17, at his resi dence, Elgin, B.ujamin Williamson, aged 81 years.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1892. A YOUNG MEN'S CLUB.

It is with great pleasure that we learn that staps are being taken to form a club for the young men of the town and district, and we trust the result of the efforts that are being made will be the establishment of a genuine young men's club, composed, as far as ordinary membership goes, of young men, and governed by young men for young men. The proceedings of the promoters (of which we have published a resume) seem well calcu lated' towards obtaining this object. It has very rightly been determined that the Club shall be for the purposes of recreation and instruction only, and thus be open to young men of any, or no, denomination. Many well-in) en tioned efforts have failed because the, clubs or associations have been made use of as means to get the members together to be preached at. Not only will this mistake be avoided, but care will be taken that the syllabus of in struction or lectures—which members of course will be free to attend or not, as they choose—is not of "a too severely intellectual character." The members themselves, we should think, will take care of this, and that the amusements provided are of the character that young men will avail themselves of | without compulsion. The long winter evenings must first be provided for ; the question of outdoor amusements for the summer months may stand over until the spring. A debating class, well conducted, is one of the best and most useful of all recreations, and we are glad to see that one has been deckled upon. A dramatic and elocu tion class, and a singing or glee class, would also be attractions, and chess and draughts classes would be appreciated. We would make the suggestion that the success of the project might be materially furthered if the co-operation of the Swimming, Cycling, Football, and Cricket Clubs could be secured. These Clubs are without any exactly suitable place of meeting, and it should not be ditficult to arrange that they might be given the use of a room, on stated evenings, without interfering with the working of the other departments of the Club. With a substantial membership derived from these Clubs the Young Men's Club would be able to provide special literature for the various branches of athletics, and the benefit would be mutual. Many of the promoters have had experience m similar undertakings, and their advice and assistance—as a sort of Upper House—will be of great value. We trust soon to see the Young Men's Club iirmly established.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The excursion train this morning carried a fair number of passengers from Timaru, and despite the unfortunate weather a large number joined at Ashburton. There was steady rain m South Canter bury all night, and the Waimate races and Geraldine sports to-day were postponed. At ing was postponed, and various picnics anil other fixtures abandoned. At Wellington the Hibernian gathering was postponed. Mr Benjamin Willianson, brother of Mr Donald Willianson, died at his residence at Elgin to-day at eleven o'clock. Mr William son was one of the oldest settlers, and for many years his was a well-known figure m Ashburton, although he took no part m public business. He had reached the gre.it age of 81. The evangelistic services that have been held this week m the Presbyterian Church have not been well attended, owing no .doubt to the many counter attractions that have claimed public attention this week. The ter vices have been conducted by the Rev D. D. Roger, of Oust, a preacher admirably suited for evangelistic work, and a very pleasing speaker. The services will be con tinued to-night, and the last of the series will be held on Friday. The following sales of Ashburton Counfy stock were made at this week's Addingtou market: —Fat lambs—for the Lauriseon estate, 228 at 12a 7d ; for the Selma estate, 50 at 10s 6dj and 8-1 at 9s 6d; for the Lowclifte estate 210 at 10s 8d to 10 10(1; for Mr- W. McMillan, 35 at lls lid; for Mr J. 0. Wason 35 afc 12s. Fat sheep—for the Lowciiffe estate, 336 crossbred ewes and wethers at 16s; 30 orossbreds for Mr W. McMillan, at 16s 6d; for the Chatmoss estate 198 crossbred wethers at 17s, and 122 crossbred maiden ewes, at Ids lid; for the Selma estate crossbred ewes at lls lOd ; for the Lauriston estate, crossbred ewes, at lls lOd ; for Mr H. W. Parsons, 67 merino wethers, at 13s lid; for the Lyndhurst estate, two-tooth crossbred wethers and maiden ewes at 12s lid to 16s ; for M ssrs D. Henderson and Son 71 crossbred wethers at 14s 2d to 15s sd, 20 merino wethers at 13s 7d, and 27 crossbred ewes at 13s 4d. A meeting of delegates of the South 1 Island Acclimatisation Societies took place at Oamaru, yesterday, when it was decided that the societies do not amalgamate. It was resolved than the fishing season m the South Island open on the Ist of October m each year and close on the 15th April. It was decided that the Government be called upon to gazette uniform regulations for all Societies, and request the Government to draft regulations for netting m the various lakes, to be submitted to the Societies interested. It was also resolved that the Government be asked to place a sum on th ' Estimates this year for the introduction of salmon ova. and that the vote be continued each year till sure of successor failure. Messrs Crisp and Shury represented the Ashburton Society. The property Assessment Department is determined to disallow " houses " on country properties as improvements, flic Otekaike case is not singular. The Napier ''Tele graph " has ascertained fchafc the action of the Assessor m Otago is similar to n'hab is held to be the rule m Hawke's Bay This rule applies to country properties, and not to residences, stores, or shops m town. It is held that if on a country estate an expensive mansion has been erected, the value of that building cannot be regarded as an improve ment to the land. For instance, there is a certain estate m Hawke's Bay provincial district which has not been very highly im proved, but upon it there is a mansion that cost several thousand pounds to build. Is that house an improvement to the land? Does if add to the value of the property? The answer is that it is not a» improvement to the estate, and m the event of sale would be regarded if anything as a drawback. The Land and Income Assessment Act, however, distinctly asserts that improve ments include houses and buildings, etc., the benefit of which is unexhausted at the time of valuation. Our contemporary maintains that, whether instructed from head quarters or not, the law does not allow of an assessor to exercise his judgment on thequestion, " When is a house not a house?'' The world is ever moving on toward perfection, but seldom attains it, Constant mprovement is being made m every | bra ich of industry, but, m Baking j Povde.rs Perfection has been reached iv I W n-bai-tuft's 0m t Be Beat, •

Messrs Miles and Co. (per Mr George ■ Jameson) advertise special entries ot about ten thousand sheep and Lvnba tor sale at Ashburton Yards next Tues.Uy. The sura of £160 has been collected m Wellington for the athletic team, lne Kew Zealand Shipping Company granted a con siderable reduction m the tares. The "Carltcn Independent" (Melbourne) caleulates'that should suiciding increase m Victoria at the same rate as during *he past few months, the population will be wiped j :\)\\t m 5900 years. At Fairlie Creek, on Tuesday, James ' Grieve was sentenced to six months im prisonment for obtaining £4 2s from Julius 1 Siegert by means of a valueless cheque. The Timaru Harbor Board resolved to ob tain a new plant, for the combined work? of shingle shifting and ordinary dredging. The cost is estimated at only £000 or ibUUa year more than the present dredging plant- A man named Hardman got two month imprisonment at Wellington yesterday lor raiding Sir Harry Atkinson's poultry yard. The ex-Premier appeared m the box and indentified his chickens. A message has been received 'from Tau ran^a, to the effect that Alice Munro, who was so savagely maltreated by her father, Duncan Munro, when he killed his wife and other members of his family, has so tar re covered from her terrible injuries as to be able to run about the house. Mr W. Bayley, of Taranaki, has sent twelve quarters of beef as a gift to Dr Barnardo's Homes. The Egmont Freezing Company made no charge for freezing, the New Zealand Shipping Company sent the beef without charging freight, and Mr M'Diarmid forwarded the bill of lading, &c, free of all charges. Under the late Victorian Minister of Education, Sir F. Sargood, it was ascer tained that it was cheaper to the department to carry children to a classified school than keep an unclassified one open. Already as many as twenty-two unclassified schools have been closed m that colony, and the principle is to be extended to other un classified State houses of instruction. Mr C. M. Brooke challenges the agents for Little's and the Carbol Crystal sheep dips to a competitive trial of their respective specifics against his Perfect Dip, the Ashbur ton Agricultural and Pastoral Association to conduct the trial. The locally made dip is having a great run this year, large orders being sent away almost daily to all parts of the colony. At Temuka, on Tuesday, William Wil liams, a lad of fifteen, who had been pre viously before the Court, was charged with wilfully setting fire to a stack of straw at Milford/the property of Charles Story, on February 23. Accused, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court at Timaru. On Tuesday morning (says the " Canter bury Times") while exercising atßiccarton, Tom Field got away with his boy, and galloped into a fence. Some damage is done, which is hard lines on Stratford, as his colt was very well. The same morning, Mr Murphy's mare Regina met with an acci dent. It is presumed that she put her foot into a hole whilst galloping, as, on pulling up, it was found that she had smashed her fetlock ioint. She has since been destroyed. On Tuesday afternoon Mr W. J. S. Hay ward, of Christchurch, essayed the task of reducing the fifty-mile New Zealand road record to 3hr lamin. for a prize of £5 Ps given by the Cyclists' Alliance. The pre vious record was 3hr 29.Jsec, made by Mr J. W. Painter. A start was made at four o'clock from the Riccarton Hotel, the half distance being done m Ihr 28min. The home journey from Leeston, however, took Ihr ofiitnin to accomplish, the time for the full distance thus being 3hr 24£ sec, and although Mr Hayward did not smceed m gaining the trophy, he lowered the record by 5 minutes. Mr Vincent Pyke writes to the " Syduey Bulletin": — "Sir, —An unveracious corres pondent has thought fit to describe m the columns of the "Bulletin," my imaginary doings at the Mackenzie—Balclutha banquet. Permit me to embellish his fiction with a few facts. First, I did not behave m the rowdy manner ascribed to 1112 ; secondly, I was perfectly sober on that occasion; and thirdly, I was not thereat all.—Yours truly, Vincent Pyke. Dunedin, February 10, JtSJJ'i." Tiie editor says —"Somehow, all the gds'ff'siOTn^T?<^'cOTHrnOTcßOT"cniy'"'ra7-v JJ- Bachelors with a little money of their own but not enough to live on should emigrate to Paraguay. The male population there has been so diminished by war that there are said to be eight women to every man. consequently the male creature is as highly appreciated as gold, on which the premium is 600 per cent. With his British sovereigns worth nominally some £7 10s each, and with six or seven beautiful Paraguayan damsels ready to work for him, Calebs should have an excellent tr.re. It is rather a novel idea to regard a tomb as an available asset, but Yankee creditors do not allow sentimental feelings to inter fere with their monetary claims when there is anything '■ attachable." One of the most costly monuments m Greenwood Cemetery, New York, is the marble tomb erected a short time ago by Mr C. T. Yerkes. Judg ment, says a telegram, was recently rendered against Mr Yerkes for .£2OO, m a lawsuit over an old goldmining speculation. As the plaintiffs could not find any other property of the dsfendant to attach, they seized his £10,000 tomb m Greenwood. When we heard that Mr Perceval s letter was published by the "Times" we realised the change which thirty years have made. Some time m the sixties, Mr Orosbie Ward was Postmaster-General—no relation he was of the present popular holder of that office, j Being m London on public business, and noticing an incorrect reference to the colony, he wrote to (( The Times " to set the matter right. To his surprise, the editor refused to publish the letter, giving him to under stand that he did not feel bound to insert communications reflecting on his leading articles. The stor.ns ot thirty years' march of progress have taught " Jupiter T< n ins " better manners.--" New Zealand Times." Here is a description of Miss Eames, the primi donna, as she appeared to a news paper reporter m Chicago, the city of pigs and porlf,:--" She has an earnest oval face, with a complexion of satin, and pome granate lips parting over davzling teeth m a series of smiles so heavenly as t.o ninrib the beholder- from his head to his hee's. leaving him conscious of nothing but a vague impression that ho is being borne away through the clouds m a silver chariot po a land of limitless roses and wine ; soft dark eyes that change their shade with ever varying umtim; a smoc th girlish brow, with a delicious purl of dusky hair tit its summit," etc.

Addington Stock Market

Chpistohubch, March 16 There was a large attendance. Stove SHEEr—Another very heavy entry attracted considerable attention, but owing to the numerous sales held recently the demand was slacker. Lines of full-mouth tailf and crossbred ewes sold at 8? to lls Gd ; younger sheep from TOs Gd 1o 14s 6d ; two and four-tooth wethers m forward condition brought 14s 60. Store lambs sold from 8s (id to 9s 9d. Merino ewes were disposed of at 3^ to 4,s Gd. Fat L amiss—Over 200 were yarded, but there was less activity amongst buyers, and a farther drop of Sixpence to one shilling a head on freezers had to be submitted to. Best sorts brought from JOs 6d to 12s 61 ; others sold from 8s upwards. Fat Siikkp—The entry was principally of cross and halfbred wethers and maiden ewes, which mot a ready sale. Magnificent wethers, not too heavy for freezing, realised from 17s to 17s 4d ; other lines ot jro'sbrccl wchets and maiden ewes sold from 15s 6.1 to 17s ; the demand for good crossbred ewes was lively, only a small proportion of the entry consisted of merino wethers for which good competition existed. Fat Cattle—23o head, mostly good sorts of steers and heifers, met with rather a dragging sale. Heaviest bullocks sold up to £7 ss; heifers, £7 10s .Store Cattle—Only forty-eight head of indifferent lots made a very unimportant sale. Thirty-three dairy cows of better class than have been yarded recently sold reason ably well, the enquiry for first rate cows being good. Pias—About 200 pigs of all kinds were yarded. Good porkers were dear, bringing up to 245. Only a few baconers were offered, I and were difficult to part with.

EXPORT OF APPLES.

At the recent Horticultural Show it' was proved to a demonstration that the County of Ashburton is one of the finest districts m the world for the growth of apples ; the size and quality of the fruit displayed being such as would successfully bear comparison with the produce of any district m this or any other country. Every where, too, this season there has been a most abundant crop, and there must, we imagine, be a large surplus above the quantity required for home con sumption. A good deal of this might be utilised for the manufacture of cider, which would be a very much more wholesome beverage than is a great part of the liquor consumed, especially spirits, and if only cider-drinking could be substituted for the common use of more potent liquors two good results would follow, namely, that less money would be spent m drink, and there would be less drunkenness than there now is, .; (There is we know one cider mill m the district, but only one that we are aware of (Mr Orum's) and even that is not utilised to its full capacity, and there ought to be room for several. But cider-making does not require the use of the liner kinds of table fruit", und for the surplus of these over and above the requirements for local con sumption a profitable outlet exists m the London market. But m order to nuke the most of this, care m the growth of the right sorts of apples, and m the mode of packing and transportation needs to be exercised : and m this matter, just as m the case of the dairy industry, growers need the advice and assistance of expert talent. This we are very glad to see the Minister for Agriculture has not over looked, Mr rlanlon, formerly of Whangarei, having been engaged by the Government as instructor m fruit growing and preserving, that officer being at present occupied m preparing reports to the Minister upon various matters connected with his depart ment. During this week (we laarn from the Wellington " PosO■") -!.o_ia-pitying a flying visit, to the orchards of the, Manawatu district, and subsequently will make a tour through other parts of the colony. Mr Hanlon informs our contemporary that he considers that the Wellington district is able to grow a better class of apples for ex port than any other part of the colony, find considerable weight is attached to his opinion on the ground that he has been for the past twenty years con nected with fruit-growing. We doubt very much, though, whether be has ever visited the Ashburton district, and if he has not, but presently repair the omission, we venture to think that he will see cause to modify his pronounce ment by admitting that Ashburton district is at anyrate equal to Welling ton m this respect. We are not surprised to learn that " Mr Hanlon is not at all satisfied with the manner ir> which fruit is sent away to England, and has uiged upon the Minister the , necessity which exists for better ar rangements. The goods should, m his opinion, be packed m cases of a uniform size, the temperature m the cool cham bers of the various steamers is not what it should be, and a good deal of the apples sent away are not of the proper kind for export." Upon these points, and also as to the best descrip tions of fruit to grow with a view to export to London, and the best way of dealing with blights, and other insect pests, and all the other difficulties and dangers that beset the orchardist, Mr Hanlon will doubtless be able to give most valuable advice, and we would suggest that the Horticultural Society woujd 4° gQQd service to the district by addressing to th,e Minister a request that Mr Hanlon, whon visiting the South Island, may be directed to call at Ashburton, and spend two or three days m the district, for the purpose of interviewing all who may desire to have the benefit.of his assistance.

TELEGRAPHIC. HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

ROMAN CATHOLIC DISA BILITIES.

London. March 15. Mr Patrick O'Brien, M.P , has in troduced into the House of Commons, a bill to remove disabilities from Horn an Catholics. COLONIAL BUTTEU. Mr Trengrouse, the butter expert, m the course of an interview said that colonial factory made butter was equal to the best m London. He predicted a vapid expansion of the trade, being of opinion that the demand would double every year. New Zen laud butter at present was mostly average to inferior. He recommends vegetable parchment for packing. THE COAL GRISTS. There is a fortnight's supply of coa.l m London. " The Press " praises the manifesto issued by the Durham colliery owners. The " Daily News " urges' that the royalties on the coal mines, which amount to. £(5,000,000 per annum, so overload operations as to become a legalised system of blackmail. THE GENERAL ELECTION. " The Times" is publishing a series of articles giving forecasts of the general election, based upon the results of the country elections. Tt gives the Tories 254, Unionists 54, Liberals 200, Irish 82, Doubtful 92

THE U.S. NAVAL DOCK YARDS.

San Francisco, March 15. Thei'e is considerable activity m the dock yards m the city.

THE JAPANESE ELECTIONS.

Hong Kono, March 15. At the general elections m Japan the Government secured a majority of the seats. The contests were carried out with great warmth and serious riots were of frequent occurrence, re sulting m twenty being killed, and one hundred and twenty wounded.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Paris, March 15. President Carnofc proposes to add a clause to the penal code making wilful destruction of property by use of ex plosives punishable by death. A Bill embodying this proposal will be intro duced into the Chamber of Deputies at once. Berlin, March 15. A. bomb loaded with bullets was ex ploded m a thoroughfare m Loban, a town m West Prussia, bub fortunately it did not have the desired effect and no one was killed.

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY.

Washington, March 15. Mr Cleveland is willing to stand as a Democratic candidate for the Presi dency.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE DIVORCE LAW. Sydney, March 1(5. The Divorce Extension Bill has passed the Legislative Council.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, March 16. The athletic team for England met with a cordial reception on arrival. Tawhaio, the Maori Kin?, holds an interview with the Hon. Mr Cadinan this afternoon. An address from the patients of the Tn stitute of the Tiliud, .signed on behalf of the various branches throughout New Zealand, was presented to-day at the In stitute,-Parnell, to Mr John Abbott, the founder of the organisation. The address thanked him for his zea'ous efforts on be half of the blind people. Wellington, March IG. The steamer Pakeha began discharging ac 8 m the morning and left at 3.30 next clay. In th*,t time she discharged 1577 tons cargo, and took on board 600 tons of coal, and 433 cases of meats. A cabman named James O'Flaherty quarrelled with his wife early this morn ing and fir a,d at her twice with a rifle. He missed her, but one of the bulle:s struck a house a quarter of a mile away, and lodged m the bed where a young woman was asleep. The bullet was found m the bed clothes, the inmate of the bed having a narrow escape. O'Flaberty, who is a corporal m the Wellington guafds, says he only intended to frighten his wife and thought he was using blank cartridge. An order for tlie compulsory winding up of the Mokau Coal Company was made to-day. The Minister of Public Works has de cided to have provision made for the goods traffic m connection with the ex tension of the railway to Te Aro, and has given instructions to the engineer to lay off the same. An appalling number of cases of typhoid are reported to be under treatment. Over forty are m the hospital alone and a thorough scheme of drainage is impera tive at any cost. In consequence of the great interest that ha.-; sprung up ir> athletics since the inauguration of the champion meetings "lie City Council is being moved to form a cinder track on the Basin Reserve. It is expected to cost £'20(>, but it is impossible i get a perfectly level path. llokitika., March 16. At the Supreme Court the divorce case, Dillon v. Dillon and Corrigan, was stub bornly defended, and there was a goo:l deal of cross swearing. A decree nisi was granted. A breach of promise case, Costello v Houlahan, was undefended, and plaintiff was awarded £50. In Kis sick v Black, of Reefton, an ejectment case, judgment was reserved. There wove two or three small applications. The Court has closed, Rbbcton, March lfj. James Naysmith, a well-known rosi dent, met his death by drowning this morning under the following circum stances : - He had been suffering from m Huen f/-a for some days, and was under medical treatment. At 3.30 this morn ing the night w-ilchman of an hotel where ho was residing heard him leave the building and as he did not return he raised the alatUf. The river was dragged and the body was found. Deceased .cqnir j plained lately of pains m the head $nc, insomnia. It is supposed he had are j lapse this morning and becoming delirious wandered out, and, coming to the river bank which is close to the hotel, fell m. Oamaku, March 16. ! The jury of four m the case m which Day id Gouge sued the North Ocago Agri cultural and Pastoral Association nnd J. Cooper, claiming £300 for the dentil pf ; his son from a bullet wound received while standing i.ear a shooting gallery ori the show ground, gave a veulict of £100 against Cooper, the owner of the gallery. ' The case occupied two days m %Q' Sujurtfine Court,

Dune din, March 16. j At the meeting of the Dunedin Prosbybeiy the Rev Mr Ryley's resigna tion of Port Chalmers was accepted, and at the request of the congregation it was resolved to resommend the Synod to retain,him m. the ministry of the church. Mr Kyley said he would ask the Presby tery to give him a presbyberial certificate and he would retire. lie goes into the nulling business here. The Presbytery adopted a resolution m favcr of Bible reading m schools with a conscience clause. The body of Thomas P. Michelle, 'buried by a fall of earth, near Roxburgh, was recovered by a rescue" pvty yester i day. The body was m an upright posi tion,, the earth having evidently fallen just as he was signalling to his mates above. At a meeting of the Benevolent Trustees tiie Chairman said the requisi tion last year va-s £8500. Something like £12,000. with a windfall of £375. was spenc beyond that. ' It was decided to make requisition this year for £9000. The city and suburban members have sent a letter to the Minister for Education urging him to pay the grant to the Technical Classes Association as promised last session. At the annml meeting of the New Zealand Drug Company, the report already telegraphed, declaring a dividend of V-| per cent, was carried. The retiring Directors and Auditors were re-elected.

THE MARKETS.

WOOL SALES,

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) London, March 15. The Antwerp wool sales opened to day, but competition was very flat. Riveiv Plate wool has fallen ten centimes.

The Steamer Elginshire.

MAGISTERIAL ENQUIRY.

[per press association, i TiaiAitu, March 17. The Elginshire inquiry hao been, ad journed until to-morrow, before Capt. Wray. R.M., and Oapts. Sutter and Thompson (Port Chalmers), assessors. The application alleges careless navi gation. There is no salvage work to-day, there being too much swell.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

{PES, PRESS ASSOCIATION. | (Received March 17, 10.45 a.m.) |

THE ANARCHISTS.

Paris, Maroh 16 Warrants have been issued for th 3 arrest of two hundred anarchists in Paris. An extensive robbery of dynamite has taken place at Chambery. M. Loubet, the Premier, has promised the Chamber that severe measures should be taken to repress anarchists. The penal clause proposed by Presi dent Cam ot has been referred to a Special Committee. It is believed ihe explosion at the barracks was caused by Picric acid.

THE FRENCH TARIFF.

M. Roche has introduced a bill into the Chamber applying the minimum French tariff to American tinned meats and fruits. French imp-i:■{■•■:: d ::v:j February, under the new tariff, decreased one million francs, and exports twenty three millions.

THE MURDER OF A DIPLO MATIST.

Constantinople, March 16. The R-issian Embassy is reported to have shipped the instigator of the Vul covitch murder to Odessa.

RUSSIA AND GERMANY.

St. Petersburg, March 1(5. It is stated the Czar is desirous of peace and has ordered the press to pub lish articles calculated to placate Ger many.

BANK FALLURE.

Gunsberg's bank at St. Petersburg has suspended payment; liabilities six million roubles.

THE COAL CRISIS.

London, March 16, A portion of the Barnsley miners have resumed work. The Dean Forest and Cumberland miners roriime on March 19,

BANK ROBBER COMMITTED.

Hartman, who attempted to steal a box of valuables from the London and Westminster bank, has been committed for trial.

THE AMERICAN TARIFF

Washington, March 16. The President has ordered that duties on sugar and hides from Colum bia, Hayti and Venezuela be increased, m consequence of those republics re fusing to reciprocate under the Mc- Kinley tariff.

AUSTRALIAN.

Received March 17. 11.50 a.m.*

DEFRAUDER LARKIN MISSING

Melbourne, March 17. Mi- Larkin, formerly secretary of the South Melbourne Building Society, who was accused of defrauding the Society, is missing, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

THE STANLEY'S.

Adelaide, March 17. Mr and Mrs Stanley have left on their return to Europe.

POSTAL CONFERENCE.

Hqbart, March If. The Postal Conference has begun,. Mr Bird, Postmaster.General of Tas mania, presided. He regretted the absence of a New Zealand representa tive.

Fire Brigades Conference

Christchukoh, March 17. The adjourned meeting of the Fire Brigades' t\ ssooiation took place to-m*sxht. The question of interviewing the, Fire Underwriters' Association respecting a grant, was discussed, and the motion referring it to the executive to take action was lost. / rule was: made that any attempt to wilfully evade the regulations for competitions would subject the offenders to disqualification for all events. It was decided to endeavour to obtain from the Government the same con cessions m travelling as volunteers attending the Riile Association meeting, it was agreed to present ex-president Smith, Christchurch, with an illuminated address m recognition of his services to the association," The conference then closed.

Supreme Court.

\l'&R VRhSU ASSOCIATION] ,

Auckland, March 16. The Supreme Court civil sessions oc cupied all to-day. The action brought by the Customs authorities against Shall and is being heard. The case will probably not be concluded to-day.

MAGISTERIAL.

A.S Hl3 URTON- TH URSD AY.

CBi:foro Messrs Williamson and Alcorn.) Civil Cask-'.—Sparrow and Berryman v. .). Bryant. £6 9s 6d—Judgment huvr.mons. Ordered to pay £2 within a week and £2 every four weeks thereafter, or m default one month's imprisonment. Renry v. Crouin, £4 6s Gel. —Judgment by default for £4 3s. Cjllins and Co. v. | It. Anderson, £1 4s Gd.—Judgment for amount by default Lousy Sukkp.— Mark Ballance was charged with having had lousy sheep m the Tinwald Yards, The charge was laid by the Sheep Inspector, who now asked leave to withdraw it, as it was the first for the season, and all precautions had now been taken by Mr Ballance to the satisfaction of the Inspector.

The Fire Brigades' Demonstration.

(PER I'IiESH ASSOCIATION,)

Christchukch, March 16. Tho annual demonstration m connection with the United Fire Brigades' Associa tion commenced to-day The weather was cold and threatening, and the attendance of the public very poor. Events were got off \ery slowly. The following aro the results decided to-day : — Steam fire engine, dry, five men— Rangiora. lmin 17 l-sth sees, 1 ; Gis borne, lrain 2lsecs, 2 ; Christchurch City, ltnin 21 2-sth sees, 3. Ashburton time was lmiu 29sec, penalties, 2sec —lmin 31sec. i Manual engine, dry, one man—Branch aa J. Fraser, Christchurch City, 36 -sth sees, 1 ; Foreman Hosking, Palmer ston North, 40-secs (including 2secs penilty for loose joint), 2; Fireman Kitchen, Feilding, 41secs, 3. Ladder Race, dry hose, one man — Sub-Superintendent'Barry, Spit, 11 4-oth sees, 1 ; SHnior Foreman Morris, Gis borne, 12 1 sth sees, 2 ; Fireman Condon, Christchurch City, 12 3-sth sees (includ ing 1 sec penalty) 3 ; Captain Wallace, Gore, 13secs ; Fireman Simmous, Napier, 13secs ; Captain Branson, Hastings, 13 3-sth sess. This evening Christchurch City and Railway Brigades gave a water display m Market Square. Later on the visiting firemen were entertained by the Christ church Working Men's Club at a smoke concert.

THE WINDSOR MURDER.

[pee press association.

London, March 15. The detectives have elicited further particulars with regard to Williams' visit to Lancashire. It appears that he rented a house m Itaiuhill, and during his residence there was frequenty visited by a woman who suddenly disappeared. In the litiht of what hus transpired of la re concerning Williams' career there is grave suspicion m the village that her unexpected disappearance was due to foul play. A number of persons who came m contact with Williams about the time the woman was last seen now call to mind the fact that Ivs clothes were spattered with blood, and the landlord of the house states that Williams himself placed a layer of cement under the floor of one of the rooms m a similar manner to the layer under the hearth stone of the cottage at Windsor. The detectives have ascer tained that after leaving R'-tinhill Williams and wife lodged at a hotel m London for a few days before taking the steamer to Australia. During his stay m the city he obtained many cases of goods by false pretences. He also purchased a number of files and drills, and incurred bills at a jeweller's for altering articles of jewellery, diamonds, and plate, apparently m order (.o change their appearance. Ie was nuticed that during his residence at the hotel Williams wore a large number of diamonds, and that he was not backward m displaying his jewels. i

HORRIBLE DISCOVERIES.

(Received March 17, 10.15 a.m.) London, March 16. The. woman who used to be seen about Williams' house at Rainhill and after wards disappeared was accompanied by two children. When the house was given up Williams sent away some heavy boxes. The investigations of the police have disclosed another horrible tragedy, which no doubr will be laid to Williams' charge. Under the kitchen floor of the house he occupied have been found the bodies of a woman and four children, one of the latter a baby. The mother and one child had been strangled, and the other three had their throats cut. All had been buried together, which points to the murders being all committed at the same time.

The Eketahuna Murder.

■fI S"8, PKJSSs ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, March 16. In the murder case, Mr Coats, solicitor for the defence, did not put Harrison m the box, but contented himself with ad dressing the jury, who retired at five o'clock. Wellington, March 17. The .Jury on the Ek'tihhuna murder case, after being locked up all night, came into court at nina o'clock this morning, still disagreed, and were discharged. Mr Gully applied for a third trial at the present sittings. Mr Justice Richmond hoped if the case were tried again they would also have a new judge. Some dis cussion took place as to the necessity for having the trial at this sitting, and eventually the Judge fixed it for May 30 the firs*- day of nexfe session—and ordered the sittings to be adjourned from time to time for the purpose. It is understood that nine of the jury . favored a con viction.

N. Z. Rifle Association.

[PEa PRESS ASSOOIATIQIir.] Trentham, March 16. This afternoon the Teams Match was fired. Only ten teams entered, the prize money being reduced to £30, £20, and £10 The following scores were made : — Wanganui Rifles 439, 1 ; Auckland Artillery 436, 2; Wellington Artillery, 429, 3. The following are the leading prize : takers :—.- Nursery match open only to members of the Association who have never won a prize at any Association meeting, ten shots, 500 yards :— Kennedy, INapier, 47, £8 ; Head, Auck land, 44, £0 ; Skinner, Auckland, 44, £5 ; Or. Spanley, Aucklai.d, -J4, £4 ; Wood, Gore, 44, £4 ; Rait, Wellington, 42, £2 • Menzies, Hutfc, 41, £2. The principal prizes m the Auckland Ammunition Company's match 500 yds. ten shots, Snider Rifles, ammunition, supplied by the Company;—W. Ballinger, Wellington, 37j £5; Lieut, Jack,Dmiedii)j

37, £4; Salek, Ashburton, 35, £3; Chalmers. Dunedin, 34, £3; Parslow, ■> ucklfind, 33, £2 ; Lieut.. Little, Auck land 32, £2; Benton, Featherston, 32, £2 ; Trooper Somerville, 32, £2. Salek made five consecutive bull's-eyes and then a miss was signalled. He chal lenged the shot but the miss was con firmed, and he had to put up with third place, two points behind the winner. March 17. Steady rain set m at eight o'clock last night and shooting did hofc begin until half-past eight this morning, when the weather cleared a little. The Grand Ag gregate and Last Try matches were fired simultaneously, and after the first few men had finished, rain came down a&uiu, but the shooting continued. At 500 yards m the Grand Aggregate watch, Pumell, Jones, and Doughty eich made 30, Spiers who was second m the aggregate, has gone down third, Purnell taking second plane. In the LastTrymatch Webster, who has usually been well up for the championship put on the excellent score of 48 oufa of a possible 50. The leading prizetakers in'the Last Try match, ten shots at 500 yds,".are—Webster, Auckland, 48, £8; Smith, Invercargill, 45, £6 ; Kirk, Petone, 45, £5; Brownlee, Thames, 44, £4; Skinner, Auckland, 44, £4; Fox, Christchurch, 44, £3; Parker, Sydenfmrn, 43,£3;Churton, Wanganui, 43, £2 ; Anderson, Wanganui, 43, £2 ; Okey, Taranaki, 43, £2 ; Perner, Auckland, 43, £2 ; Preston, Auckland, 43, £2 ; Turner, Palmerston, 43, £'2. The following are the principal prizes m the Grand Aggregate Match, 500, 600, and 700 yards, seven shots : - -Rait. Wel lington, 92, £8 ; McCarthy, Wakari, 91, £6 j Howe, Wellington, 89, £5 ; Hender son, Thames, 88, £4 ; Sonntag, Wakari, 88, £4 ; Taylor, Auckland, 87, £2 ; Gross, Napier, 87, £2; Ross, Napier, 87, £2 ; Wakehn, Christchurch, 87, £2; A. Ballinger, Wellington, 87, £2. The following are the highest of the fifty who will fire for the Championship : —Purnell, Wanganui, 479; Spiers, Oamaru, 479 ; Doughty, Auckland, 478 ; T. Jones, Wakari, 475 ; A. Ballinger, Wellington, 469 ; Taylor, Auckland, 467 ; Sonntag, Wakari, 463; Ross, Napier, 462 ; McCarthy, Wakari, 461 ; Parslow, Auck land, 460.

SPORTING.

HAWKE'S BAY AUTUMN MEETING.

[PEK PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Hastings, Marsh 17. The following is the result of the Hawke's Bay Cup. Crown Jewel ... ;.. ' >4< l Retina 2 Loclmess ... ... •],.' 3

THE ASHBTJRTON GUARDIAN : THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 1892.



TRANSPARENT BLOCK TCE JL MAKING MACHINERY, ESTABLISHED "OORTER BLANOHAR CONCORD, N.H. U.S.A. MaNUFACXUBEES OP AKD DeAIEBS ALL KlNl^S QF l>aii*v Groods SPEOIALTIES:



PUBLIC CHALLENGE. BROOKE'S "PERFECT" SHEEP DIP VEBSIH LITTLE'S FLUID DIP and thk Great American CARBOL CRYSTAL DIP. I HEREBY challenge the agents of these two imported Dips to a public trial,, to be conducted under the auspices of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the losers to pay £10 each to the funds of the Society for their trouble m carrying out the trial. The conditions I make are—That the Committee shall consist of six persons, free from bias, no member of the Com mittee to have used any of the three Dips either last season or this one. That the Committee shall include an expert m wool, and amongst other things that points shall be awarded for the condition of the wool at shearing : alsq after scouring and after dyeing. Tlje Dip used iq be obtained haphazard frqm any outside agent. ' CM BROOKE, AsnnuKTON,,



Public Wptiees. SPECIAL ENTRY. SATURDAY, MARCH 19, A Large Quantity of COLONIAL ALL WOOL TvVEEDS, m lengths to suit purchasers. A first class lot of Goods. ALFRED HARRISON, 3 103 Auctioneer. FUNERAL NOTICE. THE Friends of Mr Benjamin Wil liamson are respectfully informed that his Funeral will move from his residence, Elgin, on SATCJRDiY, the 19th inst., at 11 o'clock m the forenoon, for the Ashburton Cemetery. , BAKERBROS., 3 104 Undertakers.



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS EUCALPTI EXTRACT Test is eminent powerful effects Li coughs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous . Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe, are ita patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occa sion to offer rewards m p^oof of the genuine ness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all these are authentic documents, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various cases treated by Siegenl M.D , Professor, etc. Burning of the right hand through the explosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the volar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as tihe joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose and half of the phalaux of the nail of the middle finger was coaled. The wounds thus contracted healed m three weeks under daily applications of Eucalypti Extra fc dressing. The patient has retained the full use of her hand.—(Advt.) I



Holloway's Pills and Ointment.— Some occupations tend to the development of certain diseases, and those who toil as miners are peculiarly liable to rheumatism, lumbago, and other allied complaints. In the gold fields and copper mines Holloway's remedies have been largely patronised by the workers to their very great advantage, and they can ba confidently recommended as invaluable remedies for inward congeation, spasm 3, and cramp m the bowejs, and all those conditions of the lungs and liver to which those who work underground or m impure atmospheres are io peculiarly liable. For cuts, bruises, sprains, and stiff joints, the action of Holloway's Ointment is eininontly healing and soothing, and a supply should always be at hand m case of need



The cost of the Royal Commission on Chincae. gambling m New South Wales has 0 far been £2049.



' Dost nX T)vckiyfa)\ —lf 3'ou want the best luediciii'j the world has ever pro duccd, try Colkm-vne and Sons Eucalypti Extract. For all affections of the chest and lungs, consumption, asthma, coughs, colds, gravel, and kidney pompluints. For influenza it bas no equal, Under the distinguished patronage <>f Earl Jersey, Governor of Now South Wales, Lord Carrington, and the J'Jmperor of Germany. Awarded medals at Sydney 1 Melbourne, ] and Adelaide, beating all competitors, j and s the only pure Extract m the world. See that jthe label bears our trade mark (tree of life and signature Colcmane and Soils, Coo.tainan.dra, New South Wales) without this it i? a fraud. Price, Is Gd and 2s 6d, Wholesale Deprib for New Zealand: Lichfield street, Cliristehurch Sole Agents for Aahburfcon : The Ash burton Drug Company.--Advt Ninian Hyslop and Co best" Irr,psrial pure O^y"*" 1 and Indian.'s Tefin -re the best m hem rket.— (Adv "> Aa'k^'fpr Ninian Hyslop, and Co. s finperial new sg.asc,ns Pure Ceylon and India Teas Special prices —(kdy "Kkating's Powdku" 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. Jt is perfectly clean m application. See t-he article you mnchase is " Keating's," as imitations are oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, 6d', l<i ,md 2s Gd each, by all chemists.



Tujs Best Remedy for Indigestion — Norton's Camomile Pills are confident^ recommended ft?s a. simple remedy foi Indigestion, which is tl^ cause of nearly all Mie diseases to which we arc subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called jfcha •'iSTatural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," %gfc as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild i» their operation, and $-de under any circumstances. Sold ia bottles, at Is ljd, 2s 9d, lls, by all mpdicinp yoodws fchroughoyt the wwld-



SANDBH, AND SONS EUCALYPTI' BXTRAGT.-^ln protection of the world wide fume our manufacture has acquired all cvjr the globe, we publish the following :--- Hazard, M.1)., Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the Mind and Nervous system, says m an editorial published m tue " Clinical Record " :—" 'l Te havo examined half-a-doiicn specimens oi^afFerent manufac tures : the preparation of Sander and Sons 1 was tlw. uit-ly one that proved to bo reliable and corresponding to scientific tests." Another con'coctioi)cabled "Refined l^.xtract of Eucalypti^" has ni^dc jit« appearance since. This pi'Gcluct .stands, according to Dr Owen, foremost m causing injurious effects. Tliafc gentleman communicates, at a nieeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that W child living at Fitzi'oy became most seriously indisposed through its use. Iv another case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that she suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of our manufacture we fe(jl warranted m expo ing the above facts, and desfces ji,he public to exercise care and precaution when" ibuying, SANDER ard SONS.—(Advt.) 7



N.Z.C.F. SPECTAX INDUCEMENTS ABB OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC FOR ONE MONTH TITEN'S AND JJOYS CLOTHING, SHIRTS HATS RUGS SCARFS PORTMANTEAUX. WE INVITE INSPECTION, COMPARISON, AND PATRONAGE. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. :W. H WEBBER, Manager



N iiifui Hyslop and Oo.'s '• hupej-al" Cey >n n< d Indian Teas are diror.r, f om the \tJ 1 lantation—i'Adv



Wanted. ] CASH Advertisement unrter this heading not exceaduv;; SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office. ■"' "XUANTED, two Teams for Skim' Ploughing Stubble. Apply Henry i Rosbnualb, TheTerracesFarm.Meihven. 3^105 -TTTANTED, for the country, a smart W Boy to milk, look after horses, and make himself generally useful. Apply to Mr J. Hesbltink, Ashburton and Tinwald, between 11 anil 12 Saturday morning next. 3*112 WANTED at once, two or three good Tailors. Permanent employment. Apply, Sparrow and Berkyman. 3 110 /CHOICEST new season's Figs and \J Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2a each.— H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East street. _ BiiAM Engiiies 2s~ 6cl, Toys, Onia menhs, Fancy Goods, Glass and Chinaware; new lines opening up. H M. Jones. PIANOS, Organs, Violins, Strings, Music, Accordians. Special value m Accordians just now to clear the line. —H. M. Jones. WANTED Known.—Come and see the Bargains now on at Melford House.—H. C.-Sbgers. ' IXTAH TED Known. —At "The Corner" ▼ ▼ now selling Ladies' French Shops. 5s lid. See them.—W. R. Collier. tITANTED Known.—lf you want VV plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Seghrs. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. C ollieb. ______ "YTTANTED Known.—l have a large W stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Hardley, East street. 6J202 WANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. C. S EGERS. . ~- ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits tn measure ; fib and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. TTIO Meet the Times.—l am aupplymg X Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all dessriptions. Inspection invited. — J. W. Hardlby, Eas street. 6J201 ANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling aftf-3. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. "Repairs done at once m staff of men always kept ar.d best Material and workmanship guaranteed. \EW Supplies of Stationery, Account Books, Music, Fancy Goods. New Games, Orders for Printing, Book binding, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted. Schools and offices supplied with pvery requisite, Magozines aid Nows papers supplied.—L. F. ANDREWES & 00., Stationers' Hall.