MAIL NOTICE.

Mails close for the following places as under, snbiect to the necessary alterations : WEDNESDAY, January 27. For the United Kingdom, Continent of Europe and America, and West Indie 3 (via San Francisco)!. Sandwich Islands, etc., and also for Northern Ports of New Zealand, per Takapuna, as follows:-Ordinary letters, books, and newspapers, at 0.1.-> P™» 5 registered letters, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m. This mail will be due m London on March 2.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1892. THE LATE CARDINAL MANNING.

The death of so great an English man and so distinguished an ecclesiastic as Cardinal Manning is an event, which, though it occurred coincidently ■with the death of the heir-presumptive to the throne of England, caused an emotion throughout the English-speak ing world. Like his great contempo rary Cardinal Newman the first half of his life was spent m the Church of England, and had he remained there he would almost certainly have risen to be Archbishop of Canterbury. As the chief dignitary of the English Church Cardinal Manning would have made more of the position than did Arch bishop Tait, who is conceded to have stood with Laud as the most distin guished of the prelates who have sat on the throne of St Augustus since the Reformation. Like Tait the late Cardinal Manning was intensely am bitious, and maintained the powers and prerogatives of Rome to the utmost of his great power, but his masterful spirit and his belief m the infallibility of his convictions were veiled by his skilful diplomacy, courtly manners and con ciliatory address. These qualities had gained him a prominent position m the Church of England, and when he went over to Rome, becoming a Roman of the most absolute type, he continued to advance without a check. It was m 1851 that he made the change; m 1865, on the death of Cardinal Wise man, he was made Archbishop of West minster j m 1875 he received his Cardi nal's hat; and had he not been an Englishman he would probably have beep elected to the chair of St. Peter on the death of Pope Pius the Ninth. At the time when Manning " went over" a new departure had just been made m the management of the affairs of Roman Catholicism m Great Britain. Up to 1850 the affairs of that church had been administered by a vicar apostolic, but m that year the Pope divided England into tw cbTe Sees, each with territorial designations. This assumption of titles created a sort of panic, and the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill, which made such proceedings illegal, was hastily passed. The statute, how ever, soon became a dead letter, as the Roman Catholics could not be denied the right to manage their own aftairs, as the Wesleyans and other dissenting bodies did. As Archbishop of West minster Cardinal Manning soon made his see a social and political force which rivalled that of Canterbury. His receptions were thronged by a a large representation of the rank, talent and influence of England, besides distinguished foreigners of almost every nation. He took a leading interest m social reform, sitting on more than one select committee, and it will be remem bered that during the " dockers'" strike he was the chief mediator between the companies and the men. His efforts m the cause of Temperance were great and successful, and there is a melan choly testimony to the strength of his convictions on this question m the state ment that they were a difficulty m the way of medical men m their endeavors to combat the disease which carried him off. Cardinal Manning was a j statesman of a very high order, and as an administrator, a political and social force it will scarcely be possible to re place him m the Roman Church. His personality, m a long life of self-sacri fice, munificence and devotion to his convictions, is worthy of emulation by all creeds.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr Horace Thompson announces his pre sence m Ashburton for the purpose of tuning aud repairing pianos. During the last year the expenses of the various deputations which the Corporation of Edinburgh despatched to London amounted to upwards of £1800. The date of the annual prize competition of the Ashburton Amateur Swimming Club has been changed to March 2, to suit the convenience of the competitors from Auck land. Sir Anthony Ashley first introduced the cabbage into England from Holland. It is said that a cabbage cut out of stone lies at his feet on his monument at Wimbome, m Dorsetshire. A meeting of ladies interested m swim ming is convened for Thursday afternoon at the Domain bath at two o'clock, to con sider the advisableness of forming a Ladies' Swimming Club m connection with the Ash burton Amateur Swimming Club. The schools excursion train to Springburn on Friday will run m two sections, leaving Ashburton at 9.20 and 9.30 a.m., and stopping at Tinwald, Westerfield and Valetta, to pick up the contingents from their localities. This morning a disastrous accident happened to Mr G. Milson's sodawater.cart. It was being driven by a lad round the Post Office corner, at Baring Scjuare, and the corner being taken too fine the post was run a^aimsdiandthe cart was completely over turned. The destruction of bottles was great, bnt w&tfosj? driver, horse nor cart was injured. A foreigner who was walking m the streets of Paris, wenfc into a coffee la.ou.sft to get something to drink, but he could not order any beverage because he was not able to speak French. So he resolved to listen how some Pther person who might eoine m ordered bis drink, and then to order the same tiling. Somebody came soon, and the for«i«ner hmvd his order : " Garcon ! Un verre'd'ean." H«? at once beckoned as well to the waiter and said, "Vordo! After he had tried the dripk M M been brought, he cogitated: " UU vm singular ! If l\lid not know that tins was Y^rd^ ] should have though* that it was water.' The largest office building m the world is now being constructed m Chicago. It will be known as the Masonic Temple. It is to be twenty storeys m height, and is to rise 370 feet above the level of fchii streets, lhe lower stores wi'l be used as stores, .and the uppermost) for Masonic purposes, a fyrge hall to scat 4000 persons being one of the principal feature.*, Numerous doors will lead ftorn this hall, .«me «v U) the roof, which is to be laid out as a garden, '/.'h/ipe af.e t0 be xn» less than fourteen passenger edeyfttypg, and two freights, mail-shutes, telephones, electric aud gas light, steam heating a.n4 very rmmUcw iftijrevemeot.

One ot iiie London Kailway Companies is considering the adoption of the Zone system, and it; is possiolo it will allow passengers to travel to any of its stations for one penny. The Oamaru Harbour board has received !an offer to purchase £4000 worth of the board's debentures held by the bank against overdraft. It was decided that the intend ing purchaser be referred to the bank. New York, according to the bestjudges, now has a Hebrew population of 225,000 to 250,000 souls. It is the centre of Judaism m the world. It contains more of the Israelites than all of Palestine. The Maniototo Farmers' Club has passed a resolution m favour ot the continuation of borrowing by the colony to enable necessary works to be completed to a paying point. A motion supporting the extension of the franchise to women was also adopted. The Mamroa, which arrived at Wellington, from Sydney at G. 30 last night, made thr run across m ninety-four hours, m spite of head winds and cross seas, which prevailed throughout the passage. She brings 210 passengers for all ports, a number of whom are en roue to the Lakes and Sounds. A nobleman who had spent much money m adorning his garden with statues was one day very much chagrined by hearing an old countryman gay to his wife: <; Ji&t see, Susan, what a waste ! Here's nae less than six scarecrows m this wee bit of the garden, while one of them would keep the crows from a ten-acre field. " Cannon Scott-Holland, of St Paul's, spoke dolefully at Ripon on the condition of religion m the East End of London. Every atom of tradition of church-going, he said, has ceased. "It was hardly possible for a working man to go to church without his being suspected of getting something by it." The Customs returns for Lyttelton for the year just ended show that there has been an increase m the duties collected of £60 13s lOd. Exports show a decrease of £525,157, imports of £46,373 ; Kevenue Marine Board branch of £555 5s lid; Harbour revenue collected by Customs of £397 4s 7d, and Port charges, etc., of £227 15s sd. Hardest is pretty well m full swing all over the Waitaki county (says the " North Otago Times ") m some districts half the crop being down. The yield is if anything exceeding expectations, the berry being plump, and the heads well filled. So far the district has experienced no nor'-westers this season, but the broken weather has delayed cutting for about, three days. A congress held m Leopoli, the capital of Galicia, has raised a scandal by demand ing the ostracism of twenty saints, who weie beatified under the pontificates of Pio Nono and Leo XIII. Among the saints are Torquemad, of Spanish Inquisition fame, and Friar Labre, who was sanctified, m spite of his excessive filthine^s, the con gress says, by Leo XIII. British teetotallers now number a duchess among themselves. The Marchioness of Tavistock, now Duchess of Bedford, is, like her sister, a total abstainer. Among the ladies belonging to the upper ten who also wear the blue ribbon are the Coun tesses of Carlisle and Ellesmere. Several members of the Roman Catholic aristocracy sport a tiny green bow, which is the dis tinctive badge of Cardinal Manning's tem perance association. Some time ago a lady advertised m a London newspaper, asking persons to send threepence each m aid of the Bishop of Bed ford's Whitechapel Refuge Fund, and to in duce two friends to do the same. The result apparently was successful beyond the ex pectation of the advertiser, and when later on she removed from the address given m the advertisement, without giving any notice of the change, the replies accumulated at the returned letter office to such an extent that, when her new address had been discovered, no fewer than 16,26*8 letters, contaiug £191, were awaiting delivery. The Customs department is now requiring hop bear, whenever it ia manufactured for trade purposes m any considerable quantity, to be brought under the same conditions as to license and payment of excise duty as the ordinary beer of commerce. No definite ruie is laid down {says the "Post") as to the particular classes of cases to which the rule shall apply, but a large amount of discretion is leffc to collectors, subject to the directions contained m certain official circulars, and to instructions from head quarters m cases w lurch arc uncertain. The reason given is that cases have been found where the liquor has contained as much as eight per cent of proof spirit, whereas the proportion m ordinary beer is not more than ten per cent. Coffee tea was brought under the notice of the Royal Botanic Society of London on November 2S, at a meeting presided over by Mr G. J. Syir.onds, F.R.S. The samples of coffee tea, or prepared coffee leaves, were grown m the Society's conservatory. The Secretary said it had been estimated that the percentage of theme m the leaves of coffee was 1.26, as against 1.00 m the beans. As the leaves may be easily grown m many parts of the world where it is difficult to ensure good crops of coffee beans, he thought ifc might prove a valuable agricultural pro duct m many of our warmer colonies. At present, he said, only some two millions of men used coffee tea, m comparison with one hundred and ten millions who use the bean, and five hundred millions who drink Chinese and Indian tea.

The English cricketers are having a royal time m Melbourne (says the "Otago Daily Times " correspondent). They were greatly chagrined—Grace especially,—at losing the Australian match; and they did not deserve to lose it, to say truth. Not that the issue was governed by luck, except the ordinary chances of the game, by which a man will one day score 100 and the next day one ; and even m this respect the Australian side had their share of hard luck m Griffin's early dismissal m both innings. But the English ' team played better, all round. Their fielding M*as as good as it could be ; their bowling was better thanjthe Australians , and their batting was a good deal more brilliant. J Thus the Englishmen scored m the first innings 250 runs from 550 balls, while the Australians got only 229 runs from 907 balls; and m the second innings the Englishmen had 157 runs from 428 balls, against their opponents' 236 runs from 1151 balls. The attendance was very large ; so large that Lord Sheffield's team take £2600 from the match—the sum left after paying bare ex penses. A meeting of the Ashburton Amateur Swimming Club was held on Monday evening—Major Steward m the chair, thirty live members being present. The requisition calling the general meeting was read by the chairman, also a letter from Mr Alfred Harrison covering his resignation. Corres pondence was also placed before the meeting regarding Mr Harrison's resignation, on which subject Mr Williams by request made an explanation. The following resolutions were then carried : lf That Mr Harrison's resignation be accepted." "That the resolution of the Committee, referring to the matter of the staging as recorded m the minutes, be upheld by this meeting." Mr J, C, Lane,, tho Secretary qf the Club, was then elected unanimously to the posi tion of Captain, vacated by Mr Harrison. The question of family tickets for ladies was raised, and after several suggestions had been made, the matter was left m the hands of the Committee. The meeting then closed afjbfiP passing a vote of thanks to the Chairman. We ("North Otago Timps'') do not mention the fact because we wish to discourage the holders of the Oainaru Municipal bonds from taking whatever action they may deem necessary to secure their richts, but as an item of news—that two large properties have recently changed hands m this town. The first is a store m ill* Block, which has been handed over fyy £h$ mortgagees to the Harbour Board free .of every encumbrance but Borough rates. IVs 'gtare originally cost between £3000 and £4(>00, TJtp second is one of the largest buildings m town wiftah must have cost about £6000. The owner of the freehold has been presented with this sort of Christmas gift, and it is unneces sary tfi say that he does not relish the gift. It may be argued' that these buildings were beyond the requirements of the place, and the argument may be perfectly true, but uoue the less does it show that for rating purposes tbss§ bulMfoja m i\wfi worth; fo '

The Government have consented to the | public ofßce3 being closed during the | afternoon of Friday, Februarys, the. first J day of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Championship meeting at Lancaster Park. The Ciiristchurch City Council has agreed to a half holiday being declared on the : same day. To-night Mr "Robert Kennedy occupies I the stage oLthe Oddfellows Hall m hi« enter- ] tainment entitled "Twa oors at Hame. " His programme comprises Scottish Songs both grave and gray, Scottish stories, with Scottish sketches, historical and descriptive —altogether a clever and interesting enter tainment. In this week's "War Cry," amongst the list of appointments, appears those of Cadet Gertrude M. Gates to the Lassies' Band ; Capt) Annie Cruickshank and Lieut. Lilian Roberts to the charge of the Ashburtou station vice Captain Veitch transferred to Timaru. Cadet Lizzie Wray, who has been promoted to a lieuten iuu;y is aiso appointed to Ahhburton Recent arrivals m Paris have included the tailor who came m a box from Vienna ; two persons said to have travelled from Barcelona m a cask ; some Russian officers on horse back from Siberia ; a gentleman from Vienna who had done the journey m a cab; and another from the same capital who had covered the distance on a wheelbarrow. A son of Marshal Bazaine having decided to call himself Bcauclair the family of that name are bringing an action again3t him for usurping it. They are determined to keep the name for themselves, and never let it be used by a Bazaiue.

The following handicap has been declared by Mr Muller for the Swimming Club's hundred yards club race to be competed for to-morrow evening:—J. 0. Lane, scratch ; Jas. Graham, 13 sees ; Q. Culver house, 13 sees ; A. G. Williams, 20 sees; J. F. Miiller, 22 sees; E. E. Clowes, 22 sees; F. Henry, 25 sees j H. Curtis, 30 ■ecs. Influenza is very prevalent on the West Coast. The "West Coast Times " says:— The Hokitika Hospital is being rapidly filled with cases of influenza. Some of cnem, complicated with bronchitis, are of a severe type. The surgeon-superintendent has found it necessary to confine these cases to one ward which is already filled. It is feared by Dr James that many ot the chronic cases will have to be discharged m order to meet the necessities of the epidemic. If this present state of things continues it will be necessary for those concerned m charitable aid matters to make temporary arrangements to meet the emergency. The purpose of education, said Mr Rollea ton a few days ago, was not the cramming of the memory with facts, but it was prim arily the development and training of the moral and intellectual faculties brought into play m daily life. As by gymnastics the muscles were strengthened and developed, so education should develop the wrestling thews that throw the world. It was idle to suppose that one could reduce to the level of standards the infinite variety of qualities that were drawn out and strengthened under the training of a cultivated teacher. Earnestness of purpose, conscientious accuracy, truthfulness, honesty of work, a sense of duty, a determination to overcome difficulties, and the avoiding of shirking and shuffling were among the moral qualities which were inculcated m the pursuit of the ordinary school coarse. There was no text book, no syllabus of them, though lie believed that departmental omniscience had ■iltempted something of the kind. They were instilled largely by example, largely by daily intercourse with the teachers. Children who learned to reverence their teackcrs could not fail to profit m after life by their teachers' example. It was this, therefore, that made him feel how important it was that they should make the profession of teacher attractive to the best men and women, if the nation of the future was to be the nation they would like to sec.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

(PBK I'RESS ASSOCIATION.) JBniilt Flr«». New Plymouth, January 25, Telegrams from Okato, about twenty miles from town, state that a bush fire was raging m the district yesterday. Miles of fencing and hundreds of acres of grass were destroyed, besides out-houses and sheds. Dwelling-houses were saved with difficulty. OClie Athletic Champlnnihtii Wellington, January 26. The Wellington team for the champion athletic meeting at Christchurch will be— Gurr, hundred yards to half mile; B. I Gore, 120 yds hurdles and high jump; Batger, hurdles and long jump; 0. Cooper, mile ; Hume, pole jump. Mir nariutrdo'M lConi«. Rev Mr Menzies, who is escorting a party of boys from Dr Barnardo's Home, gave an address and entertainment m which the boys took pare, last night, the Earl of Meath presiding. There was a large attendance, despite the wet weather. Tins was the first of a series of meet- j ings. The All«g'eil Mnril«»»\ Raines was again before the Court this morning on the charge of murdering Harry Crawford. Mr Jellicoe appeared to prosecute on behalf of Mrs Crawford, but Mr Skerret, for the accused, objected on the ground that the former had no locus standi, as Detective Campbell is the informant. Ultimately the case was put back until two o'clock, to enable the In spector to consult the Crown law officers.

SPORTING.

C.J.C. SUMMER MEETING.

(I'BK. PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Ohhistohukqh, Janizary 26. Kulnine lias been scratched for the Midsummer Handicap,

Bentley as Hamlet.

The following sonnet was addressed to Mr Walter JBentley on his first appearance m Edinburgh as HaniJet:— • ■ i Uless thee, brave youth ! thou hast thy strength addressed To a bold venture where not all may win, But all may try, nnd all may do their best; And all will better end who best begin. There are who deem thy noble art a sin, And thee a sinner of most red display ; Men, who, with ban and damnatory din, Usurp the general ear, and bar the way Against all equil audience. But not God Hath priests for prompters to invade the will With sharp reproof alone and chastening rod; He speaks with many mouths, and love 3 the skill, By living pictures of the player's art, To hold the charmed eye, and lead the captive heart! John Stuart Blaokik. April 26, 1882.

A MIDDLE PARTY.

The hopes of the Conservative Party for an early return to power are centi'ed, it would appear, upon the formation of a third or Middle Party, to be formed of discontented Liberals, the possibility of forming an alliance with whom for an attack upon the Government benches is sanguinely anticipated. Rumor has it that just prior to the close of last session the nucleus of such a Party was formed, consisting of some half-dozen members, who, it is said, will, when Parliament meets again, form a cave of Adullam into which will be gladly received everyone who is discontented with or has a grudge against the present Admin istration. That is the way m which j the downfall of Ministries is often brought about—m politics, as m medi ,cine, internal disorders being usually more fraught with danger than are external ones. In these circumstances it is interesting to note what the " Wanganui Herald " — which has the credit of being generally well in formed on matters political, thinks of the situation. This then, is'what our con temporary has to say on the subject:— " The Tories, realising more than ever since their defeat m Wellington last week that they cannot hope to reign again for a considerable time, have comforted themselves with the idea that, because three malcontents have seceded from the Liberal side, the Government can be defeated by the formation of a middle party, of which Messrs Fish, Fisher, and Hutchison are to be the nucleus. There can be no doubt of the danger of any Govern ment possessing too large a majority at the outset, as it means that a number of its supporters are sure to be dis appointed m their sanguine expecta tions, and to " rat " when they think that by doing so they can be revenged upon their former friends for not giving them the rewards they looked for. Messrs Fish, Fisher, and Hutchi son have seceded from the Govern ment side of the House for reasons which our readers can guess, and which it is not necessary for us to further refer to. They, no doubt, in dividually aspire to the leadership of the Middle Party, which as yet numbers but three, and will never agree to any one of them being elevated to the command. That they will never command or control a Middle Party of any size goes without saying, as they are all deficient m those qualities which are indispensable m a leader, None of them is endowed with the power of attraction, but the whole triumvirate may safely be trusted to display the very opposite qualities and to repel from their camp any other stray members who may defect from either side of the House. Asa middle party these redoubtable parliamentary heroes are likely to be just about as successful, as they have been as mem bers of either of the two ruling parties, with which they have been allied. Mr Fisher was kicked out of the Atkinson Government, and went over to the enemy's camp m high dudgeon, and he left it m higher, only to find himself without political friends, and obliged to take a seat between the combatants. He is a clever man—too clever by half, some people think—but so far he has not succeeded m doing anything more than making both sides distrustful of him. Mr George Hut chison is also said to be wonderfully clever, but he is m the same dilemma aa Mr Fisher; he has denounced the Tories so often, and so vigorously with melodramatic fervour that his defec tion from the Government side of the House did not land him any nearer the camp of the Opposition, so he too had to take a seat m the middle of the House and keep Mr Fisher company, being joined m the last days of the session by Mr Fish, whose grievances are legion, and whose opposition is a thing to be, devoutly prayed for, as I his support is about the most damaging and compromising thing any Govern ment or party could be inflicted with. The Middle Party then, is one of exceptional talents, and may safely be trusted to work out its own discom fiture 5 besides which it is long odds that the electors will refuse to send its members back to Parliament again after the next general elections. Tney have, therefore, but a short time to effect their self-imposed task of smash ing the Government. They are more likely to hurt themselves severely m the attempt." For a' that an' a' that, however, it is evident from the fore going that the formation of a Middle Party is among the contingencies to be reckoned upon, and those who desire to see the present Government ac corded a fair opportunity for a trial of their policy will have to be on their guard against a disintegrating move ment which aims at weakening them and rendering them an easy prey to their enemies. " Divide et inipera "is an ancient watchword, but indicates to-day as truly as ever the only way m which the powerful can be deprived of the fruits of victory, and a majority be routed by a minority.

Holloway's Ointment and Pills. — Travellers to and from distant climes would do Well to bear m mind that those changes and thft altered diet and surroundings of their lives entail manifold risks to health. Occasions are sure to arise m which they will need a remedy such as thesa renowned pills and ointment, and no traveller by land or sea should ever fail to have a supply at hand. Then he may truly be said to have a physician always at his call for the various emergencies of travel. Chills and fevers should be promptly treated, and the printed directions should be carefully studied at the commence ment of any illness, fq£ HollQway'aremedies gan {# safely wsetl >» J>jl#Wtes,

United Ancient Order of Druids.

The usual meeting of the Star of Ashburton Lodge was held last evening, Bro P. O'Connor, A.D., presiding. The following Grand Lodge Officers were present :-D.G.P., Bro J. R. Tully ; V.D.G.P., Bio F Penfold; G.T., Bro A. 0. But; G.G., Bro W. Harris, ,md P.D.G.R, livoJ. Steward Bros Boul -1 den (Timarii) and J. W. Tulley (Hope of Sb Albans) were also present. j Previous to the opening of the Lodge : for ordinary business the Grand Lodge officers held a Royal Arch Chapter, and Bros E. IL Tasker And H. A. Pickford took the Past Arch cl egrce. The Lodge was then opened forordinary business and installation of oflicers, when correspondence was read and dealt with, and the D.G.P. installed the various officers as follows: —D.P., Bro Clark; A.D., Bro Mcßao ; V.A., Bio Pauling ; Secretary, Bro Halek ; Treasurer, Bro Klston; L(h, Bro Crooks; 0.G., Bro Parker; A.D.8., Bros Neil and Pickford ; V.A.8., Bkw Tanker and Dowle ; M.S., Bro Clarke. A pleasant feature of the evening was the presentation, by the Grand President, on behalf of the Lodge, of a Past Arch Diploma to Bro Johnson, and P.D.P Diploma to P.D.P. Bro J. H. Pauling. In making the presentation, Bro Tulley said it gave him great pleasure to be present that evening to make the presen tation to two such ham-working members of the Order ; and urged the young mem bers to take a more active part m the work of the Lodge, and they m time would also be placed m the proud position now occupied by the two Brothers men tioned above. The recipients suitably acknowledged the gifts. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to the Grand Lodge Officers and retiring officers of the Lodge. Thu A.D. announced that Bro Robert Clarke had been elected D.P. for No. 5 District (Ashburton and Timaru) and that he would be installed next Lodge night. The Lodge was then closed, and the visitors and members adjourned for harmony, which was kept wp till a late hour. The Grand Lodge Officers left this morning for Timaru, where they will be entertained at a banquet by fche members ot thp Timaru Lodge.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

\ PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

COLONIAL BORROWING.

London, January 24. The "Economist" declares that Treasury bills are unsuite-d to the ordinary investor, and that the de cision of the Bank of England not to advance upon them excludes them from the category of bankers' securities. They are suited, the paper says, to insurance companies only, and it points out that unless some restriction is placed on the issue of these bills the market will soon be overstocked. It advises the public not to buy the bills unless they can obtain them at a cheaper rate, and m conclusion remarks that the colonies m the scramble to place Treasury bills on the market will cause the supply to exceed the demand, which is the surest method of lowering their credit.

LABOR QUESTIONS. London, January 25. Fiftcv.i thousand bootiiuktirs are out on strike iv .Bristol. During the coming session the labor members will introduce a Bill into the House of Commons enforcing recogni tion of the eight hours principle on land and sea. The engineers at Newcastle have had a dispute with the plumbers, and the outcome is that members of both crafts have gone out on strike. HEAVY FAILURE. Mr Henry Hoare, a retired banker, has been declared bankrupt. His liabilities amount to £500,000. THE MOROCCO DIFFICULTY. The warships at Tangiers have been recalled. RELAPSE OF MR SPURGEON. The Rev C. H. Spurgeon has suffered a relapse at Mentone, in the south of France, where he is staying for the sake of his health. THE INFLUENZA.

The local Government Board recon> mend isolation and disinfection as a means of preventing the spiead of influenza. The Marquis of Salisbury's son, Cecil, is suffering from influenza, and is confined to his room at Hatfield House, his father's seat. Influenza is spreading at an alarming rate throughout England. Berlin, January 25. Prince Henry of Prussiais prostrated by influenza.

DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENT.

London, January 25. Sir E. J. Manson, British Am bassador at Athens, takes Lord Vivian's place at Brussels. THE ROSSENDALE ELECTION. The "Times" says it is not sur prised at the result of the Rossendale election, and characterises the success of the Gladstone party as " a victory of a kind." The " Daily News " looks upon the contest as the most important since the last general election, and declares that the brilliant triumph achieved by Mr Gladstone and his followers proves that the public dissent from the con tention that the Liberal policy is a sham. Paris, December 25 § | The French Press are in ecstacies over the result of the Rossendale election, which they contend has sounded the death-knell of Lord Salis bury's administration and jingoism in Egypt.

CHILI AND THE UNITED STATES.

Valparaiso, January 24. The Chilian Government has re quested the recall of Mr T. Egan, United States Minister m Chili. They charge him with intriguing to bring about war between the two countries. Valparaiso, January 25. The situation between Chili and the United States is still critical. It is expected that the Chilian Government will not reply to the United State 3 ultimatum.

AFFAIRS IN BRAZIL.

Hio de Janeiro, January 24. During a riot m Matoga, the Secre tary of the Chamber of Deputies and a number of other citizens were killed.

THE DEATH OF THE KHEDIVE.

Constantinople, January 24. Tl)e Si'ltw 'hw »4vise<i the pw

Khedive to make enquiries into the circumstances connected with the death of his predecessor.

ILLNESS OF THE GRAND DUKE CONSTANTINE.

St. Petersburg, January 25. The Grand Duke Constantine, cousin of the Czar, lias been attacked by paralysis, and is m a critical condition.

REVOLVER ACCIDENT.

Sofia, January 25. While M. Stambouloff was tut driving, a revolver which he was carrying m his pocket exploded, and inflicted a slight wound on his thigh.

THE WADIGO RISING.

Berlin, January 25. The German Government is des patching a body of marines to suppress the rising among the Wadigos, the situation m the district being regarded as critical.

BAVARIAN POLITICS.

The National Liberals at Freisinge, m Upper Bavaria, have coalesced, owing to the clerical tendencies of the Government.

THE POPE.

Rome, January 25. The Pope is m fairly good health, and was able to attend celebration of mass yesterday.

PROPOSED SALE OF PORTU GUESE COLONIES.

LlsSon, January 25. The Portuguese Press are unani mous m supporting the proposal that the colonies should be sold m order to reduce the national debt.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

New Plymouth, January 25. Mr E. M, Smith, M.H.R., had a tight to-day, with the manager of the meal bazaar. The two quarrelled over Mr Smith's son, and the result was a stand up fight which lasted a considerable time. Both parties bear marks of the encounter Gisborne, January 25. Captain Stuart, of the o.s. Dir.gadee, who was brought ashore and lodged m the hospital a month ago, died this aftar -1 noon, aged thirty-seven. He was first siiffering from influenza, but the malady turned to typhoid fever. A. Maori girl, named Keriana Hayes, aged sixteen, committed suicide by hang ing, because of the opposition of her guardian to a certain love affair. She placed her head m a noose only three feet above the ground, then went on her knees, :md after a determined struggle i strangled herself. A severe storm from the southeast has been raging here since Thursday. Much rain has fallen, and if the bad weather continues there will be a flood. Two stores at Makaraka, owned by S. Stevenson, and insured m the North German office, were destroyed by fire. Dunedin, January 25. The Benevolent Trustees had another batch of country cases before them to-day, but none were of a remarkable character. In the cisc of a man who it was found, had £'28C on deposit m the Bank, a letter was received from him to-day enclosing a draft for £15 15s, being the amount he had received ia relief. At a meeting of the Athenajura Com mittee the matter of a free Public Library was only incidentally mentioned, the speakers stating that evidently the time was not ripe for it. Several of the old members of the Committee were, however replaced by others, and ie ia supposed a ticket had been prepared to oust those who were strongly inclined to a Free Library, which was partially successful. Invercargill, January 25. There is magnificent weather, and an abundant and early harvest promised. The Governor visited Blverton this morning. He leaves the Bluff this after noon m the Hinemoa for the bound.?, accompanied by the Countesses of Onslow, Jersey, and Galloway. George Fearn, six years of age, while chasing a horse yesterday, was kicked on the head, sustaining a compound fracture of the skull, and died m the hospital at noon to-day.

New Music.

The publishers, Messrs Begg and Co., of Dunedin, have forwarded to us two songs written and composed by Messrs J. and M. Robertson, South Canterbury residents. The songs are entitled, "The Scottish Emigrant," and "The Tired Mother," and both are, m their style, excellent. " The Scottish Emigrant," is almost a poem m itself, and contains sen timents which will reach the heart of many of Scotia's sons ; whilst " The Tired Mother" will find sympathy m every woman's breast. In fact, each song would without music, make a very pretty reci tation. The songs are set to mu<nc sweet and simple, and whilst not difficult, it has all through a strain of originality. We hope to see many more of Messrs J. and W. Robertson's songs, and to any of our readers wanting new songs, we can confidently recommend the " Scottish Emigrant" and "Tired Mother." The following quotation from the last-named song will give an idea of its theme :— " For mothers grow aged, and mothers grow weary, And some day mush cease their fond vigils to keep; But, oh, there is One who will watch o'er their darlings When mothers no longer may sing them to sleep!" The subjoined is a verse from " The Scottish Emigrant" :— " The murmuring stream flowing onward sac fleetly, The gay nodding thistle, the bonnie bluebell, The wild birds that sing m the woodlands sac sweetly Seem bidding the exile a kindly farewell!" The songs, which have been very taste fully printed by Messrs Pay ton and Cor rigan, can be obtained from all music sellers.

WAKANUI MILL.

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE IN TERNAL ARRANGEMENTS*. ! INTRODUCTION OP THE BOLLER SYSTEM. (BY OUR OWJf REPORTER.) For many years the Wakanui Flour Mill has been a sorb of landmark to the travellers m the district. Standing as it does m a central position, it .serves as a mark on the left fir the Beach road travellers, and on fche right for Seatield wayfarers. Ib was built by Mr Henry Moffit iv 1879, and at the time its neces sity vas accepted en all lunds, as well as its erection a Iduced as a proof of the. pro gress the district was making. Few dis tricts have been more rapidly settled by small fanners than Wakanui was, once the land was thrown open, and it was owing to the rapid settlement of the land on both sides of the river that the town of Ashhurton burst into importance and bulked m the public eye as a place of mark. In a few months so many farmers had settled m the district, and so many jj men had come to the town to aid m the building of their houses and the supplying of their other wants that buildings ran up m Ashburton almost like Jonah's gourd, m a night, and many of them were actually Ist to tenants before the piles were laid. It was m those limes that Mr I MofFat saw an opening for a flour mill at Wakanui and built the one now standing. For years Saunders' Mill (now the Can terbury) had been m actual work, and had ♦ made a name for itself throughout the colony ; Westerfield Mill had also been working ; and we are not certain that the Waterton Mill was not at work also. Bub all these were a lons* way from the doors of the Wakanui farmers, to whom the advent of Mr MofFat was very welcome. The mill held its own for a considerable time and did good work, but the depres sion of the earlier " eighties " was felt by it with keen force, and it had, like many another industry, to shut down. This was much to be regretted, as ib repre sented a considerable amount of capital , that had been expended m its erection and the bringing m of a race from the rivet to turn its jjouderous wheel. For a lengthened period that whe^l was still and the" rail! silent, but eventually Mr Alex. Protheroe again set ib going, and held it for a time until Mr Edwin Thomas, its present proprietor, bucceeded him. The old mill began work with four pairs of stones, but increase of business soon rendered another two pairs necessary, and these were added.

But during the last ten years a' great change has come o'er the spirit of the millers' dream, and the old millstone is now as completely superseded by the steel roller as m the arb or printing the ©Id hand press has been superseded by rhe cylinder machines. A hot contro versy raged for years all over England, America, the Continent of Europe, and the Colonies m regard to the merits of roller made and stone made flour, and the stone millers hald tenaciously to their old system. Whcever may bo m the right m that controversy the public have settled it m a very practical way, for £1 per ton more is obtained for roller flour m every market than for the stone made article. In all industries it is the financial result that settles the question of which system of working must be adopted, and so all over the world the old millstones are being lifted from the beds on which they rested, m some cases fur more than j» century, to make room for the new child of the inventor's genius. Some four or five years ago this change took place at the Canterbury Mills, and since then most of the larger milling establishments m the colony have followed suit. In the beginning of last year Mr Thomas, the proprietor of Wakanui Mill, recognising the superiority of roller milling over stone milling, determined to keep abreast of the times and placed an order for a complete seb of roller milling plant with Henry Simon, milling engineer, Man chester. Henry Simon is one (if the largest and most successful milling engineers m Great Britain, and plants from his foundry have been erected m "every part of the milling world where millers have sense enough to recognise the superiority of the rollers, and can. scrape together capital enough to pur chase the new plant. The roller plant for the Wakanui Mill was ordered m May last, and October saw it landed m Ashburton and conveyed to the mill. Mr Alfred A. Foofcs, to Mr Thomas's order, drew detailed plans of the building, carefully noting the exact position of every post m the mill, and every item of the old stone machinery. These were sent to Mr Simon, who from them sent out to Mr Thomas other plans, on which the position of every item of the new machinery was shown. So rigidly accurate were these, plans m every particular, thafc Mr James Cockburn, Mr Thomas's "jolly miller " was able, with only the assistance of Mr Keeley, carpenter, feo erect and place m position every wheel of the whole concern. There was a; scarcity of car penters when the plant arrived, so that the whole woifk of making the, immense length of wooden elevator spouts devolved upen Mr Keeley. The work, however was got through with fair speed, and it says much for Mr Cockburn's constructive powers that, when the mill was started nob a hifcch occurred, and not a single elevator required its angle altered. Asa description of thp mill has not;ap peared m these colums since Mr Moffat built it " a many years ago," it may not be uninteresting to our readers to give some account of it m its reconstructed condition. The building is of wood, sixty feet x sixty feet x forty feet, and five storeys high. The power is supplied by an over shot water wheel, working m the ra«e= already mentioned. The whe*l is eighteen feet m diameter, and from twenty-five to thirty h.p. Power from ib is transmitted to a large spur wheel on the main shaft of the mill, whence power for the rolls is conveyed by a nine-inch double leather belt, copper sewn, to a shaft the full ex tent of the Jawer floor of the mill, by which the rolls, as the millers call them,, and all the other machinery m the mill i s driven. On the second floor of the mill are placed three double sets of Trolls and one ■ single set —seven pairs m all. Three of , these rolls put the wheat through three I processes called " breaks " and the re . mainder of them reduce the middlings and the semolina, the latter boing what re mains of the wheat after the bran and a certain proportion of fine flour have been., separated from it. Be it understood thafci at every reduction of the wheat a greyer or less quantity of fine flour is obttiuedv and admirable provision is made all along the line for the conveyance ©£ this fine, flour to its ultimate destination. On this; floor hsve been lefb two, pafcrs of- stones one for the production of 1 wheat meal, an<l one for the manufacture of pig feed. The flour, bran, and sharps are all bagged on ' this floor. 1 On the third floor is placed a, double rotary "scalper," which sup plies an intermediary process, between the first three " breaks " nx\d reductions. There are also four (jentrif,ugal dressing machines, used fv# separating fl.our from ' middlings s\Vkd offal after it has left th^ fy^a^th, rolls. Hero, again the processes are very finely graduated, and right through the whole maohinery, from the first; breaking of the wheat upon the fluted yol.ls to its reduction to fine flour, on th,e. smooth rolls, and its dressix*? thraqgb the very finest of silk, the wo-. <jesses. arc very fiuely and grsKKilly carried on. There is also here j^dtouble* i effective purifier," for pnrjgyfojr. semo }m before going b&c.k, fc^fco. rol}s tQ b*

THE ASHBTTRTON mTARMAtf i TT7ESDAY, JANUARY 26," 1802.



The world is ever moving on. towards perfection, butseldom a^ins }t. Cxinstanfc improvement h being made m every branch of industry, but m Baking Powders, Perfection has been reached ii\ Warburton'^ Can't Be B>eat. Ask for Ninian Hyhlojp, andl Co+ s Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and Indian Tww. &^«oJ4 |>rioes,'-(A4vt,)



Don't bk Deceived. !—lf you want the best Medicine the world has ever pro uced, try Colemane and Sous Eucalypti Extract. For all affections of the chesfc and lungs, consumption, asthma, coughs, colds, gravel, and kidney complaints. For influenza it has no equal. Under the distinguished patronage of Earl Jersey, Governor of New South Wales, Lord Carrington, and the Emperor of Germany. Awarded medals at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating all competitors, and is the only pure Extract m the world. See that the label bears our trade mark (tree of life and signature Colemane and Sons, Cootamundra, New South Wales), without this ifc is a fraud. Price, Is 6d and 2s 6d, Wholesale Depot tor New Zealand: Lichfield street, Cliristchurch Sole Agents for Ashbnrton: The Ash urtdn Drug Company.—Advt.



Statutory Declaration. —I, Franz Raabe, Ironbark, Sandhurst, m the colony of Vic toria, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally hurt with an axe on his knee. lat once took all pains to secure medical assistance. How ever, m spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Macgillivray that an amputation of the injured limb had become imperative, m order to save life. At this juncture I called en . Messrs Sander and Sons, procuring some of their Extract of Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I had the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fort night gut of all danger, and to-day ho recovered. I may just add that it was wljen the crisis liad been reached thai tlie Extract referred to was first applied, and Tinakethis solemn declaration, etc. — Franz Raabx, Declared at Sandhurst, m the colony of Victoria, Australia, this seventeenth day o i October, one thousand eight hundred and I sovcuty-seven, before me, Mofita C«Jwi« J.p I



We clip the following important testitn o nial from the " IllaAvarra Mercury" (N. S, W. of the 30th March. It needs no comment: — "Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountains writes to us that after suffering for four years with acute gravel, he has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sons Eucalyptic Extract. He says :—'' Seeing the said Extract advertised m the ' Illawarra Mercury,' his intense suffering induced him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He ■ states that between 10th March inst., when he obtained the first bottle of the extract, and the 19th, the use of that medicine continued to afford him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four years. Mr Loveday writes also that he has found the Eucalypti Extract <\ cure for rheumatism as well as gravel. He requests us to publish this information through the' Mercury.' We have much pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday's request, whose word cannot be doubted, and who can have no object m view other than a pure desire to benefit suffering humanity. "—(Advt.) 2



STOCK TAKING. SEDUCTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE IN ALL DEPAKTMENTS. Inspection Invised, NEW ZEALAND Clothinc: Factory. W. H. WEBBER, Manager, Thjs Best Remedy fob Indigestion — Norton's Camomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases lo which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural .Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is l^d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout thn world- JN'iuisin Hyslop and Co.'s " Imperial" pure Ceylor and Indian Tea 3 are the hen m the market. — (Advb \ Ninian Hyslop and Co.'s "Imperial" Caylon and Indian Teas are direct from he Tea Plantations. —CAdvO "Keatino's Powdkk" destroys Bugs, Fleas, Moth*, Beetles, and all other insects whilst quite harnileaK to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this jiowder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m application. Sen the article you Durchaseis ''Kkatino's," as imitations are oxious aud ineffectual. Sold iv Tins, 6d,



mOWELS 6d, Gloves 6d, Umbrellas Is -I- lid, Jackets 4s lid, Hats 4d, Stays Is lid, Norfolk Bodices Is 6d, Trimmed Hats Is lid. English samples of Ladies and Childrens Underclothing Half-price. Andrew Orr's Sale. 1 107 WAKTKD Known. —At "The Corner' now selling Ladies' French Shops. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Comjeb. ANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Haudlby, East «treek. 6t202 j 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 .3. 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. 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 Amorn, Saunders 1 Buildings. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 50s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders* Buildings. WANTED Known.—For ■first-clans Drapary and Millinery go to Melford House ; cheapest shop m town. ( See windows. ) Beautiful Xmas present s being given away.—H. C. Seoeks. fpO Meet the Times.—t am supplying X Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty yearn, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspection invited. — J. W. Hakp-GY, Eas street. OJ2OI WANTED Known.- -H. Baikstow has opened those premises it) East street next.J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest design* m Vienna Chairs, and lion Bedsteads on view. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu atid Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to ny design. Inspection invited. Ilt6l



Wanted. j CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be lpftat this Office. _ LOST, the Brasa Cap of Trap Wheel. Finder rewarded up.m leaving )t with D. Thomas, Ashburton. 1J159 WANTED Known—Prime Keswiek Codlin Apple, Id and 2d per lb at shop next Bank of New Zealand.—Mrs James. * It) 8 *T IT ANTED, by one engaged m an W office, Ashburton, comfortable board and lodgings within half an hour's Walk of Post Office. Apply, P.O. Box 94_ * 164 ~\l7 A.NIED Known.—Great Bareains VV now on at Melford House. Beautiful Cashmeres at Is 6d ; usual price 3s. —H. C. Skgers. ITpHIRTY Pieces Dress Goods at 6d; 60 -I- Pieces French Cashmere at 1b 6d, worth 3s 6d ; iOOO Yards French Tweed double width, at Is 9d, worth 3s 9d. All Dress Goods greatly reduced.— Asdbkw Orb's Cheap Sale. 1 lOb WANTED Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Under clothing, Pinafores, &c Come and sco them. Handsome Xmas presents now giving away.—M. C» Segers, Melford * House. .___ ' . BOOTS, Boots.—lnfants Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 5s 9d, Gents' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid.— Andrew Ore's Sale. 1 10 WANTED Immediately—Cottage of four or five rooms. Send particu lars to "sT.H.," " Mail" office. 1 135 NOTHING will Cool you so quickly and invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream.—H.G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. _____ WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier.