MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— WEDNESDAY, March 23. For United Kingdom air I Continent of Europe, (specially addressed per "Orient steamer only"), and also for Australian Colonies, per express (to connect with p.=. Tekapo ac Port Chalmers), at lfci. p.m.., guard's van express 1%i.!5c9 p.m. For United Kingdom, Continent of Europe and America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, &c, &c, and also for Northern Ports of New Zealand, per Takapuna, as follows :— Ordinary letters, books and newspapers, at O. 155 pin. registered letters, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m. ; mail van, express, O. £5£5 p.m. This mail is due m London on April 27. ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Kaikonra, leaving March 19, due London April 28. Doric, leaving April 2, due London May 12. SAJT FRANCISCO MAIM. Monowai, leaving on February 27, due London March 30. Alameda, leaving on March 26, due London April 27. OUTWARD —DIRECT MAILS ■Ruahine, due colony March 21. Tongariro, due Port Chalmers March 22 SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Maripos-*, due colony March 23

BIRTH.

On March 18, ab Ashburton, the wife of William Rollitt, of a son.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MARCH 21, 1892. MR GRIGG AND LORD ONSLOW.

The incident that occurred at the annual meeting, last Friday, of the Canterbury Agricultural a-id Pastoral Association, with reference to naming the new show grounds, was something more than a storm m a teapot. We had Mr John Grigg, a gentleman of the very highest character, making against Lord Onslow, the ex-Governor, and one of the most universally re spected men who has ever held the high office of Governor of New Zealand, a direct charge of untruthful ness with regard to how an important change m the taxation policy of the country was generally regarded. It is too serious a charge to be passed by without notice, and the first thought that arises is—Why did Mr Grigg not make it before? There is no doubt that during the period m which Lord Onslow was making his farewell speeches, Mr Grigg was probably the busiest man m the whole colony, and had little time to read reports of speeches at banquets or othsr compli mentary functions, even when they were made by a departing Governor with whom he had been on terras of friendship. Still his lordship did not leave the colony until more than three weeks after the Christchurch speech was delivered, out of which the accusa tion arose, and the speech excited such general comment that Mr Grigg must surely have heard of it during that time, while Lord Onslow could have been taxed with having made mis statements, and had an opportunity to reply before his departure. The delay was most unfortunate. But to look at the case on its merits we cannot see that Mr Grigg's charge was justified. It may be that Mr Grigg will be a sufferer by the new system of taxation, but, as we have previously shown, his case is an exception, such as which there are not half a dozen m the whole colony, while thousands of other landholders will be materially relieved. Therefore, Lord Onslow was perfectly truthful m his general statement that he had found the owners of land not so much hurt by the proposals of the Government. ■—the words " not at all dissatisfied," which Mr Gregg puts iato Lord On slow's mouth, do not appear m the reports of his Lordship's speech. The further accusation that Lord Onslow had made himself a politicil partisan on t! eoccasion of the speech m question is scarcely worth considering. Sir John Hall explicitly contradicted that charge, though lie m turn went beyond the book m saying that lord Onslow had to resist pressure put upon him m the matter of the proposed Legisla tive Council appointments. Not even the most violent of the Opposition Press has taken Mr Grigg's a iew, Many of them have said that Lord Onslow did not mean what he said, and have tried to place a different construction upon his words, but the fact remains that his lordship was speaking purely as an impartial spectator, quid was, and is, well able to justify his words. No doubt he will take the earliest possible opportunity of doing so, but the time may be long m coming, as he has set out on what may be a prolonged tour. With Sir John Hall we appreciate Mr Grigg's frankness m the expression of bis opinions, but must' decidedly hold that Lord Onslow, m referring, as he was doing, to the statements so persistently made that! capital was being driven away and the j farmers oppressed by the new system of taxation, was right to leave excep tional cases out of account and make the renru'lfs which Mr Grigg complains of.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Walter Ernest Burke has been gazetted a deputy registrar of births, marriages, and deaths for the Rakaia district. The appeal m the case as to the legality of Mr W. B. Edwards' appointment as a.Judge of the Supreme Court is to be heard before the Privy Council on Wednesday next, On and after March 21, (to-day) timber from Springburn to Timvald and Ashburton will be charged 6d per 100 .superficial feet less than the classified rates. Reserve 2063, containing 11 acres, m thy Westerfield Survey District, will be offered by public auction for cash m June next by I the District Land Board. The upset price ' is £2 5s per acre. The Mariposa with the English mails of February 25 left San Francisco on March 4, time table date; the Monovvai, with the colonial mails of February 27, arrived at. San Francisco on March 18, a day late. Suctions 26397 to 36405, m the Shepherd's Bush and Westerfield Survey Districts, con taining 24 acres each, have been set aside for naval and military and vol.mteer claims, at the price per acre of ££ ss. Reserves 310 and 12.18-^-1 i» acres and 48 acres respectively—situate m the j Lceston Survey District, have been with- , drawn from the village settlement system, j and are now open for application as village homesteads. The shooting season for South Canterbury Waimate and Mackenzie Counties, and part of Geraldine south of the Opihi-—opens on May 1 for pheasints and quail, and closes ! on July 31. For native game the season ' op jus on April I and closer on July 31. '

Tin has been discovered near Mount Hardy, about, twenty miles from York, Western Australia. Prospecting is proceed ing with good results. The Commissioner of Police has issued an order, directing inspectors and others m charge of stations to exert themselves m suppressing larrikinism, loitering at streot corners, etc. Mr J. W. Thomson, who has resigned his seat m the House of Representatives, assigns as a reason for this step the death of his son, which will require his attendance at home during the Parliamentary session. An era of morality lias commenced m Mexico. Bull fights and cock fights have been prohibited, gambling will be stopped, and a lottery law is under consideration which will stop all irresponsible concerns. The "Moscow Gazette" denounces the acceptance of foreign aid for the distressed people of Russia, especially English aid. It declares that Great Britain wants to turn Russia into another Egypt, and warns_ the people against the duplicity of her philan thropy. A novel departure has been made at a Wesleyan Chipel m Birmingham, m the shape of a ladies' orchestra. The members are dressed m a semi-military uniform, and the band, which consists of about a score of female performers, is under a lady con ductor. At a fairly well-attended meeting of share holders of the Timaru Milling Company held on Saturday, the eighth annual report and balance-sheet were adopted. The credit balance was £3249 2s 3d, and out of this a 10 per nent dividend was paid, leaving £2139 Os 3d to be carried forward. Mr J, Fulton, of Rangiora, had the bad fortune to lose by death on Thursday night a carriage horse valued at £30. The symptoms of the animal's illness, which lasted but twelve hours, were those of in ternal inflammation, but on makiag a post mortem examination yesterday it was found that death was undoubtedly due to the horse fly, the stomach being full of bots, and the coating membrane nearly all eaten away. —" Lyttelton Times. " , At the Police Court, Invercargill, on Friday, R. Douglas, J. Evans, J. Strong, G. Strong, and W. Camp, all of Port Chalmers, and Thomas Tean, Hoani Poini, T. Bannister, T. Simon, and Albert Takarua, of Colac Bay, were charged with having on 16th December, 1891, at Gtmpbelltown unlawfully sold to Andrew Newton the skins of 287 female seals. The healing was adjourned till June to enable the Natives to go mutton birdiug, the season now being on. A young man named William E. Brown was chirged at the Police Court, Auckland, on Friday, with having stolen a watch and chain from his father, who himself had laid i the information. The father said his sou had fallen into bad coaipauy, and had given him a good deal of trouble ; but as the youth had promised to mend his ways, and had asked him to lock him up at night so .hathe would not get out to his evil companions, he wished to be permitted to withdraw the case The Bench adowed the case to be with drawn. ]iw ...■!— The Rev Canon' Grainger, a well-known Irish clergyman, some time ago presented a choice collection of antiquities valued at £12,000 to the Belfast Fr.e Library. When the canon died last August a public subscription was promoted for a memorial portrait. Two contribution boxes were placed, among other places, m the Library building. These have just been opened by the city officials, and have been found to contain nine library free tickets, eleven pieces of blotting paper, a piece of black lead pencil, five small buttons, a portion of a bad halfpenny, a lucifer match, a spurious farthing, a brass ticket, and five shillings and twopence m coppers and small silver. A carrier somewhere m the Tenui district the other day, says the " Wairarapa Star, " was heard lamenting the state of tne Grass eudale Road. " What's the matter?" said one. " Why," said the carrier, "I have got forty thousand feet of timber for Squatterdale. " " For Squatterdale ! You don't say that they're going to build a wot-dencastle on that out of the way run?" "No, but they're going to cut it up into four sections, and build four homesteads on it so as to escape the land tax. ' "Ah ! cried the other, " it takes an old horse for a hard road, " and he pressed his tongue agair-st his cheek. Then he added, " never mind ; it makes work for the carpenters. " " Yes, " said the waggoner, "and also for the carriers. " That sterling actor, Edwin Kelly, narrates a very funny experience he had while travel ling with a company m Pennsylvania. The train broke down, and a delay of a few hours occurred. The boys hunted round and dis covered a small grog shanty, into which they all tumbled pell-mell. The only drinkable was lager beer, with which they regaled themselves. The barmaid was a tine buxom old lady of some GO summers. " And pwiiat may yez be?" queried the old lady. "We are'aitors," answered Kdvvin. " And pwhat are actors ?" came the cross questions. " Well, we go on the stage, and we play a piece. Educate the people and please the public." " O^h ! is that pwhat ye are. Ye go on the stage and play. Shure it's a pity, a great pity. Sech moighty foine young fellers as yez are too. An' they're wantin' young men on the railway Jiere, all the year round J" The following letter was left on a table m his house by Frank Hay res, who com. mitted suicide at Auckland m a some what sensational manner : —" Who cares to read ! Tuesday, March 3, 1892. If there is enough Christian Charity about the ones whose business calls them to look after this, if they will do their share towards letting these old bones under the sod so that they can quietly rest, I will say a good word for them for the time i-hey will, have to come to the world I have gone to. There is a little over £22 m a pocket book, hanging on the wall. Take your share, and may it dc good to someone at least, is the wish going with i|b. I have no relatives. My uncle, who lived m Pennsylvania, U.S.A., took me when a child, and died before I was out of childhood, and unless I could have found my uncle's half-brother, who lives m Western Australia, would be without telativea or friends. Have lost my health. Anyone without health is better dead, which explains,-" The Sim sites (says an America paper) are a sect, formed m Choctaw County, Alabama, j who profess to hold as their chief doctrine tlip supremacy of the conscience above huftjan and JJivine laws. The so-called " prophet" was one B/jb Sims, who preached on Sundays, and published weekly a periodical entitled the "True Way.'' He was assisted by his daughters, Laura and Beatrice ; *lso by a fanner and illicit dis tiller. At Christinas liob and two others were lynched for the murder of the M'Millfui family as the result of a dispute abo^t some land' The other members of the sect were pursued un^il Neil Sims and tw-7 others were omght and hanged. Laura and Beatrice stoned the lynchers, who caught and liangea both girls from the same tree. Although they were neatly dressed, modest looking and intelligent enough to favourably impress the Governor of Alabama, whom they vis ited on behalf of their father, the girls carried rifles, qu>d are said to have used them with fatal effect w promoting their peculiar propaganda.

' O.i theii arrival ac AV.iburtonon S-i.tur.Uy night, the representatives at the Fire Bri gades' Demonstration were heartily cheered i ' by the crowd on the platform. i The R. M.S. Tongariro arrived at Holxirt at twelve o'clock on Saturday nig'it from London via the Capo, and sailed oti Sunday morning for New Zoaland. She had ele iren passengers for Australia and fifty for New Zealand. Papers for tho income tax returns will he sent out m April and a fortnight allowed to make them up. The land tax returns are now nearly complete aivl Boards of Review are being appointed. It is hoped that tho exact amount of mx payable will be known by the middle of Muy. Salvage operations are still go'ngonat the Elginshire. Ou Saturday 1400 carcasci were landed-ann! on Sunday 2000, making a toti-1 of about (5000 carcases lauded. The mutton and beef m the compartments where there were water is bad and were thrown over board. There is no change m the position of the vessel. The sale of Mr C. Newton's "Every McLean " flock of English Leicester sheep, at Rangiora on Monday, was very success ful. Rams sold at 41, 40, 30, 29. loj, 13 and down to 3 guineas, ram lambs at 3$ down to 2\ guineas, two tooth ewes 6} guineas, four and six-tooth ewes 5 guinea, eight-tooth ewe 3 3J to 5 guineas, full mouthed ewes 1£ to 2 guineas. Mr R. Murray has shown us some specimens of the apples which he grows m his garden at Allen ton. They are " Peasgood's Nonsuch," and had no special care or manure, other than a dust of Mount Sotners lime about the trees last winter—no thinning of the fruit—and are from one tree. One weighs lib Boz and girths log inches ; one lib 7|oz, girthing 15§ inches ; two lib 4oz each, girthing 15 inches ; others lib 2|oz, lib 2oz, lib Hoz, lib foz, lib loz, and three lib each and girthing 14 inches each, making a total of 131 b 15oz for the dozen apples. Besides these there are six or eight on the tree which weigh fully lib each. The wet weather is causing a number of apples of the best varieties to split, which is unfortu nate as there is a splendid crop. A Gazette notice, dated March 16, 1892, suspends the operation of sections 34 to 38, both inclusive, within all the districts defined under the Sheep Act 1890 (with the exception of Nelson and Marlborough) m respect to sheep bred m the colony, and brought by sea from within the colony to be landed m such districts, and m respect to any vessel bringing such sheep. In the cases of Nelson and Marlborough, sheep carried by sea from either or both of thc=e provinces," can on only be landed at a port m any other province m the colony, after obtaining the local Inspector's authority m writing to do so. The Inspector may cause the person for whom the sheep are carried to make a declaration before a Justice of Peace. It shall be the duty of the master or owner of any vessel carrying any such sheep to see that these regulations have been complied with before'he ships such sheep, ani the penality to which any person is liable who may knowingly commit a breach of these regulations is not to exceed £100. Decidedly the maddest mining man m North Queensland to-day (says the "Leader") is Mr Fisher, the tin king of the Tate river. About ten years ago he bought as a bargain a mineral section of sixty acres on the Tate river, near Muldiva, and must hava taken hetween £3000 and £4000 a year profit out of it. He was under the impression that the land had been made freehold by the people from whom he bought, but it now seems that they only paid a portion of the purchase money, and so really the magnificent pro perty all the time was Crown lands. Some how this got known to a few quite recently, and Mr Fisher heard of it. He at once prepared a sketch plan of forty acres, which lie considered would include all the tin, and sent it to his agent at Herberton with direc tions as to application. The appication was put m, the starting points of all the lines being " Point F." AMr Culhane applied for the abandoned twenty acres ; but judge of Mr Fisher s consternation when he discovered that, by some fatal error of description, " Point F " was m such a position that forty acres reckoned from it included all the poor ground, and excluded the richest twenty acres, where the chief workings now are, and which are said to be worth from £10,000 to £15,000. Mr Fiaher will probably have to suffer heavy loss through h:a error.' A curious case was recently heard before the Chancery Division. The plaintiff was Ronald Macleay Laurentz Campbell, who was created Baron Craignish by the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, and obtained, a license to use the title m Great Britain. Mr Campbell was born m New South Wales, his father h.nd mother having been married m that colony. Mr Campbell or Baron Craignish, married Miss Meeking at the British Embassy m Paris. After the marriage the couple travelled much on the Continent, and also stayed a good deal m London, and they took a, house m Albert Gate, and he was a member of several clubs m London. He was separated from his wife m 1886, and the Baroness subsequently died, leaving him an annuity of £200 a year. B.u-on Craignish has now laid claim to one half of his late wife's estate, to which he says he is entitled under the Scottish law ; and m order to support his claim, he asserts that during his marriage his domicile was m Scotland. Mr Justice Cbitty found that he acquired by choice a domicile ill England when he went to reside with his wife at Albert Gate. Thus, his domicile not being Scotch, he has no claim on the estate under trie Scottish law. The case presents tlje curious spectacle of a man being decided to be a Londoner, whereas he was born m Npw South Wales, and claims to be a Scotchman,

THE COAL CRISIS.

? r 1 LPEK PRESS ASSOCIATION. London, March 18. The miners have agreed to suspend work ou Mondays, beginning on April 9. The " Pall Mall Gazette " asserts that the losses of the men by stopping amount to half a million, and that the cost to consumers will be greater, and aile^es that middlemen and merchants will reap the benefit. The Durham funds are sufficient for three months, and the Federation are making a levy of £400 per week. (Received March 21, 10.5 a.m.) London, March I°, Coal has undergone a further fall of two shillings per ton. The Durham miners have refused to resume work. Ten thousand more men have struck. It is understood Government will oppose the Miners' Eight Hours Bill. The Miners' Federation is favorable to making a levy of 6d per week to assist the Durham strikers, It is expected the miners have, at an early date, to submit to a r-educ tion m wages.

CKICKET.

ENGLAND V. VICTORIA.

(J'FR PRESS ASSOCIATION. Mklbocknk, March 20. Lord Sheffield's teay}. won the match against Victoria by 9 wickets, (Received March 21, 11.45 n,m.) Melbouknk, March 21. There is every probability of an Austra lian eleyen visiting England during the present season. It will be merely a KGi-.-jitcU ttani, and will play minor matches m England, Ireland and Scotland. Tlip members of the team do nofe intend to suriously test the question of supre macy between England .wd Australia. TJie eleven will include Tnnnbjt), Ferris., Murdoch, Spollbrth, Garrett and Woods.

CYCLING NOTES.

[by pagan.]

In view of the forthcoming meeting of j the Ashburton Cycling and Athletic Club, I intend to keep my resides posted as to ho\*' the competitors are going. Members of the Club have been working hard to put; a good surface on the tiack, but, so far, they have not been very successful ; the track will not bind, but it hard solid labor will do anything the Club is sure to succeed. First amnn;' the cyclists is W. TR 1. Bennetts, who has just imported a Hum ber pneumatic safety machine. It is certainly one of the best m Canterbury, and, if quality of machine goes for any thing, Bennetts should make a good record tlvs year. He is now doing regular work on the track, but lacks ' pace—of course practice will give tbK ' Reginald Curtis, who has been riding a safety for two years, is going splendidly, and if he would train consistently would be one of the most successful riders m Canterbury. He requires a lot of steady riding, and not so much fast work at present. W. G. Shearman is riding fairly well. He practices steadily, and the oi.ly advice I can give him is to do a little more spurting. Robert Shearman, though a young rider, shows plently of pace, and is certainly the "coming man. 1' He, like R. Curtis, requires plenty of solid work. A. J. Daly is a strong rider of some promise. He has a new cushion tyred roadster Humber machine, and I hope he will train carefully. He requires a lot of work. I F. Denby—lf there is anything m a j name Denby should be a cyclist of the first water. His brothers have shown him the way. He is a fair rider, but his pedalling ne°ds to be improved. James Wilson, who is a comparative i stranger here, has started training, but he I takes matters coo easily. I recommend him to practice spurting, and do as much riding as possible with a view to reducing his weight. E. J. Craighead won the ten mile last year, but has done nothing on the track since. He is anything but a careful trainer. He rides an ordinary, which is really too heavy for racing purposes. A. Craighead is riding an ordinary racer this year. He is a most determined rider and takes care to train properly. He should certainly prove a hard nut to crack on the big day. Harold Curtis is riding an ordinary roadster. He is a careless ri.Jer, and should endeavor to copy his brother's style of peda'hng. He shows plenty of pace, and if he continues to train care fully I hope to chronicle him a winner on Easter Monday. H. J. Moss will ride a cushion tjred safety. He is a very willing worker, but owing to indifferent health has been off the track for some days. 1 think he re quires a deal of steady work. His style of pedalling is good, and steady work is all that is necessary to make a good rider of him. H. Stewart has not yet appeared on the track this year. I hope he will not desart the sport, as he is a very capable rider. 1 hope to be able to give a more lengthy list next week. All the riders have not commenced training. Messrs Matson, Clowes and Dox are the only pedestrians who have started train ing. Considering there are four foo 1", events on the pro ramene, I hope to see quite a large number of peds on the track next week. March 19. •

Dummyism In Southland.

A PERPETUAL LEASE FORFEITED At a special meeiitig of the Southland Land Board at Invcrcargiil on Friday, the ca^e of alleged dummyism reported by Ranger Campbell on the part of ,1. B. Basstian, holder of a perpetual leaso soc ti m of 1400 acres, who manages the adjoining run for his father, was con sidered. ( Mr C. Cowan, a member of the Board, who was deputed to visit the ground m company with the Kanger, reported that some surface sowing and fencing had been done, but there was no sign of residence or other improvements. An occupier of the adjoining section informed him that part of the land was used as a receiving paddock for mustering sheep belonging to Dunrobin station. The Ranger valued the improvements at £70, and stated that under the Act Basstian should have at least 200 acres cultivated, besides residence. He recom mended the Board to cancel the lease, characterising it as a glaring case of dum myism. The licensee stated on oath, that he bought the land for his own benefit, and that he valued the improvements at £100. He did not reside there, because he lived on the adjoining property, and was not aware of the extent of the improvements required by the Act. The Board went into committee, and decided to forfeit the lease on the ground of non-compliance with the residential and improvements conditions.

General Booth's Scheme.

LORD ONSLOW'S COMMENTS.

The London "Times" says-—The fol lowing letter h?s been written by Lord Onalow, the Governor of New Zealand :— " Before f got your letter, I had arranged a meeting with General Booth, and to do all I cou'd to help him. He had luncheon with me yesterday and met the Premier, and discussed his scheme, which I am very anxious to see tried here. Eirst, because I believe no climate of all the British possessions is so suitable to la petite cul • ture - bees, dairying, fruit-growing, viti culture, etc, as .New Zealand, possessing a^ it does some half a dozen climates, varying from that of Edinburgh to thai of Sicily ; and, secondly, because it is the only colony where laws provide for special settlements, such as General Booth proposes, and where it would, therefore, not be difficult to establish an oyerthe-sea colony on lines similar to existing settlements. We propose to set apart 5000 acres qr less of bush land, to. be selected by an expert, aud if the ex periment proves successful, we can, by reserving land adjoining fu- a limited period, increase the area. Local option is the law of the land,' and the Govern ment has the power to limit licensing areas. The Salvation Army settlement oould thus bfj made its o\yn licensing district, and exercise its option as to a public house, Should thirty children or morose m the settlement, the Govern ment will build a school, and the roads leading to the settlement would be made by the settlers, and paid for by the Go vernment. Under these conditions 1 think the settlement should have every prospect of success. There are many such settlements m existence, some created by the Government to got rid of the unem ployed difficulty. These have not been successful bepuse ths settlers use this argument— ' The Q-oyer/nmei;fc sent us here, and the Government has got to help us put, whether we work or arc idle.' On the other h^ncl, a group of settlers from the province of Canterbury have settled on their own account, within a mile or two of the former, and are most thriving.''

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PKU PRESS ASSOCIATION.

THE BANK OF ENGLAND.

London, March 18. At the Bank meeting Mr Lidder cbile stated that the. Bfnk not having received Sir S. Griffith's apology was unable to understand the message which had been cabled to the press. He mentioned that the Bank had paid the Syndicates' brokerage and not charged it to Queensland. The •proprietors endorsed his action. ANGLO-COLONIAL POSTAL ORDERS. Sir J. Ferguson has refused to ex tend the amount of postal orders be tween the United Kingdom and the Colonies, fearing that an opening would be given to frauds which the great distance would faciliate. He is con sidering the revision of the amount of commission charged on money orders. COLONIAL DEFENCES. Mr Stanhope, Minister for War, ex pressed regret m the House of Com mons for the injustice he had done the Colonies regarding the fortification of King George's Sound and Torres Straits. He had since learned the forts were rapidly approaching completion, which was greatly to the credit of the Colonies. THE GENERAL ELECTION. Mr Balfour, m reply to Mr Labouchere, stated that he could not say when Parliament would be dis solved, THE NEW GOVERNOR. The reception given by Mr Perceval to the new Governor was a great success. A large number of New Zealanders were present, upon whom Lord Glasgow made a favourable im pression. London, March 19, Sir James Fergusson, the Post master-General, dined with Lord and Lady Glasgow at the House of Com mons to-day. Among those present were Mr Goschen, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr M'undeUa, President o f. the Board of Trade m the Gladstone Administration, Baron De Worms, Political Secretary of the Colonial Office, and Mr W. B. Perceval, the Agent-General of New Zealand. THE BANK AMALGAMATION. Many shareholders of the Bank of South Australia oppose the proposed amalgamation with the Union Bank, and are discussing the question of the reconstruction of the company. It is rumored that the directors are divided on the question.

SMALLPOX AT RIO.

Rio i»E Janeiro, March 19. In the last fortnight 750 deaths from smallpox have been recorded. The crews of twenty-three steamers have been attacked.

A MURDER SOCIETY.

Sofia, March 19. The Government have secured a cypher letter, revealing the plot of a jiussian committee m Odessa to murder any Bulgarian statesmen whom the leaders required.

THE ANARCHITTS.

Paris, Maroh 18. An. abortive attempt has been made to dynamite the prison m Paris, known as the Prison de Saute, it is suspected by the same author as the explosion at Loban barracks. A hundred arrests have been made m Paris m connection with the recent anarchists' crimes. Brussels, March 17. Dynamite has been found m Parlia ment House. St. Petersburg, March 18. A secret printing press has been seized at Warsaw. GINSBERG'S BANK FAILURE. The liabilities of Gunsberg's bank are £20,000,000 sterling, not franc?.

LABOR QUESTIONS.

Washington, March 18. A copper ring is being formed m America to restrict the output. Paris, March 18. The Paris workmen hold a demon stration on May 11, m favor of the eight hours system, and the abolition of labor bureaux, Ottawa, March 18, The western employees of the Cana dian Pacific Railway have struck for an increase of wages. They also de mand that one hundred men who were dismissed, shall be reinstated. The Company asserts that the strike has been excited by agitators m the United States.

THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY.

Berlin, March 19. It is reported that the Emperor borrowed £2,000,000 to liquidate his debts. MINISTERIAL CRISIS IN GERMANY. Owing to the outcry of the middle classes against the Education Bill, the Emperor has expressed his doubts as to the expediency of proceeding further with it. After, tl^e crisis resulting from the Education Bill, the Emperor left on a hunting expedition. Count Zealitz Frutzschler, Prussian Minister of Instruction and Worship, has resigned, notvyithstanding repeated appeals made to him by ttje Emperor to retain his position. It is reported that Count Caprivi will resign the position of Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs, though it is expected that he will retain the Chancellorship, Dv Herrforth, Minister for the State and Interior, is reported to have resigned owing to a proposal to increase the Emperor's Civil List.

A PARACHUTIST KILLED.

Calcutta, March 19. Miss Van Tasseli, a parachutist, m descending from a balloon was caught on a tree, and sustained injuries which resulted fatally. ' % "

PORTUGUESE BANKING CRISIS

Lisbon, Marc}} 19. Fiye Ijanks m OpqHq have suspended payment, and it is expected that ati will fail unless the leading banks arnalganjatp.

AUSTRALIAN.

POSTAL CONFERENCE.

Hobart, March 19. The Postal Convention has decidetf

that iSouth Australia shall communi cate with the International Postal Bureau at Berne on behalf of the Ay stralian Colonies.

MURDER FROM JEALOUSY.

Sydney, March 19. A man named Kyan, who was riding m company with a young woman, near Condoboliti, three hundred mi es west of Sydney, was shot dead by a man named Stone, who had been an unsuccessful rival. There were 27 gunshot wounds m his body. The police are pursuing Stone.

THE VICTORIAN MINISTERIAL POLICY.

Melbourne. March 20. Last night the Premier announced the policy of the Government, which included retrenchment. It was in tended that 2| per cent fee deducted from all salaries ranging from £150 to £300; 5 per cent from £350 to £750 ; above the latter sum a reduction of 7| ! per cent to be made. Only the Governor and the Supreme Court Judges will be exempt. It is hoped to save £130,000 per annum by this means. The Railway Service is «üb ject to the same reductions, and it is hoped that the effect will be a saving m that department of £120,000. It is also intended to increase the re venue by £120,000. It was stated that the railways at present were los ing at the rate of £400,000 per year, and the Government were determined that such a state of things should not continue. They intended to abolish penny postage, and revert to a two penny. The Premier indicated further taxation, but declined for the present to specify m what direction.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, March 39. The Auckland Amateur Athletic Club's twenty-fifth annual carnival took place to day on the Domain grounds. Hempton, of the New Zealand Athletic team won the | 7oyds handicap easily m 7 3-5 bh sec. D. j A'ood, of the same team, ran fourth m the 600 yds handicap, won by Beere. The New Zealand athletic team left for Eng land by the Kaikoura to-day. Gisborne, March 20. A lad fifteen years of age, named James B.uron, met his death hi a shocking manner yesterday afternoon. The boy, who was son of a horse owner named Huntley Barron, was riding the entire Hukuttre, another lad being on a colt walking alongside. The colt commenced to buck. This caused Hukutere to plunge about. Barron was thrown off, and the horse danced on him. Before medical aid arrived life was extinct. Patba, March 19. A heavy earth slip, estimated at 100 tons, occurred last night about a mile south of Patea station, blocking the railway. Wellington, March 19. In Banco to-day, the Chief Justice heard the argument by Mr Jellicoe on the motion to rescind the injunction prevent ing the Dobson-Kennady Company from playing " Little Lord Fauntleroy." Mr Grully moved a cross motion to continue the injunction. After further argument his Honor decided to adjourn the latter motion until Tuesday to allow the parties to come 1.0 some arrangement and thus <-iave expenses. Dunedin, March 19. A carpenter's shop and dwelling at North Dunedin, occupied by Edward Admore, were burnt down last night by the upsetting of a kerosene lamp. In surances on stock and furniture : Stan dard, £100 ; on building, Union, £125.

POLITICAL

[PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION,] Woodville, March 19. A large public meeting under the auspices of the Knights of Labor was held at Pahiatua last night, at which the Hon Mr Seddon and Messrs W. C. Smith, Hogg, and McLean, M.H.R/s., delivered addresses. Mr Seddon met with a good reception, and m the course of his ad dress referred to the reticence of the Opposition, who, while opposing the Go vernment taxation proposals, and stating they drove away capital and prevented the settlement of the land and improve ments, had not dared to say they would reintrodace the property tax, neither had they hinted that they would oppose the acquisition of lands for settlement. The only part of their policy so far disclosed was that they would insist on the dual vote and representation of property. He claimed that the graduate:! tax would conpel improvements and the subdivi sion of estates, and smooth the way for the acquisition of lands for settlement on payment of fair compensation. Mr Seddon | dealt at length with the co-operative system and its advantages, and referred siro igly to the opposition of the Upper House to the L?.~:d for Settlement Bill. A vote of confidence m the Ministry was accorded.

South Rakaia Working Men's Money Club.

HARVEST HOME BALL. The harvest home ball given by the South Rakaia Working Men's Money- Club on Friday, March 11, was—"from start to finish " —an unqualified success. The town hall was gaily decorated, and the judicious blending of green leaves, flowers, sheaves of corn, vegetables, and fruit, with a number of appropriate mottoes, and a liberal display of bunting, m the shape of flags of all nations, obtained for the occasion from Mr Patching of Asfyburton, made a really gay and festive scene. The music supplied by Mr Wool ridye was excellent—music with just that kind of ago m it which proves the ex ecutant is not only a musician, but a dancer —a qualification net always pos sessed by those who cater for this kind of amusement. Mr Pea.rce performed the duties of M.C. with his usual quiet tact and skill, assisting thereby m a very marked degree the efforts of the Com mittee to make every one present enjoy themselves. The refreshment department) could not have been m better hands than those of that excellent caterer, Mr Geo. Murray, who left nothing to be desired. There was an excellent attendance, and both dancers and on-lookers expressed themselves thoroughly satisfied with the arrangements made for their enjoyment, and all w^re unanimous m the opinion that it was one of the most successful gatherings of the kind ever held m Rakaia. The Secretary, Mr Gee, thanked those present for their attendance, and invited all who had not already done so, to join the Club, whose affairs, he said, were m a most flourishing 1 state, the number of members steadily increasing, and financial matters niost satisfactory. A new club room has recently beei). eveefcod on a sec- I tiou purchased by. the Club same time ago, and will now be available for meetings that the larger haJJs would be unsuited for. Advance Rakaia !

The Fire Brigades' Demonstration.

IChbihtcj-iurch, Mtcli 18. The fire brigades' competition w-is con- J eluded at seven to-night, Rain fell all day. The following are the results: — Manual Engine ; five men.—Prizes, Ist., £15 155 and U.K. 13. Association Challenge Shield, to be won twice m succession, or subject to the ruling of the Association ; 2nd, £10 10.-s and trophy, presented by Mr Preece ; 3:d, £5 ss. Clu-isbchurch — Lieutenant Smith, Branchmnn J. Fraser. Foreman Kennedy Firemen Condon-and McMillan, 48sec, (including fiseo penalties), 1: Ash burton —Foreman Nokes, Branchman Compton, Fhemen Hayes, Groves, and Barber, 48 4-sth sec, (including 4sec penalties), 2 ; Ilangiora— Assistant Engineer Tyler, Branchman McCracken, Engineer Reeves Fireman DuMoulin, Secretary Wilson 49->ec, (including 6sec penalties), 3. A protest was entered by the Ashbur ton Brigade against Clmstchurch taking first money on the ground that one mem ber buttoned a button after water had struck the disc. The Judges met and heard evidence, after which they dia allowed the protest but returned the de posit money. Hose and Hydrant ; two men.— Gisborne, 24 4-sth sco, 1 ; Wellington, 25aec, 2 ; New Plymouth, 25 4-sth sec, 3, The best times of the others were :—■ Wanganui 26 l-sth sec, South Dunedin 26 2-sth sec, Timaru 26 4 sth sec, Spiv 27 2-sth sec. Hose and Ladder ; five men.— Spit, 48 2-oth sec, 1; Wellington, 48 3-slh sec, 2; Palmerston JNorth, 49jec, 3. The best times of the others were :—Gisbonu 50 2-5 th sec, Kumara 50 3-sth sec. Ambulance ; six men. — Napier 1 Ohristchurch City 2, New Plymouth 3 These were the only competitors. Life-Saving ; five men.—Christchurcl City 1, Gisborne 2. These were thi only competitors. Officers' Race ; 150 yds (handicap).— Foreman Sherman, Hokitika (12yds) 1 Foreman Strachan, Timaru (6yds) 2 Foreman Oliphant, Palmerston Nortt (scratch) 3. Time—l 6 3-sth sec. Firemen's Eace ; 220 yds. — Firemai Stevens (Napier) 9yds, 1; Firemai Harrison (Timaru) 7yds, 2 ; Branchmaii Fraser (Chris.church City) 3yds, i. Tims— 301-sth sec. Tug of War, North v South Island.— South Island 1, North Island 2. The Christchurch City Brigade won the cup presenced by Wirth Brothers for the brigade making the most points m tie competition. March 21. The last event m connection with the Fire Brigade competition was ran off hhis morning m a pouring rain. Consolation : Manttal Engine ; five men.—Roslyn, lmin 32 2-sth sec, 1, Hawera, lmin 39 4 sth sec, 2 ; Timaru, lmin 41 2-sth sec. 3. Woodville, Kumara, and Hokitika also entered.

THE Windsor Murder.

[per press association.

London, March 18. At the inquest on the remains of the victims of the man Williams, Albert Deeming gave evidence to the effect that seven months ago he had dreamt that his sister-in law and her children had been murdered. His statement created a sensation. At the funeral, which took place at Rainhill, one thousand people were present. The clothes discovered at Plymouth included much belonging to the children, including their toys,. The large box is still missing. In the House of Commons to-day, the Right Hon. H. Matthews, Secre tary of State for the Home Depart ment, m reply to a question, said that active negotiations were taking place between the Lancashire police and those m Australia, with regard to the man Williams. The inquest will pro bably result m a verdict of murder, completing the case m every respect, so that if the prosecution fails m Mel bourne, Deeming will be brought here to stand his trial on a capital charge. It has been discovered that during his courting at Beverley, Williams, who was then travelling under the namp of Harry Lawson, an Australian farmer, found it necessary to make a trip to Antwerp, where he met with an accident. Mrs Mathers and her daughter, the latter engaged to Williams, nursed him through his ill ness, and after his recovery the wedding was celebrated, the honey moon being spent at Bournemouth, m Hants, Subsequently the bride and bridegroom returned to the Station Hotel m Hull, where, one morning, Deeming left the hotel on pretence of making a call on some friends, but he never returned. The inquest has been adjourned for a week. It appears that after Williams was married to Miss Mathers he took her to Denham Villa, and danced and sang over the grave of his victims. The police are now looking for the nurse who attended his wife. The theory that Williams is Jack the Ripper is negatived by many of the dates on which the crimes were com mitted. Rainhill news says that the chloride of lime used by Williams, which was intended to destroy the bodies of his victims, had the contrary effect, and preserved them as evidence again&t him. The " Standard " calls him one of the most audacious and cruel scoun drels of modern times. Williams' absences from Rainhill were caused by visits to his family at Birkenhead and not by journeys to London as at first supposed. Further startling disclosures are expected as the inquest goes on, London", March 19. Further enquiries by the police have elicited the fact that Mary James and her sister Martha, servants at Birken head and Pembroke, married Frederick and Albert Deeming, respectively. Mary was a short dark woman bearing a resemblance to one of the bodies recovered. The Hull police have identified the portrait of Williams with a man who passed under the assumed name of Harry Lawson, and who married Miss Mathers When m prison Williams stated that he was separated from his wife at Birkenhead, and that he had se eral nuggets of gold m a distant town. He attempted to bribe several gaol officers, and appeared to be a man of suqh determination and great resources that the governor of the gaol refusecl to allciw him to vrork |n the open air, and Williams was. repeatedly shifted from one cell to. another and closely watched. He stated to the officials that he had travelled over the world—Australia, America, Africa, and even was a greater traveller than Stanley. The governor of the gaol, considering him a daring and ingenious scamp, ca.us.ecl

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN : MONDAY, MARCH 2J, 1892.



The world is cer moving on toward perfection, bufcsoldom attains it, Constant mprovement is being made m every branch of industry, but; m Baking Powders Perfection has been reached m Warburton's Oat} t Be Beat,



Ninian Hyslop and Oo.'s Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct from the Tea Plantation —('A<lv JSanian tfyslop and Oo.'s" Imperial' pure Oeylon and Fndian Teas are the be&tin the market —(4dvt«^



"Kkating's Powdeh" destroys Bugs, Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects whilst quite harmless to domestic aniirals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m application. See the article you Durchase is " Keatixg's," as imitations aye ■ odious and ineffectual. S^old m Tins, 6d, is .vi.l \}s (id each, by all chemists,



The best medicine known is SANDER ai)<t SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its' eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc. —the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the n>ost gratifying testi mony. His' Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe are its patrons, head the official reports that accoir - pany eich bottle. Moslei', M.D,, Professor, University, Gricfswald, reports ; — Th« EucalyptiExtracfc proved magnificently suc cessful m very severe contusions, bruise?, spiains, wound's, sealdbigs, broken ribs, and limbs. ("Medical Journal," Nov., 1881), ,'n diseases of the kidneys, either active con gestion or suppression, (ur<emia) or albumi nuria, dropsy, ltibargy, nothing will equal m its action Eucalypti Extract. Doses, £ye to six drops. Hosier, M.D., Professor, University, (Jrieswald, reports :—Diphthe ria. Tonsils eoi).tinually coherent presenting ulcers with white exiulants. Cured m four tgeudays. Surgical Clinic of Prof, M'lntyre, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Lonis^-Scirrhijs of Breast-ISxcisioij. Euca lypti Extract employed. No swelling, hfiat, or discoloration. Cured i» fourteeji days. -Advt *



iV Allied. CASH Advertisement unrter eh s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addimses maybe loft at this OfPce. 1 A DIES', Youths', and Children's -^ Stoc'cings. Gentlemen's Socks, Foot ball *nd Bicycle Sackings made to order. Mias A. Fawcett, East Belt. 3*105 f*\ HO IC ESf~~new r'""Bdayoi?a~Flss~and \J Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2h each. —H. G. Flower, Confectioner, Easb street. WANTKD Known. - Come and see the Bargains now on at Melford House. H. C. Segers. CXTAETKDKnown. -At"The Corner" * » now selling L^die»' French Shoes. Os lid.. See them.—W. H. Gollieb. \\/"ANTED known.—lf you want Y\ plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale. —H. 0. Segues. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Bugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and a lid ; worth about doable. W. H. ollier. \I7ANTWD Known.—l have a large V V stock of Tin and Ironware Ooods 0 select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Dortable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging *ept m stock.—J. W. Hardley, East treet. 6^202 WANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Imost everything reduced. —H. C. (3ERS. WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once m staff of men always kept and best Material and workmanship guaranteed. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert - Alcobn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. 'j *O Meet the Times.—l am uupplymg .1. Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s tpwards, warranted for twenty years, /'oroe pumps, deep well cylinders of ill descriptions. Inspection invited.— I. W. Harpley, Eas street. 6|201 EW Supplies of Stationery, Account 1 Books, Music, Fancy Goods, New Games, Orders for Printing, Book bindina, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted! Schools and offices supplied with pvery requisite. Magazines and News papers supplied.—L. "F. ANDREWES & CO., Stationers' Hall. Business Notices. Wanted Known. A GREAT BARGAIN. £135 10s 6cl. WORTH OF fl or c jsr t;i a BLXO GLOVES, ALL SIZES, 4 and 6 CLASP. USUAL PRICE 6s lid and 8s fid. NOW SOLD F.OR 4s lid and 5s lid. ANDREW ORR'S cheap Sale. N.Z.GF. SPECIAL INDUCEMENTS ABE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC you OjSIE MONTH M E N' S .AND BOYS CLOTHING, S rHRTS HATS RUGS SCARFS ANB PORTMANTEAUX. WE INVITE INSPECTION, „... ■ COMPARISON, AND PATRONAGE. NEW ZEALAND C sotlilD«r Factory* W. H WEBBER, Manager Hollo way's Pills and Ointment. — Soino 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 tlieir very great advantage, and they can bs confidently recommended as invaluable remedies for inward congestion, spasms, and cramp m the boweJa, and all those conditions of the lungs and liver to which those who work underground or m impure atmospheres are do peculiarly liable. For cuts, bruises, sprains, and stiff joint?, the action of Holloway's Ointment is eminontly healing and soothing, and a svipply should always be at hand m case of need.