Notice to Correspondents

Correspondents are requested to forward their communications m unsealed envelopes, or m wrappers OPEX AT BOTH ENDS, as required by the postal regulations.- -bo words that are not intended for publication.' must be written either on the manuscript or on the cover of the letter. Letter rates of postage must ba paid on advertisements.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1892. SHEARERS' LODGINGS.

The second visit of inspection by the police to the sheep stations m the Marlborough district has confirmed the suspicion that on many of them the accommodation for shearers and the other necessary hands employed at shearing time is not by any means what it should be. The'evil seems to be worse m Marlborough than m any other provincial district; why, it is difficult to see, unless it be that absenteeism and heavy mortgages, from both of which the district has suffered greatly, are the causes. Cases, and bad ones, are to be found m every pro vince; even m Canterbury and Otago there are some stations on which the men have to sleep, eat, and spend any spare time they may have m most wretched hovels, some of corrugated iron, some of " cob," some of timber, but equally uncomfortable and un healthy. In a letter from Dr Bake well to the "New Zealand Herald," which we reprinted a few days ago, there was a description of one of these dens, on a South Canterbury station, and from the report of the recent in spection of the Marlborough stations, it appears that shearers, rouseabouts and other shearing-time employees are m very many cases relegated to similar quarters* A low-roofed building, without fire place, unless the cooks', sleeping and eating departments are ■all m one room ; lighted by one or two small windows, made not to open, so that unless the walls are open to the weather there is little or no ventilation; with three tiers of bunks round the walls, and a double tier down the middle except where the table for meals stands, leaving barely room to move; and the place, perhaps, never thoroughly, cleaned from one shearing season to the next; such is the place where men who work hard m the close atmosphere of a wool-shed for nine or ten hours a day must take their meals and rest. Such a state of affairs would not be permitted m the lowest common lodging-house m England ; there each sleeper must be provided with aspecified number of cubic feet of unencumbered space, and any encroachment on or dimi nution of this space is visited with a penalty. The question of accommo dation was a burning one m the dis putes between shearers and pastoralists m Australia, and the latter found themselves compelled when they formed their association to agree to give so many cubic feet of free air space m the hut to each shearer. No doubt the report of the two visits of the police to the Marlborough sheds will engage the attention of the Go vernment, and they will perforce be impelled on sanitary and other grounds to enact that the accommodation pro vided for station workers shall be at least decent and not unhealthy.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Ifc is intended to keep the Tasmaniau Ex hibition open till March 20. In Southland good general servants can not be got " for love or money." A Ballarat man committed suicide because he had some money left him. Onions shipped from Christchurch to Eng land have arrived m splendid condition. The onions were not specially packed. Modern cultivation has cheapened fruit, and this is one of the triumphs of the age. Apples were worth from 6d to Is each m the reign of Fenry VII. M. Leon Driver was very cordially received m Dunedin. He had an enthusiastic audience, and had on two occasions to re spond to a double encore. Under individual cultivation the Maoris hold about 50,000 acres of land, and m common cultivation 30,000 acres approxi mately. They own 251,763 sheep, 42,912 head of cattle, and 86,259 pigs. The Rev. Father Chastagnon will celebrate mass on Sunday next at Longbeach School, and the Rev. Father Pertuis will officiate at the Church of the Holy Name, Ashburton tnthat day. There is a glut of potatoes m Sydney, the supply being much greater than the demand. The Clarence River has sent an enormous quantity, and the famers there are now sorry that they planted so many. Mrs Scott Siddons is about to return to the stage, the reason being her domestic misfortunes. It is said that her husband has lost his mind, and is unable to tell the whereabouts of £20,000 which he has invested m property. A good deal of excitement wa3 caused at the Melbourne Aquarinm the other morn ing when the alligator got loose, and for a loDg time kept the whole establishment at bay, and threatened to turn some of them into' mincemeat. He was finally captured, j however, and safely caged. i

A Kurow resident, who purchased lor Mid afterwards supplied to a person against whom a prohibition order was issued one shilling's worth of whisky, was fined £2, with the option of fourteen days, and ordered to pay 18s 8d costs, or three days' | imprisonment. The "Southland News" states that Ranger Campbell has discovered that a South land sawtniller has been for some time ille gally cutting timber. The amount so taken v Raid to be over 100,000 feet. The matter will of course be dealt with by the chief commiseionci* of Crown lauds and State forests. At the adjourned inquest on the young man named Jordan, who died jn the Christ - church Hospital on Thursday last, it was shown that arsenic had been discovered m j the contents of the stomach and vomit, and ! that a box of " Rough on Rats " had been : found m the house where he reside:!. A verdict was returned of death from taking poison while temporarily insane. A scheme is m contemplation for shipping Australian flowers and flowering pUnts to En-daud during tke winter months. Loads of roses, magnolias, arum and pitcher lilies, ' "i"antic waratahs and a host of others could be°shipped. A temperature a little above that for chilled butter with attention woul J meet the case, it is alleged. j For the last thirty years the prospects of j the pastoralists m the western districts of New South Wales have never been so I wloomy as at present. What with the low price of fat stock, with store cattle unsale able, the dreaded bush fires, the more than peobable drought, and the invasion of the «abMt, the squatters' position is not en sviable.

It is stateilvtliaV.Alr Oaarles Hull, o* . Christohureh, has been appointed a.Justice ot , the Peace for the colony. Mr Hull is sub- j editor of the " Lybtelton Tun ;-, ! A criclcet match, married v single, will | take place on the Domain ground to-morrow afternobm Those wishing to play must be on tne ground at three o'clock sharp. A Scotch boatman while crossing a loch was asked if he would take some water ( with his whisky, 'and replied: "No, there was a horse drooned at the head o' the loch twa years aero." The. head of the loch was 2-J- miles distant. The whole of the tradesmen m the town, the hairdressers alone excepted, have agreed t-o close at eight o'clock an Saturday evening February 27, on account of the Horti cultural Society's show. The banquet to Mr Moss Jonas, Timarn, on his retiring from business, took place last night, and was a very successful affair, most of the leading professional and business men of tha town and a numerous representa tion of fanners being present A meeting of the New Zealand Atheletic Association was held on Monday evening, at which the sending of a team to England was further discussed, A final decision on the subject was. postponed to enable delegates to. communicate with their clubs respecting a motion that only Hempton aad Batger with Cuff as manager be sent. An old Timaru settler named John Higgs, aged seventy years, residing on the Wai-iti road, dropped dead last evening. He was engaged driving his cows into the home paddock when he was seen to fall, and on being approached was found to be dead. I)r Lovegrove certified that the cause of death was heart disease. MrT. P. O'Connor, it is interesting to learn, reads " The Times " every day of his life. He says, indeed, that " it is still far and away the best paper published m the British Empire. Whatever be its other faults, it is a record of the time which no politician can afford to pass unread. " It is quite certain thatonly those who read"TheTimes"aref ally acquainted with what is passing m the political world. The chairman of a Petty Sessions brought an action recently against Mr Laboucher* for libel, on the ground that he had des cribed m " Truth " a sentence inflicted on a woman as mercilfss. The case was heard, the jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff with £15 damages, and added that they con sidered the sentence upon the woman was a harsh one. It is a vagary which, thongh quite incomprehensible, juries are sometimes known to indulge m. A singular fatal accident happened a Stawell, Victoria. A little girl named Lily ODea, while leading a pet calf to water, fastened the rope round her own neck, and it is supposed she fell and the calf ran away, dragging the child a considerable distance. She was found lying dead with the rope drawn tightly round her neck, and the calf attached at the other end grazing near the body. During the last exhibition m Paris a cuirassier came to the city to get a full length portrait of himself painted for his fiancee. He went straight to Meissonier. " What is your charge ?" he asked. " What can you pay?" said Meissionier. "Thirty sous." "Good," said Meissonier, and he finished the picture for the thirty sous. There was a rush for spare labour of any and every kind m Timaru yesterday, (says the "Herald") farmers coming m from far and near to seourf all the hands they could. One well-known Timaru resident, who has a farm near the Waitohi, actually made a raid on the police station, with the result that he secured the services of two labourers. He paid the costs they incurred, and on the men shouldering their swags drove them straight out to the Waitohi with a guaran tee of at least a fortnight's good work. Writing to Mr Stead, the editor of the " Review of Reviews," a short time ago, Sir George Grey stated that he expected to be m London and discuss with him matters of grave importance to down-trodden humanity within the course of a few months. What docs this mean? Is New Zealand's Grand Old Man going to resign his seat m Parliament and make an effort to secure a scat m the Imperial Parliament? There has been vague talk for a long time about Sir George Grey going home, but here we have a definite statement written by himself. It i 3 quite certain that ifhe. were to stand on the Home Rule ticket for one of the Irish constituencies, he would go m by a thump ing majority. But what would Auckland do without him?— Wellington "Press " The " Waikato Times" says:—"Every body has heard of the schoolboy's answer as to the ace being the largest known diamond, but it is not we think generally considered that a pick of cards is a necessary adjunct to a schoolgirl's 'kit.' This appears to be the case, however. At :i certain school, we will not particularise, not ;<• hundred miles from Hamilton, one ot the teachers dis covered a pack of cards on one of the scholars' desks. The young lady on being questioned by the teacher, Avho having received a strict education herself was horrified, replied that the cards were her own, and that during play-time she and others of the scholars devoted themselves to playing euchre. A nice pastime surely for chita of girls." 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 Globuhis, and by the application of the same I had the satisfaction of seeing my son within a fort night out of all danger, and to-day he s recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis had been reached that the Extract referred to was first applied, and I make this solemn declaration, etc. — Franz Raabe, Declared at Sandhurst, m the • colony of Victoria, Australia, this seventeenth day of October, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven, before me, Moritz Colin., J.P ~(Advt.) 0 I'HK BKST RjiMKDY FOR ISTDIOKSTION — Norton's Camomile Pills are confident^ 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 tonta and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is lid, 2s 9d, 11s, by all n-.eclicine vendors throughout. th« world-

The Hutchison-Ballance Libel Case.

(PEE, PRESS ASSOCIATION.;

Wkllingtox, February 16. The Premier has filed his defence to the libel action instituted by Mr Hutchi son, m which he says plaintiff was can vassed last session m the lobby, by another member of the House, for the purpose of ascertaining how he intended to vojfce upon the Payment of Members' Bill, fitnd. authorise! that member to place lii^name upon the card as a supporter nf the Bill ; that notwithstanding this Mr Hutchison spoke and voted against the second reading, and, after the session, m an address to his constituents, denounced it as a dishonest; measure. That de fendant, addressing a meeting at Patoa, spoke to the above effect, and also said that Mr E. M. fcuutb, M H.R., Was his authority for the statement, and he had no doubt of Mr Smith's truthfulness.. It is also pleaded that the publication of the words was lawful, because they formed part of a true and accurate report. Un less a change of yenue is applied for the trial will take place at Wanganuj on April 5.

NOTES.

Somebody has said that a man of forty years of .age is either a fool or a physician, ami to thi.-s a cynic has added "or sometimes both." The addendum was no doubt intended as a slap at incompetent professional men— and there are such, who deserve it— but the combination is very much more frequently found m the persons of unprofessionalindividiuils who, without the requisite education, training, or experierce take upon themselves, to prescribe for ailments which they do not understand, and to recommend " infallible." remedies for any and every ill that flesh is heir to. Then again, people who m a matter of law would regard it as the height of folly to act upon any but professional advice, m matters medical are often content to accept as reliable any prescription they may happen to come across, whether m the columns of a newspaper, a scrap album, or anywhere else. The danger attending so silly a procedure was painfully exemplified the other day at Greenwich, where an inquest was held m connection with the death of one Emma Howell, the wife of a grocer m that town, whose death took place under mysterious circumstances. The deceased's husband stated that his father gave him this prescription for rheumatism, copied out of an old recipe book :—' Threepenny worth of hydroate of potash m a quart of water, to be taken three times a day.' His wife suffered from rheumatism, and he sent a boy named Luck to the shop of Mr Brooks, chemist, High Street, Deptford, with the prescription, and he returned with a packet of pure white crystal. Witness diluted it with water, and put it into «a champagne bottie. Subsequently his wife said she had taken some of the mixture, and was m great pain. She died next day. Thomas Hood, assistant to Mr Brooks, said he served the boy with hydrata of potash, which was not considered a poison. Dr Eccles said that hydrate of potash was a poison, and an eighth of an ounce would be fatal to an adult. It was not, however m the statutory list of poisons. He added that iodide of potash was taken for rheumatism. Mr Brooks said that since the inquiry opened lie had sent to wholesale chemists foi ' hydroate ' of potash, and both had sent hydrate of potash, Professoi Stevenson said he had analysed the contents of the bottle and of the stomach. Death arose from poisoning by hydrate of potash, which was a corrosive poison, known as caustic potash. The solution had been made m a dirty bottle. There was no sub stance known to chemists as hydroate of potash, and a chemist if asked for it would supply hydrate. Deceased's husband swore that the substance was m powder, but the assistant to the chemist said it was m stick form, and this Dr Stevenson said must have been so. After a long inquiry the jury returned a verdict of "Death by mis adventure," exonerating all parties from blame, but the disastrous result of this instance of unprofessional meddling m matters medical should nevertheless operate as a caution tc others not to risk health, and it may be life, for the sake of saving a doctor's fee.

In view of the promising results which have followed the efforts oi those who are seeking to establish aft export trade with the Old Country m New Zealand fruit, the following— which we take from the " Taranaki Herald " —will be read with interest: —" Last week a meeting of those in terested m the export of fruit to London was held m Auckland to meet Mr T. B. Walker, the representative of a Covent Garden fruit-dealing firm, who, we have mentioned more than once, is on a visit to New Zealand. Mr Walker's object m coming to this colony is to encourage and assist fruit growers to open up a trade with Eng land, for, as he said at the Auckland meeting, with such natural advantages as we possess—-both m climate and soil—we ought to take a prominent part m the expoi'tation of fruit to London. As we have previously stated, Mr Walker has devoted his attention hitherto to Tasmania, where he visited the various fruit-growing districts, addressing meetings, and visiting the fruit growers individually at their orchards. He had by this means succeeded m bringing many of them to see what an outlet there was for their surplus produce m the London market, and if they only set about the matter m the right way they could make money by it. Mr Walker says those who followed his advice, and had sent Home regular consignments of good and carefully packed fruit, found at the end of the season that they were well repaid for their trouble ; one grower who had sent a, thousand cases netting something over six shillings a case. Mr Walker, hearing that the growers of New Zealand were now beginning to need outlets for their surplus supplies of fruit beyond the colonial markets, had thought that he could not do better than come over and introduce his firm's name to them, as that of one of the oldest and most prominent m Covent Garden Market. He was convinced, however, that be fore they would be able to do very much m the way of shipping fruit to London they would have to remedy two very grievous hindrances which at present existed. The first was the lack of steamers sailing direct from Auckland, and leaving at fixed dates ; and the second was the rapid spread of the codlin moth. These two hind rances could both be remedied, as had been shown m Tasmania, by the com bination of the growers for their mutual benefit. If they could go to the steamship companies and say, ' We are prepared to ship twenty or thirty thousand cases of fruit on certain con ditions,' he was sure that they would be m a far better position to obtain those conditions than if they just went individually to apply for space for a few hundred cases. Also, if they all m a body represented to their members that the Godlin moth pest had now assumed such dimensions that legisla tion was indispensable to check it they would, he believed, soon have an Act passed for the purpose, as they have passed one m Tasmania, Mr Walker also gave the Auckland fruit-growers some information as to how they managed things m Tasmania, He saiil, 'the growers m Tasmania- pajcj

3d per case, and were then relieved of the whole trouble of shipping the fruit themselves. Last year his firm ob tained 23s per case for a consignment of Stunner Pippins from Tasmania, placed on the market m the second or third week of April. The commission charged was live per cent, and the total expensoa after the 'fruit left home would be met b)' Is per case, so that if an average price of from 10.5 to 12s per case was obtained, there would be a good profit. The apples which bx-ought'the best prices generally were : —.Ribstone, New York, and Stunner Pippins, Scarlet Pearmain, Cox's Orange Pippin, Scarlet Nonpariel, French Crab, and a few cases of Prince Bismarck's also sold well last year. They had not had enough Gravensteins to say whether they were good ex porting apples, but the Kerry Pippins that had been sent to them, had brought a good price.' It will be seen from the above remarks or Mr Walker, that a unity of the fruit growers m New Zealand is the most essential thing towards the success of the industry. An association similar to the one m Tasmania should there fore be formed m this colony, each district being a brand) of it, when, with their united efforts they could command a profitable fruit trade with London and other markets."

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held last night. Present—His Worship the Mayor (pre siding), and Councillors Thomas, Tweed, Scaly, Flower, Bird, and Jones. FINANCE The Mayor said the debit balance afc the Bank stood at £959 5s lid, and the income from all sources received since last meeting had been £15. reserve 1613, The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote to the effect that the Department was making inquiries m regard to Reserre 1613, pending which the Department could not say whether the reserve could be vested m the Council. THE SWIMMING CMTB. The application of the Swimming Club to have their close day of the Domain altered from March 9 to March 2 was granted. THE POUND. Rebate of a fortnight's rent was allowed to the poundkeeper, he having occupied the pound fcr a fortnight longer than his term at the request of the Council. ENGINEERS' REPORTi The Engineers report was read as follows:—The men have been engaged iv cleaning out water races and removing soil, watering streets, caHing clay and earth, and repairing traffic bridge, cul verts, etc., carting oats m the Domain, and attending the water supply and sundry maintenance work. BY-LAWS. The by-laws were ordered to be printed, and submitted to the members of Council. THE CYOUNG TRAGIC. The caretaker of the Domain reported verbally to the Engineer that the track had been made use of by a number of cyclists on Sunday morning and on Sunday afternoon, and desired to be instructed m regard to the matter. It was decided to ask the caretaker to send m a full report of the matter, and Cr Thomas moved that the Clerk be instructed to write to the Cycling Cub informing them that practice, racing, etc., had taken place on the track on Sunday, that the Council disapproved of this sort of thing, and that a repetition of it would tend to a withdrawal of the Club's privileges. Cr Jones seconded. Cr Tweed said there was no evidence ! beyond a verbal statement before the Council, and he objected to a strong resolution of this Kind. There was no more harm m a ma a riding a bicycle round the track on a Sunday than m hiring a ti'ap and driving to Smith's gardens, and ho was averse to passing a grandmotherly prohibition of this kind- Athletes had trained on Sunday m sill time and would continue to do so. There was no evidence at all that any law had been broken. Crs Scaly, Flower, and Bird opposed the motion for the same reason as Dr Tweed did, viz.. that there was no evidence before the Council that the Cycling Club was m fault. The Mayor said one resolution asked for a full report from the caretaker as to what had been done, and who did it, and the second resolution wished the Council to act before that report was received. He thought it was premature. Cr Thomas said that the only persons who had a right to practice on the track were members of the Cycling Club, so that the resolution was not premature, and only pointed out that it expressed the Council's disapproval of racing on the track on Sundays. It was a disgrace to the town that a set of fellows should prostitute the Domain for racing purposes on Sundays m this way. The motion was put to the meeting and was voted for by the mover and seconder only, and lost. Cr Tweed moved, '• Thab a notice be posted m the Domain to the effect that no bicycling be allowed on the track on Sundays." Cr Scaly seconded this as a more practical proceeding. Cr Thomas was not averse to men using their bicycles on the track on any day, but he objected to assemblages there on Sunday, using the ground as a place fora sports meeting on that day. The Mayor quoted the terms on which the Cycling Club enjoyed the use of the track. Those terms made no reservation m regard to Sundays, and the resolution just moved was perfectly m order as j regulating the use of it on Sundays. After some further discussion the motion was carried, Cr Thomas dissenting. The Mayor moved to send a copy of the resolution to the Cycling Club, which was carried. THE FACTORIES ACT. The Mayor said only four of the firms coming under the operations of the Act had responded to the Council's invitation to express their opinion as to what was the best day for the statutory half-holi day. One firm had mentioned Thursday, the other three !iad favored Wednesday. The matter was held over for a fort night. x THE SANITARY BY-LAW. The Mayor said the solicitor had advised taking no action m regard to the pro posed sanitary by-law until the new by laws came into force. POUNDKEEPRR. Applications for the position of pound keeper, ranger, and inspector of nuisances were received from five persons, and after consideration of the merits of each, j Mr W. de B. Compton was appointed iv I terms of his application. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £55 10s 7d wore passed f^r payment, and the Council , adjourned. '

The Coming Papal Jubilee.

The Rome correspondent o? the "Wes- I tern Morning News :) telegraphs that tho { Vatican Commission charged with organ ising the arrangements for celebrating the papal jubilee has drawn up its programme and dial this has received the approval of His Holiness Pope Leo. The following are. the salient feature* : Pilgrimages to to feoin'3 from all parts will take place i between December, 1832. a-nr] ■December, 1893 ; a great exhibition, illustrative of the papacy from the earliest; times, will i be held m honour of the pilgrims; and an address from the whole Catholic world will be presented to the Pope, this iaking the form of a plebiscite m favor of the restoration of the temporal power. In view of the extensive character of the jubilee celebrations, pilgrimages to Rome between now and December of next year will be cancelled. In connec tion with the jubilee the Pope will grant a general indulgence.

What a Baby Can Do.

Ib can beat any alarm clock ever in vented m waking a family up m the morn ing. m a given time it c<tn smash more dishes than the most industrious servant girl m the country. Ib can fall down oftener and with less provocation than the most expert tumbler m the circus ring. It can make more genuine tuss over a simple brass pin than its mother would over a broken back. It can choke itself black m the face with greater ease than the most accom plished wretch that ever wan executed. It can keep a family m a constant tur moil from morning till night, and night till morning, without once varying Us time. It can be relied on to sleep peacefully all day when its father is m town, and. cry persistently at night when he is parti cularly sleepy, It may be the naughtiest, dirtiest, ugliest, most fretful baby m all the whole world, but you never can make its mother believe it, and you had better not try. It can be a charming and model infant when no one is about, bub when visitors are present ib can exhibit more bad temper than both of its parents put together.

More About the New Governor.

His Lordship is a. Scottish Peer, who succeeded to the Earldom m 1890, and who until now has occupied no con spicuous place m the public e)e. The immediately preceding holders of the title were, however, very well-known, particularly m the west of Scotland, where the family estates he, and where the last two Earls wsre for long familiar figures. The former of these, known m his younger days as Lord Kelburne, was a great racing man, and celebrated for the extreme roughness of his manners and language. He was succeeded by his half brother, the Hon. Mr Boyle, who was of precisely an opposite type, being an ex ceedingly high Anglican Churchman, and devoted to ceremonial observances, the means for which lie providfd at his own cost m the Isiand of Greater Cumbrae, on the Clyde, 1 a portion of which he owned. Thia Peer having no male issue, the title passed at his death to the Boyles, of Shewalton, m Ayrshire, a family of which one member (an inti mate friend of Sir Walter Scott) for many years occupied successively the two highest placas m the Court of Session, having been, first, Lord Justice Clerk, and afterwards, Lord President of that court. Tlie present Karl of Glasgow is the grand son of L.uvl P^oi-i'-nt B^ylo, iinil son of that Mr Boyle who represented 'the county of Bute m 1865, and who after wards became Lord Clerk Register of Scotland, succeeding m that office Sir James Gibson-Craig. The Earl is a cousin of Sir James Fergusson—once Governor of this colony and now Post master General m Lord Salisbury's Ministry—Sir James' mother having been a Miss Boyle of Shewalton. Not being a descendant of a holder of the British Peerage which latterly wis m the family, the present Earl is simply a Scottish Peer, and without a seat m the House of Lcrds.—" Southland Time 3."

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

THE CHINESE TROUBLES.

London, February 14, The " Chronicle's " China correspon dent states that General Tcheng Kaitong has been executed on the ground of complicity m the recent massacres. PLYING MACHINE. Mr Shaw, of Coventry, claims to have invented a practical flying machine, the pinions of which are 24ft m breadth and 100 ft long. RIOTS AT EASTBOURNE. Another collision has taken place at Eastbourne between the police and the Salvation Army. The latter were dispersed and several arrested. THE N. Z. MORTGAGE AND INVESTMENT ASSOCIATION. The Directors of the New Zealand Mortgage and Investment Association, Limited, are seriously thinking of dis solving the Company, owing to losses. A meeting is called for the 26th inst. to consider the matter. LABOR QUESTIONS. The enginemen employed m the Welsh colleries are striking m conse quence of a reduction of wages. Cameron and Co's employees have not resumed work. The Press blame the merchants for the strike, as the interests involved are small. Volun teer coalers are employed m storing the coke. A partial stoppage of the coal supplies is expected to be the resuH of the strike, but the Stafford shire owners are supplying the de ficiency at present. February 15. The coal miners refuse to resume work, and accuse the leaders of decep tion regarding the concession granted by the masters, Singapore, February 14. Sir C. C. Smith, Governor"of the Straits Settlement, has introduced m the Legislative Council a Bill prohibit ing the Sunday working of ships ex cept for the landing of mails.

THE INFLUENZA.

London. February 14 The Earl of Stafford is seriously ill with influenza. Paris, February 15. M. de Lesseps is suffering from a severe attack of influenza.

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

London, February 14. Lord R. Churchill's constituents hold a meeting, to consider whether they should re-el§et hv». Objections

are being taken to his fickleness and versatility. Mr Chamberlain m his attack on Mr Gladstone demanded that the Liberals should unfold their Home Rule scheme and denounced the attempt to em barrass the Government m their relations with Egypt. The "Daily Chronicle" cornroentinjv 1 on the speech, says that it has not been '• equalled since the days of Disraeli. Mr MorJey insisted that the Govern • merit should resign during the session. COLONIAL STOCKS. Colonial stocks are firmer and the tone of the market is improving. February 15. The " Daily Telegraph " asserts that it is understood the Banks will offer Victorian Treasury bills privately on terms which will yield 4{ per cent.

THE UNITED STATES WOOL DUTIES.

Washington, February 14. The Committee of Ways and Means m the Congress is m favor of adtnit ting wool free. RAILWAY AMALGAMATION IN AMERICA. There is immense excitement on the New York Stock Exchange over the proposed railway amalgamation. Shares m the Pennsylvania-Reading rose £9. About a million and a half shares changed hands m New York alone. THE COTTON TRADE. A heavy failure m the cotton trade is expected m the United States.

THE BISMARCK MONUMENT.

Bekltn, February 14. The Kings of Saxony and Wurtem burg and many German princes have given donations towards the national monument to Bismarck.

FIGHTING IN THE SOUDAN.

Cairo, February 14. Cherif Pasha claims that the Khalif ate defeated Abdullah at Khartoum, and the fighting still continues. Kassala is reported to be depopulated.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Madkid, February 14. The Anarchists at Valencia are m a state of intense excitement, and some mischief is feared. The Madrid polico have made an extensive raid on the Anarchists. Berlin. February 14. Extensive Anarchist plots have been discovered m various parts of Germany, and a number of arrests have been effected. THE SIBERIAN RAILWAY. Paris, February 14. Negotiations are going on. with the French monetary institutions for the purpose of obtaining money to complete the trans-Siberian railway. Paris, February 15. Five hundred Parisian Anarchists forward a protest against the execu tion of the Anarchists at Xeres.

CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES.

Washington, February 14. I It is now believed there is a pro bability of a reciprocity treaty being ar ranged between Canada and the United States. Ottawa, February 15. It is reported that the mission of the Hon. J. S. D. Thompson to Washing ton to endeavour to effect l'eciprocity with the States, has failed m conse quence of Sir J. Paunrefote, British Minister there, informing the Secre tary for State for the United States that Mr Thompson had no authority to complete such an arrangement.

THE FAMINE IN RUSSIA.

St. Petersburg, February 14. In many districts there will be no wheat sown this spring, m consqeuence of the scarcity of horses. THE RUSSIAN JEWS. The Jews are making preparation for a universal exodus from Russia.

ITALY AND SWITZERLAND.

Rome, February 14. Negotiations between Italy and Switzerland for special commercial arrangements have been broken off, and a general tariff will come into force between the two countries.

TAXATION IN GREECE.

Athens, February 14. Greece is increasing her taxes, m order to avoid bankruptcy.

THE YELLOW FEVER.

Rio de Janeiro, February 14. The mortality from . yellow fever at Santos continues.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE WRECK OF THE PARNELL. Svpney, February 15. The inquiry into the loss of the brig Parnell at Frederickhaven m New Guinea, while on a voyage to Kaipara, entirely exonerated Captain Dakin from any blame. VALUE OF LAND IN SYDNEY, To-day the Government sold 100 ft frontage of a new street m front of the Post Office for £12.600. Other allotments were withdrawn, as the reserve of £1750 per foot was not reached.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, February 15. Ab Levuka, the schooner Emma Fisher, seized m the Solomon Group by H.M. Royalist for recruiting without a license, T?as sold at auction for £137. Sir George Grey intends visiting England next month, going by -way of Australia, and m company with Mr H. H. Stanley. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is inaugurating a Band of Mercy m the City, and will endeavor to introduce cards m fche public schools. They have done so m the Sunday schools. Tauihaxga, February 15. The cases brought by the Society for the Prevention csi Cruelty to Animals against Chas. Harley and Johu Kennedy for cruelty m overdriving m a match from Waihi to Tauranga, a distance of fifty-six miles, when Harley's horse died ijfteen miles from Tauranga, were heard to-day. The police asked for a lie^vy penalty. Harley was convicted and fined 50s and costs £10 19s. The case against Kennedy was dismissed, the constable's evidence showing thai the animal was not even, b,ob passing. Kafcikafci. Blenheim, February 15.. A. report from Majiakjpawa to, the " Express" states that gold hfya been found at Duncan's VJlty by the prcw pectoys. About four crapes have been found altogether, but th.<j gutter has not yet keei> readied. There is nothing so fay to warrant a rush, though the ground is beina rapidly taken up by the Cullens ville miners. The valley is only capable pf b^ldjog 500 W«|OW4 requires capital,

las the sinking is deep and the iiuraing expensive. Reefton, February 15. t The Reef ten railway line between Greymouth and Reetton was formally | opened to-day. There was a vast | assemblage at the Reef ton station, where the County Chairman read an address to the officers of the Midland Railway Com pany, and offered a hearty welcome to the Ureyinouth visitors. Brief speeches were made by Mr Young (the company's engineer) and Mi- Mathieeon (Mayor of (Jreymouth). The chief event was a monster picnic to the children, who, prior to the. proceedings on tho race course, were given a ride m the train through the saddle tunnel. The weather was wretched, hub on the whole an en joyable time was spent. In VEiiCAKGiLL, February 15. An enquiry respecting the wreck of the btarof Erin was opened this morning, before Mr Rawson, R.M., and Captain Parsons. The evidence of Captain Hop kins was taken. He attributed the disaster to a sudden change m the wind and to the thick rain making the Waipapa light appear much farther off" than it actually was. lie judged it to be at least six miles oti when she struck, whereas it was only two. He was putting the vessel about to run back when she bumped. Decision was reserved until to-morrow.

The Public Trustee.

jf*iK WifcSS ASSOCIATION]

Wellington, February 15. At the General Post Office this mornin» a presentation of a collection of plate was made to Mr J. K. Warburton, Public Trustee. The Hon Mr Ward m making the presentation, spoke at considerable length, referring to the services rendered to the Post anil Telegraph Department during the twenty-eight years Mr War burton had been connected with the De partment. The whole of the Post and Telegraph service was canvassed for the presentation, and not the slightest difficulty was experienced m raising sufficient for a valuable present, Messrs Ballance and Buckley added their testi mony to the worth of Mr Whrburton, the former defending the Government m their selection of him as Public Trustee. The Government-, he said, had preferred to search the civil {service for an officer rather than select a lawyer or a com mercial man, and they believed they had got the right man m the right place. Since Mr Warburton became Public Trustee he had completely restored the confidence of the public m the office.

The Tauranga Tragedy.

{PB B I'RfiSS ASSOCIATION.)

Auckland, February 15. Munro, the perpetrator of the Taurangi tragedy, was brought up m the Clansman and taken to Mount Eden gaol. Mrs Munro died kst night. At the inquest the coroner's jury added a rider to the verdict asking the Government to make a searching investigation as to the reason why Munro was released from the aslyuna. The last survivor, a little boy, bids fair to recover from his terrible injuries.

The Eketahuna Murder.

[press association telegram.],

Mastekton, February 15. The police yesterday visited the camp of the accused men Harrison and White, and found another shirt with a spot of blood ou it, belonging to one of the accused. At the inquest Constable Roache de posed to searching accuseds' bunk after their arrest, and finding a shirt belonging to Harrison with some slight indications of blood upon it; and one open pocket knife claimed by Smith, and a large knife under his bed. Other articles were found but they had no trace of blood on them. Medical evidence was given that neither of the kaivea would have made the wounds on the neck unless very great force had been used. They would nob have caused death, but the one m the side would be quite sufficient. Death had resulted from loss of blood, aided by in flamation of the bowels, exposure and exhaustion. The wounds might be self inflicted but it was very improbable. The inquest was adjourned tiU Thurs day morning. Wellington, February 15. Smith and Harrison, arrested on sus picion of murdering John Dalton, where brought to town to-night and logged m gaol to await the adjourned inquest.

Presbyterian General Assembly.

[per press association.]

Auckland. February 15* A Committee, consisting of the" Auck land Presbytery, was appointed to con sider and report on the desirableness of adopting a scheme for the periodical changes of ministers of the Assembly. The Assembly to-day resolved that the Rev. Win. Gillies, of Timaru, be the next Moderator, and appointed Dr. Elmslie Deputy to the Synod of Otago and Southland. A resolution was passed approving of the present system of State education, so far as the diffusion of know ledge, but express regret that religious, instruction wasnot given m public schools^ The Synod adjourned, to.'meet at St. John's; Church, Wellington, on the second Tues day m February nexfc.

POLITICAL.

(per press association.)

Wellington, February 15. Mr Buckley will accompany the Go vernor to Auckland, who, now that the race meeting is put off, will probably break his journey at Wanganui. Lord Onslow leaves here on Wednesday. Cabinet meetings were held on Saturday and fco-day, and a discussion of the appointments of the new Legislative Councillors took place. There was some consultation between tin* Governor and the Premier, but they could not, agree as to the number of new: members^ to be appointed,. and, Lord Onslow has now decided to leave the matter for his suc cessor, Lord Glasgow, to deal with, Hon. Mr Ward sailed south this after noon. The Government have deckled that the absorption of the Native Department itt the Justice and Lands Departments should take place within the next few weeks. The Hon. Mr Reeves will have the title of Native 3sinisvei\ but there will be no separate Department. The Hon. Mr Cadman assumes charge of the Marine, Stamps and Uospital Departments and also takoa over part of the Colonial Secretary's work. The proposed amalga mation of the Marine and Public Works Departments is practically abandoned. The Native Land Courts and present recording staff will be taken over by the J-Ustioe Department, and the Native Land Purchase Department will be placed'under th,e Minister of Lands. By these changes, the necessity for an Under Secretary for- Native Aftairs is abolished, Mr Cadmam estimates the saving will be £1000 poit annura. ■

THE A§HBURTON GUARDIAN: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, J892.



The» world is ever moving on towards perfection, bufcseldoiu attains it, Constant improvement is beuii? made m every branch of industry, ~ but; m Biil<in£? Powders Perfection has been reached m WwtomtQu'p Capf t J?e Beat,



Ninian Hyslop and Co.'^ ltrraß6ri'al <r Ceylnn and Tr.dian Tea- & * jj l fc f th«TwFUntotiouß t*HU trol*



" Reading's Pqwmh" destroys Bugs Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects whilst quite harmless tq domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder ig extraordinary. It is perfectly clean fu. application. >See the article you Durchase is " Keating's," as imitations are oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, 6d, Is and 2s 6d each. V»v all chemists, Ask for Ninian Hyslop, and Co. s Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and



$fajia,n H.y/&#wd Co.'s " Imperial' pure Ceylon and I%^W- Teaa are the



STOCK-TAKING. BEDTJCTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE IN Oil] DEPARTMENTS. Inspection Invited. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. W. H. WEBBER, Manager. Hoixoway's PIMA — Nervousness and want of energy. —When first the nerves feel -unstrung, and listlessness supplants energy, the time has come to take some such alterna tive as, Holloway's Pills to restrain a disorder from developing itself into a disease. These excellent pills correct all irregularities and weaknesses. They act so kindly, yet so energetically on the functions of digestion and assimilation, that the whole body is revived, the blood rendered richer and purer, while the muscles become firmer and stronger, and the nervous and absorbent systems are invigorated. The pills are suitable for all classes and all ages. They have a most marvellous effect on persons who are out of condition; they soon rectify whatever is m fault, restore strength to the body and confidence to the mind. Don't bk Deceived !— If you want the best; Medicine the world has ever pro uced; try Colemane and Sons Eucalypti Extract. For all affections of the chest and lungs, consumption, asthma, dmylis, coWs, gravel, and kidney complaints. For influenza it lias no equal. Under the distinguished patronage of Earl Jersey, •Governor of Kew South Wales, Lord Harrington, and fcttc Jsmp,<?ror of Germany. Awarded medals at Sydney' Melbourne, and Adelaide, beatins .8$ competitors, and « the only pure Extract'in-tlie world. See that the label bears our tracle mark (tree of life and signature Coienaaiae a#,d fcSona, Cootaraundra, New South Waie.»si) i without this it ie » fraud. Price, 1* #rl and 2s 6d. Wholesale Deoot tor New Zealand: Lichfield street, Christchurch Sole Agents for Ashburton: The Ash PfUg OoBJp»»y,-ADVT



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may he l*»ft at this Office. WANTED , good General Servant, must be able to sleep at home. Apply Mrs Whitty, Tancred street. 3 79 "TT7 ANTED, three good general Ser- VV vants. Good wages given. \yp\y at once to Mbs Raisdkll. 2 77 ]*T OTHING will Cool you so quickly and -*-^ invigoraie the system so much as Ice Cream?—H.G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. ________ "YT7 ANTED Known. - Come and see W the Bargains now on at Melford House.—H. C. Segers. WANTEDJCnown.-At"The Corner' now selling Ladies*' French Shops. 5s lid, See them".—W. H. Collier. -fITANTED KNOWN, -A great pur- VT chase of Kid Gloves, £135 10s 63, Florencia Kid Gloves, all sizes, 4 and 5-Clasp, usual price 6s lid and 8s 6d, now sold for 4s lid and 5s lid. -A. Ore's Sale. mHIRTY Pieces Dress Goods at 6d ; 60 '■f- Pieces French Cashmere at la 6d, worth 3s 6d ; 1000 Yards French Tweed, double width, at Is 9d, worth 3s 9d. All Dress Goods greatly reduced.— Anprkw Orr's Cheap Sale. 1 106 \\rANTED Known.—lf you want W plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Segrrs. BOOTS, Boots.—lnfants Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 5s 9d, Genfcs' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid— Andbbw pBRBSaIe. 1 WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2a 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier. "TTTANTED Known.—l have a large VV stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.-—J. W. Hardley, East .treet. <>t202 WANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. C. Ssgebs. . rpo Meet the Times. — t am supplying X Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force punips, deep well cylinders of all dessriptions. Inspection invited. — J. W. Hardlby, Eas street. 6J201 ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Roberi Axcorn, Ashburron Clothing Marl, Sannders' Buildings. WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. 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. ANTED Known.--H. Bairstow has opened those premises m TCasb street nextJ. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on view. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he i^ prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection tmted. 11+61 Public Notices. -XTA LE N TIN ES to suit everybody. V Just opeued up. Palm Leaf Fans and Screens at 6d. Selling fast. Also Zither Harps, three sizes, from 4s 6d. New Games, Fancy Stationery, &c. L. F. ANDREWES & CO., Stationers' Hall.