Notice to Correspondent

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

MAIL NOTICES.

FRIDAY, February 19. | For Northern Ports and Australian Colonies (except Tasmania), per Talune, at 0.30 a.m. For Northern Ports and Australian Colonies (except Tasmania), per Mararoa at l«"».3O a.m. For South America, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe (especially addressed correspondence only), per Ruapehu, at G.J3SO p.m., parcels at 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, February 24. For the United Kingdom and 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 0.155 p.m., registered letters at £5 p.m. This mail will be due m London on March 30.

ENGLISH MAILS.

HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Coptic, left January 9, due London February 18. lonic, left February 6, clue London March 17. Tainui, leaving March 5, due London April 14. Doric, leaving April 2, due London May 12. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, left. January 30, due London March 2. Monowai, leaving on February 27, due London March 30. Alameda, leaving on March 26, due London April 27. OUTWARD —DIRECT MAILS. Kaikoura, due colony February 24. Ruahine, due colony March 21. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Alameda, due colony February 28. Mariposa, due colony March 23.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1892. THE BOARD OF HEALTH.

We may now take it that the United Board of Health for the Ashburton district, comprising the Borough of Ashburton, the Allen ton Ward of the Upper Ashburton Road District, and the Tinwald Town District, and to in clude also the Hampstead Town Dis trict, is an established fact. The newly-constituted body is a most im portant one, and the proper exercise of its functions will conduct greatly to the well-being of the district. We have already pointed out the powei s and duties of a Board of Health, and shall not now make any remark upon them ; but the attitude of the Hamp etead Town Board m reference to the formation of the United Board of Hosilbh demands some attention. The short-sighted action of Hampstead m repelling the advances made by Ash burton. with the view of amalgamating the town district with the borough has led the former to be regarded as an obstacle to the progress of the district, but Hampstead has substantial ground for objecting to the constitution of the United Board of Health, the point of objection being the proposal to rate for the purpose of the Board on a popula tion basis. Hampstead is the most densely populated of all the districts included m the scheme A large number of those who are engaged m the Borough during the day reside m the suburbs, and Hampstead is peculiarly the working men's suburb, i Tinwald and Allenton being far less populous m proportion to valuation or area. The point seems to have been lost sight of, that many of the places of business m the Borough, m which nobody actually resides, require as much the attention of the Board of Health as do the suburban residences. Under the proposals which Ashburton, Tinwald, and Upper Ashburton have agreed to, that rating shall be on the population basis, those business premise?) will practically escape rating, and the burden of taxation will have Ito be borne by Hampstead. We thoroughly approve of the establish ment of an active united Board of Health for the whole district, but we think some more equitable basis of rating could and should be devised.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Crown Pros6cutor of Tasmania ia considering the affairs of the Bank of Van Diemen's Land, and proceedings will probably be instituted shortly against those responsible for the failure. The Government propose to reserve the fine scenery m the Manawatu Gorge from further destruction. Although the Forest Reserve will be opened for settlement, the forest adjacent to the gorge will be perma nently reserved. The unemployed of Melbourne m their desperation made a touching appeal to the Victoria Racing Club to disgorge some of their credit balance for the relief of their distress. The V.R.C. discovered that the law would not; allow them to disburse money m this way. The system introduced by the Victorian Minister of Education of closing existing small schools, and not opening others, has now been applj&d to forty districts with considerable success. j§S© for. only two com plaints from parents ha*ve hftfm received ; and m tach case a school had beep cjlospd. The criminal sittings ©f the Supreme Court at Christchurch will open on Monday. The calendar includes sixteen charges against fourteen persons, one of whom jus *eeused of sheep stealing, five of larceny, on§ of Jarceny as a bailee, one of unlawfully wouadiflg, three of indecent assault, one of erobezzlerae#, Pne of arson, and one of forgery and uttering. Mr Cox, M.P., says that his Australian mission has been a financial success. Hp has been more than twelve months m Australia and New Zealand, and he was particularly gratified by his reception m New Zealand, The fund for evicted tenants, he has iiifonned an interviewer, was freely subscribed to, and the total realised will be about £25,0Gty. Mr Jfenry Wardle, M.P., whose death i| reported % pable, was the senior partner of the firm .of $£essn* Salt and Co., the Burton |*«ewers. and married * daughter,of the late Mr f? $• S*^* As a M'Wftl he defeated tte (Untwist candidate at the i«,s£ general " -><£&& toy * Jarge majority, ffe was a sup ele^ -* woweif'9 franehiise,and theaboljiti.of porter o. -of &©£&& He was sixty years ot the House . of aS e> %»m Ael«y It is announced that owiu 0 *b». fl*vv m the arrival of Captain Fox, ""*■• Commandant of the New Zealand foi\,. the arrangements for the year have to a great extent been upset, and consequently the Government have decided not to promulgate any scheme for the Easter Encampments, but the arrangements which have becu made m various localities for holding encampments will nob be interfered with. •

At the Last meeting of the Southland Education Board the Queenstown Committee wrote referring to a statement made by Bishop Moran m a speech m which he stated that m the Queeustown School there were books used containing " vile calumnies against Catholics." —It was resolved that the Committee be recommended to ask Bishop if he had been correctly reported, and if so to name what books contained the alleged calumnies. At a meeting of the Otago Charitable Aid Board on Thursday the Chairman drew attention to the rapidly increasing number of children m the industrial school, fifteen having been committed last month. Promi nent citizens who were taking great interest m Dr Bernardo's Homes, might do good service by establishing such homes here. He did not despise Dr Barnardo's work, but distance lent enchantment to the view. Some were apt to forget their own kith and kin and give to those afar off. The first annual meeting of the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Insurance Society was , held at Ohristchurch on Wednesday. The directors' report, which wa3 adopted, recom mended a dividend of 5 per cent per annum, and stated that the gross premiums during the year amounted to —fire, £1439 ;. marine. £2756; £242 fire premiums, and £1801 marine premiums have been paid as rein surances. The losses paid and ascertained at December 31 amount to—fire, £120 ; marine, £189. After providing for the appropriation of £454, there was sufficient to reinsure current risks, together with £117 for the directors' and auditors' fees. The balance available for distribution was £2054. A Customs prosecutiou m Melbourne against the well-known firm of Lange and Thoneman and the Foster Lo.ger Beer Brew ing Company has aroused a deal of interest. The firm trading as Lange and Thoneman (Messrs Stephen King and Peter H. Engel) got the brewing company to put up a quan tity of beer m bottles labelled with a Ger man label, and the firm then imitated the Customs marks, so that the public were completely misled and purchased the article as imported German beer. When the Police Court dealt with the case they fined Lange and Thoneman £5 only, and let the brewing company off' altogether on the ground of no fraudulent intent. The "Argus" has in vestigated the relationships of the bench of justices, and discovered that one (who was never known to sit before) was a brother-in law of Mr King, and another the partner of the chairman of the brewing company ! A National Association has been established m New South Wales, and the following working platform adopted:—A vote for manhood and a vote for thrift. Reduction m the number of Parliamentary representa tives. The establishment of single elector ates. The registration of voters. Disqualification of convicted criminals and State paupers. Economy m public expenditure. No class domination or class legislation. Federation, local Government, and water conservation and irrigation. Promotion of the political education of the people through the Press, the platform, and other agencies, with a view to showing that the permanent welfare of any section of the community is indissolubly bound up with that of all other sections, and that ill considered and revolutionary legislation and all mandates issued by irresponsible bodies tending to check the free and lawful use by every man of his natural or acquired abilities are wrongs to the individual and crimes against the State. An American toast: The Anglo-Saxon Race—" Here's a toast to Her Majesty the Queen, the greatest of sovereigns, the best of women. Here's to a greater than the Queen —England itself. Here's to a power greater than the Queen and greater than England : a Power so great that, the world recognises its superiority. This Power has established itself m the great valley of the Mississippi, and, stretching its arms eastward and westward, grasps the broad American Continent from Behring Straits to the far capes of the Atlantic. This power, m spite of the predictions of its rivals, is m the future to dominate the broad island of Austra lia, andextendifcs civilisitionoverthe quarter of a million million inhabitants of the Indian Peninsula and to conquer the Dark Contin ent with its civilising forces, and finally, against all cavils, it will rule supreme m the British Islands during the coming ages while other Powers are shaken by the vicissitudes of time and the throes of revolution. This power, combining m its subjects the culture of Greece and power of ancient Rome, m the future as m the past, will command the respect of all mankind. Let us pledge this Power to-day, since it has honored us with a birthright to its greatness. Here's to the Anglo-Saxon race." The London correspondent of the Diinedin "Star" says:—"The more enquiries Mr Perceval makes m the city the more con vinced he becomes that the injury which the land tax is alleged to be doing the colony's credit has been exaggerated. Of course some of the institutions which have been hard hit by the tax (such as thp Bank of New Zealand) .complain. Elsewhere, how ever, he hears little aboui it. Mr Perceval finds most city men consider New Zealand's financial position neither better nor worse than the financial position of the other Australias. The fact is, very few discrimi nate at all between the five principal colonies. One thing is certain, what I may term the ' inner workings' of the London money market do more to afitieb the fluctua tions of Australian stocks than anything which happens m the colonies themselves. Those interested m ' bearing' New Zealand stock (for instance) may avail themselves of an incident like the passing of the land tax to bring about a fall that will suit them; but their talk is really mere speculative ' bluff.' For holding purposes they would tell you they consider the stock just as good as ever. It would require something far more serious than Mr Ballance's tax, or, indeed, than anything that has happened m your history, to give a genuine shake to New Zealand stock."

THE MARKETS.

[FEB. PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Berlin, February 17. Owing to the machinations of grain operators m Berlin it is expected that a '-'.corner" m Russian rye will be effected m April and prices are advancing by leaps, owing to fcbs failure of crops m East Prussia. A famine m that district is imminent.

The New Zealand Farmers' Co-opera tive Association are m receipt of the following cable message from their i,Qndp» <?fl)ce, dated February 17th :— Wheat—-sh,e i^arket is tinner, with an upward tendency. Present values of cargoes for shipment earjy 40s per 48Qlb off coast.

LADIES' COLUMN.

For the coming New York season the artists m personal adornment for tho fashionable woman have ransacked tho galleries of the old masters for pic turesque mediaeval effects, and a great success is predicted for the beautiful velvet short cloaks lined with rich coloured silk, the towering aigrette, the solitary plume, or boldly upstanding loop of the headgear, the passemonterio jackets and the exqulsitively fashioned corsages embroidered with be;»ds or mock a;ems, or draped with lace. Vive ia mode !

In reviewing an article m the " Revue Fcientifique," the " Minerva," an Italian Review of ltaviews," remarks that the noted beauty of the women of San G'lilian, m Sicily, is certainly the effect of the custom prevailing there m ancient times', when the town on the slopes of Mount Erice was celebrated for ir.« Temple cf Venus, of sending for thu niost beauti ful women of Greece to be the priestesses, This selection of a whole feminine popu lation continued for a long time, and led to the inherited beauty of the modern population,

Hair ornaments are becoming more eleborate and showy, Th.9 pins of cut work approach the size and importance of the old back combs. Gold fillets are heavier and moae richly chased and ornamented than those of last, year. They are broader m the centre and decidedly suggestive of coronets. A very pretty, simple little hair ornament is an aigrette of bird of paradise feathers and fine gold wires strung with diamonds, So fine are these wires as to be practically invisible, and the jewels seem to be veritable dew drops nestling m the airy feathers.

There is an old saying to the effect that an untidy mother has disobedient children and while neither parents nor children i may realise the why and the wherefore of it, yet there is always a lack of respect and indifference to the authority of a mother ivho takes no pride m her personal appearance. And it is not the mother alone upon whose shoulders rests the burden of responsibility for home neatness and order m dress ; the father has his duties to look after as well, and should never fail to insist upon the younger members of the family presenting themselves with well-kept hands^ clean faces, neatly brushed hair, and orderly dress at least at every meal where the family assembles.—Home papei.

Boas are to be worn tins winter galore (says a " fashion" writer), and a novelty m this is one which is named the " Collarette Page," made m curling ends of what is called "comete" velvet. Another favourite boa is the ''Czare witch," m cock's feathers of glistening shades and descending m a pointy while the collar is formed of smoother plumage from the same bird. A muff to match makes this look very stylish and pretty. Sppaking of boas, here is something quite new for ladies to make note of from the "San Francisco Chronicle :—"Attention lias been called recently to the tremendous popularity of the new fashion of wearing feather boas. Every lady, married and single, seemed to be determined to have a boa of her own, and the result has been that the demand hao exceeded the supply,* with the direst consequences. The manufacturers, driven to extreme measures, resorted to all kinds of ex pedients to turn out boas enough. The most expeditious method of manufacturing the boas is to take a, piece of ordinary hay rope dipped m mucilage and roll it m a heap of newly-picked chicken feathers. The feathers adhere to the rope m the required disorder, and after being dipped m a thin solution of shoe-blackine*and shellac to give them the necessary lustre, are ready to adorn the neck of fashion v Unfortunately, just as the rage for these boas wa3 at its height last week, it rained somewhat briskly, and the results have been most disastrous. The injured dresses are a sufficient source of anguish, but a worse calamity is the almost permanent discolouration of alabaster necks, down which the home-made rlye ran, leaving inky streaks, that nothing but the stoutest scrubbing brush and a strong solution of lye can remove. Numbers of fashionable leaders have had their cuticle raspeed so hard m the effort to restore them to the Caucasian race again that they cannot wear low-necked dresses for the next three months, and the ball season is close upon us. To make matters worse, the feather ornaments have taken to moulting, and it is im possible, it is said, for any man to go near a full-dressed lady without looking as if he kept his wardrobe m the henhouse."

The year 1891 (says a Parisian writer) has not been remarkable for anything of note m the way of fashion that can leave a trace. Last year we had the revival of several epochs and styles—the Valois, Medici, Henri 11., and Empire, all more or less mixed up and worn together; but this year it is impossible to say that any particular style has predominated. The beginning was noted by a craze for imitation jewellery and meretricious ornament, which now, happily, is on the decline. The full high sleeve and Medici collar remain with us. At the present moment the make is simple, but the materials are extremely rich and costly, also the trimmings and accessories. The close-clinging skirts still hold their own, especially for young women with good figures ; a fow add some ribbon streamers, some flowers, or beaded waist-bands with falling fringe of the same on the hips. They are still made with the crossway seam at the back, and thus form the few pleats gathered close together at the top ; the skirt widens m descending into the fan-like form. If basques are worn, they are attached to the corsage ; but round waists are also much m vogue, and m this case the skirt is sewn on to a slightly pointed satin ribbon or rich galoon, and this is worn over the bodice. The skirts are generally lined, and rarely made over a foundation. Trimmings are placed round the lower part of the skirts, and consist of deep embroidery of rows of galons, or bands of feathers, or good fur. But quilles and tabliers are aLo to be seen made of rich broche, or satin covered with beads, either metal or plass, and of all colors. Plain close-fitting bodices are out of date for the present; they all are either with guimpes, or pleats, or folds, double-breasted, fastening at the side or m front, or goodness knows where. There are some pretty blouses m Oriental material, or Cashmere embroidery, with gold or silver thread intermixed. These are confined with wide black velvet waist bands, studded with jet or imitation jewels. These blouses and bands are often -worn with a plain dark cloth skirt. Bodices fqr evening wear are cut low, some round, some pointed, or square, and are trimmed round with galons set with jewellery, marabout, or sable. If the sleeves are short they are represented by a bunch of flowers, or a tuffc of feathers, or band of fur, according to the rest of the dress trimming ; if long, they are moderately puffed, and not too high on the shoulders.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

GENERAL BOOTH'S SCHEME.

London, February 17. 1 General Bootli maintained that his 1 over-sea scheme has proved that f poverty is avoidable. He justified the payment of the travelling expenses '' incurred by his tour through the ' colonies as economy. Before he decided on which colony he would commence operations in connection with the over- ] sea scheme, he would confer with Sir John Gorst and Mr H. Chaplin, Minister of Agriculture. He stated his belief that the objections of the colonies were restricted to certain points, and that they would ultimately give way. THE DRINK BILL. The drink bill for the year amounted to £141,250,000, being an average of £3 15s per head of the population. A RICH FIND. £10,000 in gold was found in a grave in Portaferry, County Down, Ireland. THE THEOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. Colonel Olcoti, who resigned the presidency of theTheosophical Society, will devote his time to writing Theosophic literature. AN INSURANCE SYNDICATE. The shipowners of the Clyde are establishing an Insurance Syndicate, considering the rates demanded by Lloyds exorbitant. ' EUCALYPTUS MEDICINES. It is stated that the sales of eucalyptus medicines have increased 200 per cent since the influenza began its ravages, but the chemists are accused of adulterating them. PICTURES FOR DUNEDIN. The Dunedin art agent has secured a numerous and valuable collection for the local gallery. RURAL LABOURERS' LEAGUE. A Rural Labourers' League has been formed. IMPERIAL POLITICS. Mr Chamberlain, speaking in Devon shire, advised the country to insist that the Irish party should not be allowed to block the prosecution of reforms in England, COLONIAL BORROWING. The bulk of the Tasmanian4J per cent bonds, with two years' currency at a minimum of 100£, have been ab sorbed. The bonds are intended to replace the previous issue. The opinion in financial circles in the city is that it would be unjust to covertly unload the Victorian Treasury bills in England, and that such action would have the effect of further de pressing the market. HEAVY SNOWFALL in EUROPE. London, February 18, A heavy fall of snow has been ex perienced throughout Northern Europe, and in many places railway traffic was blocked. CATTLE DISEASES. There has been several fresh out breaks of foot and mouth disease in the vicinity of London recently.

CHILIAN AFFAIRS.

Valparaiso, February 10. ' A desperate attempt to wreck the train by which President Montt was travelling failed.

ARCH DUCHESS VALERIE.

Vienna, February 17. The Ai'ch Duchess Valeric is seri ously ill with pneumonia.

PROPOSED INDIAN LOAN.

Calcutta, February 18, The Indian Government will shortly apply for a loan of £5,000,000,

THE POPE AND FRANCE.

Rome, February 17. The Pope urges the French Govern ment to foster the interests of the labouring population. ERUPTION OF VESUVIUS. Mount Vesuvius is in eruption.

DISCONTENT IN POLAND.

St. Petersburg, February 17. Pamphlets have been seized m Poland directed against the Govern ment and landlords. Some excitement was caused. A manifesto is being issued by the malcontents m Poland urging a revo lution.

CANADIAN AFFAIRS.

I Ottawa, February 17. I Mr Abbott, the Canadian Premier, is seriously ill from overwork. It is reported that the veto upon the immigration of Chinese to Canada will be removed and the poll tax of £100 enforced. February 18. Mr Edwd. Blake, Q.C., who from 1880 to 1887 led the Liberal party m the Dominion Parliament, is reported to be willing to resume the leadership, on condition that commercial union with the United States is adopted instead of unrestricted reciprocity. Two of the Judges of the Royal Commission set up to investigate the Baie dcs Chaleures railway scandal condemn the Hons. Le Mercier and Langelier, Premier and President of the Council respectively, of complicity, but the other judges agreed to acquit all the accused except of carelessness.

AUSTRALIAN.

ANOTHER SUSPENSION.

Sydney, February 18. The Land Company of Australia has suspended payment. The deposits amount to £87,000 and paid-up capital to £155,000. Nearly £250,000 worth of shares is hypothecated security to English debenture holders, who ad vanced £190,000. BROKEN HILL MINING. Serious subsidence occurred in Pro prietary Block 14 mine at Broken Hill, the tramway having fallen eight f6et for a distanoe of one hundred feet. The Proprietary authorities say it will not affect their property, as the portion where the subsidence took place is worked out. It is expected the creep will continue for several days,

THE KAIKOURA.

Hobart, February 18. Arrived— R.M.S. Kaikoura, fro,m London via the Oape, at noon, and she sails to-morrow for New Zealand. She brings twenty-two passengers for Aus kalia, and sixty-f ouy for New Zealand,

United Board of Health.

A meeting of fche United Board of j Health was held m the Borousrh Cham bers on Thursday afrernoi,n. Present — The-Mayor of Ashburton (presiding), Dr Tweed, Mr R. M. Cuthbertson, repre senting the Boroutrh Council ; Mr E, Gates, Tinwald Town Board ; and Messrs D. McLean aud R. Campbeil, Upper Ash burton Road Board. Mr W, J. Crooks. Hampstead Town Board, sent an apolotry for absence on account of illness. Mr G. W. Andrews wrote, for the Hampstead Town Board, declining to com mit the Board's ratepayers to any indefinite expenditure, small or large, seeing thatthe Board's income was small. Some discussion took place on this letter, which was accepted as meaning that the Hanipstea;] Board declined further steps m connection with a Central Board. .Regret was expressed nt this, as it; would be unfortunate if the Central Board had no control over the Hampstead district, which was closely populated, and during the recent epidemic had been the seat of mucb^disease. It was pointed out ] that the Hanrpstead Town Board was a ! local Board of Health, but was not dis charging any duties as such, Thie Mayor pointed out that under the Public Health Act, of 1876, the Central Board of Health for the colony had power to compel the Hampstead Town district lo join with the United Board if the in terests of public health required it. It was resolved that the Central Board of Health be asked to constitute the Borough of Ashburtoiv the town district of Tinwald, the town district of Hamp stead and the Allenton subdivision of the Upper Ashburton road district, a united public health district, and the local Boards of Health for these districts a united Board of Health for the whole district, the rating for purposes of the board to be imposed on a population basis. It was further resolved to lay before Government the fac 1; that Hamp stead only objected to the popula tion basis for rating, and was otherwise ; willing to join. The calling of next meeting was left m the hands of the Chairman.

SPORTING.

VICTORIAN RACING CLUB.

AUTUMN MEETING

{PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

MELBOUitNJG. February 18. The following are left m after the declaration of final forfeit for the .Nbwmarkkt Handicap, of 20 soys each, wibh*lsoo added, furlongs.

Australian Cup, of 20 soys each, with 1500 added. Two miles and a Quarter.

On the posting of the acceptances the following were the quotations :— NEWMARKET HANDICAP. 100 to 14 agst Bungebah. 100—11 Paris. 100— 8 Stromboli. 100—6 — Zalinski and Wild Rose. 100— s—— Pygmalion, St. Blaize, Fernando, Seine. 100— 4 — Fortunatus. Betting on the Australian Cup is a dead letter ; 100 to 25 is offered on the field. •

DUNEDIN NOTES.

Dunbdin, February 19. No work of any consequence was done at Forburj this morning. Prime Warden did a mile and a half fairly fast. Day Dream and Blizzard a three-quarter pace gallop. Merrie England cantered and then with Cajolery did two miles at half pace. Occident and Derby wenb three times round at die same rate. Rosefeldt and Waterfall did similar work. Crack- I shot went twice round steady and one round at half pace. The others did noth ing w»rth mfintionirg. Thame and Queen of Trumps are scratched for all engagements at the Dunedin meeting. It is reported that the two-year-old fily Day Dream, by Albany—Siesta, has been sold by Mr R. McMaster to Captain Guthrie, i.D.C, for J2oogs, and that her new owner intends to take this flying mare to England. She will, how ever, remain m Mr Goldman's hands till she has fulfilled her engagements at the D.J.C. and C.J.C. meetings this season, and then travel to England by way of Melbourne, I

POLITICAL.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION,]

Wellington, February 18. Government have decided to give the practice of having a native representative on the Executive Council a trial, and the position has been offered to Mr Carrol, member for the Eastern Maori Mistaict. The salary attached under the Act to the effice is £400 per annum. There has been no member since 1879, though two are provided for.

An Angal Unawares.

t An 'imusing story to which interest has been added by the fact that a dis tinguished politician figures m it, has just come to us (says ths " Temuka Leader.") Cne of our settlers, who is an ardent supporter of the present Government, was driving along the road near Orari m a dray on the day after the result of the Wellingtonelectionwasmade known, when he overtook a rather unimposing sort of an individual, who asked him for a lift. Our Liberal friend of course willingly con ceded the request, and a conversation was immediately opened between the two, and soon it turned to politics. Our Liberal friend gave vent to his feelings over the election of Mr McLean for Wellington, but the person he had taken into his dray disagreed with him, and expressed regret that Mr Bell had not been elected. Prom this they went on to discuss the relative merits of, the late and present Government, '< bub the land administration became the chief topic of the debate. The driver \ of the dray extolled Mr McTCensie up tp

■ the skies, and ran'dtfWn Mr Richardson to" ; the lowest level. He accused Mr, ftichar.l- Bon of dumniyism. ft.vouritLsm,-nepotism, and all fcho other isms, and threw out a vasue hint tint the country-.would nob suffer anything if'Mr Richardson, 1 hui boen .shot, us ho had neariy ruined thu colony. Tho other gentleman tried to defend the actions of the late Minister of Lands, bat his feeble efforts m that direction only intensified the disappro bation of his opponent, and so the wordy warfare wont-on until at last they came to a turn m the road, where they wore to part. The defender of the lite Govern ment hero alighted, and after thanking the settler for having given him a lift, the following conversation took place be tween them. "And now," said the passenger, " do you know to whom you have been talking all along ?" The driver of the vehicle said " No." " Well," said the passenger "I am that scoundrel Richardson, late Minister for Lands, whom you have so abused." The position became slightly emtarrasing. but the sup porter of the present Government readily j recovered his equanimity and said " Well, I Tarn very sorry I said anything to hurt i your feelings, but now that it has been ' said I am nob going to withdraw a word of it, and it may possibly do you good to know what people think of you through out the country." Mr Richardson thanked him for his candour, it was by such candid speaking public men , could understand the feelings of the country, and both parted with mutual good wishes. Mr Richardson has been for the past few weeks engaged m surveying the Riverslea Estate, belonging to the Bank of New Zealand Estates Company, wiiose lands are about to be offered for sale. Mr Richardson is a surveyor by profession, and when he lost the position of Minister of Lands, he had to go back to work again. This is to his credit, and it is a matter upon which New Zealand can pride herself at any rate. No matter which party one turns to none of the leaders appear to have made much out of politics. In other countries politicians appear to grow rich, but m New Zealand they grow poorer the longer they remain m office, On the whole, there can be no doubt but our politicians have been honeso so far as they have been personally concerned, and though we may differ from them m many respects, we have every reason to be proud of them m that respect.

The Prohibition Platform.

At the Liquor Traffic Reform Con ference at Wellington on Tuesday evening the following resolutions were unani mously adopted :— 1. This Conference regards with pro found gratification the public awakening which has taken place as to the urgent need of radical reform m respect of the liquor traffic, as indicated by the changed attitude of the press, the results of pro hibition contests last year m many parts of the colony, and the growing recognition of the fact; expressed m the resolution of the late House of Representatives; that the enormous expenditure on intoxicating drinks m this colony contributes largely to the existing depression, adds materially to crime and to poverty, and reduces the capital available for reproductive in dustries. . : .. . . 2. This Conference is convinced that the Kquor reform party m the country, including thousands not identified, -with any temperance organisation, and people" of even religious faith and political creed, is now sufficiently numerous, if united, to! present an irresistible demand for a legis-' lative enactment to confer upon centres and separate areas of population m the colony the power to locally veto the liquor traffic at the ballot box, and urges that the friends of this reform throughout the country give their support to no repre sentative of any political party to which they may happen to belong unless this re form be given a chief place m his political programme ; and,urges the liquor reform party to present the stoutest resistance to any professed friends of the cause, or others, who would blackmail the public m the interest of the liquor monopolists by the legislative creation of claims for compensation which are not recognised by the existing law. 3. As this .movement specially contem plates the general welfare and material prosperity of the masses, to which the liquor traffic is the chief obstruction, this Conference appeals to all labor asso ciations to give their support to no labor representative who does not cordially pledge himself to this reform ; and irre spective of political parties appeals to the New Zealand Alliance to be prepared to suggest a candidate on local veto lines to any constituency, or ; party m a consti tuency, where m any parliamentary con test the claims of this reform are not satisfactorily represented m the candi dature. 4. This Conference also appeals to the New Zealand Alliance to bring m a local veto bill m the next session of Parlia ment, and appeals to the country to give it cordial support.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—FRIDAY,

(Before Mr R. Alcorn, J.P.) Drunkenness.—William Smith, on re mand from yesterday was fined 10s or twenty-four hours imprisonment. Martin Green pleaded guilty to having been drunk the previous night, and also with having been guilty of insulting behavior. He had used bad language on the street. He was fined m all 15s with 3s expenses. William Rogers pleaded guilty to drunkenness and disorderly behavior. He was fined 20s or forty-eight hours' imprisonment.

Greneral Synod.

(VKR PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Weixingtojj, February 18, The Anglican Synod met at eleven a.m. The report of a select committee on the financial position of the separate dioceses showed the average stipend of the clergy m each diocese as follows :—Auckland, £206; Waiapu, £248; Wellington, £229 ; Nelson, £208 ; Caristchuroh, £194; Dunedin, £194. The average contribution of church people per head, men, women, and children, m each diocese was —Auckland, 3s 4d; Waiapu, 6s 8d; Wellington, 5s 2d; Nelson, 3s 7d; Christchurch, 4s 2d ; Dunedin, 5s 3d. In reply to a, question, the Primate said the canons required the consecration of a missionary Bishop for Melanesia to take place m New Zealand. Archdeacon Harper's Bill, affirming that no alteration be made m the Book of Com mon Prayer or the formularies except after due deliberation, was read a third time and passed. At the afternoon sitting the debate on the second reading of Sir John Hall's Bill to give women the right of voting at parish meek ings, was resumed by the Bishop of Dunedin, who Bpoke m support of the measure, but moved as an amendment that it be remitted to the next General Synod for further con sideration. , The Bishop of Christchurch seconded the i amendment, suggesting that the Bill be sent authoritatively from the General Synod to the Diocesan Synods for their considera tion. The Bishop of Dunedin accepted the addition. Continuing his remarks, the Bishop of Christeburcti spoke strongly m favour of the extension of the franchise to women. He said that he entirely supported Sir John Hall's scheme for woman suffrage, In the course of his reply Sir John Hall said that he had no wish to hurry the question, and he was quite agreeable that it should be referred £6 the Diocesan-Synods. He had no fear whatever as to the ultimate result of the proposal. Those who were forking iov this Qoncewon to women bad a.

flowing tide with them, and the more dis cussion the question received the better. The amendment was carried almost unani mously on the voices. At thedyuod to-nightthe proposed amend ments m the Marriage Act were taken into consideration, and after a good deal -">f discussion were agreed to without material alteration. This exhausted the business on the Order Paper, and the session was declared closed. Wkllisgton, February 19, The Synod last evening .-eparated without passing a vote of thanks to the Primate, though votes were freely accorded to others.

ALLEGED FIRE RAISING.

Before Messrs Donald Williamson and David Thomas, J.P's, afa,.the.Police Court this morning, Andrew Black? was charged with having wilfully set fire to his premises m East Street on the ni>ht of February 11, contrary to the Malicious Injury to Property Act, 1873. Inspector Pender conducted the prose cution, and Mr P urn ell, with him Mr Hay, of Timaru, appeared for-the defence. Accused pleaded hot guilty, and Inspec tor Pender said it was not necessary that either malice or motive Khould be shown; the aim of the prosecution would be to show that the shop was set fire to wilfully by accused. He would first call Frederick Ferriman, who said he was an implement agent and insurance agent doing business .m Ashburton. His residence was about two miles out of Ashburton. He knew Andrew Black, who was carrying on business m East Street, Ashburton. On June 1, 1891, Black made a proposal for a policy of insurance m the North British and Mercantile Office, for which witness was agent, for £509, over his stock, consisting of watches, plate, jewellery, tools, and fittings. The head office for Canterbury of the North British is m Christchurch. A policy was issued, which he believed to be the one now produced m Court. It was handed to Mr Bhck, who gave witness a receipt for it. Mr Black put the value of £1000 on the stock he was injuring. Inspected the stock, and satisfied himself, as far as his knowledge went, that there was fully £500 worth m the shop. The premium was paid. Passed the shop every day, or two or three times a day previous to the fire. A few morning 3 before the fire, noticed that Black was dressing the window, and that the window contained less stock than usual. The shop window was nearly I empty. In reply to witness, Black said 1 he was giving the window a rub down, which was wanted pretty often. After that he told witness that he had opened up at Rakaia, ana had sent a few watches down there. Owaeid a cottage, which he reuled to Black on terms with which Black had partly complied. Black gave him a promissory note, half of whiehwas paid before it came due. The first mortgage was re-arranged with the Building Society, which gave the surplus. 1 Had called for the balance several times lately—tho last date was February 11, on which he received from Black a cheque for £13 10s, and £1 10s m cash. He said the cheque was not to be preseuted until he paid m a cheque of "Mac's" for £30 on the Friday following. By Mr Purnell—Did not take the local paper and was not aware that any hand bill had been circulated m it announcing Bioci'w pening atßikaia. Ontheday that he had the conversation with Black it was probable that witness went into the shop, because Black was m the window. In regard to the cottage, the house was to be rented for six months at 12s 6d per week, after which it was to be bought on terms. The first mortgage was rearranged 1 by the Building Society? and out of the rearrangement witness had receive* £25 from the Building Society, m addition to the 30s and the cheque for £13 10s. If the terms were carried out Black was only to pay interest at 7 per cent, on £300, and the difference between the in terest and the rental was to go towards capital. To secure the money due to witness he held a second mortgage over the house, so that < whatever Black owed witness was secured. On the morning «f the fire Black was at witness' place of business a few minutes after nine. He was wanting witness. He said he had had a fire the night before, and it was a I bad job. Asked how he accouniied for it, he replied th»t he dijd not know how to account for it, unless that he liad lit his pipe and thrown a match down. After some remarks about the fire, he asked what he was to do. Witness said he could do nothing until the Inspector came up, which would probably be by the ex press. Told him that the Inspector was the fireinsurancelnspector. Did notnotice anything unusual about Black's manner. He did not seem m a fright at all. Under stood that the t%Mac" referred to by Black •the previous day m regard to a cheque, was Mackintosh of Timaru, Asked him then about paying m the £13 10s ch«que, but he then said Mac's cheque was m the shop m the till under the work bench. Said that was a [queer place to put a cheque when he had a safe. Arranged a time with Sergeant Moller to go into the shop. At ten o'clock the Sergeant, wit ness, and Black went into the shop. The Sergeant got a light and asked Black where the till was. It was then on the ground having been knocked out of its place. It was upside down. The cheque | was not there, and Black said he had not endorsed it, and it was drawn to order, iThe Sergeant said that was a foolish place to put a cheque, and Black I replied that he often put things there. Knew of no other insurance on Black's stock beyond the one he had taken. Understood that when the stock was insured with his company there was no other risk on it, and so far as witness 1 knowledge went Black had been carrying on business for seven months without any insurance at all. It was witness who asked Black to insure—the initiative m the matter was not taken by Black. Had heard that Black did not pay his' debts promptly, but knew nothing against his moral character. By Mr Pender—When dsked why he had put the cheque In the box under the bench,- he said he had often put money there. By Mr Purnell-^-The payment to the Building Society was £4 8s per month of which £2 went to capital. ' By the Bench—There were a few copper coins and small ornaments scattered near the till. George Fawcett Dodds, dentist, said that on .February 11 he spent the evening at the private house of Andrew Black. Left about eleven o'clock, with Mr Black, and went together as far as the Somerset Hotel. Witness then went home. Black said on the way that he was going to his shop to put out a fire, as he had been making a charcoal soldering block. Saw Black next day, and m conversation with him at witness's place about the fire Black said it was an unfortunate afiair, and that he would lose heavily over it. He said i he had used a match m lighting his pipe jurt before he left. He thought he had put it out, but it could not have been put out. He said also that he had gone home, and had been awakened an "hour after. By 3yir Purnell—Had known Mr Black ever since he came to Ashburtqn, about fifteen months. Had lived with him as a bachelor m the rooms behind the shop and had kept up the friendship ever since. Knew his ways and habits very well. He was rather of a carelesa dispo i tion, and was very careless of matches. He smoked a good deal during his wort* and always when leaving it. He had often worked very late at night, and on ono occasion be bad worked, ujrtiH si*

THE ABHBTJRTON GTTARDIAK: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY i 9, 1892.



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Tijjs Bkst Remedy fqt! Jnd.igkstjqj! ~ Norton's Caiifomile Pills are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy fqr Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all fcli.e diseases to which Aye are subjects IjTqrtqnV £ills, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthener of the Human Stqraach," act as a powerful tqnie and gentle jfGpipnt; are wild m their operation, and |afp apcler any circumstances. £|old m *-*>**I6S, a|"l,s H4? 2s 9d, 11s, by all mecJiciu^ vendors^ "****&»? 



1" XCeatino^ Povy^EJi" destroyis Bugs fleas, Mptha, Beetles, ar f d all other insects j Tyhilst quite harmless ( tp domestic aniirals. I JTjtji ,ex,t,ef minating'Beegcs p\s success of this * v-K^^F h extraordinary. It. "is perfectly «« aj?j/feation. S.e.e tl?e article ypU clean x "'^WJfff'^" as i»)itafciofts a^e oxious and menectu^.. "™! . ,;;, la and 2s 6d each. W all Ci... —*iat Ninian Hyslop and Oo.'s "lm lJv Oeylori and IKdian Teas are direct from , the Tea Ph»tationsWA4v



We clip the following important teatim 0 nial from the "Illawarra Mercury" (N.S.W of the 30th March. It needs no comment:— " Mr John Loveday, of the Bulli Mountains writes to us that after suffering for four years with acute gravel, he has experienced almost complete relief by using Sander and Sons Eucalyptic Extract, He says :—" Seeing the said Extract advertised m the 'Illawarra Mercury,' his intense suffering induced him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He states that between 10th March inst., when he obtained the first bottle of the extract, and the 19th, the use of that medicine continued to afford him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four years, Mr Lovoday writes also that he has found the Eucalypti Extract <i euro for rheumatism as well as gravel. He requests us to publish this information through the' Mercury.' VY« I have much pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday's request, whose word cannot be doubted, and who can have no object m view other than a pure desire to benefit suffering humanity. "—(Advt.) 2



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be l«»ftat this Office. WIIL Mb Daniel Breex, lately of Hawke's Bay, please send address to E.M., Post Office, Christchurch 2 93 -T UST Landed — Sparkling Crystal #>J Su»ar. special for jam and jelly ; film, New Teas, splendid value - Stephens' Bros., MarketJlouse. »« -SrOTHING^will OooTymi so quickly and XS invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream.—H.G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. TT7 ANTED Known.-Come and see W the Bargains now on at Melford House.—H. 0. Segers. W" AllTEDKnown. -At "The Corner' now selling Ladiec' French Shoes. 5s lid. See them.— W. H. Comjeb, TITANTED KNOWN,—A. great pur *V chase of Kid Gloves, £135 10s 6d, 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. Okrs Sale. ' ' _ tirAJSTEIi Known.—lf you want VV plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Segtos. fTIHIRTY Pieces Dress Goods at 6d ; 6C A Pieces French Cashmere at Is 6d, worth 3s 6d ; 1000 Yards French Tweed, double width, at Is 9d, worth 3s 9d. All Dress Goods greatly reduced.-—Andrew Orr's Cheap Sale. ___? BOOTS, Boots.—lnfants Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 5s 9d, Gents' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid.— Akdrew Orr s Sale. _1 WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid; worth about doable. \V. H. Collier. WANTED Known.—l have ft large 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. 202 WANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. C. Seoers. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50a cash. Robert Alcork, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saundera' Buildings* TO Meet the Times.—l am supplying Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years^ Force pumps, deep well cylinders of »ll descriptions. Inspection invited.— J. W. Hartley, Eas street. 6J201 W" ANTED 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 East street next J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on visw. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection nvited. Ilt6l Public Notices^ TALENTINES to suit everybody. Just opened, up. Palm Leaf Fans and Screens at 6d. Selling fast. Also Zither Harps, three sizes, from 4s 6d. New Games, Fancy Stationery, &°' L. F. ANDRBWES & CO., ; Stationers' Hall. STOCK-TAKING. SEDUCTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE IN hhl DEPARTMENTS. In pection xnviied. NEW ZEALAND Clothlne: Factory. W. H. WEBBER, Manager, HERCULES BAKING POWDEB IS THE BEST] Those who hk^e not tried it, shoaia ask their Grocer for it Makes splendid Cakes Scones, Pastry, be. AStfBURTON "M/V; r ' mjKJSDIK AGENCY. MR KJ T 1 WHEELER Stafford Street Dunedik XiAS been appointed Our Aoent, an will be able to Arrange Terms with Adver jeers for Contract Advertisements