Notice to Correspondents.

Correspondeats are requested to forward their eonntiurNations m unsealed envelopes, or m wrappers OPEN AT BOTH ENDS, as required by the postal regulations. No words that are not intended for publication must be written either on the manuscript or on the cover of the letter. Letter rates of postage must be paid on advertisements.

MAIL NOTICES.

THURSDAY, March 10. Mails close for the following places as under subject to the necessary altera tions :— ,  For Northern Forts, and Australian Colonies (except Tasmania) per Te Anau, at ©.«O v.in. For Northern Port?, per J.ithapuna, at 6.30 a.m.| ENGLISH MAILS. HOMKWAKD —IMRBCT MAILS. Kaikom-a, leav.ng March 19, due London April 28. r Doric, leaving April 2, < ue London May 12. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Monowai, leaving on February 27, due London March 30. Alameda, leaving on March 26, diic London April 27- OITWAKO —DIKICCT MAILH. Kualiine, due colony March 21. SAN KKAMJISCO .MAILS. Mariposa, due colony Marcli 23

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1892. LONDON LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

Tho prominence given by the London compilers of the cable news to the elections for the London County Council shows tho great interest that was taken m the event at Home, It. could not be expected that the same great mto rest would be taken iv the colonies m the Council and its pro ceedings but as tho greatest local government scheme that lias ever been carried into effect its progress is of world-wide interest. Under the govern ment of this body are nearly five millions of inhabitants—more than the j population of Australasia, and the I whole municipal government —includ- ing poor law, magistracy, licensing, &c—devolves upon the Council. The majority of the first Council was ' pledged to the sweeping away of the old Vestry rule and the complete reform of the antiquated and complex system by which the Metropolis was governed. The newly-elected Council contains a still larger majority pledged to progress, and the necessity for progress is so generally admitted that the minority are themselves Pro gressists, although of a more Con servative type than those who have adopted that designation. The two great political parties are said to have made an occasion for a trial of strength cf the recent election, but, however gratifying the Liberal majority may be, the result of a contest decided on local questions can scarcely be held to indicate the feeling of the country on broad questions of Imperial policy. The Council has already done important work m regard to the formation of new and widening of existing important thoroughfares, providing ways over and under the river Thames, the com pletion cf the main drainage system, the housing of the working classes, the provision of parks arid open spaces for recreation, additions to fire prevention facilities (costing £29,000), the pro vision of lunatic asylum accommoda tion for four thousand patients, the encouragement of technical education, and many minor works. Resolutions have also been passed m favor of taking ov< r the Metropolitan water supply from the various companies, and of purchasing the tramways. The expenditure for the current year is estimated at £2,205,000; besides a capital expenditure of £3,000,000 for works, and £1,700,000 for loans. The rateable value of the. metropolis is £33,083,862, and a total rate of 7tl m the £ was struck last year. The Council's portion of the debt of London was, on Marcli 31 last, after deducting assets, £17,909,645. The additional expenditure already m view included £10,000,000 for addi tional water supply, or £40,000,000 it' the purchase of the companies is in cluded ; main drainage £2,500,000, or £10,000,000 if the sewage is taken to the sea; the Blackwall tunnel over £1,000,000; another lunatic asylum £500,000, and so on. On the housing of the working classes the Council had already spent £1,600,000. The pro gress of a body of this magnitude may well command the attention of the civilised world.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr J. C. Dolman, an old Ashburtonite, is the successful tenderer for the lcise of the IXuievirke Town Hall for the ensuing twelve months. The Government have granted three months' pay to Mr Darcy Irvine m addition to li»a compensation. Mr and Mrs Mark Scott, of Tinwakl, arrived m Ashburton by the express to-day from their holiday visit to the Old Country ami Australia. Both were m excellent health and spirits, ami had evidently bene fited by their trip. A telegram received m Dunedin announces the sudden death on March 1, at Galashiels, N. 8., of Mr John Murray, senior partner of the great wool firms of Sanderson, Murray, and Co., of London, Murray, Roberts, and Co., of New Zealand, and John Sanderson and Co., of Australia. The engine of this morning's train from Christchurck broke down between Dinisandel and Selwyn, and a long delay waja the result. The team was with difficulty got alQijg as far i asßakaia, where she waited untill the arrival of the express, by which the passengers and some horses engaged at the trotting meeting were sent on to Ashbupton. The morning train went on shortly afterwards with a fresh engine. At the annual meeting of the Canterbury Tramway Company on Tuesday evening a surplus of £255 los 8d was shown of receipts over all expenditure, which also covered numerous items written down as directed by the recent meeting of shareholders, which surplus was carried forward. The traffic was reported to be regularly increasing, more than 4000 passengers being carried per day. Thanks to the directors, managers, and stafl'i were unanimously parried. An Auckland telegram' #j,ys that two certificates awarded by the Unif.ed Fire Brigades' Association to tsvo members of the , Auckland Eire Brigade, George and Edward Moore, m recognition of an act of courage and presence of mind by which they saved each other's life at a recent practice of the brigade, when a tedder on which they were climbing a wall threatened to give way, were presented at a meeting .of the bug?)tie by the Mayor. A hitch about the Athletic team for England has been satisfactorily settled by a slight modification of some of the conditions respecting the control of the manager, to which Batgei? and Rei#pton objected. At a meeting of the Amateur Athlejtjc Associa tion, at Christchurch, last njgh<t, »t was | seated that subscriptions are coming m freely, £251 7s having been collected m Christchurch. Hempton's record of 9 4 -sths &ecs. for the 100 yards, Batger's 161 sees, for fclie 120 yards hurdles, and Cocks' Qliinm. Id 2-sth. sees, for the 3 mile walk were accepted. Lady Hay (ST.S.W.), who followed her husband to the grave within a fortnight, took her farewell of him (says t)m " Bulle tin ") a few hours before his death, wfwjn the impossibility of his recovery was com municated to her. He was then lying un conscious. She bent down and kissed him murmured, "I cannot bear to see him die and, unaided, walked into an adjoining room, whorp, an hour afterwards, shewus seized with paralysis, ho ended a wedded union of g/iy-threc years' duration. Lady Hay was one ot tfc» wives who make their husband's careers, "Kkattng's Powdkk" (tesfcwys 1 JJngs Flca-s, Moths, Beetles, and all otjic'r insect whilst quite harmless to domestic animals, In exterminate Beetles the success of tins powder is extraordWapy, It is perfectly cban m ■a.pplua.tion. See fclj,e article -you ourcijaee is '•'■Kkatino's," as in^tat^ie are oxious smd ineffectual. Sold m Ims, (id, i Is and 2s (id each. J>V all chemists. Th« world is ever moviug on towards perfection, Ujfcseklojn afcty-ifls it, ,Coust»ut mpiovcincnt is b&Y>g 'W;^« *," e >'ery branch of industry, " Wt iff P'llana; , Powders Perfection has been reaciiftil ?■'' \Vai'ij i i.j ! i;tv;>'s Gait 113e Beat,

The barque Glaniis, which arrived m Mel bourne from Montrose the other day, brought an unwilling piH:C iger m the shape of a North Sea pilot, who could not be landed on any portion of the coast of (Scotland m consequence of rough weather. The Fresh Food and Frozen Bforageßforage Com pany of Melbourne has had a very protitable half-year. Its net profit for the period is £10,703, on a paid up capital of £27,000. It pays a dividend of 20 per cent. The com pany has 37 creameries at work m the country, and it exported last season 500 tons of butter. The investigation by the Waganui Jockey Club into the' charge against bookmakers of laying totalisator odds m the puldoek at the late meeting has concluded. N. Nathan and E. Yuille' (Wellington) and It. May (Auckland) have been warned otf the Wanganui racecourse during the pleasure of the club. The "Rangitikei Advocate" says th=vt it has been noticed all over the Uppur District, and probably elsewhere, that wherever the crop was heavy the Hessian fly left it almost untouched, but where it was weedy and poor it was almost des troyed. The Hessian fly seems, therefore, to be something of the nature of a starva tion disease, and perhaps a punishment for neglecting to manure the soil. In his charge to the Grand Jury at Napier Mr Justice Richmond said that the calendar was unusually heavy, much more so than had been the cn,se for a few years past. A good deal of crime, of course, resulted from drunkenness. Napier appeared a rather notorious place for drunkenness, but they had to consider that these men came to town from all parts of the country, knocked down their cheques, and their conduct m the town told agauut its condition. But that was a social question which their representatives had to consider and bring m a remedy for. The programme for the concert to be held on St. Patrick's Day, for the benefit of the Convent Schools, is advertised and is of the usual attractive character. Among the vocalists are Miss Fox, Miss Henry, Mrs Williams, and Messrs Milsom, Higgins, Gates, Flower, Stevenson, Williams, Kirk, Dunn, and Henry; Scotch dances will be given by the Lagmhor Highlanders (with Highland fling by Mr Donald McLean), and Irish dances by a' talented quintette; the Orchestral Society, with MrR. Wood leader, will play the overtures, and Mrs Claridge and Miss Kelly a duet. Mr H. A. Gates is director. Sue.ha programme should satisfy the most exacting, and the concert will no doubt be as successful as ever. The boy Williams, who is charged with having set fire to a stack of straw on the farm of Mr Charles Storey, Temuka, last week, was brought before the justices at Temuka on Tuesday. It was stated there were several previous convictions against him. Ragu Williams, father ot the accused, appearad, and m reply to the Magistrates said that his boy showed signs of weak intellect, and there was insanity m the family on the mother's side. Fe gave a number ot instances. He could not give definite in stances of acts committed by his son which could be construed into those of a lunatic. After consideration he expressed his willing ness to pay the cost of a medical examination of accused, who was thereupon remanded for a week. At the annual meeting of the Amalgam ited Society of Railway Servants at Cimatchurch on Tuesday evening, the Chairman alluded j to last year being a period of quiescence and steady recovery from the rude shock which the society had received during its first year of existence, through the failure of the labor movement m 1890. Notice of motion was given to amend the constitution of the death fund, to allow of its being worked with greater facility. The executive were recommended to endeavour to obtuiu a conference m Wel lington, for the purpose of devising and adopting the best muthod of insurance, also to change the place for holding the annual conference from Auckland to Wellington, provided that the consent of the Auckland branch ci.v be obtained ; and to urge upon theGovernmcMt the desirableness of passing the Conciliation and Arbitration "Bill. Mr Lionel Har.lon, the fruit expert who Ins beuu appointed by the Government to give advice and directions to those engaged 'm the industry, has arrived m Wellington. It is intended (the " Post " is informed) tint he shall work on lines somewhat similar to those followed by Mr Sawcrs, the dairy expert, i.c , travelling about the country counselling fruit-growers and de livering lectures ps to the methods of culti vating, picking, &c. For the present he will be glad to "meet at Ins office any person who may wish to consult him. He has supervised the shipment per Tainui of about 2000 cases of fruit, chiefly apples and pears, from the Auckland provincial district, and has noticed several points as to the ac commodation on board ship which he will bring under the notice of the Government and the people directly interested. A hull belonging to Mr Ellis, of Water fall Farm, Tiririukawa, spread dismay among the hands engaged upon the railway works at Rangitira a few day 3 ago. He had got out of his paddock engaged m con flict with another of the same persuasion as himself, and when his owner essayed to turn him back hi turned sullen and decided to take his own way. This was along the rail way line. As he moved along the deep cutting leading to one of tho tunnels his war-scarred appearance acted like a charm m making the navvies scarce. They scram bled away m every direction. It was hardly thought likely that he would con tinue his way through the tunnel, but he did. He plunged into the dark, and here there v/as the same eager anxiety to get out of his way, for the men crowded into the truck m terror while ids bovine majesty wont by to the other end. They did not know that it was one of the quietest animals m the dis trict.—" Rangitikei Advocate. " A teacher just appointed to a school up Napier way was (jailed before the assem bled Committee to receive instruction on various points which the Committee wished noted m the management of the school. Having listened quietly and respectfully till the somewhat pompous chairman had finished his dissertion on how to manage a school, the gentle pedagogue opened his mouth and spake. He said he was not going to allow committeemen to walk into his school when and how they liked. He should expect them to knock at the door, and asked fcr him or his assistant; lie would furthermore expect them to take off their hats wl>W tliey entered the building, and to behave generally fj,s visitors should behave, so that the children might not be j subjected to the influence of a bad example. After a few move hints on good manners the dominie retired, leaving the Committee men m a state of utter collapse. A* the Police Court last week a man named' Thomas Harvey was charged with " larceny by trick,' whl<}h (says the " Chronicle") is a new crime m this colony so far as our records show. The man was arrested on the race jourse on Thursday, when h, t was m some danger of having his precious skin injured'by some of his angry dupes. [ He had Wn somtvUfc free with generous ■ offers to put different people on il f « winners, and m getting half-crowns from the unwary jto back his favorites with friends who we're handy for the purpose. When tl^e horses won, as ikey occasionally did, his custom was to conveniently losp his ticket fjmd deny that he had backed the winner. Sergeantr Major Anderson was without a New Zealand ui'pcedenc for his prosecution, but m a pesepyed (rane, Regina v Huckland, at London iv IBS£j/hjs fyund an exact parallel, and secured his CQHVjctioij, The prisoner was sentenced to a months' in}prjsori»ncr f t, a fort night for each of the two frauds proved against him. Hoi.loway's Pills.--Indigestion.—How much thought has been bestowed and what voluminous treatises have been written upon this universal and distressing disease, which is with certainty ami safety dispelled with «ufc fear of relapse by a course of this puri fying soothing ?>nd tonic medicine : It acts directly o'ull;e *t,o«iiw>l>, liver and bowels then iudfractly, thdiigh no L^s* effectively, on the brain, nerves, Vessels, &4d gtanjjs, in troducing such order throughout the euftre kymm that harmony dwells' between each organ ana U§ Auctions. Dyspepsia need no 'longer be the iwgbJMi* hf the public since Hofioway's Pills are fully oomfateirf to sub dye ihe most ohron'ic aucl tliettessiiigoahtti or . iiWkOigefe, and to restore tie miser- ! !3'Bufers".iv .health, strength, ami

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER I'KE.SS ASSOCIATION. j

LONDON MUNICIPAL POLI TICS.

London, March 7. The Temperance party helped the Liberals m the County Council elec tions, and the publicans the Tories. The "Times" asserts that the Moderates were practically nowhere. The " Standard " alleges that faddism defeated common sense, and will no': believe that t!ip contest indicates the iTftnit of the General Election. The •'Chronicle" considers that ie is the opening of a new age. The " Daily Telegraph " says that London is de termined to tax the ground landlords. " The Daily News" declares that the east and soutli have been almost com pletely, and the north and centre largely, captured by the Liberals. " The- Morning Post" says that the defeat does not admit of any disguise that domestic government degraded the Liberal election machinery. Mr John Burns received the largest number of votes. The " Pall Mall Gazette" states that the tact and experience of Lord Carrington would make him an ideal Chairman of the London County Council. The amended returns give the Pro gressives 83 and the Moderates 35. THE MERCANTILE BANK FAILURE, The " Financial News " says that the failure of the Mercantile Bank shows it is idle for colonists to rant about the splendid resources of Australia. It feels certain that the insidious growth of Treasury bills will be quicker m evil effects than legitimate loans. London, March 8. The total amount of deposits m the London branch of the Mercantile Bank of Melbourne is £1,000,000. The de positors and shareholders deprecate the action of the associated banks m not coining to its assistance. The London shaieholders of the Mercantile Bank m Melbourne urge the re-coeonstruction of tho company as speedily as possible. THE STEAMSHIP EIDER. Tho German Lloyd's steamer Eider, which went ashore at the Isle of Wight, has been floated off. COLONIAL BORROWING. The Queensland Government have placed £250,000 4 per cent. Treasury bills at a minimum of 98. BRITISH TRADE. During the month the imports show .m increase of £1,500,000, while the exports show a decrease of £1,141,000. THE COAL PANIC. The coal panic is ended. Sill WILLIAM ROBINSON. j Sir William Robinson, Agent- General for Western Australia, is suffering from a severe attack of typhoidal-malaria.

THE BEHRING SEA DISPUIE.

New York, March 7. The Press is furious at Lord Salis bury, and has taken to publishing the names of vessels which are ready m case of war. The Cl Herald" asserts that the Marquis of Salisbury is simply endea vouring to ascertain Mr J. G. Elaine's idea respecting the Behring Sea fishery dispute,

THE TROUBLE IN BURMAM.

Calcutta, March 7. The British forces stormed some vil lages belonging to Kacchywans m Northern JBurmah, with the loss of six killed and wounded. The enemy's loss was heavier. FAMINE IN INDIA. Distress is increasing m the Presi dency of Madras.

RUSSIAN TROUBLES.

St. Petersijukg, March 7. An attempt to throw a package into a carriage occupied by the Czar and Czarina failed. It is supposed that tho package contained some explosive. Famine and fever are spreading m Russia. The soldiers ar3 being billeted m private residences m Warsaw,

SKATING DRILL.

Berlin, March 5. The "Figaro" asserts that the Emperor has ordered the garrison jut Gesler to learn to skate, as their services may be required m Russia m winter. GERMAN AFRICA. Berlin, March 7. In the Reidistag the Opposition advised the sale of E,ast Africa to England.

THE ANARCHISTS.

BiusßANii, March 7. It has leaked out that an abortive attempt to blow up the British Lega tion by mistake for the Spanish Em bassy took place on February 20.

THE ITALIAN ARMY.

Rom m, March 7. The Bill introduced into Parliament, reducing auiy service to two years, will, it is estimated, save £1,000,000 annually.

THE RACE CONFLICT.

W4«hin(lton, March 7. Another outrage upon negroes is re ported from Kentucky, where whites killed three coloured men and wounded four others. Tlje wounded were after wards bupned.

AUSTRALIAN.

AUSTRALASIAN POSTAL CONVENTION.

■HouaK'j?, March 8- Among the subjects to be brought before the Postal Conference are the §.dyisableness of deputing one colony to oqiulucfc cQUjinufiicatiqns with the International Bureau at tterne ; the transmission by post of dutiable articles ; the proposal by Great Britain to assimilate the Australian postages to those adopted m the United .King dom this year; uniformity and respon sibility with regard to registered articles; consideration of the Pacific cable question; and consolidation of the Post 34~4 Telegraph Acts of the ' various colonies wftiif a ¥W p uni ■ 1 ■ ' • ! ■.! <

THE DISABLED STEAMER.

WR DISABLED Sypney, March 8. Xho Flora, frouv A<-lelaide, vfhiqji

was reported outside yesterday dis abled, lias arrived. The face of her high pressure cylinder is broken. THE PACIFIC CABLE. The company which proposes to lay a Pacific cable is the Soc'dte Francais dcs Telegraphs Sousmarins. Captain Audley Coote has had an interview with Mr Kidd, Postmaster-General, The latter is not at present favourably inclined towards the proposal to give a subsidy of £2000 per annum, but will discuss ths matter with the Postmaster- General of Queensland this week. v

THE VICTORIAN MINISTRY.

Melbourne, March 8. The Premier does not intend to supply the places of the Council repre sentatives m the Ministry who have resigned, till after the election.

CORRESPONDENCE.

: ♦ ■ - (We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.) [

THE ASHBURTON FLOWER SHOW.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,-—Soino kind friend posted me your issue of JMarch 1, containing the report, of the late show. In comments on the excellent display of fruit shown, I notice that reference is made to che exhibit of a dish of the Queen Apple. This exhibit was placed before the judges, not as a new variety of recent introduction, but as one of three dishes, distinct varVies fir the best dessert apples. They were not (taking the three dishes as a whole) uniform m size or equal m appearance to others m competition and not m season. The first prize was awarded to a fairly good exhibit, uniform m size, nicely coloured, and m season, consisting of Devonshire Quarrenden, Gravenstein, and I think Nonsuch. The dish of Queen was not passed by unnoticed but on the contrary commended, I having myself placed the ticket on. With reference to its qualities and recommendations for special culture m New Zealand I may say that there are amongst the 800 to 1000 varit ies which have been introduced and tested m this country many very much better and more profitable kinds worthy of cultivation. A wide experience m apple culture and an intimate acquaint ance with the numerous varieties m culti vation have taught, me thai, it is wrong m principle to specially recommend any variety simply because it is of recent in troduction, or has a high reputation m other countries. All fruit should be grown and judged on its true merits .so that the worthless might be weeJecl oub. The committees of Horticultural Socie ties could greatly assist and facilitate judges m their awards if m compiling their schedules fruits were better classi fied ; and by offering prizes for the best ea'*ly, the best medium, and the best kte dessert fruits, for m the case of dessert fruits, it is impossible to fairly judge late kinds with fruits m season. The object of all fruit shows should be to educate the public as to what is most worthy of culti vation. Again entries should be m the hands of the secretary a day or so before the Show so that the staging space re quired might bo known. Large collec tions should be all kept together for co n p.irison, and eveiy exhibit, should be well defined. In this respect the late Show was very faulty, so much so that m some instances it was with difficulty the judges could nnke their awards. The exhibits on the whole were undoubtedly good, my fellow judges capable, painstaking men, but the mixed u;j and undefined manner m which the exhibits were staged left room for mistakes to occur by passing over some of the entries and spoiling an otherwise excellent show. la uiture shows these mistakes cmkl be loutilied by the earlier entry of exhibits, the appoint ment of sufficient stewards to receive and properly stage, and by exhibitors placing their exhibits m the hands of the stewards m good time on the morning of the Show. —I am, etc., J. C. Blackmokk, Gimblett s Nursory, Christchurch, Marcli 7, 1892.

Standard Insurance Company.

(I'EB TRESS ASSOCIATION. ) Dunkdin, March 7. The annual meeting of the Standard Insurance Company was held to-day. The report already telegraphed, declaring a dividend of seven and a half per cent, was adopted. Mr John Reid, the Chairman, m moving its adoption, said the net losses aggregated £34.404 or 62.82 per cent on the net premium income. The heaviest loss was £3000 on the Wallarah, a new steamer wrecked on the way to Australia. The premium income wasweil maintained, the expense ratio, 27.96, being well within the mark. He regarded the future hopefully. A considerable improve ment had taken place m the fire rates m Victoria, and m this colony business was on a satisfactory footing. Messrs W. Scoular and A. C. Begg were re-elected directors, and a vote of thanks to the directors and staff was passed.

Wesleyan Conference.

[VER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Wellington. March 7. To-day at the Wesleyan Conference the report on foreign missions was read and adopted. The Rev S. .3. Gibson was ap pointed as seceetary for the coming year, and it waa decided to ask the Rev G. Brown to visit the centres m the interests of the New Guinea missions. The thanks of the Conference were presented to the Rtv H, Bull a'} tho retiring missionary Secretary. It was resolved "That m view of the signal services rendered by the late Rev A. Reid to this colony and to the church of which he for upwards of forty years was a faithful and outspoken minister, we deem it fitting and right that ooine substantial recognition should l>e manifested of the esteem m m which he was held by the members of 4 the church throughout ; with this object m view it is resolved that a representative committee be appoiuted to carry out the same." The report of the contingent fund was read (showing the income to be £1081 and expenditure £886. The thanks of the Conference were' i-iven to the Rev W. Bauniber and "Mr Harris' treasurer, aid thay were reappointed. A. resolution of sympathy with the Royal family on the cjbafh of the Duke of Cl&ranco was pirried. The Rev J. G. Burrows, of Queenstown, Otago, was ordained.

School Committees.

♦_ . ■SOUTH RAKAIA. The monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Committee was held on Monday evening. Present — Messrs Hardy (chairman), Oxley, Dixon, Clark, Dowling. The master's report, as follows, was read :—ln submitting my first report, I < have the honor to request the early attention of your Committee to several matters which I consider of importance for the efficient working of t f he schorl. {!.) I should much like' to have a partition erected across the niiin room, cutting off the two rows.of desks at the southern en 1. This would in any case be a great improvement, but especially so in view of a ccntenip'ated re-arrangement of the wcrk. (2.) The absence of a lumber room outside the building strikes me as a great want in a school of this size. The present arrangement besides being very unsightly, takes up space that is urgently neede I by the classes using that part of the building. (3.) If the lower eighteen inches of the glass doors were painted, it would prevent distraction of the children's attention, and would not in the least impair the supervision. The cost would be a mere bagatelle. (4.) The fences greatly need to be rendered effective, and would be all the better for being trimmed. With regard to the residence, I trust that the proposed additions will include some convenience for washing, and that something may be done to secure privacy for the back premises.—l have, etc., J as. Thompson, Headmaster. It was resolved that the Board be asked to erect the partition asked for ; also the lumber and fuel room. It was decided to attend to the windows. Messrs Hardy and Dow]ing were empowered to have the fences attended to. The Chairman was requested to do the best he could in getting conveniences on the premises. The Chairman reported a credit balance of £24 13s ; there was also lis 6cl over from the prize funds, which it was resolved to ask Miss Se) mour to take in aid cf her sewing class. It was decided to ask Mr Thompson to express an opinion as to prize giving, and as to the best method. After passing accounts the meeting adjourned.

HAMPSTEAD.

The monthly meeting of the Hampstead School Committee was held last evening, Present—Messrs Sage, Bisset and Pick ford. An apology was received from Mr Crooks for his absence on account of ill ness. It was reported that at the last Town Board meeting only a bare quorum was present, and the question of forming a filtration pit was deferred to the next meeting. The head-master's report stated that the number on the roll was 389, the average attendance for the month 321 8, aud the highest daily attendance 343. The attendance had improved during the month, but there was still room for im provement. Mr Malcolm also stated that Rev. Mr Scott had waited upon him with reference to giving Biblical instruction m the school. Friday afternoon was suggested as the most su table time. It was resolved that the use of a room should be granted to Mr Scott for the purpose as suggested. The Visiting Committee, Messrs Pick ford and Sage, reported that several re pairs had been done, and several others being m progress they were continued m office for another month. It was decided to trim the fences forthwith. DHO-rlOlliu. The monthly of the Dromore School Oommittee was hold on Saturday evening, present—Messrs Kin?, Langley, Wilson and O'Malley. The master reported that the pupil teacher had commenced work on the first of the month and that there was at present a roll number of 6fty-two. [t was resolved to have the school bell repaired, to apply to the Board for a coal shed at the master's house and to let the school paddock to Mr T. Langley for a period of eighteen months. Tlie balance sheeet of the school treat and entainment was submitted to the Committee, showing a small sum remaining to the credit of the Committee.

Imperial Parliament.

COLONIAL DEFENCE. [per press association,] London, March 7. Lord George Hamilton, replying to a question asked by Mr O'Connor m the House of Commons, stated that the auxiliary squadron had not been tried to the maximum draught as it was feared damage might result to the boilers. They had, however, been put to a trial which exceeded the draught specified m the contract. March 8. During the discussion m the House of Commons on the War Estimates, Mr Stanhope, Secretary of State for the War Department, mentioned that the trial of the smokeless powder had been attended with success, and that the whole forces were to be armed with modern weapons. The defences of the coaling stations, he said, were practi cally completed, and the submarine mines, which were provided throughout the Empire, afforded an effective defence which could be increased on short notice. He also stated that the comfort of the new barracks would tend to induce the enlistment of re emits.

CRICKET.

THE ASH BURTON-OH ERTSEY MATCH. Mr ]). T. Todd, captain of the Chertsey players, m a long letter, for the whole of Avhich we cannot find space, complains of the remarks made m our report of the match upon the constitution of the CherfcseY team. He says :— " We have no club at Cherteey, nor do we practice ; we played under the name of the Chertsey team simply because the former of the two matches we have played was organised and played theie. . . . I think it was clearly understood by those who arranged the match that I >yas to be allowed the privilege of bringing any players I chose, provided I die! not inter fere with the team chosen to play for Ashburfcon, .... Your reporter's remarks concerning Buchanan were quite uncalled for. He played for me m our first match, and it was well known that he was to play for me m the second. . . In the first innings of Ashburtou I played three men short, and thought X was quite at liberty to press into service three gentlemen who were there as spectators. I should have been only two men short had not Dunn met with an accident just after .starting. .... I think it would have shown better taste had jour reporter let the Club take their defeat without making excuse for them. As Ashburton made only thirty-six m their first innings they had. very little chance of victory m any case. My enthusiasm for lbs game, together with a desire to do ■i Jiltfe towds putting 'some life into

Ashburton cricket, mainly influenced me 1 1 in arranging these so-called Chortsey | I matches." .' 1 In Chertsey's innings in the match, 4 Maxwell scored 18 (not 8 as printed), J r extras numbered 12, and the correct totaH <: was 109.

WELLINGTON V. CANTERBURY.

I PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Ohristchuhoh, March 8. The C-intevbury v. Wellington match ended man even draw. Tho home team ■ had all the woivt of the play m the morn inir, arid at lunch time were still sixteen behind Wellington'^ iirst innings, with four good wickets gone. Later on they improved considerably, and at five o'clock had nine wickets down for 222. The innings closed then, and Wellington went m and lost two wickets for twenty r.ins. In the latter part of Wellington's first innings Fuller made nineteen, Holds worth twenty, (not outX and Dryden six teen In Canterbury's) second innings Harnian made sixty-five, Matthias thirty seven, Labatt, thirty-tour, Ridley twenty four, Wbeatley sixteen, and Cook twelve (not out). Every man scored ; Filth got most of the wickets. The match closed at a quarter to six o'clock m order to en able the Wellington men to catch the Penguin for home.

Shipwreck near Timaru.

THE ELGINSHIRE ASHORE. [PER J'RESS ASSOCIATION.] Timaru, March 9. The s.s. E\ginshire, Homn liner, which was due here from Oamaru this morning, is reported ashore at Normanby, nine miles south of Timaru. There is a thick fog over the sea, and a moderate swell. Later. The Elginshire struck on a reef between five and six a.m., half a mile from shore. A platelayer at Normanby states that he heard a whistle close m shore, and went to the beach and saw the steamer heading for the shore. He sung out to her and told her where she was, and the steamer turned about and appears to have gone straight on the reel. A tug is assisting the engineers, but at high tide, 11.30 a.m., could not move her, though the vessel moves on the swell. It is stated she can be heard by ihms on shore grating on the rocks.

New Zealand Alliance.

[PER I'RfcSS ASSOCIATION] |Auckland, March 8. The New Zealand Alliance's sixth annual meeting was held to-day. One hundred and thirty attended the breakfast, at which Sir W. Fox presided. Addresses were given by the Rev W. A. Walker, Fletcher, Haridan, and Carter. Dr Lucan, treasurer, stated the deficiency was £51, The annual business meeting is proceeding. Reference was made m the report to the satisfactory work done by the Rev E. Walker. The executive was hampered financially, and m some instances had been unable to deal with important pro posals. Their experience satisfies the execu tive that success was much nearer than ordinary observers supposed,

SPORTING.

AUSTRALIAN NOTES.

(I'ER PRESS ASSOCIATION,) Melbochne, March 8. The racehorse Whimbrel has been sold privately for 400 guineas, and will probably go to Western Australia. The Workman was passed m at 775. guineas, the reserve being 1000 guineas. Tantallon was sold to Mr Glasscock for 300 guineas ; Reprisal to Mr Southcll, of India, for 500 guineas ; Enfilade to Mr W. Smith for 1000 guineis ; and Whakawai for 77 guineas. Lady Wolseley, sister to Carbine, was purchased by Mr Dan O'Brien for 800 guineas.

TROTTING.

Wellington, March 9. A Trotting Club ha" been formed here, with about seventy members. Mr H. Crawford has been elected president. The Club will be affiliated to the New Zealand Trotting Association.

DUNEDIN ANNIVERSARY MEETING.

Part of the following handicap was omitted m telegraphing. The handicap m full is as follows :— Anniversary Handicap, of 120 soys. One mile and a quarter.

Ashburton Trotting Club

-♦— AUTUMN MEETING. The Autumn Meeting of the Ashburton Trotting Club was held to-day on the new trotting track, south ease Belt. There was a good attendance of the general l public, including a fair number of visitors from Christchurch. The weather was exceedingly hoc m the early part of the day and during the first event, but after that was over a nice light breeze sprung up, which tempered the atmosphere greatly. The traok was m fair- going order, notwithstanding the long spe 1 of dry weather that preceded the meeting, bub at times the road was very dusty. Messrs Mason and Roberts had their totalisator on the ground, but for some time before the first race started it seemed as if the business they were to do was to be very limited, but as the starting time drew near investors rolled up, and after wards there was a fair amount of speculation. Following are results up to time of going to press :— Maiden Handicap (m saddle) of 20 soys ; second horse 3 soys from the stake. Two miles. 45 Mr J. Hamill's b g Exile, aged Bsecs (Owner) 1 14 Mr J. Cass' b g Taipo, aged, Bsecs 2 0 Mr John Johnston's he m Camellia aged, lOsees ... ... (Owner) 0 6 Mr H. Honor (ns) eh m Jess, aged lQsecs ... ' (Honor) 0 8 Mr J* Armstrong's bg The Divel King, 4yrs, lOsecs (Hammond) 0 The race soon narrowed itself down to a match between the favorite and Taipo, the other three dropping out of it after a lap or two. Exile held the lead all through and won by about tvyenty yards. Time-Gmin 33sec. Dividend—£l Bs. Harness Handicap, of 20 soys; second horse three soys from the stake. Two miles. 31 Mr J. Sleightholme's blk m Diana, (>yrs, 25secs ... , (Price) 1 66 Mr Jas. Munro's b m (pony) Polly Plum, aged, scr. ... (Owner) 2 53 Mr D. Thomas' b m Shook, aged, 25secs (Harold) 0 1 Mr W. H. Pasct's b m Kit 11, aged 18secs .7. ... (HVPaget) 0 Diana's 25secs lead was hardly reduced throughout the race. Kit 11. and Shook were passed m tho fi'th lap, and m the passing Polly Plum was somewhat blocked, but the delay could hardly have affected the result, as Diana was ha'f a lap to the gqod -before it occurred, and al though Polly got nearer than that to Diana after getting clear, Price dix>ve m. with nearly that to apare, Kit ami SUeok

not Jini.-ihintr- Time, 6:nin 58secs. Dividend—£4 os. District Handicap, of 20 soys. Two miles. 14 Mr G- Morrison's blk g Barnej O'Hea, oyrs ... (0. Harold) 1 36 Mr J. Slmghfcholme's blk m Diana, (iyrs, 20dec, re-handicapped to 15 sec (E. Price) 2 6 Mv J. F. Butier's br g 'pony) Humbug, lOsec, ... (Owner) Q 6 Mr J. Moore's b m Forest Maid, 6yrs, 12sec (Hicknntn) 0 10 Mr J. Bleightholme's blk g Ko«, oyrs 20 sec (Healy) 0 23 Mr G. E. Sunaway (ns) b g Path finder, aged. 25sec, (F. Tasker) 0 Won easily. Time—b'min 47sec. Dividend-£2 10,3.

THE MARKETS

PRKSS ASSOCIATION.) (Received March 9, 11 a m.) Sydney, March 9. Wheat, chick, 4s to 4s 3d; millings lOd fco4slid. Flour, stone made, £11 to£lllo.-', roller, £125sto£12UM. Oats 2s 3d to 2ssd Maize, 2s 6d to 2s 7d. Barley, Cape, 3s 2d. Bran, 10|d. Pollard 9|d. Pota toes," Warmambool's, £3 5s f Circular Head's, £4 sa. Onions £3 15s. Butter, dairy made, lOd ; factory Is. Cheese 3d to sd. Bacon 5d to 7d. Hams, N.Z-. lOd to lid. Melbourne, March 9, Wheat 4s Id ; market quiel" and very little doing. Flour, scone made; £9 10s , roller, £8 15s; with upward tendency. Oats, Calcutta and Algerian Is 7d to Is 10|d ; white feed and Danish Is lid to Is llid ; sttutish 2s 3jd. Adelaide, March 9. Wheat 4s 3d to 4s 4d ; flour, stone made, £9 12s 6d. Oats, N.Z. feeding sorts, lb 5d m bond, 3s 3d duty paid. Barley, Cape, 3s to 3s 6d ; malting sorts, 3s 6d to 4s 6d ; small trade. Bran Is Id. Pollard Is Id. The Canterbury Frozen Meat and Dairy Produce Export Company, Limited have received cable advice from London, quoting their brand of mutton 4&d per lb ; lamb 6£d per lb.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

(per. press association. University S«nti|i>. Wellington, March 9. The chief difficulty the University Senate found m its way when the pro posal to extend degrees to agriculture and engineering was discussed, was the limitation of the degrees b)' charter to Arts and Science. Steps are now being taken to have the charter enlarged. There is a probability that "the junior scholarships, which were increased by two this year, will be again increased next session.  '

SAMOA.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] Auckland, March 8, News from Samoa, per Wairiui, states that Mataafa, being now satisfied that he cannot obtain the kingship, ie trying to get Malietoa to give him an important place m the Government, but Malietoa insists on an unconditional surrender. The quarrel between the Chief Justice and the Land Commissioner continues.

Settlement in Victoria.

[FROM OUR MELBOURNE CORRESPONDENT.] Melbourne, February 23. There is a fair chance of an interesting experiment being made by which a party of a hundred selected men will be settled on a thousand acres of land lunder the supervision of practical fruit: and vege table growers at a cost of about a thousand pounds to be provided by subscription. The men will be taken from among the unemployed, but of course only picked and reliable men will be chosen. They will m the first instance clear part of the ground, put m quickly grown vegetables for sale or for their own sustenance, and then coutinue clearing, draining, planting and building as directed. The money is to keep them going at first, and to buy tools, seed and food. The experiment will be successful if it is begun m a plain rough way as pioneer farmers begin, but will be quite a failure if there is any attempt to pay the men wages or to do anything for them that a poor selector with nothing but his labor and a few pounds could not do for himself; except that by intelligent direction, discipline and proper combination and division of labor the results will be quicker, larger and more certain. At any rate the Revrend Horace Tucker whohaslong been foremost m movements of an actively and usefully benevolent kind has obtained a grea<- deal of support for the plan, and will very probably get the money with which to carry it out. Although the idea thrown out by the Revrend Horace Tucker has much to recommend it, it must be clear to all persons who take the trouble to think i about it that getting people on to land under the most favorable circumstances is not the way to immediately relieve the distress of the unemployed for it must be a considerable time before all the necessary arrangements can be made, and then the burden will be heavy for a long time upon those who take the responsi bility. What these men now out of em ployment want is work and wages, not work and rations, and if some or our capitalists would purchase irrigable land and plant it for themselves, employ these men to do the work and pay them wages they would secure three most important things—first relieve the present distress, second enrich themselves by this most promising and lucrative of all investments the present, time and third, enrich the country by increasing its production and exports. A society similar m some minor re^psets to that suggested by Mr Tucker has been m existence for the past nine months, namely—The Co-operative Irrigation and Mercantile Society. This society, which is purely Go-operative and philanthropic, does not aim directly at finding work for the unemployed, but at bringing together those who have the necessary means to take up and cultivate-land, and those who wish to do so and have not the means. Many city men m busiuess or remunera tive situations are anxious to secure a block of irrigated land and have it culti vated for them until it becomes income producing, as an investment for their spare cash and a heritage for their grow ing families, who, have but a poor pros pect m the overcrowded city. These are willing to pay for having their holdings cultivated and thus provide work and wages for those who cannot hold out without that assistance. IJere guided by a central responsible body are, twq clashes ministering to the requirements and necessities of cadi other ; one finding the capital the other the labor. The society has done a great deal of preliminary work; devised rules ; secured suitable land at Quantong, near Horsham, on the Wimmora river; and although the latter was only purchased a fortnight ago a large area lias already been applied for and allotted, and applications are fast coming m. This movement has been commenced at the right time and conse quently is meeting with great success. Ifc will prove a great and everlasting benefit to large nulnbers of people and to the colony at large. Mr J. G. Pottenger, of Templo Court, Melbourne^ who is one of the founders and a member of the Com mittee, intimates his willingness to supply full information concerning it to all who apply to him, ;

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN : WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, JB9^.



st lb Hippomenes 713 Coinage ... 711 Assyrian King 7 9 Conjurer ... 7 7 Exile ... 6 9



st ib; Derby ... 8 13 Pempesb ... 8 9 Jaltee ... 8 7 Hiss Mack,.. 8 5 Jeinster ... 8 4 Don Pedro... 8 2



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Ws? sit cd. CASH Advertisements under headmg not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be If ft at this Oft'ce. WANTED a Smart boy to milk, look after horses, and make him elf geneially useful. Apply to Mr J. Heseltinb, Ashburton and Tinwald. 3 G6 WANTED KNOWN Vacancy for two gentlemen boarders m about a fortnight. Apply to Mns Hakkix, Bur nett street, Ashhurton. 3.&> \ / ANTED Known—General meeting V V of Ashburton Cycling Club, Mrs Pearson's Room, Thursday, 8 p.m. Full attendance requested. *> FlßST^Shipment Double Refined Kero sene for Whiter use. Buy early. Groat reductions at Stephens Bbos.. Market House. ° 1!j T\T OTHING will Cool you so quickly and Xl invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream — H.G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. '\Y7 ANTED Known. - Come and see VV the Bargains now on at Melford Hour.c. H. C. Segkks. WAITED Known. -At "The Corner" now sellino: Ladiet,' French Shops. 5s lid. See them".—W. H. Collier, \\/"ANTED Known.—lf you want VV plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Seghrs. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2a 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. M. Collier. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods So select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Hakdley, East street. 6|202 W" ANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. C. Segehs. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure ; fit and workmanship guaranceed ; from 50s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburixm Clothing Man, Saunders' Buildings. fflO Meet the Times.—l am supplying J.. Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years,^ Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspaction invited.— J. W. Hauolky, P^s street. 6|201 ANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and yariety m English and Colonial Boots, and his hit'hly reputed make by calling aM. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. m stiff of men always kept and best Material and workmanship guaranteed. NEW Supplies of Stationery, Account Books, Music, Fancy Goods, New Games, Orders for Printing, Book bindina, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted" Schools and offices supplied with pvery requisite. Marines vid News papers supplied.—L. F. ANDRE WES & CO., Stationers' Hall. " Public No \, ices. N.-Z.C.F. SPECIAL INDUCEMENTS AUJS OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC FOR O'NFj MONTH IX JYJ E N' S AND gOYS CLOTHING, gHI ITS HATS RUGS SCARFS AND PORTMANTEAUX. WE TNVITE INSPECTION", COMPARISON, AND PATRONAGE. NEW ZEALAND Clotliio^r Factory. ;W. H WEBBER, Manager