MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary altera tions : — WEDNESDAY, February 24. For the United Kingdom ami Continent of Europe and America and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, &c, &c, and also for Northern port* of New Zealand, per Takapuna, as follows : — Ordinary letters, books, and newspapers at 6.15 p.m., registered letters at f> p.m., money ordeis at 3 p.m. This mail will be due m London on March 30. THURSDAY, February 25. For Northern Ports and Greymouth, per Herald, at O.«O a.m. For Northern Ports and Westport and Australian Colonies (except Tasmania) per Tekapo at 6.30 a.m. FRIDAY, February 26. For Akaroa per Rotorua at 6.30 a.m.

ENGLISH MAILS.

HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Coptic, left January 9, clue London February 18. lonic, left February 6, due .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. Kaikonra, due colony February 24. Ruahine, due colony March 21. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Alameda, due colony February 28. Maripos?i, due colony March 23^

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1892. THE MINISTERIAL CHANGES

The Ballance Ministry are making constant progress m the path of reform, and their latest step, m connection with the Native Office, will have the approval of everybody who knows any thing of the way m which the business of that Department has been con ducted. There are very few who can pretend to such knowledge—the Office has always been an abode of mystery, and the necessity for its complete re form was emphatically indicated m the report of the Commission on the Native Land Laws which was presented to Parliament last session. The decision of the Government, to reform it alto gether, was inevitable m the state of chaos which was shown to exist. The necessity for separate laws and separate departments for the Natives and their affairs is fast disappearing, and the present generation may see the whole of the inhabitants of New Zealand governed on a uniform system. Even the events of the last few days have shown the Natives that they must be amenable to the common law of the country. The changes m the Minis terial arrangements are a great advance m that direction. The legal part of Native affairs has been placed m the charge of the Minister of Justice, and the part relating to Lands goes to the Minister of Lands, and the two Minis ters will have the benefit of the advice on technical points of Mr John Carroll, whose knowledge of Native laws, cus toms and traditions is not surpassed, if, indeed, equalled by any man, Native or European, m the colony. The scheme which has thus been carried out was formulated by Mr Cadman, the late Native Minister, and the cry that has been r^ibed of an indignity having been inflicted upon that Minis ter is without cause. Mr Cadman takes up the portfolio of Minister of Marine, a Department, that has not had the attention which it should have had, and also takes the statutory office of Commissioner of Stamps. The saving effected by the rearrangement will be very considerable, though of "bourse it will not appear at once,.: as the winding up of the Native office and the apportionment of its business to the Departments of Landsand Justice must necessarily be a gradual process. The statements that have been made as to the salary of Mr Carroll, tha Native representative m the Cabinet, are based upon imperfect information. The salary which will be given, what ever be the amount, must be voted by Parliament. It must also be pointed out that Mr Carroll is not m any sense an addition to the number of Ministers. He will have no executive duties, but is m the Cabinet m order that the Natives may feel that there is some one there who is m sympathy with them. Now that the reason for the change has been explained any feeling that may have been caused m Auck land, or elsewhere, will be allayed, and it is clear that a large amount of use less expenditure will be saved, and an important step taken towards plac ing the Natives upon the same footing as European*,

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr Robert Alcorn, J,P., this morning fined a tirat offender ss, or twenty-four hours, m gaol, for drunkenness. At a large meeting of the f( Napier Event ing News " shareholders held last Friday & was announced that the people of the pro vince had subscribed money sufficient to pay off its liabilities, and it was decided to carry it on. The chairman of the directors remarked that the paper would now bo m a better position than ever before. We con gratulate our contemporary on haying sur mounted its difficulties, and trust its career henceforward will be one of prosperity. At the wvml meeting of the Timarti Harbour Ji >ati on Tuesday Mr E. Acto« was i-3-elu'Jtcd c'laji'niai:,. ffe stated that £4r>Uo, equal to a tf-ldths of a pem>y rate, would be required from the rate tliis ygajr to supplement the income. The engineer submitted three proposals for additional piiuii f-QV dealing with the shingle, all including tyting the material over the breakwater m the Uqwgr barge by the Priestman dredge. He wj^njmended a larger plai.t, with sand pump far the l,»r%our dredging, at. the cost of £8000, and the annual cost of £21bO. Ihe Board | took a month jt? consider the question. A minority of four desired to shelve it for six months.

Oap'aiu McClatchie has been elected Chairman of the Lyttelton Harbour Board for the ensuing year. A Victorian workman publicly stated that there would be an exodus of over 6000 workmen from Victoria to New South Wales within the next six months. It looks strange to see a school advertise ment, notifying that dancing is taught as an extra subject, signed by a Presbyterian clergyman, yet such is the case m Napier, says a local paper. The "Temuka Loader" learns from a reliable source that the Premier will shortly visit the South Island again, and deliver addresses at Ashburton and Waimate. He i:.ay also speak at Tiniaru, and very prob ably Invcrcargill. The "Standard 'says: A settler m the Wanganui Small Farm Association Block is about to take out a patent for horse shoes to fasten with clips instead of nails. Experts who have examined the design speak highly of it, and a revolution m the horse-shocaiji line is expected. I.he requisition, with thb full list of signatures, presented to the Mayor for a half holiday on March 2, the day of the Swimming Club's second annual meeting, is printed m our advertising columns, as well as the Mayor's memorandum thereto complying with the burgesses' request. An Auckland telegram says that Mr H. Nicholson, a member of the Auckland Svvimming Club, endeavoured to establish a record m swimming a quarter of a mile at }he Albert street baths. He swam the distance m 6min 13sec, thus lowering tne New Zealand record, which was 7min IGsec. There were 23 turns m the quarter-mile. The world's record is smin 53sec. The Board appointed m Melbourne to inquire into the conviction of Edward Bell, who, it will be remembered, was the victim of a conspiracy by which he was convicted of burglary and imprisoned instead of the real offender, condemns Detective O'Donnell and Superintendent Kennedy, the one for arresting Bell, knowing he was nob the right man, and the other for not making further inquiries when he had doubts on the subject. The Horticultural Society have supplied an omission m their programme by adding classes for amateurs m potatoes (kidney and round), same as m the open class. The Society will also be glad to receive for exhibition at the Show auy novelties m horti culture. Entries for the competition classes close with the Secretary, Mr J. J. C. Quane, at eight p.m. on Friday next, and we are requested to add that boys and girls com peting m bouquets must be at the Town Hall at nine o'clock on the morning of the Show—Saturday, February 27. An interesting story of Mr John Bright'a early angling experiences is told by Mr Corballis, m his "Forty-five Years of Sport," jusfc published by Mr Bent-ley. Mr Bright was receiving his first lesson m salmon Hsu ing from the grandfather of the present Lord Lovat at the Groam Pool, on the Beauly. Kk was told to cast over a spot not more than three yards from him, and, thinking to steady the line, turned it round his fore finger. The result was that when Mr Bright hooked a fisii, as he did at the very first cast, he gave an agonised yell, and forthwith tumbled straight into the river. The line had cut his finger nearly to the bone, and he threw the rod away to free himself. Lord Lovat, who had a gaff m his hand, quietly slipped it into Mr Blight's nether garments, till lie was pulled out. by some friends who were near. For the first time m his life Louis Cyr, the powerful Canadiau, found his great strength set at naught at the South London Palace. The "Kanuk" was advertised to puli two horses weighing 16001 b each, but when it came to the crucial test one ot the animals would not pull at all, and the other, having things all his own way, made Cyr slip all over the staye. To say that he was mad would but poorly express his feelings. He tried to make the stubborn animal put forth a little effort, but the brute was obdurate, and so the test was abandoned. In order to please the audience Cyr introduced his celebrated feat of holding aloft 31Slb, for which he got a hearty rtuud of applause. The back lift was a wonderful one, the tray containing the luggcst load it has ever been called upon to sustain —viz., 30371 b, which beats all previous records by 151 b. Property worth a fabulous sum of money is about to fall into the hands of the descen dants of a person oi the name of E-1 wards, if those descendants can prove their claim. Edwards c nigratei m the'seventeenth or eighteenth century to the New York State, and m the course of a few years bought laud m Manhattan Island, which, being wtt and marshy, he acquired cheaply. This land he leased to the British Government, and on this tract the city of New York was built. After the outbreak of the War of Independence m 1779 the lease was made over to the United States Government. It is said that Edwards' descendants are to acquire the property, which is alleged to be worth £70,000,000. Among the claimants are families m Wales and Ireland, but it is not yet known how m inquiries which are being made will result. The following is stated by the " New Ze a land Herald" correspondenttobeanoutline o* Mr Chamberlain's pension scheme. Mr Cham berlain sees no reason to depart from his original intention of fixing the age limit at which the superannuation allowance can be claimed at 65; but if a liviu dic3 before reaching that age, there will be a small allowance to the widow for a limited period, and an acceptable suni per week for fcha children until they have attained the age of 12 years. Should the man be unmarried, or a widower without children, his represent atives can claim a sum equal to the amount that the deceased has actually paid into the fund. The small amount which the person who wishes to secure superannuation pays into the saving* bank at the outset will be supleinented by a inuc.h larger contribution from the state, and after the preliminary de posit all that will be exacted is a sum of £1 a year, or a little over 4^l per week, until the time of superannuation arrives. No superannuation policy will be permitted to lapse until an interval of five years has been allowed to the individual to pay up arrears of subscription. It will be open to both sexes. Duriiig the course; of his lecture at Wellington Bishop Julius made one or two e/oodhu?noiired hits at the expense of his chairman, the Hon. Mr Seddon. At one stage the bishop (says the "Post'!) had expressed the opinion that a good glass of beer, a good glass of wine—or he would even go so far as to say a good gliss of whisky—would not hurt a man if he knew how to use those drinks ; but it was the bad beer, the bad wine, and the bad spirits that made so made drunkards. Warming to his subject, he turned on the churman and said . _««If I were m your place M r Seddon, instead of trotting about the country"— here arxirof laughter from the audience, i-istin" quite a minute, interrupted the bishop, showing that the hit had gone homo Vyjigu he could make himself heard, the lecturer 1 went H n to explain that if he were m Mr Seddon'» place? h6 w<jul<l nqfrest until he had, by heavy penalties; imposed, even to the extent of hanging the adulterator of liuuor, made the sale of pure, wholesome drinis a sine qua non of the holding of a publican's jicensji. Particulars of the shameful case of cruelty to a horse by a telegraph Imeman named Cross at Hamilton, which has been briefly retVrral to iif our telegraphic columns, and for which Cross was lined £15 and costs appear m the Auckland newspapers. It anUr ß that Cress, who has ol^arga of the telegraph lino works, arrived at Hamilton from Raglan between 0 and 10 o'clock at night, aii.l turned his horse into the vird of the Commercial Hotel. It had not W there long when some bystanders ob served ijt reeling about and inclined to fall (U! d a close*- infection revealed the tact that the animal wo* coye*-c4 wty h ?°'!' A constable was sent for, and on a further ex amination being mad,, jb wu <>«ml that the unfortunate beast had been stabbed In no Wer than 25 p'aees, some ot the wounds ECI on tbe thick part of the neck and !Kfd?£ i Amtrf the saddle, and others m the flank and groin, all bang V^the reach of any one m the saddle. HpoU U Mori were traced for two miles out of Hamilfco.,. f.W pocketknife had stains o

LADIES' COLUMN.

A new bonnet —remarkable more for its originality than ics beauty—was seen the other day m the form of a snail shell. It was made m ptone-oloured felt, and the brim was lined with emei aid green velvet. The shell was stripjd round and roun-A up its almost conical point with narrow rolls of green velvet, and green jet o>sprey.s m front looked not unlike the ho:ns of n snail. The idea U ominoiis of all worts of fearful develop ncnU.

General servants and female cooks arc m goo 1 demand at Wellington just now (says the " lleivld ") and how hard some of them are to be pleased is a caution. The other day a lady at the Lower Hutt, anxious to engage a female cook, .said to one (who had applied but on visiting the placj was disiivlined to take the billet) : "But why don't you think the situation ,\ ill suit you?" " Well, mum, I Had no idea you lived m such a quiet village. Why, there's only one p'liceman m the place, and he's a married man with a family!"

If we may believe the "Phonogram," the phonograph may prove a useful do mestic article m one respect. It is said that children would not cry if they could hear themselves once thei' 1 pas-sion was over. The experiment was tried on a Washington damsel of twelve years of age, who had been very troublesome with crying fits. A phonograph was used to register her cries, and" these were repro duced m her hearing when she had bo come calm. The cure was effectual, and she cries no longer.

It is a custom at Sandringham that each guest shall be weighed at every con venient opportunity, after having been shown his bedroom on his arrival, and also jusc before his departure. A book is kept m which the autographs, weights, and dress of the gue^t at the time of weighing are recorded, and this bulky volume forms a most interesting collection of autographs. The names of nearly all the crowned heads and many of the lead ing statesmen of Europe may be found m it, while the nobility figure largely, and art, science, literature, and the drama are represented by their leaders.

A very useful industry is that which a London weekly says is projected by a woman of ingenuity. She is going to have a little depot m a central West end street, where gloves can be mended (neatly and beautifully) while you wait. She also undertakes, for the benefit of people who want evening dresses m a hurry, or who do not want to spend a ruinous amount m the making of a dress whose stuff is comparatively inexpensive, to drape, by the aid of needle and pins, these at her depot on the owner. All sorts of styles—Greek, Empire, etc,—can be done for a moderate su.n. She will also be ready, for a modest fee, to advise on all matters of dress She will, m fact, be the editor of an " answers to corres pondents "column galvanised into vitality.

A Virginia husbaad is suing his wife for divorce on the ground that she is,un worthy of him. He claims that during his entire married life she has treated him with a cold and cutting disdain which was very painful to his feelings, but he endured it m the spirit of a martyr. Finally, she loaded on the back of this counubiil caniil the straw whicii bioke his patience down. She called him "a yellow-eyed tomcat," and his sleeping lion woke and roared for law. The noble self-control whicii had rendered him in d.ff.:rent to such terms of opprobrium as "loafer," "pig eyed c ion," and others enumerated m his complaint, failed him when his human identity was impeached by a withering comparison with a {pline of the nvisculiuo gender and auriferous coloured oabs.

A lady correspondent, writing by the last mail from "Brighton, Entrlaud, to a contemporary says:—"lt is quite clear that the popular colours are, for the com ing season, to be shades of brown — ' biscuit' and 'cigar' —the latter especially prevalent. The blues are dying out, and cornflour blue has already become obsolete It is curious how unconsciously nationality seems to govern millinery. Any blue there if is not tue German, but the Italian -that pale electric tint that goes so well with orange m the Italian uniforms. It is clear, too, that plain skirts retain their favour ; they were worn at parade on Sunday with a slight train, which gives a certain dignity and state line-s m the master aud promenade along the Liwus, but which makes one shudder at the con equence of a day's shopping on a muddy afcernooa. Happily, too, the decree has gone out abolishing the basque. It came m late, was adopted universally, and was very generally disliked. It had neither style nor beauty. The dis appearance of the basque and the location and assertion of tho pocket are the two distinct gains m the new fashion. The pocket is to be put where it ought to be, handy to the right hand and not too low. It id to be emphasised with braid or trim ming, and make an ornament instead of a mystery. Jackets are nothing this season if not mannish. One that I saw here was much m the same style as the covert coat worn by the sporting masher. It was made of biue boxcloth, with no seam down the back. It fitted the figure like a sack, and whs fa^fcenad with large bone buttons."

The "Wellington "Post" gives the following account of the first European marriage m the Hervey group :—Early on Christmas morning, immediately the native service was concluded, the Avarua Church, Rarotonga, was the scene of an interesting ceremony, namely, the mar riage of Mr W. H. Doyle, late of Nelson (book-keeper to Messrs Goodwin and De Lisle, Rarotonga), and Miss M. K. James, daughter of Mr John James, of Colling wood, NelsDn. The bride had very pluckily faced the perils of the sea under the care of the bridegroom's mother, and arrived at the island from her Now Zea land home a week before the marriage taok place. The ceremony, which was performed by the re-adent missionary, the Rev W. N. Lawrence, was of historical interest, being the first marriage ever solemnized m the Hervey Group of Islands, where the parties concerned were both Europeans, and where the English marrjago service was rrade use of. The church was well filled, there being pre sent, besides a good number of Europeans, Queen Makea and some 200 to 2qO of her subjects, flic female portion of whom were very prettily anc 1 gaily dressed for the occasion, and the ceutro of attraction, the bride, dressed m a simpje and elegant costume of cream Indian muslin, looked very handsome. The office of brides^ maids was filled by the two small daugh ters of Mr F, Gqodwin, and their sweet little fyces and pretty dresses added greatly to the charm of the soeno. After breakfast the happy couple left for a trip round the island, their departure being marked by the usual deluge of rice, slippers, &c.

" Keatino's PowDjtft," destroys Bugs Fleas, fyfOths, Beetles, and all other insects whilst quite liarujless fo domestic animals. In oxtei'minating Beetles the success of this powder is exti itioi i/linai iy. It is perfectly clean m application. See the article you ourchase is "Keatino's," as imitations are : oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, 6d, Is njifi 2a Qd each. W ali chemists. The world Is ever moving qji towards perfection, but seldom attains it. Constant improvement is being made m every branch of industry, ' but ' m ' Baking j Powders Perfection has been reached jii Wiii'lii^ua's Can 1 jfc Be Bent,

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PEK PRESS ASSOCIATION

A SENSATIONAL STORY.

London. February 22. The <( Echo " publishes a sensational story with regard to Mr William Lidderdale, a son of the Governor of the Bank of England. It states that shortly before the date fixed for his wedding the young man left home I with £1000 in his possession, with the intention, it is alleged, of visiting Australia, and it is now reported that i he fell overboard from a yacht while { in company with a lady not his be trothed mid was drowned. The police discredit this story and are afraid that Lidderdale has been kidnapped and S murdered for the sake of the money he I had on him. » A liter report says that the an nouncement of the .jfleath of young Lidderdale, which was published in some of the London dailies, was forged. It is stated that he is going to Aus tralia to purchase property, but the general belief is that no letter has been received from him giving his whereabouts or intentions. February 23. It is now believed that it was a wealthy American spinster who kid napped Lidderdale and earned him off' on board her yacht. CONGREGATIONAL SELF DENIAL WEEK. The members of the Congregational Churches throughout England are holding a week of self-denial, hoping by this means to obtain sufficient funds to maintain an additional hun dred missionaries. THE HANSARD UNION. Summonses have been issued against Mr H. Bottomley, Secretary, and Sir H. A. Isaacs, Director, of the Hansard Publishing Union, for defrauding the Company of £30,000. Another Direc tor will be included in the charge. ANTI-OPIUM CRUSADE. The Rev, Cheok Hong Oheong, of Victoria, who has been conducting a crusade in Great Britain against the ( opium traffic, lias been very successful. SHIPWRECKS. Tho ship Fratell sank off Penzance during a gale, and it is supposed all hands were lost. One body has been washed ashore. London, February 23. The mail steamer Kaiser Wiihelm is ashore near the mouth of the Scheldt river, in Belgium.

CAPTURE OF TRAIN ROBBERS.

New lok-k. February 22. A gang of iwbbers ransacked the train at Rochester and shot the con ductor. They escaped by means of a spure engine, but so;ne of the railway employees pursued them for some miles on another engine, and after shots had been exchanged effected the capture of the desperadoes.

THE NICE TRAGEDY.

New Yokk, February 23, Mrs D,;acon denies that she was guilty of improper conduct with the French attache whom her husband shot dead, and is applying for ;i divorce.

INTERFERING WITH JUSTICE.

Sofia, February 23. M'-idame KraveltofF and two other ladies were tried m this city for peti tioning foreign Consuls to hasten the trial of their respective husbands for the murder of M. Beltchp.fl', late Minis ter of Finance, m March last. All the. women were acquitted.

AUSTRALIAN.

SELL'S CIRCUS HORSES.

Sydnky, February 23. The horses belonging to Sell's circus which were quarantined here, were shipped for San Francisco in the steamer Monowai yesterfcay. THE WRECK OF THE LTSMORE. The wife of the late Captain White of the barquentine Lismore, which was run into by the A.U.S.N. Company's steamer Eurhnbla off' the Richmond ! River in Is ovember last, has recovered £2500 damages for the loss of the vessel. ' CUSTOMS DUTIES BILL, The Customs Duties Bill passed its second reading in the Legislative Council by 26 to 17. '

THE NEW HEBRIDES COM PANY.

Mwiourne, February 23. The " Argus" counsels the Aus tralian public to await developments before assisting the proposed New Hebrides Company, which is being formed in London. A MELBOURNE LOAN. The Metropolitan Board of "Works has authorised the issue of half a million loan for four years at 5 per cent. .

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Glsbounb, February 23, Mr John Towuley was re-elected Chair man of the Harbour Board to-day. Re ferring to the past year the Chairman said they hud passed through a very trying period ; they had been brought face to face with a large loss of rates owing to defalcations. At one time it looked as if the Board would have a difficulty m meeting its engagements, but never wes there any thought of default. If neces sary, a special rate would have been struck to pay interest. The Board had now £9EjOQ m the hands of the Public Trustee and £9952 on deposit m the Bank. It saw its way clear now to pay interest regularly, and the chief work m the near future would be to erect a grain store paralje] with the present pier, so that safe accommodation might be provided for the shipping of the port. Wellington, February 23. The property tax received .to February 23 is £334,000. As a large quantity of revenue from insurance companies and other sources is still to come, the Trea surer's estimate of £355,000 will be con siderably exceeded. It is understood that the Government intend to enforce the retirement of a number of senior officers m the ,Audi(-. Department on pension. In the Divorce Court, m the case of Oolville v CoMlle, a decree absolute was granted against the wife on the ground of adultery, but she was given the custody of the children, and £5 per month alimony. A decree absolute was also granted m Woolford y Woolfdrd, a husband's petition agaxnst his wife. In Chambers to^y 4- )Y" -P row}} Fas declared bankrupt An injunction was granted \n the Supreme Court tp-day to restrain Kennedy

and Dob.son from playing " Little Lord Fauntieroy." Nelson, Fobruary 23. At the annual meeting of the Harbour Board this afternoon, Mr J. 11. Cock was elected chairman for the ensuing year. Oamaru. February 22. Mr .1. H. Barr was re-elected chairman of the Harbor .Board. Dunedin, February 23. Following up their success on Mount Earusl iw, the Ross brothers, accompanied by Harry Birley, made an expedition to the summit of the Rumirkables and successfully accomplished their task. The last portion of the ascent is over very steep rocks, and has hitherto been regarded as impracticable. Mi M. Cohe.i was presented by the lion T. Fergus with a purse of fifty sovereigns to defray his expenses m contesting the I last mayoral election.

CRICKET.

I ENGLAND V. HEW SOUTH WALES

[per press association.]

Sydney, February ?3. The second innings of the New Sou4i w ales Eleven closed for 210, leaving the visitors 40 to get to win. Banaerman made 28, Gregory (not out) 93, Lolimann secured three wickets for 48, Grace two for 29, Attewell two for 38, Briggs two for 45. Lord Sheffield's team ran up the re quired number of runs at the cost of three wickets, winning the match by seven wickets and 2 runs.

The Hutchison-Ballance Libel Case.

(per press association,)

Wellixgton, February 23. In chambers to-day before the Chief Justice, the defendant m the libel action Hutchison v Ballance was ordered to file a more explicit statement of defence as to his connection with the " Wanganui Herald" newspaper. Defendant's plea, which aUeged certain matters having re ference to what Mr S. M. Smith, M.H.R., is said to have told defendant as to alleged conversations with plaintiff on tha subject of the Payment of Members Bill, was struck out as being irrelevant to the *;liou.

The Volunteers.

[PUR PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, February 23. From the returns now available, ifc ap pears that m the Auckland provincial dis trict the numerical strength of the various valunteer corps is thircy-seven behind the minimum strength. In Wellington twenty behind, m Otago seventy behind, and m Canterbury 160 behind. Aucklmd has five corps below the minimum, Wel four, Canterbury eleven, and Otago eight. There is great improvement m the Auck land the Wellington and the Otago dis tricts for the year, and a slight improve ment m Canterbury compared with the urevious year. Under regulation 132 those corps that are behind the minimum strength on December 31 m each year are not entitled to receive cipitation, but the Ron Mr Seddon, Minister for Defence, does not intend to fully carry out this regulation. On the contaraiy, he intends ropay the whole of the companies' c ipita tion, who have otherwise qualified for the year. Those corps that have been continually working with considerably 1 ss than their minimum strength will be asked for an explanation, with a view to having th ur full strength restored within a reasonable time. Until an explanation is forthcoming, the payment of th <sd companies whose numerical strength is twenty per cent behind the minimum will ',>j luitl ov\ii, !-ui tlio J-f-ujo .ili.iister does not intend unless m extreme cases, to withhold the capitation that has been earned so long as the efficiency of the members of the corps has beeuauintained. Officers commanding the several cliitr.cts and volunteer offices will be urged to endeavour to fu'ly keep up the numerical strength of the corps, failing which, if the corps below the minimum atreugth at the j end of the present year were m the same position iast year, their services will be dispensed with. The new commandant. Captain Fox, R.N., is expected to arrive m the begin ning of May, and immediately after his j arrival an inspection of the volunteers m I the colony will take place.

Imperial Parliament.

IMPORTANT MEASURES,

\vm press association]

London, February 22. The opposition to Mr Balfour's Irish Local Government Bill is rapidly abating. Mr H. Chaplin, Minister of Agricul ture, has introduced a Small Holdings Bill into the House of Commons. The measure proposes to enable County Councils to levy a rate of Id m the £, which it is estimated would yield ten millions sterling, for the voluntary purchasing of lands. Councils are given the power to sell or let. The Bill, which does not apply to holdings m Ireland, is viewed m a friendly spirit by the Opposition. In the House of Commons Mr Howard Vincent has given notice of his intention to movs that Australian wines be admitted into. England free of duty, and that an increase be made m the impost on Spanish wines, Lord Knutsford, m reply to a ques tion by Mr Howard Vincent, said that Australian and. Canadian goods would be admitted into England at similar rates to goods from the United States, West Indies, and other colonies. Fifty-eight classes would be admitted free of duty, while large reductions would be made m others. London, February 23. Mr W. L. Jackson has introduced into the House of Commons a Bill providing for free and compulsory education m Ireland. The Hierarchy approve of the measure. Mr Jackson's Education Bill pro hibitsjthe employment of children under eleven years of age and between the ages of eleven and fourteen unless they have attained a certain degree of proficiency at school. It also abolishes fees where they do not exceed six shillings per annum. The Government are confident that they will carry their principal measures.

Lord Onslow's Departure.

[per pkbss association.!

fAueKLANi>, February 23. The Governor- and the Countess of Ouslow gave a farewell reception at Government House, at which 300 people were present. Im acknowledging a letter from Mr M". Nicoll, bidding farewell to Lord and Lady \ Onslow on behalf of the Masons of the New Zealand Constitution, his Excellency states that the secession of those who established themselves under a Constitution other than that of the Grand Lodges of the United Kingdom and the consequent illfeeling which it aroused, have been matters \vhich caused him, as an officer of the Grand Lodge, no little pain, and that when lie returned to | England he would urge the Grand Lodge of England to take such steps as may be most conductive to the restoration of that amity which should characterise Masons all over the world. He would be always willing to give assistance to the Masons of New Zealand I t« that end.

Congregational Union.

I PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Wellington, February 23. At the Congregational Union to-day, a report was read on the training of the Australian ministry, with special reference to the effort made to associate the Adelaide college with the Senatus Academicus at Home. A letter was read from the Secretary courteously but firmly declining the request which had been encouraged by Dr INewth, late Principal of the new College and Registrar of the Senatus. The letter suggests that the Australian colleges should endeavour to establish a Senatus of their own. A full discussion was de ferred until next session m Sydney. The New South Wales delegates were ap pointed a Special Committee to arrange for the publication iv a permanent form of the proceedings of this session. At this afternoon's sitting pipers were read as follows: —By the Rev G. G. How den, on " Church Services ; how to make them more helpful to those m atten dance." The Rev B. L. Thomas on *' The Worth of Congregationalism m Mew Zea land." TheltevH. J. Lewis on "The Confederation of Our Congregational Churches.'' At the evening sitting the Rev W. Fletcher, of Adelaide (Chairman), de livered his official address. In the course of his remarks he said that the air was full of social theories as to the re-con struction of society, ranging from the wild and terrible cry of the anarchist to the fertile dream of missionary zeal, not to mention questions as to capital and the ownership of the land. On ministers of the gospel rested the inevitable burden of careful and reverend thinking, and it was m this spirit that he delivered his address. Their anchorage ground amid all this tur moil was not so much the Bible as the living Christ. It was this conviction on their part which entitled them to cherish love and respect for those from whom they differed, and he held that they were m this regard the least denominational of any of the many sections of the Church. They had a message to deliver, a political message, and that message was that religion was neither to be interfered with nor patronised by the various Governments. In some of the colonies their faithfulness t> that principle had been crowned with success, and the only field where the struggle had yet to be fought out was Western Australia, where a great accumulation of grievances would have to be dealt with. The true Gospel which they had to preach was thdt of the saving power of the Atonement. But m all their work they had to deal with very many imperfect gospels, as he would call them. These he referred to at some length, including m the number the gospel of total abstinence, the nationalisation of the land, gospel of Christian Socialism, the gospel of unlicensed thought, and the trospal of "the deadened brain" as he styled tlmoaophy.

THE MARKETS.

[I'EK PUESS ASSOCIATION.]

(Received February 24, 11 a m.) Sydney, February 24. Wheat, chick, 4s 3d ; milling, Is 7d to 4s lOd. Flour, stone make, £10 to £11 10s; roller brands, £12 5s to £12 10s. Oats, 2s 3d to 2s 6d. Maize, 2s 3d. Bran, lOd. Pollard; 9£d. Peas, 3s 6d to 3a lOd. Potatoes, "local, £2 10s; Warnambools, £3 to £3 ss. Onions, £4 to £4 ss. Butter, dairy made, 8d ; factory, lOd. Cheese, 3a to sd. Bacon, local cured, od to 7d ; imported, 7d to 7*d. Melbourne, February 24. There is a good demand for wheat; prime sorts, 4s 4£d. Flour, market steady ; stone mikes, £9 12s 61 ; roller £10 15s. Bran lid co ll|d. Feed grains are quiet. Adelaide, February 24. Wheat is firm at 4s od. Flour, stone makes, £9 5s to £9 10s ; roller brands, £10 5s to £10 12s 6d. Oats, 3s 4d to 3s si, duty paid ; 2s 3d to 2s 4d, m bond. Barley, Cape, 3s dd; malting, 4s 6d. Bran, Is 4^l. Pollard, Is l|d.

The Victorian Agent- Generalship.

[FROM OUR MELBOURNE CORRESPONDENT, j

Melbourne, February 10. There's many a slip between the cup and the lip, and many a difficulty between Mr Munro and his post of Agent-General. He has not, of course, been appointed, and cainot be appointed while he remains Premier. It is a question now whether the Government dare appoint him, for the insolvency of the Real Estate Bank has been declared, and Mr Munro's duty is to stay and help the wretched share holders out of the mire into which he has helped them. Their total liabilities are two millions sterling, and many of them bought m at a high premium. When first the shares began to tumble, who was so indignant as Mr Munro 1 When with £2 10s"paid up they went clown to 25s 6cl, which was their first great drop, he harangued the meeting of shareholders as if each had committed a crime. Latterly, however, they, have been freely offered for nothing with l()s bonus to take them, since there is still £2 10s to be paid up upon each, and a great call will un doubtedly have to bo made. Of course, if Mr Munro were like any other man, he .vould not think of leaving Victoria just now, but he has no such similarity. There is no doubt (as I explained m a previous letter) tfyit bis real mission to London was to ra.ise money for this in stitution and another Bank with which he ' is connected, as each had large amounts of unalloted stock. He evidently ex pected to be able to keep the Real Estate Bink floating until he had reached Lon don. His schemes have failed, and if he now goes home as Agent-General it will be as a defeated Premier, an unsuccessful financier, and a disappointed, impoverished man. Yet he will go if ho can, for he is as obstinate as men are made, and the only chance of saving Hio colony from the discredit of the appointment is that thp Ministry should take heart < f grace and refuse to make it. No politician w.ho his ever failed m this country —and f,;i iuos have been n.any — has evoked so little sympathy as Mr Munro. In his prosperity he was, hard, heartless, and haughty. No symjjatht^ic ward for un successful men, no look of pity for dis tress, no helping hand for poverty, no c.o.rd r iaUty anywhere, Wb^u fche, first

Berry Government forced through the outer circle railway he made a fortune out of his suburban land speculations, and then turned round on them instantly. Indeed m December 1879, at the banquet given to celebrate the opening of the Gee long Exhibition, he read his recantations openly m the presence of the Marquis of Norman by (then newly arrived), Mr Berry himself and all Irs Government. I was pre sent, and well remember tho sensation his words created. " The country "he said, " had made a mistake m entrusting its welfare to men who had shown them selves incapable of conducting their own affairs. The men it should confide m should be those whose success m business showed their ability and fitness to manage the national undertakings." Beiry, Woods, Smith and other ministers present were notoriously m difficulties, and there was a brutality about the whole demonstration which was singularly repulsive. But as a Premier he must stand or fall by his acts, and here he is assuredly found wanting. He is like thn servant m Scrip ture who buried the talent entrusted to him m a napkin, for he has not attempted to develop any of the interests confided to his charge, has helplessly watched the public revenue decreasing without trying to stimulate or help it, and has committed the inconceivable folly of borrowing money m a falling market without attempting to provide means of repayment. Even at the last some bold declaration of intended action would have saved his Ministry. Up to the very last day of its session it wa* open to him to win back something of public confidence. But with a wealthy community at las back all ready to pay any reasonable impost he chose to levy, and all anxious to maintain the credit of the colony at any sacrifice, he watched the deficit grow greater and did nothing. The whirligig of time brings many revenges, and m this case it has brought reverses so complete that they must satisfy the bitterest enemies of Mr Munro.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

(Received February 24, 12.25 p.m.)

HEAT IN AUSTRALIA.

Sydney, February 24. Intense heat has prevailed through out the country during the past week.

THE CHICAGO EXHIBITION.

Melbourne, February 24, A deputation has requested the Premier, Mr Shiels, to grant £19,000 for the representation of Victoria at the Chicago Exhibition. Mr Shiels declined to do more than carry out Mr Munro's proposal that if the exhi bitors subscribed £5000 the Govem mont would give £15,000. The deputation stated that they were unable tocollectthatsum, whereupon MrShiels said personally he thought the money could be better spent m the colony itself at the present time.

VICTORIAN TREASURY BILLS.

It appears that the Treasury bills are not yet placed am ang the Banks. The failure- of the negotiations is said to be due to the Government trying to steal a march on the Banks. Under the existing agreement the Banks allow four per cent on Government deposits, and Mr Munro insisted they should allow 4| on bills deposited.

SPORTING.

WANGANUI AUTUMN MEETING.

[per press association, i Wanoanui, February 22. The following final payments were made to-night:— Wanganoi Cup, of 500 soys ; second 50 soys, and third 20 soys from the stake. One and three-quarter miles. at lb st Ib Dudu ... 9 3 Q. of Trumps 7 3 Oynisca ... 9 0 Awarua Rose 7 0 Prime Warden 8 6 Crown Jewel 6 10 Retina ..8 2 La Petite Fille 6 9 Fraterrite ... 8 2 Cordelia ... 6 9 Recluse ... 712 Si. Malo ... 6 9 Dolosa ... 7 10 She 6 8 Krina ... 7 3 Musket ... 6 7

DUNEDIN AUTUMN MEETING

Forbury Racecourse;, February 24. The following are results :— Hurdle Handicap, of 100 soys; one mile.—The Idler, lOst 4lb, 1; Norton list 101 b, 2 ; Magpie, lOst 71b, 3. The Idler, going very strongly, led throughout, winning comfortably by a length and a half. Norton came fast at the finish dispossesing Magpie of 6econd place, but Judge Driver persisted m placing Waterfall second, though he eventually admitted thit Lunn'a horse occupied that position. Time—3min 4sec. Dividends—£7 Ms 6d, and £9 11s 6d. Champagne Stakes, of 250 soys., with sweep of 10 soys added. For two year-elds. Colts Bst 101 b, fillies and geldings Bst 71b, with penalties and allowances. Second horse to re ceive 50 soys and third horse 25 soys from the stakes. Six furlongs Day Dr*am, Bst 71b, 1; Wakawafc ea 9sfc, 2 ; Stepniak, 9sfc 31b, 3. Won by a clear length. Time- lmin lSisec. Divi dends -£1 Us and £1 9s 6d,** Dunebin Cup of 600 soys, with a sweep- I stake of 10, soys each ; the second horse to receive 100 soys, and the third 50 soys from the stake. Two miles and a distance. Occident, 7st 101 b i Cruchfield, 7st4lb ,',',' 2 Prime Warden, Bsfc 21b ... ... 3 Time —3mins 50secs. Dividends — £3 16s and £3 17s. Selling Race, of 60 soys. One mile and a distance.—Enfiold, 7st 61b, 1 ; Collingwood, 6st 131 b, 2 ; Cinnabar, 6st 131 b, 3. Won from start to finish. Dividend—£ll6s. Publican's Handicap, of 200 soys. Huguenot, 6st 121 b, 1; Conjuror, 7st, 2 Lady Zetland, 7st 71b, 3.

Supreme Court.

[per pbess association.] Chpistchukch, February 23. George William Wright pleaded not guilty to a charge of* (stealing £30 from Adam Macpherson. The jury without leaving the box found a verdict of guilty and prisoner was sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment. • The Jury m the case of Rose .Adams, after half an hour's retirement, could not agree whether the prosecutor had money on him. They were ordered by His Honor to again retire and the evidence of the prosecutor would be sent to them. After a total retirement of four hours, the Jury returned, and found the prisoner "Not Guilty," and she was discharged. Patrick Harbin, charged with stealing a cheque, the property of James Brown, at Methven, pleaded guilty to finding the cheque on the street; and cashing it. His Honour said that \t h.O extended the provisions of the Probation Act to him it Would lead n\en to commit crime with the expectation that they would get off. Accused pleaded hard to be let off. His Honour wa.s vevy sorry, but he sou'd not be swayed by appeals from prisoners. He sentenced Harbin to, th.re,e. tnou^hs' hwUabor,

THE ASSBURTOK GrtUilblAtf t WEDNESDAY, FEURtJAiIY U, 1893.



INofcices* to CJoi'J'eispouelonr. • Correspondents are requested to forward tfieir communications in unsealed envelopes, or in wrappers OPEN AT BOTH ENDS, as required by the postal regulations. No words that are nob intended for publication must be written either on the manuscript or on the cover of the letter. Letter rates of postage must bo paid on advertisements.



Holloway's Ointment axd Pills. — Abscesses, Erysipelas, and Piles.—Unvarying success attends all who treat these diseases according to the simple printed directions wrapped round each pot and box. They are invaluable to the young and timid, whose bashfulness sometimes endangers life. Though apparently local, diseases of this nature are essentially blood diseases, but a little attention, moderate perseverance, an.d trifling expense will enable the most diffident to fiondnct any case to a iiappy. issue wjthon't exposing secret infirmities to anyone. The ointment checks the local inflammation an<f alleviates the throbbing pains. These direc tions also clearly point out when and how Holloway's Pills are to be taken, that their; purifying and regulating powers may assisf; ut adjusting awtl strengthening th^t co^sti:



JS'inian Hyslop and t'o.'s " la.^eria}' pure Ceylor and Indian Teas vre th,o bestin be msrket. — f.Advt> Ask for Ninian Hyslop, and Co. a Imperial r.ew seasons Pure Ceyltn and i hdji■!'<»■. Specia prices —•' 4<lyfe



IVanted. CASH. Advertisement under ch;S heading not eXceddin^ SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses maybe Vft at this Office. WANTED Known—The Ashburton Horticultural Society have added Classes for Amateurs m Potatoes (Kidney and Round" 1. WANTED Knowu —That Novelties m Horticulture for Exhibition a*-, Show will be thankfully received by Mr James Tasker, at Mail Office, or with the .Secretary. 2§l I\TOTHINGwiII Cool you so quickly and •A^ invigorate the system s> much as Ice Cream 3 —H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East St reet. 'W/ANTED Known. - Come and see W the Bargains now on at Melford House.—H. C. Segeks. W" \NTKDKnown. -At "The Corner' now selling Ladiet,' French Shops. 5a lid. See thera.—W. H. Collier^ TITANTED KNOWN,—A great pur- VV chiise of Kid Gloves, £135 10s 61, 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. Orr s Sal ei _____ : . TTrANTED Known.—lf you want W plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Secsbs. ffIHIRTY Pieces Dress Goods at6d ; 60 J- 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.—Andiikw Okr's Cheap Sale. l_lo6 BOOTS, Boots.—lnfante Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 5s 9d, Gents' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid.— Andrkw Orr s Sale. 1 WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Ru«s at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2a lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier. W~~ ANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m ptock.—J. W. Hardlby, East . tract. 61202 WANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. C. Segers. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 50s cash. Robert i Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. rpo Meet the Times.—l am aupplying X Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of ali desjriptiona. Inspection invited.— J. W. Hartley, Elas 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 couut for Cash. Repairs done at once. m staff of men always kept and best Material and workmanship guaranteed. •\ IT ANTED Known*.--H. Bairstow W has opened those premises m East street next.J. Orr and Co., as a Furnituro Warehouse. Latest designs m Vionna Chairs, and Iron Bcdabearls on view. Having a good stock of well easoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to tak<> orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection nvjted. Ilt6l Public Notices. H A.TN MXI* & BRIDGE AUTHORISED AND LICENSED SURVEYORS., ALL information concerning Cost of Work, &c., can be obtained fiom CHARLES BR ADD ELL, 2+39 Agent, Ashburton. STOCK-TAKING. .REDUCTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. Inspection Invited. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. W. H WEBBER, Manager 1 JAMES PAIN AND SONS 9, St. Mary Axe, E. 0., and 21, Waiworr.li Road, S.E. HOLESALE AND~EXPORT FIRE WORK MANUFACTURERS. Shippers supplied on the most reasonable terms. •JLO, Lls, L2O, and L 25 Cases suitable for every Market. The largest Wholesale House m the World Illustrated Price List, on application. f . -y^r* Ninun Hyslop nd Co.'s "Imperial' Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct from ■ lit. Trsi Plantations .—(Adv ,' Jjik 13kst Rkmkdy for Inokjestion — KortoiiV Camomile Pills are confident^ rec-mimiuleJ as a simple remedy for Indigesi. on, which, is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Piltjs, with justice called the 'Natural Strengtlwaer of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perieiit, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circuir.stancea. Moid m bottles, afc Is Hd, 2s Pd, 11s, by all medloiue v«uil«fs throughout tbe wurlo*