MAIL NOTICE.

WEDNESDAY, February 3. . For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via Brindisi (specially addressed correspondence only), Point de Galle, India, China, Japan, etc.j and also for the Austra lian colonies, per express (to connect with f s.s Hauroto at Port Chalmers), at 1*2.5*0 p.m.

BIRTH.

McGregor.—At Tancral Street, Ashbur- ' ton, on February 1, the wife of James McGregor, of a son.

DEATH.

Crooks.—At Ashburton, on January 30, the result of an accident, William, third son of W. J. Crooks, Hampstead, aged 13. Mr and Mrs Crooks tender tiieir best thanks for the sympathy and kindness shown to them m their be reavement.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1892. WHEAT PROSPECTS.

The anticipations contained m Home correspondents letters' which we have published during the last few clays, as to the future of the wheat market, are so different to the news brought by later telegram?, and the question of what price wheat will be during the next few months is of such paramount interest, that an inquiry into tiie posi tion is necessary, We publish to-day an extract from a letter dated London, November 26, the writer of which— one of the best-informed of London correspondents—anticipated that be fore Christines the best New Zealand wheat would be selling at 50s a quarter m London. Since then, until the last few days, the market has had a dis tinctly downward tendency. When we come to look at the forces that have been m operation it become? a matter of surprise that quotations did not fall still lower than those advised by cable. Writing from New York on .November 18, the correspondent of the •' Economist " gives the wheat ex ports from the United States during the month of October as 14,088,229 bushels, and flour 1,115,358 barrels, as compared with 3,100,355 bushels of wheat and 802,170 barrels of (lour m October 1800, while shipments still continued on the upward grade. Com paring like totals for three months— August, September, and October—it is found that 64,503,187 bushels of wheat and 3,944,101 barrels of flour were shipped this year, against 14,804,072 bushels of wheat and 3.165,327 barrels of flour m 1890. As an illustration of the way m which the American farmers had been getting rid of their wheat, a bulletin of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincey Railway Company was cited to the effect that it could accept no other con signments of grain for Chicago or other eastern points at present, having al ready ten miles of cars on the tracks awaiting shipment. The resolution that we were told had been come to by the farmers at the close of the harvest, to combine and hold their wheat m re serve, seems to have been abandoned, and instead phenomenal efforts made to realise on the grain. The shipping m United States ports was tjuite un equal to deal with the immense sup plies that came forward, but the high freights offered later brought a large influx of vessels, so th*t by the end of December, or early m January, a very considerable proportion of the States' surplusage of wheat would be placed on or on the way to British and European markets, taking the previous three months' exports, as given above, into account. These immense supplies were more than sufficient to have caused the temporary fall m the London market, and another cause, the official denial that there was any real famine m Russia, had doubtless some effect. Imports of wheat from Russia to the United Kingdom m the first six months of lasi year amounted to 2,198,786 quarters, and if the prohibition of the export of grain from Russia continue for another five months this quantity will have to be replaced by imports from some other country. The Conti nent of Europe, too, has pressing wants; and taking a full view of the position there is a consensus of opinion that prices will be firmer before the next European harvest.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The " Otago Daily Times " says that at the first pay day on the Seaward bush co operative labour works the different gangs drew from 6a 3d up to 7s 3d per day. Poisoned water is being used for the de struction of rabbits on several stations m , the Hay district, New South Wales. The rabbits are being killed by tens of thousands each night. Some visitors to the volcanic regions state that the Ngaruahoe, the crater of Tongariro, is very active just now. The mountain is quite hot, and large tongues of flame m the crater are visible from the summit. A natural curiosity is seen m the Poha nga Valley. Over a narrow deep ravine a natural bridge has been formed by the roots of a tree, and, according to the " Woodvillc Examiner," a buggy could be driven across it. Several members of the Ashburton Cycling Club are training regularly for the forth coming Cycling Meeting at Timaru. Messrs W. F. Bennetts, R. and H. Curtis, and W. Shearman will represent cyclists, and Mr C. Chapman, pedestrians, for the local Amateur Club. Mr S. Steadman, the cyclist, who met with the accident at East Taieri last week is, the " Globe " learns, nob so seriously injured as was at first anticipated. He was well enough to be removed to his home on Friday. Gold has recently been found m the Forty-mile Bush, but not m paying quantities. Prospectors are still scouring the Tararua ranges, and.it is said specimens of gold-bearing quartz have been discovered not many miles from Masterton. The "Daily Times" says that the Registrar cf Births, Marriages, and Deaths at Dunedin issued last month 130 certificates of birth for' production to the inspector of factories, as evidence to that official that the provisions of the Factories Act as to the age of employes are complied with. Four small steamers loft the river port of Wanganui closely after one another one evening lately. A local pai'agraphist, after mentioning the procession and the unwonted air of business it gave the river, remarked, " And those among the onlookers who were m their native land thought that London must be something like that." The Monowai arrived at Auckland last evening with the San Francisco mail. A summary of her news appears m another column. The Takapuna, will bring the southern portion tD Wellington early on Wednesday morning, and the Ashburton portion may bo looked for on Thursday. In criticising the management of the Victorian Railway Commissioners, the " Ago " says:—" We are supposed to have no political influence now, aud yet wo find that m pastoral districts every squatter can have a station for himself at the cost of -the country, and the railway managers have powerful party m the Upper House ! " Ninian Hyslop and Oo.'s " [inpari.il' Ceylon and Indian Teas nre diiaot jjfrom iki, T.e» Plantation* —(Ativf,)

Energetic preparations are being made m Auckland to give Lord and Lady Onslow ■ a hearty send off. A strong i'd representa tive committee has been appointed, and a I picnic, a public luncheon, a race meeting, and a concert are features m the programme. A few days ago the" Nelson Evening Mail" stated that some snakes had been seen by a correspondent m Richmond. A gentleman residing m Richmond has in formed the " Mai' that, to use an Irishism, the snakes were lizards. It is to be hoped that rhe latter statement is the true one. The " Bruce Herald "is informed tiiat a rich deposit of silver ore has been turned up within a few miles of Milton. The dis coverers are naturally rather reticent, and do not care to give away a good thin?. The ore, has, however, been submitted to a com petent analyist, who pronounces it genuine, good, and payable. More will be heard* of this before long, and everybody will.be glad, for everybody is fond of " siller. " It s alleged that a " Picturesque Atlas " canvasser, somewhere m the southern wilds, importuned a farmer to such an extent that the latter put the "fiend" through a thrash ing machine. The machine was m motion at the time. When the canvasser came through the small end, the piece of him that had the voice mit said softly, "Now to get to business, Mr M—, will you take it m the parts or complete ? "—-" Catholic Times." Mr Whittington, market gardener, showed us to-day a basket of sixteen handsome- Bath Kidney potatoes, all healthy looking, clean tubers, that grossed m the scale the respectable weight of 121 b 13oz. They were grown m a paddock near the police station, and as the haul ins of the crop are still green and flourishing there _ will probably be a much greater weight if the tubers were allowed to remain m the soil. The " Masterton Star " says—" We have seen a canister full of green beetles frotr* the Matahiwi bush. They are as large as cockroaches, of a dark green colour, with a narrow white stripe between the wings, and they create a loud buzzing sound when flying about. The bush is said to be full of them. IA sample is to be sent to Dr Hector with the ' view of ascertaining whether they bear any relationship to the Hessian fly. " The following gentlemen have been nomi" nated to fill the vacancies m the Board of Education caused by the annual retirement of one-third of its members:—Rev P. R. Munro, Messrs T. W. Adani3, E. Curry, J. Joyce, A. Saunders, J. Tippett Smith and R. Westenra. School Committees must send m to the Secretary of the Board, on or before February 29, the names of not more than three of the above as persons for whom they vote. The license fee for cigar makers m Victoria I has been reduced. Hitherto the fee has 1 been £50 per annum, with £1000 surety, and owing to these enormous charges a large number of men were constantly out of em ployment, some factories closine down rather than pay this amount. The fee ha 3 been j reduced to £5 with £100 surety. In Eng- j land and New South Wales the license is only £5 a year, and m the United States it is only £1 so that Victoria stands alone m the high fee sharged. On October 1 (says the " Anglo American Times ") there was a dinner at New York, when many newspaper men met, among them George Francis Train, who spoke, and m his usual wild strain. In the middle of his harangue, he exclaimed, " Boulanger is dead, Balmaceda is dead, and Parnell will be a corpse within a week " This prophecy was received with incredulous smiles, and Train, as quoted by one ot those present, ran on m this style—"Ye are idiots that laugh. The revolution is on. The people will rise. lam the apostle of hypno tism. Death, devastation, and disease are m the air. Two adventurers are dead, and the third —Parnell—has run his course, and will die within the week. The transatlantic hypnotic-psychic cable brings the new*." On Tuesday, four days after Train spoke these word?, Parnell died ; and if the story is authenticated, the coincidence must be re garded as remarkable. The revenue of the Postal Department for the December quarter shows a falling-off of £5242 as compared with the corresponding quarter of last year. This is mainly accounted for by the loss of an item of £4100 formerly received as postage from foreign offices. The' number of tele grams sent by the public m the quarter was 3616 less, but the payment made for them was £3485 more. The Post Office Savings Bank business of the colony shows an excess of withdrawals over deposits by £10,(jSl, as compared with a balance of £40,176 m favour of the deposits m the December quarter of last year. In Wel lington, the withdrawals have exceeded the deposits by no less than £9421 ; m Christ church the excess was £4038; m Auckland £2293, m Dunedin £65, m Westport £1391, and m Timaru £989. The Wanganui office has the largest margin m favour of deposits —namely, £3018; New Plymouth coming next with £1421, and Blenheim third with £1260. A correspondent of the "Woodville Ex aminer " writes to that paper stating that while m Eketahuna a few days ago he inves tigated the alleged abuses on the railway line. He says "We made the most exhaustive enquiries, the result being that the rumours, which had been going the rounds of the press, were found to be utterly without founda tion. Perhaps when I explain how these contracts are let, you will agree with me that it is an impossibility for anyone to evade the regulations which govern these co-operative works. In the first place one man does not take the contract. Each of the gang or party must sign his name to the specifications ; the men themselves elect a headman who receives all moneys, after which equal division is made. If the men choose to give the headman anything extra for his services (perhaps he has a little more know ledge of the work than the others), he is justly entitled to receive more compensa tion than the rest of the gang. But take notice, the Government -do not give the headman anything extra; that is left to the men themselves to do. In the eyes of the Government all the men are on equal footing. As to the men earning a pound per day, it is all moonshine, the average earning being about 7s lOd per day. '

The Best Bkmkdy fob Indigestion — Norton's Camomile Pills are confident^ recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which' we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the "Natural Strengfchener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle poricnt, arc mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is ljd, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vendors throughout, the world- Tho world is ever moving on towards perfection, bubseldoni attains it, Constant improvement is being made m every branch of industry, bub m Baking Powders Perfection has been reached m Warburton's Can't Be Beat.

NOTES.

Alas for the decay of good manners and the almost altogether extinguish ment of chivalry ! There was'a time when m actual warfare army saluted army, when the English Guard were polite enough to offer iivdh five to the gentlemen of the Guard of France, and when even m political warfare, m which the weapons are the tongue and the pen instead of tho sword and the musket, statesmen spoke of statesmen m courtly as well as statesmanlike terms, and men of high honor did themselves honor by honoring their opponents. But nous avons changez tout eela —at least m New Zealand, I'or the notion of most politicians and political writers now-a-days seems to be that it is the correct thing, at all times and m every possible manner, to abuse the opposite side, and to attribute to every member of every party than their own everything that is wrong headed and mistaken, nay, worse, everything that is mean, low, paltry, and discreditable. To.such a depth has this sort of thing descended that \ I only the other day more than one of/ oui' contemporaries was not ashamerl to put m print the paltry insinuatio/i that the Avord " able," prefixed a§, an adjective indicating tia? quality' of the first public speech m London of our new , Agent-General, had not formed part of the message as handed to the cable agency, but had been added at this end for the purpose of giving Mr Perceval a little eclat, and so helping to show that his selection for that office was a good one. It was thereupon promptly shown by Mr Atack, t-.he manager of the Press Agency, that the adjective came with the rest of the message, and had appeared m its due place m at least one Australian as well as m the New Zealand papers, and so the miserable suggestion of tampering received its quietus. But we don't envy the frame of mind of the scribbler who penned the insinuative query of which Mr Atack so promptly disposed.

Among other things that globe-trotters jot down when criticising the colonies and the people of the colonies is the manner m which young Australians and young New Zealanders pronounce their mother tongue. In every new country there gradually grow up dis tinctive tricks of speech, local idio syncracies of expression, of pronuncia tion, and of application of words which crystallise into distinctive localisms, and come m time to form recognised and easily recognisable brogues or pro vincialisms, giving to " English as she is spoke" a quality distinctive of the particular locality or country. This is, and has been for many years, a marked fact m America, a Yankee being as easily distinguished trom a Britisher as is a Yorkshire man from a "' Zummerzat," and it is as certainly the fact that m Australasia similarly distinctive differences and peculiarities of speech and pronunciation are spring ing up, and becoming gradually lixed as national characteristics. This is more noticeable m Australia, as yet, than m New Zealand, but it is recog nisable here also. To give an instance m point, take the universal greeting of children. Go into what town you will, every youngster who exchanges a morning or evening greeting with you does it, on his or her part, by the one word " Hello !" It is ugly enough, and ludicrously inappropriate when it is remembwed that the expression is a corruption (very much corrupted) of the eiaculation " Ha loup !" the warn ing cry of French villagers m sight of a wolf—a " view halloo "m fact. But it is nevertheless universal, and has altogether displaced the English "How d'ye-do," " Good morning," or " Good evening." Not only is the latter in finitely preferable, but its substitute, this wretched J" Hello ! " is simply in tolerable. But for all that, " Hello !" has, we fear, come to stay, as the New Zealand greeting, unless parents and teachers will unite m a determined effort to put it down and extinguish it.

What is to become of the country if the insect pests go on multiplying at the rate they do we really don't know. What with aphides, and copper beetles, and apple scale, and woolly blight, and tree leeches, and woodlice,rose-growers, apple-growers, and fruit and flower raisers generally, are even now pretty I well at their wits' end, and yet the insect pests seem to continue to grow m numbers and m destructiveness. Only to-day, did we read a sad tale from Napier of the widespread mischief wrought up that way by the codlin moth, which it is said has this year pretty nearly wiped out the apple crop m that district. This is a very serious matter, especially m view of the fact that it is now demomtratedjjthat a large and lucrative export trade with Eng land m this fruit is an assured possi bility, and it is high time that Parliament resolutely addressed itself to the task of passing a measure which shall deal stringently with the matter, and ensure, so far as it may be assured by legislation, the thorough eradication of this scourge of the orchardist. Then again, we fear that the latest insect invasion, that of the bot fly, is going to give serious trouble among horse-owner?, and it is clearly the duty of the Government to take some steps with a view of coping with this latest pest. It is quite within the bounds of possibility that it may be met and fought by the introduction of some natural enemy—just as Californian orchardists fought with and destroyed the scale insect by importing large numbers of a species of ladybird, which preys upon it and thus destroys the destroyer. To enable this and similar matters to be intelligently dealt with, the Agricultural Department needs expert assistance, and it should obtain that assistance by securing the services of a capable entomologist. The salary of, such an officer, if a thoroughly qualified and energetic man, would be repaid to the country hundreds of times over by the benefits which would result from intelligent and scientific treatment of the various insect scourges which afflict both agriculturists and horticulturists throughout the colony.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The fortnightly meeting of the Ashbur ton Borough Council was heJd last even ing. Present—His Worship the Mayor (presiding), and Crs Thomas, Bird, Paul, blower, Orr, Cuthberbson, and Jonus. PIiVANCE. The Mayor stated that the debit balance I at the bank stood at £900 16s sd, and that the iacome from all sources since last meeting had amounted to £145 9s 6d. sunsmy. The Treasury Department wrote advis ing payment to Borough's bank account of £140 1% 6d subsidy, and giving items of same. The letter was ordered to be acknowledged. FIRE BRIGADE. The Fire Brigade wrote, submitting the name of Mr .). C. Carrie, as a new mem ber of the Brigade. Mr Currie was ac cepted. ' DOMAIN BATH STAGING. The Secretary to the Amateur Swim ming Club wrote asking for the Council's sanction for completing the staging at the bath. The letter explained that a mis uaderstanding had existed m the matter, otherwise the Council's permission would have been asked for to start the work. Sanction was given as asked. RESERVES. The Mayor reported that-, a number of the members of the Heserves Committee had visited the Borough Endowment Re sen eat Hinds. They recommended that repairs to gates and fences were neces^ sary, and that the clerk should write to the tenant requiring these repairs to be made. On the motion of Cr Thomas (who expressed his aversion to asking the tenant to interrupt harvest to go fence trimming) the tenant was required to finish the repairs within three months. HAMPSTBAD WATER SUPPLY. Correspondence regarding the Hamp stead water supply was considered m Committee On resuming the matter was referred back to the Engineer for further report. The above referred to correspondence included the " Engineers' usual report, which dealt wholly with the Hampstead water supply. THE SCAVENGER, The Scavenger reported that several residents hud declined io allow him to come upon their premises for the .purpose of emptying closets. Some discussion took place upon the matter, and ultimately the question was left m the hands of the Major to obtain the solicitor's opiaion. as to the Council's powers m the matter. THE POUND. Mr R. Alcorn wrote requesting the Council, m dealing with the letting of the pound, to take such steps as will be likely to reduce to a minimum the abuses that have been practiced m connection with this " public robbing machine" m the past. Cr Thomas and Cr Bird both spoke of the way m which animals were allowed to wander about the streets, and the damage they did. Cr Orr thought there was danger m engaging an unscrupulous man for the position of poundkeeper. When this was done, animals got into the pound that had no business there. These animals got out of the paddocks somehow, and it had been said that r.dls were let down so that animals could get out. Cr Thomas said that- it had been stated m Court on two occasions that gates had been opened ; but the people who made these statements invariably fed Iheiv cattle on the streets. The Mayor said the Council ought to fix the rent of the pound at a figure at wlrch a respectable man could make a living. He suggested the sum of £15 per annum as enough, seeing that the present noundlceeper had barely made £1 a week during his tenancy. It was decided to acknowledge Me AJcTn's lector. The following was decided upon— "That applications be called for '.he office of poundkeeper at a rental of £15 per annum for the pound and cottage " — the successful applicant to be also Ranger and Inspector of Nuisances, at an annual salary of £10. BY-LAWS. The Mayor moved that the solicitor be asked to prepare a special ordt»r putting m force the revised by-laws, which was carried. FACTORIES ACT. It was decided to draw attention of employers coming under the operation of the Factories Acb, to Section 11, which required that a, plan of the building coming under the Act's provisions should be sent to the Council. It was also decided to take the opinion of all those interested as to whether Saturday or Wednesday was the better day for the weekly half-holiday. LICENSES. A carrier's license was granted to H. Dalley. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £58 odd were passed for payment. The Council then sat as a DOMAIN BOARD, when* the Mayor was unanimously elected Chairman of the Board. The business clone was of minor in terest, and the Board adjourned.

The Wheat Market.

Writing on November 26 the London correspondent of the ''New Zealand Herald ' says :—Although most of the wheat is sown here, it is, of course, not certain that the weather will be such as to allow of the whole area intended for that crop being sown before winter regularly sets m ; while m some European countries as well as m America, the prospects of the young crop are far from good. Drought m South Russia, koumania, and Austria- Hungary prevented the seed from germin ating properly. In the United States there is an extensive failure from the same cause, while the farmers there were not able to get m nearly all the seed they in tended to sow. This generally unfavour able outlook for the next crop has in fluenced prices to a considerable extent, besides which freights have risen, and the prohibition of exports from Russia of all grain except wheat, with the daily expec tation of its extension to wheat, have helped sellers materially. The top quo tation, which is that of .New Zealand long berry, is now 47s a quarter, and last week's average was 4s 3d higher than the lowest weekly average of the autumn. Long before this letter arrives I expect the top price of wheat will be over 50s. With colier weather, the trade for fat stock has improved, but not that of the carcase market at present:. There has been such an abundance of feed m the pastures that the supply of butter has been large for the time of year, and prices are very slow to move tc the winter level. The cheese trade is brisk, but the wool market is very quiet.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

Per press association

THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON.

London. January 31. j The " Observer " considers that the ', indignation of Australia at the sup- j posed cruel sentences on men of the j squadron is based on resentment al; ! the fact that they have to contribute to the support of the squadron without, any control over it. COLONIAL FINANCE. The " Financial Times " says that the question is being raised as to the propriety of the colonies issuing loans through their Agent-General, and urges them to revert to the colonial banks, which will not commit the blunder of swamping the market, and are able to withstand pressure brought to bear by Government. THE EASTBOURNE SALVA TIONISTS. London, February 1. Disorders m connection with the Salvation Army have again occurred at Eastbourne. . The mob broke the ranks of the army procession, and m the melee which ensued many of the lasses were trampled on the ground, while several of the other " soldiers " received very rough usage. MR GLADSTONE. Mr Gladstone will remain on the Continent for some time, his friends fearing that if he were to return to England at present he might be attacked by influenza. POLITICAL. The " Standard " states that imme diately on the assembling of Parliament Mr Balfoxir will introduce the Irish Local Government Bill. OBITUARY. Sir George Paget, the distinguished physician, is dead. THE ROSSENDALE ELECTION. The Marquis of Ripon, m the course of a speech, said that the result of the Rossendale election presages the disappearance of the Unionist party.

WRECK OF THE FERNDALE.

New "Xork, February 1. Th barque Ferndale, bound from Newcastl e(New South Wales) to Port land, has been totally wrecked m Grey's harbor, and twenty of those on board were drowned. The captain and officers of the barque Fern dale were amongst those drowned. The only survivors of the wreck are three seamen.

RUSSIAN SERFDOM.

St. Petersburg, February 1. The Czar intends to restora the system of serfdom m the Samara and Saratoo districts, and if successful it will be extended to the whole of the Russian empire.

THE MEXICAN REBELLION.

M.bxico, January 30. The rebel General Gaza's followers number 5000, and are daily increasing. He attacks Las Vegas on Monday.

REVOLT OF ARGENTINE TROOPS.

Buuxoii AiMiiM, .January 30. The garrison of Granchaco, m the Argentine has revolted, and is march ing on Corrientas. A gunboat is pro tecting the town.

CHILI AND THE UNITED STATES.

Washington, January 30. The President accepts the proposal of Chili for arbitration. It is stated that Chili should salute the flag of the Republic. CHICAGO EXHIBITION. The Chicago Exhibition opens on October 12. There will be an inter national naval review lasting three days, which is estimated to cost 60,000 dollars. THE AMERICAN FLEET. The mobilisation of the American fleet has now ceased.

AUSTRALIAN.

QUEENSLAND'S FINANCES. Brisbane, February I. Sir T. Mcllwraith denies that the colony's treasury bills are to be offered for one year at 4| per cent. He says that if they are not placed at the original price they will probably be withdrawn. He also states that the Government can carry on at the present rate of expenditure for the next 18 months. During that period large sales of land m the western district will probably be effected. Sir Samuel Griffith reiterated the statement he made to the Adelaide interviewers regarding the attitude of the Bank of England.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, February 1. The Auckland Gas Company has de clared a dividend of 7s 6d per share on 15 500 fully paid up shat'ts~~an<l 3s 6d per share on 13,743 half paid up shares ; to gether £8389 6s 3d; and carry forward £4642 18s 9d t® profit «nd loss account. One of the party who travelled over the Stratford route, Mr Oliphant, says drey found coal apparently m immense quan tity and available for railway purposes. The district is well watered throughout. A bridle road, costing £6000, would be sufficient to open the country, and it might be done at once. It would then be possible to drive cattle through to Auck land. Of the 103 miles travelled ninety five miles is splendid land, the finest m the Taranaki district. A man whose name is not known was lying on the Epsom tram line to-nigkt, when a car ran into him, fracturing his skull and almost tearing off one of his legs. He was taken to the hospital, but is not J expected to recover. The man is elderly : and appears to be a gum-digger. Mr Thomas Russell, C.M.G., is a passenger 'to Sydney by the Monowai, which sailed for that port at eight o clock to-night.. Wellington, February 1. Judgment was given against the Picturesque Atlas Company m the Resi dent Magistrate's Court to^doy m a case m which they sued a subscriber for the | recovery of &'lO 10s, Mr Robinson, R.M,, holding thafe the agent had wrongfully made a false statement when obtaining the defendant's signature to the order. At the annual meeting of the Trust, Loan, and Investment Company to-nigh % the chairman, m reply to » question as to the position the company was placed m by the new system of taxation, said it was; rather premature to say how the Acfc would affect the company, but he might mention that at the maximum of Is 6d m the £ income tax on profits the company wqyld, ]me to pay $675 en the <Uv»4«wi

they aro now declaring,' as against £469 under the old account. Jc really meant a charge of £20!} t > tho company.. A divi dend at the i\ite of 9 per cent was cirricd. At the minu.il meeting of the Welli?ig ton Gu; Company to-day, a dividend ot J2 per cent w.-i" passed ;is roc mm ended. Wish legard to the iwtrcdaction o the electric light into the city, the chairman said that/ although there was undoubtedly a great future before electricity as a liyliv ing power, there was at the .same time a great future for gas, and gas stocks were well worth holding. The introduction of the electric light into Wellington had had tho effect of delaying the reduction m tho price of g/is, because the company lost the corpoifiti'on as a. consumer, but with the natural increase of population they had now got back, and even exceeded, the old demand for g;i.s. It had also boon found that where the electric light was most used it c-id not materially affect the pro spects of the aaa company. Dcnbdin, February 1. The Equitable Investment Company's Directors have declared a dividend at the rate of 7 per cent per annum.

NELSON JUBILEE.

[me press association.]

Nklson, February 1. The Fine Art Exhibition opened to-day with, a shorb ceremony. There is a fair collection of pictures. At to-day's celebration the Mayor read a letter from Sir F. D. Bell, regretting that owing to illness m his family he was unable to be present to take part m doing honor to the pioneers. The townspeople have decided to go m for a week's holiday, consequently, with the influx of visitors, a lively week is expected. About 300 old settlers sat down to a banquet, the M?>yor presiding. Among those present were—Bishop Julius, Arch bishop Redwood, Hon R. J. Seddon, the Bishop elect of Nelson, and Captain Bourke, of H.M.S. Bingarooma. Captain Bourke, m replying to "The Army and Navy," spoke of the hospitality of tbe colonists, and trusted the young men would consider the question of join ing some force for the protection of the colonies by sea. In replying to the toast of "The Early Settlers," Mr Saunders referred, m congratulatory term*, to the pioneers, paid a high tribute to the late Isaac M. Hill, Captain Rough, and Grace Darling (Julia Martin). The latter he said had done a £ood deal to reconcile differences between the European and Maori races. Messrs Henry Redwood, Wastney, and Singer also replied. Iv .speaking to the toast of the victims of the Wairau Massacre, Bishop Redwood said one feature of a young nation, and m fact of all nations, was they honored m their hearts those who sacrified their blood for the country. Jn reply to the toast of " The Ministry and the Legislative Council," Mr Seddon claimed that the Government represented the people of New Zealand and no par ticular class. They were the government of the people for the people. Mr Harkness, the city representative, regretted the introduction of politics into the affair, and condemned the talking power of the present House. He said the present Minister for Public Works had stongwalled himself into his present position. This led to the Mayor appeal ing that no personalities should be in dulged m. After a couple of other toasts, the meet ing broke up with the singing of " Auld Lang Syne." Later on the Lady Mayoress planted a jubilee tree m the Queen's Garden. The sports m the Park were well attended and there was good competition. A display of fireworks this evening was a great success.

FATAL ACCIDENT.

The funeral took place yesterday. Tlie Rev. Mr Beattie conducted service at Mr Crooks' house and at the grave at the Ashburton Cemetery. Notwithstanding that no public notice was given, the funeral procession was very long. Four of the companions of the late youth were, bearers, and a large number of his school fellows followed. The Oddfellows and Freemasons, the Hampstead Town Board and the Hampstead School Committee, of all which bodies Mr Crooks is a member ; the town carriers to a man, and a number of the employees at the Railway, the Woollen Mills, and the wool and grain stores were present to show their regret for the untimely death of Mr Crooks' son, and their sympathy and respect for the bereaved parents and family. Upwards of forty vehicles and a number of horsemen were also m the procession, showing the widespread sorrow: felt at the sad occurrence. At the grave the coffin was loaded with wreaths and other floral emblems, and after it was lowered many young friends and schoolfellows dropped sprays and flowers into the grave as they cast a last look at the coffin containing all that remained of one of their best-loved companions.

CRICKET.

ENGLAND V. AUSTRALIA,

{YES. PRESS ASSOCIATION.;

Sidney, February 1. There was a great attendance afc* the cricket match to-day. At the close of the day's play the Australians had lost three wickets for 263 runs. The principal scores were Lyons 134, Bannerinan (not out) 67, Giffen 49, Bruce (not out) 5. Lyons played amagnificentinnings, hitting with great freedom and brilliancy. He only gave one chance during the innings and that was a difficult one. He received a, great ovation on returning to the pavilion. Bannerman played a splendid defensive game.

San Francisco Mail.

PER MANOWAI AT AUCKLAND

PER PKESS ASSOCIATION,]

Auckland, February 1. GENERAL SUMMARY. The Manowai arrived at Auckland this evening. Her dates from Europe are to January 10. Severe snowstorms accompanied with intensely cold weather prevailed m many parts of the United Kingdom. On January 8, (he snow fall was so heavy that railway traffic was greatly impeded and telegraph communication interrupted. The post of custodian of Windsor Castle, made vacant by the death of Prince Victor ef Hohenlohe, the salary of which is £1200 yearly, is a matter of court dispute. Tho Prince of Wales wants the Queen to give the place to the Duke of Teck, but the Queen is inclined to give it to Prince Henry of Ba.ttenhurg. There is a very bittey feeling m many quarters against granting a six years contract for the English Parliamentary' printing to a G eirman firing though the bitterest grumblers hardly express a doubt that the contract, if ratified., vfs be carried out. The composer, Alfred QelHei 1, died m London on December- 28, of iufluonza, from which he had suffered two weeks. Ue wis unable to finish the orchestration I of " The Mountebanks " comic, opera, the joint work of himself and W. g. Gilbert, m time for production at the date first set. Oellier was a great personal favorite i W the profession^ world, Hamaclea!

! j>ivnl reputation with his opera of "Dorothy" m London aad Australia* a"^ w; ls veryMnccossfulasa- song writer. Alfred Celhec, whose real Ijanie was ilellaher, was : <Jyma a long time before lie finished hissha.ro of "The Mountebanks." Jne S3oi-o -was still incomplete on December 29. On Monday nisjht. Cellier wro'p Ins last; note of music, nnd died. -Lo make me.rry music io face of death was the task '.he had ,seb for himself. A panic w&a caused ac a theatre m Gafceshoad, county Durham, England, on December 27, by the sight of a small blaze caused by a man m the audience dropping a lighted match on the sawdust covered floor, A cry of fire; va.sßaised, and immediately there was 'a"wild rush for tfiie doors, which became so blocked that -only a few succeeded m getting out. ihe staircase leadiug from the gallery was asimiiarly obstructed. A check-taker, who attempted to restrain the crowd, was trampled to death. When the panic subsided* the bodies of nine children were found lying on the staircase, among them the ht tie son of a constable who came to assist m the work of rescue; The attraction' for the evemug was the pantomime of "Alladdin," and"the theatre was laterally packed. • The occasion was made memorable by many acts of heroism. One man, who occupied a gallery seat, jump ed from the gallery railings to the balcony below, and slid 5 through to the sragi;, all the time having a child between his, iceeth. Several women were rescued by- other men m a similar manner. 'Uo rles, _ a graduate > of' Oxford; was arrested m Londoii on December 31, while m the ace of bombarding fhe ijouse of Commons ivith a revolver. [ When arrest .ed, ho informed s the Magistrate that ;he was taking that way of showing contempt for the members of the House. The opinion is that Borles is mentally unbalj i,need. Mr Gladstone reached his eighty-second year o a December 29. He was at that i time at Biarritz, a French watering-place m tin i Bay of Biscay, seeking to recruit his st rength m order to perform the , Parliamentary duties before him. The munit ;ipal authorities of that place waited ' upoix him on the occasion of his birthday, and congratulated him on the anniversary. Fif tee m members of the British Club also called, and presented him with a floral crown. Mr Gladstone "was blackballed on December 22 at the English Club at Birsrrfitz. Mr Andrew Fairbairn, Presi dent of the Club, who had proposed Mr ! Gladstone, resigned his presidency m 1 consequence. j The Liverpool Chamber of Commerce [ decide d on December 18 not to take part m the Chicago World's Fair as a local centre,, on the ground that the McKinley laws t'.eprived Liverpool of Chicago's trade,. and American manufacturers would copy English exhibits. ! Tha Czar,, says a despatch of January 4, has given offence by declaring publicly that aio famine exists, and there has only beeu a partial failure of crops. This expressi on of opinion is very general m , official circles. In several provinces of the Erapire the Zemistovs, or district assemblies, have decided to issue loans at a low rate of interest. This means is designed for the relief of famine-stricken peasants, and to prevent their selling or pawning their tools or farming imple ments. It. is reported by the London "Standard's" St Petersburg correspon dent thjvt the Grand Duke Sergius, disguised as a peasant m order to discover the truths about the alleged difficulty m purchfwsiuig bread, had a quarrel with a baker, acrid was thrown into the street by policemen, who severely hurt him, and was about to arrest hira when he revealed himself, whereupon three police officers commit ted suicide. Nearly all the flour men of the iitorth- western states of the American Union have contributed to the relief of the starving Russians. About oue million pounds have already been sent. The Chinese Government will not be represented at the World's Fair, m Chicago. The Emperor's reasons for declining to send an exhibit are that the United States Government has discrimi nated against the citizens of that Empire, and that the_ Chinese could not come to the Exposition without being put m a humiliating attitude, needing a special passport lo be granted by a special Act of Congress. Tnree thousand bales of high grade wool from Sydney, New South Wales, of an average of 350 pounds each, were brought to San Francisco on the steam ship Monowai, which arrived from the port named on Christmas morning. On the last trip of the steamship Mariposa 1928 bales of tho same average weight arrived, and the next steamship from the colony (the Alameda; due January 21) is expected to bring to San Francisco a con signment of Australasian fleece fully up to the Monavai's shipments. These ship ments are considered unusally heavy, and the fact that the McKinley tariff has placed 11 and 12 cents a pound on tho long fleeces from the antipodes does not i«eem to have any other eftect on the Boston merchants, who are the importers of wool for use m Massachusetts factories,, than to make them demand more of tha> article. Mr Labouchere, m Truth, is indulging* m sensational articles concerning Great Britain and her colonies. On the 30th. he said that the manifest destiny of Canada was annexation to the United States, and also that the lack of Australian loyalty to to the British Crown was all bunkum. The influenza has bec)me epidemic fa the eastern part of County Kent. In Dover the authorities took vigorous means fco stamp it out, but without avail. The disease being considered contagious, they applied the law which punishes all persons afflicted with a contagious dise&se appear ing m public Three victims of the " gri PP e>" not knowing such a law, were fined £5 each, m addition to then, suffer ings. Mr Joseph Chamberlain assured the Labor delegates who waited on him recently of the Government's willingness to adopt legislation looking to the amelioration of the laboring classes, particularly the agricultural, throughout the country, and the improvement of their dwelling, and would introduce measures to allow laborers to acquire small holdings co assist them m procuring land. * Much alarm was felt m shipping and commercial circles because of the re signation of underwriters at Lloyd's. A, London despatch of December 11 sa> s that three more gentlemen engaged m. the marine insurance business have concluded to withdraw as their losses are v^fy heavy. This will make a total of 17 "underwriters who have withdrawn fron\ the society of Lloyd's within a few weeks, and the c-ffuct upon shipowners and shipping is not good!. The scandal arising f rom tho discovery of adulterated flour m St Petersburg, says a despatoh of December 28, is likely to make trouble for a large number of pooply. A consignment that comprised 300,(MX> poods (7,800,000 EnglisVi pounds) of Wley flour was purchased. £om dealers m Libau, with a view to regulating the prices of wheats fa those. Petersburg market, as well as to afford relief to the famine sufferers. Investigation proved that the entire consignment was adulterated with chalk dust and ochor substances. These adulterations comprised such a large pro portion of the consignment that'the use of the alleged flour would constitute a very dangerous menace to the health, it. not to the lives of those who partook <?£" it. A band of anarchists from the district. surrounding Xeres attacked that 4;g-wn on, the night of January 8, for ths. purpose lof pillage.. The gendarmes waiting • I for the party, however, j\nd\ a, sharp fight ensued. The anarohiyfcs renewed:the con- - \ flici; wfter bojynj $Q.pwed, an4'ke{(t it up.

THE ASHBURTON GTTARDIAN: TtIESftAY, FEBRUARY % 1892,



Holloway's Ointment and Pills.—The combined ill effects of over-crowding, seden tary occupations, and monotony of life are only too well known to those who have to past the best part of their lives laboring m factories and crowded workrooms. The compulsory confinement weakens the general health and induces chronic constipation, in digestion, and various forms of skin diseases. Holloway's remedies are of priceless value to persons ot this class, for they can be used without entailing los 3of work, being purely vegetable m their compositions, and conse quently act; without harshness on the most delicate system. The experience of more than forty yeara proves that no means surpass Holloway's remedies for curing bad legs, bad * breasts, piles, m<i, wvwte of fill fciudsj.



"Keatino's Powder" destroys Bugs, Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m application. See the article you Durclmse is " Keatins's," as imitations are oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tup, 6d, U ai}d 24 Gd ewb, by all glwutfstg.



JS rinian Hyslop -and Oo.'s %> Imperial pure Ceylor and Indian Teas are the bes m the market. -/Advfc Ask for Ninian Hyhlop, and Co. s Imperial new seasons Pure Ceylon and



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS EUCALPTI EXTRACT Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe, are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occa sion to offer rewards m jwoof of the genuine ness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and universities, the official communication of the Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all these are authentic documents, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various cases treated by Siegenl M.D , Professor, etc. Burning of the right hand through the explosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the volar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging loose and half of the phalaux of the nail of the middle finger was coaled. The wounds thus contracted healed m three weeks under duly applications of Eucalypti Extract dressing. The patient has retained the full use of her hand.—(Advfc.) I



Don't bk Deceived !—lf you want the best Medicine the world has ever pro duced, try Colbmane ahd Sons Eucalypti Extract. For all affections of the chesfc and lungs, consumption, asthma, coughs, colds, gravel, and kidney complaints. For influenza it has no equal. Under the distinguished patronage nf Earl Jersey, CJovernor of New South Wales, Lord Carrington, and the J'Jmperor of Germany. Awarded medala at Sydney 11 Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating ail competitors, and s fch« only pure Extract m the world. See that ithe label bears our trade mark tree of life nmd signature Colemane and JSona, Oootamundr^ New South Wales) without this it ie Sftftud. Price, Is 6d ■mA 2s 6d. Wholesale Depot tor New sKeala»d: liichfield street, £Sfemtchurch !So c Agents for Ashburton; f fee Asb



STOCK-TAKING. KEDUCTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE IK ALL DEPAETMENTS. Inspection Invited. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. W. H. WEBBER Manager.



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS I/-. Addresses- maybe Ifftat this Office. , i 1,, ■■■- ■"— ■ WANTED, a Boarder, comfortable home, five minutes' walk from R*il way Station. Apply K.M., offics of th is paper. 2_ *■ T OST, on Sunday last, between Tin- I j wald and Winslow, a buggy whip. Return to Mail Office. 2 3 "jmOR SALE. — Cabbage, Turnips, _£? Carrots, Parsnips, Onions, Beet root, Peas, French Beam, Potatoes 24lbs la.—Thos. Whittington, next Police Station. ! *2 RS HOMERSHAM will resume her usual classes for Drawing and Painting on Wednesday and Saturday next, m Saunders' Buildings. 2 6 T\TOTHING will Cool you so quickly and -i-* invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream.—H.G. Flower, Confectioner, Eaat Street. ' : _ TI7ANTED KNOWN,—A great pur *▼ chase of Kid Gloves, £135 10s 61- Floreneia Kid Gloves, all sizes, 4 and 6 -Clasp, usual price Os lid and 8s 6d, now Bold for 4* lid and 5* lid. -A. Okk s • Sale. "XT? ANIED Known.—Great Bargains W now on at Melford House. Beautiful Cashmeres at Is 6d-; usual price 3 S# —H. C. Segers. THIRTY Pieces Dress Goods at6d ; 60 Pieces French Cashmere at Is 6d, worth 3s 6d ; 1000 Yards French Tweed, double width, at Is 9d, worth 3s 9d. All j Dress Goods greatly reduced.—Andrew Orr's Cheap Sale. 1 106 WANTED Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Under clothing, Pinafores, &c. Come and see them. Handsome Xmas presents now giving away.—H. C» Seobrs, Melford House. . t BOOTS, Boots.—lnfants Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 5s 9d, Gents' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher j Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid.— Andrbw Orr s Sale. 1 ANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2 s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier. W~~ ANTED Known.— At "The Corner' now selling Ladie&' French Shops. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Collieb. "VVTANTED Known.—l have a large W stock of Tin and Ironware Goods •O select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Hardley, East .treet. 6J202 SHEEP SHEARS. Having secured a Stock of the celebrated 8.8.A., and as there are very few m the Colony, Shearers are requested to call early.— Robert Alcork, Saunders 1 Buildings. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50a cash. Robert Alcork, Ashburi,on Clothing Marl, Saundera' Buildings. WANTED Known.—For first-class Drapary and Millinery go to Melford House ; cheapest shop m town. (See windows.; Beautiful Xmas presents einjjgiven away.—H.* C. Segers. WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. • Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best. material and workmanship guaranteed. WANTED Known.- -H. Bairstow has opened those premises m East street next.!. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs n Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on visw. Having a good stock of well a easoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. 11161