The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY JANUARY 16, 1892. CURRENT TOPICS.

The death of the Duke of Clarence and Avondale is one of those sad occurrences which is rendered more painful by the circumstances m which it took place. A young man of whose doings not much had previously been beard—3iraply because of their un obtrusivenes3 and their consisting chiefly of praiseworthy discharge of duties—he had just taken a step, m his 1» iirothal to the most popular of the English princesses, which ensured him the good wishes of the whole nation. Congratulations and presents were pouring m, when suddenly he was struck down with illness, and there was scarcely time to realise that he was ill j before news came that he was dead, and the rejoicings were turned into the deepest mourning. Greater disasters have often befallen Royal families, but seldom if ever one which has awakened such universal public sympathy. The feeling is of a personal and, if we may fO term it, sentimental nature. The Monarchical succession is not en dangered, nor is the State m any way shaken. It is the sad case of a young man who has conducted himself as a prince should, being cut off at the very time when he wai ta-king a step which would draw closer the bonds between the Nation and himself. The Royal family, and most of all she who was the affianced wife of the young Prince will have a sympathy that has not been trinced since the time when the Prince, of Wales lay between life and death.

Although the result of the Welling ton election leaves the state of Parties as it was before the resignation of the previous member, it must nevertheless be accounted a great victory for the Government. It was a stand-up party contest, and Liberalism has triumphed m the headquarters of Conservatism. The fight was curried on against great odds. The four newspapers never wavered m tlieir attacks upon the Liberal candidate and the Government, and all the force that capital could command were brought to bear against Mr McTiean and m favor of the Opposi tion candidate. Mr Bell possessed j»very qualification that could be desired m a Conservative candidate,— wealth, social position, powerful family connections, personal popularity, and the complete confidence of the capitalist class, besides the valuable adjunct of professing Liberal opinions on certain points, and the prestige of just having been elected Mayor by a substantial majority Mr McLean had the merit of being of good reputation and known as an earnest Liberal. On his side it was " measures, not men." To an onlooker it appeared at the first to be a very onesided contest. The Liberal meetings were dull and spiritless, the local leaders apparently being awed by the strength m money influence and newspaper adherents of their opponents. At more recent meetings, however, the liberal speakers became more aggressive and the ranks gained confidence, and the result is seen m the return of Mi- McLean, the Liberal candidate.

There are two matters m connection with the railway m which some im provement upon the existing state of things is urgently necessary. The first is m relation to the arrangement of the time-table as affecting the up-express, and the evening down train from Christchurch. These are timed to cross at Dromore, where the down train is shunted into a siding to allow a clear road to the up train, the result being that passengers have frequently to wait for twenty minutes to half an hour at one of the dreariest places on the line, to their intense annoyance and often great discomfort, especially m cold weather and on dark winter evenings. Bepreseatations- on the subject have more than once been made to the Commissioners, but without avail—the reason, we understand, being that there has been a want of unanimity on the part of those who desire a change as to whether the down train should be timed to start from Christchurch earlier or later than it now does. One or other must be the case m order that another crossing place may be chosen either north or south of Dromore. On the whole, the convenience of the public would, m our opinion, be best served by starting from Christchurch from twenty minutes to half-an-hour later, making Bakaia the place of crossing. As it now is persons going by a morning train to Christchurch. have too little time to transact their business so as to catch the evening train for home, and there is no special advantage m any case m getting back to Ashburton at 7.30 as against reaching it half-an-hour later, a3 either time is after the hours of business. We believe that a movement is contemplated to memorialise the Com missioners m this direction, and we hope that the result will be the obtain ment of the change desired.

The other matter to which we allude is the present disgraceful condition of th« roadway over the Bakaia bridge. That structure carries the ordinary road traffic as well as that of the rail way, but is certainly not m a fit con dition to do so, the planking Using so out of repair or defective that, as the result of the dangerous gaps between the timber*, scarcely a mob of sheep crosses -without the Joss of two or three or more from broken legs or dislocated shoulders- Wo are informed that the County Council repudiates any respon sibility for this condition of affairs, and *c presume that if that be so the Selwyn County Council will also dis claim liability—though we think that it is at Jflftsfc a moot point m view of a recent decfeio» m which the Geraldine Council was involved, whether either body could successfully plead non liability m a Court of law. Be that as it may, the Bailway Commissioners declare that it is no business of theirs, and between one body and the other, the users of the bridge and the losers thereby have hitherto failed of redress. U must be somebody's business to see thftt ft* present state of things is re medied, a»4 wimt&m themselves liable or not to make good gso roadway, the Ashburtoa. Oouncii <*hq\i'ld cei'^inly bestir themselves to e@§ tftafr it & *#de good without any avoidable delay.

The Factories Act came mto operation on the first day of the current-, month, and as it is far-reaching t-iiough to apply to a good many of our townsfolk, including most of the milliners, tailors, , and a good many other tradesmen or tradeswomen, who are all liable to be fined if they do not register their factories and workrooms on or before the 21st inst., it is high time that some better facilities were provided than have been provided for compliance with the law. True there is an Inspector of Factories (Mr Rupert Ferguson) at Christchurch, and Ash burton is included m his district, but so far we have heard of no local sub-officer being appointed, and to Mr Ferguson, therefore, persons desir ing to register their factories or workrooms must write. It is also true that m the Government " Gazette," of December 31, there were published the forms of returns to be sent m to the Inspector and the Local Board of Health, but no printed forms are as yet obtainable m Ashburton, and we know by experience that the Inspector declines to receive returns, although made precisely m the prescribed form, unless made upon one of the Govern ment printed sheets. "We, therefore, advise all persons having factories or workrooms to write to Mr Ferguson asking to be supplied with the required forms, but at the same time protest that this amount of trouble ought not to be necessary, but that a supply of the forms should have been, and should now be sent, say to the Courthouse, and that the fact should be publicly notified.

We gave the other day an instance of how news gets magnified, or " trans mogrified " m the course of its travels, by quoting from an Auckland paper a paragraph which originated m our columns, ai^d which, after passing from paper to paper, got so altered a& to be hardly recognisable. Here is obviously another case m point. There is now going the rounds the following par :— " A London correspondent writes : To spare everyone, the Prince of Wales kept this last anniversary [his fiftieth birthday, at which time Prince George was ill of typhoid] m the quietest way feasible. Nevertheless, during the twenty-four hours no fewer than 243,073 telegrams were received at Sandi'ingham, not to mention letters." There must have been a lot of magnifying going on m relation to this, for a moment's reflection will show that 243,073 telegrams m twenty-four hours means 10,128 per hour, 168 per minute, and very nearly three per second —a rats of speed which is manifestly impossible.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The chief object of the Minister of Lands' present tour is to examine the forty runs that are to be pub into the market this year. The Egyptian Customs revenue, which was under £650,000 when the department was taken over by Mr Civilian!, will this year, it is understood, reach £1,500,000. The licensed victuallers ot Adelaide un animously dec Me.'l m favour of entire Sun day closing, pending the meeting of Parlia ment. Mr Eugene O'Conor, M.TT. R , when las; heard of was m Rome. The people, he says, are "mostly Italian, but they are thieves and extortionists.' At the Napier Caledonian Sports yester day, Hcmptou, the crack sprinter, won the 100 yards (amateur) m 9 4-sths sec from scratch. The time was very carefully taken by three experienced timekeepers. It is said that Mr Scobie Mackenzie has already expressed his intention of abandon ing the Mount Ida seat and standing for Waikouaiti next election, the Minister for Lands being too redoubtable an opponent even for the orator of the Opposition. The Onehunga ironworks (says the " Herald ") after a considerable spell of in activity, present a busy appearance just now. The hum of machinery and the crash of the steam hammer denote that work has been resumed m many departments wlrieh for some time past have been idle. A woman had a horn, resembling that of a ram, successfully removed from her head m a Birmingham hospital recently. It was quite hard, and extended from the top of the forehead and over the skull to the nape of the neck. It had been six years forming, her hair being combed to conceal it. Who says the order of precedence is not recognised m the Turf world? In a big hurdle race at Liverpool last October a duke's horse was first, a lord's second, a baronet's third, whilst eight animals belong ing to commoners were unplaced. Earl Spencer, m replying to the toast of his health at a recent banquet, given by the Pytchley Hunt Horse Show, said that fox hunting did much towards evolving manli ness m youth aad bringing class and class into closer relationship. He did not think that fox-hunting would die. It would sur vive its worst enemies, and the worst of ( the latter were those who kept up wire fencing. The " Peruvian Mail" says that the ship ment of New Zealand flour per Crusader from Timaru is something magnificent. It :is to be hoped that the trade will be continued. Twenty-five years since New Zealand breadmakers refused New Zealand flour, and demanded a mixture at least, of Chilian, on the ground that there was more body m it. We have changed all that. Sir William Fox has no less than three jubilees on his hands to celebrate—first, that at Nelson, of Nelson province, which he and Lady Fox are attending; second, the jubilee of his arrival m the colony; and third, the jubilee of his marriage or "golden wedding." There are not many men m the colony, (says "Mercutio") who find them selves m such a quandary and embarrass ment of pleasures. At the Police Court this morning a man named Patrick Harkin was brought up charged with the larceny of a cheque for £8 6s 7d the property of one James Brown, at Methven m February of last year. Major Steward, who was on the bench, granted a remand, asked for by the police, till rj?hu.psday, bail allowed if obtainable, m two sureties of £$0 each. When accompanying the Native Minister and party through the North Island, last month, " A Tramp, Esq." met the distin guished Mr Clampett near Hunterville, lgading a mob of cattle belonging t.i a friend of his with whom he had been staying for a week or so. Mr Q. did not appear to be so much at homeas when leading a prayer meet ing. He had evidently studied phe part, and dr.essed the solid squatter to the life. The follov/hjg is the estimated number of Christmas cards posted at the General Post Office, Sydney :—On the 23rd December, 1890, 34,388 ; 24th December, 1890, 101,726; 23rd December, 1891, 48,080 ;24tli December, 1891, 101,408 -.grand total for the two days, Djecember 1891, 136,114. Grand total for the"tw9 ('ays. December, 1891, 149,548; showing an increase this year for the two days preceding Christmas D.xy of 13,434.

The Rev 11. Ralne, of" ■JFoxton, is advertised to preach ac the Primitive Methodist Church, Ashbiicton, to-morrow forenoon and evening, and at Wheatstone m the afternoon. • While Rosebery, the champion high jumping horse of the world, was trying to break his record of 7ft 3£in at the Fat Stock( Show held at Chicago, he fell and was led away to his stable, and later the famous horse died from the injuries he had received. The Old Settlers' Association of Canter bury have decided that persons who came to Canterbury before the abolition of the pro vinces shall be eligible for membership there in. The Mayor of Christchurch, Mr J. C. Prndhoe, has been elected president. At a meeting last night of the united Masonic Lodges, Somerset and St John's, the name was unanimously changed to the " Ashburtou Lodge." Subject to the approval of the Grand Lodge of England the number of the Somerset Lodge, 1811', will be retained. At the communication of,the Masonic Grand Lodge of New Zealand held at Oaniaru last night, Brother Malcolm Nicol, of Auckland, was nominated as Grand Milter. It was decided to cable Home to the Prince of Wales, Grand Master, the Grand Lodge's sympathy with him m his berearement. In the Otago-Canterbury Cricket match at Duuedin yesterday, Canterbury m their first innings scored 96 (Harman 45). Lawton took 7 wickets for 28 runs. Otago's first innings produced 101 runs, Wilding getting 5 wickets for 42 runs and Labatt 5 for 29. In Canterbury's second innings two wickets are down for 19 runs. __ At the temperance conference at Dunedin a resolution was passed expressing gratifica tion at the progress of temperance reform, and urging vigilance and unity on the temperance workers to help m achieving the great victory soon to be realised. A resolution was also carried unanimously expressing regret at the death of CardiDai Manning, and appreciation of his great service m the temperance cause. The annual meeting of Subscribers to the Methven Library was held on fc'riday. Present—Messrs R. Laws, G. H. Alington, J. Baker, J. Gilchrist and A. Dobbs. The balance sheet, showing receipts, including last year's balance, to have been £23 Is 9d, expenditure £18 9s 6d, balance £4 12s 3d, outstanding subscriptons £3 17s 6d, was adopted. Messrs W. Morgan, J. Baker, J. Batty, J. Gilchrist, J. Gillanders, A. Dobbs and G. H. Allington were appointed the committee for the ensuing year. A home paper says :—lt now begins to look as though the illness of Prince Georgo of Wales was brought on by worry over a love affair. The broad shouldered, manly looking Prince has, it seems, fallen m love with the daughter of a nobleman who has been a favourite at Windsor for some years past. While at Sandringham last month the Prince went to his father, the Prince of Wales, and told him that he had given his word to marry the young lady. Messages were sent to the Princess, his mother, who was then m St, Petersburg, and also to his grandmother, the Queen. Harsh messages were then sent back to the young man. This hurt the Prince's feelings, and brought on a fever, which threatened to end fatally. It is now said all differences have been re moved, and the Prince has been promised that his royal relations will no longer oppose the match. The news by cable appears to discredit this story. Sir Morrel Mackenzie contributed a letter to the " Sunday Times " on the pre vailing discussion, "Should Parsons Smoke?" He said : " To me it seems that the parsons themselves are the beet judges whether smok ing is consistent with their cloth. The only thing that concerns the laity is the kind of tobacco used by clerical devotees of the weed when they smoke m public. To my mind there should be nothing unseemly m the spectacle cf an archbishop smoking a cigar, like Mr Spurgeon, to the glory of God, m Piccadilly, but I should consider him a public nuisance if he insisted on poisoning the air with the acrid fumes of a penny weed." A singular application has been made to the Auckland City Council—viz, a lady has applied for the' post of dog-catcher, at present held by the celebrated William George Garrard. Her letter is as follows : — "If you adhere to the reduction of dog tax you will require a person of strict im partiality to send m the names of those keep ing dogs without a license. To avoid put ting you]to this expenseloffer my services, and hope that neither my sex uor my wish to assist m some good cause without remunera tion will prevent you from appointing me to the office." The City Council declined to accede to the lady's wishes either on the score of woman's rights or retrenchment. Thomas Twiddy, gardener, of Brockley, Kent, has passed the span of life allotted to humanity by the Psalmist, and if still dis contented. He is the father of 36 children; and because m the seclusion of his domestic hearth, with 20 of his budding branches around him, he failed to find the quietude which reigns m a City church on Sunday, he vented his spleen on Mts Twiddy by means of a broomstick. Of course discipline must be maintained, but it is a reversal of all rule to visit the sins of romping children upon the mother. Mrs IViddy magnanimously forgot the broomstick and pleaded for len iency towards her irritable spouse. The Magistrate at Greenwich Police Court con sequently allowed him to be liberated on entering into his own recognisances of £5 to keep the peace for six months. The Balclutha correspondent of the "Otago Daily Times" &ays: —The Hon. John M'Kenzie is going to address the people next Tuesday. The requisition to him was rather a meagre one, but the promoters were promised a requisition laearing some hundreds of signatures providing the member for the district be permitted to reply to the Minister's statements from the platform. Upon the suggestion being ex plained to Mr Thomas M'Kenzie he expressed his willingness to meet the weighty Hon. John, and he further promised to pay the cost of bringing out a capable reporter to report fully the debate. No arrangement has yet been come to so far as can be learned, but the people here are very desir ous of hearing both sides from the platform. A conference of the New Zealand Alliance and local temperance bodies was held at Dunedin on Thursday, Sir William Fox presiding. The following resolutions were carrier! :—(l) That it is expedient that the modes of operation hitherto employed by the Alliance executive be continued ; (2) this coziference sees no other way of I meeting strictly local detnands upon temperance effort and liberality than by the united action of all the local temperance j workers, and the raising of separate funds ito meet; local requirements; (3) it is ex pedient that the Alliance continue to raise funds as hitherto, only for colonial as dis tinct from purely local work, and that m the opinion of this conference the Alliance should favorably consider any proposal for financial relations, which may be mutually advantageous, from any local temperance organisations; (4) this conference cordially commends the colonial and legislative work of the Alliance to generous moral and financial support, and considers that the most cordial relations should be maintained between all local temperance bodies and the I Alliance.

Steamboat Explosion.

PEK PRESS ASSOCIATION,

(Received January 15, 7.40 p.m.) Zanzibar, January 13. An explosion has occurred upon the African Lakes Co.'s steamer Domira, on Lake Nyassa, i*esulting m eleven being killed and eleven injured, chiefly Europeans and Sikhs.

A Tree-Climbing Pig

A curosity has lately been shot by Mr Le Morremore, who has a selection on Tinana Creek, Queensland. He says it ia a sort of tree-climbing pig. For a number of years wild pigs have been numerous Jh this locality, and his theory is that the original or common pig must have amalga mated to a certain extent with some aboriginal animal, or that the necessities of climate, etc., have caused the variety. The captured animal weighs about Icivt, and is pretty fat, with bristly brown fur, small black spots, snout and ears like a pig, bufc the jaw is furnished with front teeth like a rodent; it has large canines, and powerful back grinders. The fore feet are furnished with hooklike claws ; the hind ones have two hook claws on each hoof. The tail is thick, about a foot long, and highly prehensile, and m a stato of rest is usually carried m what is known as a Flemish coil. The animal is also furnished with a pouch, which it only appears to use for carrying a supply of food m while it is travelling to fresh pastures. The Bkin is saved, and will be sent to the Mary borough Exhibition. Mr Le Mortemore , says the flesh is excellent, and that it tastes just like veal and ham pie. He is sure there are plenty more about by the marks on the tree 3. In drought the animal climbs trees an<? hangs by its tail while it gathers its food by the hook claws. He intends capturing some live specimens and breeding from them. The discovery is most' interesting, and will add another valuable food animal to our already rich resources. It is quite possible that this variety is due to the breeding of the common pig with the Queensland tree-climbing kangaroo. Mr Le Mortemore is at this moment busy constructing traps to ensnare some of these climbing pigs

SPORTING.

C.J.C. MIDSUMMER MEETING.

|IJJ4K1 JJ4K PRMS ASSOCIATION]

Christchurch, January 15. The following entries have been received : — Hornby Welter.—Bay King, Inez, The Dreamer, Dandenong, Corn Ro.se, Yon Tempsky, Fairchild, Inchkeith, The Jewel, Quibble, Aquarius, TCilmarnock, Tassy, Silver Pine, Cajolery, Erin go- Bra»h, Crown Jewel, Midsummer Handicap. — Bay King, Tom Field, The Dreamer, Palliser, Cruchfield, Dudu, Coinage, Morpheus, Prime Warden, Ilium, TasVy, Silver Pine, Kulnine, Merrie England, Ruby. Selling Race. — Cocksfoot (£SO), Dancleuong (£100), Dialetera (£SO), Euphrosyne (£100), Chester L*d (nil), Inchkeith (£SO), The Jewel (£SO), Glen cairn (nil), Silver Pine (£100), Erin-go- Bragh Missile (£SO). Cmaven Plate.—Carronade, Breadal br»ne, Ilium, Heather Bell, Adieu, Flinders, Dialetera, Morpheus, Prime Warden, Young Cheviot. Tatsy, Cajolery, Ruby, May, Lady Sockburn, Crown Jewel. Middle Park Plate.—Wakawatea, C-iptive, Vongengang, Stepniak, Saracen. The total is 67, a aiusb 50 for the meeting of 1891.

WELLINGTON SUMMER MEETING

Wellington, January 15. The following are the acceptances for the Wellington Cup, a piece of plate of the value of 100 soys, with 400 soys added. One mile and a half. st lb st lb Cynisca ... 812 Krina ... 7 7 Boulanger... 8 11 Pearl Powder 7 6 Whisper ... 8 7 Thame ... 7 4 Prime Warden 8 6 Torpedo ... 7 4 Palliser ... 8 4 Crown Jewel 7 2 Cruchfield... 7 8 Awaruaßose 6 10 Weka ... 7 7

Poor, Dear Boy !

The following amusing letter from a schoolboy appears m an English paper :— "My dear Ma,-—I wright to tell you lam very retched and my chilblains is worse again, I hay not made any progress, and do not think I shall, i am very sorry to te so much expense, but I do not think this schule is very good, one of the fellows has taken the crown of my new hat for a target, he has now burrowed my watch to make a water wheal with the works, but it wont act. Me and him have tried to put the works back, but we think some of the wheels is missing, as they wont fit, i hope Matilda's cold is better, iam glad she is not at schule. i think I have got consumption, the boys at the place are not gentlemanly, but of course you did not know that when you sent me here, i will try not to get bad habits. the trousers have wore out at the knees, i think the tailor must have cheated you, the buttons have come off, and they are loose at the back, dont think the food is good, but should not mind if i was stronger, the peace of meat i send you is off the beef we had on Sunday, but on other days it is more stringay. there are black beadles m the kitchen, and some times they cook them m the dinner, which can't be holesonie when you are not strong. Dear Ma, I hope you & Pa are well, and do not mind my being so uncomfortable, because I do not think I shall last long please send mo some more money, as I owe 8 pence, if you cannot spare it I think I can burrow it of a boy who is going to leave at the half quarter, & then he wont ask for itt back again, but perhaps you would not like to be under an obligation to his parents, as they are tradespeople, & i think y.ou deal at fcheir shop. I did not menshon it, or I daresay they would have put it down m the bill. —Your loving but retched son. I

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

fPEH PRESS ASSOCIATION,

THE INFLUENZA.

Romk, January 14. The death is announced, from in fluenza, of Cardinal Simeoui, Prefect- General of the Propaganda. London, January 14 Mr Walter Kennaway, Secretary to the New Zealand Agent-General, is suffering from influenza. LABOUR QUESTIONS. The Shipping Federation is consider- j ing theadvisablenessof entering into an j alliance with the mining and manufac- I turing industries to establish a mutual defence league. London, January IS. The Trades Council has passed a resolution eulogising Mr Service's labours on behalf of the poor of Mel bourne. Sir Charles Dilke, addressing the Miners' Federation, advised the men not to force the eompulsorv eight hours. The resolution proposing an international strike of miners was defeated, and it was resolved to en deavour to seek a remedy for the grievances through Parliament. THE CABLE RATES. Sir J. Pender, Chairman of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, expects that the year's returns of the reduced cable rates to Australia will show that the step was fully justified. COLONIAL BORROWING. The London and Westminster Bank is issuing the New South Wales Trea sury bills, but is not offering them formally to the public. The il Daily Times " states that the future borrowing of Australia will be easier, and that the colonies are less impatient for direct taxation.

THE LOSS OF THE NANCHOW.

Hong Kong, January 14. Fifty of those on board the steamer Nanchow, which sank m the China Sea, were rescued.

THE WRECKED STEAMER.

Zanzibar, January 15, The African Lakes Company's steamer Domira which met with an accident on Lake Nyassa during a storm, was driven ashore. Subsequently she floated off and returned to Port Johnston. Slave hunters defeated the force un der" Consul Johnston, who had 11 of his party killed and several wounded.

PORTUGUESE POLITICS.

Lisbon. January 15. The Portuguese Ministry have resigned owing to St>nor Carvalho, the treasurer, having advanced £500,000 to the Loyal Railway Company. Count Valdoin is forming a new Go vernment.

THE NEW KHEDIVE.

Cairo, January 15. Ismael Pasha, ex-Khedive of Egypt, approves of Prince Abbas taking his father's position,

AUSTRALIAN.

VICTORIAN POLITICS.

Melbourne, January 15. A substantial increase m the stock tax will be one of the leading proposals of the new Government, and they are also likely to impose a duty on beer and tea. The general election will probably take place m April.

THE BANK OF VAN DIEMAN'S LAND.

Hobakt, January 15. At a meeting of the Commercial Bank of Tasmania, the chairman de fended that institution from the im putation of having been concerned m a conspiracy to ruin the Bank of Van Dieman's Land. He said that if the bank could have been saved they would have done so, but an inspection of the accounts prior to the suspension dis closed revelations that had never m their wildest dreams been anticipated, and there was no course but to advise the closing of the institution. The statement has caused a sensation, as it places a totally different aspect on affairs to that set forth by the manage ment of the Bank of Van Dieman's Land.

TRADE RIGHTS.

Sydney, January 15. Mr Dibbs, the Premier, replying to an influential deputation, said the time had come when strong represen tations should be made to the Imperial Government to confer equal rights for the protection of trade as are granted to foreigners m the New Hebrides, and he would immediately bring the matter before the Imperial Govern ment. CUSTOMS BILL. The proceedings to test the legality of imposing duties before the Customs Bill had been passed by Parliament, have been abandoned.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, January 15. To-night the clerk m the Crown Lands Office here, and latterly receiver of land revenue, was placed m custody, charged with the embezzlement of the sum of £483 6s 6d on May 16. A warrant was issued this morning for the apprehension of Etheridge, and this evening he presented himself at the police station, when he was arrested. IMafiek, January 15. The Caledonian Society's annual gather ing attracted an immense number to the Recreation ground. There was no public holiday announced, but as the town is empty the shops were closed. A man named Peter Pownall, at West Clive, committed suicide by hanging this morning. Wellington, January 15. In order to prevent inconvenience arising from the face that most of the annual Agricultural and Pastoral shows are held within a very short space of time, and many of them within a few days of each other, the Wellington Asso ciation has decided to ask kindred Asso ciations to join m arranging for a con ference, at which a programme shall be drawn up for the series of shows to be held next season, so that clashing of dates may be avoided. The secretary of the Canterbury Metropolitan show is to be asked to take the matter m hand. At the next meeting of the Association a motion is to be tabled, "That with a view to increase and improve the stud stock m the colony, it is desirable that the Kail w»7 Commissioners ghould, allow pggwl

facilities for the conveyance of stud female animals on the tail way for the puiposo of mating." And also that a deputation wait upon the Commissioners to rsk for the concession. The annual report of the Wellington Trust, Loan, and Investment Society (states that, after paying an interim divi dend of £4050, there is an available balance of £3064, out of which the direc tors propose to pay a furl her dividend of £5062, making 9 per cent for the j ear, and to carry forward £1002 fco the new account. James Madden, ex-publican, was committed i<n- trial this morning for attempting to stab Dr Grace With a pocket knife. TheWellingiv n Meat Export Company's new works at Ngahauranga have been fitted with the Linde Company's ammonia freezing machinery, instead of the usual Haslam or other compressed air type. This was the first time this machinery had been tried m tfie colonies, and the experi ment was watched with some interest. The machinery commenced to run on I Sunday, and the Company report that it is completely successful. Nelson, January 15. Arrangements for the jubilee are progressing satisfactorily. Excursion steamers are coming from all adjacent ports. Ihe programme includes five days' festivities. Chbistchtjkch, January 15. At the Primitive Methodist Conference it was reported thafc the Church has fifty two Sunday schools, with 457 teachers and 3883 scholars, an increase of six schools and 329 scholars for the year. The first draft of stations is as follows : — New Plymouth—John Nixon, G. Carr. Wellington—C. E. Ward, G. Grindley, J. Dumbell, and W. J. Dean. Auckland —-J. Guy, H. Williams, and J. Long. Invercargill—J. Sharp. Bluff—T. A. Lyon. Timaru —W. C. Woodward. Greendale—G. Clement. Christchurch— J. Dawson. Ashburtbn—J. Cocker. Manawatu —W. Harris and one to be sent. Geraldine—W. Woollass. Dunedin —P. W. Jones and one to be obtained. Auckland—W. S. Potter. Oamaru and Waimate—One to be obtained. South Invercargill—F. W. Boys. Foxton— R. Raine. Stratford —J. Clover. Dennis ton—W. Layceck. Westport—W. C. Wood.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

[per press association.]

Welling-ton City V*luatl«n. Wellington, January 16. The annual valuation of the city only shows an increase of £4092. This is ascribed partly to the exemption of unen dowed schools and partly to the decision of the Appeal Court releasing certain Harbor Board properties from liability to municipal rating. ' H>ar,r Haiti. Dunbdin, January 13. A tropical rainstorm occurred shortly after noon to-day. It was the heaviest downpour for years. Rattray street waa flooded, but no great damage was done.

THE MARKETS.

Ipbk press association,] (Received January 16, 11.15 a.m.) Lojs don, January 14. The Bank of England returns published to day show the reserve m nores and bul lion to bo £13,892,000. The proportion of reserve to liabilities is 37*52. . Consols 95|. Three months' bills are quoted at 1§ per cent. New Zealand four per cent inscribed stock 102^ ;' 3| per cent 93. New. Zealand long berried wheat 445, quiet. South Australian wheat 45s flat. Victorian wheat 44s 3d. Canterbury mutton 4Jd; beef, hind quarters, 4d. A thousand bales of New Zealand hemp were sold at the following prices :—Good Auckland, £22 5s ; fair "Wellington, £20 10s. Factory made butter ex Tongariro realised 124s per cwt. No 1. best Scotch pig iron f.o.b. m j Clyde 455, restricted.

Chptstohurch, January 15. Tho third wool sale for Christchurch took place to-day. There was a fairly good attendance of buyers. About 4000 bales were offered. Prices as a whole were as good as last season, considering the nature of the wool, and some con sidered them a slight advance. The greate.r demand was for merino which m the main realised the best figure.

Ashburton Markets.

MESSRS MILES AND CO. Messrs Miles and Co. (per Mr George Jameson) report for the week ending Tues day, January 12:— Live Stock—The entry of stock for sale at Ashburton Yards on Tuesday comprised 2878 sheep, 9 head of cattle, and 6 pigs. The attendance was not large, owing to harvest operations having commenced, but there were several large buyers of sheep present, the abundance of grass which prevails m the district having stimulated the demand, and as sheep are evidently not plentiful we expect to see values ruling much higher as the season advances, and when the stubbles are ready for stock. The turnip crops also promise to far exceed the average of former seasons, and sheep m large numbers will be required. Our entry comprised 1180 sheep, mostly two-tooth crossbreds, which we sofd at 9s 4d, 9s 6d, up to 9s 9d; while large framed well-grown lines brought up to 12s 3d each. We also sold a line of very fine four-tooth wethers at 14s 4d. Cattle—We sold old cows at 23a 6d to 503. Our next skin sale will be held at Mr George Jameson's stores, West street, on Monday, January 18, instead of Friday, the regular day. Land—During the week we have sold privately part of lot 13, Alford Estate, con taining 249 acres at a satisfactory price.

MR D. THOMAS. Mr D. Thomas reports upon the Live Stock Market m the Ashburton district for the week ending January 16,1892, as follows :•. — On Tuesday, at the Ashburton yards, the usual weekly sale of Live Stock was held. There was a fair catalogue of sheep, and although the attendance of farmers was comparatively small, most of them evidently were bent on business, as «very line of sheep was sold at prices a distinct advance upon late rates. The catalogues for the day consisted of 2867 sheep, 9 head of cattle, and 6 pigs, of which my entry consisted of 1687 sheep and 6 head of catfele, and my principal aalea were—49 fat crossbred ewes JOs 6d, 50 fat merino wethers 11s 6d, 29 fat cross bred ewes 10s 9d, 59 fat crossbred ewes 10s 6d, 80 merino wethers 5s to 5s 6d, 48 fat merino ewes 6s 4d, 27 crossbred ewes and wethers 12s 3d, 52 merino ewes 3s 5d to ?s 7d, 62 fat crossbred ewes 10s, 31 fat crossbred ewes 9s 9d, 35 fat merino ewes 5s 9d, 19 crossbred ewes 16 lambs, all cou^ed, 6s 3d, 3 woolly crossbreds 16s 3d, 100 crossbred lambs 8s 9d, 6 fat cross- \ breds 10s, 178 crossbred ewea 85 lambs, all counted, 6s 3d, 101 crossbred ewes and 31 lambs, all counted, 3s 4d, :51 woolly merino wethers lls 4d, 246 crossbred two tooths 11s 4d> 150 half-bred two-tooths 12s Id, 155 cull crossbred two-tooth ewes 5s 6d.

During the week I have sold 264 fat merino wethers lls 4d, 300 first-cross two-tooths 12s, 704 mixed two-tooths Us lOd, 450 fat lambs 9s 9d to 10s 6d. Hobsb, Saib.—On Saturday lasb there wa« a busy day m Bullock's Acrade, nearly 10!) horses and a large quantity of tiundries being brought forward for the d»7'f business, Koreea of a good stamp

sold readily enough, draught* b«vn<s wanted. Out of the total "entry over forty-five changed hands at:—Fur young serviceable draughts, £15, £18 to £22 l()s; good sorts, aged, £10, £15 to £18 ; good hacks, £8 to £16 ; lisht harness horses, £10, £12 10s to £14 15s ; weeds and screws any pi-ice you like from 20s to £10 10s as per description. Sundries sold •well, and taken all round it was the most satisfactory sale I have held m the Arcade. My next skin sale will be held on Monday, 'January-18. The wool sale has been put off till Tuesday, February 2, 1892.

MURDER IN WELLINGTON

(r£R rftESft' Aff3b<si£TlON.)

Wellington, January 16. In a drunken row which occurred m a house off Cuba street about one o'clock this morning, a man named Harry Craw- ford, a stevedore, lost his life. Some* persons walking down Cuba street about the hour stated heard a woman crying "Murder." They followed her to the house of William Gsorge Rime, a steve dore, where, on the verandah at the back, they, found Crawford lying dead, with a large, bruise on his forehead. The un fortunate man's wife said he had been murdered. On the police making in quiries, they ascertained that the affair was the outcome of a drunken row. According to Mrs Crawford's statement she and her husband were drinking m Baine's house, when Itaine commenced beating his wife. Crawford interfered* whereupon Raine struck him a severe blow which felled him to the ground, after which he never moved. Detective Campbell, after making investigation, arrested Raine, shortly after ten o'clock, on a charge of wilful murder, which will m all probability be resolved into a charge of manslaughter, Raine, who did not appear to have completely recovered from his drinking bout, was brought up at the Police Court this morning, and formally remanded. An inquest will be held on Crawford's body to-day. Crawford had been m ill health for some time past, and was brought up and charged with lunacy a short time ago. Raine states that he never struck Craw ford, and his wife supports him ; but all four were so drunk that Raine admits that he remembers little of what- took place. It seems Crawford and his wife took Mrs Raine home drunk, and this annoyed Raine, who began to beat her ; whereupon Crawford interfered with faUl results, Raine is a powerful man, but it would not take much of a blow to injure Crawford m bis weak state. Raine'sson, a youth of eighteen, who appeared to have been the only sober person m the house, was asleep upstairs, and when he went downstairs Crawford was walking about and his father never struck him. He went out to call a policeman, and then saw Crawford lying down, but took no notice, thinking he had merely fallen down.

The Wellington Election.

(PElt PRESH ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, Jauuary 15, The following is t\& result of the election :-- Mr W. McLean 3403 MrH. D. Bell 3252 Majority 151, exclusive of forty-five seamen's voting papers not yet opened. The election to-day was carried out with the utmost good feelings and at one time the candidates drove together m a dogcart from one booth to another. There was of course a good deal of good natured badinage on both sides, but m the booths good humour prevailed. Every descrip tion of vehicle was brought into requisi tion to bring voters to the poll, and sup porters of each candidate worked with great energy right up to the closing of the poll, and when the doors shut betting was even money, and the most sanguine did not anticipate a large majority. Shortly after nine o'clock Mr James, the returning officer, declared the numbers to be:—McLean, 3403 ; Bell, 3252 ; majority for McLean 151; These figures did not included forty-five seamen's voting papers, which will be opened to-morrow, but cmnot affect the result. After the declaration of the poll Mr McLean addressed the electors, thanking his supporters for the position they had placed him m, and stating that he would consult the colony's interests, and those of Wellington. The victory, he said, had been one of brains versus money, and workers versus rion-workers, and would mark a new pram the history of colonial politics. Every monetary institution, he asserted, as well as the three local papers had been arrayed against him, therefore the victory was all the more gratifying He made grateful references to the unselfish support of his Committee and to the Press outside of Wellington who had supported him. Subsequently Mr McLean was driven, or rather drawn, through the town m a carriage by his supporters, and each of the newspapers was groaned as the pro cession passed the offices. Mr Bell did not speak, A number of Mr McLean's supporters proceeded to the Premier's residence, and cheered him. On the result being known Mr Ballance addressed a few words to the assemblage, congratulating the liberal [party on the victory, especially m the face of strong opposition from the Wel lington Press and the monetary interest of the colony. Ho made feeling reference to the death of the Duke of Clarence, and asked the electors to remember the sorrow into which the whole Empire was thrown by his death. Large crowds hying about town till very late m the evening, bub there was no rowdyism,

THE DEATH OF THE Duke of Clarence and avondale.

(PER TRESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, January 14. Only the Prince and Princess of "Wales, with the members of the Duke •f Teck's family, were present with the Duke of Clarence and Avondale throughout the night. The news of his death was broken to the Queen at Osborne, and although prostrated by the news it has not had a serious effect on her health. The Duke's betrothed is naturally prostrated at the terrible shock. The Court will go into three months' mourning. The funeral b-.t ---rice will be conducted m St. George's Chapel, Windsor. The Court func tions and all political meetings have been cancelled. Sir Saul Samuel has sent a message to the family expressing the sympathy of the people and Government" of New South Wales. The President of France has for warded a message of condolence. His Eminence Cardinal Manning when dying, hearing that the Duke of Clarence and Avondale was a little better, thanked God for the improve ment m the young Prince's health. His Eminence was eagerly interested m the illness. It is reported that the Dublin Man sian-houseflagiwasnotlowered on receipt of the news of the death. The banquet at which Sir Cijarltl

TflE ASHBtmtfOtf .. CrffAlfcDlAtf: SlWftblY, JANtTARY 16, iM.



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The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS EUCAIjPTI EXTRAO* 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 proof of the genuine ness qi 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-—alj these are atithcntic 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 ©xplosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the volar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year old patient was eqrnpletely separated and Jifted up as far as the joint Qf the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging 'lo6iie and half of the "phalaux of ithe hail of tlie twiddle finger was coaled. The wounds thus eontßcica kealed m three weoks under daily applications o| Eucalypti Extract dressing. The patient haa %• etaiugd the f jjlj list ot E«r bw<|.—(Advt.) '1



The world is ever moving ou towards perfection, but#eldQm attains it. Constant improvement is being made m every branch of industry, but m Baking Powders Perfection has been reached jn Warburton's Can't Be Beat. Ninian Hyslop and Co.'s " Imperial" Gwjon and Indian Teas are direct from



Wunlcd. (jii CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be , Irffc at this Office. WANTED, reliable Girl, about 10, for general household duties. Apply Box 73, Post Office, Ashburfcon. SUNS of Temperauce.—Monthly meet ing on Monday night, 18th insfc. Business important. Full attendance requested. 1 105 /"IONDirfoNS of Labour. George ; V-> Capital, Labour, and Trade; The Dreadful City at Nisrht, by Killing; Boys' Comic Journal; Sunday at* Home ; Leisure Hour.—H. M. Jones. rtiHIRIY Pieces Dress Goods at 6d; 60 J- Pieces French Cashmere at Is 6d, worth 3s 6J ; 1000 Yards French Tweed double width, at Is 9d, worth 3s 9d. All Dress Goods greatly reduced.— Andrew Oxr's Cheap Sale. IJJO6 ESLEYAJT CHURCH;-Preacher for To-Morrow — Rev. J. S. Smamjby, IT.R G,S. Morning Subject— 11 Brightest New Zealand and the way into it" ; Evening—" The greatest question m the world." . NOTHING will Cool y»u so quickly and invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream.—H.G. Flowbr, Confectioner, East Street. ANTED Known.—Great Bargains m Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Under clothing, Pinafores, &c Come and see them. Handsome Xmas presents now giving away.—H. C s Segers, Melford House. ;  . WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. CoiaJBR. _^ —^^—— - mOWELS 6d, Gloves 6d. Umbrellas Is -I- lid, Jackets 4s lid, Hats 4d, Stays Is lid, Norfolk Bodices la 6d, Trimmed Hats Is lid. English samples of Ladies^ and Childrens' Underclothing Half-price. Axdrkw Orr's Sale. 1 107 ANTED Known. -At "The Corner' now selling Ladies' French Shof s. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Collier. TTTANTED Known—A Beautiful Line ▼ of French Dress Goods, double width, Is IOJd ; original value, 4s. —H. C. Segkrs, Melford House. WANTED 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 . treet. H^ 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 beat material and workmanship guaranteed. 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 Alcorn, Saunters' Buildings. BOOTS, Bouts.—lnfants' Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 5s 9d, Genfcs' Boots 8s GJ, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid.— Akprkw Obr's Sale. 1 108 ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robbri Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saunders' Buildings. 11/ ANTED Known.—For first-class W Drap3ry and Millinery go to Melford House ; cheapest shop m town. (See windows.; Beautiful Xmas presents being given awaj.—H. C. Skgers. rpO Meet the Times.-I am supplying JL Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspection invited.— i. \V. llardlby, Eas street. 6J201 ANTED Known.--H. Baikstow has opened those premises m East street nextJ. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs iv Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteadh on visw. Having a good stock of well aeasoned figured "Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection invited. Ilt6l STOCK-TAKING. KEDTJCTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE ALL DEPARTMENTS. Inspection Invited. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. W. H. WEBBEB, Manager. ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT. Larrikin. —Rather too personal. Pre cautions will propably be taken against such dis-j;ra;»ful disturbances m future. JS'inian Hyslop and Co.'s •• Imperial" pure Ceylor and Indian Teas the bes m the market. —(idvfc > Thk Bkst Rkmedy i?oi* Jxpigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills u»r,e recommended as a simple remedy foi Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all tine dU«eases to which we ure subjects, Norton's Pijvls, with justice called the 'Natural Ktvengthener of the Human Stomach," act a# a powerful t«ni« and gentle perient, are mild m tlieir opetation, and «ate under any circuaj«it*a<JC3. So.d m bottksi, at la l^d, 2s (JJ, |ly, ly^H ijj&diciue v«»4pe» thjpo t !^uout tji» ww\i.