MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary altera tions ;— THURSDAY, March 3. For Northern Ports and all Australian Colonies, per Wakatipu, at 6.30 ti.iii. For South America, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, per Tarawera (to con nect with Tainui at Wellington), and also for Northern Ports of New Zealand, as follows : —Ordinary letters, books, and newspapers, at G.£*<* a.m. Note—This mail will be due m London on April 14.

ENGLISH MAILS.

HOMEWAKD —DIRECT MAILS. lonic, left February 6, due London March 17. Tainui, leaving March 5, due London April 14, Doric, leaving April 2, due London May 12. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, left January 30, due London March 2 Munowai, leaving on February 27, due London March 30. Alameda, leaving on March 26, due London April 27. OUTWARD —DIRECT MAILS. Ruahine, due colony March 21. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, due colony March 23

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1892. THE DEBENTURE CASE.

While m thehands of the interviewer, at Auckland, the other day, the At torney-General allowed himself to bo drawn as to the effect of the new sys tem of taxation m certain individual cases. Foremost among these was the case of debenture holders. Mr Buckley said that this point was raised during the discussion of the Bill. The point had been considered, and he had no doubt that as the Act stands the liability would fall to a double extent upon those giving the debenture. The matter, accordingly, must receive the consideration not only of the Govern ment, but of the House and the country. jlt would be very unfair that people who have incurred obligations of that kind, having raised their money at home, should be subject to what may be called double, taxation. There was no intention of imposing undue taxation upon anyone, or to inflict what might be called double taxation. This is practically a repetition of the Premier's reply to the question put by Mr Two mey, arising out of that gentleman's controversy with Mr A. E. G. Rhodes, ; M.H.H., a few months ago. The statement of the Agent-General, Mr Perceval, that the Premier had deter mined to abandon the tax on deben ture-holders and companies, may be found to have been too sweeping— indeed, his letter to " The Times," of which the text is now before us, does not contain any such re mark -but it is quite clear from the statements of the Premier, the At torney-General and the Agent-General that double taxation is not intended, and the taxation Act, so far as it is susceptible of being interpreted to im pose double taxation, will be amended Forthwith. As for the special qase of the Bank of New Zealand Estates Company —which was formed ata crisis to fulfil a temporary purpose—it is m common fairness entitled to considera tion, fchough the little band of capitalists ot whom the Company is formed are making such an jmcomrnonly "ood thing out of their speculation that not much sympathy will be felt for them if they are touched pretty sharply by taxation. The long and the short; of the answers to all these questions is that the Government have declared that " fairness " is the basis of their system of taxation, and my departure from that principle will be rectified.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Guardian and Mail office is closed this afternoon on account of the Swimming tournament, and will re-open at 7, p.m. The rainfall during February at Alford Forest was 8.25 inches; at Alford {station 4.54 inches. Since freedom of contract has been con ceded by the Amalgamated Shearers Union' of Australia the membership has increased from 31,000 to 48,000. A Moldavian postage stamp, intrinsic value about Bd, was recently sold m London, after much bidding, for £49 J "Surely," says Labby, commenting, "the bidders ought not to be at large." The man, J. C Dawson, who was convicted at the Christchurch Supreme Court of the ( larceny of a horse and buggy from West- j port which he sold at Ashburton, went through to Dunedin last week dressed m his convict suir. He appeared before the R.M, there on Monday, on a charge of forgery, and was committed for trial. Before Mr David Thomas, J.P., this inornin", three inebriates were dealt with. William O'Brien was discharged witli a caution, Reuben White, who was suffering a ba*J recovery, was fined 20s, or a week m prison ; H v-oulil not pay, and had to accept the alternative* 'fljonias Blackmore was fined 10s. By the early train this morning * Rrge number of both visitors and competitors for the Swimming Club's ueeting arrived, and a fwfther contingent arrived by the express. The weather is perfect for the meeting, there is bound to be a large gathering and a very successful meeting.. The Kydjiey ''Bulletin" has mwU «. collection of «fty-lhrce New South Wales speeches m which "the labor movement ia held responsible for cither *'ileivmg away capital " or " retarding the investment w rnpital m the dcvolpoment of the eoimtrys Eternal resources." Over torty were dehwwl ky well-known land-boomers anil " wilil-eat ■'•- p&^p»i)y-pror..oters—the men ■who thrive on immew] ppcculatiou m s"values" created by fche igiV/r&np, tip upi jitpces, ufd citdujily oi t|i*j TOf^eie. j

From a threepenny packet ot Yates' seed Mr T. Whittington has grown no less than forty-three varieties of dianthus. Far American : " Say Dr Parkinson, can't you give me a short summary of your great work, How to Preserve the Health ! Dr P. : " Don't worry." Lord Onslow has early given his infant son Huia a " stake m the oouuiry,' having insured him m the Government Insurance Office for £2500, to be paid over when the youngster becomes 18 years of age. Many of the persons who withdrew their money from the southern branch of the Savings Biiik, Sydney, during the late scare, were afraid to take it home, and leit it m charge of the police at the adjacent i stition. The latest libel circulated m England to the detriment of the Victorian young Wly is that she is shockingly addicted to slang. } It is actually alleged that her reply to the rrentleman who asks her to become his wite fs genearlly couched m the^ classic phrase, " You bet your life I will. " With reference to the alleged swindling by French vendors of linen m Christchurch, the Belgium consul informs the "Lyttelton Times " that on investigation he finds that the men are Belgians, that the linen was sold at a price which left only a fair margin of profit, and that it was of a quality which on account of its fineness is not kept m stock by the drapery houses m Christ church. Referring to the appointment of Mr J1 Carroll to a seat m the Executive Council the Napier " Telegraph, " a strong opponent of the present Government, says:— \\e congratulate the Government on what has been done, and we can look forward with the utmost confidence to the policy that will for the future aid m bringing the Maoris m line with the European colonists. A solemn warning to those afflicted with the betting mania is furnished by the case of Noel De Leon, for 20 years canvasser and collector to the Melbourne "Age" and " Leader," who has been committed for trial for embezzling £700. His earnings m salary and commission amounted to £1000 a year, but he got into difficulties through betting and gambling. His wif© Jitnd family are living m poverty. In the recent Junior Civil Service Exami nation, as notified m the "Gazette,' one hundred and twelve candidates passed. In the list of passes appeared the names of j William A. Jeff and Samuel Sinclair Corrigan, late pupils of the Ashburton High School. I Jeff was the eighth m order cf merit o^er all New Zealand ; whilst he was second of those who competed from Canterbury, the first being Frank Oxford of Christchurch. It is generally calculated that an acre of ground is needed for the graves of every 2000 of population; and as the annual number of deaths m the United Kingdom is about 700,000, it follows that, to inter the bodies of those who pass away there every year, 330 acres of land are required. And vet the advocates of cremation nnd tnat they have an uphill battle to fight m pro mulgating their views. The phrenologist ran his hands rapidly over the boy's head, reflected a, moment and tried it again, but more slowly. " Well professor, " said the boys' father, "what calling do you find him oest fiuedfor?" "Judging from his crauial development," replied the phrenologist, breaking it as gently as he could, 1 think lie would make a good parachute jumper." A stockbroker under examination m the Halifax Bankruptcy Court, being asked whether the judge of the Assize Court m which he had appeared as de fendant m a breach of promise case had not "complimented him," replied, Oh, yes." It subsequently, however, appeared by the witness's own admission that what th-3 judge had said was that, " he had con ducted himself with extraordinary meanness, for which no contempt could be too great. The late Bishop Wilberforcc was wont to relate that at one of his ordinations he once had a candidate wh« was the son of an Eng lish merchant settled m Greece. When examined m the Greek Testament this gentleman pronounced m a Greek manner, which seemed strange to the Bishop, who exclaimed, 'Oh, Mr -, whore did you learn Greek?' The tremMing candidate faltered'out,''At Athens, my>rd,' The Bishop added, 'I passed him without further question.' " The amount of money that was passed through the totalisators during the three clays of the Dunedin Jockey Club's races last week shows a very considerable shrink age as compared with the figures for the same meeting last year. On each of the three days the investments for this year were smaller, and m the aggregate they fell short by no less a sum than £0823 of last year's total. The amount that was handled last week by the totalisator proprietors was £28,440, while the amount on the corres ponding days of 1891 was £35,272. A Parliamentary return has been issued showing the number and area of deer forests m Scotland, and distinguishing those which have been formed since 1883. The latter number 13, with an area of 311,019 acres. Since 1883 there have also been "partly formed" eight fo-'^ts with an area of 263,906 acres. Reckoning only a third of this latter total, it appears that m eight yeaps almost 400,000 acres have been taken "for deer forests. 4s c 4rst Grofters' Com mission, m 1883, stated that nearly all t\\e land specially suitable for deer had even then been appropriated for deer forests, it would seem clear that much of the 400,000 acres under notice must be land suited for crofters. More is certain to be heard of this return when Parliament meets. Tb* best medicine known is SANDER and SONS? EUCALYPTI 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, head the official reports thataccoir jaawy each bottle. Mosler, M.D., Professor, Uniyeraity, prfofswald, reports : — The EucaiyptiExtracp &ro.vied magnificently suc cessful m very severe contusions, bruises, sprains, wounds, sealdings, broken 'ribs, Qj>d limbs. ("Medical Journal," Nov., 1881).' In diseases of the kidneys, either active con- WttStion or suppression, (uroemia) or albuini nijria, droysy, Hthargy, nothing will equal m its action Eucalypti Extract. Doses, five to six drops. Mosler, M-l?., ty-qfessor, University, Grieswald, reports -. —Diphthe ria, Tonsils continually coherent presenting ulcers with white exudants, Cured m four teen days, Surgical Clinic «f I'rof. M'lntyre, College o* l'hy»Ma_ns a»<i Surgeons, fet, Louis—Scirrhus of Bt6it^~ Excision Euca lypti Extract employed. Mo swelling; ljsat, or discoloration. Cured m fourteen days.. -Advt 4

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

(l-Elt ri'.Ertii ASSOCIVTION,)

Tliw liberal Org-an. Wellington, March 2. The " New Zealand Times " this morn iua: anounces its proprietorship, and that m future a broad, thorough support wiil be given to the principles said policy .of the Liberal party-

THE WEATHER.

TEMPERATURE AND RAINFALL AT CHERTSEY, FOR FEBRUARY, 1892.

Additional Mail News.

AMERICAN SUMMARY.

Sa.n FiiANOist'O February 6, Warm work is expected m New Orleans at the approaching State elections. A cargo including forty cases Winchester rifles and thirteen boxes cartridges, addressed " A. W. Cr.mdall, Chairmin Democratic Committee," had arrived from New York on February sth, ana m answer to questions ou the subject the consignee frankly said, "We are pro viding ourselves with arm-s simply for protection against any scheme or other wise to deny us a free ballot and a f;dr Court at the coming election. Since the nominations at Burton we have been met ou all sides by statements from friends of Foster (the Opposition candidate), that \l was vw to the knife, and knife to the hilt, and that the machinery m the hands of the State Government now existing was to be used m counting m the Foster ticket and crushing out the "Henry ticket." The probability is thrtt the monstrous chartered evil, the Louisianian lottery of New Orleans will expire at the end of its present charter m 1893, as there is a dis lposibion on the part of its manager to no j oilier oppose public sentiment' j vv'hitelaw Reid, former y of the New York Tribune." now United States Minister to France, will resign that position and return to journalism. Johnston, Perm., where some time ago an awful flood occurred, has lately been the scene of mysterious murders, com mitted within a period of twelve months. Five men have been mysteriously made away with, apparently by the same hand. The first was discovered on December 4, a well dressed man, with a bullet through his head. A week later the body of another man was found, a prosperous j citizen of the neighborhood. Then followed the discovery of a decomposed body, murdered hi the same place ; and the last case is the horrid butchery of a man named Krinz and his wife, and the cremation of their bodies. This took place on February 3. It- is supposed the murderer is lurking somewhere m the mountains, ready to pounce on any victim whom he supposes to have money. The citizens are organising to beat the surrounding country. On January 31 the schooner Glendon, of St. John, N. 13 , sailed into the harbor of Bridgeport with the Bridal Jack floating from her mizzen m direct viola tion of the American laws providing that a foreign ensign must be accompanied by the Stars and Stripes. The flag was Verceived by the people on the docks, and cries were raised "Haul it down. Shoot it." Captain Trow bridge, of the schooner, drew a pistol, and swore he would shoot the first man who laid hands on the halyards. When the vessel finally reached the wharf there were 4000 angry men to meet her. They were joined by a ibW armed militiamen from the Armory, who attempted to tear down the flag, but were driven off at the revolver's muzzle by the crew. An American flag w^s hoisted on an adjoining schooner and greatly cheered, while the British Jack still floated alone on the Glendon. Severe earth shocks occurred m Port land, Oregon, and Omaha, Nebraska, on January 23. Jn the former city the shock lasted about SOsec, and was probably the most severe shock ever felt there. In Omaha a latge bank of earth caved m, partly wrecking a frame house and burying a man named Speen avid his wife and two children m the debris. The frequent marriages of young handsome girls m Chicago to rich middlp aged Chinamen is exciting a good deal of comment m press and society circles. The last case is that of Miss Ida Norton, the daughter of wealthy parents, who married Pong Wang, of Indianapolis, and who has the distinction of being the richest Chinaman between New York and San Francisco. The discovery has been made, according to a despatch from Candaler, 0., of a house built there to destroy travellers. It was so arranged that persons entering must pass over a trap which, when sprung dropped them into a cavern below. On the bottom of this pit hair, dried blood and bones were found. Suspicions were aroused by the disappearance of so many people. The inhabitants of the den fled before the investigation. J. Gordon Bennett, proprietor of the "New York Herald," who at last accounts contemplated a trip to Abyssinia, has ordered the discontinuance of the London edition of the "Herald" after January 17, and has also cabled to New York to stop all work on the new "Herald " building m that city. News paper men are asking what it means. On January 15, a special train, carrying the Andrews Opera Company, was de railed near Brainerd, on the Northern Pacific Railway line. The sleeping car caught fire and two of the members of the Company, Mrs E. Andrews and Lilie Wallace, were burned to death. Many others were injured. The thermometer touched 4(} degrees below zero at the time, and the suffering was terrible, as there was no shelter for those rescued. In a speech before the Agricultural Convention at Columbus, Ohio, on January 15, Governor McKinley, founder of the present United States tariff, said— "There is one thing they all might as. well make up their minds to do down east ; the can't have wool free when it comes m a shjp and put a tat iff on it when it comes on our bucks. They can't have wool to go Into their factories m New England free and come out of their fac tories with a tariff to the American people." About four o'clock on January 25 Miss Freda Vy^rd, of Golddust, Arkansas, and her sister, were walking towards the Custom-house, at Memphis, Tennessee, when a buggy containing Miss Alice Mit chell and Miss Lizzie Johnstone drove to the walk, and as the former couple came opposite the buggy Miss Mitchell sprang out of the vehicle ? grasped Miss Ward by the neck, drevy a Bright razor from the fojds of Ijer dress, and with jt cut the throat of her yictim. Miss Ward sank to the pavpinunt antj the murdepess jump- I jng into the buggy exclaimed "Drive on, I've dune it '' find went rapidly tq her home. The sister of the murdered girl tried to hold the assailant and received a slight cut. There are two theories ad vanced to account tor this terrible affair. One is that Miss Ward, Miss Mitchell's former friend, had made remarks of a decidedly uncbnjpiimentai'y natui'3 about her. The other that the murdereßu has conceived an absorbing love for her victim, and, fearing she was going to lose her, killed her. The first consignment of fresh salmon from British Columbia to Europe, which consisted of 300,0001 bof Frozen River, left New York recently for Hamburg m the cold storage department pi a German steamer. Frozen salmon from Canada liaye often been sent to England, but this is the first consignment from the Pacific coast, and if the experiment proves successful a large trade will result. The rivers of British Cojumba yielded nearly 11,000,0001 bof saimou duntiej the year 185)1, although it was reported as a' bad year. The American Sugar Refining Company, the recognised trust, authored the issue of 25,000,000 dollars m new stock for the avowed purpose of buying up outside competing refineries. The speculative centres have been flooded with tumors that America has purchased Spreckles' refineries m San Francisco and Phila delphia, amj Harrison and Frozen Franklin's refineries, also m. the latter city. ■TJie people of O.ttoyille, Pa., .being yxcitea by false nj.naors ,Ujat Mrs Levj

Hazi>r, a resident of the place, had narrowly escaped being buried alive, refused to permit the interment of deai friends on January 12. The corpses were laid out m the parlour, and the relatives were keeping close watch over them. They refused the evidence, of physicians that death was complete, and only yielded at length to the evidence of one of their senses.

REV MR SPURGEON'S DEATH.

When the death of Rev C. H. Spurgeon was announced, the morning papers con tained-long memoirs and obituary articles. The " Chronicle" appeared with a mourn ing border and compared the death to that of Martin Luther. The " Telegraph" characterised him as a great, fearless, and faithful creature, and adds, " He leaves a a void that will be filled with difficulty.' Once or twice during his late hours Spur geon recovered consciousness for a few moments and recognised his wife. His friends had been confident that he would recover, because the list attack vas milder than the preceding one, but the ?out reached his head, and the congestion of the kidneys returned. The deacons of the Tabernacle, who have m their power the choice of a successor to the late Mr Spurgeon, are inclined to select the Rev Ohas. Spurgeon. The choice has been between him and Dr Pierson and the Rev Archibald Brown of Shoreditch. l^ft W*M be seen by a cablegram that the selection fell upon a brother of the deceased pastor.]

THE LATE DUKE OF CLARENCE.

The death of the Duke of Clarencs left an awkward question open concerning the disposal of the funds subscribed for wed ding gifts to the Princess Mary. The Lord Mayor cancelled the ball for Welsh subscriptions on January 14. The other gifts, paid m money, were returned to the subscribers, but m some cases the gifts had already been purchased or orders for them had been partly executed and ooulcl not be cancelled. Elkington's had nearly finished a superb dinner service, which was to have been a present from the City of London. There were besides many valuable gifts from other quartets,: the disposition of which is still m doubt, j The gossip concerning the succession, indulged m during the Duke's illness, greatly increased on his death. It is generally agreed that haste will now be niacle m bringing about the marriage of Prince George to remove the possibility of the Fife succession. This possibility is not viewed with equanimity by members of the nobility who believe that all the heirs to the throne should be of full royal blood. Ifc was even hinted very broadly that a marriage between Prince George and Princess Mary of Teck would be arranged. It is known, however, thsfc a marriage has already been arranged be tween that Prince and Princess Christina | of Schleswig Holstein Sonderburg Aug-' ustinburg. The " Chronicle " says " one cannot help feeling that the ontinuance of the male succession is not too well guaranteed." It may be stated that Prince George is far more popular among all classes of British society than was his brother. The " St. James' Gazette" m an article on January 14, says: —"It would be sycophancy to say that the hap less Prince was regarded with enthusiastic devotion or intense personal liking by a majority oi those over whom he might have ruled. The death of the Duke can hardly make any serious difference m che political or dynastic situation." [A long account of the funeral has been telegraphel, but it is simply an amplifica tion of the report received by cable at the time.]

CARDINAL MANNING'S FUNERAL.

The funeral services over the remains of the late Cardinal Manning was held at Brompton Oratory on January 21. The structure w..is not capabla of holding one-hundredth part of the crowd ap plying. Dnspite the miserable weather there was a large concourse m the vicinity, and at' an early hour so dense "was it (composed largely of working men and their families), and so thick the fog, that traffic m the vicinity of of the Oratory was brought to a standstill, When the solemn requiem was commenced the chapel was tilled with notable person ages representing the four estates, the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales. All t!ie foreign ambassadors were present Bishop Hedley, of Newport and Mo'imouth, preached the funeral sermon, m which he paid a touching tribute to the late Duke of Clarence. Con tinuing, he said an era had been crossed m the history of Catholicism m England with the death of Cardinal Manning, and anew era was opened. He made special reference to the Cardinal's efforts to secure Catholic education for the children, and declared the struggle not yet over. He added that perhaps the hottest and deadliest portion of the edu cation battle now raging throughout the world would soon be fought. In some respects the ceremonies were more im pressive than those attending the burial of the Duke of Clarence. The whole scene w.is striking and grand, especially when 500 priests, marching two abreast, entered the Oratory from behind the funeral hangings under the dome. Re presentatives of the Benedictines, Fran ciscans, Carmelites, Dominicans and other monastic orders were ther«, Ihe Duke of Norfolk, Marquis of Ripon, Marquis of Bute, Lord Howard, Messrs Burdetr, Coutts, .lustin McCarthy, Dan O'Brien, John Dillon, and Thomas Sexton wer« also there, and a*r the conclusion of the ceremonies the body was taken to the Kensal Green cemetery, where it was in terred. The following was 300 carriages, filled with notable paople, behind which marched a large number of working men's societies. It was estimated that there were fully 100,000 persons around the cemetery. At the conclusion of the services at the grave all the tapers and candles carried by the priests were lighted, presenting a weird scene.

Homes for Aged Poor.

(per press association.)

Wblljngtox, ]Vfarch \. Dr McGregov, Xnspector^General of Hospitals, has sent a memo to the Premier with reference to the request made to the Government by the Welling ton Benevolent Trustees for a grant of two acres of land as a site for a destitute home. He says he finds by his experi ence of Napier, Christchurch, Invercargill and other centres that it is a great mis take to ; >uild these places or have them m the environs of towns. The difficulties m maintaining discipline are insuperable. Every time some (a large proportion) of the inmates get leave they haunt the public houses and come back drunk and disorderly. It is impossible m most* cases to get thorn to do any work, and U» such length has thjs be,'en carried m this country that it becomes i -very serious problem whether there is any use attempt- I ing to enforce tho residence test at all. For tl)e future the Qovornrnenj; ought lo set jts face resolutely against allowing thjs ditticult problem, to be dealt with \a the capricious fashion m which loc?al bodies have m the pa^b attempted to. solve it. Some comprehensive scheme, under a new law, Is absolutely required. The request of the Society for periodical advances is quite inexcusable,

A rather suggestive sight presented itself to the view of passers-by m Palmerston North the other day, m the shape of a (Congregational church which was being removed bodily to make room for the e^ebtjion of a hotel on th^ s^me'spot.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

IMPERIAL POLITICS. | London, February 29. The Tories complain that the apolo gies of the Liberals throw ridicule on Mr Balfour's leadership. ALUMINIUM COIN. Sir Henry Bessemer, writing to " The Times," recommends aluminium coin as a substitute for notes. This, he says, would render forgery im possible. IRISH AFFATRS. Mr Dillon, in replying to an Irish p American, stated that personal bitter ness prevents tin* reunion of the Irish factions, and declared that the division of parties was destroying the agrarian movement. THE AGENT-GENERAL FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA. 1 Sir J. C. Bray, who succeeds Sir A. Blyth as Agent-General for South Australia, has assumed office. He re ceived a cordial welcome from Lord Knutsford. VICTORIAN BORROWING. It is understood Victoria can obtain a million at 4 per cent, immediately, and two millions at 4| per cent. within two years if the colony will give a guarantee not to borrow further within that period. Robbers stripped the Gal way armoury of weapons belonging to the Naval Reserve. THE COALMINERS' STRIKE. The press is alarmed at the impend ing stoppage of work at the collieries. The price of coal is rising in London. Coal has risen 3s per ton, and there is an excited demand. The coalowners approve of the pro posed restriction of the output, hoping to benefit by the increased prices. The Northumberland miners have agreed to a reduction of 5 per cent. There is a panic in the coal trade in London, and prices are advancing rapidly. j

NEW FRENCH MINISTRY.

Paris, February 28. M. Loubet, a member o£ the French Senate, has succeeded m forming a new Ministry. The portfolios are allotted as follows :—M. Loubet, Pre mier and Minister of the Interior; M. Ribot, Foieign Affairs; M. Rouvier, Finance; M. de Freycinet, War ; M. Bourgon, Education; M Ricard, Justice and Public Worship; M. Oavaignac, Marine ; M, Vielts, Public Works; M. Develle, Agriculture ; M. Roche, Commerce and Colonies; M. Constans, who was Minister of the Interior m the last Cabinet, is ex cluded from the new administration, and it was the difficulty caused by his 1 claims that delayed the- formation of the Ministry. M. Loubet is a moderate j Radical, and the policy of the Govern ment will be to resist clerical aggres sion and maintain the foreign policy. The debate m the Chamber of De puties on the motion to deprive the President of the power of appointing Ministers was adjourned. February 29. The French P^so receive the new Cabinet coldly. The majority of the papers declare that the exclusion of M. Oonstans, late Minister of the Interior, is due to intrigue among the Presi dent's adherents. The "Journal Constitution^,"states that the party known as the Right, or Opposition, representing at least two distinct parties, the Monarchists and the Buonapartists, have formally ac cepted the Republic. London, February 29. The Paris correspondent of the " Tiaies," says that M. de Freycinet is ambitious to succeed M, Carnot as President of the Republic, and that he planned the late political crisis m order to relieve himself of the office of Premier, and also to exclude M. Con stans from the Cabinet.

CHINA LABOR.

New York, February 29. A Chicago goldbeater has been fined £200 for breach of the Alien Labour Contract law, in having engaged two Australian workmen from abroad. CHESS. A despatch from Havana states that the chess contest between Stenitz of N ew York and Tockiornio, the Russian champion, resulted in a victory for the former by ten games to eight. Five games were drawn.

RUSSIA AND GERMANY.

' St. Petersburg, February 29. The Senate is discussing a proposal to make it imperative that those who apply for letters of naturalisation shall be familiar with the Russian language and laws. This is aimed at the Germans. PLOT TO MURDER THE 03 AR. St. Petersburg. March 1- A plot was discovered to murder the Czar at the funeral of the Grand Duke Constantine. Two military | officers committed suicide, Many students, were arrested at Havjoslsi.

DAMAGE BY GALES.

Lisbon, February 29. Gales on the Portuguese coast have caused terriblp damage,

THE SITUATION IN CHINA.

Hono Kong, February 28. Twenty thousand rebels m the mountains m North China will make raids oil the low country m spring. February 29. China is making large purchases of Krupp field guns and howitzers.

WOOL DUTIES.

Washington, February 29. The Committee appointed to report or} the result of tho imposition qf a wool duty state that the result is the production of a shoddy article, and that Australian and South American competition was less injurious to, th.c grower.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE BANKING TROUBLES.

Sydney, March 1. Richardson, manager of the Sydney Deposit Bank, has been arrested on a \ charge of making a false declaration fin connection with the affairs of the | bank. jTHE FEDERATION QUESTION. ! In the Assembly to-night, Sir H. Parkes moved the adjournment of. the '

House m order to draw attention to the present state of the Federation question. Sir Henry said he intended to show he was not responsible for the delay, also that the course proposed by the present Government was not con ducive to the speedy consummation of Australasian unity, and lastly to in dicate what steps should be taken to bring federation to a successful issue.

IMMIGRATION TO QUEENS LAND.

Brisbane, March 1. After the engagements already entered into are completed, state aided emigration will entirely cease.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland. March 1. A girl about sixteen years of age. Miss Winifred Wall is, who fell from a tree about a fortnight ago at Okete near Raglan, and was impaled upon a stake ; died to day from hsr injuries. Dunedin, March 1. John Charles Dawson, alias Cowper Jowett, has been committed for trial for forgery. _^^^__________

Harvest Thanksgiving.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH. The harvest thanksgiving services afe the Primitive Methodist Church on Sun day ,were of more than ordinary in terest and attracted large congregations. Willing workers had decorated the Church rery prettily with flowers and evergreens, and lavishly displayed fruit, grain m ear, and all kinds of vegetable produce. The service of song was special to the occasion, and the strong choir of the Church was still more strengthened by the presence of singers from other choirs, and by an efficient little orchestra. The preacher was the Rev James Cocker, pastor of the Church, who m the morning delivered a sermon on " Sabbath Observance," and m the evening chose for his subject, "The Feast of Harvest." The evening sermon was an eloquent discourse. At this ser vice the congregation was very large, the building crowded to the door, and many who desired admission were disappointed and had to go away. On Tuesday even inga fruit banquet was held m the Church, which was again crowded. The pastor was Chairman, and on the rostrum with him were three farmers, all leaders cf the Church, viz., Messrs Lill, Aston, and Watkins, all of whom delivered addresses, Mr Watkins being as asual at home with his hearers, and m his cheery, sunny style keeping them m good humor, while send ing home some solid lessons. After fruit had been passed round ingreat abundance, and the choir and orchestra, under Mr Charles Smith's conduct, had delighted the crowded audience, Mr David Thomas, auctioneer, took charge of theproceediugs, and put up to auction a large quantity of wearing apparel that had been made by the Ladies' Work Pociety of the Church, and numerous lots of fruit, garden produce, etc. The financial result to tha church, it is pleasing to be able to add, was very satisfactory.

POLITICAL.

MR W. HUTCHISON AT DUNEDLN.

[per press association, i Dunetxin, March 1. Mr AY. Hutchison, M. H.R., addressed his constituents this evening. He expressed approval of the land and income tax, but doubted whether it would produce the amount anticipated by the 'Treasurer. He incidentally mentioned that finance was the weak point of the Government. He reviewed some of the work of tb c session, and inferring to .the Land Bill said Mr McKenzie perhaps the best abused man of the Ministry, owing largely to his unconscious want of tact and conciliation. He believed he was honestly desirous of settling a numerous population on the land, Re ferring to party Government he said he would never vote at the bidding of any party or Government for any measure which he did not consider equitable and just. A vote of thanks and confidence was carried unanimously.

CUSTOMS RETURNS.

[per pkkss association,]

Wellington, March 1. The Customs duty collected throughout the colony last month was exceptionally heavy, amounting to £164,844 8s sd. For the previous month the amount was £134,808 3s 7d, and for the corresponding month of 1891, £146,501 5s 9d. Last month's total is, with one exception, the largest on record, the exception being the month of November, 1888, when the alteration of the regulations caused a very large clearance at the Customs. The amounts collected for the principal ports were—Auckland, £37,063 5s Ud ; Wei. lington, £3.5,76,1 13s 4d ; Christchurch, £27,066 9* 8d 3 Dunedin, £37,382 3s. The Colonial Treasurer's estimate for the 1 eleven months of the financial year was £1,407,083 6s Bd, and the amount col lected during that period is £1,478,141 2s 2d, leaving a surplus of £71,057 15s 6d. The amount of beer duty collected last month was £5155 10s 9d, as compared with £4885 4s 3d for the previous month, and £4667 19s 3d for the corresponding month of the previous year. Auckland laat month contributed £1128 2s 9d ; Wellington, £560 18s 9d; Christchurch, £813 365; and Dunedin, £1312 Is 3d. For the eleven months of the financial year there is a deficic of £2830 12s, the Colonial Secretary's estimate being £55,000, while the amount realised has only reached £52,169 8s

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per press association.]

LONDON OMNIBUS COMPANY.

(Received March 2, 10.3.0 a.m.

London, March 2. The London Omnibus Company has declared a dividend of 5 per cent. The Company will probably reduce the wages of employees shortly, owing to the rise of prices for provender.

ATTEMPTED BANK ROBBERY

A desperate attempt was made to day to carry off a box of valuables from Ihe London and Westminster Bank during banking houi*s. The thief was captured after a fierce resistance.

CATTLE DISEASE.

Foot and mouth disease has made its appearance m Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

COLONIAL BORROWING.

The " Daily Telegraph " states that Queensland Treasury bills to the ex tent of £500,000, at 4J per cent, for a period of four years, at a price equal to 98, with accrued interest, will shortly be issved, It is expected the 'Victoria bills will be issued to-day,

NAVAL BOILERS.

Two of the boiler furnaces of the new cruiser Pique, which is being fitted at Devonpovt, are

THE ANARCHISTS.

Paris, March 1. The residence of Princess Sagan was injured by a dynamite bomb. It was mistaken for the Spanish embassy, which it was intended to destroy out of revenge for the execution of the Xeres anarchists. The Paris Com mittee of Spanish anarchists had pre viously warned the embassy of the intended dynamite plot. FRANCE AND AMERICA. TheFrench Government has arranged a reciprocity treaty \vith the United States. (Received March 2, 10.50 a.m.) A SEALING CASE. Washington, March 1. The Supreme Court has declined to interfere with the judgment of the Alaskan Court, confiscating the sealer Sayward, on the ground that the owner of the vessel had failed on the question of the jurisdiction of the Alaskan Court. FATAL BLIZZARD. St James, March 1. A blizzard drove off the Newfound land Coast a number of fishing smacks containing in the aggregate 220 per sons. Thirteen were frozen to death, 53 were badly frostbitten, and it is feared the remainder have perished. THEBEHRCNG SEA DISPUTE. Sir Julian Paunceforte, British Minister, and Mr J. G. Blaine, Secre tary of State, have signed a treaty referring the Behring Sea fishery dis pute to arbitration. FAMINE IN EUROPE. Vienna, March 1. Peasants in the famine districts of Hungary are living on the bark of trees. Berlin, March 1. Five thousand people in Stettin are reported to be in a state of destitution. THE COAL MINERS' STRIKE. London, March 1, The Durham miners have joined the movement for the restriction of the output of coal. Many owners of large works are giving their employees notice, as they fear the supply of coal will be short of requirements. There is a brisk demand for Colonial stocks.

SPORTING.

HAWKE'S BAY AUTUMN MEETING.

V.R.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

Melbourne, March 1. The. following are the results: — Maiden Stakes, of 300 soys ; one mile and a quarter.—Arquebus, by Martini- Henry—Acme 1, Attains 2, Silver Knight 3. Won easily by two lengths. Time—2min ll^sec. Sires Produce Stakes, six furlongs.— Autonomy, by Chester—Avenne, 6st I.olb 1 ; Azim, Bst 101 b, 2 ; Captain, 9sc 51b, 3. Won by half a length. Time—-lmin 18aec. Hurdle Race, Two miles and a half.— Sultan, by Apremont—Miss Kate, 12st 31b, 1 ; Wairua, 9st 121 b, 2 j Prosperity, lOst, 3. Nine starters. Won cleverly by three-quarters of a length. Kiraberley was fourth. Time—4min 16sec. Australian Cop, of 1500 soys; two miles and a quarter. Highborn, 9*t 41b (Gough) 1 Strathmore, Bsb 101 b ... (Cusdin) 2 Forty Winks, 7st 9lb ... (Delaney) 3 The other starters were—Megaphone, Freedom, Tirailleur, Oxide, Portsea, Singapore, Swordbearer, Ronald, Dra matist. Belting—s to 4on Strathmore ; 8 to 1 against Forty Winks; 10 to 1 against Highborn and Tirailleur ; 12 to 1 against Dramatist:, Oxide, Portsea, Freedom, Little Maid, and Megaphone ; 40 to 1 against Singapore and Ronald. Strath more was greatly interefered with m the early part of the race, but got to the front a quarter «fa mile from home. High born then challenged him, and after the semblance of a struggle had him beaten, and sailing away comfortably won easily by two lengths and a half, Forty Winks finishing third a length and three-quarters away. Freedom was fourth, Megaphone fifth, Portsea sixth, Tirailleur seventh, with Swcrdbearer and RonaJd last. Time —4min 2|sec. After the race Gough was called on to explain Highborn's in glonousexhibitionin the Essemlon Stakes on Saturday. On his stating that High born had been interfered with by Freedom, the explanation was deemed satisfactory, Burns, the rider of Freedom being cautioned. Junior Handicap ; five furlongs.— Birinjie, by Grand Flaneur—-Terrara, &st 71b, 1; Fronde, Bst 101 b, 2; Mascara, 7st 101 b, 3. Twenty-five itarted. Won easily by a length. Time —lmin 4sec. Boukke Handicap ; seven furlongs.— Siromboli, by Chester—Etna, Bst 101 b, 1; The Seine, ?st lib, 2 j The Workman, Bsb 21b, 3. Twenty-five started. Won by a short head. Time—lmin 24sec.

The following story with amoral that any one may pick out is given by a correspon dent, signing himself "Wesleyan," m a Wellington paper:—"ln the early days of Wesleyan Methodism that Church was im mensely indebted to the labors and genius of the Rev Dr Bunting. As time went on and Dr Bunting increased m years so he increased m impatience of all opposition to his own sweet will, and when president at the annual conference the threats were often heard, ' If this motion ia forced I shall leave the chair.' The day came, however, when, despite the threat, a resolution obnoxious to the oid gentleman was carried, Instantly Dr Bunting rcwe, exclaiming, ' Where is my hat? Give me my hat!' 'Sit down, Dr Bunting !! * Dear Dr Bunting don't go, urged the immediate neighbors, bui the doctor was inexorable. Suddenly from the very end of the hall the voice of the Rev Dr Beaumont was heard, ' Give him his hat and let him go.' The effect was magical. In ap instant the doctor was glued to the chair of office, and the threat was heard no more for ever. If this incident is not altogether inappropriate I present it to my Anglican friends. 11 A most extraordinary incident has occurred m the Temuka district. One day last week a lad named William Williams, who recently came out of gaol after having served a sentence for petty larceny went to Mr Charles Storey and asked him" for some chaff for bedding, Mr Storey gave him the chaff and went away for a short time, and to his astonishmentonhis return he found his two stacks of straw m a blaze. Some neighbors rushed to render assistance, but I nothing could be done to save the straw. j Turning to the lad he asked how it happened, and he replied that he had trod on a match, which ignited and set the straw on fire. Mr Storey laid an information against the lad, who was arrested, and on'being brought before the Court on Monday was remand^ for sevew days,—" leader,"

fHE ASHBtfRTON OTJARMaN : WEDNESDAY, MARCh &, 180.



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Napier, March 1.

The following acceptances were re ceived :— Hawke's Bay Cup, a handicap of 400 sovs. Penalties for winners. One mile and three-quarters. st lb sfc lb Cynisca ... 9 0 Krina ... 7 4 Crackshot ... 8 10 Pani .7 3 Whisper ... 8 7 The Dreamer 7 2 Morion ... 8 0 Huerftm* ... 7 0 Fraternite ... 8 0 Pearl Powder 7 0 Kotuku ... 711 Torpedo ... 612 Dolosa ... 7 10 Seraph ... 6 11 Kulnine ... 7 7 Crown Jewel 610 Lochness ... 7 6 Maid of Lome 610 Retina ... 7 5 La Petite Fille6 8 Thame ... 7 4



D. Thomas. SPECIAL SALE OF Oil Painl; 1n g% SATURDAY, sth, 1892. MR D. THOMAS has received instruc tions from Mr J. L. Higgs, who is leaving the disfcriet, to sell the whole of his choice collection of Oil Pointing con sisting of L'uidsapes of New Zea land Scenery, etc. Picture* on view at the Arcade on SATURDAY Morning Sale half-past twelve. 3 11 D. THOMAL.



TVTTCWMAN'S Drag will run to Peel -^ Forest on Saturday evening, all wishing to go must geb tickets before Saturday. J. NEWMAN, 13 10 Somerset Stables.



STOCK-TAKING. BEDUCTIOXS HAVE BEEN MADE IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. Inspection Invited. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. W. H WEBBER, Manager 1



Public Notice* FOR SALE.—HaIf-acre section at Trevorton for £18 cash. Fenced, and a pump on it, with a good supply of water. Apply . DUDLEY? 3 g Moore Street. LOST, from Ashburton Flower Show a four-tube Flower Stand. Please return "Mail" Office. J^MES PORTER, o g Allenton.



WANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. C. Seubrs. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed ; from 50s cash. Robeiu Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mari, S:tundersMßmldin_gs. TPO Meet the Times.—l am supplying .JL Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, j Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all desoriptious. Inspection invited.— J. W. HARniiBY, Eas street. 6J201 ANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his hiphly reputed make by calling at J. MoisoVs. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. m staff of men always kept and best Material and workmanship guaranteed.



\\TANTED Known.—lf you want W plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. C. Seg>srs.



Ninian Hyslop nd Co.'s "Impemr Ceylon and Ir-dian Teas are direct from he Tea Plantation — CAdv JS'inian Hyslop and Co.'s " Tniperial' pure Ceylor and Indian Teas are the best m the market. —(Advt > The world is ever moving on towards perfection, but seldom attains it, Constant improvement is being made m every brauch of industry, but m Baking Powders Perfection has been reached m Warburton's Can! t Be Beat. Holloway's Ointment and Pills.-- Colds, Coughs, Shortness of Breath.—These maladies require early and unremitting attention, for if neglected they often end iv asthma, bronchitis, or consumption. Ihe ointment well rubbed upon the chest and back, penetrating the skin, is absorbed and j carried directly to the hint's, whence it ex pels all impurities. All the blood m the body i 3 perpetually passing through the lungs, and there- all uoxious particles tend ing to disease can be quickly, thoroughly, and permanently neutralised, rendered harmless, or ejected from the system. Holloway's Ointment and Pill* perfectly accomplish this purification; and through j the blood thus cleansed, the influence of these wonderful mfcdieaments reaches the remotest part of tbe huuiau. body, and thus cures all diseased notion, vvfoefc.ljur uiternal tfr external,



Notice to C/'ovresponcleiixss Correspondents arc requested to forward their communications m unsealed envelopes, or m wrappers OPEN AT BOTH ENDS, as required by the postal regulations. If c words that are not intended for publication must be written either on the manuscript or on the cover of the letter. Letter rates of postage must be paid on advertisements.



mHIRTY Pieces Dress Goods at 6d ; 60 -L Pieces French Cashmere at Is 6d, worth 3a 6d ; 1000 Yards French Tweed, double width, at Is 9d, worth 3s 9d. All Dress Goods greatly reduced.—Andrew Okr's Cheap Sale. 1 106 BOOTS, Bouts.—lnfants Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 5s 9d, Gents' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes la lid.— Andrkw Orr b Sale. 1 ANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier. 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 stock.—J. W. Hardley, East street. 6*202



Wauled. ! CASH Advertisements under th;s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be ; It*ft at this Office. B """UTTER AND EGGS wanted iii any quantity. Light's cheap cash grocery depot", Tattered Street, Ashburton. 3 7 TOOTHING will Cool you so quickly and -^ invigorate the system so much as j Ice Cream"—H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. WANTED Known. - Come and see the Bargains now on at Melford Houne. H. C. Segeiis. ! WATITKD Known. -At "The Corner' now sellincr Ladies' French Shops. 5a lid. See them.—W. H. Collieb, •YTITANTED KNOWN,—A great puv- VV chase of Kid Gloves, £135 10s 61, Florencia Kid Gloves, all sizes, 4 and 5-Clasp, usual price Cs lid and 8s 6d, now sold for 4s lid and 5s lid. -A. Okr's Ssle.