The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1892. CURRENT TOPICS.

In the course of his summing up m the " Observer" libel action at Auck land Mr Justice Connolly made the following remarks ©n the Press of New Zealand :—" There are many classes of newspapers m existence, but those m this colony may be divided into three classes. We have the daily news papers published m the centres of popu lation, m the large cities, and the&e newspapers as a rule are conducted with ability, with vigour, with decorum, and are such as might be quite favour ably compared with the newspapers published m the metropolis of the United Kingdom. Then we have the other smaller newspapers—nearly every village has its newspaper. These are probably not so ably conducted, and sometimes not so fairly, but with re gard to the newspapers m the main cities, though we may differ entirely from them m their political views or m other matters, it must be admitted they are conducted with ability and decorum and never descend to personal abuse. Then there are other papers, both here and m the old country, what are called society papers, whose whole mission seems to me to be abuse and mischief-making. Whether or not the •' Observer " comes under that category I leave the jury to decide." Why his Honor went out of his way to cast a reflection upon the country newspapers is not clear. Quite as capable observers as he is have given the highest praise to the country newspapers and the man ner m which they are conducted. They may not be able to command such an array of talent as is comprised m the staff of a large town paper, butto say that the country papers are less fair m argu ment or conducted with less decorum than the town papers is a libel almost as bad as that which his Honor was sitting upon.

So the time of the penny postage is not yet. The Government are quite right to act with caution m the matter, for it would be unpleasant should it become necessary, as it has been m Victoria, to revert to the two-penny rate after adopting the penny rate. A good deal of idle writing is being in dulged m by opponents of the Govern ment on this small matter, but to look upon a postponement of the induction for a couple of months as a political triumph shows to what straits these writers are reduced. They opposed the reduction on the ground that it would affect principally the mercantile and banking class and be of little or no benefit to the community generally. If they could only deal with the sub ject fairly they would point out that the temporary shelving of the reduction matters very little to merchants and traders, as invoices, accounts, and com mercial papera generally may now be sent through the post at the penny rate, and for a half-penny if to be de livered from the same post office as they are posted at, provided that the envelopes containing them are not sealed. Some traders, certainly, have not availed themselves of this regula tion, fearing to offend their customers by sending accounts m unsealed enve lopes ; but the regulation has been m force m Europe and America for years and has worked without complaint, and no doubt will do so here. The inviola bility of the Post Office is beyond sus picion.

In a recent note we suggested cer tain reforms m the method of collect ing information respecting the " land m cultivation and the agricultural pro duce thereof." We see that the New South Wales Government proposes to adopt a similar system to that which I we suggested, though the details are somewhat different. The system is to obtain monthly crop reports from nearly all parts of the colony, and is based upon the system of monthly or yearly reports of the United States Department of Agriculture. A staff of voluntary sub-reporters will be ap pointed m the different agricultural districts, who will report monthly ac cording to specially prepared forms. These returns will be forwarded to a principal agent m each County, who will forward them to the head office m time for publication on the first of each month. The services of the local sub reporters are to be given gratuitously, but as an equivalent they will receive the Gazette and bulletins of the De partment, a supply of published reports and of seeds distributed for experi mental cultivation, and also an allow ance for postages.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A large farm m Beiwickshire, which was let m 1881 at £500 a year, has just been re let, on a nineteen years' lease, at a rental of £175. A large number of shooting parties were out yesterday, and some very good bags were made, both ducks and hares being plentiful. A farmers' co-operative association is m process of being formed m the Oainaru dis trict Already 200 shares have been taken up, and it is proposed to call a meeting at an early date m connection with the matter. Masterton is flourishing now. The local paper says that quite a mild boom has set m, and house property is becoming very valu able. On every side new houses are going up, and carpenters who a few monthls" ago were out of work now have their hands full. The following is a list of letters from p?acea beyond the colony, arriving at the Ashburton Post Office during the month ot January, and remaining unclaimed on the Ist April :—Wm. Bartlett, J. T. Smail, James McKenzie. On Monday evening, at the Wesleyan Chiuvh, the Rev Mr Motley will give an account of his recent visit to America. In Auckland, Wellington, and Christclmroh, Ins lecture ra^ been received with great ap preciation, M ' Morley being an eloquent speaker, and a keen observer of men and manners, The social and domestic; as well m fch3 religious sjdfjs of life m the States are p.issed under review. Hollo way's Pills and Pinti^nt are remedies which should invariably be taken foy travellers travelling m search of health, pleasure, or business. Many deleterious in fluences ar# .constantly at work m foreign climes, tendiug to deteriorate the health. These and the altered coudijLLcns of life will entail on those who travel the necessity ot carefully attending to early symptoms of disfease 4 and they will find the use of those remedies to be highly necessary, the action of the pills being purifying #nd strengthen ing and of great service m cases of fever, ague, and all inflammatory diseases, whilst the ointment is a sovereign cure m cases of piles, bad legs, bad breasts, wounds, ami ulcers. Holloway's remedies do not deteruv fate by change of climate.

A. well attended meeting was held at Stone's hotel, ou Thursday evening, of those intending to forma football club at luiwald. A club was formed thatpromues to be strong enough to [hold its own m a match against Ashbtu'ton m the near future. Messrs Gould, Jbaumont, and Co., of j Christchurch, announce by advertisement that they are prepared to make liberal advances against shipments of grain and other produce. They have also money to Uunl on freehold security. On Monday evening, at the Wesleyan Church, the 'Rev Mr Morlcy will givo ai account of his recent visit to America. In Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch his lecture has been received with great appre ciation. A Chess Club has bc3n formed m Ash bur ton, with a very satisfactory membership and promises oi' increase. Arrangements have been mae'e with the A'-shbarton Club, Burnett Street, fjr the use of a room and material for playing, and the first meoting will take place on Tuesday evening at eight o'clock, when all interested m the game are j invited to attend. ' The "Gazette" notifies that Mr W. C. Walker has been appointed Official Visitor to Sunnyside Asylum. Lieutenant Andrews of the Christchurch Rifles is gazetted Captain. The time fov fishing for trout, etc., m the Canterbury, South Canterbury, and Geraldine Acclimatisation Districts has been extended to April 15. The shooting season for Native gime m the Ashburton and Geraldine Districts extends from April 1 to July 13 Next week the Mail will contain a true account of the doings of "Captain Melville," the notorious Australian bushranger, and his confederate Roberts, specially written for the Mail by an eyewitness of many of the stirring scenes which immediately preceded their capture. Next Wednesday a great temperance demonstration will take place m the Domain, to be followed by a public meeting m the Oddf allows' Hall. Among the speakers at, both meetings will be the Rev L. M. Isitt, the Sydenham hero, whom the friends of temperance m Ashburton will no doubt be glad to welcome. The annual Tea Meeting of the Tinwald Presbyterian Church is fixed for Tuesday April 12. The speakers expected to address the public meeting are Rev?. Dr. Elmslie, S. Lawry, J.Farley, and A. M. Beat tie. The musical arrangements arc m the hands of iVr J. C. Lane, organist of the Ashburton Presbyterian Church. The adjourned me3ting of the promoters of the proposed Young Men's Club wa.s held last night m S tunders buildings. There was a fair attendance, and Mr C. W. Purnell was m the chair. The committee appointed at the previous meeting reported a very successful canvass for members, the names of fifty young men having been obtained, and fifteen names of gentlemen who would become honorary members. It was decided before finally forming the club to go on with the canvass for another week, the result to be reported to next meeting. The canvassing committee was added to, and a sub-committee was appointed to look out for suitable premises. A meeting of the committee of the Ashburton Cycling and Amateur Athletic Club "was held last evening. Correspon dence was read from the gentlemen appointed as officers for the meeting to be hold on Easter Monday. Mr F. Wilding, of Christchurch, was duly elected an lion, member and Messrs E. A. Sawle and W. J. Maddren active members of the club. The order of events on the programme was then arranged. There are eighteen events. Messrs F. Wilding and Andrew Black were elected time keepers to act m conjunction with Mr A. Lowry, of Christchurch. Mr Rallinshaw the present champion of New Zealand, has signified his intention to compete m Ash'mrton. The secretary was instructed to secure the services of a band. The Primitive Methodist connection m Great Britain have recently lost one of their veteran parsons by the death of the Rev Dr Savmiel Antliflf, at the age of sixty-eight. Dr Antliff was one of the most brilliant ! preachers m the Primitive Methodist Church. He devoted himself to the work of the Church at a very early age, and his ministry 1 began m May of 1841, when he was only • eighteen years old. He held various circuits, , of course,during his ministerial career, as is the custom m the Primitive Methodist Church, and the Primitive Methodist "World" m an obituary notice says that i useful as ha was m all the circuits to which he had been appointed, from first to last he rendered eqtial if not greater «ervice m the various councils of the denomination. He was among the first advocates of ministerial culture, and had much to do m stimulating the connection to provide a suitable training for junior preachers. The institution of Elmtield College was mainly the work of D'-. Anbliff. When the (Ecumenical Conference was held last September m . Washington, U.S., he was sent as the representative of the connection, but was confined to bed during the whole of the sessiom From that illness, which was then considered only temporary, he never wholly recovered, and although he was able to make the voyage home, and enter upon work almost immediately, he was again seized with servere illness m December, and after suffering much pain, he died on February 2, at his residence, Draycott, near Derby. His funeral obsequies v/ re of the plainest, as his family desired, but the list of those who attended from a distance occupies about half a column of the connectional paper. In 1874 or 1875 Dr. Antliff visited New Zealand, and planted Primitive Metho dism m Dunedin.

Fire at Greymouth.

DAMAGES £25,000.

(P-ER PRESS ASSOCIATION,

Geeymouth, April 2. A disastrous fire broke out this morn ing, about half-past three o'clock, at the Mawhera quay, destroying premises and stock t-> the value of £25,000. The fire broke out m the shop of Elson, chemist, and spread rapidly to the premises of R. O. Forsyth, ironmonger ; Williamson, grocer ; the Bank of New South Wales ; Heley and Taylor, drapers ; Forsyth and Masters, ironmongers j and the National Bank, which were all totally destroyed. The Bank of New Zealand was on fire several times, and several other places also ignited and are much damaged. There was a general and haaty clearing out of stock m nearly all the premises on the block, .and much damage was oc casioned thereby, Afc one (time it seemed as if the greater part of the tovyu ty'ould be destroyed, the fire brigade's appliances being quite unable to cope with the Ham s, although rhe firemen did their best and worked splendidly. The sailors m port, under the charge of the mate of the s.s, Orefi, rendered excellent services, and materially assisted m confining the flame-;.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following concludes our report of yesterday's meeting; : — CHKBTSKY VILLAGE SETTLEMENT. Six village settlers at Chertsey _ applied for a water race, as they had to drive tliuir cattle half a mile to water. On the motion of Mr Wright, seconded by Mr Friedlander, it was decided to send a fopy of the Engineer s report on the sub j:--c!; to the'"Upper AKlihuvton and Wakanui Road Boards, and to the Cooi missioner of Grown Lands, with ;>n iiiti mation that the work would be carried out as soon as funds for the purpose were provided. FOBP, SPREAD EAGLE. Ifc was resolved that half cost of this ford be chartred to each Road Board inter ested, m accordance wiih clause 9, sub section I, of the Public Works Act, 1834. ASHBURTON HANGITATA SUPPLY. On the motion of Mr Wright, Mr Griirg seconding, it was. decided to adopt the Engineer's report on the above sulvjcct, and to make application to the Road Board for their contribution of ' thirds," and as soon as the Board accepts the pro posal, and the private owners pay their contribution, the work will be put m hand. PLANTING. It was resolved that the Planting Com mittee be requested to invite tenders for necessary planting of pines, the tenders to be m by next mestins; of the Counei;. The Planting Committee were also re quested to take into consideration the sowing of wattles. RACE DIVERSION. The Ranger reported that Mrs Gibson, Wakanui, at the end of the race system m that district, had diverted a race for several chains. The diversion had necessitated a new ford, which had not been made to the Engineer's satisfaction. It was decidfid to inform Mrs Gibson that if she wanted a diversion, she must apply to the Council m the usual way. It was desided t v.» ask Messrs Sprotfc Bros, for an explanation of their action m regard to the deviation of Race E3. PROPOSED REMISSION OF BATES. Mr Wright, pursuant to notice, moved •'That no rates be levied by the Council for a period of three years upon new races constructed at the expense of the owners through whose lands the said races pass." He said that m the early history of the races owners had their races constructed free of cost. Those who required races now had to pay for their construction as welt as the rates attaching to them. The object of his motion was to deal justly by those settlers who had come later m the field, so that they should not have to paj twice over. It was unjust to take ad vantage of the necessities of these settlers, and he thought councillors would see the equity of his proposal. Mr Brown seconded. He thought it was very unfair to compel men to make their water races and to pay rates to. In the early days settlers not only did not pay rates, but had their races made through their property for them. Mr Friedlander objected to the re solution, .which either did not go far enough or went too far. A resolution had been passed sometime ago that no new works should be undertaken until the overdraft had been placed upon a more satisfactory footing. He found that at last meeting a motion had been passed to construct a large extension from Wiiuhmore, and one of the arguments adduced by the promoters was that the new work would be very remunerative to the Council. JNow, a new resolution was asked to be passed by which all revenue from new work of the same kind would be cut off for three years. Mr Friedlander pointed out that since Nov. lasr, when a resolution had been passed requiring all these new applicants to pay the cost of their works, thirty-seven miles of n«w races had been made. Would Mr Wright include these ? Mr Wright would include them. Mr Friedlander went on to say that when the races were first introduced there was a large section of the rate payers opposed to the system, who only came m very tardily, and they had no right to be relieved of the cost of the con struction of their races, until at least, the Council was m a better financial position. Mr Grigg said that the resolution of last meeting was supported by an argument used by both mover and seconder that the Winchmore work would be imme diately remunerative. The motion now proposed at once withdrew this security, and was going buck upon the policy cf thi Council. He would resist to the last any departure from the resolution which was proposed by Mr Friedlander and seconded by Mr Wright to undertake no new works until the overdraft was put m a more satisfactory position. Until the overdraft was cleared off, the ridings were unable to know their financial position, and he held that ifc was childish to lay down a policy one month, and the next month go dead m its teeth. Mr Coster supported the motion. The ratepayers who had opposed the scheme originally had had that scheme forced upon them, by the majority who carried it. They were perfectly justified m making use of the scheme that had been made with their rates. Mr Cameron favored the principle of the motion, but thought three years was too long. Mr Wright was net bound to three years' remission. There were cases m which eighteen months would be plenty, and others m which three years would not be enough. Ifc would be necessary perhaps to consult the engineer with a view to ascertaining what remission of rates would be necessary m each case to recoup the expenditure. On resuming after the luncheon ad journment, Mr Wright said that after consultation with the Engineer he saw no reason to alter the terms of his motion. Mr Friedlander wanted to know how the cost of maintenance of head works whs to be provided for—svere those owners to be exempt from their share of this cost 1 Mr McMillan was opposed to rhc reso lution. The finance of the position had ♦ q be considered, and it was m conse (juenep of doing business m a loose way like this that the overdraft had arisen, and a proper understanding of their posir tion was not to be got at by the different; ridings. The Chairman also opposed the motion for the same reason as Mr McMillan. Mr Wright did not see that any reply front him would do any good, seeing that the Chairman, who held tha casting vote, ' had spoken against the motion. It was high falutin nonsense to speak about i going back on the policy of the Council. The policy referred- to had been a dead letter ever since the resolution to under take no new works had been passed. It had been acted on or not when it suited the convenience of members. There was to be no sacrifice of present revenue by this motion, but only the rates for three years remitted to owners whe had made their own races. The vote was taken, when Messrs Wright, Brown, Coster, and Cameron voted with the ayes, and Messrs Fried lander, Grigg, McMillan, and the Chair man voted no—the Chairman giving his casting vote with the noes, so that the matter could be made thesubject of further consideration. PESUTATJONS. Mr Evan Davies waited upon the Council with a complaint that he had had no water m his race for a lengthened period. It was explained to him that the Council hid passed a resolution, the carrying out of which would supply him with plenty of water. ' ! Messrs Giles and Hight also waited on the Council, requesting a water: seyVic 6

to their properties from the race from j Tinwald to Wafcerton. Toe deputation was informed that nego tiations wore pending by which an increased supply could be obtained fov this race. »5o soon a^ these were com pleted their application would be con sidered, and thoir interests protected as far ns possible. Messrs Allan and King, a deputation from the Dromore Village Settlement, waited on the Council to ascertain m what position they stood a« regarded a water supply. The deputation was informed that there was now no difficulty about tho water, and the supply would be sent down as soon as tho contributions from the "thirds" were provided. Mr Andrew McFai-lnne waited on the Council iv regard to the application made by him at last mooting for a remission of rates on water creek flowing through pro perty belonging to Mrs Hart and Mr Wilson, At last meeting the Council h&d declined to entertain the application, and Mr McFarlane asked now that it be re considered. The matter was postponed till next meeting, and meanwhile the Fngineer was instructed to report fuPy on the subject. REGISTER OF WATER APPLICATIONS. Mr Wright moved, as per notice given : —" That the Engineer be instructed to keep a'register showing every application relating to a supply of water, recording — (1) name of applicant, (21 date of appli cation, (3) date when first submitted for the consideration of the Water Supply Committee, (4) date when finally disposed of, and (5) how dealt with." Mr Friedlander seconded and the motion was carried. HAMPSTEAD WATER SUPPLY. The Borough Council's report and resolution on this subject were read and discussed, after which ib was decided that the matter stand over for a month, mean while a copy of the B -rough Council's communication to be sent to the Hamp stead Town Board. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £486 were passed for pajment. WINSLOW OKMETERY. The application for a grant m aid to the Winslow Cemetery was held over UMtil an estimate could be obtained from the Cemetery Board of the cost of the work required to be done. "WATER RACE APPLICATIONS. Liberty to alter the course of Race El, as shown on a plan accompanying the application, was granted to Messrs W. L. Allan and John Gardiner. An application by Mr It. Me A lister for a service for Lot 48, reserve 350, Hinds district, was granted. The application of Messrs W illiamson, Scarlett, and others m the Chertqey dis trict fora branch race was granted. Mr Samuel Sprotc wrote protesting aga;nst the race referred to above being further divided. The letter was received. POISONED WHEAT. The G-eraldine County Council wrote 'asking for information regarding the suc cess or otherwise of the Powell poisoned wheat. The Geraldine County Council was referred to Mr John Grigg for infor mation. A circular from Mr Powell was laid on the table. Tenders for the supply of poisoned grain were opened, and it was resolved to obtain fifty bushels of the best quality from each tenderer. RASTER HOLIDAYS. The usual Easter holidays were granted to the staff. SPECIAL ORDER. The Council held a Special Meeting to adopt the special order declaring the several parts of tho county water race districts under the Water .Supply Act, 1891. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr Brown gave notice to move—" That the Engineer be instructed to prepare an estimate of the cist of a complete system of irrigation for that pari of the Wakanui Riding lying between the Ashburton river and the Wakanui Creek, and the Wakanui mill race and the sea; also, an estimate of a small scheme sufficient to irrigate one fourth of each holding ; and, further, to give his opinion as to whether the water necessary for either of the above could be macte serviceable for chaff-cutting and other purposes at the various homesteads."

Additional Mail News.

TUB FAMINE IN ROBIA. ' A letter from Titiana Tolstoi, daughter of Count Tolstoi, dated January 26, to an American lady who sent some subscrip tions to the famine fund, says: —We have organised seventy free eating houses, m each of which about fifty" people receive two meals a day. With God's aid and the assistance of good people we hope to increase the number of these houses. The distress is getting severer every day. lam afraid to think what it will be m the spring and afterwards until next year, when the greater part, of the cattle will have been slaughtered, or will have died from starvation, A Vie ana correspondent wrote on February 19 : —A singular statement reaches me from a usually trustworthy source m Russia with regard to the actual extent of the present famine, although I cannot vouch for the correctness of it. It is that the bulk of the corn purchased by the Government for the famine stricken population is really stored m the national granaries, only a portion being distributed among the sufferers. To ex plain this somewhat curious statement my informant addj : - " There have been countless years of famine m Russia dur ing the present century ; m fact, scarcely a year passes without a famine m some portion of this vast empire. Jifever before, however, has any official action been taken to relieve the distressed peasants, and it is only done on the preeent occasion because it has created the much-desired pretext for the prohi bition of the export of grain. Indeed, the object of the Government for a long time past has been to fill their granaries, particularly m the northern and less fertile districts, whither, m the event of an unfortunate campaign, the Russian forces would have to retreat. At any other time than the present the prohibi tion of the export of grain would have roused the suspicions of the Powers, but, thanks to the- famine, the measure has passed unnoticed. Persons who have visited most of the northern districts assure me that the national granaries are literally crammed with grain, although the starving people receive little or none of it. If any aid, indeed, is given it is chiefly given m money." 3AORILUGE IN ATHENS, The Protestant Church at Athens was attacked on February 15th by a mob. It had only lately been erected, the cost of construction being defrayed by sub scriptions m England and America. It is owned by the .Evangelical Pastor, who is a Greek subject, and lives m a house attached to the church. He has lost everything. Many of the rioters were masked, aad as it was carnival time they were able to pass through the streets without exciting remark. After forcing an entrance into the church, they dragged all die chairs, fittings, and books, and also the harmonium, into the square, where they burned them m a huge bon fire. Petroleum was poured on the heap of furniture and other things m order to make them burn well. The interior of the church is a complete wreck, nothing remaining but the bare walls. Two or three members of the congregation were pursued by the mob, and had to seek refuge m the British Consulate. ' SCENE IN THE AUSTRIAN PARLIAMENT. The sitting of the Lower House of the Austrian Reiqlwath. cm February 1$ ?

closed amid a scene of tremendous uproar and confusion. The newly-elected deputy for Dalmatia, Herr Bianohino, a Serb who does not understand a word of German, after being sworn proceeded to deliver a long statement m his native language, the chief point of which was th-it Dalmat'a belonged to Croatia, and not to Austria. The young Czechs indulged m shouts of exultation, while from other parts of the House came interruptions and exclama tions calling upon Herr B anchino t> sit down. He, however, refused to obey even the President's wishes, and the German Liberals finally moved that he should be prohibited from speiikuig, and formally called to order. Herr Bianehino, m spite of this measure, refused to interrupt his discourse, and when the President was ultimately compelled to close the bitting, he still continued speaking.

The Revenue.

(PER PIIESS ASSOCIATION.; Wellington, April 1. The Customs revenue for March is £145,941, against £122,713 for March! last, year. Auckland contributed £32,330, Wellington £29,920, Christchurch £22,864 Dunedih £34,252. The beer duty was £5608 ; Auckland £1298, Wellington £567, Christchurch £1056, Dunedin £1216. The Customs revenue for the year is £1,625,174. The estimate was £1,535,000, giving a surplus of £90,174. The deficit of beer duty is £2,232, the total revenue being £57,769, against an estimate of £60,000. No returns are available yet from other brandies, but it is thought Stamps and Territorial may be .slightly below the mark. It was hoped railways would show a surplus of some £10,000, but the continuance ot .vet weather last month has interfered with tue flow of revenue.

THE MARKETS.

PER Fit ESS ASSOCIATION,) London, March 30. Silver has risen Jd. At the wool auction there was good competition, and the opening prices were maintained. Crossbreds were slightly cheaper, and coarse sorts from par to -|d per lb lower than the prices obtained at last series. The American visible supply of wheat is 61,600,000 bushels.

Grain and Produce.

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange Report, for the week ending April I:—The threshing machines have been kept fully at work during the last week ; hence a greater quantity of grain is offering. Wheat still remains at our last week's quotations for prime, but we think our farmer friends are asking a little too much for off color Famples. The English market has experienced another drop. Barley.—Large quantities of small flinty grain are offering at 2s 6d to 3s, but really good malting is hard to get. We learn the Nelson and Blenheim crop has been bought up, and most of it will go north. Oats. —Nothing new to report. Potatoes. —Some kidneys and Derwents have been shipped with satisfactory results, but prices here have not improved. Butter and Cheese are stagnant. Grass Seeds are dead. The following are prices paid to farmers f.0,b., packages extra :—Wheat—Prime Tuscan 3s lid to 4s, Pearl 3s 10; lto 3s lid. Hunter's White 3s 9d to 3s 10J, faulty 2s 6d to 3s 3.1. Oats, milling Is 9d, feed Is 4d, to Is 7d, seed Tartars Is Bd. Beans 2s lid ; still wanted. Peas 2s lOd to 3s 3d ; partridge wanted. Ryegrass, farmers' Is 6d to 2s 3d, machine dressed 3s 3d. Cocksfoot, bright heavy 3?d, discolored 2d to 2|d. Potatoes, 22s 6d at country stations. Butter, 7d to 9d. Cheese 3d to 4d ; wanted.

Ashburton markets.

MR DAVID THOMAS. Mv David Thomas reports upon the live stock market for the week ending Friday, April 1: — Live Stock —The usual weekly stock sale was held F.t the Tinwald Yards, where 15,633 sheep, 27 cattle, and 60 pigs were yarded, of which my entry comprised 9855 sheep, 18 cattle, and 55 pigs. The bulk of the sheep yarded were merinos, and taken all round were really a very fair collection, being mostly large, well grown wethers, straight off the station, good even lines of merino ewes. Crossbred lambs seemed to sell well, and for the few good lines of two-tooths and crossbred ewes which came to hand excep tional values were obtained. I sold two tooth crossbreds from 10s lOd to 14s 6d ; fat crossbred ewes, 12s to 14s; lambs, fat, 10s 9d to 11s 9d ; store lambs, 6s 6d to 10s 5d ; merino ewes, 4s 6d to 6s 6d ; merino wethers, 5s 6d to 7s 9d. The attendance was limited, but notwithstanding this the values cbtained at the previous sales were fully maintained. Fat Sheep and Lambs—My principal sales were as follows:—ss crossbred ewes, 12s 3d ; 50 crossbred ewes, 14s ; 20 crossbred ewes, 8s 5d ; 26 ewes, 8s lid ; 10 fat lambs, I 9s 9d ; 12 fat lambs, 9s 9d ; 21 merino ewes, 9s Id ; 520 lambs, 10s 6d ; 62 lambs, lls 9d ; 120 lambs, 10s 5d ; 258 lambs, lls 8d; 306 two-tooth crossbreds, 14s 3d ; 200 two-tooth crossbreds, 14s 6d ; 30 lambs, 10s lOd ; 220 crossbred lambs, 10s 9d; 505 crossbreds, 13s lOd. Store Sheep and Lambs —107 crossbred lambs, 63 6d ; 45 merino ewes, 4s lid ; 198 merino ewes, 6s 4d; 253 merino ewes, 3s lid ; 540 merino ewes, 4s 6d ; 622, 13s 9d ; 810 merino ewes, 7s 4d ; 150 merino ewes, 4s Id ; 138 crossbred lambs, 8s 2d; 138 cross bred lamb 3, 6s 9d; 142 crossbred ewes, 7s 8d ; 169 two-tooth crossbreds, 10s lOd ; 1015 merino ewes, 4s lOd; 74 crossbred ewes, 7s 6cl; 138 crossbred ewes, 8s sd; 325 merino wethers, 7s 9d; 187 merino ewes, 5s 6d ; 159 crossbred ewes, 8s Id; 324 merino ewes, 6s lOd ; 635 merino ewes, 5s lid ; 1139 merino ewes, 6s 9d ; 217 merino ewes, 5s 7d. Rams — 4 Lincoln rams, 1 guinea; 8 Lincoln, f to 1 £ guinea ; 6 Border Leicesters, 5 guineas ; 8 Lincoln ; 2£ guineas ; 17 English Leicester, 5 guineas; 5 Border Leicester, 5 guineas ; 5 Lincoln-Leicester, 5 guineas: 4 Lincolns, 1 guinea ; 14 rams, 1£ to 3!} guineas. CattljE—A fair entry yarded and compe tition brisk. I sold 1 fat cow, £4 ; 1 heifer, Jt's 7s 6d; 1 fat cow, £4 17s 6d ; 4 heifers, £5 lls to ±'5 15s ; 3 sheers, £4 16s; 3 cows, £4 5b to £5 : 3 springers, £4 to £5. Horse Market—A full supply of fresh country horses came forward for Saturday's sale, a fair percentage of which were of a good and useful character, the balance being perfectly unsaleable. The demand was not so good as has beei; for the past few sales, but I managed to sell about 35 out of an entry of 60, which must be considered a fair day's work, I sold good draught horses from £14 to £25; inferior, £9 to £13; un broken draught colts and fillies, £9 to £12 10s ; light hacks unbroken, £5 to £6 10s. Land.—This department at present is becoming quite active. During the past week I have had several enquiries for nice handy farms,and before Saturday I hope to complete the sales of two farms now under offer. Skin Sale.—The skin sales have been of a very limited character during the past month. However, I bioke the ice by holding my first sale of skins for the incoming season to-day, when I offered about fifty lots which were cleared at prices quite on a par with those obtained at the Christchurch sales.

MESSRS MILES AND CO.

Messrs Miles and Co. (per Mr George Jameson) report for the. week ending Friday, April 1:— TINWALD FORTNIGHTLY MARKET. —On Tuesday, March 29, there was a large muster of sheep of all sorts and a good attendance, among them many buyers from North and South Canterbury. There was no rise m values, bat for all young and sound sheep former prices were well main tained. There is a good demand for all sound crossbred and merino ewes—sheep that the auctioneer can guarantee sound especially if straight from a sheep station, but 'broken and failing-mouthed ewes the | farmers will not touch, and a fair number of i these -ire coming forward, whose destination Jiould be the crucible, AH good wethers.

both croasbreds and merinos, are also m demand for turnip-feeding. The total entry consisted of 15,633 sheep, 27 cattle, 60 pig', of which we sold 4707 sheep, 4 cattle, 5 pigs. The Mount Possession annual draft of 2000 were sold to-day, and were said to be the best line that had reached the yards this season. These sold at 7s 3d each, and should have reached a higher figure. Our sales were as follow: —99 two-tooth cross> brecls from ils 6d to 12* 10(1, 48 fat cross bred ewes at 12.3 6.1, 284 la-nbs from 9s 9<l to 12s, 109 lambs fron 8s 3:1 to Q3 4d, 2182 merino wethers at 7d 3d, 252 merino ewes at 7s Id to 8s 3d, 60 crossbred ewes at 7s 3d, mixed merinos to 6s 9d, 1332 merino ewes from 3s 3d to 6s, 311 merino wethers at ss, and 18 rams up to 3£gs each. Privately, and by auction, we have sold dining the mouth of March 90,922 sheep. Skin Sale.—On Fii.lay, April 1, we held our regular skin sale at our stores, West Street. There was a good entry of skins, hides, and fat, and a good attendance of buyers, but prices ruled lower than at pre vious sales. The followiug are the prices obtained :— Butchers' crossbreds, Is 8d to Is lOd ; merino?, 9d, Is, Is 3d, Is 5d ; farmers' crossbreds (woolly), 2s 9d, 3s, 3s 6d, and 3s 9d; crossbred pelts, Is Id to 2s; merino pelts, 3d to Is 4d ; lambs, Is 7d to Is lid. Hides and fat at scale rates.

MESSRS FRIEDLANDER BROS.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, report on the live stock market for the week ending March 31 :—On Tuesday last, at the Tin wald yards, the attendance of buyers was large and representative, and biddings for young sound sheep were quite up to rates lately ruling. Merino ewes, with failing mouths, Avere rather more difficult to quit. Altogether there were from 16,000 to 17,000 sheep yarded, a large proportion of which were merino ewes of all ages, and merino wethers, besides a good many lines of cross bred lambs of all descriptions. The follow ing were some ot the principal sales: — Merino ewes from 6s 9d to 7s 9d, and up to 8s 3d for good strong and sound mouthed sheep, while aged merino ewes sold at from 3s to 5s 6:1, ccording to condition; merino \vether3 from the Mount Possession station, a really good line, sold at 7s 3d, and ought to be remunerative to the purchaser to put on turnips. The Highfield merino wethers were withdrawn at 7s 6d; others sold at from 5s to 7s ; crossbred breeding ewes, according to age and condition, from 9s to 10s 6d foraged, and up to 14s for four-tooth sheep. Crossbred lambs sold at from 11s to 10s 6d for medium, while better sorts brought from 11s to 12s. Two-tooth crossbred sold, according to stamp, at from 11s 6d to 14s 3d. Altogether, with the exception of aged and infirm sheep, the market was quite as good as any of the previous ones, and no drop m sheep can be reported. Pigs, of which there was a fair number entered, met with a bad sale, and were all withdrawn. We sold privately several lines of crossbred lambs at full market rates. Also a line of crossbred wethers for freezing.

The Tramway Strike.

[per press association,] Wellington, April 1. ] Public meetings are to be held to dis cuss the strike, and the unions m the colony will be asked for assistance. Obstacles are placed on the rails to make the cars run off. Mr Hall states that men are offering themselves as grooms from all parts of the colony, and he will resume service on Monday. A public meeting, called by the Trades Council, was held to-night to ventilate the tramway employees' strike. Mr Mc- Lean, M.H.R., presided, and about 400 were present. Several prominent mem bers ot the trades unions addressed the meeting, and the following resolution was carried :—" That this meeting endorses the action of the tramway employees, believing their action to be justified by circumstances, and pledges itself to assist the men m their endeavor to obtain justice." So for the differences between the em ployer and his late employees have been carried on m a proper manner, but both sides show a disinclination to give way. Mr Hall, lessee of the trams, reiterates his intention of resuming the ten minutes service on Monday, and declares that an abundance of labour is offering.

SPORTING.

TARANAKI ANNIVERSARY MEETIFG.

[PER PKESis ASSOCIATION.]

New Plymouth, April 1. The following concludes the report of the meeting :— Ladies' Bracelet.—The Dreamer, 1 ; Duru«, 2 ; Taltler, 3. Only the three started. Won on the posli by good horse manship. Time—2min. 53|sec. Divi dend, £1 lls (not £1 Is as telegraphed previously). Autumn Handicap,—Prestige, 1 ; Heatherbc-11, 2; Scotfree, 3. The race was well contested. Time—3min. 12 2-sth sec. Dividend, L 3 ss. Farewell Handicap.—Torpedo, 1; Weka, 2 ; Fieta, 3. A grand race. Won by a short nose. Time—lmin. 27 4-sbh sec. Dividend —L 2 15s.

C.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

Christchurch, April 1. The following acceptances and entries have been received :— The Great Easter Handicap, of 500 soys. ; penalties for winners. Seven furlongs. • st 1b st lb Boulanger ... 9 2 Lady Zealand 7 6 M. England 9 2 Breadalbane 7 5 Cruchfield ... 812 Conjurer ... 7 4 Prime Warden 8 6 Ilium ... 7 4 Kulnine ... 8 2 Adieu ... 7 4 Palliser ... 8 0 Diadem ... 7 0 Flinders ... 8 0 Young Cheviot 611 Hippomenes 7 11 Tassy ... 6 7 Heather Beil 7 9 Dialetera ... 6 7 Gal tee ... 7 6 Wanganui ..6 7 The Great Autumn Handicap, of 500 sovi? ; penalties for winners. One mile and a half. St. lb. St. lb. Dudu ... 9 0 Kulnine ... 7 9 M. England... 8 13 The Dreamer 7 5 Boulangpr ... 810 Hippomenes 7 '3 Cruchifeld ...8 10 Heather Bell 7 2 Crackshot ... 8 9 Tempest ... 7 1 Prime Warden 8 2 Diadem ...6 13 Flinders ... 711 Galtee ... 611 Retina ... 7 11 Ilium ... 6 9 Palliser ... 710 Breadalbane 6 8 Champagne Stakes. — Whakawatea, Day Dream, Stepniak, Launceston, Vo gengang. Challenge Stakes.—Whakawatea, Day Dream, Conjurer, Huguenot, Clanranald, Stopniak, Hippomenes, Medallion, L<»un ceston, Vogengang, Variety, Christohur!ch Hurdles. — Regalia, Norton, Ahua, P>in-go-Bragh, Harkaway, Magpie, Little Arthur. Peeuswick Hurdles.—Mrs Mullaney, Regalia, The Idler, Norton, Ahua, Erin ao-Brasfh, Harkaway, Magpie, Little Arthur. Epsom Welter.—The Dreamer, Galtee, Liberator, Coinage, Paramo, Bay King, Norton, Ahua, Wanganui, Tassy, Lady Dialetera, Drift, Springston, Melton, Aquarius, Quibble. Russley Stakes.—Wyvern, Hybrid, Reynard, Captive, Reflection, The Winch man, Corruption, Variety, Finet^a. Sockburn Handicap.—The Dreamer, Galtee, Liberator, Young Cheviot, Para mo, Cajolery, War Dance, VonTempsky, Tassy, Crown Jewel, Boulanger, May. Tom Field, Inez, Retina, Silver Pine, Lady Zetland, Tempest. Autumn Nursery Handkwp.—Bay Dream, Wyvern, Stepmak, RJeynard; Hybrid, Captive, Reflection, The Winch man, Corruption, Comrade, Vogengang.' Templeton Handicap. —Heather Bell, Graltee, Younsr Cheviot, Paramo, Conjurer; Oamma'.le, Chafiiie|d, War Dance, Adieu, Flinders, Wanganui, Tassy, Vogengang

Missile, Owlet era. Diadem, Tom Field, Tnez, Aquarius, Alice Hawthorn, Lady Zetland, Huguenot, Tempest. Addington Plate. —Liberator, Cajolery, Yon 'LVmp.sky, Tassy, Tornado, Lady Sockburn, Variety, Tournament (nil), I>rift (£SO). May (£SO), Springston (£SO), Preston, Finetta, Juveno (nil).

ELLESMERE RACES.

The following acceptances have been leceived : District Hamjicap Hurdle Race, of 25 soys. One mili; and a half. Sb 11) sfc lb The Idler ... 11 4 Jenny Mount 9 0 Chad wick ... 9 7 Ellesmbre Cup, of 40 soys. One mile and. a quarter. Bay King ... 812 Adieu ... 7 10 Cajolery ... 8 8 Erin-go-B'-agh 7 6 May ... 7 13 District Welter Handicap, of 30 soys. One mile. Bay King ... 11 4 G'oaming ... 8 4 Thackeray... 9 7 Ringrove ... 8 0 Spectrum ... 8 7 Flying Handicap, of 30 soys. Six furlongs. Carronado... 8 12 Thackeray... 7 7 Cajolery ... 812 Dandenong 612 Adieu ... 8 5 N<3w Hope... 6 7 May ... 8 2 {torn Rose... 6 7 Erin-go-Bragh 7 8 District Trot, of 25, soys.' Three miles. J.M. ... scr Charlie (Teven- Star of Honor lOsec dale's) ... 50sec Pansy ... 15sec Fair Nell ... 50sec Connemara... 203ec Marigold ... 65sec Kit 11. ... 35sec Charlie (Leahy's) Quail ... 45sec 70sec Little Charm 45sec District Selling Trot, of 15 soys. Two miles. Charlie (Teven- Silver Thread 35sec dale's) ... 20sec Beeswing ... 35sec Pantaloon ... 25sec Music ... 35sec Black Oats... 25sec Charlie (Leahy's) Fair Nell ... 30sec 4hsec Jimmy ... 30dec Biddy ... 50^ec Entry for the Maiden Plate. Gloaming ... 8 11 I Spectrum ... 8 5 Hands Across 8 5 j Lemon ... 8 5

TROTTING.

The Dunedin Jockey Club have adopted the recommendation of a sub-committee that the following alterations be made m the rules of the New Zealand Trotting Association, the object being the re pression of proprietary clubs :— "Rule 22. Giving the Association power to decline to pass programmes unless same are accompanied, if required, by a balance sheet showing that moneys received have been expended m accord ance with this rule," "Rule 23. Stating that the amount of added money must bs at least equal to the amount received from the totahsator at last corresponding meeting."

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

AUSTRALIAN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

(Received April 2, 11.45 a.m.)

BROKEN HILL MINING.

Sydney, April 2. The Chairman o£ the Proprietary mine says the fall m silver stocks is due to the fall m silver. Every drop of one penny makes a difference of £4000 per month to the Proprietary mine.

THE VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT

Melbourne, April 2. Parliament will dissolve on Tuesday.

THE PACIFIC CABLE.

Brisbane, April 2. Details of the Pacific cable scheme are published. France pays £3000 of the yearly subsidy of £12,000, and New South Wales and Queensland £2000 each. The rate from Queensland to Noumea is fixed at seven shillings for ten words, and sevenpence each ad ditional word. The Queensland Go vernment is to receive Is and the Cable Company 6d, if the Queensland wires are used. The work of laying the cable will be completed with 18 months.

THE Deeming murders.

[ yaß. PRtss association]

Melbourne, April 1. The "Windsor murderer has arrived here. There was intense excitement, and the various wharves were crowded by those eager to catch a glimpse of the culprit, but the clever manoeuvring of the police managed to land him m comparative quietude. He was brought before, the Magistrates' Court to-day and remanded to the Coroner's Court, which meets on Tuesday. Williams has been somewhat refrac tory since being taken into custody and is watched continuously. He begged to be permitted to have an interview with Miss Rounsevelle, his Bathurst fiancee, but the request was refused. (Received April 2, 11.45 a.m.) Melbourne, April 2. Detective Brandt, formerly of Johannesberg, has identified Swanston as Deeming, whom he knew m South Africa. Webster, esc-governor of Hull gaol, has also identified the prisoner as the man who passed as Harry Lawson m Hull and Beverley, and this com pletes Swanston's identity with the snpposed Rainhill murder.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION!.

THE IMPERIAL REVENUE.

London, March 31. The revenue for the year onded to day is £90,600,000.

London. April 1. The duties excise for the year have increased by £1,100,000.

AUSTRALIAN BANKING.

The financial journals approve of the action of the Victorian banks m agree ing to support one another.

IMPERIAL INSTITUTE.

The colonial representatives m the Imperial Institute advise the united appointment of one curator for the colonial courts, also the colonies uniting m the maintenance of the courts.'

QUEENSLAND AND THE BANK OF ENULAND.

The banks m the City are gratified at the nature of Mr Mcllwraitb's apology.

tfHfi ASHBURTON GUARDiAN : SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1893.



The Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confident^ recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's PikLS, with justice called the 'Natural Strengthened of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and Bxie under any circumstances. Sold m bottles, at Is IJ<l, 2s 9d, .Us, by all medicine Vendors Miroughout tl«e \Patld- Don't be Decbivkd!—lf you want the best Medicine the world has ever pro duced, try Colemake and Sons Eucalypti Extract. For all affections of the chest and lungs, consumption, asthma, coughs, colds, gravel, and kidney complaints. For influenza it has no equal. Under the distinguished patronage of Earl Jersey, Governor of New '(south Wales, Lord Oarrington, and the J^mperor of (ieVrasny. Awarded medals at Sydney 1* Melbourne, anct Adelaide, beating all competitors, and g Jrjie only pure Extract m the world. See that the label bears our trade mark (tree of life and signature Gclemane and Cootamundra, New South" Wales) without this it if? a fraud. Price, jLs fid 2s 6d. Wholesale Depot tor' New Zealand ,• Li.cihfjeld street, ChristchurcK §oje Agents for Ashbur'toii; The Asft button Drug Company.---Apyy



1892 WINTER. 1892 —NOW SHOWING— TH S New Overcoats and Water proofs New Tweeds and Suitings LARGEST New Styles m Boys' Cloth ing AND ew Hosiery and Gloves New Collars and Shirts CHOICEST ew Scarfs an<^ Bows New Travelling and other Caps StOCk New Soft Felt Hats New Flexible Hats Ji/W.B, New Styles m Boys' Hats and Caps New Rugs and Umbrellas SHOWN w ' n , New Ojcle Capes and Riding Aprons jBY New Goods m all Depart ments Inspection Respectfully U 4. Invited NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. W. H WEBBER, Manager. Agents for WertlieimCelebratedSewing M tchine. MA.IT* NOTICES. Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— SATURDAY, April 2. For Northern Ports, per Kotorua, at 6.80 p.m. MONDAY, April 4. For Northern ports and Westport, per Omapere, at 0.30n. m. WEDNESDAY, April 6. For the United Kingdon and Continent of Europe (specially addressed per " Orient steamer only "), and also for the Australian Colonies, per express (to connect with s.r. Te Anauat Port Chalmers), at lO.£*<r> a.in 1); late fee letters, 10.40 f.-i.'.; guard's van on express, 11 a.m. ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD —DIK'JCT MAILS. Doric, leaving April 2, due London May 72. Ruahine and Tongariro, leaving April 16, due London M^ay 28. SAX FRANCISCO MAILS Monowai, leaving on February 27, due London March 30. Alameda, leaving on March 26, clue London April 27. Mariposa, leaving April 19, clue London May 21. OCTWABD —DIRECT MAILS Pvuahiue, due Colony April 8. BFinian Hyslop and Co.'h " Imp nil Ceylon and Indian Teas are t\'ucoi. faom the Tea Plantation —CAdv



Wanted. CASH Advertisements under th's heading not exc^ddniJ SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office. ANTED—The person who took the Parcel of Stationery from Moss and Restell's Timber Yard to replace same at once to save further proceedings. _21 • /"CAMERON Street Wesleyan Church. \J Freitcher for To Morkow, Rev. S. L_wby. Morning Subject: " The Lord's Supper," Evening Subject: " All for Christ." ; PRIMITIVE Church services to morrow—Morning, Mr Trevurza ; Evening, Rev Cocker—Subject, "k foolish wife's punishment." 4 __ FKW Choice Fans, just opened up; also, Silk and Paper Fans from Is each.—H. M. Jones. ______________ HOW and When can I get cheap read ing for the Winter evenings ? By joining my Circulating Library, 3s 6d per quarter.—H. M, .lonks. /CHOICEST new season's Figs and \J Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2s each.— H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East street. ___________ W' ANTED^ a respecuble Girl to make herself generally useful m a small family. Apply X.Y.Z,, Post Office, Rakaia. * 1Q WANTED KNOWN, New Boots and Shoes for the wet weather, of sound value at the »• Corner." WANTED KNOWN, Grand display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at * The Cornek." "\ I /ANTED Known.—Come and see W the Bargains now on at Melford House.—H. C. Segers. WANTED Known.—lf you want plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. C. Segrrß. DON'T fail to hear the Rev. L. M. Isitt, President of the Prohibition League, m the Domain on Wednesday Afternoon, and m the Oddfello -fs' Hall at 8 p.m. 3_207 WANTED Known. —I have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to selfict from. Register Grates, Stoves, °ortable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kep 4; m stock.—J. W. Hardlby, East street. 6J202 WANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. C. Segers. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert AICORN, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. ij O Meet the Times. —I am aupplying 1 Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all dessriptions. Inspaction invited. — J. W. Hartley, Eas street. 6J201 NEW Supplies of Stationery, Account Books, Music, Fancy Goods, Games, Orders for Printing, Book binding, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted Schools and offices supplied with pvery requisite. Magazines and News papers supplied.—L. F. ANDREWES & CO., Stationers' Hall. WANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at J. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. A staff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed.