MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— THURSDAY, April 14. For Northern Ports, per Tekapo, at 0.30 i>.m.; express van, 6.55 p.m. For Northern Ports, per Takapuna, at © SSO p.m. For Northern Ports and Australian Colonies (except Tasmania), per Hauroto, ate.3Op.rn.; express, 6.55 p.m. For South America United Kingdom and Continent of Europe (specially addressed correspondence only), per Hauroto (to connect with Tongariro at Wellington) at 0.J30 p.m., parcels at 3.15 p.m., express 6.55 p.m. WEDNESDAY, April 20. For United Kingdom, Continents of Europe and America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, etc., and also for Northern Ports of New Zealand, per Takapuna, as follows:— Ordinary letters, books, and newspapers, at 6.15 p m. ; registered letters, 5 p.m. ; money orders, 3 p.m. ; guard's van (express), 6.55 p.m This mail is due m London on May 25. ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD —DIBV.CT MAILS. Doric, left April 2, due London May 12 Tongariro, leaving April 16, due London May 27. . . . .. lft Rnahine and Tongariro, leaving April 16, due London May 28. SAN FRANCISCO MAIkS. Alameda, left March 26, due London April 27. Mariposa, leaving April 19, due London May 21. , OUTWARD —DIRECT MAILS] Aorangi, due colony April 18. Coptic, due colony May 2. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, due colony April 20 Monowai, due colony May 18.

Good Friday (15th inst) and Eister Monday (18th inst) being Postal Holidays the Ashburton Post and Tplegraph Office will be closed except from 9 till 10 a.m., and from 7 till 8 p.m. Mails for Christchurch andNorthwillcloseatOO. a.m., andfor Dune din and South at 10 a.m., after which hour no mails will be despatched.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1892. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The March issue of the " Crown Lands Guide " is to hand. The Dobson-Kennedy theatrical company will play fife the Oddfellows' Hall on race nights, May 4 and 5. "Conn, the Shaugh raun," will be the first night's performance. At Auburn (California) the fruit-grower j have pledged 500,0001 bof dried fruit to General Booth for the coming season on the arrangement that it is to be introduced m the Salvation Army Co-operative Stores. According to the Buenos Ay res papers, the land m the Argentine Republic recently purchased by Baron Hirsch makes him the largest landowner m the world. The property amounts to 17,287,760 acres, the cost being about eight cents an acre. It is stated that a Paris firm of glass makers, Messrs Apert Fieres, has produced some porous glass to be used for window panes. The pores are too fine to permit of draught, but cause a pleasant and healthy ventilation m a room. Princess Margaret of Prussia, who has been selected m certain high circles as the bride of Prince George of Wales, has the distinction of being the only pretty Prus sian princess. She will be twenty-two on April 22, and is dowered to the extent of £100,000. The " Timaru Herald " learns that a test of the arrangements made by Messrs Scott Bros, for floating the Elginshire was made yesterday afternoon, and m some minor respects found to be unsatisfactory. The air escapes too freely, and such defects will have to be remedied before a complete trial can be made. The Salvation Army have purchaeed a site between Lichfield streetand Bedford row Christchurch, and are now arranging to erect new headquarters. They hope to be assisted m this work by ail who feel an interest m the work of the Salvation Army, and no doubt they will receive substantial assistance. L' prosy is increasing at an alarming rate m Sp-iin. From Alicante is is reported that several villages are afflicted with the terrible malady. In Benidorm there are eight families, every member of which is a leper. At Gata the number of lepers is so great that a hospital is to be built for them, and at other points the plague is increasing m a frightful manner, and the doctors are unable to cope with ifc. The Ashburton Orchestral Society will next week make the round of the hills district, giving performances at Methven on Tuesday, Springburn on Wednesday and Mount Somers on Thursday evenings. Particulars are advertised. The residents of the respective localities have a great treat m store m their performances; we do not think that an instrument sestette has ever visited them before, and this is a combina tion of undoubted talent, and merits the fullest patronage. On Monday night Captain Parsons, Fern side, lo«t by death his well-known pony mare Mouse, the dam of most of the best ponies m the northern district. The animal was used to bring up the cows m the evening, and appeared to be well, but next morning it was found dead m a field. On making an examination of the internal organs it was found that its windpipe and thorax were full of bots, and it is supposed that death was caused by them. The northern corres pondent of the " Lyttelton Times,' who reports this case, goes on to say :— Judging by the number of deaths of horses m the northern district lately, attributed to bots, horse-fly i* likely to bggorne a very serious pest m the colony. A suggegtfon has been made that the Stock Department should institute inquiries, with a view to ascertain ing whether some means can be devised to cope with the pest. As far as remedies are concerned, however, there seems very little prospect of any good being done. A series of experiment* made some time ago with bots, three-parts grown, proved that when immersed m spirits they Iwed twenty-four hours m a decoction of tobacco eleven hours, and m strong oil of vitriol two houw <JJgl)teen minutes. They were also immersed, without apparent injury, m spirits of camphor ten hours, fish-oil forty-imne hours, tincture of aloes ten hours, brine ten hours, and m a solution of indigo ten houre. As a climax to the experiments a number of small bots and one that was full grown were irnmerged m a solution of corrosive sublimate, one of the most powerful poisons, with the result that the small ones died m one hour, but the full-grown one waa taken out of the solution six hours after its immersion appa rently unhurt. These experiments seem to indicate that nothing fiould be given like'y to expel or destroy the bot that would not at the same time either kill the horse or seriously injure it.

It lias been found necessary to postpone for a short time the holding of the Schools Exhibition of technical work, etc. i A cable message has been received m Chriatchurcn from Mr James Kowe, dated Sydney, April 13, as follows :—" Six first, four champions, and four second prizes for pigs." In answer to a query as to what becomes of the boys sent to Canada by Dr Barnardo, it is stated that they spend four or five years at the Russell farm, Manitoba, receiv ing payment for their work. Each one who saves £30 is assigned one of the 160-acre Government grants, and is gradually helped to set up on his own account, under the supervision of the Canadian Agricultural Department. Not much stock from this district was m this week's Addingtou market, The sale of fat sheep included the following-.—For Mr D. Cameron, crossbred ewes at 12a to 133, half bred ewes at 11s 5d to 13s; for Mr W. Wilkinson, crossbred wethers at 16s 9d tv 17s 4d ; for Mr John Studholme, crossbred ewes at 10s 9d to 11s 9d, two and four tooth crossbred ewes it 13s 4d to 13s 9d; for Mr D. G. Holmes, quarter-bred ewes at 11s 4d to 13s. The Orchestral Society's concert on Mon day evening will be good m every respect. The names of the soloists are advertised, and it will be seen with great pleasure that among them is Mr J. Puschel, of C'irist church, who is admittedly the finest tenor singer m New Zealand and a deservedly popular favourite here as elsewhere. The orchestral selections will of course, be a prominent feature of the concert, and will be rendered m a manner not hitherto approached here. The zoological and ethnological collection made by Herr Reischek durine his travelling for 12 years over New Zealand and adjacent islands is reported to have excited great interest not only m Austria but on the con tinent generally on the naturalist's return to Vienna. After being visited by thous ands m the Imperial Museum for Natural History, many offers of purchase from foreign countries were received, but Herr Reisckek's patriotism was too strong, and subsequently he sold the whole collection to the Austrian Government for the handsome sum of £2400, and it will now remain per manently m the museum. A meeting of the General committee of fche United Fire Brigades demonstration was held at Christchurch last night, when the balance sheet was presented showing r3 ceipts 1713 18s lid, including £325 from art union and £331 subscriptions. The expenses were £632 Hs Bd, leaving a credit balance of £81 4s 3d, which will be held m trust for the benefit of the local brigades. Lieuten ant E. Smith, hon. Secretary, was presented with a gold chain and pendant m recognition of his services. An ingenious defence was set- up by a de fendant at the Auckland Police Court the other morning. He was charged with not having contributed to the support of his wife and family. The man stated that he had gone to Wellington to try and sell a new song, but the attempt was not success ful. He ascribed the cause to the fact that the ex-Governor's photograph was on the frontispiece, and as his Lordship was not popular m the empire city people would not buy the song. This did not, however, satisfy Dr. Giles, who ordered him to give £25 surety for the future, or two months imprisonment m default. Referring to the Hon. J. Ballance and Mr George Hutchison, the "Timaru Herald" sarcastically observes : "We may add a word or two on the political relations between Mr Ballance and Mr Hutchison. Perhap3 they would have pulled very well together m Parliament if the Premier had shown a disposition to recognise the trans cendant merits of Mr George Hutchison. The latter, as Attorney-General or Minister of Justice m the Ballance Ministry, might have reconciled it to his conscience to keep his hostile criticisms buried m his own breast. As things have turned out, Mr Hutehison belongs to no party ; and, except for the sake of his vote, bo party is anxious for his assistanct. The " British Medical Journal" gives the following interesting particulars of the height, weight and dimensions of 1 homas Longley, of Dover, who is said to be the heaviest British subject m the world. Mr Longley, who is a respectable and intelligent publican, is forty years of age, being born (of parents not above the normal size) m 1848. His present, weight is 40 stone ; height 6 feet | inch; measurement lound the waist, 80 inches; size of leg, 25 inches. He finds considerable difficulty iv walking, and does not trus>t himself m a carriage, for fear of breaking the springs. He is said to be very temperate both m eating and drinking, and has never suffered from any ill-health of a serious nature. Lieutenant Colonel Gorton, of Rangitikei, who has just returned from the mother country, informed a representative of the " Evening Post" that he was particularly struck, while m England, with the greatly improved condition within the last thirty years of the labouring class m the agricul tural counties. The cottages are m much better order, the rents are lower, and the wages are higher. He added—"l was speaking at a ' Harvest Home' m Suffolk, when a little event occurred which shows, however, the difference even now between the life of an agricultural labour«r here and there. After describing life m New Zealand I asked my hearers one question which I was very anxious they should answer. It was whether anyone m that room had heard of the attempt on the life of the Emperor of Austria by the placing of a bomb under a bridge, which had taken place four days previous. I was not surprised to hear that even the more educated class present had not even heard of the occurence. I then told them that m New Zealand, 15,000 miles away, from North to South of the two id inds, two thirds of the population had full know ledge of the fact a few hours after the discovery, and that the labourer working m the bush discussed the details of the affair over his pipe on the same evening, and that probably that same labourer knew far more of what was going en iv England than they m England knew themselves This seemed to strike my audience more than anything else said that evening—and yet how true it was. "

NEXT SESSION'S PROGRAMME

In pee has recently been, quite a lull m the political atmosphere,'for although the Minister for Lauds ij even now on his travels, and the Premier was last week on a visit to Wanganui, there has been for a month, ortvvo, an entire absence of Ministerial speeches. Prior to that, speeches many were delivered m various parts of the country, but the topics dwelt upon were of the past— the doings and sayings, realisations and disappointments of last session—very little information indeed being vouch safed us to Governmental intentions m relation t3 the future. Yet, as tin session is now approaching, and as it has been usual for Ministers shortly before the meeting of Parliament to the public some inkling of their intended programme, it is about time, unless previous practi^a is to be departed from, that the country should be taken somewhat into the confidence of the Government. Our Auckland contem porary, the " Herald," is to be con gratulated on having to some extent already achieved this by taking the course of interviewing the Premier, by its "Wellington " own;" and eliciting some of the points of the policy of the Government, and thus obtaining a sketch of at least part of next session's programme. Prom the report supplied of the interview referred to, we learn that one of the chief measures of the session will be the Electoral Bill, which is to be introduced directly the House meets. The Premier has indeed finished drafting it, though it has not yet received the formal approval of the Cabinet, but it is not anticipated that it is likely to undergo any material alterations at the hands of his col leagues. As it now stands there are some important changes upon the Bill as introduced last year. The first and chief of these is the absolute and final, abandonment of the freehold quali fication, which was retained m last year's Bill. This is now to be abolished, and the residential franchise constituted the sole electoral quali fication. Residence alone will confer the franchise, consequently a man will only be able to register for the district m which he actually resides. The one man-one-vote principle adopted by the Atkinson Government will thus be developed into a ' one-man-one-roll or ' one-nian-one-registration' system, and at by-elections only the same votes will be available as at general elections. A second modification consists m ex tending the seamen's vote system to commercial travellers and shearers. A third is somewhat peculiar m character, and is aimed at reducing to a minimum the use of licensed publichouses for election meetings Mr Ballance pro poses to allow schoolhouses or any buildings supported by public money to be used for election meetings free of charge. The Premier (adds the corres pondent) is confident of passing his Bill through the Lower House with flying colours, but he only smiled significantly when the Legislative Council was mentioned. Another important measure to be submitted by the Government is a Bill to facilitate the bringing of all land titles under the Land Transfer Act. The Bill will pr^Tide I ;at all future tran sactions with landed property shall confer an indefeasible title after twelve years' duration. The Government consider that litigation will be materially lessened* and diffi culties m regard to the ascertainment of titles much mitigated, and ultimately abolished, by means of the proposed reform. As might have been antici pated would necessarily be the case, there is, it seems, to be a Bill to amend m some particulars the Land and Income Assessment; Act, but the pre cise nature of the modifications has not yet been decided upon. In reply to in terrogations on this subject Mr Ballance is reported to have said that " he was still collecting information, with the object of ascertaining m what direction any hardships existed, and how they could be removed. He intimated that there was not likely to be any difficulty m satisfactorily settling the debenture tax question. While on this subject, Mr Ballance reiterated his utter dis belief m the alleged frightening away of capital by his taxation. He asserted that such withdrawals of capital as had taken place were simply the ordinary movements of money that are always going on year by year. He took up the particular case of a mortgage being called m by the Argentine Company, and declared that the same mortgage was immediately taken up by another finance company at half per cent, lower interest, viz., 6| instead of 7 per cent. He maintained that the allegation is a mere political cry, and that its fallacy can be easily exposed." As to the proposed calls to the Legislative Council, the Premier appears to have declined to be drawn beyond the state ment that "the Government would probably submit to Lord Glasgow a list of appointments, and invite him to do his duty," but the "Herald's" representative adds that he " gathered from Mr Ballance's manner thst he would not be severely distressed by a refusal to appoint." So far as it goes, the foregoing will be read with interest as indicating some part of the bill-of fare for next session, arid when to this is added, as will of course be the case, the Land Bill, Land for Settlements Bill, Shophours Bill, Workmen's Lien Bill, and Industrial Conciliation Bill, with probably also a Bankruptcy Bill, a Libel Bill, and the Criminal Code Bill, it will bft seen that so far as legislation is concerned Parliament will have plenty of work before it.

Victorian Politics.

(from ouk correspondent.)

Melbourne, April 5. In a fortnight the elections take place, and a good nrtny people are not at all cdad to hear that piece of news. For the National Aosocintion has no list of candi dates ready, and the Victorian Patriotic League has not yet decided what it is leagued to obtain, and no party but the Government has any definite programme whatever. No doubt the Government it self is far from perfect, but at least ■it knows what ih wants to do. Ib is more chan a fortnight since its formal pro gramme was put officially before the world, and up to the present time n« one has answered it. Mr Patterson will pro bably pulverise its plans, but he has really none of his own. He is an acute, venomous, and unscrupulous critic, but he has no following ; and though he is m all likelihood quits safe for Castlomaine, yet that quiet town does not lead the colony. The general backwardness of the Opposition may be judged from the fact that the "Argus" has not as yet at tempted to classify the candidates—a most unusual circumstance since it gene rally has them weighed, measured and labelled many weeks m advance of the issue of writs. One thing seems quite certain, which is that no special party will be able to claim an Overwhelming victory. The labor candidates m the new Parliament will probably not exceed a dozen, and there wore at least that number m the Assembly which is now drawing its last expiring breath, although no one but Hancock and Trenwith were actually labelled as labour members. But Malonay, W. T. Carter, and a good many more were quite as radical m their tenets as the most i thorough going Trades Unionist could desire. If the labor party this time return a dozen ticketed represnntatives no one will be able to say that labor is over represented m the House, since there are at least 58,000 registered workmen m the colony—which is rather more than one fifth of the entire voting power, since there arc 278,253 votes on the new [rolls. The real truth is, that workmen are no more of one mind m politics than any other class of men. They are all of one mind concerning; certain measures —ninety-nine out of every hundred, for instance, holding that property ought to piiy some form of special taxation either iv the shape of an income tax or a pro perty tax ; but excepting with regard to this and a few similar questions the work men are as divided m opinion as Flinders Lane itself. A tremendous sensation has been caused by the revelation that the revenue is actually £669,704 behind the estimated amount for the first nine months of the year, and that it is £446,000 less than was collected m the same portion .of last year. Everybody hoped agaiosc hope that^it would show up better than this. The result of the year's collections thus far justifies the calculation that the de ficiency will nob be far short of a million, and the debit balance of last year remains untouched. There is no controverting the returns -they are purely non political, <md they appear to justify the intentions of the Government with regard to extra taxation. No politician could bring together a dozen candidates who would be likely to propose to let the deficiency remain after the pattern set by Mr Muin-o, and no oae knows any better taxes to propose than those which the Government has indicated. Therefore, at this time of writing ib looks very much as if the Government—which is after all a conglomeration of all parties—was very likely to be trusted to put things straight m its own fashion. Speight's libel case against the " Age " will be the ca~e of the century, since he intends to put m every criticism the paper has made upon his managenifin'-.since the beginning of his unpopularity m the office of that paper, which dates for many a long day past. If he should do so he will kill his cause, since the absolute right of criticism is beyond all question. Nor is there any doubt whatever that many of the charges can be proved to the hilt. The accusations of extravagant expenditure are unfortunately too well founded, and many of them are of a very striking nature, especially those which relate to the build ing of "unnecessarily large and ornate stations, the payment of vast sums for land, and the employment of a very large number of highly paid inspectors who m a service like ours get m each other's way. The worst feature m the whole business is, however, that he has proved just as amenable to Parliamentary pressure am any minister who ever administered the , department; and a3 there was no means of bringing him to book, as there would have been had he been a minister, he has actually intensified the evils he was brought here to remedy.

Cannibal Epicures.

Dr Lumholz, the Norwegian naturalist, has just published a book entitled " Among Cannibals," which has awakened a good deal of interest. Dr. Lumholz is quite a connoisseur m cannibal cookery, and gives much information respecting peculiar delicacies. The natives of the Australian Archipelago, he says, often slaughter thei** children from culinary motives. They regard human flesh as the moat delicious of all meat, but not the flesh of white persons; that, they say, has a nasty, salty taste. Whal they like is the fl«sh or blacks or Chinamen. They like blacks best, but if they cannot get a black they will cab a Chinaman. They pay a black has a more delicate flavor, because he feeds chiefly on vegetables and eats no salt; but a fat, rice-fed Chinaman is not to be despised. Dr. Luoiholz; declares that if the aborigines m Queensland were allowed their own way, and Chinese emigrants were not carefully guarded by the police, the Chinese ques tion there would find a summary solution at the hands of the natives themselves, and would soon cease to trouble the Colonial Secretary. He says lhat when h> was travelling m North and Eastern Australia, the blacks m his service made no secret of their liking for human flesh. The very thought of it used to make their eyes glisten. When they were asked what parl of the human body tasted bust, they always indicated the ribs. The head they never eat. Lumholz also pays it is a mistake to suppose that cannibals look more repulsive than other savages. Many of them have moat gentle peaceful-looking faces. Women as well as men take part m the feasts of human flesh.

Supreme Court.

[PEK PRESS ASSOCIATION, I

Auckland, April 13. At the Supreme Court, counsel on behalf of Sharland and Co. appealed against the decision m the recent Customs case, on the grounds of misdirection by the Judge, and that the answers found by the jury were so defective that the judg ment of the Court which followed ought not to have been pronounced upon them. His Honor said he would give a written judgment after his return from the Court of Appeal, it not being intended to take the case to the next Appeal Court.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

London, April 12. In the House of Commons to-day the Postmaster-General m reply to Mr Henniker Heaton said that business with India would not justify the intro duction of the shilling telegraph system with that country. The Budget was delivered by Mr Goschen to the smallest house known for the pist twenty years. He an nounced that the amount required to restore light weight sovereigns had not been exceeded. The imports of to bacco, tea and dried fruits had in creased, while alcohol had decreased. The estimates of the expenditure for the last three years had aggregated .£244,000,000, while the actual differ ence m the amount expended had been only £137,000. ' The Ulster clergy are preparing to couduct a crusade m England and Scotland against Home Rule for Ireland. THE STATE OF VICTORIA. Mr Munro, the new Agent-General for Victoria, m an interview with a representative of the "Daily Chronicle," said that the colony was m a state of financial collapse, but he hoped that within eighteen months the present difficulty would be overcome. He be lieved that money would shortly be a drug m Melbourne. It was difficult to conceive how strongly the organised labour party could be formed m Parlia ment. SHAW SAVILL AND CO. In the annual report of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, it is stated that owing to competition m colonial trade, it has been found necessary to make a reduction m the rate of freights. The amount available for the annual dividend was £35,000, and of this amount a sum of £6000 was carried forward to next year's account. Mr J. W. Temple, who formerly held, m conjunction with Mr Walter Savill, the position of managing director, has been appointed managing director; Mr Walter Savill remains a director of the company. GENERAL BOOTH'S COLONIES. General Booth has not yet decided on the spot for his over-sea colonies. BOND ROBBERS. Selwyn and Peach, who were con nected with the rebbery of Turkish bonds, have been sentenced to 5 years and 14 mouths respectively. LABOR QUESTIONS. The Government li.-ive 'refused o compensate fclie man Hood, dismissed from the Cambrian Railway Company for giving evidence before a Parlia mentary Committee. The owners of cotton mills at Hey wood m Lancashire have given notice to 2500 employees. They state that they have been compelled to take this step because of the strike at Staley bridge oil mills.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Rio i>e Janeiro, April 11. The Anarchists are plotting m the city and a state of seige is proclaimed. Buenos Ayres, April 12. The Argentine Government are banishing another batch of citizens who were proved to be connected with the conspiracy to murder the Presi dent. Madrid, April 12. One of the bombs found m the Chamber contained powder of an English raaufactura. Thirty dynamite cartridges were dis covered underneath the railway line near Barcelona. New York, April 13. Bombs have been found on the elevated railway m New York, and a gang of Anarchist incendiaries has been discovered m Brooklyn.

DISASTROUS FLOODS.

New York April 12. Heavy floods have occurred m Ala bama; twenty persons have been drowned and 500 families rendered destitute. luimet'se damage was done to property. FIGHTING FOR RIGHTS. The claimants of the stock-raising rights m the State of Wyoming, are fighting for their privileges, and it is reported that forty-six persons have been killed, including eighteen sheriffs and their officers. THE REVOLT IN VENEZUELA. Caracas. .April 11.. In spite of their defeat by the Government troops a few days ago, the rebels aregaininginfluence through out the whole country. General Cre sano, who fled after the last engage ment, is reorganising his scattered troops, which are now 8000 strong. General Bealista lias joined the rebel ranks and takes command of 18,000 men,

AFFAIRS IN CHILI.

Valparaiso, April 11. Many Englishmen m Chili are migrating to California, as they con sider that under the present admini stration life and property are not safe m the country.

THE TOKIO FIRE.

Yokohama, April 12. By the fire at Tokio six thousand houses were destroyed and fifty people lost their lives.

M. DE GIERS.

St. Petersburg. April 13. M. De Giers, Minister for Foreign Affairs, is ill with fever and lies m a critical condition.

A NEW REPUBLIC.

Rio Janeiro, April 13, J The State of Malte Grosso, an exten-1 sive province of Brazil, bordering on ! Bolivia, has declared itself an jndepen- \ dent Republic.

THE WINCHMORE FLYER

I INTtHPHOVINCIAL

I__. ■ ■ * Auckland, April 13. ) A shop occupied by James Lawrie, at Whaugarei, was destroyed by tire. The stock is insured m the Union office for £75, but there is no insurance on the building. Dunemn, April 13. At thft meeting of the city council to night Mr H. Mitchel, suprinteiulent of the Port Chalmers Fire Brigade, received the appointment to the Dunedin City Brigade. Tho proposal to join with the suburban municipalities m forming a domain board for St Clair and Ocean Beach was post poned. On the motion for a new trial m. the case of Genge v North Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, after hearing legal argument Mr Justice Williams said that he would take time to consider the question of practice* and consult with other judges.

SPORTING.

RICCARTON NOTEh.

PKR PEESS ASSOCIATION,J

Oheistchurch, April 14. Little Arthur and Prime Warden arrived last evening, also Coinage and Young Cheviot; the two former are look ing well. This morning the best gallops were Cruchfield and Galtee over a mile and a half m .'company, Conjurer and Flinders over seven furlongs, Clanratiald and Merrie England over a mile, and Wakawatea and Day Dream over five furlongs. Baulanger was sweated. Dia dem appears sore, but all the other can didates seem to be standing up t'.» their work. Large numbers of visitors from north and south are arriving, and the meeting promises to be mcst successful.

THE MARKETS.

PER PRBSS ASSOCIATION. (Received April 14, 10.30 a.m.) London, April 13, The quantity of wheat and flour afloat for the Unitid Kingdom is 3,180,000 quarters, and for *"he Continent 1,408,000 quarters. The English wheat market shows a general advance t)l 6 r\ per quarter ; the Continental market is steady, and the American inclined to buoyancy. New Zealaad Shipping Company's shares are quoted £3 ; Shaw Saville and Albion Companj's, £8.

Addington Stock Market

Christchurch, April 13. There was no*- so large an attendance as usual, and a sight reduction of values resulted. Store Shekp—Between 4000 and 5000 were yarded. Among these was a line of crossbred and half bred wethers from Whare kauri, Chatham Islands, 1537 of which were sold. The best draft of these was secured at 13s lid. The second draft sold at 11s lid and 10s 6d, and culls and maimed sheep brought 6s 9d. Crossbred lambs realised from 6s 9d for some.very poor sorts, to 9s 7d tor good sorts not finished, and a line fit for export was sacrificed at 10s Bd. Fat Lambs —Only 150 lambs were sub mitted m the fat pens, and there was not so much demand. Best sorts brought 11s to lls 9cl; second rate, 93 6d to 103. t Fat Shkep -The eutry was about 6000. Some very prime crossbred wethers sold at 16s to 17s 9d, one exceptionally prime lot at 21s. Halfbred ewes fetched 10s 5d to 14s; crossbred?, 9s 10d to 16s 3d ; merino wethers, Bs4d to lls 6d, Fat Cattle.—The entry being limited to 135 head, the demand was well maintained, but m no case did the prices come up to those of last week. Best steers sold up to £7 53, and heifers to £5 15s. The sale of second-class beef or cows was unsatisfactory. Store Cattle.—l 24 head were offered, of which there were only four or five pens of young stock. The demand for good dairy cows was good, and sales resulted at £2 to £3 15s. Two-and-a-half-year-old steers sold at £3 5s to £3 15s. Yearlings brought from 25s to 355. Pigs.—About 350 head were yarded, and the sale showed a decided improvement. Bacouers from 1201 bto 1501 b weight brought 26s to 28s; farm fed porkers commanded from 16s to 21s, and were m strong demand.

The Midland Railway.

[per press association.]

Reefton, April 13. A deputation of influential citizens, headed by Mr Irving, county chairman, waited on Mr It. Reeves, M.H.R. m reference to the opposition to the Mid land Railway. The deputation asked Mr Reeves to use his best influence to get the company's request granted, subject to the condition that the land be thrown open for settlement, as widespread dissatis faction at present exists owing to the inability of intending settlers to acquire land. Also that the work of making the railway be vigorously prosecuted. Mr 1 Reeves m reply stated that he looked upon the railway as a great national under taking, and he would endeavour to treac the company m the most considerate manner possible, without infringing on the public. interests He hoped full facilities would be given at an early date for settlement, He promised also to do his best to urge the necessity for com pleting the line at the earliest possible time. Personally he knew hundreds of instances where people who applied for land had been unable to obtain a title owing to the unsatisfactory relations existing between the Government and the company, and he would do his best to remove these disabiiitias.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

(IKS PRESS ASSOCIATION,)

Nelson Ilaritnvr. Nelson, April 14. Capfc. Falconer has been most success ful m removing the rocks impeding the entrance to the harbour, and last night wasentertiinedattheClub, whentheMayor and citizens presented him with an address and marble clock.

POLITICAL

|fISR PRLSS ASSOCIATION]

Wellington. April 14. OIVJIi SERVICE RETIRAS. Mr G. S. Cooper, Under Secretary for the colony, and Mr R. E, Brown, registrar general, will retire almost immediately on pension, receiving three months salary m lieu of notice. In all probability Mr Hugh Pallen, chief clerk m colonial secretary's office, will succeed Mr Cooper, and E, Yon D.id**lzsen deputy registrar general, will be the new registrar general. It is stated that m addition to Messrs Cooper and Brown several other civil servants of less rank are also about to retire.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON- THURSDAY.

(Before Mr C. A. Wray, R.M.) Stkay Catim.—Philip Williams was fined 5s per head, and costs, for allowing cattle to stray m Harapsbead. Civil Cases. — ftudsell v. Homersham, £3 19d 7d. In this case which was partly heard last Court day, his Worshio said that he found the clauses of the Adultera tion .Act under which Mr Outhbertson claimed a nonsuit had been repealed, and it was sufficient for a baker to charge by loaves, which had to be of weights set forth m the Act.. Mr Cuthbertson then proceeded with his defence calling Mrs Homersham, who denied ever paying Mr Gudsoll any account for bread, or making any arrangement with him to pay. »he had no income of her own. Plaintiff was non-suited.—McKee v. G. Tutty 3 jun., £3 Is Bd. Judgment for plaintiff by de fault.—Jenkins v, McAuslane, £1 16s. Lhis was a ckiic tor alleged arrears of rent, defendant saying that she owed only 18s. Plaintiff was ordered to prepare a full statement of all the payments made by defendant, with the dates, <fee., and have it ready by next Courf day, to which time the case was adjourned.-N. Fitz gerald v. Longbeach Itoad Board, £2119s 4d—balance claimed aa due by plaintiff on excavation and shingling contracts.For the plaintiff, Mr Wilding ; for the defendant Board, Mr Purnell. Nicholas Fitzgerald, contractor, said he put m a tender for deepening drains on the boundary road, at 2§d per yard, which was accepted at the first meeting of the Board after. When he began the work, Mr Bishop, a member of the Board, came to witness at the work, and made certain suggestions as to the direction of the drain; The deviation was agreed toby Mr E.J. Fooks, who also passed the work. At the next meeting the Board passed £20 m witness's favor on account of the work, and the cheque was signed. Witness did not get the cheque, but got £15 of it from Fooks afterwards. Went to the drain with Mr Fooks, senr., who expressed his satisfac tion with the work, except m one aase m which the Board had complained. In this case Mr Fooks, senr., said the re duction of £1 would be plenty. Agreed to this. The quantity of excavation as measured by Mr Alfred Fooks was 4950 yards. The Board at its next meeting declined to pay any more money until witness had finished the contract as per specification. Had also a contract with the Board for filing andcaitng shing'e at 9d per cubic yard. Paid his men 4d per cubic yard for filling, but paid the drivers by the week. The horses and drays were witness's. The men filling kept tally, and so did the men spreading. Mr E, J. Fooks measured up the shingle carted, and gave him a certificate for 2460 yards. Understood from Mr Alfred Fooks that if this certificate were pre sented to the Board, >.he money would be piid. There was now £2119s 4d due on the two contracts. By Mr Purnell--E. J. For>ks was acting surveyor for the Board, and he passed the work. At an interview witness had with the Board Mr Fooks refused to pass the work, because a certain amount of stuff had beenJeft oa the side of the road, between the crown and the drain. Had heard no complaints about the spreading of the stuff, nor about the grading of the bottom of the drain. Had heard Mr Alfred Fooks say tie grading was faulty. Had re ceived no notice from the Board to finish the work according to specification, or, failing, the work would be done at witness' expense. The men spreading the shingle were put on by the Board, and it was the duty of witness' men to drive the shingle to where the spreaders were work ing. John Fooks had passsed alf the work he had done for the Board, and m previous contracts witness had done for the Board, John Fookd had been the only person he had seen m the matter, both m supervision of the work m progress and m the passing of it when it was done. If John Fooks was not the surveyor, then the Board had no surveyor. Hugh Mc- Goni<4al~Was one of the men employed by Fitzgerald to fill shingle m the:pit. Kept tally of the number of drays filled ; Mr ft. J. Fooks measured the drays' figured tip the number of yards, and Mr Fitzgerald paid the fillers 4da yard on the certificate given by Fooks. Another wit ness who had been engaged m filling corroborated this evidence.-—Clifford- Had a contract for draining at the same time as Fitzgerald. Was m a buggy with Mr E. J. Fooks passine Fitzgerald's work, when Fooks said that if witness did his work like Fitz gerald's it would be passed. Had to go back and level, before the work was passed. W. Lynch—Was driving one of Fitzgerald'^ teams m the shingling contract. E. J. Fooks measured witness' dray. Was also on the Boundary Road job. The day before they finished, Mr Fooks came out to the camp. He passed everythin? but the levelling, and said that if that were made a good job of, the work would be all right. Had never seen any other member of the Fooks family m connection with any work he had done i for the Board. C. K. Fooks, was head of the firm of Fooks and Son. E. J. Fooks was* only the overseer for the firm, but was nob a member. All advertisements for tenders issued by theLongbeach Road Board were signed by his firm. The Boundary Road contract by Fitzgerald was not satisfactory, as fche bottom of the drain was a very slovenly job, and the levelling was uneven. Fitzgerald came to witness's office, and complained that Jack Fooks had promised to Fitzgerald's men to pass the job, but had refused to doit. Saw John Fooks on the subject, and visited the work with him. He pointed out the defects to witness, and they were such as to warrant witness m advising the Board not to pass the work until the defects had been remedied. At the meet ing of the Bpard jn January, Jobn Fooks said he had agreed to pass the work provided it were all done as well as one portion had been. In regard to the con tract for shingle there had been 1780 loads of shingle carted. To get 2460 yards out of that number of loads would requue drays of the capacity of If yard. None of the drays used by Fitzgerald had gone over the yard, except one." The measurements of the drays would show that 1701 yards had been carted. Ths £20 referred to by Fitzc* aid wa j passed not for Fitzgerald only, but for other works- £15 of the money was for Fitz gerald on account, because his account was not made up. By Mr Wilding E. J. Fook3 was from the firm's office, and did the firm s work for the Board, with the Board's sanction, In the shingle con tract, if John Fooks gave Fitzgerald 2460 cubic yards as the capacity of the dray loads, he must have made a great mistake Edward Horsey, farmer, was a member of the Long beach Road Board, for No. 3 Ward. The Boundary road is m No. 3 Ward, The work done by Fitzgerald on the Boundary road drain was not satisfac tory, inasmuch as some of the stuff had been left on the side of fcho drain, and not properly levelled. At the time the work was dons the defect could have been remedied for perhaps £1. It could not be done for that now. The Board de clined to pay until the levelling had been done. Believed Fitzgerald to be straight forward and honest, and not likely to enter into any conspiracy with the Surveyor to defraud the Board, All disputes with him previously had been settled up. At the January meet ing of fche Board there was a differ ence of opinion between Fooks and Fitz gerald. Alfred A. Fooks—Was a mem ber of the firm of C. E. Fooks and Son. Was instructed to look into Fitzgerald's contract at Boundary road, and i»ea£ur.e4

THE ASHBtJftTON Gtf AKDIAfI: fHTfRgDAY, APRIL 14 1893.



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On Easter Monday.



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__. Wanlellt ■ CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office. FOB Tip Top Butter, Chflcse, Bacon, »nd Ham go to Stephens Bros., Market Howie. 4 101 "t IT ANTED at once, a good and re- VV spectable General Servant.—Mrs T. S. Quinn, Hivelock street west. 4 104 ____ CHOICEST new season's Figs and \J Cartoon Tuble Dates m 31b Boxes, 2s each. —H. G. Flower, Confectioner, ast street. ANTED, Non-members of Primitive Methodist Funday School who wish to attend the picnic on Good Friday may do so on payment of One Shilling each. Leave Church at 9.50. 4 115 fITANTED good attendance at Primi » V tive Sunday School Anniversary Services on Sunday, and at Tea on Easter Monday. 4 116 TW"EW Supplies of Stationery, Account ; JUv Books, Music, Fancy Goods, "ifaw Games, Orders for Printing, Book binding, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted. Schools and offices supplied with "■ *>rery requisite. Magazines %nd News pap.rs wpplied.-L. F. ANDREWES ; * CO., Stationers' Hall. -TTfTHITriNGTON'S Tomato Sauce. YV together with testimonials, may be seen at Mrs Jambs', Fruiterer, East Street, and Mrs Pearson's, Fruiterer, Wakanui Road, where orders will be received and prices given. 3 165 TT|rANTED 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 stuff of men always kept and best material and workmanship guaranteed. IHLTANTED Known -J; Newman has TT commenced Clipping Horses. Any one wishing their horses Clipped can have them done on the shortest notice. Apply, Somerset Stables. 4§102 T^TANTED KNOWN.—2SO Ladies' TT Maids' and Children's Ulsters and Jackets (mostlygoodqualities) marked cheap to clear. Many one third and half the ucual price.—Ji. C. Skgers, Melford House. ___ WANTED KNOWN, New Boots and Shoes for the wet weather, of sound value at the "Corner." W' ANTED KNOWN, display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at »The Coknek." *TT7 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. Seg»?Rß. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods o select from. Register Grates, Stoves, °ort»ble Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kepVin Ptock.—J. W. Hardley, East treet. 6t202 BALL Dresses, Evening Gloves, Mounts m Silver and Gold, Muffs, Fur Collarettes, Ladies' Evening Shoes, Invigorator Corsets, with straps, V and Ji, Zone and all other makes, just opened;—Anprbw Orb. 4 57 'PO Meet the Times.—l am aupplying J Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of a U descriptions. Inspection invited. — J. \V. Hartley, fias street. 6J201 ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits t< measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburron Clothing Man. Saunders' Buildings. i 892 WINTEK. 1892 —NOW SHOWING— THE New Overcoats and Water proofs New Tweeds and Suiting* LARGEST „ o  . „ ,„, . New Styles m Boys Cloth - kg AND ew Hosiery and Gloves New Collars and Shirts CHOICEST ew car^B anf^ **ows New Travelling and other Capa StOCIC New Soft Felt Hats New Flexible Hats EVER New Styles m Boys' Hats * and Caps New Rugs and Umbrellas SHOWN NewoT( jle Capes and Rieling Aprons BY K*w Goods m all Depart ments i Inspection Respectfully US. Invited NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory* W. H WEBBER, Manager. Agents for Wertheim Celebrated Sewing Machine. EASTER HOLIDAYS. GOOD FRIDAY. There will be NO PUBLICATION df theGUARWAN. ADVERTISEMENTS, &c, for Satur day's Mail, should be handed m not later than 9 p.m. on Friday. For the convenience of Advertisers the Office will be OPEN from 7 to 9 p.m. EASTER MONDAY. ADVERTISEMENTS, &c, for Mon day's Guardian, should be handed m not later than 10 a.m. on that day, ASHBURTON PUBLISHING CO.