Notices to Correspondent

Correspondents are requested to forward their communications m unsealed envelopes, or m wrappers OPEN AT BOTH ENDS, as required by the postal regulations. No words that are not intended for publication must be written either on the manuscript or on the cover of the letter. Letter rates of postage must be paid on advertisements.

MAIL NOTICES.

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ENGLISH MAILS.

HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Coptic, left January 9, due London ebruary 18. lonic, left February 6, due London March 17. Tainui, leaving March 5, due London April 14. Doric, leaving April 2, due London May 12. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, left. January 30, due London March 2. Monowai, leaving on February 27, due London March 30. Alameda, leaving on March 26, due London April 27. OUTWARD —DIRECT MAILS. Kaikoura, due colony February 24. Ruahine, due colony March 21. SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Alameda, due colony February 28. Mariposa, due colony March 23.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1892. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Hebrew, it is said, is again becoming a living language m Palestine. The greatest cold ever recorded m London was 16 deg. below zero, Christmas, 1706. The duchy of Gotha is so prosperous that a Bill has been introduced suspending all taxation for a period of three months. Mr Gladstone is an advocate for small farms, and practises his precepts. On the Hawarden Estate of 7,000 acres there are 500 tenants. The " Taieri Advocate" states that it has been decided to builda church at Middle march, the present terminus of the Otago Central railway. It is said that the Earl of Glasgow's estates amount to 27,825' acres, und that liis rent roll exceeds £41,0C0 a year. The " Bruce Herald " has been informed on excellent authority that a seam of true bituminous coal has been found m the southern part of Bruce County. A census taken m Liverpool on a recent Sunday at the various houses of worship showed that 63,000 persons attended church m a population of over half a million. A dwarf, who had long wheeled himself abont Birmingham m a chair and sold pen cils m the streets, was married recently, tiie bride being a smart young woman. Being unable to walk, he was married seated m his chair. A private letter received m Oamaru states that a record was put up at Park Avenue. Bradford, on the occasion of the football match Fettes-Loretto v. Bradford (Yorks), the attendance was estimated at 100,000. Britain has already annexed one-seventh of the globe (not reckoning water), and holds one-fourth of the human race under her sway. Her foreign possessions are sixty-five times larger than her own area. Saturday at live o'clock is the time at which entries close for the cottage garden competition of the Ashburton Horticultural Society. The Secretary, Mr Quane, is to be found m the office m i\fr Thomas' buildings, Marriage is, after all, sometimes a failure, as a woman m Western Australia recently discovered when she eloped with a boy of sixteen years of age, and was subsequently arrested for abducting her husband. There are about two hundred American ladies who practice law m the courts or manage legal publications. Miss Phcebe Couzens was the first woman admitted to the Washington University at St Louis, and I she has how practised with her father for twenty years. Several women mas;e large incomes by the law m America. Mr Theodor Lichtwark held a class last night m the old Town Hall. A good number of pupils were present. The sub ject placed before them was an unbroken three-year-old filly, a sister of Inchkeith, i which was reduced to perfect docility m a short time. Mr Lichtwark's next class meeting i 3 at Mayfield. A Drury Lane pantomime (according to a writer m the " Strand" triagazine,) costs from £16,000 to £20,000 m dresses, scenery, otc. A big procession costs £SUOO to £6000. jA. good principal earns from £60 to £100 a week, a troupe of acrobats £70 or more, a first class clown £35 or £40, and a sprightly dancer £30 to £50. When the licensee of the Royal George Hotel, Christchurch, was about to light the gas m one of the rooms on Tuesday evening, an explosion took place, and the door and windows were blown out. The licensee, Mr J. O'Neil, who was standing m the middle of the room, escaped without the slightest injury. A panel of itfee rfoor was broken into chips, and the glass of the windows blown out nearly twenty yards, Th.c curtains were set a light, but the fire was <pickly extinguished. The cause is supposed to be a leak m the gasalier. The " Financial News " calls the Timaru, (£i,maru, Gisi>otf»e, Napier, and Taranaki port's? bogus harbors, jiut says that New Ply mouth is' n°k altogether of (this class. What is to be thought of the opinions of a paper that does not cv?« kn, ow £»* <*« New Ply mouth harbor is !¥„ Tftrana¥ k^l?*? Equally funny (says the "Herald ) are the same writer's remarks C n *c harbors of Auckland, Wellington, and L;f tte*to^' which are described as "good and solver' harbors '." We are requested to call the attention of farmers to an advertisement m another column announcing a trial of a new reaper and binder which is to be brought out for j next harvest season by the " Massey " and " Brantford " Companies, who have amalga mated under the style of the "Massey and Harris Manufacturing Company." It is claimed for the new machine that it is a great improvement on either the old "Massey or the present "Brantford" reapers. It is open-backed with floating canvas, has a most perfect knotter, and is at once durable and simple m construction, being composed of very few parts. The trial of this new candidate for favor will take place on Saturday afternoon m a very heavy, much-laid, and tangled crop on Mr Battray's paddock, Carter's terrace, and the Australian manager (Mr McLeocl) will be m attendance to explain all matters connected with the working of the machine to farmers and intending purchasers. The worl i is ever moving on towards perfection, butseldom attains it. Constant improvement is being made m every branch of industry, but m Baking Powders Perfection has been reached iv I Wartrorton's Gm t Be Seat.

The Rev. W. Mayer and Dr Bernardo's ! boys netted £60 at Timaru last night. The Government Analyst has found traces of blood on the clothes submitted to him m connection with the murder of Dalton at Eketahuua. At Christchurch to-day William Morto i was committed for trial on four charges of embezzling various sums of money, amount ing to £22 2s Gd, the property of his em ployer, 'Richard Smith, plumber. Emanuel Font, cook of the American ship Everest, was on Wednesday,at Christchurch, committed for trial on a charge of willfully setting fire to the ship whilst m the graving dock. The handsome cup presented to the amateur swimming by Major Steward for a, special event—Rescuing Competition—at their sports on March 2 is now on view m the New Zealand Clothing Factory's window. This cup will doubt be much coveted and attract a big entry of competi tions. It will be remembered that shortly after the poisoning of the wedding party atPahia tua some home-made biscuits made by Mrs Marsh m the same district were supposed to contain poison, and samples were sent to the Government analyist. He reports the dis covery of arsenic m them. The Rer William Ronaldson, Grand Secretary of the New Zealand Constitution of Freemasons, has been informed that the Greytown Lodge, No. 1720, E.G., has joined the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. This brings the total of those Lodges that have joined up to seventy-six. The largest completed sale under the Land Purchase Act is detailed m the Dublin "Gazette." Eight hundred and eight ten ants on the estate of Lord Lurgan, m the County Armagh, have bought their farms for £221,854. The prices vary from ±30 to £3,000, and the list fills sixteen pages of the official journal. "There's one thing I envy a pig for, said a would-be funny well-known old stager to a local barber the other day. " What is that?" queried the barber. "He don't have to be shaved till after death," was the reply. "Some pigs do, and some don't," rejoined the tonsorial artist. The New York policemen are to be all furnished with an electric cane instead of the old-fashioned rolling-pin. The battery is to be concealed m the stick and the knob contains an electric lamp. It can be used for reading, writing, or to light its owner on a dark road, or throw light upon the dark doings of the light-fingered brigade. Miss Georgia Constancp McLean, daughter of the Hon. G. McLean, was married at Dunedin yesterday to Mr T. M. Wilford, solicitor, of Wellington. Knox Church, where the ceremony took place, was full to overflowing. The Rev. Dr. Stuart officiated. Among numerous presents were some from Lord and Lady Onslow and Lord Cranley. The ships m port were gaily decorated. At Dunedin yesterday the Hon. W. H. Reynolds had an interview with the Hon. J. G. Ward on the snbject of the alteration recently made m the method of charging for telegraphic messages. After explaining the dissatisfaction felt, and the inconvenience caused, the Postmaster-General said he would give instructions that the old method of charging should be reverted to. A gentleman who is attending the Presby terian General Assembly meeting now m progress, complains to the " New Zealand Herald " that the speaking year after year is monopolised by the same people, to the exclusion of younger men, and that m fact the opinions of the majority are not heard at all. He says that the monopoly of which he complains detracts from the interest ot the proceedings, and causes a good deal of disappointment and dissatisfaction. A terrible affair h*.s just come to light m Paris. In 1889 a man named Bondar com plained to the police that his wife had dis appeared mysteriously. He declared that she had been unfaithful, and had even attempted to poison him. The authorities inquiring into the affair at last instituted a thorough search of the premises m which Bondar resides, and discovered the body of his wife hanging m the chimney. Bondar has confessed his crime. The body had hung up m the chimney to smoV.e for nearly throe years. The Adelaide "Advertiser" states —Be- ginning with Hie fact that the annual output of wheat and wool together amounts m value to about £30,000,000, it is estimated that the exports of our forests, if properly managed, I may be expected to reach £57,000,000! Those ' that have an idea that Australia is an arid, treeless land, may revise their notions by pondering the fact that there are 50,000,000 million acres of forests. Mr Rudyard Kipling, during his stay m Melbourne, was offered £500 b,y one of the local journals for an article embodying his impressions of the Melbourne Cvp—the great sporting festival of the southern hemi sphere. He declined the offer. Mr G. A. Sala, Mr Archibald Forbes, and Mr Moncure i Conway were less fastidious. Each of them contributed a "Cup" article to the Mcl bourne press. Anglo-Australian, m the " European Mail, " writes :—" Lady Yogel is entitled to the deepest sympathy at the present moment. Her mother—Mrs Clayton—died on New Year's Day, and five days later her sister—Miss Kate Clayton—passed away. Mrs Clayton was the widow of the late Mr W. H. Clayton, who held the position of colonial architect m New Zealand, and she was 73 years of age at the time of her death, 'g The Rev Owen Watkina has been prospect ing m Mashonaland, m the interests of the vVesleyan Missionary Society. In a recent letter he says he is presumably the first white man to see the Mount of Footprints, which he thus describes 'At lasbwecameto on? large mount of rocks on the top of the hills. Here are thousands of impressions on the granite rock. Hundreds of human foot steps, thousands of footprints of animals— lions, jackals, wolves, and antelopes. On the top of the mount the appearance is as it a crowd of animals and men had rushed to gether m fright. At whatever period these footprints were made, it must have been be fore the outer surface of the rock had hardened. The distance from where the footprints begin to where they culminate on the mount is 200 yards." At this week's Addington market the j sales of stock from this district included the following :—Fat sheep—for Mr Duncan Cameron, crossbred wethers at 14s lOd to 15s 6d, merino wethers at 9s 6d to 10s lid ; Lyndhurst Estate, two-tooth crossbre Is at 13s lid to 14s 6d, halfbred ewes at 10s Od to lls 6d; Mr D. McKendry, merino wefchers at 10s 5d to 10s 7d ; Mr J. Grigg, 250 .crossbred ewes at 12s Ud to 14s Bd, 30 crossbred e^yesat llsOd : Chatmoss Estate, 240 crossbred ewes at Jss>7d ;Mr T. E. Upton, crossbred ewes and wethers at 12s 9d to 14s 6d; Buccleuch Estate, 120 mixed halfbreds at 14s 7d to 15s Id; Mr John Holmes, 122 crossbred ewe« at lls 7d to 18s od. Fat lambs—for Mr W. Lyttelton, 19,5 at lls Id to 12s ; Chatmoj» Estate, 204 j atl2slQd, The existence of the barmaid Js again threatened m New South Wales, la the a s ""»mbly Mr Dangar asked leave to bring ■ mT f° »n"*eli(-l *;ne law relating to ™,MiPni« by rc qtl'icfcinS the "iimder and SttaUro'Uineac!: licensed house, and by abolishing female labor ffl such licensed houses. Mr Dangar did not say much m favor of his resolution ; he merely pointed out that the reforms asked for Jurt been asked for over and over again for years past. According to the Premier, it k dangerous! fo meddle with barmaids. Tins Uv Dibbs took occasion laughingly to point au£ when speaking on Mr Dangar's motion. He did not oppose it, actively—the Government had no objection to the motion being discussed m committee—but at the same time he re minded Mr Dangar that the last member who attempted to deal with barmaids lost his seat m the House. The member con, cerned did not seem much frightened at this warning, and, amid general laughter, succeeded m getting his motion agreed to. "Keating's P.owdeb" destroys Bug 3 Fleas, Moths, Beetles, and all other insects whilst quite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean m application. See the article you ourchaseis " Keating's," as imitations are oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, bd, U and 2a 6(1 each, by all chemists,

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

The annual review (for the year 1891) of the frozen meat trade published by Messrs W. Weddell and Company, of j St. Helen's Place, London, is full of ir.terest to New Zealand Bock-owners. The first thing that strikes the reader is the rapid and still growing expansion of the trade, and the premier position occupied by this Colony m relation thereto. From a table supplied m the report under notice it appears that although Australia had the start of New Zealand by two years, the total of its annual shipments—which began with 400 carcases m 1880—reached only 384,693 carcases for 1891, while those of New Zealand which began m 1882 with 8839, attained m 1891 the enormous total of 1,896,706 carcases. The Falkland Islands, which it was at one time thought would figure largely m this trade, exported 30,000 carc&ses m 1886, and m the following year 45,552, but there were no shipments m 1888 or 1889, and the last two years only show the following small totals, namely, 1890, 10,168 carcases, 1891, 18,897 carcases. The chief competitor and rival of New Zealand is the Argentine Republic. The export from that country commenced m 1883 with 17,165 carcases, and last year the figures had risen to 1,073,525, of which the great bulk, 911,195, were shipped to Liverpool, and the balance, 162,330 carcases, to London. Roughly then it may be said that of the 3,323,000 odd carcases of frozen mutton which reached the Home market last year two-thirds was the produce of New Zealand and Australia, and one third the produce of the Plate; while as between New Zealand and Australia the figures respectively were as 6 to 1. The export from the Plate m 1891 was, however, 123,000 carcases less than m 1890, while that from New Zealand was 363,000 more m 1891 than m 1890. Of the New Zealand mutton Messrs Weddell say that it occupies the premier position m respect of quality at well as quantity, though later on ia their report they state that for several months past the quotation for best River Plate has exceeded by a farthing per 1b the price of New Zealand merino mutton—-from which it sufficiently appears that it is New Zealand cross bred mutton which has won for our export the premier position referred to, It is also apparent that South American flock-owners are making successful efforts to improve the quality of their sheep, and m view of the growing competition with the River Plate and Australia m merino produce Messrs Weddell point out that it is "increasingly desir able that New Zealand should direct its entire energies to the ship ping of crossbred mutton of prime quality." The necessity for insistance upon this point is apparent, for we are sorry to read that " the level of quality m 1891 was even lower than the reduced level of 1890" ; the writers adding that " whilst fair numbers of really prime carcases were received, such as, m earlier years, made the reputationof iraportsf rom New Zealand, a larger proportion than hitherto of ewes, very fat sheep, and merinos were included amongst the various shipments." They go onto say that '' m some parts of New Zealand it is still the custom to brand as 'prime quality' the most inferior grades shipped, thus rendering absolutely worthless what ought to be jealously guarded as equivalent to a trade mark. The practice cannot possibly do the individual shipper any real good, as claims must inevitably arise if such shipments happen to be sold on the ( colonial description,' while the trade, as a whole, is most emphatically iri^ jured by the adoption of so short sighted a policy." This brings up the whole question of " grading," upon which Messrs Weddell make the follow ing remarks :-—" The efforts made at some of the more enterprising refri gerating works m New Zealand with a view to adopting a practical system of grading for quality have met with ac encouraging amount of success, but a more regular and more general adop tion of the principle is required before a full appreciation of its merits can be looked for. The past year's experi ence of the great variations m quality shipped, not only from the colony as a whole, but from each of its ports, emphasises the demand for some arrangement which will afford a guar antee of a reasonable regularity of quality being shipped under each mark. There have been no objections raised to its general adoption, except such as have sprung from advice not altogether disinterested, but for some reason or other-shippers have been somewhat slow to adopt it. Grading is now, however, so essential to the satisfactory distri bution of consignments, that m order to meet this reluctance on the part of shippers, tentative arrangements are being made m some of the London stores for its being thoroughly done after arrival. It is manifest, however, that much would be gained by its being undertaken at the freezing works m New Zealand. On several occasions during the latter part of the year, after buyers had had an opportunity of handling parcels graded for weight and breed, they either declined to buy un assorted parcels or offered less money for them than for graded lines of similar average weight. As regards the shipment of lamb's the writers say : —" In our last review the rapid in crease of importations from New Zealand was commented upon, and attention was directed to the desira bility of securing a more gradual augmentation of shipments. In 1890 the increase amounted to over 100 per cent as compared with the figures for 1889. In 1891 there was an increase of fully thirty per cent over 1890. From information published by Messrs P. Cunningham and Co., Christchurch, jit' appears that for the years ending 80th Jyne there were exported from New Zealand—in 1889,132,645 lambs; m 1890, 260,204 laitybs j and m 1891, 357,916 lambs. Last year's quality showed some improvement iipon that oi bh® preceding year, but a great many very poor, thin carcases were received, shipped without apparenjb regard bo the requirements of this market, Comparatively low rates L-uled throughout, supplies being, gener ally speaking, much m excess of the iurrent demand. The superior eating qualities of New Zealand lamb are being constantly demonstrated, to eon-

sumers, and there'is a growing demand for it m many new quarters where hitherto its use has been unknown. Its appearance is very little affected m the course of thawing-out—owing presumably to the smaller proportion of blood m -young meat—and as its quality is admittedly excellent, no reasonable doubts can be entertained that the demand will steadily increase, especially for really prime carcases." After giving some valuable suggestions with reference to shipment and freight, and pointing out that the frozen mutton importations now represent from fifteen to twenty per cent of the total consumption of mutton m the United Kingdom, this very interesting review concludes with the remark that "as the breaking down of prejudices goes steadily on, the demand for frozen mutton and beef must continue to grow amongst the great masses of our people, and with that support secured, the jj future progress of the industry cannot I fail to be, on the whole, as steady and 'satisfactory as m the past."

The Zeehan Silver Field.

The following letter which was received by this week's mail speaks for itself, and will be of interest to many m this district:— Zeehan, February 9, 1892. Dear Sir, —I received your letter with pleasure, also many from > other Ashburton friends, and as my time is very fully occupied I shall be glad if you can let them know my opinions on matters generally. You will have seen the "Zealandia" report published m Canterbury. The lode referred to is turning out much better than I expected. It is five feet wide, of galena, carbonate of iron and carbonate of lime mixed, and improving m galena. As lime and iron are the flux for galena, I trust it will prove a valuable lode. lam satisfied so far, but friends must not expect returns until the field is more developed. Many of the mines have been working at great disadvantages for iwo or three years. The railway was opened last week, and the smelters are now ready to receive ore, and this will overcome the difficulties hitherto met with. The good mines developed on this field are so far apart and the country so rough . th<it a large amount of capital is required to open up communication. Uould you see what has already been done here m little over a year m roads, trams, and railways, you would be surprised indeed. The financial depression all over the colonies and unex pected delays have caused great depression m.shares, aud now shaves can bo bought m proved claims at half cost prices, the result is those who come and see the field are investing all they can. I have received several thousand pounds from New Zea land during the last three months, which, single handed (Dicken being still jn Lon don) has kept me'busy. My advice to friends is "buy now, don't sell.' The results of smelting will prove some of the Zeehan galenas to be the richest m the world, the quantity Can only be proved by sinking, which has hitherto been im possible for want of machinery, which can now be delivered by rail. The field looks better than ever it did, and the depression has exterminated the gamblers. The next movement will be on the merits of the field. You ask for my bona fide opinion, I give it unhesitatingly, that there must bo a big movement here, and the country being so full of silver, and developments so far apart, there is room for plenty of new and better discoveries I must again say that working men arc better off m Canterbury than m Zeehan, but capital judiciously invested gives promise of large returns. Hoping to hear from you again shortly, — I am, yours sincerely, W. H. GIJNDRY.

The Victorian Agent- Generalship.

; The" Angus'' of February 9, makes the downfall of the Real Estate Bank the text for a forcible article demanding the revocation of the appointment of Mr Munro as Agent-General. It declares that while it is Mr Munro's misfortune and. not his fault that he is so prominently connected with the' institution, yet the question is forced upon the public whether the controller of an insolvent institution is the right and proper person to be sent to Great Britain to manage the colonial finances at a critical period m our history. It thinks Parliament should be called together to consider the question, or the appointment deferred until the new Parliament assembles, and concludes, "Mr Munro hal? publicly urged share holders and others to stick to the Real Estate Bank. No man has a greater responsibility for an institution than he has for this one. He is the holder and the captain of the ship, and now that it is stranded he is sailing from it. If he remained to help to wind up the Real Estate Bank Mr Munro •would be m his proper place; as Agent-General, to answer to London for Victoria's solvency, he em phatically puts himself ,and the colony m a false position,"

General Synod.

(pee, press association.

"Wellington, February 17, Further unpleasantness occurred m the Anglican Synod this afternoon. Sir John Hall moved to suspend standing order 24, so that business could be taken after 10.30 m the evening. The question was put, and Synodsmen gave their voices m favor of it, but the Primate said he could hob agree to the proposal, and as the con sent of all the members present had to be obtained before it could be passed, he therefore declared it! ost. After this announcement Sir John Hall placed his papers m the desk, took up his hat, and without a word walked out of the chamber. He was followed by several other clerical and lay representatives. A few minutes afterwards, the Bishop of Auckland moved for the suspension of the same standing order, pointing out that it would be next to impossible to get through all the business on the order paper, unless the Synod sat later than 10.30 to night, and it was doubtful whether there would be a quorum present to-momnv. The Bishop of Chrisk'hurch seconded the motion, but the Primate peremptorily ruled it out of order ; as it had already been disposed of, ;\.nd called on the next business on the order paper.

A Wife's Mistake.

A lady recently explored her lord's vest afc about 4.30 a.m. Greatly to her astonishment, it contained a £5 note ' together with a regulation suspender button and the customary night key. "Aha," she said ; "he knoweth not that his vest containeth a £5 note, because when he came home he tried to light his pipe with a cigar stump. 1 will take the money and go shopping." She took the fiver and pub half a sovereign rind three shillings back, that her lord might not be too sorely perplexed on counting his capital. And as she started for her things to go down town her husband, who had been slyly watching her with one eye, chuckled like a fiend as he hurried quickly into his clothes and started out after a cocktail. " Thirteen shillings," he soliloquized ; "thirteen shillings. "Why, Im m luck, and the country's saved. Severe cases require severe remedies ; but my wife will be the maddest woman m town when she finds she has given me thirteen shillings legal currency for a counterfeit £5 note."

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

LABOR QUESTIONS.

London, February 16. The Durham coal owners have given their employees a fortnight's notice. Sixteen thousand engineers on the Tyne and Wear are out on strike. There are many dissentients in their ranks. The coalminers are resuming work. The "Morning Post" says that the strike has injured the Coal Miners Union, and that many of the members are seceding. THE SALVATION ARMY. General Booth was entertained at a banqnet, at which there were 5000 people present. Enormous meetings have been arranged in the provinces to welcoma the General. In the course of an interview with the representative of the " Globe," General Booth complained of the pre judices existing in the colonies against his scheme for the establishment of over sea colonies, and appealed to the people of England for further monetary assistance to enable him to carry out his project to a successful issue. A plebiscite of the residents of East bourne gives an immense majority in opposition to the repeal of the clause preventing Salvation Array proces sions. IMPERIAL POLITICS. The result of the division on Mr Sexton's amendment -was announced amidst cries of " Dissolve," and intense excitement prevailed in the Chamber. "The Times 1" blames the whips for discouraging many members of the Unionist party from voting. It is intimated that the Labour candidates are certain of securing seats in sixteen divisions at the general election, SUEZ CANAL, The North of England steamship owners are appealing to shipowners in England to make a second Suez Canal. ADMIRAL FAIRFAX. It is rumored that Admiral Fairfax will shortly" take comm-ind of the Channel Squadron. ■ EMIGRATION. The emigrants who went to Brazil have returned to England in a sad plight, and are entering the work houses. The Government do not intend to assist the crofters to emigrate to Canada this year. OBITUARY. The death is announced of Mr Henry Wardle, M.P. for Derbyshire South. TASMANIAN TREASURY BILLS. The London and Westminister Bank is offering £360,000 worth of Tas manian Treasury bills at a price yield ing 4| per cent. It is expected that they will be placed to-morrow. PACIFIC ISLAND SYNDICATE. A Pacific Island Syndicate, with a capital of £50,000, has been regis tered. The Earl of Albemarle and Mr.J.S. Balfour, M.P. for Burnley, are among the Directors. The Com pany will acquire the mineral rights of land, will grow fruit, and operate in ;he exploitation of mercantile business in the New Hebrides, New Caledonia, and elsewhere. Messrs John Higgin son and Joseph Ebbs Smith are Managing Directors.

GERMAN NEW GUINEA.

Eerun, February 16. t The report that Kaiser Wilhelms land, m New Guinea, is unfit for Euro pean colonists is confirmed. It is re ported that the officials are ail dying off. y ft

THE GERMAN EDUCATION BILL.

The Professors m the German Uni versities are opposed to the Education Bill on the ground that it will curtail the State control of the educational institutions.

THE FAMINE IN INDIA.

Calcutta, February fl3. The famine m the Northern districts of India is assuming serious propor tions.

THE ANARCHISTS.

New lock, February 16. The workmen m the city have passed resolutions protesting against the execution of the anarchists at Xeres m Spain.

EDISON'S TORPEDO.

Edison's new torpedo is a success.

FRENCH PROTECTION.

Paris, February 16. The French have extended their authority over the Louat oasis south of A]geria and caravans are now bain" taken under their protection.

HARASSING THE POLES.

The Russian Government is haras sing the Poles, and the German agents are doing their best to precipitate a rising.

A PROPOSED RAILWAY.

The merchants m Moscow have raise 4 funds for the construction of a railway from Samarcand to Khokand m Central Asia,

SIGNOR CRISPI.

Rome, February 16. It is rumored that Signor Orispi retires from active politics,

AUSTRALIAN.

NEW SOUTH WALES POLITICS. Sydney, February 17. In the House of Assembly, Mr Dibbs, the Premier, asked the Oppo-( sition to bring the session to a close as soon as possible. He stated that the House would be recalled within a week I m order to re-introduce the Electoral' Bill, aU-o a, measure providing for the redistribution of seats. Mr Read promised the Premier every assistance j m the matter. i

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, February 17. In a case at the Police Court, before Dr Giles, of alleged trespass of cattle upon the railway line at Newmarket, "Mr O'Meagher, who appeared for the defend ant, raised the objection that the by-law framed by the Railway Commissioners to prevent trespass was repugnant to the Public Woris Act, and therefore ultra vires, since no person could make by-laws which would oveirule the statutes. The objection was not sustained. The telegraph lineman, Oross, has been temporarily suspended from duty until the charge of mutilation of his horse at Hamilton has been heard. Cross has been for nearly thirty-eight years m the Government service, and stood well m the esteem of the officers of the Department. The native woman who fell, into the boiling spring at Wharakarewa a few days i ago has died from the effects of the scald ing. A resident of Mount Roskill, Mrs Ellen Patterson, was found dead to-day at Mount Eden at the house of a friend whom she was visiting. Death is believed to be due to heart disease. Wangantji, February. 17. The Defence Minister has arranged through Major Somerville for the Hine moa to take the Volunteers to the New Zealand Rifle Association Meeting from Lyttelton to Wellington, leaving Lyttel on March 6. Lieutenant Colonel Newall has been placed m command of the camp. Wellington, February 17. Wellington is having a surfeit of ecclesiastical conferences. The Anglican bynod has been sitting two weeks, and to-morrow the New Zealand Congrega tional Union begins, followed m "rapid succession by the Congregational Union of Australasia and the Wesleyan Methodists of Australasia, Dunedin, February 17. Up to the present 175 applications for registration under the Factories Act have been recorded, while sixty eight were received unaccompanied by fees, and were therefore allowed to stand over. This only m the inspector s opinion, repre sents abouc two thirds of the factories and workrooms m rhe city, and probably steps will be taken to enforce compliance with the Act. At a meeting of the Middle Island Dtfiry Association it was resolved to com municate with the Harbor Board or Dock Trust to put. up a cool chamber for dairy produce. It was also decided to request the Harbor Boards of the colony to make no special concessions and grant no sub sidies to shipping companies until they reduced the freights on dairy produce.

The Sealskin Cases.

[per fkbss association.]

Inveecargill, February 17. In the Supreme Court to-day Andrew Newton was tried a second time for the larceny of Hatch's sealskins. Consider able curiosity was evinced as to the verdict after the conviction of Mellish and Thompson yesterday, as Newton was the ringleader and disposed of the skins for the others. Until yesterday he main tained that he only got IBs each for the skins, but he then admitted he got 20s and pocketed the difference, the receipt given showing only 18s. The jury to-day returned a verdict of guilty. Sentence will not be given until the law points are settled by the Appeal Court. Mr Solomon, for the accused, strove to prevent any of the previous jury sitting on this case, but the authorities were against him and three were included.

SPORTING.

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

The programme for the Autumn Meeting of the Ashburton Trotting Club is now advertised, and will, no doubt meet with the approval and patronage of owners. The track has been greatly impoved, having been dressed with clay and thoroughly harrowed and rolled, and for the coming meeting will be as good going as any track m Sew Zealand. Owners must not foTgefc that nominations must be sent m to the Secretary not later thetn nine o'clock on Saturday night, February 27. It will be noticed that a Consolation Handicap of 15 soys has been added to the programme originally framed.

DUNEDIN NOTES.

[per press association.'!

Dunedin, February 18. Fast work was done this morning by all the Cup horses present, except Merrie England and Urackshot, who merely can tered. The best gallop was by Cruchfield and Galtee, who went two miles nearly at top. with Saracen to bring them home for six furlongs. Cruchfield" had rather the best of Galtee, but the latter went well. Prime Warden did two miles fasi, moving m excellent style. Don Pedro and Rose feldt were apparently about a match over the same distance ; the pace was sound all the way and they were shaken up at the finish. Occident went two miles with Derby preity fast, but not at top all the way ; they finished together. Bliz zard, with a bandage on his near fore-leg, cantered with Johnny Faa. Freelance went two miles, winding up with six fur longs at top with Lustre, who beat him. The latest arrivals are Crackshot, Ilium, Tom Field, Bay King, Carronacle, The Idler, Dialetera.

Lost Overboard.

[per press association.

Wellington, February 1.7 A young man named George Sommer ville, aged twenty-seven, was lost over board from the steamer Mawhera on her passage from Greymouth to Wellington. Sommerville was chief steward of the steamer Oreti, but had been m the hospital for some time, and was on his way to join his vessel again. He was seen on deck at six o'clock to-nighfc, as the vessel was entering the heads, but a few minutes later he was missed, and no trace of him can be found. It is supposed he fell overboard,

MAGISTERIAL.

A.SHBURTON- THURSDAY.

(Before Mr C. A. Wray, R.M.)

Drunkenness.—William Smith, who had not been before Mie Court since July, but who was now m a sad plight from the • eiiects of a long debauch,"" pleaded guilty to hftvniß been drunk the nkrht be fore on Lhe public street, and was remanded until next clay, so that he might set quite sober. ."/ ( Civil Cases.—Vernon v. Black, £5, Mr Cuthbertson for plaintiff—judgment for amount by default. William Mormon v. William .lamieson, £3 on 6d and J. Stewart v. William Jamieso'n, £3 2s 6d.~Mr Pur nell for defendant, Mr Moore lor plaintiffs. Mt ■ Purnell said the . amount was not dis puted m the first case, but, there was a i counter claim,'a cross summons for which there had not been time, to issue. He asked that judgment be entered up for plaintiff m the first case, but; that execu tion be stayed for a week,iso that the counter claim could be heard. In the second case there was alsp a counter claim but the amount sued for by plaintiff was not admitted m full. Ultimately the cases were taken together. Jamieson's evidence was that, after his own crop was m, he had asked the me a to go with him to a contract he had taken for stacking Samuel Brown's crop, They consented. His own worjk was finished on Saturday, and he was to begin at Browrt's on Mon day. At the last moment Morrison and Stewart declined to go, having got a longer job at Charles Hill's. In conse quence of this he had to get other men from Ashburton, losing half a day of him selfandtwo teams. William Mitchell swore the two men consented to go to Brown's. Both Stewart and Morrison m the wit ness box swore that when the alleged consent was given Jamieson told him ha had not yet got the contract, and that they were not to be disappointed if he did not gel it. The job was only to last two days and Hill's was to last a fortnight. His Worship was not satisfied that there had been any breach of contract on the part on the men that he would be justi fied m giving damages for, but he would allow 8s claimed by Jamieson as difference m the extent of crop stooked by Stewart —insteal of 60 acres there, were only 52 ; and 3s for three hours' work topping a stack, which Stewart agreed tc do but did not do, although he charged it m his account. Judgment for Morrison m full with 10s costs. Judgment for Stewart for £211s 60, with 10s costs. Thomas v. P. and J. Madden, claim £23 16s for goods supplied. Mr Wilding for plaintiff, Mr Cuthbertson for defen dants. The case was similar to the one heard a fortnight ago, m which John Orr and Co. sued and got judgment against the defendants toe an account for goods supplied. A f ter a hearing of some length, His Worship gave judgment for the full amount claimed, with costs.' This was all the business.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

(ITSR P&JESs ASSOCIATION.)

Hon. Mr Rryc« and the Marion " Mercury." m, L ™ MartOx\. February 18. The " Mercury " apologised to Hon John Bryce m yesterday's issue, for the | aheged libellous structures passed upon him ni that paper on the 12th inst. The editor states that he was under a mis apprehension when he assumed that Mr Bryce was the purchaser of th* perpetual lease section. Examination* Wellington, February 18. The results of the teachers and civil servifee examinations will .not-be known until the end of next week. Ths delay is caused through one of the examiners being called r.way to Tasmania. Congregational Union. Ihe annual meeting of the ' Conaraga tional Union of New Zealand opened to-day, Rev W. J. Habens m the chair. Ihe list of delegates numbers 62,17 bein» clerical representatives and 45 lay repre* sentatives. One of the delegates is a laoy, Mrs Cousins, who represents Beres ford Street Church, Auckland. ln the Wellington factory district 157 applications accompanied by the fees have been received for registration under the factories Act, and sixteen without fees. Ihis leaves about 100 application yet to come m, J

Troubles With Natives.

\?UR PBfcSS ASSOCIATION]

Tjr .Tr Auckland, February 17. Kerei Kaihau, arrested on the charge of inciting Kaima to remove the survey las near Waiuku, has been committed for trial. mi-., February 18. lawhaio has written to the Hon Mr j mD claimin S certain land at Mangaro and Tamaki, near Auckland, which he says belonged to his father, Tewhero whero. It is to assert his claim that the trig flag was removed. When Mr Cad was at Auckland Tawhaio tried to get an interview with him, but as he left it to the last moment Mr Cadman could nofc see him. Nothing will be done m the matter till Mr Cadman returns to Auck land,

THE MARKETS.

Lonbon, February 16. 14,000 quarters of Australian wheat January and February shipments, sold at o9s. Shares m the colonial shipping com panies are unchanged. Antimony is quoted at £43 10s. Silver, 3s 5Jd per oz. . ". ■ London, February 17 . Prices at th* wool sales are steady. Eight hundred bales of first combings were disposed of at an average of 7|d, Fine crossbreds are one penny lower than last series. The next wool sales will be held on March 29 and following days. The total quantity of wheat and flour afloat for the United Kingdom is 2,900,000 quarters, arid for the Continent 1,108,000 quarters.

The Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received che following cable message, dated Lon don, 16th inst. :— Wool—The sales progress firmly, but there is much irregularity m the bidding. Quotations unchanged since last telegiam. Superior Greasy Merino-^Market is easier. The American demand is limited. The total quantity catalogued to date is 248,000 bales, and the total quantity withdrawn to date is 22,000 bales. Wheat-Market is firmer, awl there is a fair demand. New Zealand wheat fan is worth c.i.f. to arrive 39a 6d per 4801bs quotations nominal. $ew: Zealand wheat* long-berried, ami average, ar« worth res pectively d9s 6id and 41s 9d per 4961bs

Addington Stock Market

CHBisTcroacHv February 17. The weather was charming for the market and there was a fair attendance. ' Stows Shkkp—Over 3000 were yarded, of which a large proportion was crossbred lambs and ewea of various ages, for which there was a good demand. Of lambs offered one line of inferior quality brought 6s 7d, but several sorts of good store lambs chanced hands at <)s to 10s Id. Two-tooths, mixed, met with a ready sale at 11s 6d to 12s 3tf - four-tooth ewes were cleared at 13s; foui and six tooth ewes alone realised 12s 9d -

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1892.



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STOCK-TAKING. DEDUCTIONS HAVE BEE^ MADE IN iiLL DEPARTMENTS. INSPECTION INVIIEO. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. W. H. WEBBER, Manager, HEBOULES MAKING POWDEB IS THE BEST Those who have not tried it, shoaia ask their Grocer for it Makes splwudid Cakes Scones,Pastryj ke. ASHBURTON "MAIL PUNEDIN AGENCY. MR RJ T 1 WHEELER Stafford Street 1 Dunedik JtIAS been appointed Oor Agent, an will be able to Arrange Terms with Adf cc isen for Coatwct Advertisement^



Wanted. I CASH Advertisements under this heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left at this Office. i'h  BAXTER'S Second Innings, What is Thesophy, Canterbury poets, Con dition of labor. Electricity up to date, Elsa. H. M. Jones. 291 "1 UST Landed — Sparkling Crystal 9j Sugar, special for jam and jeily ; also, New Teas, splendid value. - Stephens' Bros., Market House. 289 "|\TOTHING will Cool you so quickly and -Li invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream.—H.G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. TT7 ANTED Known.-Come and see VV the Bargains now on at Melford House.— H. 0. Segers. W~* AMID Known. -At "The Corner' now selling Ladies' French Shoes. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Oollieb. "TITANTED KNOWN,—A great pur- VV chase of Kid Gloves, £135 10s 6d, Morencia Kid' Gloves, all sizes, 4 and 5-Clasp, usual price 6s lid and 8s 6d, now sold for 4s lid and 5s lid. -A. Okr's Sale. ANTED Known.—lf you want plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing fbr cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. O. Seghrs. rpHIRTY Pieces Dress Goods at6d ; 60 ■*- Pieces French Cashmere at la 6cl, worth 3s 6d ; 1000 Yards French Tweed, double width, at Is 9d, worth 3s 9d. All Dress Goods greatly reduced.—Andrew Orr's Cheap Sale. 1 106 BOOTS, Boots.—lnfants Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 6s 9d, Gents' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid.™ Andrew Orr b Sale. 1 W~~ ANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. f Collier. W""~ ANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to aelfict from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Hardley, East ■ treet. 6J202 WANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. O. Segers. n ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 60s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings, TO Meet the Times.—l am supplying Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all desariptions. Inspection invited.— j. W. Harbley, Eas street. 6J201 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. m staff of men always kept and best Material and workmanship guaranteed. ANTED Known.- -H. Bairstow has opened those premises m East street nextJ. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on Visw. Having a good stock of well seasoned figured Rimu and Kauri, he is prepared to takp orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection runted. Ilt6l Public Notices. "\7"ALENTINES to suit everybody. V Just opened up. Palm Leaf Fans and Screens at 6d. Selling fast. Also Zither Harps, three sizes, from 4s 6d. New Games, Fancy Stationery, &c. L. F. ANDREWES & CO., Stationers' Hall.