The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MARCH 14, 1892. BIRTH.

Gbiog.—U Longbeach, on Match 12, the wife of .1. C. N. Grigc, of a daughter.

WHEAT PROSPECTS.

The fall m the price of wheat iv the London market, that has taken place during the last few days, is very disappointing to farmers, ;<iter their having been'led by all authorities to anticipate improved prices. The de cline was unexpected up to the time of the last mail leaving England \ indeei, one of the bos'; informed of London correspondents, m a letter from which we publish a quotation umler " Farm Notes," writes with great confidence as? to the future. At the beginning of the year the statisticians who give their" special attention to the fibres connected with food supplies and r<> cjuirewaents, had arrived at the conclu sion that though hw-vy deficiencies m tie prodnetiw of grata ty Byrne

countries were to some extent compen-1 sated for by largo surpluses m other' countries, the world's total supply was' 150,000,000 bushels short of the total requirements, and this fact was gener ally looked upon as amply warranting the feeling of confidence m improved prices. However, the prssent move ment of the market is downward, for what reason is difficult to understand. A letter to an American agricultural paper (date not given), urging that too rosy a view of the situation has been taken, has been given prominence to m the Christchut-ch " Press." The writer J (ostensibly a fanner) may turn out to be right m his contention, but it is not because of the strength of his premises ; j arid as the letter has received a certain degree of attention, we may see what he considers sufficient reasons for his conclusions. He says they_ —the American farmers—were promised a high price for wheat because of the shortage m the crop abroad, j especially m Russia. That was tho only reason given. But the writer is confident that " the statisticians who take into consideration only the one fact of a shortage of the wheat and rye crops abroad, especially m Russia, have altogether over estimated the probable advance m the price of wheat for three reasons. They assume that the foreign shortage m food crops is m proportion to the shortage m wheat and rye, when it is not; second, they take no account of lessened consumption of wheat and rye, due to an advance m the price ; and, third, they fail to consider the fact that those who would eat wheat and rye were their crops good cannot buy American wheat, for they have nothing with which to pay. The first reason is supported by the fact that m European countries the potato crop is up to the average. " Even Russia has a good crop although it is unevenly distributed. In places potatoes are so plentiful that they are being used for distilling purposes. They cannot be got to the famine-stricken districts because of lack of means of trans portation. The famine m Russia is not more owing to poor crops than to lack of transportation facilities. Query: If potatoes cannot be trans ported from along the Baltic provinces to the famine-stricken districts, how is American wheat to be transported to those districts 1 It will be seen that the potato crop is not a short crop this year, and abroad it is more important as a food product than is wheat or rye ; hence it cannot well be true that the deficit or decrease m the European food supply is as large as a con sideration of the European grain crops alone would indicate. As for the second point, every reader knows that invariably the scarcity and higher price of an article lead to a less consumption, which operates to keep the price from going as high as it would were the consumption normal. Other articles are substituted : and, further, there is a net decrease m the total con sumption, for people are made more saving—less is wasted. Our bright statisticans take the normal consump tion for granted. The actual consump tion wilf be quite a little less. Outsule of Russia, not a few stomachs, ordi narily well filled, will often be wrinkled ; things usually discarded will be utilised, and the slop bairrel will not be so well fattened. Third, how many of those who lack food can buy wheat 1 They have nothing with which to buy. For example, how can the starving Russians buy wheat 1 Is it not a fact that a good part of that European deficit will be filled, not with our wheat, but with the sufferance of those who are compelled to do without V The value of the arguments may be estimated by their being based upon the erroneous premise that Russia was being depended upon to be a buyer of American wheat. The actual position which Russia really occupies is that in stead of being a large exporting country all exports therefrom have been pro hibited, and the place of these supplies to consuming countries will have to be filled by drawing upon other sources, which, it is agreed, are not sufficient. High prices undoubtedly check con sumption to a slight extent, but not nearly to the extent of the estimated deficiency. We think, therefore, that farmers will require some stronger arguments than those of the American wnter we have quoted, before they allow the market to be " beared." ["Farm Notes," are crowded out to-day.]

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

An Illinois Judge listened for two days to an argument as to the construction of an Act of Assembly, and then told the attorneys that the law was repealed. A Spanish visitor to Gibraltar gives his imiFessions 0 f the place in the " Revistu Contemporanea." What seems to have struck him most was the " indecent cos tumeof the British troops 1 He says ;— "There are some regiments of Scotchmen who wear (the privates not the officers) certain short petticoats with many folds, which have little or nothing of a military character, and in which they go about, showing their legs (which are bare) up a considerable height. This piece of unseem liness forms part of a costume in a high degree indecent, and unworthy of a culti vated and civilised nation." A late number of the American _n "ineering News," received by the San Fran cisco mail, gives » long and laudatory account of the New Zealand railways, and of the engines and carriages built at 4-ddjng ton, with copious illustrations. The illustra, tions represent—(l) The class "F " engine, entirely built at Addington. (2) The class " N " express engine, designed by Mr R. J. Scott, of Ohrlstchurch (at present of the Christchurch College professional staff), and built at the Baldwin Works, Philadelphia, United States ot America. (3) The new "Corridor" first-class carriage constructed at Addington. Various new departures in the New Zealand rolling stock are com, mented.on with much interest and general approval by American engineers. The following extract from "Bewicks Quadrupeds " has never so far as it is known been controverted .— An ordinary racehorse is known to go at the rate of ft mile in less than two minutes, but there have kfim instances of much greater rapidity, ihe famous horse Guilders ha* been known to move B'2i feet in a second, or nearly ft mily in a minute; he has run round the course at Newmarket, which is little less than four mitos, U) six minutes forty seconds Ghilders, well-knowa as the Flying Ghilders, tho property of -lie fruk,fc .of Devonshire, was allowed by sportsmen to )»a the fleetest horse thai was .ever bred j,ii *h ( c ?wr/d ; Eclipse was allowed Ui he tho fastest hors.<? that was ever run in FnglawJ (sin.ee the time .of Childerc. Taking the BtitiSvtice of i (•Jhihkrs'running, it will be seen that thb ;ra£c was ityt that of a mile a minute, or sixty ■miles an hour, but to the rate of 5G._ ■JAiiles an hour: AmV there i* nothing to show fare what proportion qf a mile that raje w^.s maintained. His performance ot four: miles in six and two.-ihjrd .mini_ tw }$ at the rate of thirty.*.* IWJ*« *lJ» Wi

Thn crew of the snnllpox stricken barque Uinvoti,. at Port Chalmers-, have been released from quarantine. From the Divorce Court to the lectern is rather a singular transmission. It appears however, from the " Hampshirs Chronicle, " that not only w>is Earl Russell present on 1 a recent Sunday night at the evening service at St. John's Church, Winchester, but that he read the lessons. Peter H.iusen, who had been dealt with on Friday last for drunkenness, had got drunk again after his discharge, and had continued on the boose till the police got hold of him and arrested him, was brought up this morning before Mr David Thomas J.P., who after severely lecturing Hansen, accepted his promise to dear out to his work at Lrtghmor an 1 dismissed him. A suggestion of Mr Pen rose Fitzgerald. M. P. for Cambridge, that the University authorities should appoint a deputation to meet the members of the Corporation to discuss questions of University jurisdiction having been declined, Mr Fitzgerald is pre pared to bring m a Bill to abolish entirely the University jurisdiction over citizens. The Vanderbilt mansion on Fifth Avenue, New York (telegraphs Dalziel) received a visit fiom a lunatic lately. His name was John Lingemann, and his modest desire was to obtain the brains of Mr W. H. Vander bilt m order that they might be carefully compared with his own to discover why Vanderbilt was rich and Lingemann poor. He was locked up. Yesterday afternoon Mr Edgar Bonning tou was riding along East street, when, at the. corner of Havelock street, the horse suddenly dropped dead. The animal had been ridden at a very easy pace over from Tinward, and was walking at the time, being just past the Army. The occurrence happened without the slightest warning, and Mr Bonnington had a very narrow escape from being crushed under the horse. An interesting link with the'4s has just been broken. Mr John Macgillivray, late teacher at Culloden, whose death at the age of ninety-two is announced, lived for several years near an old woman m the district who had been present at the battle m 1746. Mrs | Geddes, the person referred to, lived to a great age, and had a clear recollection of seeing Prince Charlie at Culloden House the day before the battle. Mr Macgillivray's own grandfather was present at the battle. The Sydney " Field" has started a crusade against the swindling " consulta tionists." The "Sydney Jockey Turf Club" —of which we have many a time and oft warned our readers—was the first to receive attention, and the " secretary" thereof incontinently fled. Next to receive notice, was "J. Adarrs" or "G. Adams" (both fictitious names adopted by a ferry-boat employee), and he also lias changed his address. The only safe course, evidently, is to have nothing to do with any of them. The book-fiend is nothing if he be not calmly self-confident. His nature is as im pervious to "the whips and scorns of time, the oppressor's wrong, the proud man's con tumely," as the rhinoceros is to flea-bites. The latest samplo of his sublime unconsci ousness is afforded by an agent of the " Picturesque Atlas " Company m a southern district, who is delivering the instalments of that much-advertised work and at the same time canvassing for subscribers to a booV. of which he himself is the author, entitled " How I delivered the Picturesque Atlas." , By the express on Saturday evening a large number of members of Southern Fire Brigades passed through tn route for Christ church to take part m the Fire Brigades' demonstration. Captain Fooks, Ashburton Brigade, Vice President of the Association, wasalso a passenger. Most of the firemen taking part m the proceedings arrived at Chmtchurch on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon a Fire Brigades' church parade took place. About 250 firemen, with two bandp, marched to the Cathedral, where Bishop Julius preached. There was a very large congregation, many people being unable to find seats. Charity never faileth. At any rate, it did no: fail m the year now closed. According to the seventeeth wdition of the " Classified Directory to the Metropolitan Charities, " the total revenue of the charitable institu tions having their headquarters m London amounted to over six millions sterling—or. to be precise, £0,060,763. This total included £2,658,212 for home and foreign missions ; £•200,251 raised on behalf of the blind, deaf and dumb, incurables and idiots ; £055,790 fot Hospitals ; £504,423 for pensions and re lief of the aged ; £750,030 for the Salvation Army, and £13,000 for the Darkest England Fund. The "Otago Daily Times" correspondent thus describes Lord and Lady Onslow's de parture from Auckland Harbour:—The aquatic display was the finest thing of the kind ever attempted m Auckland, every thing favouring it—beautiful weather and a fine sailing breeze. As the Mararoa stood into the stream yacht after yacht m line tonk up her position and escorted her till the party had passed on, amid the murmurs of admiration from the spectators. The last rays of the setting sun were thrown across the dancing wavelets of the Waiteinata as the Mararoa. rounded th,e North Head, and the yachts m line, a mile abreast, made their last farewell salute to the departing Governor. Lord Onslow could lave wished no heartier farewell, no more beautiful and picturesque surroundings, than that which graced the closing scene of all that was fading from his gaze it may be for ever. To what exrent the values of properties have fallen m Oamaru (says the "Mail") m-iy be judged from some facts which came out at a recent meeting of the Borough Council. It was reported that the total value of rateable property m the borough, as appearing upon the certified assessment roll, was £33,500, as against i' 36.,000 for the previous year. They Mayor added that some ten or twelve years ago, with only about half the number of buildings that tljere now are m the town, the valuation amounted to £53,000, so that there had been during thp internal a decrease of £20,Q00 ? notwithstanding that th> numbpr of build ings has, accordingiug to hjs Worship's statement, about double!. Several coun cillors mentioned instances of the great fall that had taken place m the rents, the most striking example being given by Cr Bee, who stated that he was receiving only 10s a j week for a place which formerly realised £•2. Writing m the ?i Illustrated London News " on the license oif counspl Mr James Payne says:—lf the liar declines m j.e%m itself, we must look for some honest and courageous witness who will refuse to answer %U impertinent questions, be committed by jthe Judge for contempt of Court and then appeal to #üblf.o opinion, which will be very ready to stand by him. N»> one who knows what eywybpdy outside the Inns of Court, and not a'uw Vjphin tf>em, ar.e saying, can doubt the issue. Drastic .questions are, of course, sometimes necessary, as m the case of the Highland witness called by his chief, ."Well, Donald, how did you get on?" was asked «f )»' n wheu he letb tlie Courh "Heaven knows; ir.y wits are not just settled yet! I was going^hr/?ugh the story my own way when an awful man that gits m the middle (Counsellor Haddington) broke m upon me and put such questions that I {'ear J've told the truth.'' But severity is not Vrelevanoe, A witness speaking for his daughter who had been shame fully used by the prisoner, was thus cross examined, "Pray, sir, is this young lady your daughter •? " ff She is." " How do you know she is your daughter'? " " Gentleman of the jury," said the witness, "you hear the question that blackguard has put to me. Will you believe him or me?" and they mri.df! a very proper choice.

The resignation of Mr J. Fooks as Lieutenant of Ibe A.shhurton Rifles is gazetted as from February 20, 1892. Mr F. P. CLavidge, interviewed the authorities of the Ashburton Hunt Club on Saturday evening, when the conditions for hunting the hounds were arranged. Mr Claridge enters upon his duties as huntsman for the club at once. In reply to a communication from the Domain Board, the Ashburton Cricket Club have written staring their wHlirgncss that, the football club shou'd use the cricket ground for footb ill, provided tha Council nvike good any damage done to the pitch. The Club have also promised their co operation with the other athletic clubs to establish a weekly half-holiday. Width's Circus will arrive ah Ashburton by special train to-morrow morning and the largo five-pole tent will be pitched on the vacant ground which fronts onCass, Burnett, and Havclock streets. To make the topo graphical position more clear, it may be said thatoneend of the ten twill face Butter's Hotel, the other end the Fire Brigade Station, the canvas covering almost the whole of the block described —more ground f ban any other circus that has yet visited Ashburton. The friends of choral singing and Sunday School work need not be reminded of the concert to be given to-night m the Oddfellows' Hall by the United choirs and children of the Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist, Sunday Schools, assisted by singing friends of good musical standing. The conductor, Mi James Gamble, has had the children m close training and rehearsal for some time, and we are promised quite a treat m the Kinderaplol " Day of rcat and gladness." A cricket match will be played m the Domnin on Wednesday between the Ash burton club and a team representing Tinwald. The names of the players will appear m Tuesday's Guardian. Although it is a well-known fact that cricket is at low ebb m Ashburton it is to be hoped that more interest m it will be shown m this match. A match will be arranged for each Wednesday until the end of this month, when the season closes. Last Wednesday a fire occurred at Mr James Johnston's farm, at Lauriston, by which the chaff cutting machine of Mr Thomas Wilson,fAllenton, Ashburton, was destroyed, besides about seven tons of chaff". The engine was pulled out of danger, but those around were unable to save the chaff cutter. There was no insurance upon either the stack or the machinery, so that Mr Wilson v. ill lose considerably by the fire. He 'ost no time, however, m replacing his damaged plant, as a new Andrews and Bcaven Duplex bagger arrived m Ashbur ton to-day for Mr Wilson and will be at work to-morrow. |

N. Z. Rifle Association.

ANNUAL PRIZE FIRING.

I PER rKBSS ASSOCIATION.]

TiiKNTHAM, March 11. At the opening of the meeting, Mrs Peeves, wife of the Minister of Justice, m the absence of Mrs Ballance, fired the first shot, registering a bull's eye. The Minister of Justice delivered a short speech to the men, declaring that Govern ment was m favor of the Volunteer move ment-, and instanced their importing Commandant Fox, who came with high credentials, and who he believed would bo the right man m the right place. The Wellington match was then pro ceeded with, only the 500 and 600 hundred yards ranges were completed when the " cease firing " was sounded. March 12. In order to provide against a repetition of a little larrikinism which prevailed m camp after hours last night, the competi tors were, this morning, warned that anyone caught m fut'ire will be imme diately expelled from the Association. The weather this morning is fine with a fresh wind blowing. The Wellington match is finished, the following being the principal prizetakers : — Rosa, Napier, 89, £8 ; Jackson, Wel lington, 88, £6 ; Humphries, Napier, 87, £5 ; Cameron, Tenui, 87, £4 ; Kh'k, Petone, 86, £4; Kruse, Wan ganui> 86, £4 ; A. Ballinger, Wellington, 85, £3 ; Bunting, Manawatu, 85, £3 5 McCarthy, Auckland, 85, £3. After lunch to-day the Hawke's'Bay match was continued, and despite the high wind some fair shooting was made, 'phe following are the principal prize takers m the match :—Kennedy, Napier, 82, £8 ; Parslow, Auckland, 82, £6 ; McLean, Dunedin, 81, £5 ; Proudfoot, Port Chalmers, 81, £5 ; Kobertson, Pen insula, 78, £4 ; Purnell, Wanganui, 78, £3 ; King, Oam sru, 78, £3 ; At 5.30. the Marll:orough match was finished, leaying the following prizetakers: Richardson, Dunedin, 46, £8 j Doughty, Auckland, 46, £6 ; Jones, Waikari, 46, £5 ; Spindley, Ponsonby, 46, £4 ; Hum phries, Napier, 45, £4 ; Taylor, Auckland, 45, £3 ; McCallu:r., 44, £3. M-irch 13 This morning shortly after daylight a drenching rain set m, but after falling for two' hoifrs the wjud change! and the weather cleared, aiid the afternoon was beautifully tine. There was a sharp frast last night. It is beautifully i'lio this morning—very warm without a breath of wind. Several competitors who fired on Friday and .Saturday have retired from various causey, and the? tqUl number of competi tors is iaow 226. The following warning notice was posted this morning :—" Cartridge cases of a different make from those now issued by the Association having been found at the tiring points, a search of all squads will be made during the day, and anyone found with ammunition not issued this year by the Association will have his score to date ! disallowed." In connection with the above it }s stated that the ammunition last year was better than that now m \i^e, hence competitors using it hnye a decided advantage,. March 14, The Wanganui match is completed. The leading prisje takers are ;--W. lidlHngcv, Wellington, 42, £8 5 Lay well, Upper I Hutt, 39, £6 ; White, Oamaru, 38, £5 ; Ross, Napier, 38, £4 ; Batchelor, Christ church, 38, £4 ; Nutt, Auckland, 37, £3 ; }*urnell, Wanganui, 37, £3 ; McGregor, Timaru, 36, £2 ; Robilljard, Kaiapoi, 36, £?■ j Spiers, Oarnaru, 36., £2 ; O'Neill, Alexandra Cavalry, 36, £2 ; A. Ballinger, Wellington, 36, £2 j McNab, Invercargill, 36, £2. At the finish of the match the highest aggregates are—Purnell, Wanganui, 156 ; W. Ballingor, Wellington, 154; Ross, Nf.pier, 154 ; Kennedy, Napier, 153 ; Humphries, Napier, 152; Spiers, Oamaru. 151 • F. .iones, Waikari, 150 ; A. Ballin- j ger, Wellington, 148; Doughty, Auckland, ; 148 ; Taylor, Auckland, 147 ; Proudfoot,, Poet Chalmers, 147; Robertbyn, Penin .Ul>, 147. '

TELEGRAPHIC. HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

CATTLE DISEASE.

London, March 11. Foot and mouth disease is spreading tlirough England, Scotland, and Bel gium. FEDERATION. The " Pall Mall Gazette's " corres pondent in Sydney lias cabled to that journal an account of the interview which he had with Sir Henry Parkes on the subject of federation. The ex- Premier of New South Wales said that lie believed federation of the Australasian colonies would be accom plished within the next three years. tie denounced the treachery of the Hon. E. Barton, the Attorney-General in the New South Wales Ministry, and scouted the proposal made by Sir Charles Tilley, Chief Justice of Queens land, to facilitate the declaration of the independence of Australia. LORD GLASGOW. Mr W. B. Perceval, the Agent- General for New Zealand, has invited the leading colonial bankers and mer chants and others to meet Lord Glas gow, the new Governor of New Zea land, ou Thursday next. GENERAL BOOTH MOBBED. A crow of upwards of four thousand residents of the East End received General Booth with marked hostility when he paid a visit to that quarter of the city yesterday. The General at tempted to address a meeting, but was howled down by the mob and assailed with cries of " old sweater, where's the money gone to," The hostile crowd was composed chiefly of dossers and wood choppers, who consider that they have a grievance against the leader of the Salvation Army. THE MANCHESTER CANAL. The loan floated by the Manchester Corporation to assist the Canal Com pany was subscribed three times over at an average of £95 1.55. The amount asked for was L1,500,000 at 3 pet cent., and the 'minimum was fixed at 9k SENTENCES. G. W. Hastings, M.P. for East Worcestershire, convicted of fraud as a trustee, was sentenced to five years. He will be expelled from the House of Commons. Morland, the blackmailing tutor, was sentenced to ten years' penal servi tude, i FIGHTING IN EAST AFRICA. The Zanzibar correspondent of the " Standard" says it is reported that the natives inflicted a severe defeat on the British East African Company's sepoys under the command of Colonel Rogers, at Witu, killing many of their number and capturing a Maxim gun. The sepoys were greatly outnumbered. Later. A Zanzibar telegram states that the report that Colonel Rogers had been defeated at Witu is not true. So far from having sufl'ered a reverse, he in ; liicted a severe defeat on the rebel natives. TREASON. Holdern, a sergeant of the Eutri neers, was charged at Manchester with selling plans of the defences of Malta. He was remanded. ELECTIONS. Mr Thomas Mealy, a brother of Mr Tim Healy, has been elected unopposed for the Wexford North seat, rendered vacant by the resignation of Mr John Redmond. The election of a member to fill the vacancy in the Kirkcaldy seat, caused by the death of Sir George Campbell, took place to day, when Mr Dalziell (Gladstone-Liberal) was returned by a majority of 1036 over his opponent Mr Cox, the Conservative candidate. COLONIAL DEFENCES. Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Clarke has had an interview with Mr Stanhope, with reference to the re lnarks which he made during the dis cussion on the War Estimates, and as a result, the Secretary of State for Wat promised to withdraw his state ment that the local Governments con cerned had not undertaken the neces sary works in connection with the fortifications at King George's Sound and in Torres Strait. QUEENSLAND AND THE BANK OF ENGLAND. The Bank of England has received no official intimation of Sir Samuel Griffith's apology, and the management of the bank were astonished to see the announcement of the apology in the London dailies. THE LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL. Lord Rosebery has been appointed chairman pro tern, of the London County Council. THE COAL CRISIS. The Miners' Federation hope to limit the stoppage of the coal output to a week. The coal merchants are accused of using the crisis to plunder the public by outrageously raising prices. The decision of the Durham owners to shut down tlje pits affects ]. 20,000 pesous. Perlin, March 11. The German Miners' Federation advise miners to help ths English miners by refusing to execute orders received from England. London, March 13. Three hundred thousand miners ceased work yesterday, and a further 100,000 will go out next week. It has not been decided how long the strike is to last, but it is believed that the majority of the men will return to ! \vork after the first week.

LABOR LEGISLATION.

I.>russkls, March 11. The Belgian (jo'vernment intend to institute a council to protect the in terests, of the labouring classes. P,uus, March 11. The Chamber of Deputies has granted women workers power to vote upon the appointment of boards of arbitration, but declines to permit them fx> bepo.me members of such boards.

THE UNITED STATES NAVY.

Washington, March 11, The Committee of the House re commends the construction of eighteen new war vessels, and the purchase of a large number of torpedoes.

RESIGNATION OF M. MERCIER.

Ottawa, March 11. M, Mer-ior has ' resigned, aud it is

rumoured his adherents will also resign out of sympathy with him.

A MUNLFrCENT DONATION

Mew York, March 11. Mr Rockfeller, the head of the Standard Oil Company, has given a donation of £200,000 to the Baptist University at Chicago. ANTI-SMOKTNG LAW. The Upper House of Mississipi State has passed a Bill making smoking m public a penal offence.

THE PORTUGUESE IN AFRICA.

Lisbon, March 11. Information has been received here to the effect that the authorities have been successful m quelling the revolt among the native soldiers belonging to the Portuguese expedition on Lake Nyassa. In the engagement 600 of the rebels were killed and 400 taken prisoners. On the Portuguese side t, eleven men were killed and thirty-one I wounded.

THE McKINLEY TARIFF.

Washington, March 11. It is announced that President Har rison has issued a notice to the effect that retaliatory measures will be taken against those countries which refuse to adopt reciprocal trade relations with the United States because of the pro visions m the McKinley Act.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Madkip, March 11. The Anarchists of Cadiz claim that the acquittal of the second batch of rioters tried at Xeres was due to fear of the mob. Serious rioting took place during the trial, and many people were wounded by the police. Paris, Marsh 11- The house of the Judge who tried the Paris Anarchists, has been wrecked by an explosion of dynamite. Two persons were injured. The damage is estimated at 20,000 francs. Brussels, March 11. The [Belgian Government are in viting the Great Powers to send representatives to a Conference to con sider what plan of common action should be taken against the Anarchists.

THE NIZAM'S DIAMOND.

Calcutta, March 11. The cases arising out of the theft of the diamond belonging to the Nizam of Hyderabad have been settled.

COAL MINE EXPLOSION.

Brussels. March 11. By an explosion m a coal mine at Charleroi, three hundred miners have been entombed, but hopes are enter tained that they will all be rescued alive. March 13, Fifity-six miners have been rescued from the mine at Charleroi. It is now believed that two hundred of the men have been killed by the explosion.

RUSSIA IN CENTRAL ASIA.

St. Petersburg, March 11. The Russian Government have given orders for the erecbim of enormous barracks at Merv, m Western Turkes tan.

THE MURDER OF A DIPLO MATIST.

Constantinople, March 11. T.l'.isvi;i, is protecting a imn arrested on suspicion oi being concerned m the murder of Vulcovitch, the Bulgarian agent.

BEHRING SEA.

Ottawa, March 11. The Canadian Government endorse Lord Salisbury's attitude with regard to the Behring Sea dispute, and have also declined the request of the United States to introduce a Chinese Ex clusion Bill. Washington, March 11. The section oE the press which supports President Harrison continues to make violent attacks on England. The Cabinet are waiting for Lord Salisbury to distinctly define his policy with regard to the Behring Sea before taking further steps m the matter. In the event of the Marquis of Salis bury persisting iv his refusal to agree to a renewal of the 'modus vivendi the United States will blockade Behring Sea, The warships are making all pre parations to carry out the blockade and also to refuse all vessels entrance to the sealing grounds.

THE WINDSOR MURDER.

FURTHER DISCLOSURES

(I SB PKESs ASSOCIATION.)

Perth, March 12. i Williams, the supposed murderer, ' took great precautions to cover his track, but oommitted an act of folly m communicating the loss of a bag on the steamer to the police at Adelaide, This proved a valuable clue, London, March 11, It has been ascertained that Williams, who is m custody m Australia on a charge of murdering his wife at Wind sor, arrived at Rainhill, a village m Lancashire, m July last. Hepretended that he wanted to rent a house m the township for his sister, who, however, was never seen. Williams, who ap: peared to have no occupation, declare $ himself an inspector of army store?, and said that his father was a Colonel m the army, and was killed m the Crimean war. He ajso gave out that an uncle of his was a man of very considerable means; but this must have been a myth, as he has never been seen. On September 24 last Williams was married to Emily Lydia Mather. The ceremony took place during his 'stay m Rainhill. The villagers are said to have been greatly impressed with him, but some of them had their doubts abqut the man because it was known th^t prior to his marriage to Miss Mather he was visited by a woman who was reputed to be his lawful wife. After the wedding Wil liams entertained the villagers at a banquet m honor of the event, but none of his friends were present at the festivities, a fact which caused some comment. Miss Mather's father keeps a small shop m Rainhill, and is highly respected by all classes of the community. The family were unaware of the terrible fate which had befallen Emily, until one of the agents of the (Australian and New Zealand cable service called on them with reference to the subject. On hearing the awful news the mother fainted. It was ascertained from members of thefamily ,that Williams left England m com pany with his wife (nee Miss Matter)

on pretence that h«3 had been com missioned to take charge of avtuy, stores at Bombay. Mrs* Mather stated that she had received affectionate letters from both the parties, and she was surprised when she found that j their destination was Melbourne and ! not Bombay. Mrs Williams' las', letter bore the Colombo postmark, whilethe husband'slast communication, which was dated Melbourne, December 29th, informed the family that lie and his wife had spent a happy Christmas. lie also remarked that Emily was the happiest woman he had ever seen, diid she did enjoy herself thoroughly. He announced that he had been appointed manager of a large tea business m Hongkong, and that he and his wife were to sail for their new home on January 4 IJ). Nothing is known regarding Williams' antecedents. Sydney, March 13. Williams became engaged to a Bath urst lady, who was en route to Perth to marry him when he was arrested. She handed over to the JVielbourne police a quantity of jewellery which Williams had given her, and it has been identified as belonging to the murdered woman.

The Steamer Elginshire.

THE VESSEL ABANDONED.

[PER PUBSS ASSOCIATION.!

Tima.ru, March 12. This mornins! an early start was made with the work of discharging the frozen meat, and it was tumbled over both sides at a great rate. The surface of the water about the vessel presented a most curious appearance from the carcases and cases floating about. An attempt was made to save what meat comes ashore early from total loss by collecting it for boiling down. In the afternoon, when the work of discharging the cargo was pretty well finished, another attempt was made to move the vessel. Tha steamer .Brunner and the tugs Mana and Koputai got lines to the vessel, and her own propeller was going at full speed, but though the strain put on was very great and the tide was at the full, the efforts failed to move the stranded vessel. March 13. A final effort to move the Elginshire was made this afternoon by the Brunner and the two tugs. The maintopmast was I carried away by the strain on it by tbe Brunner, but beyond a slight rocking at lengthened intervals no movement of the vessel could be made. The Mana then stood by the Elginshire and took off Criptain Millar, his officers, and the crew j and their effects. This course was one of the results of a consultation between Captain Millar, Captain Ticehurst (of the Underwriters' Association), Mr Moore (representative of the Shire liners m the colony), and Mr McLaren (local agent of the company), when it was decided to give notice, of abandonment of the ship to the underwriters. Captain Ticehurst consequently took charge of her, and has engaged the engineers and firemen to keep the engines going, and the water she is making under command. The abandonment of the splendid steamer is profoundly regretted m all circles. March 14. The Elginshire is not nviking much water. A strong force of men with surf baats and the ketch Comet have been taken down to discharge all the cargo. Only a few hundred carcases of mutton were thrown over previous. They will try to save the meat by landing it here and railing it to the various freezing works. It is reported, however, that the meat m the m-iin chamber is tainted. After the discharge, tugs will be put on again, and the present managers hope to see the vessel afloat inside forty-eight hours. The sea is quiet. Thousands of people congregated to witness yesterday's ineffectual pull by the two tugs and s.s. Brunner.

Wesleyan Conference.

[VER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, March 11. At the Wesleyan Conference to-day, it was decided, m order to popularise the " New Zealand Methodist," bo reduce the price to one penny, plus the cost of post awe. It was also agreed to provide a guarantee for three years of £125 m case of loss, and that guarantees of 10s or 20s be accepted. Rev W. F. Williams was reappointed editor of the pape^, with the assistance of an editorial staff consisting of Revs R. H. Dewsbury, W. G. Parkin son, W. Baumber, and J. N. Buttle. The report of the Jubilee Fund was brought up and showed that the total amount promised for the fund was £9943 Islod. Of this amount £5,735 9^ lid had already been paid. Revs W. Baum ber and Mr E. 0. Brown were appointed treasurers of the fund. To-night the report on Sunday Schools vas read by the Rev W. B. Marten, show ing 227 schools, 19,393 scholars, 2060 teachers, and 35,771 volumes m the libraries. The sum of £2024 13s was spent during the year m school manage ment. The thanks of the Conference were presented to the District Secretaries, and the following gentlemen were ap pointed for the coming year ; —Auckland Rev T. G. Carr ; Wanganui, Rev C. E. Beecroft; Nelson, Rev F. W. Isitt ; Canterbury, Rev D. J. Murray ; Otago, Rev J, A, Luxford.. The President of the Conference was eleoted General Secretary of Sunday Schools. There was a large attendance of the public at the Wesleyan Church to-night to hear the reports of delegates to the (Ecu menical Conference at Washington. These were presented by the Revs W. Morley, and J. Berry, and Mr T. Allen. Very great interest was excited. Long graphic accounts were given by those gentlemen. The Conference will probably close on Monday or Tuesday next. The objects to be benefited by the funds raised through the week of self-denial, which the V>'esleyan Conference has decided to hold, are denned as follows :— (1.) The occupation of three new centres ia the North Island, where the population is rapidly growing and new settlements are m rapid ccurse of formation ; (2.) The increasing demands of home mission work generally ; (3.) The engagement of two young ministers from England to assist m overtaking this urgent work. The time for this self-denial week will be the first week m Miy. Should the result fall short of the proposed outlay, the grants to j circuits and hon^e mission stations will be subject to pro rata reductions. The Rev Dr Lucas, of the Wesleyan Church, Canada, was introduced to the Conference this morning, and gave some account of the Methodist Union m the Dominion, The Conference passed a resolution commending Dr Lucas to the Church m New Zealand as an advocate of prohibition. The Fcv C, TT. Garland was appointed Conference lecturer for 1893, the subject of the lecture being— (> The bearing ot higher criticism on the leading evangelical doctrines,'' The following were appointed as a board of examiners for the corning year ; —Rovs Morlej', Gittos, Oliver, biiumonds, Dews bury, Fairclough,Lruxford, Lawry, Dukes, Garland and Parsonson. Obituary notices of the following I ministers who have diod 'luring the year were rend :—Rev A. Roid, and Ron Honi To Kiu-i, native minister. Letters of sympathy wy;-e direebwd to be aenfc t<> the

Revs J. Aldred, H. 11. LaAvry, and J. Wallis. The committee on Sunday school examinations recommended — (1) The establishment of a New Zealand Sunday Schools Union with branches m each district: (2) that a committee of manage ment., consisting of an equal number of ministers and Sunday School workers, be be appointed by the Conference, whose duties shall be (a) to select a central board of examiners, who shall prepare examination papers and arr«nge for the supervision of all examinations, (b) to arrange for a regular supply of literature; (3) that the annual eximination be held on dates to be hereafter iixed. The recommendations were adopted.

FREEMASONRY.

SOMERSET LODGE INSTALLATION.

Thea'inual installation of Masterand in vestiture of officers of the Somerset Lodge 1811, E.C., (with which is now amalga mated the St John's Lodge, Nr, 1858, E.G. though the latter will continue to meet formally until Jutie), took place on Friday evening at the Masonic Hall. There was a large attendance of the united lodge, bnt owing to the meeting i not having been advertised unhil the same evening the were less numerous than is usually the case on these occa i sions, i The Deputy District G.M. Bro R. D. Thcmas; D.G.J.W., Bro Forrester, and . Bros Crisp, P.M., and Paul, P.M., repre sented the District Grand Lodge of Can terbury, and conducted the ceremony, which was carried out with due effect. The following officers were installed and invested :—W.M., Bro J. M. Cambridge; S.W., BroT. X Kilworth, ■; J.W. Bro W. J. Crooks; Treasurer, Bro H. M. Jonea, P,M. ; Secretary, Bro H. A. Vesty ; S.D., Bro G. Meddins; J.U., Bro J. L. Cawsey ; D.C., Bro G. Bissel: ; Organist, Bro J. C, Lane ; 1.G., Bro R. Clark ; Stewards, Bros T. Stone and W. W. White ; Tyler, Bro J. Mullaney. In congratulating Bro Cambridge on his accession to the chair, the D.D.G.M., Bro Thomas, expressed his pleasure at seeing the amalgamation of the two Eng lish Lodges m Ashburton given effect to. During the subsequent banquet, also, Bro Cambridge was heartily congratulated, and received the best wishes for the pros perity and unanimity of the lodge under his care ; and it was stated that Bro Cam bridge is with one exception the oldest mason made m Ashburton who remains a member of the ledge. The proceedings throughout were very gratifying to those who had taken the lead m bringing about the amalgamation of the two lodges, and augured well for the pro gress of Freemasonry m the district under the new conditions.

SPORTING.

DUNEDIN ANNIVERSARY MEETING.

(per press association,) Dunedin, March 13. The following acceptances have been received for the Dunedin Jockey Club's Anniversary meeting :— Handicap Hukdle Race, of 70 soys ; H mile. st lb so lb Waitangi... 10 7 Satyr ... 9 0 Inchkeith 10 2 L« Roy 11. 9 0 Rebel ... 9 6 Anniversary Handicap of 120 soys ; 1£ miJe. Derby ... 813 Leinster" ... 8 4 Tempest ... 8 9 Don Pedro 8 2 Gfiltue ... 8 7 Assyrian King 7 9 j Miss Mack 8 5 Exile ... 6 9 Cuffs Hanmcap of 80 soys ; 6 furlongs. Huguenot... 8 12 Pique ... 7 4 Hipporaenes 8 9 Glencairn ... 7 3 ApresMoi 7 9 LadyMab..> 7 2 Kauroo ... 7 7 Langley ... 6 7 Kevv Handicap of 80 soys ; 5 furlongs. Lustre ... 812 Finetta ..72 Mistral ... 712 Wolselej ... 7 0 .Selling Huei>lr Race of 65 soys ; 1| mile. Rebel Waitangi Maori Satyr Garibaldi Cheshunt

Alleged Land Scrip Frauds.

THE CAS3 DISMISSED.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. J

f Auckland, March 14. Hon. J. B. Whyte, M.L.C., and Alfred Etheridge, late receiver of Crown Lands revenue, were charged at the R.M. Court with conspiracy to defraud by alleged substitution of scrip for cash. Mr Button, for the prosecutor, stated he was unable to proceed during the absence of the principal witness, Archibald Grandiscn, who left for England by the Tainui on March 5. By arrangement Mr Button went on to state the facts upon t which the prosecution would have relied had they been able to proceed. Janet Grandispn, wife of Archibald Grandison, purchased 272 acres land, and paid for it by her husband's cheque for £103 3s 7d. The cheque was drawn by Archibald Grandison, payable to the Crown Lands or bearer, and was paid m 30ih Septem ber, 1889, to the Receiver of Crown Lands, and entered by him as cash. In he Crown Lanes book m which he entert d £103 3s 7d as cash, the figures 1 and 0 are scratched out m red, leaving the receipt m cash £3 3s 7d, and under the column for scrip £IQQ, stamped by the receiver with the usual stamp of the Crown Lands Office and his own name placed across ifc. On the same day this cheque was paid by defendant Whyte into his own account at the Bank of New Zealand, The pre sumption was that the two defendants conspired together to represent to the Crown Land that the land had been paid for m scrip instead of cash. Mr Theo. Cooper, who appeared for Whyte, ex pressed sincere rogrefc that the prosecution was unable to proceed. There was no fching on the face of the cheque to convey any knowledge on Whyte's part that an improper aofc had been committed. Mr Mahoney also spoke on behalf of Ether idge, arguing that even if the facts as alleged had been proved, there was no evidence of any criminal aot, Dr Giles dismissed the case.

THE ASHBtTRTON GTJAKPIAff: MONDAY, MARCJH lj 1803.



At Dunedin, on Saturday, Messrs Wright Stephenson, and Co. held a very successful sale of twenty-eight horses from the Long beach Estate. A Digby Grand colt realised £27 10s, another £23 10s, a filly £22 10s, and another £22. A Waif gelding realised £29, and a Tan) o' Shanter filly £22. Other lots ranged from £12 upwards, The horses were mostly from Spot mares. " Keatinq's . Powd.br" destroys Bugs Fleas, Mothd, 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 mirchase is "Kbatiko's," as imitations are oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, 6d, Is and 2s fid eich. W all chemists. Among the Gazette notioes regarding the opening of the shooting season throughout the oqkjny, were those referring to the^Wai taki and North Canterbury Districts. For Waitaki, the season for cock pheasants opens on June 1, and closes on June 30 ; for hares on April 1. closing on August 31 ; for native game, with the usual exceptions, on May 1, closing on July 31. For North Canterbury (comprising the comities of Cheviot, Akaroa, Ashley and Selwyn) the season for hares and quail begins on April I, and closes on July 31; that for cock pheasants opens on April 1, and closes on June 30; and that for native game extends from April 1 to June 30, '



The best medicine known is .SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTFAOT. Test its eminent powerful effects m ctfugbs, colds, influenza, etc.—the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all over the globe are its patrons, head the official reports that accom pany e.ich bottle. Mosler, M.D., Professor, University, Griefswald, reports : — The Eucalypti Extract proved magnificently suc cessful m very severe contusions, bruises, spiains, wounds, scaldings, broken ribs, and limbs. ("Medical Journal," Nov., 1881). m diseases of the kidneys, either active con gestion or suppression, (nrcemia) or albumi nuria, dropsy, lithargy, no tiling will equal m its action Eucalypti Extract. Doses, five to six drops. Mosler, M.D., Professor, University, Grieswald, reports :—Diphthe ria. Tonsils continually coherent presenting ulcers with white exudants. Cured m four teen days. Surgical Clinic of Prof. M'lnlyre, College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Louis —Scirrhus of Breast—Excision Euca lypti Extract employed. No swelling, heat, or discoloration. Cured m fourteen days. -Advt 4



Hoi-loway's Pills and Ointmknt.-- Soino peculations tend to the development of certain diseases, and those who toil as miners arc peculiarly liable to rheumatism, Jtimbago, and other allied complaints. In the gold fields and copper wines Hqlloway's remedies have been largely patronised by the workers to their very great advantage, and they can be confidently recommended as invaluable remedies for inward congestion, spasms, and crimp m the bowels, and all those conditions of tiTe fc"".s and liver to which those who 'wo^'uiiaergrojjfcd qrm impure atmospheres aro ,o .pecijffarl/ liable- jL'V ci<ts, bruises spralni a;;d stif 'the action « Hollo way's Ointment; i£ gtninpntfy liea^ng and soothing, and a supply should always U at hand m case of need A'tL for Ninian Hyhlop, and to. s fmpenal new seasoxn Ppre Ceylon and India Tctva. Special piiceg—f^



Wanted. I CASH Advertisements under this heading not excojdin^ SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be left.it this Office. TEAM Engines 2s 6d, Toys, Orna- j nieni:a, Fancy Goods, Glass and Chinaware ; new lines opening up.— J H. M. Jones. PIANOS, Organs, Violins, Strings, Music, Accordians. Special value m Accordians just now to clear the line. —H. M. Jones. POTATOES, 3.s Sack ; best 5s ; guar anteed free from yellow or Maori potatoes. Also young French Beans m any quantity.— Thos. Whittington. 3 95 WANTED, —The delegates to ar range about the proposed Tem perance Demonstration to meet at Mrs Pearson's Rooms at 7 p.m. sharp To-night, instead of 7.30 as previously notified. 3 96 LOST,— Some Tools, between Railway Station and Reid and Gray's. Fin der please return same to office of this paper. 3 97 /CHOICEST new season^ Figs and \J Cartoon Table Dates m 31b Boxes, 2s each.— H. G. Flower, Confectioner, East street. "TTTANTED Known. - Come and see VV the Bargains now on at Melford House.- H. C. Segers. WANTED Known. -At "The Corner" now selling Ladies' French Shops. 5s lid. See them".—W. H. Collieb. \\ /"ANTED Known.—lf you want VV plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Segues. WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2s 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier. WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods *o select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m stock.—J. W. Hardlby, East street. 6J202 ANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. C. Seoers. ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure ; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Kobem Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. TTO Meet the Times.—l am supplying .J_ Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspscticn invited.— J. \V. Hartley, Eas street. 6J201 ANTED Known—That you will make no mistake for quality and variety m English and Colonial Boots, and his highly reputed make by calling at«.O. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. "Repairs done at once. m staff oTmen always kept and best Material and workmanship guaranfeed. NEW Supplies of Stationery, Account Books, Music, Fancy Goods, New Games, Orders for Printing, Book binding, Picture Frames, promptly ex ecuted Schools and offices supplied with pvery requisite. Magazines and News papers supplied.—L F. ANDREWES & CO., Stationers' Hall. Public Notice-. LOST from Wheatstone on March 7, about forty-Cve merino ewes and lambs, last seen opposite Lysaght's on March 8. Anyone knowing their where abouts would oblige by communicating *"* WALTER HAYMAN, 2 g9 Wheatstone. N.Z.C.F. * SPECIAL INDUCEMENTS ABB OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC FOR ONE MONTH IN jITEN'S AND JJ OYS CLOTHING, SHIRTS HATS RUGS SCARFS AND PORTMANTEAUX. WE INVITE INSPECTION, COMPARISON, AND PATRONAGE. NEW ZEALAND Clothing factory, "W. H WEBBER, Manas-er