MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary altera tions :— SATURDAY, March 5. For Westport and Oreymouth, per Janet Nieoll, at «.JsO a.m. For Greymouth (direct), per Ro3amond, at 630 a.m. Vov Northern Ports, per Rotorua, at e.ao p mi. ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD—DIRECT MA U.S. Tainui, leaving March 5, due London April 14. Kaikoura, leaving March 19, due London April 28. Doric, leaving April 2, due London May 12. SAX FRANCISCO MAU-S, Monowai, leaving on February 27, due London Maruh 30. Alaiueda, leaving on March 26, due London April 27. OUTWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Doric, due colony March 7. Kuahine, due colony March 21. SJAX FKANX'tSCO MAILS. Maripos'j, due colony March '23

Notice to Correspondents

Correspondents are requested to forward their cotnniui ijations m unseeded envelope*!, or m wrappers OPEN AT BOTH ENDS, as required by the postal regulations. No words that ar« not intended for publication must be written either on the manuscript or on the cover of the letter. Letter rates of postage imu4 .bo paid on ndvertisemeiits.

MARRIAGE.

Hay-Barber.—At Wellington, by the Revd. J. Patterson, William Hay, Engineer, of Inveroarg'll, to Susan, youngest daughter of tho la':e Thomas Barber, of Gisborne.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 1892. CURRENT TOPICS.

Some descendants of the immortal and extremely moral Bowdler appear to have come to New Zealand and settled m Wellington, where iv the cour.se of time they were elected, or nominated, or appointed, to the vSelec tion Committee cf the Public Library. In that capacity they have just evinced their hereditary characteristics m an action that will bring down upon them the ridicule of all who hear cf it—they have refused to accept a gift of six volumes of the " Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News," a London weekly paper of the very highest class m its department, and that is read with pleasure by thousands of Colonials as well as expatriated Britons, and which is never guilty m word, line or sugges tion of any offence against the proprie ties. We should like to know on what ground the paper was added to the index expurgatorius of these worthy old women. It cannot be because of the illustrations—they are mostly artistic sketches of events of the day, scenery with sporting associations but picturesque withal, and portraits of artistic celebrities; it cannot be Rapier's notes —or no New Zealand weekly paper could be admitted; it cannot be the Captious Critic's eccen tric commentaries, nor can it be Diana's note-book, than which few feminine contributions to current literature are m better taste. It would be very interesting to know the reason, and we hope that m the interests of pure literature the Selection Committee will publish it without delay.

The recent reductions m ocean postage have had an important effect that is not so well known as it should be. They hav^ brought the English magazines and journals within the reach of a far larger circle of readers than was the case under the former prohibitive rates of postage. The colonies are still dependent upon Eng land for their magazines, the great cost of bringing out a good weekly or monthly being beyond what could be recouped from the comparatively small circulation that Australasia affords. To those who wish to be postsd up m the story of our times a good magazine or review:—more than one, indeed, as good readers must see both sides of questions —is a necessity. It will be a good thing if the colonial circulation of the best magazines increases ; even the "Sp»rting and Dramatic News" informs us of much that is passing m the world which it is to most people's benefit to know.

There is a most remarkable difference of opinion amongst buyers as well as sellers as to the extent to which the wheat which was exposed to the rain during harvest suffered m value. We have heard of farmers who, after the rain ceased, expressed their willingness to sell at three shillings a bushel, if they could get it, who have since disposed of their wheat at three and sixpence, and are only sorry they did not ask more. Their crop evidently was not so much damaged as they thought, and it is quite possible that the buyer had the best of the bargain, considering the slight amount of damage which some of the crop exposed to the rain sustained. Samples of Tuscan were shown m Ashburtou yesterday by a large farmer m the district, one of which was of the part of the crop that was saved without damage, the other of the part that was caught by the rain, and the difference m value was estimated by good judges at from fourpence to a shilling a bushel. It is quite evident from this that the real value can only be ascertained after the test of milling has been applied.

Ever since the project was mooted of sending a team of New Zealand athletes Home to compete for the English Amateur Championships we have regarded it with favor, and we are rather disappointed that it is only to be carried out m part. The enthusiasm with which the Christ church and Wellington Clubs and citizens have taken up the important matter of providing funds and the substantial support that is promised by Auckland, and will be backed up by other towns, show that there would have been no difficulty m providing funds to send Home a team of five or six representative competitors. The men that are going include two tip-top runnerc m Hempton and Batger ; Cuff is'an all-round man who will carry off many prizes during the trip, though he can scarcely be expected to win a championship. D. and P. Wo id are formidableat their particular distances, and if Batchelor of Dunedin can be included m the team so much the better—he, like the Woods, would pay his own expenses. A team consisting of those we have named would be scarcely the strongest the colony can turn out, but it would tojke a very good half dozen of English athiete^ to score a majority of points against them jn the championship programme. We wish them success.

Young men resident m the country districts have few chances of joining jn any of the popular recreations of the clay, Cricket demands move practice than they can obtain > the nature of the country renders swimming s.n almost unknown luxury; the roads are too rough for cy cling, and only m a few localities can enough players be collected together to enjoy a, game of football. The last-named pastime has peculiar attractions to young men m (lie «K>j*ntry, and we are glad to notice that an cilh't is being made to resuscitate the Mkhm'ton Football Club. Time was wkm Ag.frburton «mkl put a team of cricketer* ,<sr footballers m the field that coukUiold their own wi'.ilf any team. Cricket has come to a very 5<W <?fcb ; but there is plenty of material for a i£<isl .°f footballers that would restore Abh bui'tou to its t'onuer promiueu';e ju

the game. Football does not make such a, call upon the time of iti devotees as most other games do, and country residents would do well to roll |up and support the town club. A couple of hours on one afternoon a week, and a little practice anywhere between whiles is not much sacrifice of time. Very little money is wanted, J and the return m healthful recreation I is great.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Tinmni borough valuation this year amounts to ±'3G,73*,'0r £233 less than last, year. Mr Henry Zander advertises a fresh list of goods, with special reference to the shooting season. Captain Fox the newly appointed Com mander of the New Zealand forces, will receive a salary of £700 per year. It is understood that some American firms propose to start kangaroo farms m South Australia. A young man named Moffat, the eldest son of a resident of Ngaruawahia, h<ts been drowned m Waipa river while bathing. The New Zealand Clothing Factory announces a sale for one monih at which special inducements will be offered to pur chasers of men's and boys' clothing. The cultivation of maize m the Bay of Plenty district has grown to such dimen sions that experimental shipments have been made to England with the view of opening the market there. A Press telegram last night informs us that the request of Mr Darcy Irvine for a full enquiry into the circumstances connected with his retirement from the Government Insurance Department has been refused. A meeting of the Committee of the Horticultural Society will be held on Monday evening, at half-past seven, to settle up business connected with the show. A full attendance i 3 particularly requested, It may not be generally known (says the " Wanganui Herald ") that the roots of the ranpo plant are edible. When cooked, after being dried and pounded into powder, they are said to be delicious, very like arrowroot. The Mornington, Dunedin, Licensing Committee have been informed by the Jus tice Department that it is not intended to introduce next session any amendments to the Licensing Committee. At Dillman's, near Kiimara, the other day, a little girl named Hay attempted to swing on a supplejack over a narrow gully fifty feet deep, when the cane broke. The child sustained serious injury to the spine, but is recovering. Christie Murray tells a story against him" self to the effect that when charged by St Maur at Geelong Police Station with assault 1 he was asked by the sergeant entering parti > culars " Phwat is your occupation?" "I'm an author, " said Murray. "Can yez rade and wroite?" inquired the sergeant sternly, Miss Anstruther, a descendant of the last Earl of Seaforth, her mother being a grand ' daughter of the last Earl, has just contracted a romantic marriage with a crofter named i Duncan Mackay, who farms a croft on Sir i Kenneth Matheson's estate of Lochalsh. A youth named McCaa, employed on a i farm" at Pleasant Point, accidentally shot , himself yesterday. When dragging his gun through a wire fence a piece of wire caught [ the trigger, and the charge lodged m his ' neck. He died this morning. J A sale of some of the fine land for which l Southland is famous is advertised m our , columns !>y the National Mortgage and > Agency Company, luvercargill. Io consists of Mr John Shand's well-known estates of i Centre Bush and Boggy Burn, well situated ; near Winton. The sale takes place on March 18. The stewards of the Dunodin Trotting i Club hive considered Mr T. Kett's conduct m withdrawing his mare Jane from the 3 track m the Carisbrook Handicap against ; the express orders of the stewards, after she i was m the starter's hands, thereby causing } inconvenience and annoyance to a number of > totalisator investors. It was unanimously J resolved that Mr Kctfc bo fined £20, and 15 that the mare and rider be disqualified until £ p vyinent of the fine had been made. J In the course of his ssrmon at St Peter's I Church, Wellington, recently, Bishop Julii s [ said that many if those who pretended to do r a great deal for Christianity worked no harder for themselves they would be m the workhouse m a week. "We do not wish '> you to be a mean pitiful sneak of a saint, crawling into heaven by the back door, from : whence you ought to be kicked out again." I There recently passed away m Dorchester : workhouse a labourer named Hammett, who, GO years ago, with others, was sen -1 tenced to a Jong term of imprisonment '' under the old conspiracy laws for attempt l ing to form a Labourers' Trade Union. In ; consequence of the public agitation a free , pardon was granted to the men by Lord John Russell. \ A German writer says :—Humour is the ' endaemonological pessimism, which includes ' within itself the telealogical evolutionary ; optimism, which may cause a truly, that is , to say, an at ow realistic-radical and uni* \ versal reconciliation to appear as possible, ■ "We have often noticed that," (says the " Norrktown Herald,") but we never permit any of that sort of stuff to paralyse our ' paragraphs if we can help it. Wtiiing to the Auckland "Herald," Mr , F. Lawry, M.H.R., states that while on a visit to Lichfield he saw a valuable grass 1 introduced by Mr F. D. Rich, Manager for 1 the Thames Valley Land Company. This grass grows luxuriantly on pumice land, , and Mr Lawry therefore believes that it will be suitable for the country from Lichfield to Lake Taupo, and should vastly ' enhance the value of that land if grown there, A man named Martin McMahon was killed near Epsom, Auckland, on Thursday by theexplosionofacharge ofdynamite, Atthe inquest the jury returned a verdict that McMahon committed suicide while tempo* rarily insane. They also called the Coroner's attention to the fact that jurors had frequently to leave their work and attend inquests at considerable loss to themselves, and suggested that he should bring the matter under the notice of the proper authorities. The London correspondent of the Dunedin " Star " says : —The many friends of Mr E. W. Humphrey, late M.H.R. for Christ church, will be glad to learn that he has now thoroughly recovered from the opera tion for cancer on his jaw, which took place some three months ago. Ttiough tho time that has elapsed since Mr Humphrey under went the ordeal seems very long, yet it is only within the past week or so the success of it became assured. Acting under instructions from the trustees iv the estate of the late Mr R. H. Rhodes, Mr V. C. Tabart offered for a lie yesterday at his rooms, Manchester street, the Lowplifle and .(.'hatmoss Estates, near Ashburto'n, The fcrm.qr <;omprised 9928 acres 3 roods and ,V> perches, and (he latter 2737 acres 1 rood I~> perches. Each estate was put up as a whole, but the auctioneer failed to elicit a bid. They were then offered m sub-divisions. Several blocks wejV'biiskb/ competed for, but the prices offered did not rfrO-ch £he reserve fixed by the owners, and 'consequently near? of the property was sold. R<)i,lqway's Ointment and Pills'— Colds, (/ougflK, Shortness of Breath.—These maladies 'rcqu.rc early a?|d unremitting attention, for if neglected they oftci/. cij.d m a.sthma, bronchitis, qv consumption. The ointrttont well rubbed upon the chest and back, peiMtfrafciug tj;.e skin, is absorbed and eM-vkd directjy to flip tynys, y/l>enop it ex pels all Hnpjmtiejj, -AU VW blo Pd W *ie body is pet'iMfcuaUy passing through the lungs, and there all" no*WHB [Wfcclfia tend : ing to disease can be quickly, thoroughly, and permanently neutralised, rfcndeivl Wfißß, or ejected from the system. Hgllqwvv's Ointment and Pilla perfectly accomplish tiu» purification ; and through the blood thus taM-, # lfi influence ot these wonderful medicament wa.sos the remotest part of the human body, and thus W^4Ufo?^ aution ' whetbW mteinal external, .... *

Captain Jackson Barry lias returned to I Wellington from the '-ting Country, and is exhibiting specimens of antimony, tin, and silver collected during his visit. There was once a kirk session which decided to give its meeirater a lengthened holiday. A stranger to the parish, who met thn meenister touring abroad, remarked — " I saw your minister at Bo.sle a few weeks i ago. He looked robust enough, not as if he were much m nee I of a rest," " Mebbe sac, " replied an old elder, with a sly wink, " but, eh, mon, it, wis hnz what wis sairly necdiu' a rest, ye ken." A new edition, or rather some additional verses, of " Rule Britannia " has found its way from f;u--off New Zealand into tho columns of the "Star." The author is a gentleman Jiving m Auckland. Here id a verse: Still more majestic shalt thou rise, More dreadful from each foreign stroke; As the loud blasts that tear thy skies Serve but to root thy native oak. Rule ]> itannia, &c. which, " thouah noi pulsating with genius or throbbing with intensity," says the paper, " is not bad." At a meeting of the Blaby (Leicester) Board of Guardians, the following letter was read m reply to an advertisement for a porter at the workhouse :—"lu answer to your advertisement for porter, salary £20 a year, I would say I possess good qualifica tions, also a knowledge of five languages, as well as drawing, painting, architecture, telegraphy, land and marine surveying, can play a mouth organ, teach boxing; m religion a Latter day Saint; and seldom m liquor. I am anxious to work for your Guirdians at £20 per year, without board, for the reason tl at m case your board should fail at any time to pay me, I shall not lose so much ; ho that I cannot accept your too liberal offer of £20 per year, with board. Washing I prefer to do myself, as my shirts are silk, and would spoil if starched.— Yours, etc." "Golden Gates tells the following stoiy of the O'Gorman Mahon. The late Major o'Gorman after serving m the Crimea as captain and adjutant of the 90th, was disgusted to find that, on fciking up the a Ijutancy of the 23rd Lancashire R.V., he must go through a course of musketry instruction at Hythe or Fleetwood. On joining the class, he wore spura to assort his rank "Had you not better take off your spurs, sir ?' said the sergeant instructor, quietly. "Certainly not!" replied O'Gor man ; "as adjutant they are part of niy uni form." " Oh ! very well," said the sergeant, with a merry twinkle m his eye. "Squ;d attention ! Platoon exercise by numbers. As a front rank kneeling, at 300 yards, ready ! Two ! On the word two sink on the right knee, and bring the weight of the ■ boily at once on the right heel." As the gallant captain was a sixteen-stone man, and also a past-master m strong Anglo- Saxon, the result hid better be left to the imagination. The "Hobart Mercury" of February 19 says : —On the Zealandia a new lode is about to be opened up near the centre of the claim. It has been exposed m the bed of a small creek five feet wide carrying cubical galena throughout m a matrix of clac spar and spathic iron with a good vein of solid ore on the hanging wall side. It is also cut across higher up on the bank of the creek showing three feet wide, and a vein of solid oro six inches to nine inches thick still continuing. The napping of lode on hillside consists of manganic iron gossan, and has been traced for a distance of 300 yards. Preparations are now being made to sink a shaft by the side of the creek, which should command about thirty feet of backs, carrying ore, without any difficulfy. The discovery is a very important one, and greatly enhimces the value of the mine, which was hitherto prospective.—Mr David Zander hears from a relative at Zeehau that if it had not been for the suspension of the Bank of VanDiernan's Land the Zealandia mine would have paid a dividend before now. The monthly meeting of the Orange Lily Lodge (Female) No 5, was held m the Orange Hall on Thursday, February 25. There was a good nttendance of members, and Sister Willis, Past President of No 1, Christchurch, was present as a visitor. Sister Bennett, president of tho Lodge was m the chair, supported fey Sister Willis. The business transacted was mostly routine, but a pleasant feature of it was tho receipt of a number of presents from friends. The gifts comprised various items of regalia, etc., necessary for the proper working of the Lodge, for which votes of thinks to the donors were recorded on the minutes. Sister Willis addressed the Lodge, and m the course of her remarks, stated that she had had an interview with the Rev. Mr Mayers, m Christchnroh, when that gentleman was m the city prosecuting his mission m aid of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. She was glad to notice that Ashburton had loyally supported the cause of the Homes, and paid a com pliment to the local papers for the advocacy they had given to the cause ami for their full and interesting reports of Mr Meyers' meeting. After a vote of thanks had been passed to Sister Willis, the L r>dge closed m t-he usual way, and the members took tea together m the ante-room. SANDER AND SONS EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. —-In protection of the world wide fame our manufacture has acquired all over the globe, we publish the following : — Hazard, M.D., Professor of General Patho logy and Diseases of the Mind and Nervous System, says m an editorial published m tne "Clinical Record":—"We have examined half-a-dozen specimens of different manufac tures ; the preparation of Sander and Sona was the only one that proved to be reliable and corresponding to scientific tests." Another concoction called " Refined Extract of Eucalyptus" has made its appearance since. This product stands, according to Dr Owen, foremost m causing injurious effects. That gentleman communicates, at a meeting of the Medical Society of Victoria, that a child living at Fitzroy became most seriously indisposed through its use. In another case a lady states on the strength of statutory declaration that sha suffered cruelly from the effects of the same concoction. To guard the high reputation of our manufacture we feel warranted m expo ing the above facts, and desi«es the public to exercise care and precaution when buying, SANDER aud SONS.-(Advt.) 7

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

(Received March 5, 10.5 a.m.) ELECTION. London, March 4. Mr Coose, the Conservative candi date for the vacant seat of Chertsey, caused by the death of Mr F. A. Hankey, was returned by a majority of 1838 over Mr Barker, the Liberal candidate.

POLITICIAN ILL.

Washington, March 4. Mr Springer, Chairman of the Com mittee of* "VVays and Means, is suffering from ft severe attack of erysipelas, and his condition gives great anxiety to his friends.

ROAD BOARD.

SOUTH RAKAIA

The monthly meeting of the South | Rakaia Road Board was held on Thurs- { day. Present—Messrs Cooler (chairman), Sttinjiffillow, McLean, and Lunbie. The Returning Officer wrote to the effect that Mr John Lamlne had been duly elected a member of the Board m place of i Mr Vucetich re-igncd. The Clerk reported that all the main tenance contractors had resumed work, and that all necessary works had been done on tho roads during the past month. The roads were all m fair order. Instiuc tions had been given to drag the Kyle road so as to induce traffic to the centre. Rates to the extent of £86 19s 4d had been paid m, and some of the outstanding ones. Mr Holmes had undertaken to sign' the transfer f^r land purchased for cutting. At the last meeting of the Board it was resolved that the Board should contribute the sum of £20 towards diverting a stream m the Rakaia river which was encroaching on the large plantation, and endangering the road ; it being understood that the Domain Board should pay the balance of cost of the work. Some question as to the legality of the step had arisen, and the Board's solicitors now wrote giving an opinion most dis tinctly thai it was m accordance with the Act, and strictly legal that the Board should join with another local body m ex pending money for the joint protection of public property m the district. Mr McLean stated that a number of ratepayers objected to any money being spent for such a purpose. He should like the resolution to be rescinded without giving the usual nodce of motion. The Chairman stated that thq money had been passed on the report of the County Engineer It was resolved that Mr McLean should give the usual notice of motion to rescind the motion. Mr Lambie thought it would be advis able to be very cautious m diverting streams, as the water might do damage to ethers on the other side of the ri^er. As a new member he knew nothing of the matter m question. It was decided on the motion of Mr McLean, seconded by Mr Lambie, to call tenders for metalling about twenty-three chains of voacVbetwcen the top of Chsrtsey road and the Mitcham station. Mr McLean thought the members of the Board should be supplied with copies of the Road Board Acts with amendments to date, and moved that they be procured. This was seconded by Mr, Stringfellow, and carried. The County Council wrote forwarding plans cf water race district, and asking ' that the same be deposited for thirty days. - Granted. Mr Anderson wrote asking that the Board should settle the matter of gravel taken from the land, or that the matber should go to arbitration at once. —The Clerk to reply that £15 had been forwarded some time ago to the Board's solicitors, advice of which had been given, and no further claim would be recognised. The delay had been caused through Mr Anderson's own action. Mr W. I\ Grant, on behalf of *-he Bank of New Zealand Estates Company, wrote asking for a month's extension of time to clear gorse off the roads near Mitcham.— Granted. The Board's solicitors wrote re exchange of land with Mr J. Lambie for roads. Ma Stringfellow brought up the ques tion of a water supply to settlers on Rhubarb Flat. The Clerk said there was some small -sum due, only six shillings had been paid. The Chairman undertook to bring the matter up it the Council's meeting, also tho question of a race asked for near Chertsey. The Commission«r of Lamls wrote re further accrued thirds for the Rakaia Village Settlement. It was decided to hold a special meeting to consider the whole question of expendi ture on Thursday, the 17th inst., at 2.30 o'clock. The following tenders were accepted— Kerbing, 8s "per chain —J. R. Cole. Forming footpath, etc., on Soubh road, 8s Gd per chain—./. R. Cole. Accounts for £41 2s lOd were passed for payment. Arrangements have now been made to increase the Clerk's salary, he to devote the whole of his time to the Board's work. It was decided to close the birds and birds' eggs season on March 31, after which no eggs will be accepted by the Board. The members met as a Cemetery Board, and after passing accounts adjourned.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following concludes our report of yesterday's meeting : — ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £22u were passed for payment. RATES. Mr Andrew McEarlane, Springburn, for Mr D. Wilson and Mrs Hart, wrote asking for a reduction of water rates on the property of his clients on the follow ing grounds—that a natural running creek flowed through their land, which the Council used a« an overflow channel; that j a county race ran alongside the creek mentioned, coming into Mrs Hart's ground about half a chain from the creek, and flowing out of Wilson's land about five chains from the creek ; and that the race completely spoiled th« land for cultivation, and depreciated its value. Mr Cameron supported the application of Mr McFarlane, urging that the case, which was quite exceptional, might very easily be dealt with m the way Mr McFarlane asked. The Council resolved to reply that it had no power to remit water charges under 15s. A letter fcom Thomas Irvine, South Rakaia, offering to work out his rates by race cleaning was referred to the Engineer. VILLAGE SETTLEMENT SUPPLY, CHERTSEY. Six village settlers, on holdings south of Chertsi-y township, wrote applying for a water race, as they had to drive their cattle from % quarter to half a mile to water, The applicants had not given the numbers of their respective sections, and the Engineer was instructed to obtain these, and report on the question. KOAD STOPPED. A certificate was ordered to be issued to the South Rakaia Road Board i»i respect of a road to bo stopped, through R.Bs. 15844, 15846, and 15847. SLAUGHTERING LICENSES. Slaughtering licenses were granted to Messrs H. Primmer, Soubh Rakaia ; E. ,V. Cox, Ashturfcon ; and Mark Ballance, Ashburton Forks. POISONED GRAIN. It was resolved to invite teuders for 100 bushels of poisoned grain, with the option of takins? more if required. ASHBURTON HIGH SCHOOL. Messrs Walker and Harper were ap pointed the cbunty?s representatives on the' High School Board. OUTSTANDING HATES. It w.ms resolved to advertise the. CounojTs jntention to sue at once for all outstanding rates. TENDERS. Tenders were accepted as follows]: — Wjiiehmore Main—Nicholas Fitzgerald, two pQiitraots, £41 and £48, subject to the consent f|f the different owners qf h\\e land being obtained. Spread Eagle Ford "■ -John Clack, £». .DEPUTATIONS, Mr Vucetich interviewed the Council to complain that he had been required to pay ofl«j year's rates jwore thaw Ilk

neighbors. Mr Vucetich was told the matter would be looked into, and the . year's rates charged against his neighbors, i if it should be found that they had. been I omitted. Messrs S. S. Chapman and Arthur Wilson waited on the Council, asking for a grant m aid of the Winslow Cemetery. The matter was held over until next meeting, as the Counc 1 was not a quorum, the Chairman having to leuve to go by the express. Mr Hampton also waited on the Council complaining of the condition of a race on his property, R.S. 27257. There was hue little fall en the race, and the dead water necessitated more frequent cleaning than any other race on the plains. He had cleaned the race three times within the past twelve months, the Council had cleaned it once, and now within the year i he was asked to clean out a fifth time. The Engineer was instructed to inspect the rice-, and report on what relief could be afforded to Mi Hampton. NOTICE OF MOTION. Mr Wright gave notice to move—"That the Engineer be instructed to keep a register showing every application relat ing to a supply of water, recording—(l) name of applicant, (2) date of application, (3) date when first submitted for the consideration cf the Water Supply Com mittee, (4) date when finally disposed of. and (5) how dealt with." The Council adjourned.

SPORTING.

SECOND DAY.

Wang an vi, March 4. The Earle Stakes Handicap, of 100 soys ; six furlonys, was won by Norfch Atlantic. Second Hurdle Handicap, of 100 soys ; two miles and a distance— Hiamoe. Wanganui Stakes Hp.ndicap, of 200 soys ; one mile and a halt—Whisper, Bst 91b. Nursery Handicap, of 100 soys ; five furlongs—St. Katherine. Corinthian Handicap, of 60 soys ; one mile and a half—St. Malo. Autumn Handicap, of 100 soys ; one mile and a quarter —Ranee Jiuna. Consolation Handicap, of 50 soys, one mile —A warua Rose.

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

Acceptances for the Ashburton Trot ting Club's Autumn Meeting, to be held next Wednesday, close this evening at nine o'clock at the Central Hotel.

AMURI RACES.

Ohristchurch, March 4. At the Amuri Turf Club's races at Culverden, Richlake won the Amuri Cup and Culverden Plate, and Catamount (full brother to Sultan and Prime Warden) won the District Plate.

THE MARKETS.

(PER PKESS ASSOCIATION.)

London, March 3. The total amount of reserve m the Bank of England is £16,416,000. The propor tion of reserve to liabilities is 42.44, Consols 95r?. Three months' bills 2 per cent, the money market being weaker. New Zealand 4 per cents 102J ; 3| do. 93. New Zealand long-berried wheat, market flat. Adelaide wheat 445, weaker ; Victorian 435, demand restricted. For Australian wheat on passage 40s is asked, but buyers only offer 39d 6cl. Canterbury mutton, 4|d ; beef, fore quarters, 4j|cl, hindquarters 4id. New Zealand hemp flat ; prices un changed. A hundred cases of the Maori's potatoes realised Is 6d to 3s 7d per cwt. BuH-or—Factory aon.ro--, first qualities 118 , slciul 112^ No 1 best Scotch pig iron f.c.b. m Clyde, 40s 9d, market Hat. The New Zealand E'armers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Limited, are m rtcaipt of the following cable message from their London Offie\ dated 3rd insfcj —:' The weather m Northern Europe is severe. The wheat market is firmer, although not quotably higher. A cargo of Australian wheat for prompt shipment has been sold at 405."

Grain and Produce.

The following is the Christchurch Corn Exchange report for the week ending Saturday, March 5. The linss of Wheat offering are limited, and prime wheat difficult to get. Oats are good m quality, dun oats specially so. Bright long Tartars are asked for. Barley on the whole very lean, and ideas of value differ very much; but we think our maltsters will have to modify their views as to what is a fair malting sample for the season. We hear from all directions the threshing machines are showing a considerable shortage m the crop, and very few farmers are getting the quantity they anticipated. Kidney Pota toes are offering freely, but few buyers. Grass Seed —Cocksfoot —A large percentage discolored. Byegrass quiet, though samples are very free from gair and goose grass this season. Quotatoe« f.0.b., packages extra :— Wheat—Hunter's, 3s 6d; Pearl, 3s 7d; Tuscan, 3s 9d ; damaged and broken, 2s 6d to 3s. Barley—nominal. Oats—Good feed, Is 6d to Is 7d ; milling, Is 9d ; bright long Tartars, Is Bd. Eyegrass—Farmers', 2s to 2s 6d; dressed, 3s 6d. Cocksfoot —Dis- colored, 2d to 2Ad; bright, 3d to 3Jd. Beans, 2s lOd. Peas—Feed, 2s 6d; blue, 3s. Potatoes —Kidney, 255. Butter, 7d to 9cl. Cheese, 3id per lb.

Ashburton Markets.

MR D. THOMAS.

Mr D. Thomas reports upon the live stock market m the Ashburton district for the week ending March 4, as follows : — Live Stock—On Tuesday at the Tinwald Yards, the usual weekly live stock sale for the district was held. A very much larger catalogue of sheep than usual was submitted for the day's business, and a total clearance was made by the various salesmen at enhanced values, reminding one very much of the lively times of seven years ago, just before the collapse m values of sheep m 1886. At present there is not much cause for anxiety, because the present rise m values is justified by the shortage of young crossbreds ot suitable descriptions to hold | over ; but if values of old sheep go any | higher, then I believe there will be a chance of some buyers burning their fingers. In most instances the dearest sheep are the cheapest m the long run. The attendance of the public was very large, so much so that the commissariat was depleted, and a fa-nine resulted. The caterer has a most difficult duty to perform, not knowing how many people to provide for; and if any of the senseless grumblers would only put tliem se'ves iv the caterer's place they would soon find good reasons for excuses. lam pleased to say that so far the caterer has given the general public every cause for satisfaction. The biddings at the sale were extremely lively, and I think vendors have no cause to grumble, all lots of sheep being sold except; I a line of 250 merino wethers, which I was prepared to sell at 11s 3d. I bought and froze them, and they weighed 591bs nett, not a great return to the grower; but there were too many of tl>e same sort'of sheep on offer. The totals yarded for the day com prised 7303 sheep, 19 head of cattle, and 21 pigs, of which my eutry consisted of 2999 sheep, 1 5 head of cattle, and 12 pigs. My principal sales w.ere as follows: —25 fat Merino ewes, ?s f)d; }2 fat four and six tpqth crossbreds, 14s'; 95 merino withers, 7s 9d ; 396 crossbred lambs, lQs ; 138 cross bred two-tooths, 12s 3d; 180 three-quarter bred lambs, 10s 3d ; 274 merino wethers, fat, lls 6d; 230, crossbred ewes, lls lOd; 88 cull lambs, 8s ; IJJ7 crossbred cull lambs, 8s 9d : i|3s sound mquth merino ewes, 5s 4d ; 436 full mouth crossbred ewes, 9s 7d j 6"20 crossbred lambs, [10s; 15 fat merinp. ewes, 7s"; 60 crossbred ewes, 10s j 58 crossbred ewus, 9d' 6d r9/ crossbred lunibs, Qi jd, jn

Cattlt —I sold 9 head mixed cattle at £3 15 e<ch, and 6 steers at t3 6s each. In Pigs— my entry, 12, at 14a. Private Sales—During the week we have , been trotting about from one end of the district to the other, and the sales thus made have been eminently satisfactory to both the buyers and sellers. In this way we sold 409 lambs at 10s 2d ; 320 lambs at lla lOd; ISO lambs at Us; 280 crossbred full mouth ewes, 12s 41 ; 900 tour-tooth merino wethers, 7s 3d ; 235 crossbred lambs, 83 9d ; 100 merino ewes, 2s 6d; H fat lambs, 12s; 855 crossbred two-tooths, Us9d; 995 merino weUiers, 7s 3d ; etc. Horse Market — There is little doing i-, the horse trade just at present, hue irom enquiries that are daily made I think that a line of good sound young horses, either draught or light, would sell readily enough if brought forward just r.ow. Later on I think the demand is bound to be good.

MKSSBS MILES AND CO. Messrs Miles and Co. Iper Mr George Jameson) report for the week ending b nday. March 4:— Live Stock—The harvest being well over the residents throughout the Ashburton county are now ma.king provision for stock ing their well covered pastures, and on Tuesday, at the Tinwald Yards, the sale was well attended by the immediate settlers, and also by eager buyers from North and South Canterbury. There was a large yard of sheep, the total entry comprising /303 sheep, 19 head of cattle, and 21 pigs. Our entry consisted of 3998 sheep, 4 head of cattle, and 9 pigs, which we sold as follows : —29 fat merino ewes at 8s 5d ; 60 fat merino ewes at, 6s; 58 fat merino ewes at 6s Id ; 36 crossbred ewes at 9s 3d ; 42 crossbred ewes at 10s ; 15 crossbred ewes at 12s 9d; 35 crossbred ewes at 10s ; 25 fat lambs at 10s 9d ; 473 fat lambs at 12s ; 80 fat cross bred wethers at 15s 6d ; 120 fat lambs at 1 11s; 94 fat crossbred ewes at 10s 9d ; 24 store lambs at 7s 9d ; 500 crossbred lambs at 10s lOd; 104 merino ewes at ss; 100 merino ewes at 4s Id ; 160 merino ewes at 53 lid ; 930 merino ewes at 7s 3d ; 811 cross bred two-tooths at 13s lid ; 111 aged cross bred ewes at 8s Id. Cattle—Fat cows, £4 10s to £4 17s 6d. Pigs -Stores 9at 28s. Private —During the week we have sold 2500 crossbred ewes at 12s ; 500 quarter back ewesat 8s 6d ; 395 halfbred two-tooth Ewes »t 11s Rakaia Monthly Sale.—On Thursday March 3, we held our regular monthly sale at Rakaia. At this sale there was the largest entry of stock and sundries we have ! ever had at Rakaia.. There was also a very large attendance of farmers and others interested, and taken as a wb£Je it was the most successful sale we hay m the district. The total entry comprised 1920 sheep, 15 horses, 8 head of cattle, 20 pigs, and a quantity of sundries, which were sold a3 follows :—4O fat. two-tooth crossbreds at 14s sd, 40 at 15s Id, 227 store two-tooth crossbreds at 12s lOd, 510 crossbred two tooth ewes at 13s, 213 lull-mouth crossbred ewes at 13s Bd, 120 crossbred lambs at 10s Id, 122 merino ewes m forward con dition at 7s 3d, 282 merino ewes at 3s lid, 230 at 4s Id, 3 Border Leicester yams at If guineas. Fat Cattle.— 3 head for £13 10s, cows m milk and springing to calf £1 10s to £5 10s, 2 yearling heifers at £2 9s 6d each. Pigs.—l 3 stores at j7s 6d, 8 {very small) at Bs. Draught horses £7 10s, ±3 ss, £10 10s, £12, £17 10s ; aged hacks at £2 103; four-horse waggon at £17. Harness and sundries at satisfactory prices. Skin Salt,.— On Friday, March 4, we held our regular skin sale at our yards, West street. The total entry comprised 1000 skins, 10 bags and part bales wool, 9 bags fat, and 9 hides. There was a good attendance of buyers. The following are the prices obtained: —Butchers' crossbred pelts Is 3d to Is 7d, do merino 9d to Is 2d, farmers' pelts 4d to Is 6d, crossbred wool 5d to 5Jd, pieces 3fd. Hides and fat at scale rates.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

(I'ER PRESS ASSOCI \TION,) Xiuiber Ifill Jlnrnvil. Danevirke, March 5. The Hawkes Bay Timber Company's fine mill at Taraniki was totally destroyed by fire last night. Nothing was saved. The mill was insured but the amount is not known here.

Wesleyan Conference.

[PEII PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Wellington, March 4. At the Wesleyan Conference a warm welcome was extended to the Rev Mr Gibson, of the New South Wales Con ference. Rev Mr Morley moved for the appoint ment of i* committee to consider what shall be the future policy of the Church m regard to higher education. Speaking to the motion Mr Morley said he was glad that they had so good a system of National education m this country; that so liberal a provision was made b\ the Government I and the various bodies m the way of scholarships, at the same time he re gretted that the system was completely j divorced from the Bible. It behoved the Church to take this matter into serious consideration, as it was hardly creditable that they should be so long lacking m such an important matter. After some discussiDn the motion was carried unanimously. The report of the foreign mission fund showed that £568 was raised during the year. The total amount for the super numerary and widows' fund was £1162, and for the children's fund £1929. A home mission meeting was held this evening.

POLITICAL.

THE MINISTER FOR LANDS AT STRATFORD.

[per press association,j

Stratford, March 4. The Hon. Mr McKenzie, Minister for Lands, addressed a meeting here last night. He claimed that the recent changes made by the Government were m the interest of the colony, and said that the scare about the exodus of capital was gioundless. He mentioned that the Go vernment had effected retrenchment to the extent of £45,000, and that although the Government had had to fiiid money for expenditure incurred by the previous Government m the Lands Department, he had saved £8000 that was previously spent m officialism. He claimed that he : had put more people on the land during the last ten months than his predecessors had done m any twelve. It was, he stated, difficult to find good land, and it would take half a million acres to meet all requirements. The land question was the greatest of all.* He would be prepared to bring down a scheme next session to get over the difficulty. The policy of the Government was to further the welfare of the colony. A hearty vote of thanks to Mr McKenzie and of confidence m the Government was carried unanimously. After the meeting the Minister received several local deputations and seemed to give considerable satisfaction. Mr Mc : Kenzie left for the north this morning.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. COLONIAL BORROWING. London, March 3. The " Daily Telegraph " states that the surreptitious way in which the Australian Colonies are raising money is much disliked in financial circles. The "Chronicle" asserts that only a small portion of the Queensland trea sury bills is to be placed on the market at present, and that the Victorian Go vernment has decided to postpone the issue of the second million worth of treasury bills for several months. The " Times:' believes that a million of the Victorian bills could be placed at a small premium, but hopes that in the present condition of the market the colony will adhere to its decision not to increase the amount.

THE COURT.

The Prince and Princess Wales and Prince George have returned to town, after three weeks' stay at Eastbourne, much improved m health. Princess Mary stayed with them.

THE VICTORIAN LOAN.

Mr Panmure Gordon states that the Premier of Victoria cables that the million raised yesterday will be sufficient for Victoria for the current year. Intense irritation continues to be expressed at the Vic Lorian Govern ment utilising private agents, and city financiers declare it has inflicted a permanent injury upon the credit of the colony by issuing bonds at a dis- I count. It is stated that two millions can still be obtained through the regular advisers immediately, at 4§ and possibly 4|, on giving a pledge that the amount will be sufficient for two years. It is believed Sir G. Berry advised the employment of Gordon. COLONIAL BORROWING. The jobbers are openly offering Victorian Treasury bills on the market. Mr Panmure Gordon is reselling blocks of £25,000 at 100£. It is rumoured that another syndicate is being formed to place a second instalment of £1,000,000 in the City. The financiers are hostile to this method of placing the bills, and threaten reprisals. A MANCHESTER LOAN. The Manchester loan of a million and a half at three per cent at a mini mum of ninety-four has been issued. IRISH AFFAIRS. The " Chronicle" hopes that the Liberal party will re-unite, and formu late a workable scheme for the govern ment of Ireland. The paper also states that on the result of Mr Balfour's Irish local Government Bill depends the fate of the Government. THE CHINESE SECRET SOCIETY. The operations of the Chinese Secret Society which has just been unearthed, are causing serious appre hensions. It is called the Loong Lee long. On Wednesday the police frustrated a plot devised by the mem bers to attack their opponents, but another is threatened in the small hours of to-morrow morning. The police are making preparations in case the threat is carried out, and if it does it is expected to be of a bloodthirsty character. The members of the Society come from the most ferocious districts in China. The reward offered for the assassination of their victim is said to have been increased to £200. At a meeting of the lead ing Chinese a society was formed to preserve peace and maintain order. POPULATION ESTIMATES. Mr Coghlan, the Government Statist, estimates the population of New South Wales at the end of the year will be 1,165,000. There has been an increase of 33,000 since the census was taken. He estimates the population of Victoria will be 1,157,000. WINNINGS AT MONTE CARLO. London, March 4. A young Englishman named Peel is reported to have won £18,000 at Monte Carlo.

THE COAL QUESTION.

The restriction of the coal output has caused two hundred thousand Lan cashire factory operatives to be thrown out of work. The poorer class m London are suffering acutely from the bitter weather. The price of coal has ad vanced another 4s owing to the feverish demand. Experts declare there is no cause for alarm. London, March 4. Mr Pickard believes that a single weeks stoppage of the coal product would be sufficient to restore the equili brium. He professes good hopes of the present erabroglio resulting m the adoption of his five days per week system. Brussels, March 3. The Belgian Miners' Federation has issued a manifesto stating that they will restrict the output m sympathy with the English miners.

THE CRISIS IN FRANCE.

Paris, March 3. It is possible a crisis will occur m connection with th« Presidency m the event of M. Loubet's Government being rejected. M. Lou bet upholds the Concordat, and promises legislation restricting hours of labour for women and child i*en, providing for accidents and dis putes, and granting of State pensions to workmen.

ROYAL MOVEMENTS.

Rome, March 3. It is again asserted that King Hum bert will visit England shortly m com pany with the Queeen, and that they will be the guests of Her Majesty Queen Victoria at Buckingham, Palace.

CHILLTAN AFFAIRS.

Valparaiso, March 3. The Chilian Government have dis* agreed over the question of finance, and a section of the Cabinet hare resigned.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Madrid, March 3. An immense bomb, with a fuse burning was found m a street m Madrid. A church m Valencia was partly de molished by an explosion of dynamite, The Spanish Government has d.c*

fM ASHBtiitfON mJAltDiAff: SiffftftttAY, MARCH 5, mt



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Wanted. J CASH Advertisements under eh s heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be Wt at this Office. BIMITIVE Methodist Services To- Mokwow. Preachers—Moraine, Mr Lill ; Evening, Rev. Cocker. Subject— " A Champion Wrestler Defeated." 339 WANTED —Board and Lodging within half mile of Post Office, Ash burton. Apply H.W., office of this pap-r. 3 oj .' THE Officials of the Primitive Metho- I dist Church, thank the public for their gifts for the late Harvest Thanks giving Services. 3 35 TTVKIsIFFish, Crayfish and Oysters .tj by Express to-night Somerset Corner. J. H. Jewitt, Fishmonger. 3 33 FIRST Shipment Double Refined Kero sene for Winter use. Buy early. Great reductions at Stephens Bros., Market House. 3 18 TVTOTHINGwiII Cool you so quickly and i-^l invigorate the system so much as Ice Cream —H. G. Flower, Confectioner, Yißst Street. "I T7 ANTED Known.-Come and see W the Bargains now on at Melford House. H. C. Segers. AJITEDKnown. -At "The Corner" { now selling Ladies' French Shoes. 5s lid. See them".—W. H. Collier, WANTED KNOWN,—A great pur chase of Kid Gloves, £135 10s 61, Florencia Kid Gloves, all sizes, 4 and 5 -Clasp, usual price 6s lid and 8s 6d, now sold for 4s lid and 5s lid. -A. Orr's S%\e. T\/"ANTED Known.—lf you want YY plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.— H. O. Segers. mHIRTY Pieces Dress Goods at 6d ; 60 -*- Pieces French Cashmere at Is 6d, worth 3s 6d ; 1000 Yards French Tweed, double width, at Is 9d, worth 3s 9d. All Dress Goods greatly reduced. —Andrew Ohr's Cheap Sale. 1 106 . .—__ — «. BOOTS, Boots.—lnfants Boots 9d, six ! Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boot?, 5s 9d, Gents' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid.— Ahdrkw Orr s Sale. 1 WANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2d 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. W. H. Collier. W~ A2STBD Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m ptock.—J. W. Haiidley, East street. 6J202 WANTED 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. Robert Alcorn, Ashburfcou Clothing Man, Saunders' Buildings. i