MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary altera tions :— i WEDNESDAY, February 24. For United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe (specially addressed per Orient steamer only), for Australian colonies, and also for Miliord Sounds, per express (to connect with \Vaihora at Port Chalmers), at W. 30 p.m. For the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe and America and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, &c, &c, and also for Northern ports of New Zealand, per Takapuna, as follows: — Ordinary letters, books, and newspapers at 0.1£5 p.m., registered letters at 5 p.m., money orders at 3 p.m. This mail will be due m London on March 30.

ENGLISH MAILS.

HOMEWARD —DIRECT MAILS. Coptic, left January 9, due London February 18. lonic, left February 6, due London March 17. Tainui, leaving March 5, due London April 14. Doric, leaving April 2, due London May 12, SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mariposa, left January 30, due London March 2. Monowai, leaving on February 27, due London March 30. Alameda, leiving on March 26, due London April 27. OUTWARD —DIRECT MAILS. Kaikoura, due colony February 24. Ruahine, due colony March 21. SAX FRANCISCO MAILS. Alameda, due colony February 28. Mariposa, due colony March 231

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1892. LAND SETTLEMENT AT HOME

The Conservative Government at Home has set itself m earnest to the solution of the difficult question of the settlement of the people on the land. Mr Henry Chaplin, President of the Board of Agriculture, a real old English squire, a sporting man, a large landowner, and a Tory of the Tories, speaking recently to his constituents, made a strong point m declaring that something must be done towards settling the people on the land. He told his hearers that the Salisbury Government intended to try and do their best to deal with the question of small holdings. " There is nothing," he said, " that we have more at heart, there is nothing which, I believe, would be a more beneficial measure, and for that matter a more Conserva tive measure, m the best sense of the word, than a wider distribution of the land among the people of this country. Do not suppose that m saying this I believe for a moment m the idea of cutting up large farms and dividing them into small ones all over the country. Any such attempt would be at once attended with insuperable difficulties. The provision of buildings alone would make it impracticable al together. The thing is impossible —a chimera—and, if possible, it would not be desirable. But there is no reason why the two systems should not be combined m England, and why, side by side with large farms, smaller holdings should not be en couraged m far greater numbers than is the case at present. There are plen+y of residents, m our villages who could perfectly well manage and be all the better for the use of three or four acres of land m addition to their other occupations. The best agricul tural labourers are men Avho, by their industry and thrift, have been able to put by some small savings of their own . the village tradesman, the black smith, the publican perhaps, and many others. There is no reason m the world, that we caa see, why a system m the case cf any of these men, with, of course, due caution to begin with, and subject to proper regulations, should not be tried and adopted with success. At all events, we mean to make the experiment. " It will be seen that tho scheme of the Conservative Imperial Government embodies the principles of two of the measures of the Liberal New Zealand Government, namely, the Village Settlement clauses of the Land Acts, and the Land for Settlement Act, the latter of which has yet to become law. Lord Salisbury has been a leader m measures tending to ameliorate the condition of the working man, more especially the agricultural laborer. He has carried measures that have improved their dwellings, and we may be sure that his proposals to give them small hold ings of land will be welcomed by " Hodge and his friends."

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A scratch match will bo played on the Domain cricket ground to-morrow, commoner ing at three o'clock sharp. An enjoyable game is anticipated. It is said that no fewer than twenty-six sailing vessels are expected to be m Lyttel toii by the middle of March ready to receive grain. Plans of the water races m the various water supply districts of the Ashburton County have been deposited m the Road Board offices throughout the county m terms of tho Water Supply Act. Mr-John GriucUey, of the Farmers' Agency Company, Dunedin, broke thrge qf his ribs at (iore on Tuesday by slipping fron* a jail, wkere he was selling stock, and falling heavily to the ground. The Earl of Glasgow was on the eve of getting out for Chiflfe, when he was offered the Governorship of ithi.B aplouy. He and his Countess had booked for Ifyugkong m the s.B. Arcadia, to leave on February 5. We see by the latest " Gazette " that the reward offered by the Government for information leading to the conviction of the Pahiatua poisoner is £250, and not £50 as stated m a telegram which we published m Saturday's Guardian. The New Zealand Amateur Athletic Associ -1 jatiou have decided to send to England a team i consisting o/ Messrs Hemp ton, liatger, Cuff, and a long dis,tan<'c man, the latter to be selected m the course of «. fortnight or so The team is to leave Auckland hff. the l lJth March. , An immense kauri log was received iif Auckland a few days ago by a special train. The tree measured fully 84 feet to the first branch. -The log measures 51ft m length, < 18ft 3in m girth, and over 6ft m diameter It contains from 13,000 ft to 14,000 ft of tim jxtv, valued at about £90. Not withstand »Bg tfeesp epormous dimensions it is stated that several of the mills have machinery y.ipal Je of cutting fclislog,

Tlio public debt of Victoria at the present time amounts to £43,600,000, that of the j whole of Australasia to £18^,000,000. Judge ConolJy has endorsed the ruling of Judge VVilliaine that a bankrupt cannot be I imprisoned under the penal clauses on evi dence given by himself. Mr D. Thomas advertises a fresh list of his agencies, properties for sale, etc., and that he is a buyer of all sorts of grain and grass seeds. The Bank of New Zealand Estates Com pany has, during the year since its estab lishment, disposed of properties of various kinds to Hie value of between £3J0,000 and £400,000. The following hive been gazetted as post masters m this district :-B. Williamson, postmaster at Elgin; J. H. Hawkes, post master at Mount Soraers ; both as from January 1, 1892. A greenstone tomahawk has been found m the- heart of a totara log near Palmtu'.. How it came there is a mystery. At any rate it must have been placed there many years ago. The ratio of names m England psr 1,000 shows:—Mary 68, William 56, John 62, Eliza 61, Thomas 39, George 36, Sarah 36, Annie 33, James 31, Charles 23, Henry 21, Alice 19, Joseph 18, Jane 17, Ellen 16. There are 124,063 children attending the public schools of the colony aiul_ 17,047 attending private schools, while 81,788 re ceive private tuition. The number of child ren attending Sunday Schools totals 101,975. The Premier replying to a telegram from some Auckland members, protesting against the Ministerial changes, states that they were made at the request of Mr Cad man himself, and that they will save a large sum of imney A meeting of the Committee of the Hunt Club was held on Saturday evening. The appointment of a huntsman was the principal business, and it was decided to defer a decision on the matter to a general meeting to be held on Saturday evening, March 5. Footballers will be pleased to see i notice m our advertising columns, inviting them to attend a meeting at Mr D. Tnomas' office m the Arcade, on Friday evening, to take steps to form a club for the ensuing season. A good committee has the matter m hand, and we have no doubt a good team can be found. In Tasmania, caustic soda, m the propor tion of one pound to a gallon of water, has been successfully used for the destruction of the codlin moth on apple trees. This dress ing, applied m spring with a syringe, has also proved most efficacious m eradicating scale blight from the trees. The secretaryship of the Christchurch Corn Exchange vacant by the resignation of Mr N. P. Meyers, has been filled by the appointment of Mr F. Denham, a gentle man well-known m mercantile circles m Christchurch. Mr Meyers was the recipient of a presentation on Saturday. For some time past the Postal and Tele graph authorities m New Zealand have had (says the Wellington "Post") under con sideration the question of the desirableness of following an example set m America by using typewriters m connection with the telegraph instruments, and it has been practically decided to try the experiment m the head office at an early date. It is said that operators using typewriters and the Phillips code can do far more work with less fatigue than at present. It would seem that the new magazine rifle is a terrible arm m the matter of long distance as well as rapid firing. The East Kent Regiment (I he Buffs) have been carrying out some experiments with the weapon. It is found, however, that the ordinary targets at Bexley do not afford sufficient range. A ricochet bullet has broken a cottage window over four miles distant from the firing points. It has been consequently deemed expedient to transfer the rifle practice to Dymchurch near Hythe. The"Clutha Leader" estimates that m the Henley district alone the damage to crops and grass will amount to £11,600 It will take considerably more than that to place the settlers m the same position i\ r> they were before the Hood. The Henley Dairy Factory Company had some 1000 oovvs m full milk before the fixnl, itul which are now running on tha hill. AH the winter feod is ruined, and when it is considered that district keeps two dairy factories going, the value of feed may be better imagined than estimated. The district is ruined for the year, and nothing is left but the iiortgages. Judging by several samples of wheat whichweve exhibited m town oh Saturday, (says the "Lyttelton Times") the farmers who are adopting the hazardous practice of threshing from the stook are likely to be greater sufferers than usual this season. Owing to the recent moist weather, the corn neither threshes freely nor does it make a sufficiently .good sample to tempt buyers, as it has a greasy and cold feeling when rubbed, which makes millers fight shy of it. The same corn, if stacked for six weeks or two months, would, m experts' opiuion, be as prime wheat as could be seen, as it would have an opportunity to "sweat." In its present condition, however, it is compara tively useless for the manufacture of flour. Last evening an interesting fifty yardi' handicap swimming race for boys came off on the Domain bath. The competitors were —F. Grubb and R. Mitchell, scratch; F. Williams, 3 sees ; John Alcorn, 7 sees. The lads alljtook the water well, and at forty yards the competitors were drawing up into a close bunch, with Williams leading slightly. In response to the cries of the supporters on the banks all four struggled gamely to a finish, and the race resulted— Williams first, two feet ahead of Alcorn and Grubb, who were a dead heat for second place, and R. Mitchell just a yard and a half behind the seconds. Grubb swam very fast at the finish, and Williams held the lead gamely all through, swimming excel lently. The time—4B sees—was very good. The remains of the 180 British sailors who, during the Crimean war died and were buried at Beioos, on the Upper Bosphorous, were, on December 29, disinterred and re moved to the cemetery at Scutari. Her majesty's Charge d'Affaires, Mr Fane, with the staff of the Embassy, and the officers of her Majesty's ships Imogene and Cockatrice were present m uniform. The Sultan, who desired to honour the memory of those who had fallen m defending his country, was represented by three aides-de-camp, and a battalion of* troops, with the band and colours, rendering military honours. A short funeral address was delivered by the Embassy chaplain, and the remains, en cjosed jn two large cases, having been con signed to the earth, three volleys were fired over the grave by twenty men from the British ships. The Melbourne "Argus" having declared m a recent article that Fiji has not made any progress during the last fifteen years, the " Fiji Times" vigorously takes up the cudgels on behalf of Fiji, and contends from the statistics of imports and exports which it quotes, that such is not the tact. Of course (says the " Times ') there may be some little trouble m getting particular bosks ot land, as where m the colonies is there not; but there is nothing that cannot l£ overcome by reasonable energy and pei'feafc good faith. Certainly people who wonl.l like to monopoljsg land for specula-j tive purposes cannot do so through the Government. But let a bona fide planter come into the colony for the purpose of « ttk-ment, and, so far as is reasonable, he »ill find his path smoothed m everyway possible. Reverting to the subject of labour 'we 'may premise by stating that f/697 Indian immigrants have been already intfortucpd, and that about JSOO statute adults will come into the colony during the present year. Of the numW first named 813 will become entitled to return to India during 1802, but year by year the immigra tion goes steadily on, based on a system which meets all requirements. A similar plan is pursued with respect to Polynesians, of which there were 2207 m the colony at ♦ lie date of the last general census. " liEA'tis'fi'e Powder" destroys Bug Fleas', Moths, J2eetl.es, iwul all other insects whilst quite harmless to domestic aniu'iijs. In e'*ter minuting JJeetlcs the success of this powder is ftxtiuprltoary, ?fc is perfectly clean m application, &cc the article you mirchase is "KfiXTWi's," »s imitations $rp oxious and ineffectual. Sold m Tins, 6d, la and 2S U ewh, by all chemists, »

OUR RAILWAYS.

Our readers are aware that for years past Mr Samuel Vaile, of Auckland, has contended that the present system of mileage charges is not that calcu lated to produce the best results m connection with our railways, and has ' advocated the adoption, instead thereof, of a system of zones within each of which the charges would be uniform. Since the commencement of his crusade a stage system somewhat similar to that propoied by Mr V;,ile has been put m operation on the Hungarian railways with the result of an enormous increase m the passenger traffic, which rose from 5,900,000 fares m 1888 to 15,080,000 m 181)1. The financial results have not, however, corres ponded—though tie reason for this is not stated, but it is assumed ly Mr Vaile to be the application of tlm system to goods traffic and a loss m that department by a reduction of rates. Until it has been ascertained whether or not this is the case it would be premature to pronounce upon the result of the Zone system as carried out m Hungary, though at first sight it would seem that the trebling of the number of passengers should make the railways pay better as regards that branch of traffic, even if the average rate paid per passenger were reduced by one-half. While further news from Hungary which will settle this point is awaited, Mr Vaile has returned to the charge m a letter attacking the administration of the Railway Com missioners, which he contends has been entirely unsuccessful. He contends that the published railway returns for the past three years show results which mean disaster involving a very heavy extra burden of taxation. He writes:—Although the Commissioners have had charge of our railways for more than three years, their third financial year will not be completed till the 31st of March next, therefore I am only able to compare the first three quarters m each year. Your readers will, therefore, be good enough to bear m mind that the figures given are for the first thirty-six weeks only, m each financial year, and that they deal with the Hurunuißluff section alone. "During their first year, the Commis sioners were m the position of a great shopkeeper with his shop full of goods, raid he bound to realise a certain sum m a given time. They were bound to show an increased rate of interest, m order to justify their appointment; they, therefore, did what the shop keeper would have done. They practically called a " clearing-out sale," and forced the trade, regardless of the future. The result is now being felt. During their first year every depart ment went up with a bound. During the second the following decreases were made out of fifteen departments :— Decrease Chaff, etc. ... ... ... 7,510 tons Timber ... ... ... 12,531 tons Merchandise... .. ... 2,637 tons Passenger revenue ... ... £391 During their third year this is what has taken place : — Decrease Passenger revenue ... .• £5,652 Goods revenue ... .. 33,892 Total revenue ... ..■ 39,544 Expenditure ... ... 6,770 , Totaltons carried ... ... 83,617 tons Number ofpassengers carried... 24,003 Chaff, etc' .. ... ... 1,255 tpns Wool ... ... ... 3,174 tons Firewood ... ... ... 1,206 tons Grain ... ... ••■ 70,272 tons Merchandise... ... ... 11,194 tons Sheep 76,091 Other live stock ... ... 1,107 Against these serious decreases m onlj thirty-six weeks, there are but these twe insignificant increases to set off:— Increase Timber ... •• ... 1,818 tons Minerals ... ... ... 1,714-tons This is the result of our Commissioners' management for three years. We all know that, they are now relying on the super abundant harvest of this year to pull them out of their difficulties, but, I ask, Did the Commissioners make this harvest? and what kind of a railway system can it be that is dependent on such an off chance ? Two suc cessive bad harvests would kill it outright. Mr Vaile certainly appears m the foregoing to have made out a case which requires an answer, and as the Commissioners have been at the pains, on previous occasions, to issue state ments m reply to that gentleman's arguments m favor of the Zone system, a reply to this direct and outspoken attack on the financial results of their own administration is naturally looked for, and will be awaited with great interest. Clearly a decreasing railway revenue contemporaneously with an increased population and a largely increased volume of production is an anomaly which requires an explanation,

Imperial Polities.

IRISH LEGISLATION,

[HER VRbiM ASSOCIATION]

London, February 19. Under Mr Balfour's Local Govern ment Bill illiterate persons are ex cluded from exercising the franchise, but as a safeguard the cumulative vote is preserved. The debate on the first reading of the measure was carried out with great virulence, and the speakers were frequently interrupted by jeers. The " Daily Chronicle " con siders the Bill is likely to bring about the defeat of the Government. The " Daily News " characterises it as a bad measure, and thinks its chances of passing are hopeless. Other English journals give the Bill stinted praise. The Irish Press ai'e divided on the question, but the " Independent," " Freeman's Journal," and " National Press" totally condemn the Bill. The " Times" considers that the i Local Government Bill makes a vast concession, and declares the shouts of execration raised by all sections of the Opposition were pre-arranged. Sb Vernon Harcourt and Messrs Redmond and McCarthy assert that the Bill is an insult to Ireland. Mr Chamberlain spoke m favor of the measure. Mr Balfour replied that the conduct of the Opposition indicated the in sjneerity of their desire to extend local, Govern ment. The Tories generally approved of the Rill, but; the Liberal Unionists showed little enthusiasm. The " Standard " remarks that no harm will result to Ireland if the Bill does not pass. London, February 20, Mr Balfonr's Local Government Bill for Ireland has been coldly received by th.c country and Press. It is con sidered to, be chiefly m discharge of a pipage, and V'ill increase £he prospects i of an early dissolution of Parliament. • iiiy «' tall Mall Qasettts" considers

that the opposition displayed towards ' Mr Balfour's Bill will assist the re union of the Irish party.' London, February 21. Mr Balfour is prepared to modify to a large extent the Irish Local Govern- j raent Bill.

Congregational Union.

[per press association.

Wellington, February 22. The Congregational Union passed the following resolutions :—"That the Union strongly condemns the raising of colonial revenue by any means which se^m to countenance the great evil of gambling, as m the taxing of the receipts of the totalisator." "That a copy of the resolution be forwarded to the Premier." The Rev. H. VV. J. Miller way elected President for the ensuing year. The session is now closed.

Lord Onslow's Departure.

[I'ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Auckland, February 22. This morning the representatives of the local Orange institution m Auckland waited on L^rd Onslowand presented him with a farewell address on the occasion of his leaving the colony for England. The Governor, m thanking the Orangemen for their address, disclaimed any of the credit which they had attributed to him tor th«i present improved state of affairs m the colony, but he said it was all due to the present Government, whioh the Or.ingem.en had described as benign. Lord Onslow was entertained at a fare well dinner by the Northern Club to night. The formal presentation of the two medals given by the Countess of Onslow for the study of music under the auspices of the Auckland University College, took place to-day at Government House, Lady Onslow presenting them to Messrs J. IT. Philpotfc and T. McGinley, the successful students. Sir G. M. O'Rorke gave an address, and Lord Onslow announced that the Countess would continue to give I similar medals for the next two years.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Tli« W«"llin«f<m X.ilM>ral Piii»<>r. Wellington, February 23, The prospectus of the Company which has purchased the " New Zealand Times " appears this morning. Among the provisional directors are Messrs Ballance, Rseves, McLean, Jellicoe, Fraser, and Martin Kennedy. The promoters promise to preserve a tone of fair and courteous argument, and add "Ib is hoped their exposition of a side of current public affairs which has hardly ever yet been fairly exhibited m Wellington will have the effect of silencing some alarmist cries, and removing many groundless apprehensions."

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN

[I'BB PRKSS ASSOCIATION,]

(Received February 23, 10.45 a.m.)

THE RISING IN BURMAH.

Calcutta, February 22. The rebels surround Sod on. It is understood that the trouble is due to Chiuese intrigues.

COMMERCIAL TREATIES.

Madjud, February 'A' 2 The Spanish Government, m a note to the Great Powers, invites them to negotiate for commercial treaties with Spain.

SUSPECTED DYNAMITERS.

Vienna, February 22. Three Czechs have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned m the dynamite attempt to wreck the train on which the Emperor was travelling m Reichenburg last year.

THE COLORED LABOR QUESTION.

London, February 22. Bishop Selwyn states that Sir S. Griffith's reversal of policy is a startling move. He hopes the Queensland Government will themselves undertake the work of recruiting, since labor agsnts always proved unable to stop abuses. The Bishop adds the supply of colored labor is limited, as when recruiting was carried on before, very young boys were constantly taken against the wishes of their parents.

The Sculling Cham- pionship.

(PKB, PRESS ASSOCIATION

Sydney, February 22. Stanbury and Sullivan have signed articles, and the race • will be rowed on May 2.

Telegraphic Charges.

(PER I'RESS ASSOCIATION.)

Auckland, February 22. The Hon J. G. Ward, m reply to the \u000cnd merchant who wired to him re gretting tliafc he had seen fit to change the the recent regulations m charging for telegraphic messages, telegraphs that the published account of his interview with the Hon Mr Reynolds was incorrect, he said was that ho would favourably con sider the question of allowing the present numb vof words m the body'of a message and the address and signature to be counted together. Eighteen words would cost one shilling, and the same number of wo.ids m a delayed message would cost sixpence.

The Southland Land Board has decided to recommend to the Minister of Lands that of the 261,507 acres the leases of which expire next year, 131,039 acres should be relet as runs for a term of 14 years; that 104,472 acres be cut up as small grazing runs m areas not exceeding 5000 acres m extent; and that 25,966 acres be subdivided into areas suitable for settlement upon the de ferred payment, perpetual lease, or cash systems.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

I'ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

AN ADMIRAL OVERBOARD.

London, February 19. Admiral Tryon fell overboard while engaged in. raising H.M.S. Victoria (which went ashoreon the Greek Coast), but was rescued. . |MR B. R. WISE'S OPINIONS. The " Pall Mall Gazette " publishes an interview with Mr Wise, formerly Attorney-General of New South Wales. That gentleman gives it as . his opinion that the labor movement ( in the colonies is a safety valve for the dangerous element and therefore really a source of security. He considers the protectionist movement in his own colony is due to an accidental majority J and the treachery of certain members. » Mr Wise told the "Pall Mall Gazette " interviewer that the conces sion of Home Rule to Ireland would be a message of peace to the whole English speaking world, and declared that it was now impossible for an open opponent of Irish Home Rule to be elected for a seat in the New South Wales Parliament. He referred in eulogistic terms to the Australian cablegrams which appeared in the "Times" and expressed the opinion that a further reduction in the cable rates would have the effect of promot ing the union of the Empire. THE AQUARIUM LIBEL. The Appeal Court confirmed the verdict for plaintiff in the slander action, Aquarium Company v Parkin son, member of the London County Council, COLONIAL STOCKS. The "Observer" says Colonial stocks are being steadily absorbed in small amounts for purposes of legiti mate investment. BRAVERY REWARDED. London, February 21. Her Majesty the Queen has a warded the second class Albert medal to Hennessey, the coxswain of the Sand gate lifeboat which rescued several of the sailors of the ship Benvenue when she stranded off Sandgate in November last. The presentation was made by the Queen at Osborne. THE WEALTH OF VICTORIA.

The " Economist" disputes the correctness of the figures adduced by Mr H. H. Hayter, Government Statist of Victoria, with regard to the private wealth of that colony, and contends that the excess of private wealth over liabilities is under £40,000,000 ster ling. The journal goes on to say that the fact of the colony curtailing its imports and expanding its markets is a good sign. ASTRONOMICAL APPOINT MENT. Sir R. A. Ball succeeds Professor J. C. Adams as Professor of Astro nomy in Cambridge University and Director of the Cambridge Observatory. INFLUENZA. The number of wills proved during tho financial year is unprecedented. The influenza epidemic is responsible for the. great increase. WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. The Conv.iittoe of the V, Tv:s^yan Conference recommend that power be obtained to extend the term of minis terial residence in each circuit beyond three years. ELECTIONEERING. The Tory party have £50,000 in hand with which to conduct the Lon don County Council elections. The Liberals are responding to the exer tions of the other party. LABOR QUESTIONS.

The owners of the Durham coalpits have issued an ultimatum to the men, fin which they announce their intention | of making a reduction of 7| per cent. I m the wages, l>ut offer the alternative of making a 5 per cent, reduction at once and an additional 5 per cent, on May Ist. They state that unless the miners accept these terms the collieries will be closed. 87,000 men are affected by the ultimatum. Commenting on Sir Samuel Grif fith's manifesto with regard to the Queensland sugar trade, the " National Observer"saysthat Sir Samuel's change of views on the subject of black labor has taken place at an opportune time. The paper characterises the Queens land workman as horribly selfish, insin cere, and brutal. London, February 22. It is expected that 275,000 colliery workmen wili cease work on March 12th. It has not yet been decided how long the stoppage will last, but • the men will not receive any strike pay. j

NO DIVIDEND.

Berlin, February 21. The North German Lloyds Shipping Co. have decided not to pay a dividend for the past year, and to withdraw two million marks from the'reserve fund.

THE HOMICIDE.

Paris, February 21. Deacon, who s>hot a French attache at Nice, is well known in Parisian and American society. The intrigue be tween his wife and the attache is sup posed to have been going on for two years. Deacon has been admitted to bail on easy terms. THE CLERICAL QUESTION IN FRANCE. Paris, February 21. President Carnot has written to the Pope thanking him for his Encyclical J Letter, and offering to lend his assist ance to secure religious peace in France. The political crisis is still unsettled. President Caniot is consulting with the leaders of parties as to the proba bility of the Chamber being dissolved if M. de Freyeinet \yere declared Premier. President Carnot has had an inter view with M. Floquet, President of the Chamber of Deputies, M. Ribofy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Sena tor Leroyer. He asked M. Rib.ot to form a Ministry, and expressed the wish that M. de Freycinet should take the portfolio of War. FIGHTING IN BURMAH. Calcutta, February 21. Five hundred Cochins attacked Sodon in Upper Burmah, but were re pulsed with a loss to the British troops of five killed and fourteen wounded. Sodon is now besieged. Ten Sepoys were killed on their way tp jjhe placo, ' \

ARGENTINE AFFAIRS.

Buenos Ay res, February 22. It is expected Senor Pena will be the new President of the Argentine Republic.

CANADIAN ELECTIONS.

Ottawa, February 22. In a number of bye-elections which have taken place the Government party proved victorious.

ANTI-CHINESE LAW.

Washington, February 22. The United States Senate has ve imposed the Anti-Chinese Act fo' 1 a further period of ten years.

EGYPTIAN FINANCE.

Cairo, February 22. The Egyptian Government show a surplus of £1,300,000 derived from the conversion of the debt.

GALES IN THE CHANNEL.

Severe gales have been raging m the Channel during the last few days and many wrecks attended by loss of life have occurred.

HORRIBLE CASE OF LYNCHING.

New York, February 22. A negro who outraged a woman m Arkansas was soaked m kerosene and burnt to death m the presence of six thousand people. The unhappy victim was compelled to apply the match himself.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, February 22. Mr Forest's house at Whangarei, with the furniture, has been destroyed by fire. A house occupied by Inspector Emerson a) Hamilton, was burned this evening. It was insured for £200, but the office is un known. The furniture, all of which, was destroyed, was protected by a policy of £125 m the Phoenix. The house was owned by J. T. Home. A settler at Coromandel, Robert Dar ling, while yarding a bull, was gored by the animal so badly that he died of his injuries. Wellington, February 20. Whilst engaged m torpedo practice m La wry Bay yesterday afternoon, R.MJS. Ringarooma lost one of her torpedos, and although every search was made ie could not be found. The accident caused a delay m the departure of the warship for New Plymouth, and she did not get away until 8 o'clock this afternoon. She Avill probably return shortly to make another search for the missing torpedo. Great surprise was caused m town by the news thai A. W. Brown had left the country suddenly. He had been mayor several times, and was generally supposed to be m a good financial position. He went to Auckland some weeks ago, ostensibly on business, and letters have been sinew received from him at Sydney stating that he did not intend to return and forwarding details of his property. Steps are beins taken to make him bank rnpb. In one letter jßrown ascribes the smash to dibbling m politics, but this is not believed to be the real reason. The family are left with very little. At a meeting of Brown's creditors it was resolved to take steps to make him bankiupt. The debtor forwarded from Sydney a statement showing a surplus. It is believed the estate will pay nt least If s, m fact Brown was not necessarily a bankrupt at all unless undiscovered claims arise. The Mokau Coal Company, of which Brown was chairman, is going into liquidation. It has been ascertained that the trust moneys plased m Brown's hands are perfectly .safe. It is understood that there are cfrtain claims pendiiig m his estate respecting the Mokiu Coal Com pany, and that if these are pressed it will mattmlly affect the schedule m his estate. Wellington, February 22. Messrs Turnbull and Co's petition praying that A. W. Brown should be de clared a bankrupt, will come before Mr Justice Richmond m Chambers to-morrow. The grounds of the petition are—(l) that he has left the colony with intent to defeat or delay his oreditors ; (2) that being out of the colony he has remained out of the colony with like intent. The ''Post" understands that the Ministry are considering the propriety of retiring a number of officers of the Justice and Postal Departments on the ground of age, as has already been done m the Customs. * A telegram from Blenheim states that a man named Benjamin Wearmonth was found drowned m the Wairau river yes terday morning, near Rock Ferry, about fifteen miles from Blenheim. Deceased was returning on horseback to his home at Onamahutu, from Wairau Valley, where he had been working. He was a married man, forty-five years of age, and leaves a wife and five children, most of whom are grown up. A supplement to the "Gazette" con taining the Treasury regulations relative to the public accounts was issued to night. Two sisters named Minnie and Kate McGirr, were charged with stealing cloth ing from Rubina Conlan, of Christchurch. The latter pleaded guilty, and gave evi dence exonerating her sister. She was remanded for enquiry by the Probation Officer at Christchurch, and the evidence will be forwarded to the Christchurch police, asking whether they propose pro ceeding any further against Minnie, Nelson, February 22. Considerable interest was attached to the voting to-day as to whether the City Council should be authorised to borrow £4000 towards the construction of a road round the rocks, connecting the Waimea Plains with the port by a shorter and level road. The proposal was carried by a large majority, but the Richmond borough and Stoke riding of Waimea county, which are associated with the city m the endeavour to carry out the work, have yet to arrive at a decision, The Government are contributing on condition that the road he available for the railway to avoid the hills.

The Father of the Royal Nary.

("Otago Daily Times.") The death of &ir Provo Wallis, which occurred on the 14th of this month, re moves from among the living one of the most interesting men of the time. He was born on April 12, 175)1. After the manner of the time, he was made a mid shipman when four years old, but did not go to sea for some years, though he was regularly entered on the books of the Oiaeau frigate. He actually joined his ship m 18Q0, but probably did not go to sea until 1804, serving then among the contemporaries of Captain Cook. In 1805 the Cleopatra, ou which he em barked, got into a desperate engagement with the Ville tie Milan, a much heavier French vessel. The English captain in sisted on a fight, which the Frenchman prepared to avoid. After a first repulse, the French raked the decks of the Cleo petm with musketry, and m a second at tempt successfully boarded her, with great loss on both,sides, including the French captain. A few days .. Jater a British 50 gun ship captured both vessels, which were badly crippled. Wallis was removed to the Cambrian, an 1 was cruis ing off Antigua when m 1806 news came to the station of the glorious victory of Trafalgar. Thus Wallis has su.rvi^ed every man and boy \v\\a fought }n that great battle, as welj as.the last survivor of England'sgreat land fight, Waterloo, dating U years later. After serving m sqventl

other vessels, he was wrecked m the Curieux, at the blockade of Guadaloupe m 1806. His next vessel was the Gloire, •and m 3ier he saw fighting, assisting m the capture of French batteries at Guada loupe, and m the destruction of two French frigates, which were lying there. Most, of the vessels m which YVallis served bore French names, having been captured m the Ions; wars with that people. In 1812 the unfortunate war with the United States broke out. It was famous chiefly for the remarkable series of fights between frigates, m which the smarter Yankees on the whole got the best of the fighting. In May, 1813, the Shannon, with vVallis for her second lieutenant and the gallant Broke for her captain, cruised off Boston. Broke de tached his consort, the Constitution, lest the Chesapeake, which lay m the har bour, should decline to face two frigates, and continued burning his prizes so as nob to weaken his own crew. He con tinued for some time cruising, recaptur ing vessels taken by the Americans, and occasionally sending m polite invitations to the brave Lawrence to bring out the Chesapeake to fight *' ship to ship." The final challenge was somewhat taunting: " You will feel it as a compliment if I say that the result of our meeting may be the most grateful service I can render to my country ; and T doubt not that you, equally confident of success, will feel convinced that it is only by repeated triumphs m even combats that your little navy can now hope to console your country for the loss of that trade it can no longer protect. Favour me with a speedy reply. We are short of provisions and water, and cannot stay long here." The American vessel was already on the way. bhe was a few tons heavier, and carried rather heavier guns and seventy more men, but her crew was new and im perfectly disciplined. After some hours manoeuvring the frigates were within fifty yards of each other at ten minutes to six. At six the vessel* fell on board each other, and by Broke's orders, were lashed to gether. The boatswain, Mr Stevens, who lashed them, had his left aim hacked off and was riddled with bullets while doing it, dying at his post. Broke boarded with twenty men, the captain first touching the deck, and m sixteen minutes from the firs': gun the Chesapeake was a British prize. Lawrence and his first lieutenant died of their wounds within a week. In all the Americans lost forty-seven killed and 117 wounded ; the British loss was twenty-two killed and fifty-eight wounded. Broke having fainted from loss of bleod, Wallis, the next officer not disabled, took command of both vessels, and was received with appropriate honors first at Halifax and then at London. Wallis continued m active service after the great wars were over, and took part m the now half-forgotten fighting m Turkish waters m the thirties, and again m the Syrian troubles m the forties. His last sarvice afloat was on the north-east coast of America m 1857-8. He was finally made an admiral and accorded the special privilege that he should never be placed on the retired list Thus his nominally active service lasted nearly 97 years. Of him the London "Times" once said that he had never served m a steam vessel and ngver was " shipmates " with a breach-leading gun or even what we now call a heavy gun, nor had any professional acquaintance with torpedoes or electric light, yet he is old enough to have known and served under Lord Bridport, Lord Hood, Sir Richard Hughes, Lord Hothaui, Lord St. Vincentj Lord Duncan, Corn wallis, Lord Keith, Lord Nelson, or Lord Callingwood; "he is modern enough to know Lord Charles Beresforc?, Mr Brennan, Lord Armstrong, and Captain Zalinski. The officer who was at the head of the Admiral's list when Sir Provo b came midshipman was admiral of the fleet. Sir Ptter Parker, Bart., who was bern m 1721, and entered the navy m 1735. He may well have known am\ served under Sir John Norris, who lived until 1749, and who had been promoted for his gallant behaviour at the battle of Beachy Head on June 30, 1690. Thus the service careers of only three officers- - Wallis, Parker, and Norris—are long enough to carry us direely back to the Revolution of 1688. We might add one more fact drawn from another field. If Norris was a play-goer, he might have seen old Betterton acting, and Betterton had acted with Shakespeare.

THE MARKETS.

[per vkkss association.}

London, February 21. The total quantity of wool catalogued at the series of sales just closed was 314,000 bales, of which 291,400 bales were sold, including 167,000 bales to Continental buyers, and 16,000 to American. The course of prices has been irregular. Compared with the, closing rates of the December series, all classes of merino are a halfpenny lower, and fine crossbred a penny lower. Other prices were on the average a halfpenny lower than those ruling at the December sales, but superior lambs brought a penny more, although the top prices were below those obtained m 1886. The wool trade is depressed, and an early revival is not expected, ' The English wheat market shows a general advance of 6d ; the Continental and American markets are advancing. For Australian wheat on the passage sellers are asking 41s 3d, but buyers refuse to give more th>»n 40a 3d.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following cable raossa«e dated London 20ih insfc:— Wool —The sales closed this day. Since dose of last sales coarse greasy crossbred and greasy merino lambs, medium and in ferior, are|d perlb lower ; greasy merino super, medium, and inferior, and medium greasy crossbred, |d to Id per lb lower ; washed merino super, medium and in ferior and scoured merino supor. Id per lb lower ; scoured merino meaiuin and in ferior, and fair greasy crossbred Id to lAd per lb lower. Other descriptions are un changed. The total quantity sold during the past sales is 286,000 bales, of which 16,000 bales have been taken for the Continent, and 16,000 bales for America. It is esti mated that 25,000 bales have been held over for future disposal.

The New Zealand Farmers 1 Co-opera tive Association of Canterbury, Limited, report having received the following cable message from their Ijandon office, dated 20th inst ;-*- Prime Canterbury mutton has advanced to 4§d per lb.

*HE ASfiBURfON GtTAIiBiAB: ftffESDAf, FEBRUARY 2s, i 892.



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



Holloway's Ointment and • Pills. — Abscesses, Erysipelas, and Piles. —Unvarying success attends a\\ who treat these diseases according to the simple printed directions wrapped round each pot and box. They are invaluable to the young and timid, whose bashf illness sometimes endangers life. Though apparently local s diseases of this nature are essentially blood diseases, but a little attention, moderate perseverance, and trifling expense will enable the most diffident to comlnct any case to a happy issue without exposing secret infirmities to anyone. The ointment checks the local inflammation ancl alleviates the throbbing pains. These direc tions also clearly point'out when and how Holloway's Pills are to be taken, that their purifying and regulating powers may assist by adju&ting and strengthening the consti tution. Thy world }s ever moving on towards perfection, butsoldom attains it, Constant improvement is being made m every branch of industry, but m. Baking Powders Perfection has been reached, m Wurburton'p Csuit Be Beat),



Don't be Deceived! —If you want the best Medicine the world Jias ever prp uced, try Colemane and Sons Eucalypti Extract. For all affections of the chest and lungs, consumption, asthma, coughs, colds, gravel, and kidney complaints. For influenza it has no equal. Under the distinguished patronage of Earl Jersey, Governor of New South Wales, Lord Carriugton, and the JSmperor of Germany. Awarded medals a^SyiJney 1 Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating all competitors, and s fche only pure Extract m the world, j See that the label bears our trade mark (tree of life and signature Colemane and ISond, Cootnmundra, New South Wales) without this it if a fraud. Price, Is 6d , and 2s 6d. Wholesale Depot tor New Zealand : Liclifield street, Christchurch Sole Agents for Ashburton : The Ash burton Drug Company.--Ad vt Ask for Ninian Hyhlop, and Co. s Imperial npw seasons Pure, Ceylon and luilu*Teae. Syecia prices — f44vt



Wanted. CASH Advertisement under eh's heading not exceeding SIXTEEN WORDS 1/-. Addresses may be lt-ft at this Office. SPLENDID boiling Potatoes, 301 b a Is. White Stone and Golden Ball Turnips, Is 6d a bag on the ground. Thos, WHIttINOTON. 2 115 WANTED -A nun for scoop worn. Good wa»es to a suitable man. Apply W. J. Silcock, Altenton. 2 109 T\rOTHINGwill Coolyau so quickly and i-^l invigorate the system &<j much as Ice Cream —H.G. Flower, Confectioner, East Street. "V JTt ANTED Known. - Come and see W the Bargains now on at Melford House.—H. C. Segers. WA.ITKDKnown. -At "The Corner" now selling Ladies' French Sliops. 5s lid. See them.—W. H. Ooimbb. WANTED KNOWN,—A great pur chase of Kid Gloves, £135 10s 0 1, 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. Okr's Sale. WANTED Known.—lf you want plenty of first class Drapery, Boots and Clothing for cash, come to Melford House Sale.—H. 0. Seg*:ks. HIRTY 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 Dresa Goods greatly reduced.—Andrew Okr's Cheap Sale. 1 106 BOOTS, Boots.—lnfants Boots 9d, six Dozen Ladies' Elastic Side Boots, 6s 9d, Genfcs' Boots 8s 6d, Mens' Blucher Boots 5s 6d, Stanley Shoes Is lid— Andrkw Orr s Sale. 1 ANTED KNOWN, a special lot of Hearth Rugs at Is lid, 2a 6d and 2s lid ; worth about doable. \V. Jt£. Collier. W""~ ANTED KnoAvn.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods ;o select from. Register Grates, Stoves, Portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kept m Ptock.—J. W. Hakdley, East . treet. , 6J202 W~" ANTED Known.—Great Cash Sale now on at Melford House. Almost everything reduced. —H. C. Segers. . ALL Wool Colonial Tweed Suits to measure; fit and workmanship guaranteed; from 50s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Marl, Saundera' Buildings. mo Meet the Times.—l am supplying .JL Galvanised Iron Tanks from 30s upwards, warranted for twenty years, Force pumps, deep well cylinders of all descriptions. Inspection invited.— J. W. 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 J. Moison's. During coming holidays dis count for Cash. Repairs done at once. m staff of men always kept and best Material and workmanship guaranteed. ANTED Known.- -H. Baibstdw has opened those premises m East street next.J. Orr and Co., as a Furniture Warehouse. Latest designs m Vienna Chairs, and Iron Bedsteads on visw. Having a good stock of well easoned figured "Rimu and Kauri, lie is prepared to take orders for Furniture to any design. Inspection nvited. Ilt6l Public Notices. "XT A LENTINES to suit everybody. V .lust opened up. Palm Leaf Fans and Screens at Gd. Selling fast. Also Zither Harps, three sizes, from 4k 6d. New Games, Fancy Stationery, &c ' L. F. ANDftEWES & CO., Stationers' Hall. jTo t i c c. THE Tiuwald Flux Mill will start work again about TUESDAY, March 1. Men and boys wanting job for the winter must apply at once to the Undersigned. VV H. GIFFORD MOORK, 2 103 Solicitor, The Arcade. NOTICE TO FOOfBALLERS. OLD MEMBERS of the Ashburton and Star Football Clubs, and others who are willing to form a Football Club, are requested to meet at Mv D. Thomas Office, Arcade, on FRIDAY, February 26, at 7.30 p.m. 2*H3 Convener. STOCK-TAKING. SEDUCTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. EKED- Inspection Xnviied. NEW ZEALAND dotliiD? Factory* W. H WEBBER, Manager" Ninian Hyslop ml Co.'s "Imperial' Ceylon and Indian Teas are direct from ■he Tea PKntHtionw. — < Adv ,' Tiik Bkst Rkmkdy vow Inmgkstion — Norton's Camomile Pills are confident.^ recommended as a simple remedy foi Indigestion, which i« tlie cause of nearly all fch« diseases to whieii we are subjects Nokton's Piixh, with justice called the f Natural Strcngthoncr of Vtti Human Stomach," act as a powerful toniuand gentle pfirient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sojd m bottles, at la l_d, 2« Qd, Ms, byal' n:wicine ywiJare tjiroui^howt tbs tf srlJ,