MAIL NOTICES

M«l« close for the following pl»c*» " HOMEWABD-DIBECT MAILS. Aorangi, wiled February 16, due London Mar^OMKWA*I>-BAN JBANCIBCO MAIM. Next mail leaves February 20, dne London Maroh 29. On Good Friday and Easter Monday the Ashburton Post and Telegraph Office will b« clcwd except from 9 till 10 im «.j from 7 till 8 p.m. All mails will be closed "JSLdW Mail Service to United Kingdom-There will be no departure of direSt steamers on March 30 f rom^the coony, bat the Ruahine and Tainui will both leave Lyttelton on April 22 next. \

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1893. THE HARVEST RETURNS.

Everybody has long ago become re signed to the fact that last harvest was one of the worst, if not the worst, that has been experienced in this district since the land was brought into culti vation, and if the figures given in the official returns published cauae any feeling it will be one of relief that the yield of grain was no worse. A much j larger area than was generally reckoned upon was in wheat, namely 94,299 acres, against 96,841 acres in the pre vious season ; and the production is estimated at 1,719,219 bushels, against 2,286,263 bushels j an average of 18-28 bushels, against 23*62 bushels in 1892. Oats grown for grain this year pro duced. 725,607 bushels from 80,311 acres—a shade under 24 bushels to the acre; last year the respective figures were 912,376 bushels, 30,888 acres, 30 bushels, the cultivation of this crop also being almost the same as last year. Of barley only 932 acres, pro ducing 20,282 bushels an average of 21*76 per acre; against 1699 acres, 45,581 bushels, average 27 bushels, last year. On the other hand the cul tivation of oats for green todder or hay j has increased from 18,117 acres last year to 17,267 acres. Turnips and rape show a slight decrease frem 37,282 acres to 36,361 acres. English grasses on cultivated land show a sub stantial increase, from 318,443 acres to 1365,893 acres j bringing the total area of land in cultivation up to 561,395 acres, against 508,883 acres last year —a proof that the process of breaking up the tussock is still actively in pro gress. The figures relating to pastur age show that the extension of sheep farming has so far not had any appre ciable effect on the cultivation of cereals—unless the less cheerful view which is taken by some people is correct, that pastures were in such a bad state last year that they had to be broken up no matter what the price of wheat. Comparatively low though the production of grain is, farmers would not have been in such a bad case had it not been for the disastrously low price of wheat, and their sufferings being intensified by theunprecedentedly heavy old stock held over from last year. The statistics for tha whole of the North Canterbury district show that the estimated yield of wheat i 53,587> 948bushels,asagainsU,796,326 bushels last year; oats, 1,778,601 bushels, as against 2,157,218 in 1892 j barley, 204,616 bushels, a decrease of 84 bushels. 233,657 bushels of last ytar's wheat remained on hand, but much less quantities of oats and barley than in previous years. The area and produce of potatoes is little over half as compared with last year. Thu3 it appears that the dcci eased production is general, and thac Ashburton farmers have suffered no worse than their neighbors._ -

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Ashburton portion of the San Fran cisco mail, consisting of three bags, arrived per 7.55 p.m. train on Saturday, and sorting was completed at 8.45 p.m. Another of those fire which the pipe of the careless swagger is accused of raising occurred on Saturday evenmg at Bighbank. A shed, straw thatched on roof and one side, con taining a hundred sacks of wheat and ten sacks of grass seed was totally destroyed. Mr S. Wright's clearing sale on Thursday, March 30, conducted by Mr David Thomas, auctioneer, will be a very important event, and we are requested to call attention to the implements to be offered, which are all of first character and of the most, modern style. The Bethells estate, situate in the Ellesmere district, close to the railway, comprising 1(}69 acres, was sold by auction on Saturday in lots of from 52 to 205 acres. Every lot was sold at from £16 to £26 Us per acre, averaging nearly £19 per acre. The total proceeds were £31,377* At the half yearly meeting of the Canter bury Tramway Company on Friday night, the report for the bait year ending December 31, disclosed a filling off in the traffic receipts of £185, while the expenses of maintenance are increased, leaving a de ficiency of £80. The report was adopted, after a long discussion, during which it wag announced that a general meeting would be held next Wednesday to consider a proposal to wind up the company. The "Globe" states that the document, the substance of which was telegraphed hst week from Dunedin, is not the programme of the labour party. It is merely a platform diawn up by a few duly appointed persons in order to provoke discussion and secure suggestions from the great body of workers as represented in trades unions, political organisations, etc., and was intended for private circulation only. On the face of it, it is transparent j>hat the whole, of the pro posed " planks. " will not be adopted by the party i it was never intended {that they should be. What was and what is intended is tbat from the basis suggested, or a more extended one, a platform shall be evolved on which the whole body of workers will be able to work in a united band. A serious accident happened on Saturday morning at the farm of Mr W. H. Ma«« guinness, Lyndhujrat, where the threshing machine of Mof srs Ross and Hampton was at work. At half-pistfive Mr 8.. Hampton, Jbbe driver, proceeded to start the engine, previous to the men commencing. He had put on the belt, when by come means full speed at once started and immediately stopped. One of Ms mates jumped off the machine to see the oause, an<J saw Hampton lying on the engine, and the belt broken and being whirled round the fly wheel. Before the engine could be stopped Hampton was struck on tj>e shoulder by the belt, which caused him to roll over and slide off the engine. He was at onpe piokeu up, and was found to be badly wounded on the jhijad. Mr Macguinness was called, and lost no time in conveying the injured roan to Aabburton, which he reached about eight o'clock. At the hospital it was found that the skull had sus tained a compound fracture, and the left Bhoulder had been dislocated. Thß patient ws,s attended 1o with all speed, and we learn £h.at considering the severe nature of bis injuries, Mx Hampton is doing very well indeed. He spenta'yery good night, and had much improved this moFnitfg, It is supposed that the injury to his bead was caused by being either struck by the broken belt or thrown violently against the engine by it, Hampton is married, with a young famiiv. arid lives at Southbridge. i

The following resolution was carried unanimously at*a meeting attended by about 2000 people in the Domain, Sydney, on February 27:—"' That in the opinion of this meeting the time has arrived when the colony of New South Wales should be governed in the interests of the masses, and as we are convinced that none of the persons who have composed the different Govern ments of the past or the present understand the proper functions of government, that Parliament should at once go into recess, aiid Sir G. R. Bibbs, iSir Henry Parkes, and Mr G. H. .Reid procceed to the colony of New Zealand to be instructed as to the best means to adopt to relieve this colony from its disgraceful position, and that the citizens forward a requisition asking the Premier of New Zealand (Mr Ballance) to instruct our delegates as desired in this resolution." All hope of speedy improvement in the price of wheat to any considerable extent m»s been disposed of (says a Home con temporary) by the official report on the American wheat crop, issued in the beginning of Januaiy by the Department of Agriculture. In a November report it was stated that the total would not exceed 500,000,000 bushels, with the possibility of shrinkage. The final report, however, puts the quantity at 515,940,000 bushels a» the produce of 38,554,430 acres, the yield per acre being 13.4 bushels. The total has only once loeen exceeded, namely, in 1891. The acreage is much smaller than it was in 1891, and not much over half a million acres more than it was as long ago as 1880. The average farm prioe taken in December as usual was 62.4 cents a bushel, the lowest ever recorded. The following paragraph from a London paper of January shows the value of build ing sites iv London :—Yesterday at Token houeeyard a value freehold property at Cornhill was successfully disposed of. The crowded attendance at ths sale and the briskness of the bidding may be taken as evidence that the value of good business sites in the city has in no way depreciated within the past ten years. No 24, which covers an area of about 550 superficial feet, sold for 123,500; but the principal sale was that of Nos 25, 26, and 27, which were offered in one lot. Here the first offer was £50,000, and the fact that the last, and successful one, exceeded this amount by £40,000 shows how keenly the lot was con tested. The superficial area is 1,950 square feet, and the three premises have a frontage of 45ft 9in to Cornhill and 47ft 6in to Change alley. The rate given is nearly £2,000,000 per acre. Another of the early settlers of Canter bury has passed away (the "PresV" reports) in the person of Mr James Brown, who many yean ago took up land in the Malvern district, and who for the past twelve years has been farming at Lakeside. Mr Brown was the eldest son of the late Mr James Brown, of Bohard, county of Tyrone, Ireland, who was well-known in those parts, and who lived" to the ripe old age of 101 years. Deceased, who was sixty years of age, recently came to Christchurch to undergo a painful operation, and two days afterwards expired. He was one of Lake side's highly esteemed small farmers, and had been in the colony over thirty years, He leaves a widow and a family of four children, who have friends and relatives iv the Ashburton district, deceased having married a sister of Mr Wm. and Mr Robt. Anderson well known farmers. Holloway's Pills and Ointment are remedies which should invariably be taken by travellers travelling in search of health, Sleasure, or business. Many deleterious in uences are constantly at work in foreign climes, tending to deteriorate the health, These and the altered conditions of life will entail on those who travel the necessity of carefully attending to early symptoms of disease, and they will find the use of those remedies to be highly necessary, the action of the pills being purifying and strengthen ing and of great service in cases of fever, ague, and all inflammatory diseases, whilst the ointment is a sovereign cure in cases of piles, bad legs, bad breasts, wounds, and ulcers. Holloway's remedies do not deterio rate by change of climate.

The Midland Railway.

[per press association.]

Wellington, March 26. A petition which is being circulated on the West Coast respecting the Midland railway, suggests as a solution of the difficulty that 'he Government should offer £500,000 to the 'Jompany, either in cash or its equivalent value, and should also give a guarantee of three per cent on £500,000, conditional on the Company completing the line from the West Coast to Canterbury; and that the Nelson branch should be held over till the East and West Coast line is completed. Tho Minister has replied that the views oi the Government are embodied in the corres pondence that has taken place With the Company, and he sees no reason to de viate from them.

Friendly Societies.

ALLEGED INSOLVENCY,

[per press association.] Wellington, March 25. A deputation from the American Order oi Oddfellows, waited on the Minister of Education today, pointing out that a number of frisndly societies in the colony had adopted a scale of fees which was in adequate to ever provide the benefits offered, and urged that the Government should not register any freeh societies, whose rates were found by an actuary to be insufficient, and that the societies already registered should be notified that where their financial unsoundness has been established by actuarial investigation, they must within a certain time place them selves on a sound financial footing. The New South Wales Government, it was mentioned, had already adopted a similar course. In reply to the Minister, Mr Williams, Grand Master of Australasia, said that the suggest ions would affect the whole of the societies. Mr Mason, Registrar of Friendly Societies, said that many societies were absolutely bad, but that represented by the deputation was perfectly sound. It would strengthen the hands of the Go vernment if they could induce other lead ing societies to join them in the movement to establish a standard of solvency. Many of the societies were hoplessly insolvent, and of course great opposition would come from them, but in some of the societies intelligent men were moving to secure a more satisfactory state of things. He sympathised with the deputation, but regarded many of the sopietiea as abso lutely hopeless. In some cases a reform aiimlit save them. Mr Williams said that most of the un sound societies werp the Railway Env ployees Benefit Society, the Protestant Alliance, tha Hibernians, and fche Sous and daughters of Temperance, The The Ancient Order of Foresters was in« solvent to th< |extent ot £6 per membev, Tho Hon. Mr Reeves said that the statements were very serious, and after conferring with the Premier and Registrar, he said that he would communicate with lfr Williams.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

Ih« Fir* Brl^nde* Bill. Wellington, March 27. A deputation from the Fire Brigades Association, acgompabied by the' Mayor of Christ church, waited on Mt Seddon this morning to'ask the Government to introducft a bill enabling a mite' to be struck for fire brigade purposes on all in svjrable property. The Minister pointed out that this F«uf4 eprpely be practic able, but the deputation s#d thw we'^e nrepareji fp supply details winch tfiey fchougiifc would ofercome the diflaculty. It was agreed to refe* tfce h\\ m «je fPt instance to the Municipal Association, The Minister assured the deputation that the proposal had his sympathy, and the | Government would gw it every qon. fidjfttloA,

Educational Institute.

THE PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.

(PER PKEBB ASSOCIATION,) I Chbistchurch, March 2*. > At the annual meeting of the North Canterbury branch of the Educational Institute, the Hon. Mr Rolleston de livered the Presidential address. He congratulated the teachers on bunding themselves together for mutual benefits, i which must result in the advancement of | the profession. The Central Department had done well in resisting the cutting down of the school capitation grant, rais ing ihe school age, and reducing the standards ; but it was a notorious fact, and he had seen notable instances of it in South Canterbury and Auckland, that the vote for school buildings was utterly in adequate co the requirements, as "many more schools were wanted, and those in existence needed enlargement and im provement. He regretted to see a tendency on the part of Government to retrench in the matter of education, as was instanced in making the police truant officers. It was had for the children of free parents to be hunted down by a constable; but perhaps it was better so than that they should be allowed to remain away owing to the wilful neglect of theit careless parents. He hoped that in the coming year better attention would be paid to technical education, and that every facility would be afforded to scholars desiring to be brought up as farmers Co gain scholarships that would entitle them to enter Lincoln Agricultural College. He did not know that he could express a definite opinion respecting the proposal to bring Inspectors under the control of the Central Department, but he thought such a course calculated to diminish the powers of the local Boards, which would tend to interfere with their success. If the Inspector-General and the Inspectors in the various districts were to mccc m conference, much more uniformity in tests would be gained. He hoped that nothing would be done to hamper the members of the profession, but on theother hand that greater attention would be paid to their comfort. The office of Inspector should be looked upon as one of the prizes of the profession, open to both male and female teachers ~ " Hon. C. CL.Bowen was unanimously elected President for the ensuing year, and Mr J. C. Adams, lately of Waimate, senior vice-President. ...,.,,^

The Australasian Postal Conference.

USB PKESM ASSOCIATION. Brisbane, March 25. At the Postal Conference the resolu tion proposed by TWV Ward that it is desirable to enter into negotiations for a Canadian-Pacific postal service was carried unanimously ; also one regret ting non-participation by the United States in the subsidy to the San Fran cisco mail, and asking for more favor able terms in connection with the tran sit rates for mails between San Francisco and New York j and further directing that a communication be ac cordingly sent to Washington oh the matter. Mr Ward strongly opposed the resolution to charge cypher mes sages from New Zealand double rates in conformity with the system is ope ration in Australia, and the motion was rejected. A resolution moved by Mr Ward that the next Conference be held in New Zealand in 1894 was carried. At the Postal Conference Mr Todd, head of the South Australian Telegraph Department, moved that the zone hour system be adopted in a modified form throughout Australia, namely nine hours east of Greenwich. The motion was agreed to. A report from the heads of depart ments recommended that the rates on newspapers sent to the United King dom from July 1 should be Id for four ozs; that negotiations should be opened with the Dnited States, urging the establishment of a parcel post with that country; and that all messages despatched on Sunday should be charged double ordinary rates, except cable press messages. It was men tioned that New Zealand assented, ex cept as regards press messages. The report stated, with regard to the adop tion of reduced postage from the United Kingdom, it was not desirable to make any recommendation beyond pointing out that such a step would involve considerable loss to the re venue, The report was adopted, The general opinion of the represen tatives is that Imperial penny postage is impossible at present, The Conference closed, and Mr Ward has left for Sydney,

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

THE NATIONALIZATION OF THE LAND.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Your soothing leading article of this date is not likely to allay the just fears of landowners, whether larpre or Binall, or to alter the patent fact that the Labour Party in the cities intend to make land nationalisation one of their battle* cries at the forthcoming general election. Although you do not say so in expires words, I gather from he fonor of your remarks that you disapprove f this par ticular plank of the labour platform; but the question is, not what the Guardian thinks about land nationalization, but what the men with votea think abou' I', and the principal object of my previous letter was to point out to all interested that land nationalization is coming to the front in practical politics, and that power; ful political organisations are being formed in the cities for the purpose, amongst others, of converting all private free holds in the colony into "State" pro perty,—while the head of the pre sent Government is an avowed sup porter of land nationalisation. I might have added that the National Liberal Association, whose inaugural meeting was presided over by the Hon, Richard Seddon, has made the natibnaliza* tion of the land one of its "planks" ! from the outset. And it must never be forgotten that the members of these organisations in the large towns will each be able at the next election to vote for three candidates to express their views in Parliament, while we dwellers in the country will be restricted to voting for one candidate to express ours. You are, of course, entitled to youv own opinion as to whether these city organisations can find candidates to accept their platform, and I admit that they are not likely to get thinking and conscientious men of any standing in the community to do so. ' But past experience 1 has shown us that plenty of candidates are a'lyays ready to swall jw any programme, however wild or unjust, which is calculated to ensure their election to the House, and the recent increase in the honorarium will assuredly multiply this cja^ of politicians. ''Phe promoters of land' nationalisation are deljgently muaterjng and drilling jiheir forces For the attack, put what are fhose whose property is to be nationalised doing tor their owft protection 1 Simply nothing. —I am, etc., Civs, W. Purnbi*. Ashburtgp, &s*rch 36,

The Wesleyan Methodist Conference, 1893.

(Specially written for the GuardtajO The annual Conference of the Wes leyan Methodist Church, recently held at Dunedin, was of moie than local or denominational interest. While its pro ceedings were vary fully reported by the local press, and awakened an unusual amount of interest among the general public of the southern capital, the reports furnished to the outside world through , the Press Association were very brief and scrappy. It is the purpose of this article 1 to supply to some extent that deficiency j by giving a little more detailed account of those matters which tho general public wiil probably want to know meat about. For the benefit of the uninitiated it may be well to explain that the New Zealand Conference possesses only very limited legislative powers. Wesleyan MethodUm in Now Zealand is a part of the Austra lian Methodist federation, whose chief legislative court is the General Con ference, which meets once in every three or four years, and consists of delegates from the several annual Conferences of the Australasian colonies. It is for this reason that many measures which have been advocated by New Zealand Wes leyana have never been incorporated into the lawn of the church. The New Zea land Conference has been likened to the sails of a ship, and the Australian Con ferences to the ballast; and so far they hare had a very steadying effect on the progress of the whole. The work of the Conference is not altogether indicated by the resolutions adopted. A good deal depends on THE TONE AND SPIRIT with which resolutions are adopted. This year the tone was decidedly a hopeful one, and the spirit was essentially pro gressive. The returns of work already done warranted this attitude. During the preceding year there had been consider able increases in nearly every department of work. The numbers of church mem bers, of Sunday scholars, and of attend ants at public worship had increased more rapidly than for some time pant, and a large sum of money had been raised for acquiring new church sites, erecting new buildings, and adding to the accommoda tion of those already existing. These facts helped the Conference to look with good heart at the necessities which have j still to be met. A large amount of new work watt sanctioned, and half a dozen additional ministers were required to occupy the stations. These will not all be forthcoming at present, but some are i Bhortly expected from Australia, where, I owing to the commercial depression, pro-1 gress is not so rapid. The following figures will to-some extent indicate the position occupied at present by the Wes leyan Church in New Zealand. There are about 10,800 communicants, about 21,000 Sunday scholars, while the total attendants on public -worship, in cluding scholars, is 56,745 ; and these figures show nearly 1000 less than the Government census returns. The total value of church property is estimated at nearly £200,000, Theie are (including supernumeraries and probationers) 88 ministers, and these are assisted by 17 home missionaries, and 411 local preachers, and over 2000 Sunday school teachers.

OONNEXIONAL BECRETABY.

The appointment of Rev W. Morley to the special work indicated by the above term marks a new departure. The matter had been discussed at three pre cediug Conferences, the designation hay. ing been made afc the Chrisichurch Conference of 1890. It was reversed the following year at Auckland, mainly be cause the committee appointed to formu late the scheme recommended what w*b virtually a General Superintendence. This was described as an " attempt to in troduce a bastard episcopacy by a side wind," and the proposal was rejected by a considerable majority. The objection able element having been eliminated the scheme passed the Conference of 1892 by a narrow n.ajority, and the appointment was deferred for one year on account of the difficulty in releasing any one for the duties. When the proposal came up this year very few seemed to expect that it would carrj, but it was feared that further delay would be fatal to the whole scheme. Rev W. Morley was consequently ap pointed by a large vote of the Conference. His duties are defined as follow :—(1) To act as General Secretary and Treasurer of the Church w uilding and Itoan Fund and Jubilee Fund ; (2) as organising Secretary of Home Missions ; (3) to gjye attention to the spiritual needs of growing and neglected districts of the colony; (4) to confer with and advise the trustees of the various connexions^ properties; and (5) to take such ether stops in conjunction with chairmen of districts and superinten dents of circuits as nil) best oonserve and extend the interests of the Church in this Colony." It must be admitted that this is a pretty large order, and its satis factory fulfilment will tax both the energy and wibdom of even such an expert as Rev W. Morley. MISSION WORK in this Colony is something more than a name. Besides the effort to supply reli gious ordinances to the settlers in the new districts, a great work has yet to be done for the Maoris, a large proportion of whom were alienate! from Christianity during the wars which some yean ago they waged against the Europeans. Act ing on the suggestion of R*v T. ft, Hammond, who has had fifteen years experience in the Maori mission, the Conference reso)yed—'' That it ii desir able to inaugurate a mission of English speaking women to Maori women, and thac the farther consideration of the subject be remitted to the Executive Committee with power to Act during the year if deemed practicable." The idea is to try to improve the home life of the Maori people as an aid to religious a*»d social reform. THE AMENDMENTS TO THE TRUST ACT providing, among other things, for the extension of the term of a minister's stay in one circuit, were reported to the Con ference, and the Act embodying them laid on the table. As there had been a good deal of discussion on this subject during the year, it was thought that it would provoke a lively debate. This, however, did not come off. It was evident that if the matter were gone into the debate would be a long one ; and, as the opponents of the measure had succeeded in inducing Parliament to amend the Bill as originally drafted, by inserting a time limit, it was plain that no amount of discussion would now alter it, and all had to make a virtue of necessity by accepting the compromise arrived at. But there can be no doubt that the Act as passed makes the Wesleyan Methodist Church of New Zealand more dependent on the State than is any other Church in the Colony, and seriously hampers its freedom of action. Some da/ a further amend ment will be a necessity. METHODIST TTNION as a matter of course came up for con sideration. The action of the Primitive Methodist Conference recently held at Ashburton, made it impossible to discuss any basis of union with them at present ; but a joint Committee of all the other; Methodjst Churches tiad met and drawn up a basis of union, which was generally accepted by the Conferee cc, and remitted for further consideration tj the officiil meetings of the circuits and districts. Jt wijl c,ome up agaiti at the next fl!phfef ence, an 4ag it \a y'ejry. much o|i the. linss adopted by th,e Australian Pommi'ttpas, it is hoped that before long it will be acted un. Speaking generally, it provides for Colonial AnHuw Ooqtoww, and «v

Australasian General Conference of a federal character, and suggests a com promise between the Churches affected, as to the relation of the ministry to the laity in the various Church courts. THB CONFERENCE LECTURE is likely to be historical, not so much because it announced anything in itself new or startling, but because it was a semi-official utterance on a subject which is at present of greater interest than any other phase of theology that can be i named The Conference does net in any 1 way commit itsolf to an endorsement of the views advocated by the lecturer, but it chooses both the lecturer and the sub* ject from year to year. The subject ! jhosen was •• The bearing of the higher criticism on lead ing evangelical doctrines," but time c . ipelled ihe "lecturer co limit himself i., Jie bearing of higher criticism on the doctrine of the inspiration and authority of the Scriptures. Rev C. H. Garland, who essayed this task, took up a considerably advanced position, frankly admitting that there was a human element in the Bible, that the human element was fallible, and that the authority of the Bible musl be associated with an enlight ened conscience. . The attitude of the Conference towards SOCIAL AND SEMI-POLITICAL QUESTIONS may be judged from its resolutions, which touched on quite a number of such matters. Probably the most popular ?LtlOn^ f 'if C?? ference was that which liberated the Rev L. M. laitt from ordinary circuit work, that he mitrhk devote himself specially to the advocacy of temperance during the ensuing yes/. He intends to go through the Colony with one text, the direct yon. In this way he hopes to influence the next elections; so that the next Parliament shall be pledged to pass a measure providing for the liquor traffic being nude to depend on the direct vote of the adult residents^ of any licensing district. Resolutions war* passed approving of womanhood suffrage, condemning gambling, in favor of the Bible being read in the public schools. What were virtually votes of censure were passed on the Government for their action in granting £500 to the Magdala Asylum, which is not a »üblio institution, nor responsible to the publio for the way in which it will spend such money, and also for granting a Club license to a house in Wanganui for which a hotel license had been refused by the Licensing Committee. Nearly all these resolutions were introduced and supported by the lay representatives, who showed themselves to be in no wise behind the ministers in their «ptitude fo> discerning the signs of the times. ■

SUPREME COURT.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

Auckland, March 25. The Waikouaiti murder trial was con tinued to-day, j; A. Pond, who made an analysis of the contents of the stomach of 1 hompson the deceased, gave evidence to the effect that he had discovered strych nine in the contents as well as in the stomach itself, in the liver and ether organs. He thought that if he had examined other parts he would have dis covered more. He did not isolate enough strychnine, in his opinion, to account for death. He found a third of a grain, and certainly cases had been recorded of death from a quarter of a grain, but they were very rare. (Several medical witnesses were called and deposed that, in their opinion, death had resulted from strychnine poisoning. This concluded the case for the Crown. and the Court then adjourned.

FOOTBALL.

ASHBURTON CLUB.

A meeting of the Committee of the Ash burton Football Club was held on Saturday evening. Present—Messrs Bowler (in the chair), Fooks, Todd. Wilson, Cox, and Cromie (secretary). Correspondence mi read aud dealt with. Mr L. Matnon proved that ha has not forgotten the Club by wnd ing a liberal donation towards its expenses. Several Chriatchurch Clubs expressed their inability tv arrange matches till after Busby Union fixtures had been made. A challenge was accepted from Dunaandel to play Ash burton Second Fifteen on May 24. It was decided to make a recommendation to the general meeting to have the Club colon changed to black jersey and rose sash, a subcommittee was appointed to arrange matters for the special general meeting, the date of which it was decided to altar to Wednesday, April 15,

THE NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION.

(hbk pbess association;

Christchurch, March 26. The annual meeting of the Canterbury Rugby Union was held on Saturday. There ' was the largest attendance ever held, and all the Clubs in Canterbury were represented. The balance-sheet showed the expenditure during the year to have been £598, leaving a debit balance-cf £41, extra expen»es having been caused through the Union representa* tives being sent through the North Island and the South Island. The report stated that the total scores in interprovincial matches wera—Canterbury, 96 points; their opponents, 28 points. Mr A. E G. Rhodes was re-elected president. MrG. W. Forbes, East Christchurch, moved that the Canter* bury Rugby Union join the New Zealand Rugby Union, and that notice be seat to the Otago Union to that effect. The motion was seconded by Mr G- H. Mason, East Christ church. A long discussion followed, in which the delegates from Christchurch, Sydenham, Linwood, Canterbury College, Merivale, and North Canterbury strongly opposed the proposal, which was lost by a large majority, only the East Christchurch Club's delegates voting for it.

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

P«K PRESS ASSOCIATION.

London, March 25. In the House of Commons to-day, ■ a proposal by Mr William Allan, the Liberal member for Newcastle-on-Tyne, respecting the payment of members, was carried by a majority of 47. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in supporting the motion, said that when practicable and money was available no doubt the Government would give effect to the proposal. The Opposition did not debate the question. There was a stormy all-night sitting on the annual Army Bill, during which the Speaker censured Mr James Lowther for obstruction. The Unionist meeting at Belfast has been postponed until Whitsuntide. The British Legation at Washington is to be raised to the rank of an Embassy. An autumn session of Parliament is likely. The Government will seek to 1 carry the Registration Etijl, Parish. j Councils Bill, and Bntptayers Liability; i Bill before' the prorogation. Viscount Wolmer will move an amendment to the Registration Bill, providing for ths vot ing of women ratepayers at Parlia mentary elections,

THE ASHBtmrOK GUAKDtAiS: MONDAY, MIARCH 1893.



" Wanted. = LiANCE will be held in the Orange Hall on Wednesday. Dancing at 8 o'clock. 3 183 WANTED to hire, Safety Bicycle for ..about a fortnight. Not required between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or on holidays. 3 182 T ADIES' and Children's Hate; all the J^j new shapes for the season now opened. Prices low to suit the trmes ;at R. W. Aloobn & Co.'s. NEW Mantles and Jackets ; immense variety just opened. Prices for •qual value lower than any other house, »t S, W. Aicorh & Co.'s. ANTKDTa Young Man to assist in the bakehouse and do a round. Apply G. H. Bkyaot, Baker, East street. ±™y HT HE Good Samaritan, for the imme- JL diate relief of pain.— Light's Cash Sfete. * _JLJJI H' UMEOPA.THIC Medicines, price Is. Solfl agent for district. LlQttt's Canh Store. 234 i t / ANTED Known-0^(1 Gloveu for VV 4i'i j 7sd Embroidery for 4^tl; 13a 6d Summer Dresses for 8a 9d.~ MITOHBLt & TUBWEB. O °* CTrrANTED Known.—Como and see vv our beautiful Mantles, Jackets, Ulsters, Macintoshes, Dress Stuffs, etc. H. 0. Sisgbrs, Melford flouse. g IHEAP Firewood—«hort Dry tfum V * Firewood, at 26s per cord ; mixed wood, 24s per eord^ at Mayo's, Trevortou.-Apply Mbs Jambs Jruit Shop. „ CHEAP Fruit—Having bought Me Mayo's orchard, I ctn bell Fruit cheaper than any one in town. Orders may be left at East Street Shop.— Mbs James. ZS6 WAKTED Known—Tuckkb & Bjsan are buyers of Oats, Chickwheat, and gcoil second-hand Sacks.—Tucker ahp B^an, West Street. 3 161 WANTED Known—loe Creams, Ice Creams, for the hot weather, always ready at H. G. Flowjbb's, Confec tioner, East Street, SOMBR^Br Meat MartT The oldest the largest, tha best, and the cheap «st. Small «?oods a specialty. Ful weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. —W. J. SiLQQCK. *t!B2 ANTKD Known-Rosbbt Shibujs, Charles Street, opposite Woollen Factory, has commenced Dyeing and Cleaning Ladies' wd Men's Garments. Blankets and Woolleu Goods Scoured Moderate charges. Parcels etc, Jeft at Mrs Adams', Saunders' Buildings, will be attended to. _ 3 *l TKT ANTED, Ladies and Gentlemen to »« see the Grand Display in the windows at "The Corner" Saturday.- W. H. Cbriißß. j BEST Nickel Watches in the market, are those at 22» 6J and 25s Specially made for S. Salkk, Jeweller. Guarantee with each watch. ■ WANTED Known—" The'OSfitier "is showing a msanifiot'iit .New Stock of Drapery and Clotting. — W. H. OOLUBR. ANTED Known-Andrew Oir has, Removed to the Old Town Hall for ono mruith, during the re-building of his premises. Drapery, Clothing, and Boots 1 greatly red uced. - Andbkw Obr. 2§104 THE Misses Adams' new Refreshment Booms now open. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Lemon Squash, Soda and Milk and all the new summer drinks ready at all times. Coleman's Buildings, East fetreeb. ' , ANTED Known.—Jacket & Dress i Department a specialty.^ High class goods marked cheap. H. C. Segkbs, Melford House. W' ANTED Kno*n.—For Jackets, Ulsters, Dress Stuffs etc. Come toWCord House. H. 0. Segbb». B ANG J Bang ! Bang ! Guns J Guns ! Guns! by the best makers and fitted with all the latest improvements I Porder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, and Cases at J. W. Habdlby's, East Street. Guns repaired. EASTER Cards and Booklets, New Games, new supply of the Zither Harps and Autoharps, New Books, Stationery, and Fancy Goods. Sub scribers wanted for our Circulating Library, L. F. Andbbwes and Co, Stationers' Hall. WHERE do you get your Ironmon gery? At HAKiauvsof course, where we got the best value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinges, Plough Chains, Rope, Wire Knotting, Gorse Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender an* Fire Irons, and anything you require. ilfHtf not Bake your own Bread who, v V you can get 501bs of the Best R>Uer Flour for five shillings cash or five shillings and sixpence booked at Aobebt Alcobx s, Saunders' Buildings. 11 31 WHO is your Plumber? Why, J. W. Habdlby, who is a Manufacturer of Spouting, Ridging, Steel Gutters, Baths, Sinks, Tanks, etc., and who has on hand the larger stock of Pumps and Pipe in town. /CHRISTMAS Suite. Boys, threi V^ garment long Trouser Suit* at los. Boys. Colonal-made Knicker Suits hum 10fc Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Bttits 30s. Colonial Tweed Suits to Measure from 50s. —Ashburton Clothing M»rt, Saunders 1 Buildings. Robbkt jL~<eoßy. —■—»^ f~rfie Best rea IN CANTERBURY tor th* money, and free from any excess of astringency. COUNTESS 2s. ABK YOCB OBOCEBB _ COLBKANB AMU SO JISUCALYPTB Ei tiiact is the only genuine in the market and was a Yarded medals and diplomas ai Sydney, Mellwiurne, and Adelaide, beating li comiieUton*. Kur all affections of the Chest and Lum?t» Uonsiumption, Asthma, Coughs, Ooidt, (rr^vel, aud Kidney Coitt uluiita, it has ao equal. JkgtnU— ipMjirilojj Diivo C4HWY.



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS, IQustei* Encampment. Gamp Blanker* BO Camp JEtupc,... *7«* New Overcoats in Man's, Youths', and Boys'. , New Waterproof Coats, Men s, Youths', and Ladies'. Made to measure. One hundred patterns to choose from. Hats. Hats. Hats. The Largest and Best Assorted Stock we have ever had. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS ; -NEW GOODS ABBIVED— Prices that will astonish the people of Ashburton. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY > NDJ -waterproof manufacturers. alexT"hendry, Manager. Monster Bazaar. WHE ANN nALBAZAAB and .Sale of I Work in connection with the Faro chial Pistrict of liongbeach, in aid of the Church Funds, will be held in the TEMPLAR HALL, TINWALD, ON EASTER MONDAY, April 3, 1893. Bazaar opens at 2 p.m. Luncheon provided on a liberal scale at a very moderate charge. Any contributions of produce or live rfock may be left at Mr Clothier s Store, Tinwald, and they will be thank fully acknowledged. Admission, 6d ; Children, half-price. o*l4u TINWALD TO THE FRONT. €. Haw kin* HAS no* got settled in his new Shop nith a nice assortment of ALL KINDS OP DBAPEBY, BOOTS, which he is selling at prices that aie bound to give satisfaction, as O, li. is determined to merit a share of your kind i'avour. Men's Watertight s and Shooter Boots nade to order for 17s 61. REPAIRS NEATLY & CHEAPLY DONE. Call on foaf WW to town and see for yourselves the priflo and quality |of dioods. ' . The Best Tea IN THE WOB.LD 11? slop's Ceylon. ' NINIAN HY&LOP,. and CO., Tea Importers, '



THe Best Value In AsHburtott IN Drapery, Clothing, & Boots IS TO BE HAD AT G. J. NEILL & CO.'S, FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS. A Few Prints and MuslinTSt to~be cleared AT ANY PRICE. Heavy Winter Tweeds 7|d. Check Dress Tweeds s^d. New Double Width Dress Gcods ll£d. Flannels and Blankets for Winter-unniistakeable Value. Two Yards Wide Grey Twill Sheeting IHd. flannelettes 3s 9d dozen. Men's Tweed Suits 19s 6d. Men's Heavy Tweed Suits 25s 6d. Boys' Tweed Suits 4s lid. LARGE STOCK OF MEN'S SHIRTS, SOCKS, TIES, BRACES, ETC., CHEAP AND GOOD. BOOTS. • • BOOTS BOOTS. jrt • n~i in BOOTS WE BUY for CASH, and WE SELL FOR We '""oSIS'NO BAD^DEBTS. Small profits and quick returns. Men's Colonial made Shooters, nailed, 8s 8d I Men's Colonial made Bluchers, 5s 1 Strong Leather Slippers, 3s 6d Women's Strong Efwtio Sides 63 Hd. i WOTF n IOU°WANT BTHE BEST VALUE IN BOOTS GO TO U. J. NEILL and 00., KRIEDLANDER'S BUILOING& — with SOUND AND RELIABLE WORKMANSHIP. 8. SALEK, Watchmaker, Jeweller, A Oculist, °8Sr t'



"UNMERCIFUL DISASTER followed fast and followed faster" upon the fortunes of poor Queensland until that unfortunate Colony is now in the most miserable condition imaginable. Gaunt famine may stalk over the land, fnm failure of the soil to give its annual increase, or from other of the many causes of that distress ; the destroying plague may be Ist loose and grip with his cold hand the vitals of the young and strong, leaving sorrowing widows and waging orphans everywhere, and painful blanks in every household j or the demon of war may 6end fire and sword over a country, and leave desolation in their track in place of smiling scenes of peace and plenty—all Bad enough and sickening enough if you will; but what must be the feeling of a whole people when they find their country covered as the waters cover the sea, their homes wrecked and ruined, and their hope? for the future sunk in one mournful and inretrievable disaster ? These feelings can only be imagined. And what ought ours to be in regard to the sufferers —we who dwell in the most glorious country under the sun, and enjoy such Massing* as are only enjoyed by the dwellers in a second paradise ? Such feelings, to be sure, as are prompting the thousands of meetings, and plans a«d organisations of the people of this Colony, to aend help to the afflicted. New ' Zealand has come nob'y to the front in this matter, and her Canterbury sons have been well in the van at the first call. And we of Ashbarton shall be in the front of the foremost if we belie not our past history. __ SO THINK Harclloy Bros., who are giving special value this month in Drapery, Clothing and Boots. 120 Dozen large Towels to be gold at from 2a 9d a dozen. Splendid white Calico at 2s lid a dozen. Dress Tweed 4s 9d a dozen. Extra largw grey Blankets only 10s 6d. Sheeting at 10W. 94 Men's Suits from 19s 6d. Woollen Socks afc 11W. Men's and Boys' Straw Hats, best quality, only Is. A special line of Women's Leather Shoes 6s 9d. Men's nailed Shooter* now only 8s lid, worth 128 far NOTE THE ADDBESS niHIILKY BROS., ARCADE, ASHBCJRTON. i "QEOPLR about to m»rry and furnish iJL their houses, are invited to call on Pickford A Undrill, > AT THE ASHBUHTON FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, TANCRED STREET, Next Building Society. —NOW ON VIEW— Dining-room Suites in Rimu, Bedroom Suites in Rimu, Iron and Brass Bedsteads, Chests Drawers, Washstands, Spring Mattresses, English and Colonial Peram bulators, Horse Hair, Kapoc and Flock Mattresses, Duchesae and Fancy Tables, Floor Cloth* and Linoleums, Carpets, Hearth Rugs, and Mate. Furniture Repaired, Restuffed, &»d Repolished on the Premises. —Note the address— TANOftED STREET, Nex Building Soaiety. MOUNT SOMERS COAI* MINES. I WILL NOT be held responsible for Debt contracted on my behalf without my written order. All Coal obtained from these mines will be charged for by We, no other receipt than my own being a sufficient ilacfearge. C. B. KNIGHT, PBO3POTTOR, WESU STREET, ASHBURION



JBxtt "he drinks." Can a mau be '• good " either from a moral or business standpoint who is addicted t« the use of alcoholic (drinks? He may possess fine business qualiftcatjtons, bulj if he ,drihks his value to hia employer, himself, #r his tamily ig on the wane. Why <W ¥ stop! Ah, why don't he? Bow many sad hearts are asking the question ? The enemy has him by the throat, he has the disease of inebriety fastened upon him, but not an incurable disease, no no! Booth's Golden Remedy No. 1 fights the battle for the victim, and wins the vic tory. It absolutely destroys all desire for stimulants, opium, and t^hatco. Send for ciwulwi ot pwm,



•• KEATING/3 POWDER» destroys BUG&, FLEAS, MOTkS, BEETLES, and all other insects, whilst quite harmless tq domestic anini«.lsl In extet minating' Beetles the 'success of this powder is extraordinary, jt is perfectly clean in application. See the srticlteyqu purchase is •'HEATING'S,'" as imitations ape n i>xinus and ineffectual. Sold in Tins, 6d, Is, and 2l Qd eaoh, by aU <*WRi«l if.**