Shburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1893. THE EARLY WORM.

It is yet ■" a far cry to Loch Awe " in electioneering matters, as before the great tussle of the general election comes on a whole session of Parliament has to run. But in spite of this we have already no less than three candi dates in the field for the Ashburton seat, so that the electors of the re adjusted district cannot complain of want of choice. The name of Mr J. O. Wason, of Oorwar, was the first to come before the constituency, and the advertisement announcing his candidature had hardly reached the % hands of its readers before Mr 0. W. ( Purnell felt it necessary to let the electors know that be, too, would be at their service. Neither have said in so many words on what side in politics they will be found, but so far as Mr Purnell is concerned there can be no uncertainty as to which lobby would receive him if it should be his good fortune to secure the seat. Mr Wason has represented Ashburton interests in Parliament before, and is well known among the older settlers, although for some years he has been away not only from Ashburton but from the colony. His political views may have suffe:ed change by the change of scene and air, but from our recollections of those he used to hold, we hardly fancy he will be found on the side of the present Government. Mr John Mc- Lachlan, of Bogside, Doyleston, was the next to be drawn out, forced to show his hand by the " precipitancy of Mr Wason." Mr McLachlan con tested unsuccessfully the adjacent seat with Sir John Hall at the last election, but received a very gratifying amount of suppdrt. He is a supporter of the present Government, and as such will seek election. Thus, of three early birds two seek the early worm in the Opposition interest, and one in the interest of Government, Any more 1

DECREASED CONSUMPTION OF LIQUOR.

In a previous issue we gave an extract from the last number of the " Journal of Commerce and Labor," issued by* Government, showing that from 1878 to 1892 there had been a very marked decrease in the consumption of liquor in thecolony, both in quantity and value per head of population. The "Jour nal" states that in ten years—from 1879, when the duty on spirits was raised from 12s per gallon to 14s and again in 1885 to 14s 6d—the consump. tion fell nearly one half, or equal to 2£ gal. per head. The reasons given for this falling off are—the heavy duties, which increased the cost to the con sumer to a point sufficient to check consumption; the tendency to dilute tpiiit sold retail to the furthest point practicable, owing to the high duty ; and by the increased tendency to habits of temperance and thrift, caused partly by the successful advocacy of i temperance reformers, and partly by the necessity for economy during the years of depression. The increase per head which took place in 1891 and 1892 is referred to as an indication of the improved state of the spending power of the people, and was not checked by the increase of duty in 1888 from 14s 6d per gallon for bulk spirit, and 16s per gallon for spirit in case. The decrease in consumption is very marked all aleng the alcoholic categoty, and even in colonial beer, where but little decrease was to be expected, a falling off of 22 per cent is noted from 1881 to 1892. While granting all the reasons assigned for the falling off which the " Journa\" adduces, we feel inclined to the belief that one has still to be added—viz., that the bulk of colonial born young men are not given to "tarriance at the wine cup," People who have much experience of the liquor traffic in the colony know that not one in ten of the hard drinkers among the bar patrons is colonial born. The colonial youth may be an imbiber of an occasional glass of beer, bub as a rule his gorge rises at the " glass of something short" which the imported man affects, and as the colony gets older and its non-drinking youths increase in number while the men of European birth die off, the consumption of liquor must very naturally decrease. We feel borne out in this statement by further figures given by the " Journal," viz :— that since 1877 the convictions for drunkenness per 1000 of population have decreased 45 per cent, according with the 48 per cent deprease within the same period of the consumption of spirits. People accustomed to frequent the folice Courts art m a pwitiou to

give evidence on this subject, and it is not necessary to go much further than our own local Court for most con vincing evidence. From 1877 to 1882, just after the Public Works and Immigration policy of Sir Julius Vogel j had spread over the calony a motley J throng of people gathered from al! parts of Great Britain, and with but little care exercised in their selection ; when work was abundant, wages good, and money rife; the police and magis trates had their hands full of cases of over-indulgence in liquor. But those men were, with scarcely an exception, " imported." Many of them have long since joined the majority, but the sons they have left behind are not to be found on Monday mornings in the ranks of the army of drunks who renew before the Magistrate their oft-repeated vows to reto m, but "resolveand re-resolve, and die the same." The men who appear before the Court now are men who, in too many cases, have been there before, eiad they, with the first offenders, are all men who claim some other than New Zealand as their " native land." No, whatever vice may be charged against Young New Zealand—he may not be able to pose as a Joseph, the turf with its totalisator may engross more of his attention than is good for him, and he may be suspected, and even convicted, of many minor vices— he adds but few recruits to the ranks of the whisky army.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

: The railway authorities announce that the Rakaia bridge will be ra-opened for road traffic on Friday, June 2. This evening the Hon. John McKenzie will deliver an address in the Oddfellows' I Hall. At the Supreme Court Ohristchurch yes terday Bridget Chalk was found guilty of performing an illegal operation and was sentenced to-four years' penal servitude. Messrs Stephens Bros., on the back of the programme of the Scotch pop. last night, invited the audience to use none but Meek's oatmeal!- suitable surely for men from the land o' cakes. We beg to remind our readers that Messrs Friedlander Bros, will sell to-morrow by auction, on behalf of Mr Martin Griffin, on the farm at JNewlands, hin homestead con sisting of 600 acres, well cultivated land, together with the whole of hia stock and farm implements. We regret to have to record the death at the age of twenty-five, and after a long ill ness, of Mrs William Hutcheson. She died peacefully at eight o'clock on Monday even ing, much regretted, and her husband has the sympathy of the whole Mount Somers district in his early bereavement. The "Napier News" states that sweat* ing is prevalent in certain establishments there. We have it on good authority, says the "News," that girls have to take home work at night to finish the same, bring it back the following morning, but receive no extra pay for the long hours worked. A football match was played yesterday afternoon at the Domain, between teams representing the Ashburton School and the Waterloo Clubs, the latter consisting of boya working in the shops and offices of the town, and a splendidly contested game resulted in a win for the school boys by 1 try (2 points) to nil. The try was gained by R. Smith, the school captain. Mr Cow officiated as referee. A Committee meeting of the Ashburton Swimming Club took place on Wednesday evening at Mr Alfred Harrison's Rooms. There were present Messrs Pauling, Burns, Saunders, Broad, Wright, and the Captain. It was decided to write to the Christchurch Swimming Club to the effect that the Club here was in favor of removing the head quarters of the Association to Christchurch, The financial report submitted showed that the Club had a small credit balance in haud after paying all expenses. The " Southland News " states that Mr James E. Bcistow is leaving for England on Friday, with the object of opening up a shop or shops for the exclusive sale of New Zea land meat, on which he reckons there should be a good profit if sold as colonial article and nothing else. Mr Bristow has been induced to take this step by letters from his friends in one of which occurs the remark : —"You send enormous quantities of meat Home from New Zealand, but we never see it. Where does it all go to ?' A number of men have arrived at the Cheviot estate to carry out the works to be undertaken there. A cut is to be made through a bluff by which the homestead will be brought within six miles of the landing service by a fairly level road, and the centre of the best part of the agricultural land will be only ten miles from the port. Mr Thornton, with a party of surveyors, is engaged in laying out a line of road which will materially shorten the distance from the Hurunui bridge to the homestead, and it is expected this road will be formed and ready in time to allow of its being used on the .occasion of the sale of 37,000 acres of agricultural land, which takes place early in October. A scheme is also suggested for draining some of the best flat lands, which at present are subject to flooding in conse quence of the blocking of the river Jed. It is thought there will be difficulty in carrying out the work, and by this means a large area of splendid land, which at present is com paratively useless, will be rendered fie for cultivation. Improvements are also to be made to the landing service, and the wharf is to be strengthened. We have received the forty-fourth annual report of the Australian Mutual Provident Society. The substance of the report has been already published. The total new business for 1892 was 12,585 policies assur ing £3,791,221. The new premiums amount to £144,776 4s, Claims amounting to £429,470, including £95,800 for bonus additions, have arisen under 793 life policies, by the death of 678 members. 255 endowment assurances have also matured, amounting to £119,175 18s, including £38,625 18s for bonus additions. The accumulated fund has been increased by £796,411 18s lid, and now amounts to £11,328,448 8s lid. The report of the actuary discloses a oash surplus (after pro viding for the special appropriations) ot funds over liabilities of £662,272 8s lid. Out of this surplus the board has resolved, in accordance with the recommendation of the actuary, to allot the sum of £504,261 5s lid for distribution among the members, This sum will provide reversionary bonuses amounting to about £1,030,000. The schedules and returns for the various Colonial Governments which were ap pended to the report afford valuable in formation as to the position of this pros perous society. At a meeting of the Lyttleton* Harbor Board yesterday the finance committee recommended that the wharfage charges on agricultural produce should be reduced from 6d to 4d per ton; that the wharfage charges on all transhipments should be abolished ; that the wharfage charges on coal should be reduced from 6d to 4d per ton; and that the harbormaster's shifting fees of Id per ton should be abolished. The, Chairman said that, taking last year's business as ,a basis, the reduction of the charges oh grain and other agricultural produce/including frozen meat, would amount to £1129; on transhipments to £884; on coal to £617; and on shifting fees to £417. This reduction on the year's income would still leave a sur plus oi £4000 for contingencies and harbor works. In the discussion which followed it. was stated that the committee had at first intended proposing a reduction amountirg to £586 per annum in charges for general merchandise^; but ultimately decided to re comiierid'the abolition of the fee for shift ing vessels in the harbor. It was pointed out that the reduced charges would leave an ample margin for all contingencies, and that there wag an accumulated fund of £20,000 available for dredging when the Board thought fit to mume operations, Ibe report WW wtop**l'

A report is current in Auckland that as soon as possible after the House meets Sir George Grey will table a motion declaring that in the interests of the people in New Zealand it is desirable to hold a Parliamentary inquiry into the Rees-Oadman charges. The " Marton Mercury" says j—Mlt is stated that all the men directly concerned in the recent sly-grog selling cases at Ohingaita have been discharged from the co-operative works, and will not hence forth be eligible foe employment under Government. At the Botanical Gardens; Adelaide, several magnificent blooms of the Victori Regia havt been on view of late. One of the staff had the idea of testing the carry-» ing capacity of one of the large floating leaves, and a girl of nine years was safely placed upon the miniature raft in a sitting position. J. Parker, whileout pig-huntingat Jpalmer ston North, was attacked by a boarj and in attempting to get away his foot caught in a root, and he.fell. While he was endeavor ing to push the animal off with his arms his left hand went into the pig's mouth, and was severely mutilated. Parker would un ! doubtedly have met with a shocking end lad not his comrades come up at this junc ture and diverted the attention oi the boar. It is reported that quite a thriving business has sprung up in Melbourne in the purchase of receipts for deposits in the suspended banks, and a great many sales have been effected, though at sad sacrifices. We bear of many cases in which depositors, urgently in need of coin, have disposed of their deposit receipts at as low a rate as 10s in the pound. The receipts bear interest at 4£ per cent per annum, and are redeemable in the course of a year, so that for a man who has spare cash to invest, and can afford to let it be locked up for a little while, the opportunity is really a fine one. A main named John Hivans went into Arenas' Cafe, Christchurch, on Sunday, May 14, and representing himself aB a bona fide traveller, obtained liquor from the bar man, and paid for it. The police came iv just then, and found Evans and thirteen others there. Mr Beetham found the offence of selling liquor on Sunday proved, , and fined Mr Arenas £5, with the usual endorsement of license, but His Worship ' added these words^to his judgment:—" As j to Mr Evans, let him be placed in a position i to prove to me that he believed he was a bona fide traveller when he made that repre sentation to the waiter; in other words, let a prosecution be instituted against him as the Act directs. Quite a gloom has been cast over the Dromore district by the death, on Saturday morning, of Mary, third surving daughter of Mr P. O'Mally, Dromore. Throughout a long and plainful illness, her friends had hoped that she would ultimately lecover health and strength, but it was otherwise ordained. The deceased was only in her fifteenth year and was a great favourite among the scholars attending the public school, who assembled on Monday morning, and together with the numerous friends of the family, paid a last tribute of respect by following the remains to the railway station. The funeral took place at Darfield on Tuesday. Profound sympathy is felt for the bereaved family, who are greatly respected throughout the district. The Premier, in his Napier speech, said : —" I places where there are "only perhaps fifteen or twenty votes to be recorded by men working on a station, if they recorded their votes against their employers' convictions he cannot go far wrong in deciding that it is inconvenient to keep the men in his em ployment. He is not obliged to tell them that politics have anything to do with it. I trust that there ere a great many em ployers who would not do such a thing, but there may be some who would, and m any case there is a fear in the mind of a work ing man that should not be there, and he may then vote in the way that he would rather not. Of course he would in that case be a man with not much courage, but still there it was, and the temptation should be remored. Where there were no more than thirty to fifty votes recorded in a place, the ballot box from that booth should be sealed up and not opened till opened with the rest at the central booth. Our duty as a Government depending on the people; for our support is to have the electoral law as perfect as we can." ; The Rakaia Temperance Society held its second meeting on Tuesday evening at the Oddfellows' Hall, the accommodation of the building was taxed to its utmost capacity. The President, Mr W. L. Alias, introduced to the audience the Rev Frank W. Isitt, who delivered an excellent address on pro hibition and the direct veto. Mr Isitt quite won the audience over by the frank and fair manner in which he invited those present to discuss the subject with him. Many availed themselves of the opportunity, and for some time the lecturer was busily engaged answer ing tbe various questions. Perhaps the most noteworthy of these were Mr Liddy's questions on prohibition in Canada and the Gothenberg system, and Mr Charles Dixon's as to how should a prohibitionist vote when the candidate does not advocate prohibition, but agrees with the voter on every other point ? and vice verea ? The audience heartily enjoyed the lecture and also the discussion thereon, which was entered into with great spirit and good humor. During the evening several hymns were rendered by the choir, Miss Bruce presiding at the organ. A vote of thanks to the lecturer, chairman, and choir was carried by acclamation and brought to a close a very enjoyable evening. In the newly issued railway tariff tihe regulation as to agricultural and other show exhibits now reads as under:—Stock, imple ments, dogs, poultry, produce, etc., con signed for exhibition at agricultural, horti cultural, dog, and poultry shows, and entire horses consigned for exhibition at horse parades, will be charged ordinary rates going to the show or parade. .Such rates must be prepaid. Returning from the show they willbe carried as follows:—For all exhibits that may have been sold, ordinary rates will be charged. If part of a consign ment is sold, the balance, if returned to the original station within one month from the closing of the show or parade, will, on pro duction of a certificate in writing from the secretary that the balance is unsold, be, carried back free, but at owners' rink. If the whole of a consignment is returned unsold to tbe original station within one month from the closing .of the. show or parade, the exhibits will, on production of a certificate in writing from the secretary that they are all unsold, be carried back free, but at owners' risk, and one-half of the railway rate paid for conveyance to the show or parade will be refunded. All unloading, loading, QoHe,cting, and delivery to be per formed by the owners at their own risk and expense.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Di>miii«tl. Wellington, June 1. The Commission appointed to hekr an appeal by the United District Board against a reouisition of the Wellington Benevolent; Institution for £5765 for administration purposes for tha current year on the grounia of over estimation, ! unanimously dismissed the appeal. , '■, ■ Bcdncsil Int«reii: ; Government has decided to reduce the rate of interest on deposits ;in the Po>t Office Savings Bank by a half percent. This course w;as resolved upon in conse- I quence of the difficulty of finding payable investments for the deposits lodged in the department;! together with the fact that rates of interest have fallen f generally throughout the country.: The reduction t&kes effect from June Lju £

CRICKET.

\ ondon, May 31 The ''Sportsman" says that Lord Sheffield is thinking of taking an eleven to Australia again, and unleßS he deciiie6 to do so the Marylebone Club may be expected to send one.

AUSTRALIANS v SURREY.

(Received June 1, 10.45 a.m.) London, May 31 In the second innings of the Aus tralian* against Surrey, Graham was the highest scorer with 29.

COMMERCIAL.

MONETARY.

Melbourne, May 31. The Court declined to approve of the Bank of Victoria's reconstruction f cheme, and referred it to the directors for modi fication. Counsel, on behalf of the Friendly Societies, stated that the scheme would cause the societies to become in solvent The modifications insisted on are that one-quarter of the preferential shares shall be subscribed before the bank re-opens; that the dividends to 1 ordinary shareholders shall not exceed five per cent, until the preferential claims are paid; tha 4; ordinary shareholders shall not receive dividends out of the reserve fund until the claims of the creditors are satisfied, and Hiat calls of £2 per share, instead of £1, be made. ■ Calcutta, May 31. Owing to doubts as to a settlement of the silver question Indian trade is para lysed. (Received June 1, 10.45 a.m.) London, May 31. Share quotations—New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., £1 10s; Dalgetty and Co., £4 10s. Money is easier. Three months' bills are discounted at 3& per oent.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE.

London, May 31. The total quantity of wheat and flour afloatfor the United Kingdom is 3,844,000, and for the Continent 1,648,000 quarters. Two cargoes of Australian wheat sold at 29s and 29s 3d.

Messrs John McNaicn and Co., produce merchants, Glasgow, report as "follows in, their trade circular of April 14 :—Butter, since our last, has had a fair sale, and prices ruling have been tempting to retailers, and' to-day there is a prospect of the Copenhagen market advancing 2s to 3s. The colonial article is now in small supply, and it is for tunate it is so ; because to make sales low prices have to be taken. Cheese are quiet. At the reduced prices for New Zealands, we expect to see a fair sale now that prices have come down to a moderate basis. The prices ruling this season for N.Z. cheese are lower than last, and this is caused by unfore seen circumstances, general bad trade throughout the whole country, and the, working classes earning small wages. Wheat—This last fourteen days there has been decidedly more doing at high prices; prices being now so abnormally low, buyers have shown more confidence, and we our selves have the feeling we shall see a pretty smart advance before long. Flour is in a similar position to wheat. There has been a pretty considerable business doing this last fourteen days, buyers taking fair sup* plies both on spot and for shipment. Prices have been so very low that there is every chance of a smart advance taking place.; and as presently the market is a weather one, it is inclined to the feverish side. Oats and oatmeal—ln better demand, at slightly higher rates. General—During this last fortnight trade has been better, with a little more business passing, but from all sides we hava complaints of bad times, more especi ally in coal and iron. The working classes are only earning small wages, and as they are the large consumers of dairy produce the Bale is therefore limited. The weather has been all that can be desired for seed time, and a little rain is now wanted just to freshen things up.

ALDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

OHBiSTOHURCH, May 31. The cold weather made things anything but pleasant at the Addington market to day. There was a good attendance and business in all departments was fairly brisk. About 8000 sheep were yarded. Store Sheep.—The entry of Btore sheep was not large, but the'quality was above the average. Some excellent lines of two-tooth crossbred wethers were yarded, which sold at up to 14s. There were also some good lines of mixed ewes and wethers which sold at well up to late rates. Lambs were in short supply, and the three pens of crossbieds entered sold at from 8s to lls. Fat Sheep—About 4000 were penned, the quality of which was decidedly above the average. There were several lines of well finished crossbred wethers and ewes which sold at well up to late rates. Very few merinos were in, and the quality was no thing extra. Fat Lambs.—Only three pens of fat lambs came forward, and these sold at from 9s 6d to 10s Id. . Fat Cattle.—Only eighty-five, head of fat cattle were yarded, amongst which were a line of very prime steers, which sold at up to £9 ss. Best beef stands at quite up to 22s 6d per lOOlbs, and 20s for second quality. Store Cattle.—There was a medium entry of store cattle, which included several lines of good forward steers, which sold up to £5; inferior and weedy sorts of young cattle met with dull sale. i ■ Pigs.—A large number of pigs were! yarded, including some good lines of baconers and stores, ~ which aold at prides decidedly in buyers' favor. \

LIVE STOCK MABKET.

Messrs Miles and Company, Limited, re port aa follows upon the weekly stock sale held at the Tmwald yards on Tuesday, 30th' inst:—Although a smaller market was ex: hibited at Tinwald, th« improvement in prices recorded last week was not main tained, and the sale throughout was of a dull character. The totals yarded- were's46B sheep, 14 head cattle, and 36 pig?, ot which our entry comprised 853 sheep. /. out half a dozen pens constituted the. en ri s in the butchers'department, nearly all bdiug merino wethers of plain and backward.descriptions, which sold at 8s and 4s 6d, a pen of fat lambs made 11s, and crossbred two-tooths 103 and 12s 9d, Buyers for freezing were well represented,, but as they acted with considerable hesitation owners 1 reserves had to be reduced before business resulted j 16s 2d was realised for. a large line of good crossbreds, the next lot of ewes and wethers reaching 15s 10d, whilst other pens were' passed at auction. A good proportion of turnip sheep was yarded but met with very slack competition, and sales were made at lower rates than were ruling, about two months ago, which .affords proof that the turnip «rop in the district has not been very successful. Good sheep of this class changed hands at 12s 6d, 13s, and 13s 3d, other lines being withdrawn. Store lambs were Bold at 7s 9d, 8s 6d, and 8s lldfor fair sorts, and 6s 6d for small inferior sheep. Breeding ewes of all ages and conditions in lamb were yarded, and sales were made at 10i Id, 12s 6d, and 12s 7d for crossbreds, arid 2s 9d, 3s 6d, 4b Id, and 7s 5d for merinos. A lin« of. ! station merino ewes, guaranteed souud ! mouths, and in satisfactory condition f6r i breeding, were withdrawn at 7s, at whioh price they would probably have found buyers in March last. In connection with the day/s sale, it has to be added that a good propor tion of the entries in sheep wei» affected more or less with foot rot, promoted by the wet season, and this no doubt accounted for the general hesitancy displayed; by buyer*... Satisfactory prices were reached * for. all cattle exposed, the most of which, however, were young stores. We sold 88 crossbred two-tooth wethers at 12s 4d ; 423 crossbred wethers at 13s; and during the week ha^e disposed of privately 270 crossbred ewei* lambi, and rams, at ifttiafiwtory rat*,

Abolition of Grand Juries

What to the casual reader at first Bight cok like two instances of the miscarriage •f justice have recently happened—one, che throwing out of the bill by an Auck land grand jury in the fatal prize fight, Mid the other the Daviea-Milledge case in Victoria. As both involve the question ■>f grand juries the subject has b?en liscussed by two leading papers in the colony. The one advocates abolition of grand juries, the other the retention of them. Writing on the prize fight casi the Auckland " Herald " says :—" Some time s nee Mr Justice Conolly, referring 10 a report that the Government were about, to bring in a bill to abolish grand juries, spoke highly of th*se bodies, tnd said he had no doubt that they were necessary and beneficial. We contended, speaking from experiences gained in the jury room, that they were absolutely useless where they were not. mischievous. Surely what occurred yesterday was an instance of the latter case. The grand jury state that they were not unanimous in their finding. Their reißon for ignoring the indictment is because the police were present at the glove fight. They must have been deter ' mined to find a reason, and must have been hard up for one. The presence of the police might have formed a ground for mitigation of any punishment to be inflicted. The common jury might have made a recommendation to morcy on that ground, but it was not a matter for the grand jury to take into cognisance at all. In two instances In Australia lately fatal I results have followed from glove fights. | In both cases the polioe wen present, but in neither instance did the members of the grand jury hold themselves warranted by the fact that the'police were present to ignore the indictment presented to them. That was left for an 1 Auckland jury. It is directly in the | teeth of his Honor's charge. The grand j jury had no difficulty in coming to the j conclusion that Forgie had met his death by injuries received in the fight, but 1 they determined that they could do what the judge instructed them was dearly not their duty. The grand jury went straight against his plain and. direct charge. They are weak enough to give as a reason what is no reason at all. The death of Forgie will, in all probability, notwithstanding the finding of the grand jury, put an end to glove fights in New Zealand for money, but that finding, will surely put an end to grand juries. If grand: juries are to ignore bills when the judge in his oharge and the plain commonest sense tells them that it is their duty to find era* bills, then the sooner, they are abolished the better. It will be hard to convince the public that yesterday's grand jurymen have had a sense of their oaths. We are quite sure that in the circumstances no one would have desired that a severe punishment should .have been inflicted, ! but for the grand jury to take upon them ; selves to discharge the accused is simply a public scandal." On the Davies-Milledge case, but more particularly the quarrel,between the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General of Victoria in connection there with, the •• Otago Daily Times ". says :—We can I only regard this lamentable—we should not U6e too strong a term if we said disgraceful—straggle as one of the con ! sequences of the virtual abolition oi the grand jury. That old-fashioned institu. tion at least avoids suoh scandals m this ' and others which have ooourred in. Vic toria. A year ago our Government was prepared to imitate on this point—as we have too often imitated—Victorian legis lation . We hope now that they will bear in mind that of the forty-four States of the American Union not one has yet abolished this ancient constitutional tribunal, 1 that it still stands in every part of the empire where English law prevails save in Vie -1 toria, and that amopg *he, moat stalwart and learned supporters of their patty in I New Zealand are those who most strongly i insist on its maintenance. That we have not mistaken the position of matters in this particular case is apparent frottt the fact that a leading Melbourne journal is able to say that " the approval .gehorally bestowed on Mr Isaacs must undoubtedly be traced to the prevailing opinion that the course of justice has been interrupted in the Mercantile Bank case." In\ the decision at which he had, arrived he was supported by the opinion of three Crown prosecutors, one of whom.had been an Attorney-general^ ■.. .• , , ; -

POPULAR CONCERT.

A Scotch ballad night at the Oddfellow. 1 Hall last night attracted a very.good audience, bat not nearly so many Scotch people from the country as ought to iiave been there to enjoy a most excellent concert of (Scottish music, etc. Three singers irom a distance had been' engaged and their con tributions testified to tho wisdom of the management 8 selection. Miss A< MeG regor, Christchurch, a lady in thorough sympathy with the ballads she rendered, sang "The Scottish emigrant's farewell," well enough for anything, but it was not till she appeared in the second part, when she and | her audience became better acquainted, tha£her full merits were recognised, and for her', ex position of the Jacobite song, " Cam* ye by Athole," she received as hearty an encore as .any singer heed wish, and gave charmingly " The Scottish blue bells ' in response; Miss Fanny. Martin, an old favorite, sang the evergreen "Ca !urn o'.Glen/ and in re sponse gave with her ' accustomed, archness the pawky " Whustle, an 111 come tae ye, my lad,' In the . second part her song was Burns' "0' a' the airts," and recalled gave /the humorous ballad "Last May a braw wooer." With Mr Jaco she took park in the exquisite duet '.* The crookit bawbie," and between them 'showed that there; was room for both humor and pathos and scope for clever acting in duet that will-be more popular than ever among Scotch people hete after having heard it given by these two clever entertainers. Recalled they gave the evergreen " Huntingtower ". with equal success. Miss Martin also sang "Jessie's Dream," for which three " Jiving piotures " were shown in illustration, as the closing item of the concert, Mr Jago was a host in himself, and gave the well known "Laird o*. Oockpen".in. a way that' showed out all the points of the discomfiture, of the conceited old laird or squire, and leaving m^elajmself by this scng the most poploar man in* the house, followed with the most amusing string of yarn* told by an old Scotch stilor contained in the song Vls that possible?" He also filled the place «f Mr James Jamie sen who was underlined for the "Macre gws*. gathering," but was.- unable .. to be present/ Mr Jamieson's absence" .-'was regretted by many,'. and' although Mr Jago sang "The Cameron men" just as the song should be sung, and with pibroch effect* in the distance, the dis appointment was still felt. In the second part Mr Jago gave' "The Highiandman's Toast" as only Jago cAn sing' It, and followed . with . two songs of. a comic character, but certainly not Scotch. Mrs Donald McLean entranced her audience with her piano playing of " hurricanes of High land reels," jigs, and strathspeys, as well at a wreath of the more pathetic melodies beautifully arranged, and the beauty of/the arrangement. added to by her .charioting execution. Messrs George* Robertson: and Alick M*Kay played the opening bagpipe music of each part, • supplied the music to the-Highland dancing of the ' Laghmor Highlanders in the first part and the Matters Malcolm in tho second. In the. reel given I by tbe Laghmor Highlanders, Messrs Donald 1 McLean,-Alick M']Kay;'<Jeorge Robertson, and Willie McDonald toolt part, and a word of welcome, is due to the r last named on his I first appearance and compliment on; his } really excellent dancing.' Mr Donald ' M'Lean, whose iron sinews no anidnnt of I danoing can tire,; gave tbe encore fling. The I Masters Maloolm were also encored for their really clever dancing of the. Highland fling, and Mr W. P. Grant Was exceeHingly happy and amusing in his tw,o Scotch stories, aqd although to the manner born, and possessing*Doricas Scotch as heather, everybody was able $o follow his ttoriei and enjoy their breadth of humor,

fßJfi ASttßUffctfOiN OOAIIDIAIN : THURSDAY, JCtfE 1, 189 ft.



Wanted. I FHEIESH Supply of OysTere ; three dozen, Is. Ripe Bananas, Pearß, Oranges, Appl«, etc., at Mrs Whitiikg ton's. 6 7 •tTT ANTED, Two Hundred Pigeons W for caßb. Apply Central Hotel. st23fi TCfANTBD Known—First Class Watch *▼ Repairing at GraiKoeb's, East gtreet. s*2jg BEST Brooch Pin 3d, at GraingerX East street. 0*229 TpiREWOOD for Sale at 15s per Cord. J- Apply to the Custodian, Ashburton Domain. 6 81 "\T/ ANTED, Clocks to Repair, at Vy Granger's, East street. 5*230 ri" HE Good Samaritan, for the imme- J, diate relief of pain.— Light s Cash Store. *-M T TAVE you seen the New Slippers at JIL Mitohbi.t: and Tiber's l 4148 HAVE you secured some of our warm Slippers for children, Is ?- Mitohbli, asp Turner. * lw TTTANTED Known.—Warm Slippers W for mothers ;Is9dto 2s 9d per pair.— Mitchell and Turner. 4 lou lA.NO Tuning and Repairing. Our Tuner, Mr Chattaway, is now in Ashburton. Orders promptly attended to.—H. M. Jones. 5 213 WANTED Known.—Jacket & Dress Department a specialty. High B l«ssgood> marked cheap. H/0. Sbgers, Melford House. *TTSE H. G. Flowbr's Sulphur Tablets, l_J Cough and Eucalyptus Dropt, and •top coughing^__ ■:.. ANTED Known.—For Jackets, Ulsters, Dress Stuffs, etc. Come ■-» Melford House. H. 0. Seoers. fir ANTED Known—" The Corner " is ▼ ▼ showing a magnificent New Stock o« Drapery and Clothing. —W. H. COLLIER. ' WANTED KNOWN.-S. W, Alcorn and Cos. premises will be closed to-morrow (Wednesday). Re-marking stock for sale on Thursday.^^ W' ANTED Known. —TV Hoci* having commenced Bacon Curing he will have a jood supply of Pork Sausages, Pork Pies, etc., fresh made Teryday. 4 2U HEATHERS Cleaned, Dyed, and Uurled. Ladies' and Gentlemen a Gteyea Cleaned. — Misses Hitchcock, Stafford street, Timaru. WANTED Known—Andrew Orr has opened his new premises with his First General and Grand Display of Ladies' Jackets, Fur-lined Cloaks, Milli nery, Carpets, Boots, etc.-ANDRBW Or*; -gJ° BANG ! Bang 1 Bang 1 Guns 1 Guns t Guns! by the best makers and fitted with all the latest improvements. i Powder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, '! and Gases at J- W. Hardlby's, East Street. Guns repaired. n THE Miasßfl Adams' new Refreshment Booms now open. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa. Lemon Squash, Soda and Milk and all the new summer drinks ready at «ll times. Coleman's Buildings, East Street. . H" OMKOPATHIC Medicines, price Is. Sole agent for district, Lmht's Cash Store. 23* W" ANTED Known—VV. H. Colmer's noted four clasp Kid Gloves, 2a 6d, have just arrived in all sisea. fTfTANTED^Known.—Come and see >T our beautiful Mantles, Jackets, Ulsters, Macintoshes, Dress Stuffs, etc. H. C. SEQgRB, Melford House. T*T ANTED Known—Great Bargains VV in Ladies' Underclothing, Milli nery, Mantles, and Jackets at 3. W. Aloorn A Oo.'s Compulsory Sale. />IHEAP Firewood—Short Dry Gum V> Firewood, at 26s per cord; mixed wood, 24s per cord at Mayo's, Trefbrton.—Apply Mrs James Fruit Shop. , _ . S~~~ \\7 A LCORN & OO.'S • YV • -O- Compulsory Sale. Flannelette at 3d, Dress Tweeds at 3jd, Kid Gloves greatly reduced, WHO is your Plumber 1 W by ", J. W. Habdley, who Is a Manufacturer of Spouting, Ridging, Steel Gutters, Baths, Sinks, Tanks, etc., and who has on hand the largest stock of Pumps and Pipe in town. EST Nickel Watches in the market, » are those at 22s 6d and 255. Specially made lor S. Salek, Jeweller. Guarantee with Bach watch. SOMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest the largest, th» best, and the cheap . m». Small «3kwds a specialty. Ful weifrhts iniaranteed. A trial solicited. Iw. j. »-***__ _j!___ ASTER Cards and Booklets, New Games, new supply of the Zilher Harps and Autoharps, New Books, Stationery, and Fancy Goods. Sub scribers wanted for our Circulating Library. L. F. Andrbwei and Co, Stationers' Hall; ': WANTED ;Kn6wn— Hardwy Bros. are selling Women's Leather Shoe* 4s lid; Elastic Side Boots, splendid quality, 4s 9d ; Leather Slippers only 2s lid. Call early and purchase them.— Hardlby Bros. 5 141 «jTTHERE do you get your Ironmon W gei 7' At Harducv gof course, where we get the best value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Looks, Hinges, Plouah Chains, Rope, Wire Knotting, Gorse Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender and Fire Irons, and anything you require^ WANTED Known—Robert Shielbs Charles Street, opposite Woollen Factory, has commenced Dyeing and Cleaning Ladies' md Men's Garments. Blankets and Woollen Goods Scoured. Moderate charges. Parcels etc., left at Mrs Adams', Saunders' Buildings, will be attended to. 3_* WINTER Suits. Boys three garment long Trouser Suits at 15s. Boys, Colonial-made Knicker Suits from 10s. Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Suits 30s. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 60s.—Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. Rob brt A.U3ORH^ SALVAGE, ex Ruahine, Blankets, Shirting^, and Vlanellettes nothing the Worse, but which the extra insurance on my othor goods will enable me to sell less thin u^uil prices, and as they are direct from the Manufacturers any one wanting ought to secure a supply at once. —Robert alcorn, Sanndera' Buildings , ' |. i __——————— ——>r^ — m _G£Nl=> WA«T_iD. tt ' ANTED Agentu for a GOOD Y\ SELLING LINE. Either sex and earn good income. Apply early as • only a limited number is required. NOVELTY IMPORTING CO., P°tff* a.P,O f S T doey, K,S>



r^ -* -< r' _By Order ot the Mort 3jX-L0- gagees. One acre with j Cottage thereon, being sections 523, 524, SSI, 532, situated between Harland and Grove Streets, Tinwald. Mast be sold. T. .BUJuLiUOIV. ~~[A CARD]. ~~" MRS A.. C ~cLAJEMI>GHE, TEACHER OF PIANOFORTE <fc ORGAN, COX STREET, ASHBURTON. TERMS ON APPLICATION. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, WINTER 1893. EAIN. EAIN. RAIN. WATERPROOF COATS WATERPROOF COATS WATERPROOF COATS LEAVE your measure at the Factory. Over 100 patterns to choose from. OIL COATS OIL GOATS OIL COATS From lOs 9d. LIATHE* LEATHER LEATHER Try the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY for your NEXT PAIR of BOOTS. KP You will Save IS per cent. BLANKETS 10s 9d RUGS ... 7s 6d FLANNELS Is per yard NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY Waterproof Manufacturers. alexThendry, Manager. FOR WEDDING PRESENTS, BIRTHDAY PRESENTS, & PRESENTATIONS ——i T " rINSPECTION is invited of the very L choio* and high class Stock of c- SALEE WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER, AND OCULIST-OPTICIAIS'S AGENT. A very large stock of Electro Plata and Silver Ware, Engagement and Wedding Rings, Marble Clocks and Gold and Silver Jewellery of every description ; forming a splendid selection of new and unique goods, just the thing for presents and ob tained specially for the ASHBURTON TRADE. —A SPECIALTY.— The Rotherham English Lever Watches expressly made by Rotherham for S. Safek are becoming famous throughout the district as the MOST RELIABLE WATCHES OBTAINABLE. XT Special attention is devoted to the Watchmaking and Jewellery repairing department. With the extra assistance obtained, work is turned out promptly. LOWEST CHARGHS, CONSISTED! k WITH SOUND AND RELIABLE WORKMANSHIP. S. ; . SALE'S, WATOKMAKEB & JEWELLER



ONYIEL DJ^L G PACTS. G. J. NEItL & CO. ' wre « , m m HF DULLNESi OF TRADE THIS SEASON we have become New Winter Dress Goods. 4s lid per do,. New Wintet Dress Goods (extra value), 6*d I /7S?S^F^A^Sm^iK^ 1»0OMPB !T IT,O K . Flannelettes, 3s 9d per doz Heaty Twilled Flannelette, ssd S OALfcoES InD SHEETINGS, MARVELLOUS LOW PRICES. 36in Wide White Calico, 3s lid p«.doz a^SSiSS^SS^SSSS^ for QUALITY ..a PRICE. Men's Tweed Suits, 19d 6d ] Men's Heavy Tweed Suits. 25ai 6<l 2££l»£HXshti"^ Mol.Trou-er,, Tie,, to.. Wonderfu. , tmnTS BOOTS. BOOTS. K,.,W,'.^Jet- W hereSi7.£». BEST BOOTS for th. LEAST "TV /- HEIUJt GO.'S. ALL OCR BOOTS MVE SATISFACTION. Ladles' Strong Show, 4s lid £v£3a£« ■-.«- **. * 1U > p"s"l^*•from *' to twelve months' Wear Men's Colonial made Shooters, nailed, 8s bd Men's Colonial made Bluchers, 5a , „ »,, G. J. Neill & Co.. ■ FRIEDLANDERS' BUILDINGS, CORNER OF EAST STREET AND MOORE STREET, TERMS—CASH, No Discount. OUR MOTTO—Small Profits and Quick Returns. STEPHENS BROS., Market House. -—JUST LANDED ISO Cases Kerosene. Light of the Age. AND 100 Cases SEurlite Kerosene. Best Oil Procurable. AS there is a possible rise in the price, we would advisa our Cus tomers to make EARLY PURCHASES. Stephens BrosT, ° Market House.



Qf7 ACRES for Sale near Pendarves V/ | School. Easy terms. T, BULLOCK. HINDS PUBLIC DIP. BROOKE'S ASHBURTON DIP. CHERTSEY PUBLIC DIP. fv WING to the Delay caused by the wet weather the Charge will still be One Penny per head until FRIDAY, May 18, after then l£d per head. C. M. Brooke, ASHBURTON. Hardley Bros. HAVE OPENED THEIR FIRST SHIPMENT OF WINTER GOODS, WHICH HAVE BEEN MARKED AT Very Low Prices TO CLEAR. Special Value in Blankets and Flannels. Colonial Blankets from 17s 6d. Waterproof Overcoats, grand goods, from 29s 6d. Men's Colonial Suits from 23s 6d. DON'T FORGET TO CALL AND SEE THEM & COMPARE VALUES. We are selling a Splendid Dress Tweed at6*d. All Wool, double-width Dress Tweed, only Is lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. Our Boot Stock is now Complete in every Branch. Splendid Dancing Shoes, 3s lid. Men's Watertights from 12s 6d. Shooters, nailed, 8s 6d: Boys' and Girls' Boots in endless variety OUR MILLINERY DEPARTMENT Is now showing some Splendid value in HATS, FURS, RIBBONS, LACE, Etc. Come and Secure Arcade Straw Hate, latest shapes, only Is, only a limited number lef6. Splendid Ft* Collarettes, only 3s 9d. THESE ARE GENUINE BARGAINS. HARDLEY BROS., AROADB. STEAM CHAFF CUTTING AND CRUSHING. Gteorge Os borne. Begs to announce that he is PREPARED TO CUT CHAFF AND CRUSH GRIAN IN ANY QUANTITY. He uses Messrs Andrews and Beaven's beat Canterbury Chaffcutter, and their crusher with latest improvements, and can therefore guarantee giving every satis faction. Orders may be left with MR GUDSELL, Tinwild. Or G&ORGE OSBORNE, 3§S WUlowDjr.



FOR SALE, ' A NICE HOME, AND LAND FOR A COW. A WELL BUILT BRICK HOUSE of five room*), and about TWO ACRES of LaND of first class quality ; in a central position, only a few minutes walk to the Railway Station, near to grood schools, frontage on Main road. A safe and sound investment, as ths purchase will let well and return a good interest on the pi ice required if the buye.s does not wish to live on the property. ■:'F. FEBRIMAN. 3147 [a card.] jy" i.:s v s -g c b g, DRESSMAKER, &a, c;ameHon street, ASHBITETON- 623 l p> !■ . ■„' U III«*W*-»W THE GENERAL ELECTION. REGISTER ! REGISTER !! rpORMS of CLAIM to VOTE can be obtained at the office of the Mail and Guardian.



The Best Remedy fob Ijti>:k»:stion|t Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently ecommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly ill bhe diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Piias, with justice called the "Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentlti aperient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bottles, at 1> Hd, 2* 9d, 11s, by all a»«dioin« Te»dow throughput tbi WMldt