Ashburton Guardian Magna est Vertias et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1893 CURRENT TOPICS.

The High School scholarships are | likely to be keenly competed for, judging by the interest that is being taken in the conditions by eligiblrs and their parents and teachers. Th» movement is a very commendable ,one on the part of the High School Governors, and we have no doubt it will be successful. Of course the scheme does not pretend *o be perfect, and the defect pointed out by "A Country Teacher" in his letter in curJ columns the other day is not the only one. However, we are informed thai the present offer of scholarships is an experiment, and if it is successful the scheme will be extended, when no doubt care will be taken to frame the conditions so that all parts of the country will have equal treatment.

The time for tree planting is draw ing near, and already the questions are being asked whether Arbor Day is to be celebrated this ypar, and, if so, on what date. Last year's date, August 4, was rather too late in the geason, and too little notice was given, so that the result, in this district at any rate, was not large. Still enough good was done to show that with proper arrangements Arbor Pay might become the most important of our holidays. We have no doubt that before many years pads all the town belts will be planted, greatly to the amenity of the locality, and that some of the town reserves also be converted from unsightly wastes into ornamental shrubberies. The regular observance of Arbor Day would enable thi« to be done gradually. We hope soon to hear what is to bo done this year, bo that the ground may be prepared and the young trees when planted have a favorable chance of thriving.

The latest —we dare not say last— J Melbourne Bank failure, that of the Bank of Victoria, is in many respects the most serious of all. It did a large and sound business, distributed over the commercial, pastoral, industrial and financial circles of the colony. The Millers—popularly known as the •'.Money Miller family," one of the wealthiest Victorian families, —were largely interested in the bank and its management. Altogether it was re garded as one of the least /likely institutions to be compelled to close its doors, even if it were made the sub ject of a run. However, though, un^ doubtedly solvent, it has had to close its doors, and we suppose will go through what k now apparently the usual course, that of reconstruction, the depositors simply having to wait for their money or take it out in shares on the reconstructed company. As we remarked last week the gravest part of the situation is the impossibility of telling where it will all end.

New Zealand did not look very kindly on the Imperial Institute scheme when it was propounded to them by Sir Somers Vine, but it is evident from the character of the opening ceremonial that the Institute is to bear a more important relation to the Colonies than was generally sup posed here. The Co!onie3 were given a prominent part in the proceedings, and had special mention from her Majesty ; and the Princo of Wales will make his first visit to the opened Institute the occasion for a reception of the colonial representatives. Tne opening was regarded by her Majesty as a great event in the history of the Empire. We are glad to notice that New Zealand is to have its " commer cial court" with specimens of its various products and industries; such an exhibition will be a valuable means of disseminating trustworthy informa tion regarding our Colony, and we may be sure Mr Perceval will make the most of it.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The hounds will meet on Wednesday next, at 1 p.m., at Mr John OGrady's farm, Lauriston. The Christchurch Chamber of Commerce has decided to request it* representatives on the Lyttelton Harbor Board to support the proposal made at the last meeting for the reduction of charges. The Minister of Agriculture offers prizes for collections of dried specimens of grasses and forage plants, introduced aud native, prominence being given to the most useful indigenous species. The Ist prize is £25; 2nd, £15. The estimated population of the colony on the 31st March was—males, 348,670; females, 307,509 ; total, 656,179. The Maori population was set down at 41,993. The 0-imaru "Mail" states that the report that Mr George Jones, Jan., the proprietor of that paper, was likely to be | appointed Government printer is without foundation. At a meeting of the Sydenham Prohibition I League last evening the question of the approaching election in the Sydenham licens ing wards was considered and the following motion passed "That in view of the recent decision of the Appeal Court, which practi cally disqualifies temperance men from sitting upon a licensing bench, and it tanta mount to a declaration that the present licensing legislation fails to give the people any effective control over the traffic in intoxicants, the league has decliued to take any action in connection with the approach ing election, and centres its efforts upon securing the immediate alteration of the licensing law in the direction of giving the adult population of each licensing district the right to exercise the unconditional power of direct veto over all forms of licenses." Hoiaoway's Ointment and Pills.—The attention of all sufferers is drawn to these well-known remedies, for ihey possess con spicuous advantages as a safe and reliable aid in all those emergencies to which travel lers, emigrants and sailors are so especially liable. They have been largely patronised by wa'yfarcrß by tend, sea, and, in fact, by all classes of the community, to their very great advantage. The pills beyond all doubt are one of the most eljfeafcivg remedies ever discovered for cases of obstinates jconsti pation, confirmed indigestion, and ,colfc ; complaints which are .engendered by .ex posure and irregular feeding. The pintjneirt will be found of the very greatest seryipo m cases of piles, abcesse*, erysipelas, and a|l kiodl Oflooftl ulcemtiona,

It is reported that.. Pr King, mediea superintendent of Seacliff Asylum, intends to proceed against the writers ol several letters which have appeared in the Dunedin ■*■' Globe "for criminal libel. Attention is directed to Messrs' Mitchel and Turner's advertisement, which appears on our third page, the inducements offered to the public at this season of the year to invest in good blankets being especially worthy of note. Mr E. M. Smith, M^H.R., has engaged a gentleman iv Sydney to float a company there to work the famous Taranaki ironsand beds, etc , and after the next election will mo3t likely proceed to England on business connected therewith. The Hon A. J. Cad man is (says the " New Zealand 'limes ') in receipt of further appli cations from Native chiefs in the Uriwera Country to have their lands surveyed, tfiridently the desire is growing to get the land through the Court, and have the title and boundaries ascertained and determined. The Auckland Chamber of Commerce have applied to the Harbour Board for a section of land on which to erect a com mercial chamber for the display of the re presentative prod uots of the province and other provinces of the colony, as well as the products of the South Sea Islands. -" The proposal has been favorably received and referred to a committee. , The immigration and emigration returns for April show-arrivals, 2394; departures, 1909. The arrivals were—from the United Kingdom, 289; New South Wales, 1058; Victoria, 954 ; Tasmania, 55 ; other places, 38. The departures were—to the United Kingdom, 323; Queensland, 2; New South Wales, 905; Victoria, 511; Tasmania, 66 ; o'her p'acee, 102. During the month 17 Chinese arrived and 7 departed. ' The Rev. Gordon Webster, of St Andrew's Church, Christchurch, vill occupy the pul pits of the Ashburton and Wakanui Presby terian Churches to-morrow. He will also administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. The Rev. Gordon Webster is one of the ablest preachers of the Presbyterian Church in New Zealand, and is temporarily moderator of session for the Ashburton and Wakanui charge. ' . Mr Max Friedlander has imported from Victoria two thoroughbred mares of the highest class. They are the bay mare Teaze, by The Marquis (imp) from The Fly by Fisherman (imp), in foal to Boy (winner of the Caul field Cup); and a three year old chestnut filly by Calma (winner of the Caul tield Cup) from the brilliant racing mare Essis, also served Jjy Boy. Mr Friedlander de&erve-i succes for his enterprise. At the Blenheim Borough Council meeting on May 5 (says the " Express ") a nice sur prise was sprung on the Council, The Bank of New Zealand has stopped its credit, and last month's wages cheques are still un paid. It seems that the overdraft is nearly £2500, but there are credits to the extent of £700 which the bank refuses to deduct from the total. A deputation has been appointed to wait on the banker, and see if the wages cheques cannot be paid. At the Magistrate's Court, Titnaru, on Friday, John Bowman, a youth of 17, was charged Chat "he did on the 27th April at Woollcombe's Gully, unlawfully and maliciously cause to be taken by Frances Ann Woollcomie a certain noxious thing that is to say Rough-on-Rats, so as thereby to endanger the life of the said Frances Ann Woollcombe." After a mass of evidence had been taken the hearing was adjourned till next Wednesday, accused being liberated on biil. The passengers on the Tilutieat Lyttelton on Friday hacjl an exciting few minutes. A heifer which was being taken on board the ship^becacne unmanageable, and broke away from those engaged in leading her down the deck. In the chase which followed, the animal made a bolt into the saloon, where a number of lady passengers were sitting, and was not captured before she had created a considerable panic amongst them. Fortu nately no damage was done to the fittings of the saloon, but it was some time before the startled passengers recovered from the effects of the fright. '.", , .. , On Tuesday evening at tbe Oddfellows Hall an entertainment comprising several novel features will be given. Ihe performers are Professor Moulton, Mr Fred Thomas and Mr Harry Barton. Ihe professor is well known to old Ashburtonions as a most humorous entertainer in his own-peculiar style ; Mr Thomas sings and tells funDy stories in a most laughter-provoking manner, and gives a wonderful exhibition of whist ling -ventriloquism • and Mr Barton isa most versatile mimic, ventriloquist, character impersonator and vocalist. Messrs Thomas and Barton have been running the "two hanied" show in the south with grca', success, and Professor Moulton's powers of amuseme it are well-known, no that tbe union of forces will ensure what the advertisement promises, "120 laughs in 120 minutes." Professor Moulton ia giving out-door shows at the Burnett street crossing, publishing the virtues of his famous remedies; and Mr Barton is associated with him, so that the public may get a free sample of their talents. A suit has been brought in the R.M. Court, Dunedin, by a farmer of Saddle Hill against a nurseryman of the city, for £10 damages. Plaintiff had an extraordinary cabbage tree giowing on his farm, its peculiarity being that the leaves were all of a redefish and bronze colour. The tree had beenicnown at least thirty years, and no one had ever seen or heard of its like. The nurseryman happened to see it and bargained for some branches of it, giving in exchange some apple trees. The farmer stated that on Easter Monday, while he and his family were away holiday-making, the nurseryman treacherously invaded his farm and cut down and carted away the whole of the unique cabbage tree. Defendant swore that on the first occasion he bought the whole of the tree, but left it until a convenient season for its removal; that he went to the farm on Easter Monday, and found no one at home, but nevertheless took away his property as he believed he had a right to do. Judgment was reserved. The inquest on the body of William Murray (the four and a half year old son of Mr George Murray, Rakaia) was held on Thursday. Mr Oxley, J.P., was coroner. The evidence given was to the effect that the lad had run out of the house, and his mother, hearing the sound of a traction engine on the road, ran out to call him in. She saw him about the wheels, but did not see him get amongst them. The engine, which belonged to Mr John Pearce, was going at about three miles an hour, and as soon as the driver heard' tbe call to stop he did so, but he had not seen the boy, and had no idea of him being near. The medical evidence was to the effect that no bones in the body or limbs were broken, and the doctor did not think the wheels had gone over the child. The face and the left foot were severely cut, and death resulted from fracture of the base of the iskull. The jury found a verdict of accidental death, with no one to blame. Says the Melbourne "Argus"?— That extraordinary development in female attire known as the, "dress improver," has now gone out of fashion. A large fortune was no doubt made by the inventor, and many local importers did a thriving business in the line some time ago. The "improver" is now, however, quite unsaleable, and un fortunately some of the importers find themselves with a large Btock on hand. Seeing that it is impossible to convert them to any good use, the importers have re quested that, in order to obviate the paj- inent of duty, tha Customs Department will allow of their destruction. In reply the Customs Department suggests that they might be useful to some missionary society, »a such an adornment would probably represent full draß among the belles of the South Seas, and thus advance the cause of civilisation. Mr Campbell, on, being satisfied of their inutility - within the boundaries of this Colony, will probably ap prove of the remission of the duty. Thk Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently ecommended as a simple remedy foi [ndigestion, which is the cause of nearly all fche diseases to which we are subjects Norton's PmLa, with justice called tbe "Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentlb aperient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bottles, «b U lfa» &w» ll8» b7»JI aucUoiiw

Grain and Produce

The following is the Chrißtchurch Corn Exchange report:—The week's transactions have been on a email scale, but prices con tinue favorable to sellers. The weather having improved has allowed the potato delivery,to proceed more rapidly, conse quently for prompt deliveries the price is not so firm. Spice in the outside markets is ample for* the requirements, but rates are not likely to be lower now the opposition boats have been taken off. We do not think this will be injurious to shippers, as prices are more likely to remiin stable. D.*iry pro duce has been offering plentifully, but as the winter seasons advance we shall expect an increase. Local demand for butter and cheese, however, is not quite so firm. Chaff ivnd feeding grains are brisk for local con sumption, but the shipping demand is dull. The following are our quotations for the week ending May 12:—Wheat, Tuscan, 2s 8 J to 2s 9d ; Pearl, 2a 8d ; Hunter's, 2s 7d.' chick wheat, Is 6d to 2s 3d. Oats, milling, Is lid; bright feed, Is 9d; ordinary feed, Is 8d; Tartarian seed, Is lid. Barley, malting prime, 4s ; medium, 3a 3d to 3s 9d ; feed, Is lOd to 2*. Peas, blue (hand threshed), 3s Id; partridge, 2* lOd to 2a lld; duns, 2* 81. Beans, 2s lOd. Rye grass, machine dressed, 3s 31 to 3s 6d: •farmers' parcels, 2* to ,2s 9d. Cocksfoot, 2d to 3£d per Ib, the latter for town dressed. Tares, 63 to 8s per bushel. Butter, prime keg, 8d to 9d ; separator, lOd ; farmers' keg 7d per lb. Cheese, 3£d to 4d per lb. Hams ana bacon, 7_d per lb in cloth. .Flour, roller, £8 ; Btone, £7 per ton. Bran, £215 a. Sharps, £3. Hay, £3. Chaff, oatstraw, £2; wheatstraw, 32s 6d ; oatshoaf, £3 sa. Straw, wheat, £1; oat, £1 10s ; oatsheives, £2 5s to £2 10s. Potatoes, kidney, £1 15s to £2 ; Derwents, 32s 6d to 35s per ton.

The Kennedy Company.

"LITTLE LOUD FAUNTLEROY."

There whs not so large an attendance at the Oddfellows' Pall last- night as one could have wished, 7 nor as the .perfor mance deserved, tor, apart from the merit of the Company, the drama is a most superior one, and one of the best productions of the modern playwright. Miss Ruby Kennedy, the clever little daughter of the manager of the oompany, played the part of the hero of the piece, and showed that the encomiums bestowed upon her by the southern press were not unmerited. Mr Kennedy was "Silas Hobbs," broadly humorous as usual; Mr Frank Norton, the dignified, courtly, bat irascible " Earl of Dorincourt j" Mr Hirry Saville, the lawyer; Misa Lily Hill, "Mrs Errolj" Mss Millie Collier, the adventuress; and Miss May Yernon "Dick." The piece went sn.oothly throughout and not a point was lost by a single member of the company. Ap plause was frequent, and the principals were called before the curtain at the end of each act. To-night will be positively the last appearance of the company this season, the company having decided to give one night at Rakaia, playing there on Monday, and afterwards going to Welling ton en route for a season in Marlborough. The attraction this evening will be "Our Boys," in which Mr Kennedy takes the part of the Butterman.

POLITICAL.

[per press association]

Wblmngtoit, May 12. The Electoral and Libel Bills will bo introduced early in the session. Westport, May 10. Sir Robert Stout will address the elec tors of Inangahm before the election if ho can arrange to do so. The following telegram from the Hon Mr Sedion is published in the West Coast papers :— "At the unanimous request of the Ministry, Sir R. Stout has consented to stand in the Liberal interest. I trust every friend of the, party will support him. In my opinion it would be in the interest of the West-Coast, aa well as the colony, to see him a^ain'in public life." Dujsteton, May 12. Mr Larnaoh has received an invitation to contest Inangahua, but took time to consider. Whatever might have been his answer to the request, he would certainly not think of opposing Sir ! Robert Stout.

COMMERCIAL.

BANKING.

(PRB PRESS ASSOCIATION,

.London, May 11. Messss Hallett and Co., bankers, St Martin's place, W.A. havo buspended payment. Hon J. R. Dickson, who is director of several of the leading banking and finan cial institutions of Queensland, in the course ot an interview i-aid there was no the slightest foundation for the rumors with regard to the condition of the Queensland National Bark. During the last six years that institution had been severing us connectiun with Building Societies, and was now free from all em barrassing alliances. ' The Bank of Australasia and the Union bank of Australia are each shipping a, quarter of <* million of sovereigns*for Aus tralia to morrow. The bank rate of discount has been niiseid 3J per cent. The directors of the English, Scottish, and London Chartered Banks are framing h plan of reconstruction which will enable the two banks to easily amalgamate after n opening; and this is delaying the pro mulgation of the scheme, Washington, May 11, The Capital Bank of Indianapolis has suspended payment, and also the Colum bia Bank of Chicago. These failures have evoked a nervous feeling in financial circles in the United States. Melbourne, May 12. Meetings of shareholders and deposi tors in the Bank of Victoria have adopted a scheme of rec mstruction similar to those proposed by other bank*. (Received May 13, 11 a.m.) f * London, May 12. At a meeting of the Scotch depositors in the Australian Joint Stock Banket he | reconstruction scheme was approved. by 81 to 13. (Received May 13, 11.5 a.m.) The Anstralian Banks have raised the rate of exchange one half per cent.

London, May 11. Silver 3a 2|d. The American visible wheat supply in estimated at 92,400,000 bushes. h, The total reserve in the Bank' of England is £14,113,000. The proportion' of reserve to liabilities is 39,42. Three months' bills, 3J per cent, market firmer Consols, 98J. New Z 'aland 4 per cent stock, 104j ; 3£ per cent stcck, 96£. New Zealand long-berried wheat, ex warehouse, 31s; Adelaide wheat, 345; Victoria, 33s 61 ; market firmer. Twelve thousand quarters of Australian February shipments sold at 31s. r There is no change in the quotations for New Zealand hemp and frozen meVt. (Received May 13. 11.6 a m.) ' London, May 1&. A cargo of New Zealand wheat has been sold at 27s 9J.

The New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canterbury, Limited, have received the following cable from, their London office dated May H :—New Zea land wheat, ex Coptic, is selling at 31s for round-berried, 32s Tuscan, f.a.q.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PBR ERBHh ASSOCIATION.

THE DUBLIN EXPLOSION.

IjOKDON, V»y 11. Two men have been arrested on sus picion of being concerned in the explo sion at the Dublin Law Courts. GLADSTONE'S THREATEtfER. Townsend will be further charged with sending a threatening letter to Mr Gladstone in which he stated that' the Prime Minister had a narrow escap? of being shot. Townsend has been committed for trial. It was proved that he had dogged Mr (Gladstone with a revolver for several days. LABOR MATTERS. A great mast warehouse in Hull has been burned down. The fire was the work of an incendiary. The Sailors' and Firemen's Union has affiliated with the National Miners' Federation with a view to a strike. THE QUEEN. In the opening address at the Im perial Institute, Her Majesty the Quean spoke in a clear voice, but looked infirm, and was leaning heavily on the arm of the Prince of Wales and Duke of Edinburgh. GOVERNORSHIPS. The " St James' Gazette " considers that it would cement the Empire if Royalties were appointed to colonial governorships, and states that it is: possible to yet see the Duke of Con naught Governor of either Canada or New South Wales. London. May 12. The Earl of Aberdeen has been ap pointed Governor-General of Canada in place of Lord Stanley of Preston.

HAWAII.

Washington, May 11. Mr Blount succeeds Mr Stevens as American Consul at Honolulu.

REVOLT IN BENGAL.

Calcutta, May 11. New 3 has been received that affairs in Orissa, Bengal, are in a critical con dition. Ten thousand insurgents sur round the Rajah's palace. The British Resident's force is 400, and applica tion has been made for reinforcements.

GREECE.

Athens, May 11. The Tricoupis. Ministry have re signed owing to the failure of the proposed loan.

AUSTRALIAN.

POLITICAL.

Adeiaide, May 12. The Ministry has been re-arranged as follows:—Sir John Downer, Premier and Colonial Treasurer; Mr W. Cop ley, M.L.C., Chief Secretary; Mr R. Bom burg, Attorney-General; Mr J. H. Howe, Commissioner of Crown Lands; Mr J. Mote, Commissioner of Public Works; Mr J. W. Gushine, Minister of Agriculture and Educa tion.

SMALLPOX.

Peeth (W.A.), May 12. Two more cases of smallpox and one death are reported.

LABOR MATTERS

Sydney, May 12. i Five out of the seven western collieries have notified a reduction of 6d per ton in the hewing ratee. The miners are trying to arrange a con ference, but the masters are opposed to this course. The miners in Yale colliery have ceased work in conse quence. ,

ACCIDENT ON H.M.S. LIZARD.

Melbourne, May 12. H M.S. Lizard experienced a heavy gale on the voyage from Sydney. The draught in the stoke hole forced the flames out of the furnace doors. Chief Petty Officer Dawson and three stokers were seriously burned, their clothes being destroyed and faces burned beyond recognition. The sufferers were taken to the hospital. %

THE TONGARIRO.

{ Hobart, May 12, The Tongariro arrived from London at 10 a.m., and sailed at 6 p.m. for | Port Chalmers. She brings sixteen passengers for Australia and seventy* two for New Zealand.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, May 12. , The Trades and Labor Council resolved j " That the Council views with apjprehen- I sion the influx of foreigners, particularly in the gum field districts, and urges the Government Mt once to investigate," The Native meeting which has been conducted at Maungakawi, near Cam bridge, by Tawhiao has come to an end. No business of any consequence was transacted. Tawhiao informed the Natives that the Governor was too busy to attend. Weixinqtoh, May 12. The Government have arranged with the JKailway Commissioners for the con struction in the workshops of £4000 worth of additional rolling stock for tU 'govern ment lines. A snake 2J feet in length wag landed from the island steamer \Nhuna to-day. It was found in a bunch of bananas. Dunedin, May 12. At the annual meeting of the Acclim atisation Society the balance sheet showed a credit balance of £299 4s lid. j It was decided that Mr A. C. Begg, who is going Home, should inquire as to what British or American birds could be intro duced to this colony. Ikverpargiix, May 12. Freeman Kitchen was arrested on the Manapouri, at the Bluff, bound for Mel-, bourne, by Deteptive Madden. His eye brows were dyed red. He denied bis ( identity and said that he was from the Henley-Taieri district. Kitchen was carefully got up as a sunburnt country man in shabby attire, i»nd had used cosmetics freely to alter the cut of his eyebrows. Detective Maddern waa not euro of his man but determined to risk tha arrest. Kitchen owned up on the way to town on the train, lie had a bobtle of chloroform and a pot of face paint in his possession. He says that he walked to Mosgiel, where he took the train for Invercargill, and that he had been two days at the Bluff. The police dcubt this tale, being of opinion that he left the train near Invercargil), avoided the town and walked to port.

SOUTHLAND.

(FHOM OUR COBRESPONDBNT.) The weather .luring die part harvest was excellent all through, and the crops were gob together in splendid order. We have had no ram for the la*t three months, and for the la*t eleven yean I have not; seen the liver so low, and farmers, who are now busy threshing, find it hard to get water to supply the . ■ mills. It is also very hard to obtain water for stock, especially co on the Oreti Ph'us. The eat cirjp is threshing out well, and is. a good sample; but strange to say the best price obtainable here is only about Is 4d per but>hel for the very best, while the same article if offered in Ashburton would bring sixpence more, and with che facilities we have for shipping direct to any part of the world. often wonder why some energetic mar chants do nut pay us a visit and make ft rise. The wheat crop did not do so well, being more of lets injured by the frost, and for the very best only something like 29t02s 3d isobtainableat wayside stations. Traction engines are all the go here now, but with our bad roads I am afraid some of them will get bogared when the wet •weather sets in, They have to cioss all bridges at their own risk, and for safety the County Couucils compel tham to lay down 4ft lOin planks under die wheel*, and unless this is done owners of the engines are held liable for all damnga done to bridges or culverts. The price of threshing this season has come down to 5s per 100 bushels. All the hand*, except the driver aud feeder, are paid by the farmer, who also has to supply cot>l, and food for all hands. Mill bands g?t 9d an hour. The potatoe crop is a partial failure, and none can be got under £4 per ton. Sheep have, had a gro»t drop, and the market v glutted, owing, no doubt, to the fact that a great number of our large runa have been cut up and let in smaller ones, necessitating the whole ot the bheep being sold, leaving (hose runs in the meantime without a hoof, and not until fencjs can be erected will they hi again stocked, which cannot be done for twelve months or more. But let us hope, however, that things will turn out for our good. May 8. •

THE NEW PREMIER.

Ik matters political it is proverbially the unexpected which nearly always happens, and certainly nobody four or five years ago anticipated that in M short a time the Premiership of the colony would fall into the hands of the Honorable Richard Seddon. Indeed the very prefix which denotes Minis-, terial rank, although deservedly won more than two years ago, even yet has a smack of strangeness to his political associates and friends, the quondam "Dick," which was the old familiar appellation, coming often to the lips from mere force of habit. But for all that Mr. Seddon has justly earned his present dignity, and we are. pleased to see that this is cordially admitted by the leader of the Opposition, and by Dr Newman and others of Mr Rolleston's foremost supporters, who have made public allusion to the matter! Says the former—>• Th« Governor was act ing strictly on constitutional lines in sending for Mr Seddon, and Mr Seddon took the course which was the only one he could take with any self-respect}; while Dr Newman, as is his wont, speaks generously on the subject. In his address to his constituents at Petone the other evening the member for the Hutt, speaking of the new Premier, said " he felt sure the party who elected him were right in choosing him. It seemed to him that a man who had fought for his party and toiled for it had a right to expert the leader ship, and it should not be given to a fair-weather politican who simply hoped at the last moment to come in and secure the spoils of office. It re mained to be seen how Mr Seddon would shape. His (Dr Newman's) own belief was that he would strive to do his best for the colony as most members had, besides which he was a very earnest and very active , man. There was a rumor that Mr Seddon was acting as a kind of dummy for someone else, but those who believed that would be very much mistaken. Mr Seddon knew his way about, and was not going to play dummy for any one else. He had got the freehold of ~ the Premiership, and would keep it" The genial little doctor's remarks were received with applause, as they would have been, not only in Petone, but in every other part of the colony, and it is evident that both his political opponents in Parliament and the public at large outside are ready and willing to give Mr Seddon a fair chance to prove his fitness for the position which he now occupies. To do this he will have to cultivate other qualities than those which have won him long ago a fore most place among the front rank, the fighting line, of Party. There his prowess is known and acknowledged, but. he now requires the quality of finesse and the capacity of strategy, and needs to cultivate the stiaviter in modo, being already almost too amply quali fied in regard to fortiter in re. But men rise to their opportunities and, we shall be much mistaken if the new Premier does not exemplify this. ■So far he has always risen to the occasion, and if he fulfil the hopes of his friends may have a long lease of power. That he will do so we heartily hope, and he has our best wishes for his success. In this connection it will not be out of place to add here a few particulars as to his career, for which we are indebted to "Mennell." From this authority we learn that Mr Seddon was born at Eccleston, near St Helens, Lancashire, and emigrated to Melbourne in 1863, being married at Williamston in that colony on January 13, 1869, to Miss Louisa Jane Spotswood. Having re moved to New Zealand he became a member, of the Westland Provincial Council, of which body he was Chair* man of Committees, He was also Chairman of the Westland County Council,, and first mayor of Kumara, to which post he was re-elected for a second term. He was returned to the House of Representatives for Hokitika in 1879, and represented Kumara from 1881 to 1890, when he was returned for Westland, for which constituency he now sits. He was educated at Eccleston Hill Grammar School, of which his father was headmaster for more than a quarter of a century, is a mechanipal engineer by profession, and an associate of the American Institute of Mining Engineers. He will be 48 years of age on the day that Parlia ment opens—the 22nd June.

THTJ ASHBtrRTOIV i BATURJDAV, MAY 13. 1893.



Wanted. ______ — _ I TOiATdS^^b. our Girls? W T^elhemtosee Ourßojß _t the OJdfellows' Hall, To-NmhN month ftom May 1&- —> opposite •*Mi.il" ••««»• - 7T"AVK"yoT^e^ThT^^ Domain. ______—-— ' ..L diate relief of p»m. "»« g H warm Slippers fur children,^- Mitchell and Tcr ________— ——— io. Ssy *™8 of VW*-*-. M' Jones. —— — ohurchjpric^^-H^jJo^ __,— Light 1* Cash Store. windows at •»The Corner" Saturday. W. H. Cqt-mmu — —— —L "iwfAiavvTt "Known.—Come and see Ulster., Macintoshes, Dress^tufls, etc. H^S-OKM, MelfordJHongg: _ ; Shop.________ _ fTTANTED Known.—Jacket & Dress W Department a specialty, ttgh class goods marked cheap. H. 0. feß-EBS, Melford House. - TT_fANTE_riNOWN.-S. W. Alcorn W and Cos. premises- will be closed to morrow (Wednesday) Re-marking stock for sale on Thursday^ _ TTTANTED Known.— For Jackets, Wristers, Dress Stufe, etc. Como .0 Melford House^ J____i_^_!l_-__ firINTED Known-" The Corner " is W showing a magnificent Ne* Stock of Drapery and Glutting. - W. H. «ff A lfC^i_a^wiPANJ>BEW Okk has W opened his new premises with his First General «nd Grand Di*pl«y of Ldies' Jackets, Fur-lioed OunAh^M^W n«ry, Carpets, Boots, .etc-AHDjiw !>Aitrrßa<rßangl Gunst Guns! I 7 Guns! by the best makers and 3t*ed with all the latest improvements. Btreet. Gwis repaired. T'"" life Mia*** Adams' _ew Refre"]""* 11* Rooms now open. Tea, Cbflfee Cocoa. Lemon Squash, Soda and Milk and all the new Hummer drinks ready at *U times. Ooleman's Buildings, .bast ■ Street. - ' '■' • ( _ ..; SV\ ' A.IiOOBN & CO.'S' V V . XJL Compulsory Sale. Flannelette at 3d, Dress Tweeds at 3|d, Kid Uloves greatly reducaa. WHO is your Plumber '< Why, J. W. Haßolby, who is a Manufacturer of Spouting, Uivlging, Steol Gutters, BatbsVsinkp, Tanks, etc., and who has oahaAd the largest stock of Pumps and ipe in town. •_ ■ - , W~~ ANTKD Known-KoBEJiT Shields, Charles Street, opposite Woollen Factory, has commenced Dyeing and Cleaning Ladies' and Men's Garment« Blanket and Woollen Goods fecoured. Moderate charges. Parcels etc., left at Mrs Adams', Saunders' Buildings, wiU be Ittendedto. .______. -—- WHKREdo you «et your Ironmon gery 1 AtHAKDLKYfIof oourte, where we get the best value in Sheet Lead* Kails, Locks, Hinges, Plou«h Chain., Rope, Wire Knetting, Gorse KmTe?, Spades and Forks, Lamp, J-ender an* Fire Irons, and anything you require* ___________ /nHRISTMA.S Suit*. Boys, three (j garment long Trouser Suits at 15s. lJoya, Coloplal-made Knicker Suits \ item tZ Men', nicely made Colonial Tweed .suits 80s. Colonial Tweed Suit, to measure from 50b.—ABhburton Clothing M*rt, Saunders' Buildings. Robbkt A'joour^ '. -— EST Nickel Watches in the m«ket, are those at 22s 6d and 25a. Specially made for S. Salbk, Jeweller. Guarantee with Bach watclu^ SALVAGE, ex Ruahine, Blankets, Shirtings, and Flanellettes nottiLg the worse, but which the extra insurance on my other goods will enable me to sell less than u«ual prices, awd as they are direct from the Manufactures any one wanting ought to secure a supply at once. -Kobbut 777TNTED Known. -T. Houm V V having commenced Bacon OunnK he will have a good supply of Pork B»uea,es, Pork Pies, etc., fresh made __ Tery day. J__^* WANTED Known—lee Creams, Ice Creams, for the hot weather, lways ready at H. G. Flower s, Confec inner, East Street. ■",V.vliTlts_3T"Meat Mart. The oldest >i the iar«e_t, the best, and the cheap . «t. ,SinaU"''looda a . spbOialty. J>ui w.....i 5 i« guaranteed. A trial solioitoi ■ J. SILOOCK. , .; i/atdh and Buokiefes, JNew - «uf>yiy of the Zithe) ,ip> JSeW Bouk.i, ... . ,>uvif oiouUß. bu«> B «ur)Bie. wiuibd for our Oirculating Library. L. F. AN»»EWts AND C«». Stationers' Hall. WANT < >ne hundred subscribers for the following Humorous, Pic toria\ and amusing weekly papers, two itv 11 • ":i(;l; - vlsy Sl(>p*-r, buap Sh<>lt>, >■!ii Comic. irlU»iy. *iOMW iliAiilifiiS, MtUuUU^u.



WINTER^ 1893 G." 3. Neill & Co. BESPECTFULLX DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING l¥eW:. «O€i«»r_ lew Goods. k DBESSES. DBESSES. The latest in Shot Rep, double width, 2s 6d Amazon Cloth, double width, Is lid Fancy Dress Goods, 6|d Heavy Dress Tweeds, 7_d Astrakhan^ Beaver Trimming Ladies' Jackets and Mantles. _ A vnHTPS MILLINER'S IN ALL ITS BRANCHES* Trimmed Hats from 2* lid. Double Bed White Sheeting, 10_d Heavy Forfar, 6_d -, Blankets, Blankets, from 7s lid All Wool Colonial Flannel, Is. CLOTHING.. CLOTHING. Men's Suit., 19s 6d Men. Heavy Suit., 25. 6d Men's Whip Cord Tweed Suit., 29. 6d Bo^s I Si* lid-; Meu'. Lamb. Wool Pant., 8. lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. WONDERFUL VALUE IN BOOTS. , Ladies' Shces, 4s lid J Strong Leather Slvpers, 3. od Men's Oolonial-made Nailed Shooters, 8s 6d w^as^you'to^i^ boots one trial. Ladie*' Strong E.S. Boots, 6s lid Patent Leather Slipper, m endless variety, at G. J. NEILL & CO.'S, FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS, CORNER OF EAST AND MOORE STREETS. """"compulsory sale OF S- W- ALCORN & COS. STOCK OF GENERAL DRAPERY, MANTLES, MILLINERY Etc. QOMMBSOEBON THURSDAY, HAINSf. EVERY ARTICLE A DECIDED BARGAIN AS ■ rSTOCK MUST BE SOLD. S. W. AMOBH & CO. EAST STREET.



" [A CARD]. MRS A. C."ok.ARIE>GB,i TEACHER OF j PIANOFORTE & ORGAN, COX STREET, ASHBURTON. TERMS ON APPLICATION. 3 & NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, WINTER t§93 BAIN. B/UN- UAIN. WATERPROOF COATS WATERPROOF COATS WATEHPKOOF COATS I EAVE your measure at the Factory. -I-* Over 100 patterns to choose from. «~- ~ oitwATS From lOs 9d. LEATHER _____ LE^ ER LEATHER Try the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY for your NEXT PAIR of BOOTS. _ — f&T You will Save IS per cent. BLANKETS ... ... 10s M RUGS Js 6d FLANJNELS Is per yard NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY AND Waterproof Maimfacturers. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager. FOR WEDDING PRESENTS, BIRTHDAY PRESENTS, & PRESENTATIONS • j_, • ——, -y , INSPECTION is invited of the very !_ choice and high class Stock of c- SALEK, WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER, AND j OCULIST-OPTICIAN'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 P^^ttTOY tamed specially for the AbHBUKIUiN TRADE. -A SPECIALTY.-- The Rotherham English Lever Watches expressly made hy Rotherhtm for b. Salek are becoming famous 'he district as the MOST RELIABLE WATCHES OBTAINABLE. »• Special attention is devoted to the Watchmaking and Jewellery repairing department. With the extra assistance obtained, work is turned out promptly. LOWEST CHARGE?, CONSISTENT WITH SOUND AND RFXIABLE WORKMANSHIP. WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER



Hardley Bros. HAVE OPENED THEIR FIRST SHIPMENT OP WINTER GOODS, WHICH HAVE BEEN HARKED AT Very Low Prices TO CLEAR. Special Value in Blankets and Fhnnels. Colonial Blankets from 17s 6J. Waterproof Overcoats, grand goods, from 29d 6d. Men's Colonial Suits from 23s 6d. DON'T FORGET TO CALL AND BEE THEM & COMPARE VALUES. We are selling a Splendid Drees Tweed at6M. AH Wool; double-mdth Dress Tweed, only Is lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. Our Boot Stock is now Complete id 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, FUBS, RIBBONS, LACE, Etc. Come and Secure Arcade Straw Hats, latest shapes, only Is, only a limited number left. Splendid Fu Collarettes, only 3s 9d. THESE ARE GENUINE BARGAINS. fIARI>I.EY BROS., ABCADB. MOUNT SOMERS COAX. W. & J. HAKKIS HAVING bou«ht the.Lease of the Mount Somers Coal Mine, beg to announce that they are now prepared to supply the excellent fuel from the Mount Somers Coal measures in any quantity. They have appointed MR JAMES BAKER, HAVELOCK STREET, their sole Agenfc, and all orders will be promptly attended to. la connection with the above JAMES BAKER, Timber Merchant, Havelock Street, solicits a share of public patron age, and is prepared to give prompt and careful attention to any orders for MOUNT SOMERS COAL that may be entrusted to him or execution. STEAM CHAFF CUTTING AND CRUSHING. Gtkorge Osbornu Begs to announce that he Is PREPARED TO CUT CHAFF AND CRUSH GRAIN IN ANY QUANTITY . He uses Messrs Andrews and Beaven'a 'best Canterbury Chaffcutter, and their crusher with latest improvements, and can therefore guarantee giving every satis action. Orders may be left with MR GUDSELL, TlnwaMj Or. GEORGB OSBORNE. 3*5 WUlowt*



NOTICE. Oar advertising clients and the sub scribers to the "Mail ' and •• Guardian ire hereby informed that Mr J. C. Bell, late Deputy Official Assignee in bankruptcy has been appnintcd canvasser and collectoi ,for the Ashburton Publishing Cciap*nj Limited, in the place of Mr H. W. Barrett. Mr Bell will visit the country district* sho. tly, of which due notice will be given. Ashburton Publishing Company, May 1, \sm



According to the " New Zealand Times" the leader of the Opposition, the If on W, ftolleaton, will goatwt the Eiccwton wit,



The Best Tea N CANTERBURY for the money, and free from any exceu of astririgency. COUNTESS 2s.



The Okhlow Biaeuit. Thf latest and moat delicate bioouit nmuftwtured bj