Ashburton Guardian Magna est Vertias et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 30, 1893. THE DAVIES-MILLEDGE CASE.

The Victorian Attorney-General and Solicitor-General have recently been engaged in a very pretty quarrel over the trial of Sir Matthew Davies and Mr Milledge for conspiracy to defraud. The quarrel is one not calculated to strengthen public faith in the blind impartiality of Justice in Victoria nor the perfect balance of her scales. The facts of the Davies-Milledge cases are known to most newspapers readers, but are interesting and important enough to bear a short recapitulation. The Mercantile Bank was a financial institution born of the recent Mel bourne boom, a boom which, while it brought unexpected and unearned wealth to some, bought ruin and disaster to many more. The fictitious prosperity of the Jibur called into existence" a number of financial insti tutions, which basked in the sunshine of the ephemeral prosperity, but when the inevitable crisis came collapsed like theproverbial house of cards. Butunlike the house of cards tne collapse wag the reverse of harmless, as many ruined clients of these institutions knew only too well. Of this Mercantile Bank Sir Matthew Davies was the Chairman of Directors, and Milledge the manager. Investigation into the affairs of the Mer cantile Bank displayed its thoroughly rotten condition from the first, and showed that from time to time false balance sheets, giving a glowing ac count of the bank's position, only con cealed the operations of a huge swindle. The Victorian Government displayed a masterly inactivity in the matter, and it was only when public opinion in and out of the colony had been expressed in the most unmistake* able terms that t teps were taken to give both directors and manager an opportunity of defending in a Court of Justice their conduct in the manage ment of the bank, Milledge was on his way to England before these steps were initiated, but he was arrested there and brought back to Melbourne to stand his trial with the others -held responsible for the bank's failure. Then there occurred a peculiar incident. At the preliminary inquiry the Stipendiary Magistrate and several Justices on the Bench with him wished to dismiss the whole of the accused and end the pro ceedings where they had begun. This idea of meeting the ends of jastice was not the idea of one of the Magistrates bearing the classic name of Macdonald. This hard-headed Scotchman resisted the sudden strangulation of enquiry, and, taking the reiwhimself, heard the charges to the end and committed both Davies and Milledge for trial on a charge of conspiracy to defraud. In his speech at the cloie of a long hearing he drew a rapid picture of the rotten ness of the concern as disclosed by the evidence, and after dissecting that evidence quoted Mr Simpson, a pro fessional accountant who had testified to the back having been insolvent for two years, and so hopelessly so that all the Directors must have-bean a warp of the fact, but especially the Chairman j and the manager; yet in face of this they held on —declaring a dividend of; 8 per cent, and a profit of £20,000 when JE200,000 of known bad debts were on the books of the Company, and i only £50,000 of that amount written ! off; when £100,000 had to be obtained from other b»aks to strengthen their coin; and when Milledge, trying to obtain £40,030 from England was writing that things were critical if not dangerous. Mr Macdonald's action was looked upon with great fayor by the public, and Government in de ference to the public feeling carried on the prosecutions, or at least made a show of doing so, But riot for long. The Attorney -General, Sir Bryan O'Loghlen, did not appear to be of a mind to prosecute Sir Matthew, and the next we hear is a nolle protequi entered by him in this case, so that the two accused seemed like to be spared the ordeal of facing a'jury. But the legal powers of the Victorian Solicitor-General are co-ordinate with those of the Attorney-General, and the two officers are colleagues in the Cabinet. Mr Isaacs, who holds the former office, was not with his colleague in thui matter, wri inued, authority

for the prosecution to proceed, and then tho two gentlemen of the law strove together on this question in proper legal form. The dual wet evidently very bitter, as we find that the head of the Cabinet, siding with Sir Bryan, scolded Mr Isaacs for his con ,Juo<-, and twitted him with bidding for popularity for political purposes. Mr Isaacs silenced this attack with the legal opinion of three Crown Pro secutors that there waff a case to go before a jury, and the committal was therefore warranted. The Premier asked Mr Isaacs to resign, and he did so, but is appealing to the country on the question, and h« will doubtless be returned to Parliament again. The whole thing looks as if the men in Victorian high places were determined to B*ve two men in lofty social and erstwhile financial positions from the ordeal of trial by jury for an offence of a very serious character, and the conduct of the Ministry is bound to raise sinister suspicious in the public , mind that Ministers' own hands are not clean in this bank natter and that there are spots and blemishes to hide. Meanwhile, a grand jury in the case has been asked for from another quarter, and the question is still pend ing, but the whole affair shows a most unsatisfactory condition of things. In the present state of public feeling in Victoria, a feeling born of the finan cial upheavals so: recently experienced, it would not be easy perhaps to find a jury with minds so corapletly divested of all bias as to be able to give accused a thoroughly impartial hearing, and that may be one reason for Ministers' conduct; but whatever the reason— and non« has yet reached the colony there can be no doubt that public con fidence in the administration of Justice by the Victorian authorities will be considerably shaken by the conduct of both Premier and Attorney General.

HOME RULE.

No measure introduced in the British House of Commons during the present century has been more bitterly opposed by opponents—more enthusiastically supported by supporters—than has the Home Rule Bill. The opponents of. the Bill made no secret at all of their intention to obstruct its progress, and fight all the way, disputing inch by inch and step by step every stage through which the Bill bad to pass. In a House of 670 members it is easy to throw hindrances in the way of any measure, but in spite of all hindrances not the least serious being the want of backbone on the part of the Chairman —-a maHer that has evidently been made painfully manifest at Home, and been alluded to in the pi ess in no un certain terms, otherwise it would not have been considered of sufficient importance to cable to the colonies— the Bill has made headway at a won perful rate. The second reading has been affirmed, and the measure has made fair progress in Committee, not withstanding all the opposition offered, and the indecision of the Chairman. The clauses that give, to Ireland a parliament, and to that parliament the measure of legislative power craved by the people who ask for Home Rule, hare been carried, while Mr Gladstone has accepted an amendment which his opponents fondly hoped he would re ject—=an amendment retaining the Imperial supremacy. We have not read in any of the speeches of the Borne Rule members a desire expressed to have Ireland set up as a little inde pendent kingdom by itself, with some lineal descendant of Brian Boroimhe on its throne, wielding a sceptre that owned neither allegiance nor vassalage to Victoria the Virtuous. Nor from first to last has a word been spoken by any of the Irish members that would imply a wish for such separation. Of discon tent with British rule there was plenty, and it was loudly voiced; but this note of discord has been giviog forth its jarring sound all down tho century, and Mr Gladstone is the first states man who has taken any practical steps to bring that discordant note into tune. His key-note was certainly Home Rule, but the dominant chord to perfect the cadence was indispensably Imperial Supremacy. That being so, the great head of the Liberal party took the question for granted, and did not re cognise any necessity for a special clause formally declaring what was never denied. It was easy for him, then, to accept such an amendment aa this, and formally affirm the principle. At this point further consideration of the Bill was adjourned till to-day— not because of any check suffered by the Bill at the hands of its opponents, but simply because the House of Com mons does not sit in Whitsun week. The success of the Bill appears to have been too much for a certain section of its opponents, for w« read in the oabled account of the opening proieedings in connection with the Imperial Institute that the great Liberal leader was hooted, and that, too, while walking with the Priace of Wales. T here is no more cowardly or unthinking thing in Britain than an angry mob—especially a well dressed one; and we aro not surprised to learn that a mob of Jingoes hooted Mr Gladstone for the progress of his patriotic effort to give Home Rule to Ireland. But we were much surprised to read the ferocious articje on the subject in Saturday's "Lyttelton Times." In that article the writer says it was the duty of the I Piince to cry " Shame I" > that had he don 3so the word from hi* Royal lips would have quelled the toadies, and marked his displeasure with such treat ment of the foremost figure of the century. But he did not do so, and consequently he receives a lecture from the great organ of Gloucester street that ought, of course, to make him feel fit to surrender all Royal rights, and send a humble apology at once to the "Lyttelton fimes." We fancy the ■writer was so much out .of temper that he did not take time to remember that the Prince himself, who has not by any means been tied to his mother's apron strings all his life, and does not see eye to eye with her on every subject, has long been suspected of being a sympa thiser wi£h Home Rule as well as known to bp an ardent admit er of Mr Gladstone. How, frhen, does fie "Times" know that the hooting of jthe cowardly and unthinking mob was not directed at His Royal Highnoss as much as at Mr Gladstone ? It will l»o interesting to read the full f*cts of this incident, and these will doubtless be ■uppiwd in tiw m* »«1 Wg^

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

A Parliamentary excursion to the Cheviot in the Hinemoa is contemplated ag a pre liminary to the passing of the Cheviot Bill next session. The Farmers' Dairy Asssociation at Pal tnerston North will put up a central factory at Palmerston, and twelve creameries through the district. The milk of over WOO cows have been promised. The " Wairarapa Star " states : Pahiatua is one of the most religious communities in the North Island. Every, other resident is a member or sympathiser of the Salvation Army, the remainder being about equally divided between the Episcopalian, Catholic, and dissenting churches. Premier informed a deputation at Nelson that he would consult the Colonial Treasurer as to fche possibility of exempting building societies from Income Tax. Mi Seddon said it was an important question, and had been considered when the Act was passing through the Legislature. The "Waikato Times" says:-"We cannot remember any year in which the pastures looked so fresh and green at this alvanced stage of the season bpon on all sides the growth is considered abnormal, the grass showing a rankness and moisture more like the early spring than autumn." . By an advertisement in another column the. Commissioner ot Crowu Lands notifies the opening up of 4997 acres of Crown lands, for sale or perpetual lease, in nine blocks, of 32 acres and upwards. Plaiu may be seen at the railway stations, post offices, or at the District Land and Survey Office, Christ church,, and *h» office of this paper. ;4 The Minister of Lands, it is stated, will introduce two bills in connection with this matter next session. One will oreate a local body for Cheviot, county. The other relates to the machinery for the administration of the estate—(l) To give general, powers for the disposal of the fee simple; (2) for leasing the pastoral land; (3) to facilitate settle ment by leasing in perpetuity. In the Haast district (West Coast) there are not any sheep, and the inhabitants some 60 or 70—live chiefly on beef, aad oc casionally on fish. A visitor who was there lately tells the " Dunstan Times " that the schoolmaster in that locality assured him that he had not tasted mutton since he had come to the district—some eleven years ago. The Napier School Committee recently sent out circulars to the parents of children at school'asking whether they were to contribute to a fund for supplying the children with stationery. Out of 195 papers sent out in the. upper standards, all but nine were returned ''yes 1' and even the nine were expected to come in ; and of the total number sent out, 470, only 48 had not come in with the sign of willingness to contribute. The Swedes resident in .London in a spirit of patriotic self-sacrifice, following the ex ample of iheir countrymen at home, have decided upm a week of Belf-denial to supple ment the public money voted for the army. They will abstain from such luxuries a» sugar, wine, cigars, butter, delicacies of the table, and other forms of self-indulgence, from the hire of a carriage to a theatre ticket. Here, says the "St. James' Gazette," is an index to the condition of agriculture in some parts of the kingdom. Lately at Sud bury, Suffolk, a farm containing 530 acres of good corn-growing land, which waß sold some twenty years since for £18,000, was resold for £4000, or just £7 10a per acre—a loss of no less than 77 per cent on its original value. In the same period wheat has fallen from 58* 8d to 30s 3d, or 43 per cent. ; A widower married a uecond time, and j his choice was a wealthy lady about fifty i years of. age. When the bride and bride ; groom returned home from the wedding, the husbaud, introducing his wife to his children, said: "My dear children, kiss this lady. She is the new mamma I promised to bring you." After taking a steady look at "the new mamma," little Charlie exelrimed:' "Papa, you have been cheated. She isn't new at all." The " Bruce Herald " states that on one occasion last week the flames issuing from the burning coal mine down the Tokomairiro river were 40ft high. The fire originated in Young's miae, which abuts on the Tokomairiro Coal Pit Company's ground, and, after doing Mr Hardwick (the lessee) a great deal of damage, has now been pre vented from advancing further into the company's mine by the settling down of the surface in all directions. Before Mr Alfred Harrison this morning a Winslow farmer—his first appearance was fined £1 or twenty-four hours in gaol for having been drunk, in charge of ahorse. He had driven his horse and buggy up and down the railway line, and across the sema phore wires at the railway station, as the evening train from the north was coming in the previous evening. His Worship pointed out the seriousness of the offence,, but in consideration of its being the man's first, and the good character he had previously borne, dealt leniently with him. j*~. , ' The remarkable mildness of the season is shown (says the " Press) by a second, crop of potatoes, which was grown at Hoon Hay by the Hon £ Gray. The potatoes are of the kind known as E*rly Ruby, and were planted in August last. They matured in December, and wete dug up. A few'tubers remained in the ground and grew, produc ing a second crop. This crop is now taken up, and weighs a much as five to the pound. Two crops of potates in nine months are seldom if ever heard of in this part of the colony. In terms of a regulation made April 5, supplying arms to nativee of the Western Pacific Islands is prohibited, and British subjects wilhin the Western Pacific Islands shall not give, sell, or otherwise supply arms, ammunition or explosive substances to any native. Upon vessels trading to these islands the arms must not exceed a gun or rifle, and a pistol to each ot the crew with one hundred rounds of ammunition for each, nor must the, vessel have more than her complement of cannon tr swivel guns neces sary for defensive purposes. *r i At the wind up of the Waipatu " Parlia ment " on Friday week, when subscriptions were invited to defray the expenses of those who were about to return home, and also towards finding kai for the next gathering, Mrs Nepi te Apetu and Paora Ropiha, both Waipawa uatives, between them placed the sum of £140 on the table. One could wish that such generosity might be better directed. Cannot something be done to open the eyes of the nujve people to the wrong they are doing themselves by hold ing these meetings, and by watting their substance in practices that can only injure and help to annihilate the remnant of a noble racs? . ' In reference to the manslaughter case i against M. S, Ridley for leaving bis cart unattended, thereby causing the death of Mrs Heath, J»dge Denniston ion Monday said that if the Grand Jury found that the accused was guilty gf technnical man slaughter it was got for them to decide the degree of moral guilt of the accused. There was no doubt that a man leaving a horse and cart unattended and thereby causing the death of any individual was guilty of technical manslaughter, but, as he had pointed out, the degree of moral guilt was not for the Grand Jury to decide. Ultimately the Grand Jury threw out the bill. The Ashburton Rifle Corps paraded last evening at the drillshed for in spection by Colonel Fox, Comman dant of the Forces of the colony. Lieutenant Colonel Bailey and Staff Ser geaht-M^jor Jones were also present. There was a full muster of the corps, every member being present, and Captain Dolman was in > command, Lieutenant Hayes also on parade. The company was opened out, and Colonel Fox closely inspected the men, their uni form, arms and accoutrements; The men werp than put through the manual, firing, and bayonet exercises, and various company novements by the officers and noncommis sioned officers of the corps. At the conclu sion of the drill, Colonel Fox expressed him self highly pleased with the form shown by the men, particularly in the manual exer-

CABLE SUMMARY.

A. Nihilists' Club lias been unearthed in St. Petersburg. The German Emperor attends the Cowes regatta in August. The Parnellites are appealing for funds to prevent the ruin of ihe party, The Mexican Government is nego" tiating for a loan of two* and a half millions. A goldfield covering 900 square miles is reported to have been dis covered at Wuntho, in Burmah. ■' Reports from Uganda represent the country as again unsettled, the Pro-1 tentants and Catholics being in conflict. The African liner Conway Castle has been wrecked off the coast of Natal. The crew and passengers were saved. The Paris correspondent of "The Times" says that Count Mountebelle is to succeed M. Waddington as French > Ambassador in London. | The " Daily News " describes Lord ; Salisbury's tour as a pilgrimage of hate, which proves the arguments of the opponents of Hope Rule are exhausted. The London County CoudcU refuses to join in the city present to Princess May on the 'ground that it was not first consulted. . Lady Wolverton in tends to present.the Princess with the Combe Warren estate. The hostility of the native Egyptian Press to the British, which so far has been unchecked, is causing some anxiety, as it is feared the natives will believe the Khedive approves of the sentiments expressed. The "Observer," referring to the expedition of the Dundee whalers to the southern seas, says they report seals and whales to be abundant in the Antarctic. It expresses a hope that the Australian colonies will see their way to send a scientific expedition to that ocean. A partial holiday was observed on Monday in Sydney in honqr of the arrival of Sir R. Duff, the new Governor of New South Wales. An immense crowd thronged the route taken by the carriage, and a most i cordial reception was given him. | Lord Salisbury, speaking at London derry, denounced the autonomy pro , posals as the greatest danger that ever threatened a great nation. They ' would reduce the power of England in the Councils of Europe, and introduce a rule of priests, animated by traditional hatred of their opponent*, who would terrorise the people of It eland by threats of punishment in the future world. A manifesto is placarded in Berlin, which is attributed to the Govern ment, declaring that' peace is uncer tain, and that France and Russia are merely waiting for a chance. Owing to the undying hatred of the Germans, French invaders, according to the manifesto, may be expected to forget the dictates of humanity, and leave the country in ruins. The Triple Alliance would be unable to prevent the devastation of Germany in the face of a coalition between France and Russia.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wellington, May 29. The Registrar General having sent to the Chancellor of the New Zealand Uni versity a protest by Drs Cahill and France on behalf of the Wellington branch against the medical diplomas issued to three candidates from Dunedin, S?ir j. Elector has replied that there is a mis apprehension. The candidates passed io all the branches but surgery. In that the two examiners disagreed, and in conse quence there was no other course but to appoint fresh examiners and hold another examination. This was done, and the candidates duly passed. Sir J. Hector points out that diplomas under the Uni versity charter bear on their face a state ment that the graduates have passed the requisite examinations and are strictly registerable without further inquiry. As, however, the matter is of great import anco, he supplies the above facts that there may be no misunderstanding. In response to an advertisement for a ' messenger at £2 2s a week, the city cor poration received 185 applications. It is stated that Mr Butler, at present land purchase agent, is about to be ap pointed a Judge of the Native Land Court. His place as land purchase agent is to be filled by Captain Mair, at present interpreter to the House of Representa tives. Government propose to aek the sanction of the House to whoever is appointed to succeed Captain Mair being available as an interpreter for the .Native Department or Native Land Court during the recess. Mr Butler will take the judgeshio rendered vaoant by the retire i ment of Judge O'Brien. A special session of the Wellington Diocesan Synod has been summoned for Wednesday, to elect a successor to Bishop Hadfield. : ' The returns of Income tax for the year 1 ending March 31 last, which were required to be sent in by May 31, will be received until Wednesday, June 14. The income returns, both from persons and companies have to be made annually, not trieanially, as the Department states is the prevalent belief. Wbstport, May 29. The Premier and three hundred excur sionist* proceeded by train at " 30 to-dny to open the Mokinui exteu i -a of the Westport-Ngakawau railway, i'orty visi tors came up from Greymouth to assist. A drizzling rain interfered with the function. The Premier delivers anaddress in town this evening.

Boom and Collapse.

A story—it seems to be. a true one— reaches us ("Moneyand Trade") from the River Plate. It goes to show the extraordinary difference existing between the value of land at one time and another in new countries such as the Argentine i Republic. It also shows the extreme danger of investing money in landed property abroad, except at a period of undoubted depression. Some fourteen years ago there was a boom in .Argentina, and during its height; a tract comprising 1414 " squares," in Lomas de Zamova, | was sold for four million dollars of the, 1 old emission. On May 1, 1887, this section was put up to auction, and realised 338,000 dollars, the purchaser being Don Pedro Gartlan, who, in his turn, sold it to a syndicate shortly afterwards for a little over two million dollars. The syndicate resold it to the Banco Construc tor for a higher sum still. Next the laud was transferred to Dr Ortiz, who sold it for five million dollars to the Company " Argentina del Riachuelo," who issued shares upon it to the value of 11 millions. According to the " Review " cf the River Plate, this same land was again coming under the auctioneer's hammer, the reserve prim bring 400,000 dollars wily.

CHERTSEY.

(FHOM OUB OWN COBEESPOXDINT.) The agitation with regard to the swim mingbath seems for the present to have dropped. The Government have not replied to the requert to hare their «rant located on a particular site, and to nothing further nan be done until their deoiaion is known. Our dul&ess hat been somewhat enlivened by one or two innovations lately. Un fortunately one dance was not a suooe« owing to the wet evening. As it had been already postponed those assembled proceeded to amuse themselves, and this they did fairly well with the help of Mr J. Curtis' rousing music. The school children's social evening was very successful, and it is to be hoped that some others will follow Mr Toddsexample, and put their ihouWer to the wheel to pro vide amusement during the winter months. I am plesued to hear that the ladies' clnb is likely to become popular in this respect, and rumor has it that they intend shortly to entertain their gentlemen.friends at* social. This dub, which was formed lately, is a step in the right direction. *nd I wish it every- bucctjs. So far the ladies have been in the habit of meeting weekly, discussing matters in general, and amusing themselves with games, etc. I hear that each member has to give a five minutes speech next meeting, and as gentlemen are " tored," I 1 intend to try and get admission si a repre sentative of the '• fourth estate." The railway authorities are at present running our station with a stationmaster alone. We look upon this as an insolt.to pur importance, tor we pride ourselves upon having one of the best paying stations on the line. I must give them credit, however, for asphalting the jplatform-a very desirable improvement. While writing abbnt station matters I should like to ask if then is any particular reason why the express should whistle while passing the station. To those on the platform it is painful in the exr treme. Hemmed in by the station and shed as we are we get the full force of the shrill scream, and our ears suffer for some time afterwards. What is to prevent the whistle being given fifty yards before the station is entered? As far as I can learn the only use of the whistle is to blow out the station lamp, which it generally does. This will give jou some idea of the strength of it. We had a visit on Saturday from the Rakaia school boys who came up aooom , panied by their master, Mr Thompson, to pUiythe local boys' football team. They were rather strong for our lads, however, and scored twenty-seven points to nil. Mo- Nair, Harvey, and Shannon played well for the winners, while for the losers several dis tinguished themselves at times, noticeably J. Shannon, to whom fell tbe bulk of the work. The ladies entertained the boys at tea after the match, and the visitors de parted well pleased with their afternoon's outing. Ibe first monthly meeting of the new school committee was held on Saturday evening. There were present Messrs Childs (Chairman), Oakley, Scarlett, Lukies, and Dunlen. It was decided to call for tenders for cleaning the school for the next year. When the Board's consent is obtained m stove will be erected in the porch so that it can be used as a class-room. The secretary was instructed to write to the Board and request their assistance in putting up a new fence in the front ot the school and school house. Mr Scarlett and the Chairman were appointed a visiting committee to see to some small matters that wanted attention.

The Misses Albu.

On Friday and Saturday next the music loviog portion of the Ashburton people will have an opportunity of hearing two young ladies, who, in the words of the "Sydney Morning Herald," "as finished singers are bead and shoulders above anyone we have heard in Australia at the present time, and we do not thiuk we are eu ogising them too highly when we wy that they are nearly, if not quite, the finest sopranos that have erer visited our shores " The company finished a very successful season in Dunedin, and at the last concert at the Garrison Hall, nearly 1300 persons were present. Speaking of the ladies' performance on that occasion the "Otago Daily Times" says: —•« The audience that was attracted was a large one, and was, moreover, a decidedly musical one. That the entertainment provided by the company was hngely appreciated was unmis takeably shown by the fact that nearly every item was followed by demands for an encore. Each of the visitors very favorably impressed those present who had not had the advantage of hearing them in any of the three concerts held last week in the City Hall, while many of those who bad attended one or other or all of the previous concerts indicated that they had derived \uy considerable pleasure from doing so by patronising this entertain ment also. It is unnecessary to further dilate upon the merits of the Misses Albu as vocalists—these have' been fully reoognised and highly eulogised by the most competent judges who have availed themselves of the opportunity of hearing theiadito, and the expressions which might have been heard falling from the lips of last night's audienoe as they left the hall would, probably have been regarded as absurdly extravagant by any person who had not had the pleasure of listening to the singers." . The box plan is now open at Mr H. Friedlander's.

The Old Iron Kings.

The death of young Baird at New Orleans the other day has (aays the London correspondent of the Leeds " Mercury ") revived many stories of that relative of his who many yean ago, to the surprise of all who knew him, endowed the Church of Scotland with half a million sterling. The. day alter the gift was made known, Mr Bairi was met in the streets of Glasgow by another great iron* master, Mr Merry, M.P. for the Falklrk Burghs, and the conversation which followed between them showed that both of them knew more about pis iron than Scripture. *• Why, Baird,* 1 exclaimed Mr Merry, " they tell ma you've given half a million to the Kirk. I didn't know you were a religious man. I'll bet you five poundsyou cannot repeat the Lord's Prayer." The story goes that Mr Baird accepted the bet, and immediately began to recite the metrical version of the twenty-third Psalm, upon finishing which Mr Merry said, •• Well, 1 didn't think you could have done it," tnd handed over the money. Once, upon buying an estate which included a castle, which con* I taiued a large room fitted up as a library, .. it was represented to Mr Baud that the shelves ought to filled i with books. He accordingly gave ian order to- Messrs Blackwood, the eminent publishers, whose representative said, *' I suppose, Mr Baird, you will have the books bound in morocco ?" " Morocco ?" exclaimed the benefactor of ?he church, ** no, they most all be bound in Edinburgh 1" Mr Merry ran his friend 'very close in matters of this kind, and, knew much more about the Racing Calendar than the Pentateuch. Onoe, when being heckled during an election, a man suddenly shouted from the gallary, "What is Mr Merry's opinion of the Decalogue V The candidate, turning to his agent, whom he always kept handy at such times, asked " What on earth does the fellow mean by the Decalogue 7' The agent explained that the man probably meant something about Sunday trains and - Sunday travelling, upon which the can didate replied to his questioner as fol lows :—" I beg to inform my friend in the gallery that so far as I am concerned I would abolish the Decalogue altogether."

tfHE ASMUtttOJS GUJABDIAN: TUESDAY. MAY 20, 1898.



Waned. _ ANTED, Two Hundred Paeons for cash. Apply Central Ho^L W"~" ANTED at once, an experienced General Servant. Apply to Mm A. Fi»d, Cox street. Ashburton. 5*25? O' I STEPS shut up in sacks like served hones are never fat. Try Whw ikotoh's, Burnett street. _ . _ TF you want two hours' enjoyment To _L morrow Night, go to Social in Primitive Church. One shilling e»ch. 5 SKM ANTED Known-Fir»t Class Watch Repairing at Grainger's, feast Street. s*gg WANTED Known. —T. Hoflw having commenced Bacon Cunns lie will have a good supply of Pori 8au«««s, Pork Pies, etc., fresh made very day. * a _g BEST Brooch Pin 3d, at GRiiNajsß/H, East street. __J™l TTSE H. GrTiowßß'a Sulphur Tablets, U Cough and Eucalyptus Drops, and ■top coughing. TjiIREWOOD for Sale at 15s per Cord. -E Apply to the Custodian, Ashburton Domain. _„ °J± Tl T ANTED, Clocks to R»P«* *J W •■Qnnronft. Bast street. 6«23C -FT HE Good Samaritan, lor the imm* X. diate relief of pain.—Lioht'b Oa^ Btore. * ■«! H' AYE you seen the New diippers at MrrcHtix and Twksrasf 4U£ HAVE you secured some of our warm Slippers for children, Is ?— MITCHBLL AWP TT7KWKR. * 148 PIANO Tuning and Repairing. Our Toner, Mr ChaVaway, is now in Ashburton, Orders promptly a^®"^ to.—H. M. Joi«s. 6 f I3 W"~ANTED~kNOWN.—S. W. Alcom aad Cos. premises will be dosed tomorrow (Wednesday), Re-marking Stock for sale on Thursday. Li EAT HERS Cleaned, Dyed, and P Curled. Ladies' and Gentlemen's GlotdS Cleaned. — Misses Hitchcock, Stafford street, Timaru. ~\ * / AiSTKD Known.—Warm Slippers W for mothers ;Is9dto 2s 9d per pair. —Mitchkll ampTurher. 4 150 C\7ANTED Known—Jacket & Dress *▼ Department a specialty. High class goods marked cheap. H. 0. Swwrs, lielford House. ,' SokI&RSET Meat Mirfc. Tha oldest the largest, tha be»t, andthe cheap •at. Sra*U '^Joods a specialty. Ful weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. —«7. J. SaoocK. *t!B2 WANTED Known;—Vor Jackets, Ulatera, Dress Stuffs, etc. Come u> Melford House. H. 0. Sgq»Rg. ANTED Known—"The Corner " is showing a maKnincent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing. —W. H. COLLIKR. ____-_« __ VITANTED Known—A»j>rew Oar h»w TT opened bis new premises with his First General and Grand Display of Ladies' Jackets, Fur-lined Cloaks, Milli " nery, Carpets, Boots, etc.—Ahdrrw Ob*; 6 19 BANG I Bang! Bang I Guns I Guns I Guns I by the oest makers and Itted with all the latest improvements. Powder, Shot, Caps. Cartridges, Wads, and Oases at J. W. Hardwt's, East Street. Guns repaired. nftHß MnsM. Adams' new Refreshment A Rooms now open. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Lemon Squash, Soda and Milk and all the new summer drinks ready at «11 times, Goltman'i Buildings, East Street. • HOMEOPATHIC Medicines, price Is. Sole agent for distriot, Lwht's Cash Store. 2 34 ANTED Known—W. H- Couuer'b noted four clasp Kid Gloves, 2s 6i, have just arrived in all sites. ITTANTED Known.—Como and see ▼ » our beautiful Mantles, Jackets, maters, Macintoshes, Dress Stuns, etc. H. O.S«QKRS, Melford House. WANTED Known—Great Banmins in Ladies' Underclothing, Milli nery, MantU-a, and Jackets ab S. W. Aiooßir ft Qo.'a Compulsory Sale. j CHEAP Firewood—Short Dry Gum Firewood, at 26s per cord; mixed wood, 24s per cord at Mayo's, Trevorton.—Apply Mrs Jambs Fruit Shop* £_• C A\7 A liOGRN &"CO.'S O* VV • J-JL Oompulsor/ Sale. Flannelette at 3d, Dress Tweeds at 3|d, Kid Gloves greatly reduced. "14/ ANTED Known— Hakdlky Bros. YY 'are sailing Women's Leather Shoe* 4s lid; Elastic Side Boots, splendid quality, 4s 9d; Leather Slippers only 2s lid. Call early and purchase them.— Hardlet Bros. 5 141 ASTER 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. Andrkwes, and Co, Stationers' Hall. - TT7 HO is your Plumber 1 Why, J. W*. YY . Habducy, 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. T3EBT Nickel Watches in the market, J3 are those at 22s 6d and 255. Specially made for S. Salkk, Jtwelier. Guarantee with aach watch. WHERE do you get your Iron moo gery? At Hakdietb of course, where we get the beat value, in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinges, Plough Chains, Rope, Wire Knetting, Gorse Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender am* Fire Irons, and anything you require. WANTED Known—Robert Shields 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', Sounders' Buildings, will be attended to. 3 4 INTER Suits. Boys~~three garment long Trouser Suits at 15*. Boys, Colopial-made Knicker Suits from 10s. Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Haiti 30s. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 50s.—Ashburton Clothing . Mart, Sawders' Buildings. Robert AumRW. SALVAGE, ex Ruahine, Blankets, Shirtings, and Flanellettes nothing the worse, but which the extra insurance on my othor goods will enable me to sell less than u-uml prices, and as they are direct from the Manufacturers any one wanting ought to secure a supply at once. -•oRoBBRT ALQOBir, Saunders' Buildings The Oxsxow Biaouit. Th« latest and - sßott delicate biscuit m*wrfaotttred by AsAsibfDok sad Ck> ' ': • ' I



X} 11 K. —B* order ot tlie Mo. rt" dC/JL-LO* gagß©3* ne acre w^a Cottage thereon, being sections 523, 624, 6SI, 532, situated between Harland and Grove Streets, Tinwald. Mast be sold. T. BULLOCK. r "~ [A CARD]. MBS A. O. "oi- A.RIOGKB, TEACHER OF PIANOFORTE <fc ORGAN, COX STREET, ASHBURTON. TERMS ON APPLICATION. 3 2 NEW ZEALAND j Clothing Factory,! WltffEß 1893. BAIN. BAIN. RAIN. WATERPROOF COATS WATERPROOF COATS WATERPROOF COATS LEAVE your measure at the Factory. Over 100 patterns to choose from. OIL GOATS OIL COATS OIL COATS From lOs 9d. LEATHER • LEATHER LEATHER Try the NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY for your NEXT PAIR of BOOTS. KP You will Save IS per cent. BLANKETS ... ... 10a 9d RUGS 7s 6d FLANNELS ... ... 1» per yard NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY - . . AND Waterproof Manufacturers. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager. ■ : '■ y -for WEDDING PRESENTS, BIRTHDAY PRESENTS, & PRESENTATIONS . L . INSPECTION is invited of the very JL choice and high class Stock of S?- BALEK, 1 WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER, AND OCULIST-OPTICIAVS AGENT. A very large stock of Electro Plats 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. g^* Special attention is devoted to the Watchmaking and Jewellery repairing depart meat. With the extra assistance obtained, work is turned out promptly. LOWEST CHARGES, CONSISTENT iWITH SOUND A^D RELIABLE WORKMANSHIP. S. SALEK, WATCHMAKER & JEWEIiLER



UNYIELDIJN^ FACTS. G. J. NEILL & CO. r\WING TO THE DULLNESS OF TRADE THIS, SEASON we have become ( ) considerably OVKR-STOCKRD. In order to Reduce, we are offer n« BBAPEIY 1H CLOTHING AT UNHEAKD-OF FHICEB, Beimr only » *o* *»• *» *™*™* we bT no old StOck- *"**"* NEW* New Winter Dress Goods, 4a lid per d<*. New Whiter Dress Goods (extra value), 6M j£kS£S^^£B™&™& COMPETITION. Flannelette*, 3a 9d per &H Heavy Twilled Flannelette, ojd ShOALICOES 4iND SHEETINGS, MARVELLOUS LOW PRICES. 36in Wide White Calico, $s lid per do 7. Men's Tweed Suits, 19» 6i Men's Heavy Tweed Suits. 25s 6d Boys' Tweed Suits from 4s lid __ . - m. ». nr «j«fnl Men's and BW Hate, Shirts, Braces, Mole Trousers, Ties, *0,. Wonderful Value. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. . Everybody's Trouble is-Where can we pret the BEST BOOTS for the LEAST MONKT'TBe. ■/ neiu_j co;s. AU. OTO BOOTS *%^«™ggS£S£*i GIVE SATTSrACHON. Ladies' Strong Show, 4s lid Ou^WoiSflteOTg Elastic Sides Boots, 6s lid, positively give from eight to twelve months' Wear V \ Men's Colonial made Shooters, nailed, 8s 6d Men's Colonial made Bluchers, 6s - The Best Pegged Heavy Watertight* in New Zealand »tl3s6d TRY omßOyl' and GIRLS' SCHOOL BOOTS. Q. Jw Neill & Co., FRIEDLANDERS 1 BUILDINGS, CORNER OF EAST STREET AND MOORE STREET, TJBRMS— CASH. No Discount. OUR MOTTO—Small Profits and Quick Returns. STEPHENS BROS, Market House. —JUST LANDED — 150 Cases Kerosene. Light of the Age. -*■■■■ ■ ' • - . ' AND MOO €asea Zurilte Kerosene. Best Oil Procurable. AS there is a possible rise ia the price, we would advise our Cub. tomers to make EARL.V PURCHASES. Stephens Bros?, Market House.



(\rj ACRES tor Sale near Pendarves tj { School. Easy terms. T. BULLOCK. HINDS PUBLIC DIP. BROOKE'S /LSHPUBTON. DIP. CHEBTSEY PUBLIC DIP, /^vWING to the Delay caused by the wet weather the Charge will still be One Penny per head until FRIDAY, May 18^ after then lsd per head. CM. Brooke, ASHBURTOa. T. GRAIN 1 GEE, WATCHMAKER, COLEMAN'S BUILDINGS, East BLreet, Ashburton, ANNOUNCES that he has Commenced the Business of WATCH AND CLOCK BEP AIRING, At the above address, and in soliciting patronage would intimate that he has had twenty-five years' practical experience in. some of th« best shops in England, and can guarantee satisfaction with aU work encrusted to him. 5§227 Hardley Bros. HAVE OPENED THEIR FIRST SHIPMENT OF WINTER GOODS. WHICH HAVK 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 FOKGET TO CALL AND SEE THEM & COMPARE VALUES. We are selling a Splendid Drees Tweed at6jd. . ■ ' All Wool, double-width Dress Tweed, only Is lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. Our Boot Stock in 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, FUBS, RIBBONS, LACE, Etc. Come and Secure Arcade Straw Hats, lntest shapes, only Is, only a limited number left. Splendid Fd- Collarettes, only 3s 9d. THESE ARE GENUINE BARGAINS. HIRDWrBROS, ARCADF.



FOB BALi E, The Following IMPLEMENTS, NEW LAST SEASOtf. IMcSWry PRTLL, 16 c >ulter. with broadcast attachment 1 Cambridge ROLLER, Sted Cannieter and Chain & arrows -| Portable HUT, a firar cl wb one -i Set DISC HARROWS, ten feet 400 Gallon lIiOK TaNK» wilh Up F. FERKIMAN. 5 148 [& CAED.]: jyj- IS S -g ER G, DRESSMAKER, Ac, CAMERON STREET, ASHBrTKTON- X o^ THE GENERAL ELECTION. REGISTER! REGISTER!! IjIORMS of CLAIM to VOTE can be obtained at the office of the Mail and Guardian. «r ■ v



NOTICE. ; Our advertising clients and the sub oribera to the "Mail" and "Guardian" are hereby informed that Mr J. C. Bkll late Deputy Official Assignee in bankruptcy has been appoints canvasser and collector for the Ashburton Publishing Company Limited, ia the plage of Mr H. W. Barrett. Mr Bell will visit the country districts shortly, of which due notice will be given. Ashburton Publishing Company, May 1, 1893- ■ . .



Holloway's Pills and Ointiiikt.— Bilious affections with all their ooaoomitant annoyances induced by atmospheric changes, or too liberal diet, should be checked at once or serious consequences may ensue. When anyone finds his ideas less clear than usual, his eyesight dimmed, and his hpac} dizzy, accompanied by a disinclination for all exertion, physical or mental, he may be quite sure that he is in immediate need of some alterative medicine. Let him go at once for a box of Holloway's Fills, a mild course of which will remove the symftomi, and speedily renew his usual healthful feel .ing. If the bowels be irritable, Holloway's Ointment should b# diligently rubbed over the stomach and liter every night a*) morning. i ■