MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the^necessary alteration*:- THURSDAY, April 13. For Northern Ports and Australian Colo nies, per Hauroto, at 6.30 a.m. WEDNESDAY, April 19. For the United Kingdom, Continents of Europe and America, and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, etc , and also for Northern Ports of New Zealand per Takapuna, as follows-.—Ordinary letters, books, and newspapers, at 6.15 p.m. : registered letters, at 5 p.m. ; money orders, at 3 p.m.; late fee letters", guard's van, express train, at 6.55 p.m. This mail will be due in London on May 24.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THESDAY, APRIL 11, 1893 SAMOA.

It is quite evident that something will have to be done with regard to the Government of Samoa. This little kingdom is governed under a conven tion entered into by England, Ger many, and the United States, and the, chief official representative in Samoa of this triple allianco, Baron Ceder krauz, Chief Justice, condemns this system of government as a farce, and alleges that everything that is done by the consuls representing the three powers is contrary to the terms of the convention. He also asserts that the white population (who exercise the greatest power) consists chiefly of adventurers whose interests are inimical to good government. Mr R. L. | Stevenson, the novelist, who resided for a long time in Samoa, has made a very bitter indictment against the government of the islands, in its form as well as in its administration, and is particularly severe upon Sir John Thurston, the British High Com missioner: The tinge of imagination which runs through the brilliant nove list's writings on the subject precludes their being universally accepted ; but there is no romance in the account which Sir Robert Stout has lately con tributed to the Auckland " Herald " of the condition in which he found the islands on his recent visit. Sir Robert declares that Samoa has been treated with signal injustice, and that the seizure of Silesia by Frederick the Great was a small matter compared with the high handed treatment of Samoa by Germany, England, and the , United States. In the Samoan popu lation of 35,000jthere are only about four hundred Europeans, namely, 235 British subjects, 67 Germans, 25 Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians, 14 French (mainly priests and nuns), 14 Chinese, and 12 Americans, and in the interests of these the three powers have, enforced upon the natives a system of government which they hate. Sir Robert Stout believes that the natives unanimously de sire a British protectorate; but German sensitiveness has prevented this being carried out, though there are only 67 Germans in Samoa. The remacly suggested is that some form of government suited to the condition of the natives should be established, under the benevolent protection of Great Britain ; the present system is a disgrace to civilisation ana national honor. New Zealand has a special interest in Samoa, and it is to be hoped that Sir Robert Stout's calia view of the position will lead to action being taken to reform the abuses which are now so flagrant there.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr D. Sy me is appointed a Licensing Com mitteeman for the Mount Somera district-, in pl&pe of Mr W. Edaon, resigned. The Acting-Governor of Victoria, Dr Madden, has arrived at the conclusion that Young Australia is pot in love with agriculture, "Scotch whisky" made in Germany is now being largely imported into India, The wholesale price, freight included, is sixpence per quart bottle At Sydney, a few days ago, while discuss ing a fiie insurance case, the Full Court was washed out through a plug corning out of the fire tank in the roof. Two tenders were received at Christchurch yesterday for the right of pasturage for six months over 12,900 acres, the Homestead and Port Hills blocks, of the Cheviot estate, The latest statistics ac, to Trade Unions in Great, Britain showed a membership of 871,000 only as compared with about 13,000,000 work-people and 7,000,000 adult male labourers. Says the "Reefcon Guardian": "It is many years since the Reefton Jockey Club have been favoured with such weather as they have on this occasion, and the large attend^npe at yesterday's races accounted for this, At the time of the flood the women of Babylon were arrayed in he&d gear and dresses almost the same as the styles now fashionable. Thia is proved by engraved stones and monuments stored in the British Museum. Services <w Sunday in the Presbyterian Churches, Ashburton aad Wakanui, were conducted by the Rev A. M. Wright, who had been appointed by the Presbytery to declare the charge vacant. The collections were special for the church extension fund. The price of property in Hokitika (says "Kumara limes)" has V>n& down to the level at which Jay Goulds generally Btep in and buy. A property (freehold) in Revel-street, best stand almost in towo, % hich in earlier days was worth £1500, last week fetched the handsome sum of £75. Very cheap firewood. Great excitement has been created in the mining circles of the State ot Durango and throughout the northern part of Mexico by the report of the discovery of the famous Mountain of Gold, the legend of which is a household story in every part of Mexico. The discoverer is the Hon. Juan Manuel Flares, Governor of the State of Durango. The jQwgrnor has not divulged the location of his find. Last night, a-bo^fc h#,lf-past ten, Mrs A. ■! Kelly, of the Central !£<%], observed a suspicious flare in ,the shop of, Messpg Reid and Gray, immediately in rear of the hotel. Knowing that nobody was working there then, she informed ber husband, who at once went to the place, a»d found that the shop was really on fire, and the flames rising up inside pretty high. He promptly got sII the assistance at hand, and with a few buckets of water those about were able to extinguish the fire. Meanwhile the fire bells had been rung, and both engines were got ready, the curricle coming across the line to the main station, but their services fortunately were not wanted, although several of the firemen went to the scene and did what was acces sary, The police also came on the scene and lent assistance. Our TaurJ*ugacontemPorary has embarked upon a heroic enterprise. Iv a recent issue the follQvriDg&»»o«ncementappears : " One of the great social Questions of the day in the Old Country :? wne^j? marriage is a failure or not. The proprietors ot thjg paper, in a laudable spirit of enterprise", have resolved te make a practigal effort to solve, onae and for all, this wuch veiced <jue3tion. In accordance with this resolution, our editor has resolved to sacrifice himself on the altar of duty. To this end he has left jto make enquiries into the the subject down South, and when there tvill enter into the bonds of matrimony, so that he may ha abl« by-and-bye to give the result of our actual pratical test, one that so far we do not hoar has ever before been attempted in the interest? of pew»napej? i;ot?iprise,"

Before, Mr Alfred Harrison, J.P., this I morning, a charge of assault against J. Skilling was withdrawn, and on a charge of drunkenness accused was ordered to pay 153 police expenses, without Court costs. It is said that the shippers of the apples per Aorangi, which sold in London at 7a to Ms per case, aie satisfied with the result. The enterprising individuals are Birkenhead (Auckland) fruit-growers. The wheat in the North Ofcago district this year (says the " Times ") is tie finest sample that has been reaped for years, and it is expected that it wi'.l bring in the Lop don market a price fully equal to that of Victorian. The New Zealand wheat which is quoted on the London market at the pre sent time is last year's, the quality of which is anything but good. The Doric left Capetown for Wellington on Friday afternoon. The mails were not affected by the fire on the Ruahine, but the whole of the magazines and periodicals for Wellington were destroyed. She brought 100,000 saimon ova, transhipped from the lonic. It is feared that most of them will have been destroyed by the length of the voyage. Yesterday the passengers by the express had an unwonted experience. As the train was taking the northern approach of the Rakaia bridge the engine ran over a couple of bullocks, and the shock bumped a pas senger against one of the windows and smashed it, without injury to the passenger, however. The train was delayed tor a short time to get the debris of what had been run over out of the machinery of the engine. This morning, Robert E. Rollo, stay ing at the Al Hotel, Chrietchurch com mitted suicide by shooting himself in the mouth with a revolver. The bullet went through his brain and skull and into the partition of the closet where the act was committed. Rollo was supposed to be 35 years of age, and well connected at Home. He was much given to drink and was suffering from its effects at the time. Sir William Vernon Harcoqrt's Liquor Veto Bill, introduced in the Commons on February 27, provides that the ratepayers of any parish shall have the power to close the public-houses within the parish by a two thirds vote majority, and to close them on Sunday by a bare majority. The Bill has no provision for compensating the keepers or owners of the public-houses thus closed. The Bill is satisfactory to local optionists. A lecture, illustrated by lantern views on "Fiji and the Fijiana" is announced to be given in the Wesleyan Church, Baring Square on Wednesday evening, by Rev D. Jory, who was for some years a missionary in Fiji. The Fiji mission is one of the most successful missions in the history of the Chris tian church, and the story of its principal actors and events given by one who has been an active worker on the field should prove unusually interesting. At the Christchurch City Council on Monday night Councillor C. M. Gray traversed the Mayor's municipal scheme in detail, showing that his figures were wrong, and that his scheme was generally unreliable and impracticable. One or two other councillors :yho fyad been especially attacked by the Mayor at the public meeting on Friday gave him a direct challenge to re, sign and contest re-election with them. The proceedings ended without any advance being made either way. Friday's Wellington "Post" chronicles the death of Mrs Ann Ellison;, late of Dunedin and Timaru, who will be remem bered as the nurse who tended Mrs Thomas Hall through the famous illness brought about by the machinations of her husband, who is now undergoing a sentence of penal servitude for life fqr the attempted murder. Mrs Ellison lately went to Wellington to be treated for cancer, but medical aid proved unavailing. Her son, Mr John and three daughters, live in Wellington. Many people (says a contemporary) are accustomed iq sueer at Captain Edwin's weather predictions, but raking thetn all round they are probably as accurate as those of the expensive meteorological office at Home. A return of the results, of the latter for 1891-2, shows that its percentage of successful forecasts was 80, ranging from 75 per cent on the west of Scotland to 84 in the south of England. This includes partial as well as complete successes. The average of completely [correct forecasts for ten year 3 was 49 per cent; and of partial suc cesses 32 per cent. The annual " harvest home•" ball in pqn nection with the- South Rakida Working | Men's M<*»«y Club was held in the Town Hail on Tuesday last. The Committee had spared no pain!* to make the affair a complete success, and their efforts were amply re garded, the very large number of persons present enjoying themselves to their hearts' content. The hall had been nicely decorated, the floor was in splendid order, and a j number of games, such as cards, chess, dominoes, draughts,, etc, were provided. Dancing wag kept up with spirit until day? break. Mr Woofdridge, of Papaniyi, supplied inspiriting music, and Mr Pearce, of Bher» wood, was an efficient M.C. Mr G. Murray supplied refreshments, and, as usual, gave every satisfaction in his department. Messrs Gordon Holmes and C. Hardy very generously gave a splendid collection of .cut flowers for table decorations, etc. The Club have also to thank Mr Hardy for many other kindnesses. All present expressed them selves delighted with the enjoyable evening they had spent, and separated with a hope that they might have many as pleasant in future years,. Witlj last week's jgsue (No. 1101) the "New Zealand Mail" aftor a spmewh,at chequered career of twenty-two years, began a new series. We noticed in the spencb last week of the managing director of the " New Zealand Times " Company—the proprietors of the "Mail"—that it had been determined to make the " Mail " a worthy rival to tha two Christchurch weeklies, and the copy before us is a big step in that direction; it is a really first class weekly newspaper and family m^gagine, New type throughout and better paper are promised, and then the "Mail" will be second to'none of the weeklies in appearance. The contents are too voluminous to recite in detail, and we will only note some special features. Among these are the numerous illustrations in the agricultural^ ladies', humorous and news pages, the present number containing portraits of the officers who took part in the Easter encampment at Johnsbnville. Due, but not undue, prominence is given to all branches of sport, The proportion of original matter which the ■' Mail" contains is large, and the tone throughout is excellent The ''Mail" in its improved form will supply what has long been wanted, a really good weekly paper for that most rising part of New Zealand, the southern part of the North Island, while its merits will no doubt attract subscriber from a much wider field, HOIXOWAY'S OINTBIENT AND PILLS.—As winter advances and the weather becomes more and more inclement and trying the earliest evidences of ill health must be im mediately checked and removed, or a slight illniss may result in a serious malady. Re laxed and sore throat, quinsy, influenza, chronic cough, brochitis, md most other pulmonary affections will be relieved by ru£>bin# tbj§ cooling ointment into the skin as nearly as praktifcaile to the seat of mis chief. The treatment, simple yei effective, is admirably adapted' for the removal of thfcse diseases during infancy and youth. Old asthg****o invalids will derive marvellous relief from the uge of Hollbway's remedies, which'have wonderfully relieved many sucji sufferer*, and re-established health afjtifr every other means have signally failed.

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

PE& PRESS ASSOCUTJON.

Lokdon, April 9. Reinforcements of police are to be sent to Belfast. Mr Balfour, speaking at l3uo]L n; said jthafc Ulster as a last refuge could SgM the South, would be help less. April 10. Eight thousand stand of arras have Wn landed in Ulster, where forty-four corps are now drilling in secret. Stones were thrown at Mr Balfour as he was returning from Lord Iveagh's (?), hitting some of the occupants of the carriage J

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held last evening f Present—His Woiship the Mayor ( vir li. Bird) presiding, and Councillors Cuth bertson, Paul, Anderson, Flower, Jones, atd Duncan.' FINANCE. The Mayor said the debit balance ar v fcbe bank was £1016 8s lid, and from all sources o^ revenue there had been received since last meeting £141 19s 3d, of which £76 8s had been from rates, and £30 5s 9d on Domain account (rent; and firewo-d sold) j £1515s came from reserve and pound rents; £12 from minor licenses ; and the rest from miscellaneous sources. 3PIRR PLANT. The Collector of Customs wrote declin ing to remit the duties on the brass work of the recpntiy imported fire hose, the glass guages, . etc. The letter was re -1 ceived. BOROUGH ROLL. Mr Gporge Hoskin wrote stating that he had sold his property in Allenton to Mr Tasker, end requested that the neces sary alteration iv accordance with the Municipal Act be made. Mr F. B. Wilmahurst made a similar application. The matters were ordered to be attended to. THE ENDOWMENT RESERVE. Mr J. W. Sutherland, tenant of the endowment reserve at Hinds, wrote ask ing for a reduction of rent owing to the bad season.—The letter was remitted to the Reserves Committee to consider and report. QUEENSLAND RELISE 1 FUNj}. The manager of the Union Bank forwarded an acknowledgment from the Brisbane branch of receipt of the Ashbur ton contribution to the Queensland Relief Fund. The money had beea paid to .the Mayor of Brisbane. ; engineers' report. The Engineers' report dealt wholly with the work of the labor gang for the past fortnight, and was adopted. inspector's eefort. The Inspector reported that he had given information to the Mayor of the traction engine referred to at last meeting having gone down a portion of feast Street. The Mayor took the blame in this matter, and absolved the Inspector. The portion of East Screet covered by the engine the Mayor did not think made the offence very serious, but he would caution the driver not to repeat the offence. The report enumerated cases that had been dealt with in Court, and others that were to come before it. THE TRAFFIC BRIDGE. Cr Jones asked if the Committee ap •pointed at last wo ting—Crs Scaly, Orr, and Thomas —had waited upon the County Council on the eubject of lighting the traffic bridge. As neither of those gentlemen were present no reporc was given, but infor mation was supplied that the deputation had not waited upon the County Council. THE STEAM FIRE ENGINE. A canvas covering was ordered to be procured for the steam fire eugtne. THE COURT HOUS& GROUNDS. Cr Jones suggested that representations should be made to the proper authorities to ha/c thb Courthouse grounds put in something like decent order. —The sug gestion was adopted. LICENSES. licenses were granted as under—petro leum—Mrs light 5 carriers—T. Crooks and .1. Hefford; auctioneer -Fi. W. Harimer. ACQOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £92 18» were passed for payment. STREET LIGHTING. Cr Jones gave notice to move at next meeting—"That- the Gas Company be asked to light the lamps in the Borough on the second night after the full moon, in the months of June, July, and August of this year, on the same terms as the present contrac.6."

DOMAIN BOARD.

The Council sat as a Domain Board, and the Clerk reported that the Ariel Bicycle Jlub had paid the sum of £5 ss, rent of Domain for close day. He further reported that several holes in the bottom of the swimming bath would require puddling, and a few of them hid been filled up already. The Caretaker was instructed to report on how many fires were in use- in the Domain on the occasion of the late cycling sports meeting. He was also authorised to obtain some feed for the swans and teal. In reply to Mr Jones the Mayor said the Engineer had in hand the work of supplyinp; some more seats. The Board then adjourned.

BOARD MEETINGS.

SOUTH RAKA.IA ROAD BOARD.

The usual .monthly meeting was held on Thursday. Present—Messrs Lyttleton (chairman), Coster, Stringfellow, Richards, and Lambie. The Clerk's report was read and con sidered. It was resolved that the annual meet ing should be held at; noon on May 4. Messrs Coster and Larabie retire as members, and it was decided to call for nominations, to he in on April 29, and the election if required, on May 6. It was decided that a separate account of Village Settlement moneys should be kept at iheßank of Sew Zealand, and that the £278 4s Id now in hand should be placed to the account, Mr Coster was a-tlprised to draft a letter to the Goyermuo t re balance of thirds promised. It was arranged that the Committee to consider the Pound charges should meet on Saturday. A number of alterations were ordered to be made on the roll. Mr H. Kingsley received permission to make some water race crossings over roads. The Clerk was instructed to report aa to the number of chains requiring metal on the Great South road and the Main j River road. The Chairman's action in accepting a tender for formation of a por tion of the South Belt at 9s 6d per chain was approved of. The accounts passed for payment amounted to £41 10s, and the members met on cemetery business, and adjourned.

ASHBURTON HIGH SCHOOL.

The monthly mee'tiiig of the Ashburton School Board was held on Friday. ' Pre sent—Hen. W. C. Walker (Chairman);* and Messrs Williamson, Hipper, John Orr, Andrew Orr ? and the Mayor of Ash r burton, A. deb,it balance at the bank of £3U 15s 7d was reported. The Board of Education wrqte, intii? mating the re-elegtion of Messrs Andrew Orr and Donald Williamson to represent that body at the Beard. The Board declined te pay an account , - . , •J football material out of i for cricket ariu ... «—^ | the Board's funds, and reien^ furnisher of the goods to thoce by whom ' they were ordered. The Chairman reppiffced that the parents of pupils resident at 'Rakaia objected fcq mixed classes. Accounts to the amount of £49 7s 2d j were passed for payment. ' j Mr John Orr gave notice to movs at j nexb meeting thafc the question of W adjustment; of aalarie* be gonsidered.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per prkss association.]

SAMOA.

,\ London. April 9. i Mr S. Buxton, Under-Secretary for the Colonies, in answer to a question, \ refused to supply details of the instruc itions given to Sir John Thurston respecting _ his relations with Mr Stevenson, the novelist. THE QUFENSLAND FLOODS. The tdtal amount collected in Eng land for the Queensland relief fund is £9000. LABOR MATTERS. The shipping trade of Hull is entirely suspended. All the dockers, seamen, and firemen have struck A non-union ; office was wrecked, and the strength of ' the military has had to be increased, j The unionists attacked the hands en gaged in unloading the steamers, but were repulsed by the police at the I point of the bayonet. Mr Wilson and the member for Middlesbrough are try ing to induce the Home Secretary to I disarm the Unionists. j The naval authorities have been > asked to send gunboats to Hull to pro l tect the shipping interests. Mr J. H. Wilson, the member for Middlesbrough, addressing a meeting : in connection with the Hull strike, I said that it was a glorious chance to f set the seamen, dockers, and miners j aflame. Mr Wilson, the ship owner, has de clined to dismiss the non-unionists, T saying that he would prefer to remove 9 his vessels from the port. April 10. j Two gunboats have arrived at Hull c to protect the docks and other property ; in the case of an attack.

THE KING JAMES.

San JBrancisco, April 9. The survivors of the barque King James give conflicting reports as to the death of their comrades. Of the second boat's crew the captain and three men were'the only survivors. Four of the occupants, including the captain's son, died of exhaustion.

THE DEFENCES OF INDIA.

Calcutta, April 9. General Sir Frederick Roberts says that the defences of the ports of India, with the exception of Madras, are perfect, and that the frontier defences are strong. He thinks that the friendship of the princes cements the empire.

THE SITUATION IN SERVIA.

Belgrade, April 9. The militia, which numbers 40,000 favours the Radical party, while the standing army, which is J2,000 strong, supports the Government. Ex-Kiog Milan is intriguing.

EGYPT.

Caiko, April 9. Turkey is indignant at Lord Oomer's treatment of the Khedive, and it is suggested that he should be recalled. April 10. The anti-European feeling is spread ing m Egypt, and is being fanned by the Ministry, who are blocking all reforms.

DISASTERS.

New You.k, April 10. A tidal wave in Chicago river tore thirty vessels from their moorings, •^he district "was also visited by a blizzard, which destroyed two monster hotels, and levelled the panorama buildings to the ground. An awful prairie fire is raging in the vicinity of Omaha City, Nebraska. Fifteen miles of country have already been devastated, and the fire is now travelling at the rate of forty milgs an hour. Several villages are in its path and the inhabitants are in a state of terror, despairing of being able to save their homes. Vienna, April 10. Several severe shocks of earthquake have been experienced generally throughout Hungary and Servia. Houses collapsed, and many people were killed. The damage in estimated at several million francs.

AUSTRALIAN.

A HEAVY CLAIM.

Sydney, April 10. Two writs, claiming £100,000 and £40,000 damages respectively, have been issued by Broadfoot, contractor, against the Railway Commissioners for a breach of contract.

THE WINCH ACCIDENT.

Melbourne, April 10. A man named Ellis, who happened to be passing by when the winch fell from the b.uilding in Collins street on Saturday, Has died irom the effects of the injuries recgived by the flying fragments.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

I Auckland, April 10. The body of Geotge Clarko, inspector of railway permanent way between Mercer and Mokau, who had been missing since April was found in the Waikato river yesterday. Clarke had been in the Government service eighteen years. He was transferred from Otigo to Hamilton in August last. . His life was insured,, in the Government Office for £15C. » A well-known farmer in che Waikato district., John McNicoll, died yesterday in Hamilton hospital of pnuemonia, con tracted through a severe wetting Jby fall ing into the Waikato river. Deceased T7*s one of ihe largest sheep and draught horse breeders in Waikato. ' The barotiet, Sir Edwin Dash wood, wlfose death was 1 announced 'by' cable message to-day, was well known in Auck land district. He was born in 1851 in Maryborough, where his father owned a run, and for some,; years the deceased lived in the north of Auckland/working in the bush and on the gum fields, uptil he succeeded to the estates.' He was |marrjed three years ago to if \&s North, ' daughter.t>r North, of northern Wairoa. The acting AustroHungarian Consul, Mr Seegner, has received official informa tion from headquarters in Sydney that - * -<-;« n man-of-war Kaiser Elizabeth, with the Austrian Arctiu u«.^ nand, will not arrive in Auckland for some months yet, the tour in India having occupied a longer period than was ex pected.' ! ' ■*'.'" Ihe new annexe added to the art gallery to contain the pictures and" curiosities S resented to the city by the late Mr J. T. Hackejvje, wm opeuea to cUy. |v (he

"Id gallery has been placed the collection lent to the city 1«y Mr Keacle, of Kohi marama. The-e pictures, at ranged two deep, cover a wall 100 ft in length. They include works by Parmigiano, Pynaker, Algio, Plazzier, Edwin Hayes, PiHcers<rill, and Joshua Homer. i Two pictures by the list named painter, "The Holy Family" and the "Descent from the Cross," are copies of celebrated paintings by Titian and Murillo. I Wellington, April 10. A respectably d essed man, giving the name of Thomas N. Mills, was arrested to night on a charge of a number of watches in Sydney. It appears that th«* accused placed a valuable collection of gold and silver watches in the hands of a local auctioneer for disposal by auction, but t>> -mall figure the man asked for theiu uaed the suspicions of the auc tioneer, and enquiries made led to the arrest. ' < The tender of Messrs Lyon and Blair, of Wellington, for the supply of 6300 volumes of books for the Free Public Library, has been accepted. Dunepin, April 10. In the action brought by Mr Bohning, claiming £500 damages fiom the Kaitan gata Coal Company for an accident sus< tamed in the company's mine, the jury returned a verdict in favour of the de fendant company, for whom judgment wm entered up. An information has been issued against the house surgeon of the hospital, charg ing him with a breach of the Anatomy Act in permitting the removal of a body without the requisite twenty-four hours notice being given to the inspector.

THE COMMERCIAL BANK OF AUSTRALIA.

THE BANK KE-OPJfiNED.

(per press association.)

London, April 9. The " Scottish Leader," an Edinburgh paper, considers that the chance of recon struction of the Commercial Bank is an ingenious plan which will make the shares as good as gold, and has no fear of its success. It asks whether the extension of the reserve covers the depreciation, and prefers to face the loss of half the old capital than imperil the prospects of the new bank. It suggests that the capital should be £4,000,000, £1,000,000 of which to be uncalled, and would like to see the other banks advance a portion of the Commercial deposits. Sydney, April 10. The Commercial Bank of Australia re opened its branches in this colony to day.

COMMERCIAL.

(PER PKESS ASSOCIATION)

London, \pril 10. " The Times " says that the Board of Trade refn-m for March were better than for m»ny months previoufc. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following cable advice, dated London. April 7, 1893;- Frozen Meats—New Zealand mutton and lamb, the tone of the market is bettor. Prime New' Zealand Jambs are worth s|d per 1b per carcase. Beef market has an upward tendency. New- Zealand beef, forequarters are worth 3§d per lb, hindquarters 4£d per lb; other quotation-j unchanged since'last telegram. Tallow—There is little demand. Fine mutton fellow is worth 35s per cwt; good buef tallow is worth 30i per cwt. Quota tions nominal.

SPORTING.

WELLINGTON RACING CLUB.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION)

Wellington, April 10. Xhejollowing are_the acceptances :—

NORTH OTAGO AUTUMN MEETING.

Oawarjj, April IQ. The following are the handicaps for the above races:— l " Autumn Handicap Hurd,lk Race, of 35 soys one mile and a half.

THE ASHBURTON OUAHDiAM : TUESDAt, APRIL 11, 1893.



Trial Handicap, of 50 soys. One mile. st lb a t lb Prioress ... 8 0 Princess of Tuhitarata... 7 9 Whales ... 7 5 Revolt ... 7 8 Little Scrub 7 0 Cyrus ... j 6 12 Hukdle Handicap, of 80 soys. One mile and three-quarters. Aorere ... 11 7 Cyrus 11. ... 9 5. Disturbance 10 7 Timothy ... 9 5 Bide-a-wee 10 0 Oaklands .., 9 0 Jacob ... 9 9 Stewards' Handicap, of 70 soys. One mile and a furlong. Heather Bell 7 10 Stockfish ... 611 Musket ... 7 0 Legislator... 6 8 Rangipuhi... 7 0 Monte Carlo 6 7

Juvenile Handicap, of 100 soys. Six furlongs. Weatmere ... 9 5 1 Lake Shell... 7 12 Noyade ... 811 | Purepo ... 7 0

Railway Handicap, of 60 soys. Six furlongs. Wakaw&tea 811 { Prioress ... 7 g Heather Bell 8, 10 Reyolt ;.. 7 p Stranger «*.. 7 7 j Cyrus 11. . 6 J Stockfish ... 7 3 1 Legrand ... 6 7 Legislator ... 7 2 | , <; Thompson Handicap, of 250 soys. One mile. The Workman 9 5 Heather Bell 7 10 Melinite ... 8 0 Rangipuhi (inc. Thame ... 8 0 71b penalty) 7 7 Kulnine ... 8 0 Stranger ... 7 0 Krina ... 7 12



st lb st lb The Idler ... 12 10 Miss Ellen , 9 12 Rebel ... 12 4 Le Roi 11. ... 910 Effigy ... 10 13 JackHarkaway9 8 Satyr ... 9 12 Melton ... 9 5 North Otaoo Cup, of 120 soys; one mile and a half. P. Warden 9 7 Tempest ... 8 1 Crackshot... 8 9 Conjurer ... 7 6 Palliser ... 8 6 Mariner ... 7 4 \ Jtf ovjel Handicap, of 30 soys ; six furlongs. Sweep ... 8 7 Mascocte ... 7 7 Francotte ... 8 5 Dolly ... 6 12 Satyr ... 8 2 Otiake ... 6 7 Trixie ... 7 9 Flyino H*vnTC-»p «f 60 soys ; sTxTur lcngs. " -*•*- Conjurer ... 9 3 Paramu ... 712 Huguenot ... 8 8 Tangi Maid 710 KateGreena- Reflection... 7 8 way ... 8 5 Rothamstead 7 7 Captive, ... 8 3 Rondinella 7 p . Glencairn ..; 8 0 Lady Kate... 8 !? Publicans' Handicap; of 35^ soys? seven furlongs. ■, Lady Zetland 9 7 Moonlight... 7 0 Conjurer ... 9 3 Invader ... 7 0 Galtee ... 8 6 Jack ... 6 12 Exile .:; 8 4 Ulva ..: 6 T9 ,The Idler .:. 82 Puzzle .:. 6 q Paramu ... 712 Affection ... 6 9 Reflection,.; 7 8 Wenonah ... 6 7 u'Rorke .:: 7 7. Emblem ;;; 6 7 Rondiiiellai„ 7 5 Otiake ','„ 6 | Cactus ... 7 2



W" ANTED Known.— 4" Haymaker.-," Cantata will be repeated on Fridat, April 21, OddfelloW HaU Tickew, I^JResenredjeats, 23. *»1 good Grass or Turnips W for 1000 to 3000 sheep. Apply Frieplakper Bros- WANTED Known.- -Foresters. Social on Wednesd»y Evening, 12th. Refreshments provided. Double Tickets 3s 6d, Lady's Is. D. Amos, fcecretary.^ BICYCLES (Adams, Curties; and Co's machines) O«sh or terras. Christ churchprice^-l^M. Jones. —OMKK^KT~Meat MLart. TheTHdes the largest, tin best, and the cheap Mt, Small Goods a specialty. Ful weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. ~W. J. SimorK. 4tl*M \"\ ) ANTED hmJwn^loe Creams, Ice W Creams, for the hot weather, always ready at H. G. Flower's, Confec tioner, East Street PIANOS from £28 10a. Organs from £15 10a. Harmoniums, £10. Easy terms of payment.—H. M- Jones. rpHE Good Samaritan, for the imme- X diate relief of pain.— Light's Cash Jore^ __* TjMjMKOPATHIC Medicines, price JLJL Is. Solo *gent for district Light's CashjStore. _£3* ANTED Known-9£d Gloves for 4£d; 7£d Embroidery for 4£cl ; 13s 6d Summer Dresses for 8a 9d.— Mitchell & Turner. _ <* bJ> W"ANTED7 Ladies and Gentlemen to see the orand Display in the windows at "The Corner" Saturday— W. H. COTLIER.' "cTITANTED Known.—Como and see IT our beautiful Mantles, Jackets, Ulsters, Macintoshes, Dress Stuffs, etc. H. C. Segers, Melford House. X ADIES' and Children's Hats ; all the J._ new shapes for the season now opened. Prices low to suit the t:mes ;at S. W. Alcorn & Co.'s. i __ OHEAP Firewood—Short Dry Gum t Firewood, at 26s per cord ; mixed wood, 24s per- cord at Mayo's, Trevortou.-Apply Mrs James Fruit Shop.__ - C" HEAP Fruit—Cheap Fruit.- Prime Quinces for J*ra and Preservinar. Mrs James, Bast Street Fruit Shop. 2§6 W" ANTED Known.-Jackei & Dress Department a specialty. High class goods marked cheap. H. 0. Segers, Melford House. , WANTED Known.-For Jackets, Ulsters, Dress Stuff*, etc. Come to Melford House. H. 0. Segers. l"^ ISST JNickeTWHtches in the market, J3 are those at, 22a 6J and 255. Specially made for S. Salek, Jcwelier.- Guarantee with each watch. W" ANTED Known—'* The Corner "is showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing. — W. H. Collier. ' HY not Bake your own Bread when you can get SOlbs of the Best Boiler Flour for five shillings cash or five shillings and sixpence booked at Robert Alcorn s, Saunders' Buildings. 11 31 j T" "HE Misses Adams' tew Refreshment Booms now open. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Lemon Squash, Soda and Milk and all the new summer drinks ready at all times, Coleman's Buildings, East Street. _ ' j^TEW Mantles and Jackets ; immense JiS variety just opened. Prices for equal value lower than any other house, at S. W. Aicorn & Co.ls. BANG ! Bang ! Bang ! Guns ! Guns I Guns ! by the best makers and stted with all the latest improvements. Ponder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, And Cases at J. W. Hardley's, East Street. Guns repaired. ______ '\\t HO is your Plumber ? Why, J. W. VV Hardlev, 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. WHERE do you get your Ironmon gery? At Hardlkv sof course, where we get the bett value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinges, Plough j Chains, Bope, Wire Knetting, Gorse Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender ant' Fire Irons, and anything you require. /CHRISTMAS Buita. Boys, three \J garment long Trouser Suits at 15s. Boys, Colopial-made Knicker Suits from 10s. 'Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Suits 30s. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 50s.—Ashburton Clothing M*rt, . Saunders' Buildings. Robbrt Alcorn. __ _ ......._.. WANTED Known—Robert Shields, Charles Street, opposite Woollen Factory, haa 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 41 EASTER Cards and Booklets, New Games, new supply of the Zither Harps and Autoharps, New Books, Stationery, and Fancy Goods. Sub scribers wanted for our Circulating Library. L. F. Andrewes and Co, Stationers' Hall.



NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. SPECIALS. WANTED KNOWN—AII Wool Suits, 30a WANTED KNOWN — Men's Bannock 1 weed Suits, 39a 6 J WANTED KNOWN- Men's New Zealand Tweed Trousers, 9a 9rt WANTED KNOWN—Men's Trousers to measure, 17s 6d WANTED KNOWN-Boys' Guard Suits. 10d WANTED KNOWN— Boys' Sailor .Suits, 11s 6d WANTED KNOWN—Youths' Blue Jerseys, 3s 6J WANTED KNOWN"—IOO Boxes Men's and Boyb' Hats, from Is 6cl WANTED KNOWN—Men's Boots 7s 6cl, 10s 6d, 12s 6d WANTED KNOWN—Boys' Boots, 5i 6d, 6j 6d, 7s 6d WANTED KNOWN—Ladies' Boots, 6s( 6d, 7s 6d, 9a 6d NEW ZEALAND CLOTHINC_FACTOnY. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager.



STEAM CHAFF CUTTING AND CRUSHING. QeORGE OsßOßNifl Begs to announce that he ia PREPARED TO CUT CHAFF AND CRUSH GRAIN IN ANY QUANTITY He uses Messrs Andrews and Beaven's best Canterbury Chaffcutter, and their crusher with latest improvements, and can therefore guarantee giving every satis faction. Orders may be left with MR GUDSELL, Tinwald; Or. GWORGB- OSBORNE, 3*5 * Willowby.



T__)EOPLK about to marry and furnish .JL their houses, are invited to call on Pickfora A Undrill, i AT THE ASHBUBTON FURNITTJBE WAEEHOUSE, TANCRED STREET, Next Building Society. —NOW ON VIEW— Dining-room Suites in Rimu, Bedroom Suites in Rimu, Iron arid Brass Bedsteads, Chests Drawers, Washstands, Spring Mattresses. Knglish and Colonial Peram bulators, Horse Hair, Kapoc and Flock Mattresses, Duchesse and Fancy Tables, Floor Cloths and Linoleums, Carpets, Hearth Rugs, and Mats. Furniture Repaired, Restuffed, and j Repolished on the Premises. —Note the address— TANORED STBEET, Nex Building Society.



"FIJI AND THE FIJIANS." T ECTURF), with Lantern Illustrations, I j by Rev D. Joky (formerly Mis sionary in Fiji) WEDNESDAY, 8 p.m., IN ■ WKBLKYAN CHURCH. Admission by silver collection. 4 83 EVANGELISTIC SERVICES Rev. T Kpubgec* AT ODDFELLOWS' HALL •mis' KVEiviarct And Each Night this week. Commence 7.80. 4 84



iHB BJSBT BKMKDY FOB INJHGKSTION— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the •' Natural iSirengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tome and gentle aperient, are mild in their operation, and ■afe under any circumstances. Sold in . bottle*, at la H< ■» 2» 9<J, Xlß.byall m«dituw



The Best Tea IN CANTERBURY for tho money, and fr«o from any excess of astringency. COUNTESS 2s. MIS VOTE OROCBRi



IHe Best Value in Asliburtoa ■ Drapery, Clothing, & Boots IS TO BE HAD AT fi. J. NEILL & CO.'S, FRIEDIANDKR'S BUILDINGS. A Few Prints and Mu S lin7k£?7o""ba cleared AT ANY PRICE. Heavy Winter Tweeds 7£d. Check Dress Tweeds s|d. ■,■,,, New Double Width Dress Goods ll£d. flannels and Blankets for Winter-unmurtakeable Value. Two Yards Wide Grey Twill Sheeting lUd. Mannelettes 3s 9d dozen. Men's Tweed Suits 19s 6d. Men's Heavy Tweed Suit, 25s 6d. Boys' Tweed Suits 4s lid. LiKGE STOCK OF MEN'S SHIMS, SOOKS, TIES BBAOKS, ETC., OHEAP_»ID GOOO. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. w. ~^»g^&'£2!si&SE?' FOE Men's Colonial made Shooters, nailed, 8s 6d Men's Colonial made Bluchers, os Strong Leather Slippers, 8s 6d Women's Strong Elastic Sidesl6s lid. WoTF n> yOU OWANT BTHES BEST VALUE IN BOOTS GO TO ii: J. NEILL 0O M FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS ___JD^NEB L O|LEA^^ ■ 8. SALEK, Watcftttakcr, Jeweller, & Oculist. fSSZ*



I "UNMERCIFUL DISASTER followed fast and followed faster" upon the fortunes of po.-r Queensland until that unfortunate Colony id now in the most miserable condition imaginable. Gaunt famine may stalk over the land, fn m failure of the soil to give its annual increase, or from other of the many causes of that distress ; the destroying plague may be let loose and grip wita his cold hand the vitals of the young f.nd strong, leaving sorrowing widows and wwlin* orphans everywhere, and painful blanks in every household ; or the demon of war may send fire and sword over a country, and leave desolation in then track in place of smiling scenes of peace and plenty—all sad enough and sickening enough if you will; but what must be the i feeling of a whole people when they nnd their pountry covered as fche waters cover the sea, their homes wrecked and ruined, and their hopes for the futuro sunk in one mournful and inretrievable disaster? These feelings can only be imagined. And what ought ours to be in regard to the sufferers — we who dwell in the most glorious country under the sun, and enjoy such blsssings as are only enjoyed by the dwellers in a second paradise 1 Such feelinus, to be sure, as ate prompting fche thousands of meetings, and plans and organisations of the people of this Colony, to send help to the afflicted. New Zealand has come nob 1? to th« front m this matter, and her Canterbury sons have been well in the van at the 6rst cali. And we of Ashburton shall be in the front of the foremost if we belie not our past Hartley Bros., who are giving special value this month in Drapery, Clothing and Boots. J2O Dozen large Towels to be sold at from 2s 9d a dozen, Splendid white Calico at 2s lid a dozen. Dress Tweed 4s 9d a dozen. Extra largo grey Blankets only 10a 6d. Sheeting at 10M. 91 Men's Suits from 193 6d. Woollen Socks at Hid. Men's and Boys' Straw Hats, best quality, only Is. A special line of Women's Leather Shoes 6s 9d. Mens nailed Shooters now only 8s lid, worth S^" NOTE THE ADDRESS— HAHDLEY BROS., ARCADE, ASHBURTON. I



Hampton's -piURNITUBE yyAREHOUSE, fANCRED STREEr, Is Opposite Mitchell and Turner s. TRY HAMPTON'S FOR Perambulators from 22s 6d Perambulators Reversible Hoods from 35a, Patent Rubber Tires Basket Ware Chest Drawers Chairs and Tables Bedsteads Cheap Furniture All Repairs Colonial Couches Wire Spring Mattrasses BRANCH BUSINESS, EAST STREET, Below Patching's. GREAT ASSORTMENT OF CROCKERY, AND FANCI GOODS. ---2|35 CHE IP MOUNT SOMERS COAJ,. W. £ J. HAKKISS HAVING bought 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 quantitj. They have appointed MR JAMES BAKER, HAVELOCK STREET, their sole Agent, and all orders will be promptly attended to. la connection with the above JAMES BAKER, Timber Merchant, Havelock Street, solicits a share of pub3ic patron age, and is prepared to give prompt and careful attention to any orders for MOUJST SOMERS COAL that may be entrusted to 'Urn far! ewcutton. ■ 8* I



TO ADVERTISERS. ] In consequence of the Longbeach Coach leaving Ashburton an hour earlier, the Guardian will go to press punctually at 3.30 p.m. Advertisements must be at this office not later than 2.30 p.m. Ashburtou Publishing Office, April 4, 1893.



Th? Beßt Ten IN THE WORLD II yflop's Ceylon. NINIASr HYSLbP, aSb CO.', Tea Importers, 138 O»|iel •(«* Chmtchurpb,