MAIL NOTICES.

Mails dose for th« following place* as under, «übject to the necessary alt«ations :— SATURDAY, MAROH 25... For Napier, (direct) per Kawatin, at *t3.30 a.m. _ ' . . . For Northern Porto, per Penguin, at 0.80 p.m. late fee letters, guards van 6 55 p. m. . For Australian Colonies, and also lor United Kingdom and Continent of fcurope, ••via Brindisi," leaving Melbourne on ■ April 11 ; and per Orient BteAmei, leaving Melbourne April* specially addressed corres pondence only 15.30 p.n*. ; ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Aorangi, sailed February 16, due London March 31. HOMKWABD—SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Nfcxt mail leaves Febluary 25, due London March 29.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1893. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

By a fire yesterday afternoon a seven roomed house at St. Albans, Christchurch, owned and occupied by James Keogh, black smith, together with the furniture and a shed with lta contents were totally destroyed. The insurances are — the house, £200, and furniture, £100, in the London and Liver pool and Globe; and shed £40 in the Com mercial Union. The Rev Mr Herman, of Wanganui, is carrying things with a pretty high hand. The sequel to the aciion of his parishioners at Upokongare in Uking up the cause of his lay reader, who assisted the Dampiere, is that the rev gentleman refuses to allow bcrvice to be conducted in che church unleas he is present himself. The parishioners have appealed to the bishop against such arbitrary conduct.

l'hc unemployed held a meeting in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, yesterday afternoon, when fifty men attended W. Powell, the Chairman, said they were not satisfied with the reply received by the Mayor from the Minister of Labor, and mast insist on having work provided near Christ church. A resolution was adopted calling upon Government to immediately put some work in hand to provide for the starving un employed who put them in office, as it is far better to give work toj people than to hoard up money for a surplus. Powell said the men would meet every day at three 0 clock till Government put some work in hand for them

Continental foresters are a^id to be view ing with ill-concealed delight the reckless destruction of the American forests. The {,tocesß of cutting down goes on infinitely aster than that of replanting—where any body dreams of replanting—and experts like Mr C. S. Sergeant and Sir D. Brandis now say that in ten or thirteen years there will be a timber famine in America. As 1,000,000 acres of forests are needed to furnish the railways of Europe alone with sleepers every year, owners of timber pro perties on the eastern side of the Atlantic are accordingly looking'forward to prosper ous rimes.

A correspondent writes :—" A pleasing incident in connection with the departure of Mr A. Protheroe and his family from Waterton appears to have escaped your notice. On Sunday, Febuary 26, before afternoon service at Waterton Church, the Rev Mr Farley, incumbent, addre : sing the congregation, said he had a pleasant, though at the same time regretful, duty to perform. It was to present a parting gift to Miss Protheroe, who had for a long lime acted as organist on alteraate Sundays, and had always been punctual and faithful in (Us chatge of the duty. He then on behalf of the incumbent and officers of the church, with their best wishes for her future happi ness, presented Miss Protheroe with a hand somely-bound Bible and Church Service, adding some further appropriate remarks.

An intetesting discussion on the relation of the Bankruptcy Act to piece work took place in the Supreme Court at Tirnaru on Wednesday. It was sought to establish the right of on« Hugh Brosnahan to have paid . in full as a preterential claim, what he had earned by digging potatoes, under the free and ordinary agreement of so much per bag, the contract to be terminable at any time. The claim was opposed on behalf of the Assignee on the ground that the creditor was a contractor, not entitled to the privilege accorded by the statute to wage workers. Judge Robinson ruled in favour of the applicant. This caße decides half a doaen other claims of the fame kind against the came estate, and is of interest to men who undertake this and other work on con tract conditions. The first m eting of the creditors in the estate of T. W. Maude, late of the firm of Harper and Co., was held yesterday. In the course of his statement the debtor siirl he held a share in the firm of Harper and Co., and owing to the liabilities in connec tion with the firm had been compeled to file, more especially concerning the account current with Scott, of Levuka, and Harper and Co. His own liabilities were under £130. He did not know the liabilities of the firm, but they were very heavy. He had known for the last six years the firm was in financial difficulties, but had been informed by Mr Leonard Harper, that it only required patience and good manage ment to pull things round. His shares in the " Lyttelton Times " were held subject to a mortage for £1397. A long discussion eusued, and finally it was arranged that the meeting be adjourned till Wednesday next. On Monday (says the Oamaru " Timea') the New Zealand and Australian Land Company shipped by the Hautoto for Sydney twenty pure bred Lincoln rams. This is the first shipment of sheep from this dis trict to Sydney since the Australian ports were opened recently to this class of stock, and it is to be hoped that Australian ports will remain open to this one of our products ; although the fact of sending thia class of BtooL^ Australia will undoubtedly have the e^ct of enabling our neighbours to bet ter cope with us in the.frozA meat trade. The sheep are a splendid lot, from the com pany's Moeraki estate. The New South Wales Act is particularly stringent in its provisions. The sheep had to be dipped, the part of the steamer where they are to stand had to be washed with carbolic acid, and a veterinary surgeon and the local sheep inspector had to give clean bills of health. . . , There haa been a disputation going on be tween the southern farmers and millers (reports a contemporary) and it has reached the point where the gage of battle la thrown down, or rather where one party pullß his coat off, and invites the other to tread on the tail of the gaiment. The Taieri farmers think the Dunedin mil lers are net offering a fair price for wheat, an<l threaten reprisals. Several of the wealthier of the Taieri settlers have threat ened to starve the •millers out, and the modus operandi» this :~They will advance at 6 per cent on the security of the grain to those farmers who have emjagements to meet, the grain to be atorad in the formers barns, etc! The wheat will be then held back till the price demanded—3s to 3s 3d— is obtained, and if either of these prices is nob offered miller* will have to import or close their mills. Of course this is com nletelv ignoring the iufluence of the Home market on prices, but.that is a question outside the range of the present dispute. No doubt i f the southern farmers are bent on carrying out their determination they can do 80-Tething. for notwithstading the floods to which the Taieri has lately been subjected, there is still a good deal of wealth on the Plain, Developments will be anxi ously watched for. . . The unsophisticated Maori is frequently minted He is "all there" in the bush > 2nd can find a straight path out of tin forest when a white man would walk in an interminable circular round, and fail to find an Lit But when he has to deal with the open piaio, and take habitations and made roads for his guides, he is aa much in the dai kas a white man in he bush, or as help leas as a motherless lamb. The Fakeha Maori, who has spent his life with the native and acquired his habits is quite is as helplees, An instance of - this occurred on Wednesday. A local resident, going to to the polo sports, mefca lilted trap just past the Canterbury mills, The drjrer was a little old gnome-like Pakeha Maori, and behind were a Maori man and boy, and a loading of luggage. The driver asked how far it was *o Ashburton, and was told his exact position. He expressed his doubt of the information by remarking that hehad to ko through Dromore yet, and wanted to know how lar that exceeding great city was from the great centre of the plains The superior intelligence of the polo-bound settler ultimately let the true light into the Pakeha Maori's napper-pan, and the pro cession jogged along to their camp But it was somewhat of a joke to find that the natives under their pakeha guide had come right tWgb Prpmore without knowing it, and on Vtb&boW of what will one day be the capital of tava.i P°M»WO, «i «he former lords of the soil Styled the bo#th Island, looked for the great railway junc tion where the passengers by the evening train, in cold, hunger, »mithirst-especially th-rst—had to wait a solemn, sad, and not always sinle?" half-hour for the express to

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PKR PKKBB ASSOCIATION.

A" COMPLIMENT TO NEW ZEALAND.

London, March 21

The Association of Chambers of Commerce has, by a majority of 33, rejected a proposal for reciprocal trade with the colonies. The Hon. A. J. Mundella, President of the Board of Trade, in addressing the Chambers, said he was glad to see that Australia was gradually recovering from the depression, and stated that the way in which New Zealand had paid her debts was marvellous. GAMBIA. News from the West Coast of Africa states the French have hauled down the flag in British territory. THE DE OOBAIN CASE.

London, March 22

Mr De Cobain, formerly M.P. for Belfast East, was found guilty and sentenced to a year's imprisonment.

PANAMA.

Paris, March 21,

De Lesseps and Bloudin, in whose case extenuating circumstances were added to the verdict, were sentenced— De Lessep3 to one year, and Bloudin to two years' imprisonment, to run concurrently with the previous sen tences. Baihaut was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with loss of civil rights, and fined three quarters of a million francs (i 30,000). DAHOMEY.

The Note published by the French Government states that in return for the Gatling guns the Dahomeyans sup plied the Germans with slaves intended for work on the Cameron mountains.

THE BANK OF ROME.

Rome, March 21.

The Parliamentary Committee recom mend that all transactions with the Banca Roinana be stopped. The cash deficit of the institution is £1,000,000.

CANADA AND HOME RULK Ottawa, March 22.

A crisis is impending in the Domi nion Parliament because of the pro posal to pass a vote of censure on the lion V. Clarke Wallis, Commissioner of Customs, for having delivered a speech in which he upheld the stand taken by the people of Ulster against the Hfoiue Hale Bill.

AUSTRALIAN.

LORD HOPETOUN'S OPINION. Sydney, March 22.

Lord Hopetoun, who has returned from his New Zealand tour, is greatly impressed with the resources of the colony, which, he believes has a great future before it, there being an abund ance ot solid prosperity ahead.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, March 22

A seaman of the Miowera, named Alexander McNab, a single man, aged 36, while oiling a gin this morning fell down to the bottom of the hold, a dis tance of 50 feet and was feirfully mangled. When taken to the wharf McNab was still alive, though insensible, but expired before medical aid arrived. His »kull was factured and the brains protruded, his left leg and thigh broken, two ribs broken, and his left hand lacerated. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

A meeting of Natives was held to-day at Ruatoke in che Uriwera conn try, when the action of the Government with re gard to the imprisonment of the Maoris sentenced for obstructing Creagh's survey .party was considered. At noon, Creagh and a party of nix men started for a trig station known as Tekawa. They had not proceeded far before they were attacked by two women, Nohowhata and Ripene, 11 the presence of a hundred natives. The theodolite had been left at the camp, but the tripod was wrested from one of the survey party and taken away. Last Friday a girl, sixteen years of age, named Margaret Recce, of Cnehunga, mixed forty-cwo matches in a cup of water and drank the solution. She died this morning. The cause is said to be religious melancholia.

Napier, March 22.

Lady Glasgow addressed a crowded meeting in St. John's schoolroom this afternoon, on the aima and objects of the New Zealand Mothers' Union, and it was decided to establish a branch of the Union here.

Lord and Lady Glasgow visited the public schools and hospital. His Excel lency also visited the Working Men's Club, and spent the rest of the afternoon on the Bowling Club's green. The Harbor Board has determined to make an effort to get a remission of duty on the new steam tug and dredge. If it had been steamed out no duty would be payable, but it was brought in sections to be put touether here, and something like £1000 is claimed as duty.

Wellington, March 22.

The session of the Oddfellows was resumed this morning. . A deputation was appointed to wait on the Government on general matters of interest to the Order. The question of centralisation of sick fund was further adjourned until the 1895 session.

The following officers were elected for the Grand Lodge, 1.0.0. F., American constitution.:—Grand Master, Bro J. Burchell, Auckland; Deputy Grand Master, Bro F. Wills, Wellington ; Grand Secretary, Bro Eeid, Dunedin; Grand Treasurer, Bro Alexander, Dunedin. The lection of Grand Warden was held over until to-morrow.

At a meeting of flock owners a resolu tion was carried affirming the desirability of establishing a flock stud book for stud sheep of different breeds in the colony. Pastoral Associations throughout New Zealand are to be asked to take the matter into consideration

Mr Mestayer, of Sydney, who whs ap pointed engineer to carry ojit the drainage scheme /in Wellington ht»s arrived. Directly the plan of operations, is depided upon wprk will be commenced, both with necessary surrey and laying of pipes ; funds to be provided out of.the provi sional advance of £40,000 secured by the corporation and which will probably be expended before the end of the year. The United District Charitable Aid Board reconsidered yesterday's decision to cut down the vote for the Wellington Benevolent Society, it being alleged that the action was ultra vires under section 59 Ind 60 of the Act of 1885. A conference is to be held at an early da'e between representatives of all th« Liberal and labor bodies in the city in order to secure unanimity of action in the interest of thn Liberal cause, &t the forth coming general election. ' The Minister of Marine has made fresh arrangements for conducting the exami dations for masters' and mates' certifi cates. The Collector of Customs will in conduct written «j»»u»tiQW *t

all ports. For viva voce examinations Captain Robinson (harbormaster at One hunga) will act aF the port of Auckland, the prefent officers at Wellington, IVfajor- General S'r Arthur Douglas at Lyttelton, and the C< Hector of Customs at Dun* wlinjt A siving of £350 per *unum will k.e effected by this airan»ement. / Ditnbdin, March 22.

At the Lvid board Mr Maitland «aid that rbe Minister of Lands had been advised th'tt ie was aot considered that; section 16 of the Liud Act of 1887 affects the pr.H'i^irm requiring th<s holder of a perpetual lease to take advantage of. his purchasing right before twvlve.years after the commencement of the lease. All that the section does ia to allow the holder to complete improvements and to otherwise comply with the licence or lease within a shorter period than that fixed by the Land Act Amendment Act, 1885.

The labour party's platform which is being circulated for suggestions or appro val, contains sixteen planks providing for giving the vote to every adult after one month's residence for Parliamentary, municipal, and all local beard elections ; all education co be free and secular, from the primary schools to the university, with one set of books ; the State to find employment for all who want it on the co-operative principle ; a statutory eight hours and the prohibition of foreign labor under contract; repeal of the conspiracy laws; compulsory arbitration; State batik ; elective governor ; abolitiou of the Upper House, substituting a revision chamber ; drink traffic control to be led by the people, a majority deciding whether the exinting licenses shall be renewed. At the Supreme Court yesterday Bowerman Bros sued a Waiwera settler for the value of the " Picttiresque Aflas." A plea of misrepresentation w»s set up. Mr Justice Ward accepted this view, hold ing that there had been grievous mis representations, and gave judgment for defendant.

CHEVIOT.

ADDITIONAL NOTES.

There were in the season 1891-92 2734 acres under crop, including 801 acres wheat, 323 acres oats, and 1585 acres turnips and rape. Strange to say the statistics for 1889 show about three thousand acres more than in 1891-92 to have been broken up The production of grain for the years 1889-92 srasas follows : —1889, wheat, 6 acres, 240 bushels; oats, 70 acres, 3000 bushels. 1890, wheat, 10 acifls, 350 bushels ; oats, 140 acres, 3009 bushels. 1891, oats, 250 acres, 7500 bushels. 1892, wheat, 801 acres, 20,040 bushels ; oats, 260 acres (not including 63 acres cut for hay), 10,250 bushels ; bar ley, 2) acres, 400 b-s'ela. This season the wheat is said to imve only averaged 9 bushels per acre. The Cheviot estate is now being sub divided into nine blocks, and tenders are being invited for leasing the pasture rights over them for eleven months, and fur the homestead and agricultural blocks on the Waiau and Hurunui where the land is under cultivation, for six months.

Profes or Hutton has pronounced some ore brought from Cheviot to ac good iron pyrites, of which there is an immense quantity on a portion of the estate, which the professor Bays will be very valuable for the manufacture of sulphuric acid if obtainable in su<;h large quantities as he m informed exisi there.

There is plenty of limestone on the property, and a lime kiln has been built and produced a good article for either building or manure. A quarry ol tirstrate building stone has also been opened out, bub it is not accessible enough to be of practical value at present. Sod or cob huts will have to be the residences of the settlers until roads are made and building materials can be delivered on the ground more cheaply.

The new settlers will find a cemetery ready for them. Several burials have been made in it. It is situated near Port Robinson, and cne of the first works the liovernment should undertake is the fencing of the spot. It is at present in a very neglected state.

As some indication of the sort tf fences there are on the estate, it may be mentioned that the fence on what in known as the St Leonard's Boundary, about twelve miles, cost £4500. It is of eight number four steel wires, the standards also of steel with footplates every eight feet imbedded in concrete. Readymoney Robinson did not intend that anybody should shift his boundary fence !

The estate would not benefit much, in the meantime at anyrate, by railway corn mutiication The line would pass the north-western part of tho estate—that point nearest the Waiau township and bridge. This poiat is about ninety miles from Chritttchurch—say ninety-five miles from Lyttelton. Tho rate for grain for the latter distance is 12a 5d per ton ; the steamer rate from Port Robinson to Lyttelton is lOa per ton, and the bulk of the land suitable for grain growing is nearer to Port Robinson than to where the railway would be. Wool, ninety-five miles, per rail, in 7a 4d per bale; the cost of cartage from woolshed to Port Robin son and steamer to Lyttelton, for the Cheviot dip, was 2s 6d per bale. The existing roads from the homestead to the port can be improved for very little (com paratively), and with well-formed arterial roads through the rest of the estate there will be no difficulty in getting to ship or market anything that settlers can produce that cannot walk there,. and the cost of transit will not eat up fcha whole value of the produce as some of the advene critics of the purchase hay« declared would be the case. The Minister of Lands has in view the subsidising of a steamer to run regularly between I'n-fc Robinson and Lyttelton f'*r the firsb yew <>t the settle ment of the estate.

It; h not yet decided how the land shall be dealt wi<h. This will have to be decided by the Cabinet, and from liins heard it is quite on the cards rhat in the Bill dealing with the purchase which will have to be brought before Parliament next session power will be taken to deal with the property in a special manner.

With regard to the scaicity of water, the Minister of Lands, in conversation with an Ashburton farmer, spoke of sink ing experimental bores at different points on the estate for an artesian 1 supply.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON-THURSDAY.

(Before Mr 0. A. Wray. R.M.) Interpluauer.—H, Zander v Martha Gibson, £6110s lid. This was an inter pleader summons issued by J. B, Gibson, claiming certain furniturp seized by the plaintiff in the aboye aption. Mr Cuth bertson appeared for J. B. Gibson ard Mr Purnßll for H. gander, The claim' ant's case was that he purchased the fur niture from the Mercantile Finance Com* pany, who held a bill of sale over it, and evidence to this effect was given by Mr Russell, Manager of the Company, and Mrs Gibson. Mr Purnell contended that the Company had given Mr Zander leave to distrain, and were therefore estopped from selling to Gibson, and could not give him a better title than they themselves had. Mr Purnell called Mr Zander, who gave evidence in support of this conten tion. After counsel addressed the Qourt His Worship gave judgment for Gibson with costs. , Civil CAaES.-The following unde fended cases were decided in plaintiffs! favor*—Mitchell and Turner v Vincent, £3 14a; Elston y Fitaroy, IQs-wifcfc

COMMERCIAL.

Adding? ton feitoek Market

Christchubch, March 22

The weather for to-day's Aldington market was unfavorable, a high wind < milking things unpleasant. The attend ftuce was god, and the business done fairly brisk. Entries in all classes were numerous, about 16,000 sheep being yarded. Stoke Shbkp—A very good entry of all sorts, all sound mouthed sheep, met with ,geod competition. Merino wethers (nought up co 8s Id ; inferior sheep were not easy to quit. Kat Lambs —Large entry, in spite of wMch no drop in prices was recorded, ufood sorts Bblling .up to 12-i 61 and 13s, butchers being the principal buyers. Very few were sold for export. Fat Sheep.—Owing no doubt to the very large yarding the sale was some what dull, and prices suffered a drop of 6d per head on last week's prices. Fat Cattle.—A small entry for any thing of really good quality; prices were higher than last week. Good steers sold at from £6 to £7 17s 6d, averaging up to 21s per 1001b. Store Cattie.—Medium entry. The , quality was inferior, and nearly all were sold at a drop of from about 5s to 7j 6d per head on last week's rates. Young cattle were not sought aftevand the sale was anything but satisfactory. Pias.—Pigs were well represented and late prices were well maintained.

Ashburton Markets.

MESSRS MILKS AMD CO., LIMITED.

Messrs Miles and Company, Limited, re ported on the weekly stock sale held at the Tinwald yards on Tuesday, March 21 :— The largest market of the season was collected at Tinwald on Tuesday, all the yards being occupied. The auction was protracted until a late hour, as buyers acted with much hesitation, apparently wishing to defer purchasing until the Fair to be held on Thursday. The result was an easier market for all de scriptions, but more particularly in the lowest grades of lambs and merino wethers. Entries in the butchers' pens were only limited, and freezing Bheep were aIBO in small supply, owners being doubtless aware that the factories are fully occupied with present orders. The majority of freezing lambs entered had fair enquiry at late rates. The following prices were obtained during the day:—Fat crossbreds, 12s 9d to 143 ; stores, 7« to 12s 6d ; merino wethers, fat, 7s to 8s 6d; stores, 3s 9d down to 2s 3d for a large line of backward sorts. Cross bred lambs sold at from 5s lOd for sm*ll descriptions up tG 11s 7d for good sorts In breeding ewes, crossbreds of good quality and sound, changed hands from 13s to 13s 9J; secondary and inferior lots making 12s down to 6s 9d. The entry of merino ewes of good sorts was not large, sound mouthed and in fair condition bringing 6s 9d to 7s 2d ; old sheep selling at 2s to ss, according to condition. Our entries totalled 2816 sheep, of which we disposed of the following:— 47 crossbred lambs, 8s; two-tooth cross breds, 12s 9d; 29 crossbred ewes, 10s; 138 lambs, 10a lid ; 2 Lincoln rams, 1£ guinea; English Leicester ram, 3£ guiueas; 11 cross bred lambs, 10s ; 340 meririo ewes, 2s 9d ; 185 crossbred ewes, 6s lOd; 356 crossbred lambs, 10s 3d ; 301 crossbred lambs, 9s 3d ; 134 crossbred lambs, 10s Id; 247 crossbred lambs, 10s 18d ; 22 crossbred ewes, 10a 3d.

IRRIGATION.

Writing on the subject of irrigation, the " Australian Agriculturist" says, " Victoria now waters 25,000 acres of land, and the testimony of Mr Deakin is that, wherever the Victorian Govern ment is able to bring irrigation to per fection, the land has been in some cases doubled, in others trebled, and in others quadrupled in *" value." As regards the Australian continent, it avers that owing to the unreliable nature of the rainfall, especially in the interior, irrigation is absolutely neces sary to successful husbandry, and that " there is possibly no subject which more deserves immediate and profound attention, nor one on which the future of Australia, both as regards pabtoral" and agricultural pursuits, so much de pends as the conservation and utilisa tion of waters now wastefully allowed to flow to the ocean." Except that we are better off in this Colony in the matter of rainfall, every word of this might have been written of New Zea land ; for we are fully persuaded that the productive power of a great portion of the Colony would be enormously enhanced by a thorough system of irri gation. It would be taking a very low basis of calculation to assume that for every head of sheep now carried on the Canterbury Plains there could be carried two if the land were abundantly supplied with water; but if our readers will think for a moment what an enormous difference that would make to the volume of our exports of meat and Vool —to say nothing of the pos sibilities in connection with the ex tension of dairy farming—they will see at a glance how immensely it would accelerate the progress of this part of the Colony, and improve the position of our flockownerg and farmers. True, irrigation works on a large scale, such as those proposed under the scheme of the County Engineer, known as the " Lavington scheme," mean a large expenditure of money : and this in its turn means taxation. But we are convinced that for every pound a farmer was called upon to contribute in this way he would reap a return of many .pounds; and that therefore the expenditure would prove to be very highly remunerative. This can indeed, we think, be demonstrated so plainly that not only would opposition be over come, but many who are now dis inclined to support such a scheme would become its active adherents; and we confess to a feeling of disap pointment that the County Council, which at one time took the matter up with vigour, has apparently for some time past lapsed into apathy thereanent. : For all that, we feel sure that a majority of the Council still believe in the great benefits which would be de rived from a thorough system of irriga tion, and, if that be the case, then we would point out that the experiences of the present season with regard to grain-growing are just such as would strengthen their hands if the matter were again pushed forward, as there is now a general conviction that if farming is to be made pay in this part of the Colony, there must be a change in methods, and perhaps also in articles, of cultivation or production, to enable which to be successfully carried out an abundant water-supply is an absolute necessity.

Ashburton Industrial Building Society.

A meeting of applicants for shares in the above Society was held in the Arcade Chmiibtrs last night, when there were about sixty persona present. Mr H. Zander, Chairman of Provisional Direc toi s, occupied the char, and, after calling upon the secretary, pro tern, Mr J. 0. Duucan, to read the advertisement calling the meeting, explained the oljecLand principles of the proposed Society. In the not place, it was a system of compul sory saving. The subscription of Is per week per share was practically money chat would otherwise be frittered sway; but that in th- Society would be Accumu lated tiil it reached the respectable capital of '. 150. In the second place, it was a sy^dn that materially assisted borrowers—a olas* to which in this country nearly every one was com pelled, or found it advantageous at some period or other, to belong. The combined subscriptions of the members as soon as they reached the sum of £300 became *n " appropria tion," to be advanced on satisfactory security to some member. The loan was for twelve years, and was repayable at the rate of £12 10s per year without in terest, so ihat the peroon obtaining this loan would by payments ot a similar amount as would be required to pay in terest on an orainary mortgage, abso lutely redeem his property. Then when every member had had hid loan for twelve years without interest, and had repaid his principal, the Society terminated by re funding to the subscribers the total amount of their subscriptions, £150 per share, plus the profits made. The profits arose chiefly from the bonuses paid for each alternate appropriation which was sold by the Society, the other alternate appropriations being disposed of by ballot. Further details of the working would be best obtained by the reading of the rules, which he called upon Mr Cay gill to do. J

Mr Caygill then read the proposed rules, afcer which it was resolved that the rules as read be adopted, and that the bociety be registered forthwith. Messrs H. Zander, J. Heseltine, J f Scaly, W. Mitchell, T. Scaly, A. A. fcooks, W. J. Silcock, D. Macpherson, J. Gudsell, G. W. Andrew*, C. Reid, G. H. Bryant, P. O'Connor, S. B. Nelson, L. Cawsey, and J. W, Baker were nomi nated as directors, and on a ballot being taken the first nine were declared duly elected.

Mr C. Braddell was appointed share* holders' auditor. The Chairman announced that the first fortnightly pay night would fall on the hrsc Monday in April, but as this was a holiday the payments would be taken on the Tuesday at Mr Duncan's office from 7 to 8.30 p.m. The Chairman also announced that already 240 shares had been applied for. A hew-ty vote of thanks was passed to the provisional directors, and the meeting terminated.

At a meeting of directors held imme diately afterwards, Mr H. Zander was elected Chairman ; Mr J. C, Duncan w^s appointed secretary and land broker to theSouietyj the Bank of New Zealand at Ashburton were appointed bankets; and all necessary arrangements were made for the printing of rules, etc.. Sb that the Society can start operations at once.

United Fire Brigade Association.

ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

[per press association.]

Wanganui, March 22.

A motion by the Hawera Fire Brigade was lost, that in future 25 per cent of the net prcceeds of all demonstrations held under the auspices of iho Fire Brigade Association shall be paid into the Fire Brigade Association account, the same to be devoted towards the reducing of the annual subscriptions of brigades. A committee—consisting of ax-President Smith, Captains Burger, Michael, and Hall ; Engineer Winter ; Treasurer Robinson ; and -Secretary Robins—was appointed to take into consideration the. whole question of the maintenance of brigades. A long discussion ensued concerning the proposed rule that " Should any mem ber of a brigade, while representing it at the Association, act so as to bring ridicule or disgr^e on it, the executive shall have power t<* suspend the brigade to which such member belongs." Eventually an amendment- was carried, giving the executive power to compel a brigade to fine or suspend the offending member; in event of the brigade declining, they be suspended from all privileges of the Association.

It was decided that the Association be represented by a delegate at the English Fire Congress also at the firemen's meet ing at Chicago. A benevolent fund is to be inaugurated. " -

The ex-president, Lieut. Smith, read a paper on "The Maintenance, Control, and Management of Brigades," in which he advocated maintenance by municipal bodied. The paper was ordered to be printed and circulated among the members of Parliament. The Committee appointed to report on the conduct of the Gisborne ttrigade, found that the offensive remark* made at the banquet last year and attributed to the Gisborne Brigade, were not made by them, but also found that the members of the Gisborne team were associated with several members of other brigades in disorderly behavior. The report was adopted unanimously. A moticn by the deputy from Rangiora, for the payment by the brigades of a capita tion allowance to establish a fund to pay delegates' expenses at the Conference, was lost. A motion by Lieutenant Shaw (Gore) for the adoption of * patent spanner for testing joints in the compe titions was passed. Ex-Presi<J«at Smith was appointed the Association's delegate at the Chicago Exposition and at London. Secretary Cummins ( Wanganui) brought forward an invention by Harwood, of the Wanganui Brigade, for timin? com petitions by electricity, and on behalf of the inventor offered to have models submitted to the Executive free of cost. The offer was accepted. It was resolved to register the Association's seal under the Trade Marks Act. The action of the members of the Wellington Brigade, in catting improper reflections on the pro bity of the Association's Secretary, was severely commented on by nearly all the delegates, and a committee was appointed to wait on the Wellington Briga.de for an explanation. The Secretary's action was endorsed by the meeting. Owing to the difficulty the Brigades experienced through non-registration, it was resolved that the Executive should enquire into the matter of the registration of the Association under the Friendly Societies Act, and report at the next annual meeting. The debate on the subject of the main tenance of Brigades was concluded to night, when the recommendation of the Committee to send a deputation to the Conference of the municipal delegates at Wellington to urge them to push forward I the Bill for Parliament was adopted. It was also decided not to admit the fire police or salvage corps to the privileges of the Accident Insurance Association; ' Notice of motion for to-morrow was given 1 that a committee be set up to watch the proceedings' of the Bill oc the Main*

THE ABHBUBTK)fI GtAKDIAJN: THCTRHDAY, IkARCH 23, 1893.



Note—Direct Mail Service to United Kingdom—There will be no departure of direct steamers on March 30 from the colony, bat the Ruahine and Tainui will both leave | Lyttelton on April 22 next. Wanted." W" ANTED Known.-Fur Jacket, Ulsters, Dress S^ffs, etc. Come to Melfordjloußo. H. 0. Sbomm. CXTANTED Known.- Come and see ▼▼ our beautiful Mantles, Jackets, Ulsters, Macintoshes, Dress Stuffs, etc. H. C. S«o«KS,Melford House. WANTED Known.—Jacket & Dress Department a specialty. High daw goods marked cheap. H. 0. Skgeks, Mdford House. GIbNERAL Servant Wanted. Apply Mn Skosrs Melford House. 3 160 \A * ANTED Known -That neither the VV recipient of the telegram giving the result of ihe first two races at Napier Park ycEterday, nor the individual who subsequently backed the winners of the Mid "two races rwceived or will receive any payment from either of those whom they favored with their patronage, ti 159 LOST —Tennis Hat, between liomam and Tennis Ground : initials L.B. Finder plaase leave at Bank of Australia. 3 157 W" ANTED Known—Ttckek & Bjsan are buyers of Oats, Chick wheat, and gcod second-hand Sacks.—Tucker ajjd Bbaw, West Street. 3 151 WANTED Kuown—lce Creams, Ice Creams, for the hot weather, always ready at H. G. Flowjbr's, Confec tioner, East Street. S~OMBRSET Meat Mart. The oldest the largest, tin best, and the cheap «t. Small *?oods a specialty. Ful weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. _T J. liloook. 4t182 WANTED Known-Robbrt Shiblps, Charles Street, opposite Woollen Factory, has commenced Dyeing and Cleaning Ladfes' md Men's Garments. Blankets and Woollen Goods Scoured Moderate charges. Parcels etc., left at . Mrs Adams', Senders' Buildings, will bf attended to. 3 41 npHE Good Samaritan, for the imme- X diate relief of pain.— Light's Cash Store. 2 33 UMifiOTSfaiC Medicines, price I j la. Sol* agent for district. Lie Ht'b Cash Store. 2J4 ANTKD Known-9|a Gloves for 4£d; 7£d Embroidery for 4£d ; Vjs 8d Summer Dresses for 8s 9d.— & Txjbnbr. 3 S2 W~"~ ANTED—Purchaser* ior Bargains n Summer Dresses, Prints, and Delaine*, Sunshades, Ac. at S. W. AUJORK and Co's Sale. (^HEAP Firewood—Short Dry Gum ' Firewood, at 26a p«r rord;, mixed wood, 24s per cord at Mnyo's, Trevorton.-Apply Mrs Jambs Fruit Shop. _ CHEAP Fruit—Having bought Mr Mayo's orchard, I o*n bell Fruit cheaper than any one in town. Jrders may be left at East Street Shcp.— MrsJamks. 2§6 WANTED the Public to know that S. W. Alcorn and Cob Summer Sale it now on. Great Bargains in Millinery, Underclothing etc. W ANTKD, Ladies and Gentlemen to see the orand Display in the windows at "The Corner" Saturday. - W. H. Cotlibr. BEST Nickel Watches in the market, are those at 22s 63 and 255. Specially made for S. Salkk, Jeweller. Guarantee with each watch. ANTED Known—'* The Corner " is showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing. — W. H. Collier. •■ WANTED Known-Andrew Orr has Bemoved to the Old Town Hall for one month, during tho re-building of his premises. Drapery, Clothing, and Boots greatly reduced.—AuDßiW Orr. 2§104 THE Misses Adams' new Refreshment Rooms now open. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Lemon Squash, Soda and Milk and all the new summer drinks ready at all time*. Coleman's Buildings, East Street. BANG i Bang ! Bang ! Guns ! Guns ! Guns I by the best makers and fitted with all the latest improvements Powder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, and Cases at J- W. Hardlby's, East Street. Guns repaired. FASTER Cards and Bookleis," Mew' j 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 Cm, Stationers' Hall.' TIXHY not Bake your own Bread when vY you can get 601bs of the Best Roller Flour for five shillings cash or fi>e tOiiJHj'gs and sixpence booked at Robert AtcoßN s, Saundere' Buildings. 11 31 "\ i ; HO is your Plumber 1 Why, J. W. -" "" W Habdley, who is a Manufacturer of Ppouting, Ridging, Steel Gutters, Baths, Sinks, Tanks, etc., and who has on hand the large -t atock of Pumps and Pipe in town. _ WIIKUH/do you get your Ironmon gery ? At Hakdlbv sof course, where we n«t the bet>t value in Sheet "" Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinge?, Plouch Chains, Rope, Wire Knetting, Gorse Knivet., Spades *nd ForkH, Lamps, Fender "ti- 1 Fire Irons, and anything you require. t iHul-STMA* buita. Boys, three \_y gHim«nt long Trouser Suits at 15«. B.«ys, Colynal-made Knicker Suits from 10s. Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Huits 30. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 50s.—Ashburton Clothirg \Uvt. Saunders' Buildings. Robbki: (Alcorh^ 1 * The Most Tea IN CaSXERHURY t^r thj money, and i tl . f fiom »ny excess of asttingency. COUNTESS 2S,



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS, SQustei- Encampmeut, Camp Blanker, ®/O Camp -Riur,. ■• • New Overcoats in Man's, Youths', and Boys'. New Waterproof Coats, Meas, Youths', and Ladies'. Made to I measure. One hundred patterns I to choose from. Hats. Hats. Hats. The Largest and Best Assorted Stock we have ever had. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS -NEW GOODS ARRIVED— Prices that will astonish the people of Ashburton. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY AND WATERPROOF MANUFACTURERS. ALEX~HENDRY, j Manager.



U.S.S. CO. l|PPj 0.5,8 CO. UNIOJS STEAMSHIP COMPANI OF NEW ZEALAND. STEAMERS SAIL iwom LYTTEL TON AS UNDEB: For Wellington—Monday, Tuesday, Wed nesday, Thursday, \nd Saturday. Nelson—Tuesday and Saturday. Auckland—Monday and Thursday. Sydney—Every Second Thursday. Dunedin—Tuesday and Friday. Melbourne—Tuesday. Excursion Season commenced on November 1. Rerlused fares over all the Company's lines. For particulars apply to * MILES & GO., LTD., Agents for ishburton ADVANCE TINWALT). C. Hawkln* IS now Opening in his New Shop, a very Choice Assortment of Goods, consisting of BLANKETS, WOOLS, FLANNELS, FANNELETTES BOOTS AND SHOis, AND ALL KINDS OF DRAPERY, At Prices that challenge these of any Draper in Ashburton or Christchurch. The fteotmaking Department is in charge of a first class workman, secured in order to make this branch of the oUßl ness a special feature, , 1 The Best Tea IN THE WORLD II yslop's Ceylon. | NINIAN HYSLOP, and CO., 1 Tea Importers, l? 3 Ca&hd street, ChlilUhureh..



The Best Value in Aslilmrton IN Drapery, Clothing, & Boots IS TO BE HAD AT (?.«/. NEILL & GO.'S, FRIEDLANDKB'S BUILDINGS. A Few Prints and M^inrlStTba cleared AT ANY PRICE. Heavy Wintefr Tweeds 7jd. Check Dress Tweeds 5Jd. ■ New Double Width Dress GcodiH^d. • Flannekand Blankets for Winter^unmistakeable Value. Two Yards Wide Grey Twill Sheeting HAd. llannelett.es 3s 9d dozen. Men's Tweed Suits 19s 6d. Men's Heavy Tweed Suits 25s 6d. Boys' Tweed Suits 4s lid. LARGE STOCK OF MEN'S SHIRTS, SOC^S, TIES, BRACES, ETC., BOOTS. B0OT& BOOTS. «r l--a n««™ii«<l in BOOTS WE BUY for CASH, and WE SELL FOR We stand Bmall profiM and quick return s. Men's Colonial made Shooters, nailed, 8s 6d Men's Colonial made Bluchers, 5s Strong Leather SHppers, 3j 6d Women's Strong Elastic Sides 6s lid. WTF n lOU°W^T BTHE BEST VALUE IN BOOTS GO TO G. J. NRILL and CO., KRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS __CORNER OF EAST AND MOORE STREETS. ASHBURTON. rpHE WATCHMAKINoTaND JEWELLERY REPAIRING DEPARTMENT 1 is now very^omplete in its arrangement, and having (in consequence of th« iWrea ed bUßineL) obtained the additional arista nee far U«> J£ Jambs Wilson (from Bryson and Sons; watchmakers, Edinburgh), Cuatomers can ralv on their woik being done promptly and satisfactorily. , PLEASE NOTK.-A ,pe»i.J future of th« aepMrtog Department» wort:turned 8. BALE X, Watchmaker, Jeweller, & Oculist. °S£'.r"



"UNMERCIFUL DISASTER followed f*bt and followed faster" upon the fortunes, of port Queensland until that unfortunate Colony is now in the mofet miserable condition imaginable. Gaunt famine may stalk over the land, fri 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 wa hng orphans everywhere, and painful olauks in every household ; or the demon of war may fcend fire and sword over a country, and leave desolation in their trick in place of smiling scenes of peace and plenty—all sad enough and sickening enough if you will j but what must be the feeling of a whole people when they find their country covered as the waters cover the sea, their homes wrecked and ruined, -and their hopes for the future sunk in one mournful and iuretrievable disaster 1 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 aa are only enjoyed by the dwellers in a second paradise 1 Such feelin.s, to be sure, as are prompting the thousands of meetings, and plans and organisations of the people of this Colony, to send help to the afflicted. New Zealand has come nob'y to the front in this matter, and her Canterbury sons have been well in the van at the first call. And we of Ashburton shall be in the front of J the foremost if we belie not our past j ; hißfory. ' : SO THINK Hardley Bros., who are giving special value this mouth in Drapery, Clothing and Boots. 120 Dozen large Towela to be sold at from 2a 9d a dozen. Splendid white Calico at 2s lid a dozen. Dress Tweed 4s 9d a dozen. Extra largo grey Blankets only 10d 6d. Sheeting ac IOJd. 94 Men's Suits from 19a 6d. Woolhm Socks at llsd. Men's and Boys' Straw Hats, best quality, only Is. A special line of Women's Leather Shoes 6s 9d. Men's nailed Shooters now only 8s lid, worth 12s 6d. NOTE THE ADDRESS— HARI>IiE V BROS., ARCADE, ASHBURTON.



} PEOPLE about to marry and furnish their houses, are invited to call on Picfeford A UiidrUl, AT THE ASHBDBTON FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, TANCRED STREET, Next- Building Society. —NOW ON VIEW— Dining-room Suites in Rimu, Bedroom Suites in Rimu, Iron and Brass Bedsteads, Chests Drawers, Washstands, Spring Mattresses, English and Colonial Peram bulators, Horse Hair, Kapoc and Flock Mattresses, Duchesse and Fancy Tables, Floor Cloths and Linoleums, Carpels, Hearth Rugs, and Mats. Furniture Repaired, Restuffed, and Repolished on the Premises. ; —Note the addre -s^- TANORED STREFT, * Nex Building Soaiety. How Sambo Understood French.—Fred says to tht? runaway negro on the raft, "Jim, what'd you say if'twas said to you ' P»rly-vous-franzy ?' " " Woaldn t say nuffin. I'd just bust him over de ear ; if he wasn't a wite man. 'Low no nigger to call me dafc.' Finn sayß th 0 wcrda onl. y Ir'. ean» "Do you speak Frenchf Jim inquires, "If they mean that why don't thsy »ay that?" Dr Forest says, in "Health, the New Method," we might make similar in quiries of the professors ot Massoiherapy ; but he gies on to explain massage, rubbug, and its beneficial results so that it might even enter the skill 1 of the densest negro; and his muscle-roller and other new me«io4s are invaluable. An alirion of his o.oo*B much enlarged, is p«il»'.i*l«.l at "Troth: and "Health 1 Publication Offices, WO, Tii ftreet, Ghrwtchurelj.'^Apvf'J



Tiik Best Remkdy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills ate confidently recommended as a simple remedy fox Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all bhe diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the "Natural Strengthener. of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, arc mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in : bottleß, at la Ud, 2a 9d, lls, by all rofcdioin* yondnrt throughput th« w#fld,