MAIL NOTICES.

MaU. close for th. **Z«sJs£*~

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1893. CURRENT TOPICS.

A very serious state of affairs is dis closed by the Registrar-General's latest report on cue census statistics. Ihe birth rate, it is shown, is decreasing year by year, though both population and the number of marriages have in creased. In the year 1884 the popula tion was 564,204, and the births were 19,846, and each year since then up to 1892 there has been a steady falling off in births, the figures for last year being about 650,000 population and 17,876 births. This falling Off is all the more extraordinary in face of the fact that while in 1886 the marriages numbered 3488 and the births 19,299, in 1892 the marriages reached about 4000 and the births fell to 17,876. Marriages and births have moved in inverse order, and the result presented is rendered the mote perplexing by the fact that while the births have been a constantly diminishing quantity, there has been a steady growth of popula tion. Our readers will be able to realise the exact position when we point out that in 1884 the birth rate per 1000 of population was 35*1, whilst in 1892 it was only 27*5, and that if the birth rate in 1892 had been the same as it was in 1884, there would have been 22,815 births instead of 17,876. We do not suggest any rea son for this fact. New Zealand is not singular in the experience, and social scientists in older countries will have plenty to say about it.

Music hath charms. Those charms could scarcely be exercised more beni ficently than is being done by a society recently formed in London, under the r tftle of the fcVuild of St Cecilia, which has as its one business the task of as certaining, by actual experiment, how far music can b<j employed in the cure or alleviation of. sickness and suffering. The objects of the Guild of St Cecilia are thus stated:—" 1. To test, by trials made in a large number of cases of illness, the power of soft music to induce calmness of mind, alleviation of pain, and sleep. 2. To provide a largg, number of specially trained musicians who shall be in readiness to answer promptly the summons of a physician.. 3. To provide a large hall in a central part of London, in which music shall be given tinougnout all hours of the day and night. This music to be con veyed by telephones attached to cer tain wards in each of the chief London hospitals." This curious guild has carried on its experiments in various hospitals, and with surprising results. Thus at the London Temperance Hos pital it was found that the music em ployed medicinally, if it did not "create a soul under the ribs of death," at least produced general tranquillity, and sent 50 per cent of the patients to sleep. At HeleDsburgh, v the Infirmary Comm ittee put a piano into the hospital'; and a number of ladies formed them selves into a choir which rendered music, vocal and instrntnental, for the benefit of the patients. For seven out of ten patients the etiect of the music was to reduce the temperature of the patients and also the pain which they suffered." -The music of the violin was proved to possess special medical value, and to have great influence in cases of " that hell o' a' diseases' " toothache At Christchurch, and doubtless in other towns, there is an organisation of ladies that provides occasional music in the hospital, though 'vithout thought that their efforts had any actual, cura tive tendency, and the success"*©! the experiments of the London Guild will no doubt lead to encourage them in their laudable work.

1 An amusing —to New Zealand readers—extract from a New South 1 Wales country newspaper is going the r rounds. It is from a description of " A Big Wheat Farm," and after going into a mass of detail of the system of working—everything on the estate, by the way, is said to have a number, surely a relic of the olden time of that colony—says:—" At present this huge farm is a perfect hive of indlstry on account of the harvesting. Seven men and thirty horses are employed, seven reapers and binders and several drays are kept at wprk. There is an area of 8000 acres under wheat and oats this season; and the proprietors intend cropping another thousand acres next season." At Longbeach last harvest between three and four hundred men, fifty or sixty reapers and binders, about a hundred drays and seven or eight hundred horses were employed. Com parisons are odious, but we must say that either harvesting is more easily done at Batburst than here, or Messrs Grigg, Cameron, and others of our wheat growers are extremely extrava gant in their harvest management.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Several letters to the editor, besides other matter, are held over. The Melbourne " Argus " is now a penny paper. Horace Birch, aged sixteen, was drowned while bathing in the current at the mouth of the estuary at Sumner on Monday. The Christchurch Queensland-relief fund' has closed with £37 added since last notifica tion, making the total contributions through the central committee £2267, besides about £300 serit independently. M'Kinley refuses to say a word about the Democratic victory in America. He thinks, with Artemus Ward's Virginian, that " it ain't no use swearin', for he can't do justias to the job." In the (3hristchurch morning papers of Tuesday Mr Maletj chairman of directors of the " Lyttelfcon Times " Cjompany, published a copy of an affidavit sent by him to the O&cial Assignee, making a lengthy explana tion with regard to the statement submitted by Mr Wilding, solicitor, at the meeting of creditors of T. W. Maude as to the market value of Maude's shares in the " Times" Company as assets in the debtor's estate, *■ RoT.fcOWAY^OiNTaiENT.— Sores, Wounds, Ulcer.llions, and other diseases affecting the ' sk:n are capable of speedy amendment by this cooling and healing ointment, which h.u called forth the loudest, praise from persons who have suffered for years fronvbad legs, bad bjreaats, piles, abscesses, and chronic ulcers, after every hope of cure had long passed avay. ■ BTone >b those who have experienced the soothing efteob of.this Oint ment can form an idea of the comfort it bestows by restraining inflammation fad allaying pain. Whenever Holloway ■ Ouit ment has been once used it has established its own worth, and has again been eagerly sought for such complaints. In neuralgia, rheumatism and gout, the same application, properly vied, give* wonderful relief.

The jockey Higgott, who sustained serious, concussion of the brain when Lady Zetland fell in the Great Autumn Handicap, on Tuesday, and was taken to the hospital, recovered consciousness in the evening, but is in a precarious condition. Among the bands that tendered for service on the course at the recent race meeting at Ruefton was that of the Salva tion Army. The price at which the band tendered was very moderate, but the cub was constrained to decline the tender. A Spiritualistic periodical gravely an> nounces that it has secured the " exclusive " collaboration of William Slia*esper« in the spirit world, and that any alleged commnni cations from the great dramatist appearing anywhere else are spurious and an impos ture. A party of seven local sportsmen left Ashburton on Thursday and rt turned on Monday evening. They made tor the Ash burton Gorge, and their bag consisted of about fifty ducks (mostly paradise), three black sw»ns, nineteen hares, and a few smaller game., . There is an enterprising American who proposes to be sealed inanalrtightcylinderjaat before death to prevent the escape of his spirit in order that he may demonstrate its post mortem existence." If this proves a success it will give a great impetus to the, canning industry. The Rev A. M. Beattie, M.A., preached his farewell sermons in the Ashburton Fresbyierian Church on Sunday last; and left Ashburton by express on Monday night en route for Wellington. He has accepted charge of the Presbyterian pulpit at Patea for six months, and will probably preach there on Sunday next. During the present fruit season (the " Dunstan Times" says) Mr Dawson, of Conroy's, near Alexandra, has exported every week about a ton and a half of fruit. The fruit was sent from the garden to Box burgh by waggonette, thence by a local express to Tuapeka, and by rail to Dunedin. Apricots realised to the producer 4d and 5d ?sr pound, he paying freight and charges, ears have realised up to 3d and 4d per pound, and other frnit proportionately, Aratapu, in Auckland, it is said, might well be named " Sawdustville," for it is apparently built upon sawdust, and the streets —except the main one, which in metalled, with sawdust footpaths- are made of sawdust. Sawdust covers the yards of the houses, the garden paths, •hokes the gutters, lies in drifts at the corners, and fills the air and all but cuts' the eyes out of the people in dry and windy weather. Aratapu is built on a swamp, which is being gradually filled up with sawdust. A sad accident happened to a young son of Mr James Elliot, on Monday evening, 'the lad was taking a horse to water and by some means lost his hold of the horse and fell to the gn/und. A horseman riding ' rapidly towards Dromore in some unex plained way rode over the boy, and his \- horse kicked him in the face and seriously 'hurt the youth. It is not known yet how the injury miy turn out, but probably his sight is injured. The man did not stop to enquire the result of the accident but rode on. Mr J. Allison, who witnessed the 'affair, took the boy home. "Greater in death than in life." That such is sometimes the case is evidenced by the following, from the "St James Budget": —It is reported from Brussels that a large bunch of carnations was found found on General Boulangers grave iv the Ixelle* Cemetery, with the following legend, apropos of the Panama scandals, inscribed on a card :—" If thou hadst not made an end of thy days, now that the Republic has need ot thee, thou hddst been Emperor of the French." Diddle brave General" turn in his grave when that card was deposited ? On Monday morning a foreign sailor, travelling along a road near Wheats tone, accosted a girl on horseback, and dragged her off, breaking the bridle, the horse escaping. He then forced the girl into a drain and attempted to asdault her, but was alarmed by the approach of a trap, coming in the direction ot the scene, and decampsd. Information reached Ash burton, of the event in the afternoon, and the father of the girl, with local police, instituted a, search for the miscreant. A man suspected of being the culprit was captured on Tuesday at Dundas, where he had called and had a feed. He gave the name cf John Nilson, and was brought up before Mr David Thomas, J.P, this morning, and remanded till Friday. Mr F. Buxton, C.E. informs the Nelson "Mail" that in the event of the Midland Railway Company failing to carry out their contract with the Government the concession may possibly be taken over by Mr Barnett, a wealthy railway contractor and ex-M.P. in London. Before Mr Wilson went home Mr Buxton was in communication with him and with the Government on the subject, and matters have gone so far that last mail from England brought Mr Buxton power to enter into preliminary negotiations. Power is also given him to contract for other works in New Zealand. Mr Barnett has given Mr Buxton full power to enter into the contracts, " and take Government bonds in payment as the works proceed." Mr Barnett says in his letter to Mr Buxton ; "I see the public debt of the colony is about 371 millions, bearing an annual charge of Interest of £1,852,000, but of this debt it would Beem fifteen millions was raised for railway purposes, which, of course, are reproductive; in fact, the working of the railways now open—lßl3 miles—yield an annual profit of £412,782, or nearly three per cent on the capital, and since the trade of the country is increasing so marvellously it is only to be expected that the raUsVays will benefit in the general prosperity. Se that, looking at it all in all, the future paying prospects of the New Zealand railways look decidedly good." Mr Barnett says that mm soon aa Mr Buxton has settled preliminaries he is " prepared to commence the works of construction without I delay."

ROAD BOARDS.

RANGITATA.

The ordinary meeting of the Rangitara Road Boaid w.is held on Wednesday, Mwch 29. Present Messrs 0. J. H irpei' (chairman),- Poter, Sawle, and ! Wright. WORKS The report of the Overseer on the variutis works in progress in tiie distiict, and olhers required, was read and con sidered. Teiftl«rs to be filled fur stone picking on Mrtronan to Biiilge road, fifteen feet wide, about six n.iles ; also on continua tion of road through plantation reserve 2590 to Ru»»puiift, ab>ut two miles Fresh tenders to be cilled for*tone breaking on ihe South Hindu road, the Bard having declined tha tender of G. G. Milne for one inilo, commencing at Kellahan's, zt ft* 6d per chain. The Overseer was inscructed to have the repairs he hwl reported as required • n the Auama to May field road, the Marouan to 'Hinds road, and near the Win wood orchard' oxecuUd without delay. Mt Peter reported that he had lwt a contract to Mr Saunders to repair a culvert near Hindi; crossing, and to repair Boundary road for the t>um of"~£2 — Approved. The action of this Overseer in accepting? tenders for stone picking on Perrin's road, about five miles, at 9d per chain, and on road through plantation reserve 2090 to Bangitata river, at Is 3d per chain, was approved. Mr Peter requested the Board to form and metal about twelve chains of road through a portion of the Anama Estate previous to dedication, the estate under taking to pay the cost —Agreed to. CORRESPONDENCE. From Messrs G&llagfcer and John and James Payne, petitioning the Board to have, the road through Mayfield touth picked.—Work to be done. From Mr F. g. Corduex asking the Board's attention to the slate of the road between Ruapuna and Corbett's corner. —The Clerk to inspect and call for tenders. Vrom T. J. .Reaney, asking for an extension of the time for the completion of his contracts. —Allowed to end of April. From Receiver of Land Revenue, ad vising the Board of the payment of £175 14a lOd on account: of thirds for water supply to perpetual lease settlers. —The letter to be acknowledged and the amount paid over to the County Council. From Commissioner- of Crown Lands, informing the Bjmd that the Receiver (jf Land Revenues has paid over the sura of £175 14s 10d being the balance of thirds, due in respect of water supply 'works—Clerk to acknoMrV'jjo. From the Commissimoi 1 of Crown Lands—" In reply to your letter of the 9th inst., applying for payment of accrued thirds to the extent of £500, in respect of proposed road works, I have to state that no thirds can be paid over pending a decision on the question in dispute as to wheiher the thirds should be utilised by the County Council for construction of water supply works, or by the Road Board for road works. The matter is still under consideration."—The Clerk was directed to acknowledge the receipt of the letter, and to again apply for the sum of £90 9d, being the amount already expended on behalf ofthe perpetual lease settlers \ and also to submit proposals for the expenditure of £100 for work required to accommodate perpetual lease settlers. From Ashburton Gounty Council, re engineers report on increased waier supply for perpetual leaseholds, pointing out that unless the work ia carried out as proposed there will be a deficient supply during the dry season. Tho Council re commend the work to be done without delay ai the Engineer's estimate of £75. —The Boird while approving, could not give the necessary guarantee pending the settlement of the question of the disposal of the thirds). Matter deferred. From County Council, with reference to Reserve 2236 -Received. From County Council, covering appli cation from Edward Watkin to lease Re serve 2098, near Eating, at a yearly rental of 12s 6d—The Board agreed to grant the application. [thirds. The Chairman presented a statement'of thirds accrued to January 31, 1893, £894 13s 9d. of which the sum of £535 2s 5d had been received to date, leaving a balance of £359 11s Id. WATER SUPPLY. An application for water supply from Messrs U'L»onnell and Gallagher, Hinds, was referred to the County Council. RATEPAYERS ROLL, W. Angrove applied to have his name substituted on the roll for that of H. B. Johnston, for R.S. 4396 and 22374— Agreed to. NOHCE BOARDS. Tha Clerk was instructed to have another notice board erected at Reserve 2589, and to pl*ce the matter of the re moval of those previously erected in the hands of the police at once. OUTSTANDING! KATE 4. The collector was> authorised to sue for all outstanding rates. ANNUAL ELECTION.. The Board decided that the annual election be held on Friday, May 5. PAYMENTS. Acoounts amounting to £409 2a 7d were passed for payment and the Board ad journed to Wednesday, May 3, at 11 a.m.

WAKANUI.

The monthly meeting of the Wakanui Road Board was held on Saturday, April 1. Present—Messrs M. Bruce (chairman) G. Coe, D. Johnston, and G. W. Leadley. CORRESPONDENCE. From Commissioner of'i^v, inform ing the Board that a voucher t^v .hi Go vernment subsidy of 75 per cent had been sent into ihe Treasury for payment. From Paymaster-General, advising the Board of the payment; of 75 per cent subsidy for 1892 3. GORSE ON ROADS. The Clerk was instructed to serve gorse notices on certain ratepayers to remove thft corse growing on the road fronting their respective properties. UNUSED ROADS. Messrs M. Wilson and R. Maxwell interviewed the Board respecting. the leasing of two roads which ran through their properties. —After a long discussion Mr Maxwell accepted the Board's terms, and the Clerk was instructed to write to Mr M. Wilson regarding the road in ques tion. DEPUTATIONS. It was resolved, '' That for the future all who wish to interview the Board at their meetings must state in writing their requirements." ovekseer's eerorj." The Overseer's report was read and adopted. gully on gibson's road. Tbo Clerk was instructed to report.at the next meeting on the state of a gully on Gibson's road. ANNUAL ELECTION. Resolved. " That Mr D. Johnston for N© 2 Ward, and Mr J. Quigley for No 3 VYard be the retiring members/ 5 and the Returning Officer was instructed to take the necessary steps to hold the annual election of members during the first week iv May. PAYMENTS. Accounts to the amount of £34 16s lOd were passed for payment and the Board adjourned. .

SPORTING.

AUSTRALIAN.

[PKH i'RKSS ASSOCIATION.J Sydney, April 4 The kale of the Hobartville yearlings u>-i.tiy itH.ihid 3600yuirifftf!. A Grand Flftiieur—Auitoln colt fetched most money, namely, 700 guineas. A colt l>y Marvellous—Ssilvur .Bell brought 600 guineas.

CANTERBURY JOCKEY CLUB.

AU'IUMJS MEETING.

SECOND DAY. 1 (from ouh, reporter,) I Ohristchubch, April 4. | Peekswick Hurdles, of 100 bo vs. Once I'uuud and a distance.—Clarence, lOst 31b, 1; Magpie, 10dt21t>, 2 ; Norton, 12st31b, 3. Time 3min 18}isec. Divi dends -£5 2s 6d and £3 sk. Tub autumn Nursery Handicap, of 100 sovh ; five furlongs.—Geraint, 8-t 21b, 2 ; Ich Dieo, 6it7lb, 2 ; Persuasion, Bst 1211.. 3 Dividend-£5 12s 6d. Thk Great Avcvwn Handicap, of 500 soys. One mile and a half.. Merganser, 9ac 81b '... 1 Stepniak, Bst 131b 2 Prime Warden, Bst 12Lb ... ... 3 Time—2min 35f.iec. Dividendti —£5 19a and £515& Crackshot Bst 71b, Retina 7st 101b, Thame 7st 91b, Tempest 7st 81b, Lady Zetland 7»t 21b, The Lumper 6st 71b, also started. Challenge Stakes, of 2000 soys; six furlongs. Loyalty, 7st 41b 1 The Workman. 9st f 2 Skirmisher, 7st 91b ... 3 Cajolery 9at 31b, Melinite Bst 121b, Saracen. 9afc, Dora Bst lOib, Vogengang I Bst 91b, Launceoton Bst 91b. Wakawatea Bdt 61b, Golden Pippin Bst 21b, Strowan Baf, Westmere 7st 91b, Lake Shell 6st 131b, Pepita 6at 111b, and Busybody 6st 1] lb also started. Woo by half a length. Time lmin 14«ec. Dividends—£l4.Bs 6d and £15 9s 6d. Tejiplkton Handicap, of 100 boys; six furlongs—Foresight, 7st 131b, 1; Kulnine, Bst 121b, 2; Ua, 6at 131b, 3. Time—lmin 16sec. Dividends—£s 18s and £5 15* 6d. Addingtom Plate, of 75 soys ; seven furlongs.— Lord A&ton 1, The Idler 2, The Lumper 3. Time—lmin 30aec. Dividends—£22 3d x and £9 15a. The winner was bought in for £21.- Eixal Handicap, of 50 soys; one mile.— Heatherbel), Bat 81b, 1; Retina, Bst 2ib, 2 ; Specton, 7et 51b, 3. Time lmin 44fsec. Dividendti—£llßs 6d and £2 03 oi.

SOUTH CANTERBURY AUTUMN MEETING.

The following weight's have been de clared for tbe Autumn meeting of the Sou^h Canterbury- Jockey Club at Timaru :~ Timaru Hurdles, of 50 soys; If miles. et Jb st lb Magpie ... 11 12 Justice ... 10 0 Smuggler ... 11 5 Effigy ... 9 12 Rebel ... 11 2 Munster ... 9 0 Krin-go-Br'ghlO 7 District Plate, of 50 soys ; 1£ miles. st Ib Ht lb Morpheus... 10 0 Aquarius ... 8 7 Pallittr ... 912 Warnngton 8 3 Kate Greena- Frivolity ... 7 12 way ... 9 7 Countess ... 7 8 Lord Zetland 9 5 Invader ».. 7 2 Quibble ... 9 0 First King... 6 9 tfeau Nash 8 9 autumn Handicap, of 120 soys; l£ miles. Bt lb 6t lb V. Warden 9 5 Manner ... 7 4 Crackshot ... 8 7 K.xile ... 7 2 Palli3er ... 8 5 Captive ... 7-0 Swacen ... 8 3 The Lumper 611 LadyZatlaud 7 12 Awaruaßose 6 10 Galtee ... 7 7 Specton ... 6 9 \V ASHDYKR WeLTBR HANDICAP, of 40 soys; one mile. tt lb st lb Morpheus ... 11 5 Kimberley 9 3 Lord Zetland 10 10 Countess ... 8 10 Quibble ... 10 5 Fire King... 8 2 Beau $aßh 10 0 First King... 8 0 Aquarius ... 9 0 Flying Handicap, of 50 soys ; six fur longs. st lb st lb Saracen ... 812 Inez ... 7 3 UdyZetland 8 10 Frivolity ... f 0 Vogengang 8 8 Maria Martin 7 0 KateGreena- Finetta ... 612 way .., 8 3 Rosehill ... 612 Captive ... 710 Rondinella 610 The Lumper 7 7 Kimberley... 6 10 Specton ... 7 5 Lunaire ... 610 Paramu ... 7 5 O'Rorke ... 6 7 Warrington 7 3 Changeling 6 7

The Good Templare.

GRAND LOUGE SESSION.

(PBR PRESS ASSOCIATION Auckland, April 4. The session of the Graud Lodge of the independent Order of Good T«mplarswM resumed to-day, and a resolution was passed assuring a deputation representing the New Zealand Alliance that the members of the Order were determined during the Parlia mentary elections to vote only for candidates who were prepared to give the direct veto in connection with the liquor traffic, and that without compensation,

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

PER FKBBS ASSOCIATION.

Washington, April 3. Subscriptions to the Home Rule fund in America are flagging. Lonjxw, April 3. Mr Balfour, in addressing a meeting at Belfast, declared that if Ulster and England persevered in their request for autonomy it would be impossible for. the majority of English people to become determined opponents, Mr Balfour had a tremendous recep tion at Belfast, in which 500 working men from the north of England took part. April 4, There is considerable excitement in Belfast, and as there is a suspicion that mischief is brewing, the police »re shadowing prominent men. The mili tary are being prepared for any emergency. Mr Balfour, in his speech at Belfast, asserted that the majority in the south-west were disloyal, and Ulster would not submit to Hooie Rule. (Received April 5, 10.45 a.m.) Mr Balfour was received with rapturous enthusiasm by. the people of Belfast. A procession numbering 100,000, is now being formed in honor of his visit, and the city is profusely decorated with Conservative emblems. Heavy withdrawals of deposits from the Irish savings banks still continue, (Received April 5, 1.15 p,m.) At the Belfast demonstration a copy of the Home Rule Bill was torn to i shrede, burned to .ashes and scattered and trampled under * foot. This took place before the grand stand in the presence of Mr Balfour, who appeared delighted at the vigor of tbe proceed, ings. ;

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[FSB FBSSS ASSOCIATION.]

THE LOST GREYHOUND.

London, April 3. Colonel North's greyhound Fullerton which was lost last. week, has been found wandering about, footsore, at Uxted in Surrey. ,

AN EASTER SERMON.

In a sermon yesterday Cardinal. Vaughau insisted that the world would eventually r»<ogtuiK» Christian educa tion not as ■•' ■ -.ere shibboleth only, but as Christianity exercised. Referring to socialism and anarchism, he said that their introduction was the work of the devil. Cardinal Vaughan considers that it is the duty of the State to reform the condition of the masses, to .provide labor and fair wages, and preper dwellings.

BIRTH.

Loxomr, April 4. The Duchess of Fife has a daughter. THF PACIFIC COMMISSIONER. Mr R. L. Stevenson, the novelist, in a letter to "The Time*," complains that Sir J. B. Tburston, High Oommis -1 sioner for the Western Pacific, occa sionally issues ordinances of a barbarous ! nature.

A NEW EXPLOSIVE.

Bbbuk, April 3. A near explosive has been tried by the Germau military authorities with success. It is almost smokeless, and there is little recoil or destruction of the weapons. The material dees not explode by a blow or ignition from a •spark, but only upon the introduction of fresh substances.

DISASTERS.

Tirtjft, April 3. By the fall of a church at Gudrai, in the Caucasus, a hundred lives were lost. New Yobk, April 4. The Hazelton colliery in Pittsburg is flooded, and thirty miners have been drowned.

LABOR MATTERS.

The Federal Court of Ohio has fined an engine-driver for obeying the ordera of a Trade Union,, and refusing to move a train during a strike. An American Court has decided! that strikes and boycotting are criminal conspiracy.

THE PAMIRS.

St. Pbtk&sbukg, April 4. : M. Clunes, E:;voy to the Russian Government, his concluded a treaty, - assigning the neutral Pamirs to China.

OUTRAGES IN ARMENIA.

- Constantinople, April 3. The United States' Minuter here has sent a petition to the Sultan, pro testing against outrages committed on peasants in Armenia.

EGYPT.

Pabis, April 4. .' The Parisian newspapers charge the English officials in Cairo with conniv ing to torture prisoners by crucifying and burning on the hands in order to ■ secure confession, and with reintro- * ducinar the Courbash army.

CHOLERA.

Cholera has broken out in Lorfttet, and seventy deaths have been reported in a fortnight.

MADAME MELBA.

Rome, April 3. Madame Melba has Appeared in Verdi's opera « Rigoletto "at Milan. The Italian newspapers pronounce her the biggest success for twenty years.

MONTE CARLO.

The receipts at the gambling estab lishment at Monte Carlo during the year amounted to nearly a million sterling. The dividend was 41 per cent, the highest on record.

FRENCH POLITICS.

Paris, April 3. M. Meline has declined to undertake the formation of a Oabiuet. *He is believed to be disposed to modify the tariff. His selection was regarded as : i weak, and some relief is felt that he ha* deolined the task cf forming a Cabinet London, April 4. M. Blowitz, "The Times"* Pahs correspondent, declares that President Carnot is bringing about a political crisis iv ooniequeoos ot hit continued refusal to summon M. Gonstana to undertake the formation pjt a Govern ment. He also mentions that Count Munster, the German Asribassador to France, will shortly resign his position.

AUSTRALIAN.

NEW ZEALAND FINANCES. Sydney, April 4 The •• Daily Telegraph," comment ing on the revenue returns of New* Zealand for *he financial year just ended, says that the colony has proved herself entitled the comparatively high standing her seeunties have of late taken on the London market. REVENUK RETURNS. The revenue for the quarter ended March 81, shows a decrease in com parison with the corresponding quarter in 1892. THE BROKEN HILL PRISONERS. Subject to good conduct, the Minis ter of Justice has recommended the re lease of those imprisoned during the Broken Hill strike when the following sentences have been served:—Heberle, six months; Hewitt and Polkinghorne, twelve months; Steath and Ferguson, sixteen months. THE FATAL PRIZE-FIGHT, The participants in the prim-fight on the night of March 5, in which Lewis sustained injuries from which he died, have been bound over in their own recognizances to keep the peace for twelve months. The police evidence was favourable to the prisoners, and - proved that there waa nothing in the fight to warrant their interference.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, April 4, . Mr Claike, inspector of the permanent way on the railway at Hamilton, has been missing since 7 o'clock on Sunday even ing, Search parties have been out, but found no trace of him, and it is feared that he fell off the railway bridge and was drowned. Mr Gferktj has % {amity of eight.

THE ASHBUItTOJS UUAkDIAIN i WEDKESJJAV, Apßlt 5, 18^.



\?Van^d^____ m6"iuTCHiusT-Wanted a Y-.ung T Manned to Sl^htermg. Apply REEN~Toi»ato Sauce — Pi««-8 6s» Waif Pints 3s, per dozen; per bottle, 6d and 4d.-iYh* Whittinuxo^^ ANTED—AII accounts against the A Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club to be rendered at once.—!. Denbt^ Honi^Se^^ . ■ THE MIBBBB Adams' new. Refreshment Booms now open Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Lemon Squash, Soda and Milk and all the new summer drinks ready at _U times. Coleman's Buildings, East Street. __. ' VT E W Mantles and Jackets ; immense | IN variety just opened. Prices for equal value lower than any other house, at s. W. Axcobn & Co.'s. ; cToMERSETMearMart. The oldest S the largest, ih. b^t, and the cheap irt Small a specialty. Fut wlhtT guaranteed. A trial solved. —W. J. Sl-000*. _!__T IT7 ANTED Kuown—lce Creams, Ice W Creams, for the hot weather, always reriy at H. G. Fw>y»'», Confec tioner, Ewt Street^ . iferps and Autoharps, Hew Books, dkr&'z? •?&<£? Ebrary. L. F. Andbewss and Co, Stationers^ Hall. f'TuMEOPATHIO Medicines, price JdL is. «ol« *« enb for dlsto?_ laoHt's CashjStore; ______* -TirANTEU Known-9^d Gloves for ' W 4H;'7id Embroidery for 4sd; 1& 6d Summer Dresses for 8s Bd.~ MnoKK.L-&j:uMs». __d.-.r Known.-Come and see W our beautiful Mantles, Jackets, Ulsters, Macintoshes,. Dress btutfa, eto. B.C. Segkbs, Meiford blouse- 3^^DlES'Tft"u7childrenß.Hftts ; all the _J. new shapes for the season now ppeiaed. Prices^low to suit the trmes ;.at S. W. AiX3O»N_S_Co/8L /^HEAP"Firewood-Short Dry Gum {./ Firewood, at 26s per cord, mixed wood, 24s per cord at Mayo s, T^r-'Apply-Mbs Jambs Fruit Shop. /SHEAP Fiuit—Cheap Fruit.—Prime \J Quinces toe Jam and P«*ervin ? , MBS J ambs, East Street Fruit 6 W" ANTED Kriown.-JnckfcL & Dress Department a specialty. High class goods marked cheap. H. O. Seoeks, Meiford Houße. • ANTED Known.—For. Jacketß, Ulsters, Dress Stuffs, etc. Come to MdfordJßonfae : __H 1 _g : Seqebs. IS7ANTED, Ladies and Gentlemen to W we the (irand Display in the Windows at "The Corner" Saturday— w ? h : _cotmk_ ; _______ : EST Nickel Watches in the markfet, ' aro those at 22» 6J and Kss. Specially made for S. Salek, Jeweller. \ Guarantee with each watch. W* ANTED Known—'* The Coiner "is showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clotting. — W. H. Coixiek. " HY not Bake your awn l>re»d when you can «ec 601 bs of the best Roller Flour for five shillings cash or five shillings and bixpeuce booked at Bobbbt alcobn S, Saundert.' Buildings. , . . JLI 31 BANO ! Bang ! Bang 1 Guns ! Guns ! Guns ! by the best makers and Itted with all the latest improvements Ponder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, and Cases at J. W. Habdlby's, East Street. Guns repaired. Ml ANTED Known -Andrew Oir has. YV Removed to the Old Town Hull for one month, during the re-building of his premises: Drapery, Clothing, and Boot* greatly reduced.-Akdbew Obb. JJIO4 WHO is your Plumber ? Why, Jl W. Habdley, who is a Manufacturer of Spouting, Kidging, Steel Gutters, Baths, Sinks, Tanks, etc.,- aud who has on hand the larger stock ot Pumpa and Pipe in town. .' a~vHE~Good Samaritan, tor the imme diate relief of pain.— Light's Cash Btore^_ I** WHERBdo you get your Ironmon gery 1 At Hakiu-ey s of. course, where we get" the bebf value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hingea, Plouah Chains, Rope, Wire Knetting, Gorse Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender an? Fire Irons, and anything you require. OHJUSTKAS buits. Boys, three Kj gai ment long Trouser Sort* at los. Boys, Colonal-made Knicker Suits from 10s Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Suits 30s. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 50s.—Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. Robkkt - Alcobn, '_. WANTED Known—Robbbt Shields, Charles Street, opposite Wo(»llen Factory, has commenced Dyeing and Cleaning Ladies' wd; Men's Garments Blankets and Woollen Goods Scoured. Moderate charges. Parcels etc., left at Mrs Adams', Saunders' Buddings, will b* attended to. 3 4* TO ADVERTISERS. In consequence of the Ixingbeach Coach leaving Ashburton an hour earlier the Guardian will go to press punctually at 330 p.m- Advertisements must be at this office not later than 2.30 p.m. Ashburton Publishing Office, Amil 4.1893. 1 W. J. BUSH AND CO i T\ISTIL)iEKS kod IMFCBTEBP or ESSENTIAL OILS & FRUII , ESSENCE?" SOLUBLE ESSENCES for Aerated Water Mannfacturers Extra Super Letnon, which is double the Strength of. Ordinary Commercial QuaUtiea_j The Best Tea IN THE WORLD Ilyslou'* Ceylon. NINIAN HYSLOP, and CO., Tea Importers mCi he! «(rt)et, CbfUtohuroh.



NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. SPECIALS. Wanted Known -All Wool Suits, 3&j Wanted 'Known — Men's Bannock Tweed Suits, 39* 6d  Wanted Known-Men's New Z.aUnd Tweed Trouiers, 9s 9.1 Wunted Knowu-Men's Trousers to Measure, 17s 6d Wanted Known—Boys' Guard S.uub, 10s Wanted Known—Boy»' Sailor Suits, 11s 6d Wanted Known-Youthe' Bluo Jcmeye, &6d '- , _, Wanted Known-100 Boxes Men's and Boys' Hats, from Is 61 Wanted Known—Men* Boos, 7s 6d, 103 6J, 12s 6i Wanted Known—Boya' Boots, 5s 6d, 6a 6d, 7* 6d . Wanted Known—Ladies Boots, b$ od, 7s 6d, 9s 6 i 1 NEfr ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. -■}■ ALEX. HENDRY, Manager. TINWALD TO THE FRONT. C. Ilawkln* HAS no* got fettled in his new Shop nith a nice assortment of ALL KINDS OF DRAPERY, AND BOOTS, which Ihe ia selling at prices that aie bound to give satisfaction, as C. H. ia determined to merit a shar<* of your kind favour. Men's Watertights and Shooter Boots made to order for 17s 6d. REPAIRS NEATLY & CHEAPLY DONE. Call on your way to town and sea for yourselves the price and quality of Goods. PEOPLE about to marry and furnish their houses, are invited to call on Plckford A IJndrlll, AT THE ASHBOBTON FURNITURE WAEEHOUSE, TANORED STREET, Next Building Society. —NOW ON VIEW- Dining-room Suites in Rimn, Bedroom Suites in Rimu, Iron and Brass Bedsteads, Chests Drawers, Washstands, _Spnng Mattresses, English and Colonial Peram bulators, Horse Hair, Kapoc andVFtock Mattresses, Duchesse and Fancy Tables, Floor Cloths and Linoleums, Carpets, P earth Rugs, and Mats. Furniture Repaired, Restuffed, and Repolished on the Premises. —Note the address— TANORED STREET, Nex Building Soaiety. The Best Tea IN CANTERBURY for th« money, and fr«o from any excess of astringency. COUNTESS 2s.



The Best Value in Asbburtoo . itf Drapery, Clothing, & Boots IS TO BE* HAD AT ' fi, / NEILL & CO.'S, FRIBDLANDER'S BUILDINGS. A Few Prints and Muslins left to ba cleared AT A.NY PRICE. N Heavy Winter Tweeds 7|d. Check Dress Tweeds s£d. New Double Width Dress Gcods ll£d. Flannels and Blankets for Winter—unmistakeable Value. Two Yards Wide Grey Twill Sheeting 1 Hd. Flannelettes 3s 9d dozen. Men's Tweed Suits 19s 6d. Men's Heavy Tweed Suit. 25s 6d. Boys' Tweed^Suits 4s lid. lARGE STOCK OF MEN'S SHIRTS, SOCKS, TIES BRACES, ETC., CHEAP AND GOOD. BOOTS. BOOT&. BOOTS. We stand Unrivalled in BOOTS. WE BUT for CASH* and WE SELL FOR We DEBTS. Small profira,and quick returns. Men's Colonial made Shooters, nailed, 8s 6d Men's Colonial made Bluchers, 5s Strong Leather Slippers, 3a 6d . Women's Stron? Elastic Sides 6s lid. W°"F'Io^WANT BTHEBESr VALUE IN BOOTS GO TO G. J. NEILL and GO., FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS. CORNER OF EAST AND MOORE STREETS, ASHBaRTON. w THE WATCHMAKING AND JEWELLART REPAIRING DEPARTMENT I is now very complete in its, arrangements, and having (in consequence of Ui« increased business) obtained the, addicioiml assistance for the workroom of Me Jabies Wilsox (from Bryson and Sons, watchmakers, Edmburgh), Customers can rely on their work being done promptly and satisfactorily. _ PLEASE NOTE.—A special feature of the Repairing Department is work tuinea out only in a FIRST CLA.SS MANNER, and charges are as low as is consistent with SOUND AND RELIABLE WORKMANSHIP. ■ 8. BAIEK, Watchmaker, Jeweller, X Oculist. #s3Sr''



"UNMERCIFUL DISASTER followed fast and followed faster" upon th« fortunes of pu^r Queensland until that unfortunate Colony is now in the most miserable condition imaginable. Gaunt famine may stalk over the land, frt 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 j?rip with bis old.hantl the vitals of the young and strong, leaving sorrowing widows and •wal:ng orphans everywhere, and painful blanks in every household ; or the demon of war may send (ire and sword ov9r a country, and leave desolation in their track in place of smiling scenes of peace and plenty—all sad enough and sickening enougn if you will; 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 inretrievable 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 as are only enjoyed by the dwellers in a second paradise 1 Such feelings, to be sure, as aie 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 th« 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 the foremost if we belie not our past his'ory.  „ SO THINK Hardley Bros., who are giving special value this mouth in Drapery, Clothing and Boots. 120 Dozen large Towels to be sold at from 2s 9d a dozen. Splendid white Calico at 2a lid a dozen. Dresa Tweed 4s 9d a dozen. Extra largo grey Blankets only 10a 6d. Sheeting at 10$ d. 94 Men's Suits from 19a 6d. Woollen Socks at lljd. 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. &T NOTE THE ADDRESS IIA HlVli KY BROS., ARCADE, ASHBURTON. Hampton's j ■CWRNITURE V|jr AREHOUSE > TANOABD STREET, Is Opposite Mitchell and Turner s. TRY HAMPTON'S FOE Perambulators from 22i 6d Perambulator* Reversible Hoods from 355, Patent Rubber Tires Basket Ware Chest Drawers Chairs and Tables Bedsteads Cheap Furniture All Repairs Colonial Couches Wire Spring Mattrasses BRANCH BUSINESS, KAST STREET, Below Patching's. GREAT ASSORTMENT OF CROCKERY, AND FANCI GOODS.— 2J35 CHEiP MOUNT SOMERS COAL. W. & J. HARRIS HAVING bought the Lease of the Mount Somers Coal V ine, beg to announce that they are now prepared to supply the excellent fuel from the Mount Somers Coal measures in any quantity. They have appointed MB-JAMES BAKER, HAVELOCK STREET, their sole Agent, and all orders will be promptly attended to. i. . _—. ■ — In connection with the above JAMES I BAKER, Timber Merchant, Havelock Street, soli it» a share of public patron age and is prepared to give prompt and careful attention to any orders for MOUNT SOMERS COAL I that roay U entrusted to him for execution. ■'• •*



SANDER AND SON'S EUCALYPTI EXTRACT There are imitations of Eucalypti Extract iv the market now, product* of simple distillation forming crude resinous "oils. In order that these crude oils may not be taken or Our I*iiro Volatile Euca lypti Extra cst, which ia recognised by the medical division of the Prussian Government to be of perfectly pure origiu, as per information forwarded, to us through the Consul at Melbourne, March 2, 1878, we state: — It is proved by tests made by the Medical Clinics of the Universities at Bonn and Gieifswald, Prussia, and reported by Dr Schulz, Professor of Pharmacology at Bonn, and Professor I)r Mosler, director of the Medical Clinic at Greifswald, that only products that are saturated with oxygen and freed of acids, resinous and other 1 substances, adherent to primary distillation, will .Icvelop the sanative qualities proper to the plant. Sander and Sons' Kuealypti Extract, according to these authorities, and according to Professor Dc Lister, of England, and tc Drs Bauer, Mclntire, Wood, Hazard, etc., of America, is the only extract corresponding to scientific tests, and the only one which possesses the proper therapeutic valne. All other crude oils are to be classed among the turpentimes, which have, when used as medicine, no therapeutic effect aid are abandoned as an internal medicament. These so called Eucalypti Extracts, which may have received "distinction at Exhibitions as commercial articles and are used for. mechanical purposes only are discernible i 1. By their deficiency in pungent odour (which our product, the only genuine Eucalypti Extract, develops most freely through its surplus of oxygen). 2. By their alcoholic thin and mobile appearance, being reduced in specific density .through the presence of . aoids, 3. By their taste, the result of "the contracting tendency of- resins and tannaeter. ' If these crude oils, or so called eucalypti I extracts are applied by mistake in cases of ' croup, bronchitis, diptheria, internal in flammation?, dysentery, wounds, etc., the consequences are most appalling. For safety sake ask always for Sander and Sons' Eucalypti Ex tract and get the old, well-tested and reliable preparation.—Sandhumt, Victoria, Aii«tr*li&,-«*auder ami SQH«



The Osslow Biscuit. The latest and most delicate biscuit B>|nuf»otured bf Au'»ebrookwi4op,