MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :■— TUESDAY, March 14. For Northern Ports and Vestport, per Brunner, at 6.80 a.m. WEDNESDAY, JVarch 15. For United Kingdom and Continent of Europe via Brindiwa (apecially aadressed correspondence only), Point de' Galle, India, China, Japan, etc, and also for the Austra lian Colonies (except New South Wales and Queensland), per express to (connect with Manapouri, at Port Uhalmer), at 13.30 p*m. ■(■ For Northern Ports and Australian Colo nies, per Waihara at 10.30 a.m.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MARCH 13, 1893. AN ABORTIVE PROPERTY SALE.

The Colonial Investment Company's great clearing sale did not result in much of a clearance. It was a poor return for the money that must have been spent in advertising—we did not share in it, or perhaps a larger propor tion of the properties would have found buyers— that only five small 'ots were sold out of nearly a hundred. The sale had a Bpecial advertisement, too, which invested it with a special in terest, in the controversy which took place between the colonial directors and Mr Bobert Dobson, the gentleman who was placed over their head by the Home board. The Bunedin Board were able to show that the properties which they realised were sold at prices far above Mr Dobson's valuations, and everybody was curious to see whether the result of Mr Dobson's sale would justify the action of the Home board in unceremoniously super seding the Colonial board by him. At present the Dunedin gentlemen have the laugh of their Edinburgh brethren. The position of the properties in this county, it may be said, was not affected by the auction.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

According to Sir Henry Parkes,' the poli ticians who speak most bitterly against the Government are those who vote for them. Mr T. Batty (Cairnbrae), Mr Andrew Macfarlane (Spriogburn), and Mr D. Brick (Tara) were large buyers afc the Amuri sheep fair at Culverdea last Friday. Sheep were considerably dearer there than at Cheviot. The Denominational Education League whiclj has been fornieH among the Catholics of Wellington now numbers some 1500 voters (says the "Post.") A meeting is to b« held in April and arragements made as to the action which the League will take at the general election Mr M'Lauchlan of Wyqdhaai (says the "Southland News,") is in receipt of a communication from Messrs John M'Nairn and Co., Glasgow, to the effect that they should give a trophy for competition amongst the New Zealand dairy factories next season, and have decided to Bend out to him a handsome cup, value 25 guineas, j The conditione of the competition will be published in due course. It is said that at the forthcoming big Native meeting in the Waikato King 'i'awhiao will publicly hand back to the Government a portion of the pension which he has accepted on the ground that it com promises his independence. There is now amongst the King natives in the Waikato ' a youth who is regarded as a tohunga, and who predicts that the Maori race will shortly recover their lauds and mana, and that the whole of the Europeans will be driven out ot New Zealand." " English wheat is quoted at 26s Id." A poor look out for New Zealand shipments. A farmer on Monday remarked (says the " Timaru Herald ") that he was now looking into the prospect of next year's crop, recog nising that this year's wheat me ma a certain loss. He mentioned that land in his neigh bourhood had been hired for the crop at £2 an acre ; it cost £1 an acre to get the wheat in, and another to get it out; total, £4 an acre. Return, 24 at bushels 2s 6d ! Mr Gale, the retiiing 'president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, in deal ing with the subjectof private compositions, pointed oufthat during the year 1892 there were eighty-three private compositions in Victoria, and of these no less than thirty four paid only one penny or less than one penny in the pound ; twenty-three paid only sixpence or under in the pound; and of the remaining twenty-six onl> two paid decent dividends. Liabilities amounting to £5,072,007 were wiped out under this " new way of paying old debts" by tha payment of only £116,553, or the magnificent average of 5,d in the pound. Those who waited for tke termination of the Cheviot sale and made their return journey on Friday were caught in very heavy tain. From the "Press" we see that heavy rain continued to fall at Culverden all night on Friday, and in con sequence the Pahau river was running bank high on Saturday, all sheep for the South except two mobs for Messrs Colin Stewart and L W. Tosswill, being stopped. The count out of the sheep from the Culverden sale was being carried out under gieat difficulties, owing to water flooding the yards. The sheep were being tailed off on the tussocks, some of the weak ones dying trom exposure and intense cold. A dry creek betwe in ith« Culverden Hotel anl Yards collected 3ft of water in an hour or or two, and was barely fordable. The coach from Hanmer Plains had some diffi culty in getting over the Hanmer, but reached Culverden safely with the mails. The weather was fine on Sunday, and the r ivers were subsiding. We find the following very satisfactory information in the Napier "Evening jj ewa > : It is really very pleasing to know that Mr Balance continues to make Srogress towards recovery. We learned to ay from Mr W. J, Harris (who is on a mission to these colonies for the purpose of obtaining such information as will enable him to secure a closer union with the Mother Country and the Australasias) that Mr Ballance is very much better than many people are inclined to bslieve because of the sensational reports that have been spread, especially by his political opponents. We had also a private ex pression of opinion from a lady who had conversed on the subjeafc with Mrs Ballance, and she stated that Mr Ballance was •indeed much better than he had been, Mr Harris gives it as his opinion tha|> Mr Ballance will be able to resume active work, and that he has got over the critical part of !of his sickness. A Wellington telegram saya that Mr Ballance is expeatcd to arrive there on Thursday. The lajbe Sir Charles Clifford was the de fendant ia the first breach of promise case tried i» New Zealand (says the Wellington "Post.' 1) The plaintiff Was Miss Fitz gerald,' sister of Dr Fitzgerald, at that time oolonial surgeon, and who afterwards ac companied Sir George Grey to the Cape. Another brother w*s Mr FitzgenW, who subsequently became superintendent of Hawke's Bay, and still later Premier of Queensland. Miss Hercy, to whom Mr Clifford had been engaged at Home, came out here, and Miss Fitzgerald appealed to a jury for redress, as Mr had decided to wed his n>£ love. The trial of the case excited great a.nusemept jn the infant settlement. Miss Fi^gerald was 3, lady held in the highest respect by her fellow settlers, and the jury awarded her £500 damages lor Mr Clifford's desertion. Miss Fitzgerald subsequently married Mr E Tyser, and with her husband spttjed &p Anderson's Bay Otago, but after a few yea,rs bey returned b<m»f

On Thursday, the day after the Dromore fire, a swagger was observed setting fire to tussocks near one of Mr Stringfellow's pad docka at Chertsey. In view of the recent suspicious stack fires the man vas questioned by some of the settlers. As he could give no satisfactory reason for his action and appeared altogether strange in his manner, it Was thought advisable to detain him until the police could be communicated with. Before they arrived, however, the man escaped, and was last seen making towards Bakaia. He is supposed to be a lunatic, possessed with a dangerous mania for incen cendiarism. The London " Standard " states that a Parliamentary return has been prepared showing the number of churches (including cathedrals) in every Ciiurcli of England diocese in England which have been built or restored at a cost exceeding -600 since the year 1873. The period covered is about eighteen years, and the amount thus spent reaches the astonishing total of £20,531,403. Of this sum, * 9,607,783 was devoted to the building of churches and £10,609,628 to the work of restoration. The diocese of London takes the lead in the ex penditure for church building, the amount being £186,000. The bulk of the total sum expended was derived from voluntary con tributions. Some interesting details lately appeared in "The Times " on the decrease in the value of cattle and sheep in the United Kingdom ; the article states that on June 4, 1890, beasts averaged £12 10s per head and sheep 36s 3d per head, whereas at same date in 1892 the average value of beasts hud declined 10 £8 per head <md sheep to 21s 3a. Th« article concludes as follows: —"It will be seen that the drop in values since 1890 when they reached their maximum has been enormous—so great, in fact, thst although we have 723,559 more cattle and 1,975,623 more sheep their value if sold now is £64,369,196 less than in 1890. That is a large drop i» two items of the capital v.vested in the farms of the United King dom." Holloway's Ointment and Pills.— Some occupations tend to the development of certain diseases, and those who toil as miners are peculiarly liable to rheumatism, lumbago, and other allied complaints. In the gold-fields and copper mines flolloway's remedies have been largely patronised by the workers to their very great advantage, and they can be confidently recommended as invaluable remedies for inward congestion, spasms, and cramps in the bowels, and all those condition^ of the lungs and liver to which those who work underground or in impure atmosphere are* so peculiarly liable. For cuts, bruises, sprains, and stiff joints, the action of Holloway's Ointment is eminently healing and soothing, and a supply should always be at hand in case of need.

THE FLOODS IN AUSTRALIA.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Sydney, Marnh 12. There is a great flood in Manley. The Northern Company's wharf and Several dredges are washed away and a small steamer sunk. There is a terrible state of affairs in Maitland, where the flood is the highest in the memory of man. A phenomenal phase is the rapidity with which the water rose, taking people almost unawares during the night. The inhabitants were panic-stricken, and in seeking refuge left all their valuables behind. Two more lives ha<re been lost. The Government have., transmitted £1000 to meet immediate needs. The whole place is inundated to a depth of many feet and there is no sign of abatement. (Received March 13, 12.25 p.m.) Newcastle March 13, The water in West Maitland reached the second floor of a two storied build ing. The inhabitants are subsisting j on biscuits and jam, no other food being procurable. The water is now receding. Several hundreds of residents of Morpeth were rescued after being on the roofs of their dwellings all night. The loss of live stock is enormous and all the crops are destroyed. Many people are in a pitiable state, being totally ruined, while the distress among all classes is acute.

QUEENSLAND RELIEF FUND.

The following additional subscriptions have been received by the Mayor :—

Wesleyan Conference.

IKR fKESs ASSOCIATION.

Duitbdin, March 10. A Committee was appointed to report on the practicability of a mission of women to Maori women. The report cf the Jubilee Thanksgiving Committee showed that the receipts and promises amounted to £10,232 9s 4d. A lengohy report on the Church Pro perty Act was submitted. The Rev H. Bull, in moving the adoption of the re port, referred to the opposition and mis representation which they had to contend with. After an animated debate, the re port was adopted. The Rev Garland and Mr Harding were appointed to draw up a statement for the recorder of the case connected with the passing the Act. On the subject cf Methodist union a resolution was adopted that the Con ference approve generally of the basis of union submitted by the committee, and that it be referred for consideration to the June quarterly meeting ai»d the various district meetings, to report at next Conference. A Committee was appointed to make further suggestions in connection witli the Committees of other Methodist Churches. It was also resolved that the Conference reiterates its conviction that the union of Methodism would be to the glory of God and in the best interests of the Methodist Churches, and is pleased to observe a desire for such unity. Dunedin, March 12. Resolutions were passed, reaffirming .'vnpathy with womanhood suffrage, re gretting that the Bill had not passed, and urging the Premier to give it precedence nextjsession, so that it may be operative at the general election; protesting against the action of the Government in subdividing Sydenham iuto different licensing districts j recording the strong and emphatic protest pf the Conference Against the action of the Government in granting J?§QQ to the Magdala Asylum, snch grant being in violation of the prin? ciple hitherto acted on—no State aid to any religious denomination It was decided to hold the next Con ference in Chrifltchurch.

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

HOME RULE.

EVICTED TENANTS COMMIS SION,

PER I'KBSS ASSOCIATION,

London, March 12. An important deputation, represent ing the banking and commercial interests in Leinster (comprising Dublin, KiWare, Carlow, Kilkenny, King's and Queen's Counties. Long ford, South Meath, West Meath, Wicklow, and Wexford) and Munster (comprisingTipperary, Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Cork, and Waterford) waited on the Marquis of Salisbury to-dny protesting against Home Rule. Thp members of the deputation, who had j been refused an interview by Mr Gladstone, stated that the capital of the Great Northern Railway Company had already declined half a million sterling. Replying, the Marquis of Salisbury said they had his sincere sympathy, and he would do all in his power to defeat autonomy for Ireland. The House of Commons will resist Mr Gladstone in his attempt to rush the Home Rule (Bill through before Easter.

THE STEENS.

Mr and Mrs Steen gave the first; of two entertainments promised by them in the Oddfellows' Hall on Saturday evening to a good house. The lady ana gentleman did the whole work of the evening themselves, and fulfilled to the letter their promise to thoroughly mystify their audience, Mrs Steeti is blindfolded on the stage by certain of a Committee of six gentlemen taken from the audience, and in this condi tion is able to describe the clothing, orna ments, etc., of persons in the hall, the questions being put to her by Mr Steen. Two blackboards are placed in position on the stage. The professor takes one on his knee, and with fhe back of the bpard to the audience writes upon the front of it. He replaces thin board on the easel, but with its fac9 inwards, so that the audience cannot see it. He takes a slip of paper, and gives it to his Committee men who each write fpur figures upon it, the whole forming a sum in simple addition. This sum a member of the Committee is asked to add up, and, having done so, to write the answer on a scc-t.-I blatk board. This answer is culleu out by Madame Smith, still blindfolded, and the face of the reversed board is then turned to the audience. The same answer appears there 1 The numbers representing the squares of a chess board are written on another black board, and one of the com mittee having a knowledge of the game of chess is selected to mark the "tour of the Knight" as Madame calls out the moves, which she does without a single hitch or even hint of hesitancy —starting from any given square, and returning to the same point, after making sixty four moves, the starting point being chosen by tho commit tee man ! Two comniitteenien take a board each. One fills his board with figures, four columns deep. The other fills his board with wo"ds. Madame adds up one column of the figures written and gives the summation of il, md then mansions one of the words on the other board. This word having been deleted, she gives the sum of another column, and mentions an >th^r word. This process is repeated until all the columns are added and all the names mentioned and deleted, and then she reads out; the full product of the sum, and all the words. She calls oat the figures as they are touched, and be fore they are touched, but were intended to be touched, and can tell jast as easily when a blank spaco has been touched—alto gether a remarkable clever feat. Wa' ches are taken from the members of the Com mittee, and their description, price, his tory, etc., are given by the still blind folded lady. She also tells her Committee men's ages, birthdays (year, month, day, and hour), and the cards in succession of a pack afier they have been most thor oughly shuffled. Someone in the audi ence, thinking aloud, remarked upon the danger of playing " nap" with an op ponent like Madame. She told the name of every article handed to the professor by individuals in the audience, the pro fessor being amongst them, and whether a mind reader or possessed of " second sight," she undoubtedly made many pre sent fancy she was a very uncanny person. The professor did the celebrated Slade writing trick on slates, to the astonish ment of all, the rings, tapes, and coat trick of the Davenport brothers; and the wine and water delusion with which the Bald wins astonished us all about ten years ago. Truly a clever pair are the Steens, and well worth seeing. They appear again to night when a number of fresh marvels are promised.

The Harvest in Otago.

Harvesting operations (says last week's " Witness ") have been much retarded by violent weather, especially in the south, where rude Boreas seemed determined tc vent his rage on the crops ere it should be tco late. Stocks were blown down on every hand, especially on south-west exposures, that being the direction of the icy blasts. The Hokonui hills were snow capped, and such an occurrence in very unusual so early in th.6 year. A traveller between Clinton and Tnvprcargill says that the crops are ev^sy >vKere light. There have been no flood* to' t>peak of, and practically v all the pram which has been grown will be saved. A very violent thunderstorm was experienced '».' Invercargill and" in the vicinity, lue peals resembled tho reports of cannon, and the lighting tore several roofs off. Among the buildinga damaged was the Supreme Court, from the roof of which a sheet of iron was torn, A contractor's woikshop in the middle of the town was completely wrecked. At Otatara, which must not be confused with Otara, the first j being near Invercargill and the other near Fortrose, the double chimney of a house was demolished, and damage done to the interior to the extent of £50. At Wyn3ham harvest operations were at a complete standstill, and though the first of the season's grain had been trucked by Mr Doull, a large quantity still remained to be cut. Goo I reports come from Wendon Valley, wh.ere the quality of the grain is highly spojeen of, but the yield is not expected to be equal to that of former years In the »V"aipahi district operation* were arrested when about three-fourths of the crop were in stook, some of it hav ing been cut in a hurry because of the small bird*. Harvest is over at Green field, and light crops are th<3 experience. A traveller informs the " Dumtan Times" that the crops in the Hawea and Wanaka districts are not realising expectations. The weather Jn the infcbrior is reported to have again been dry.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN

(per press association.)

THE GERMAN ARMY.

Bkklin. M;trch 10. A Committee of the Reichstag has again rebuffed the Government by re jecting the clause in their report in creasing the regimental complement. March 11. The Committee in the Reichstag re jected all the essential points in the Army Bill, despite the assertion of the Chancellor that the allied powers were convinced of the necessity of a material increase in the German army.

THE DE WALDEN DIVORCE CASE.

London, March 10. Strong evidence of adultery has been adduced against Lady de Walden. Counsel for the respondent allege that it has been concocted by discharged servants. Lady de Walden denied the charges of adultery, and said they were the outcome of a conspiracy. In her evi dence she also said that domestic squabbles between herself and husband were of nightly occurrence. March 11. In the Divorce Court the jury found the petitioner, Lord Howard de Wai den, guilty of cruelty and acquitted Lady de Walden of adultery. A sep aration order was granted. BANKING ACTION. London, March 12. In the action brought by the Bank of New Zealand against the London Bank of Mexico and South America, in the Queen's Bench Division, judg ment was given for the plaintiff for £15,000. THE FEDERAL BANK. In the Queen's Bench Division Justice Sir Roland Y. Williams granted an application for the compulsory winding up of the Federal Bank of Australia, but agreed to stay proceed* ings for a fortnight in order to give the Bank an opportunity of appealing i against the decision. BILLIARDS. In the billiard match Roberts beat Peall by 635 points.

THE PANAMA SCANDALS.

' Paris, MaicH 11. MM. Floquet, Freycipet, and Cle menceau angrily denied the charges made against them by M. Chas. de Lesseps in connection with the Panama Canal scandal. The latter repeated the charges,; and a great uproar being the result the Court was cleared. Paris, March 12. M. Bourgeois, Minister for Justice, has resigned his portfolio on the grounds that the evidence given by M. Soiudury, Chief of Police, failed to exculpate him with regard to the charges against Baron Cotter in connection with the Panama scandals.

HAWAII.

Washington, March 11. President Cleveland will probably despatch a Commission to Hawaii to report on the situation there. GREAT FIRE IN BOSTON. A block of buildings in Boston was destroyed by fire. Many persons who jumped from the windows were killed and thirty were injured. The damage is estimated at four million dollars.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE CABLE REVENUE Sydney, March 11. The cable receipts for the months of January and February show an in crease of £3000 over a similar period last year, but the rate has been raised ninepence since then.

THE TONGAN KINGDOM.

Prince George will succeed to the throne of Tonga. He is great-grand son of the late King George, and re ceived his education in New Zealand.

COMMERCIAL.

[PER J»RKBS ASSOCIATION.]

London, March 10. The Bank of England returns, pub lished to-day, show the total reserve of notes and bullion to be £18,326 000. The proportion ot reserve to liabilities is 51-82. Three months bills are discounted at 13s 8d per cent. Consols, 98. I New Zealand four per cent inscribed , stock, 107 ; three and a half per cent. 87 New Zealand longberried wheat, ex warehouse, 31s, weaker. South Aus tralian wheat, ex warehouse, 33a 3d, restricted ; Victorian, 33s flat. Mutton, 'first quality 4§d,; second quality 4d; lamb, first quality, 6£d. The factory butter by the Tongariro realised J 04s to 108s; dairy made. 86s. Danish butter is bringing 116 a.

SPORTING.

[per pkess association.]

Chbistchurch, March 11. Launcestori was scratched for the Easter and Autumn Handicaps at 11.30 a.m. to-day.

DUNIDIN ANNIVERSARY MEET ING.

Duhbdtn, March 12. The following are the acceptances for the chief events at the above meeting :— Handicap Hubble Race. One mils and and a half.

V.R.C. AUTUMN MEETING.

Melbourne, March 11. On the concluding day of the V.R.C. Autumn Meeting the All-Aged Stakes was won by Bungebah, *he Unplaced Two-Yenr-Old Stakes by Salutation, the Place Handicap by Swordbearer, (Stern chaser by Steeplechase by Shylock, the i och Plate by Pcrtsea, and the Farewell Handicap by All There.

STORM IN THE NORTH ISLAND.

GREAT DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

PER FIiJSSS ASSOCIATION.

Wellington, March 11.

Welling ion experienced last night the worst sturm for years. A southerly gale began at about 3 a.m. ye> terday, and rtin foil all day, but at night the force both ■ of wind and water was redoubled. Water washing from the high levels flooded all the flits and gullies. The t<ro main drains burst in Te Aro, and the streets were covered with water. Grander street, which is several feet lower than the re claimed land, was filled up to the window sills of the houses. In several of the other streets there were two and three feet of water. At Pipitea Point it was waist deep, and in the lower parts the bouses floated. In Tinakort road, which runs through a deep gully, there were in some places six feet of water, and a boat was sent on a waggon to rescue the people. In Brougham street a h«use in course of erection was blown to pieces, and several large trees were blown down in various parts of the city. The harbor was a boiling sheet of water. The Rimutaka, which «ras anchored out in the stream, had steam up ready for any emergency, but the anchors held. The yachts Ariel and Wenona were blown on to the beach and much damaged. Other boats were injured. On the Manawatu line slips occurred both near town and further on towards Paika kariki. The damage at Polhill Gully is somewhat serious, and water entered several dwellings at Mitchelltown; while footbridges have been carried away and culverts burst in all directions. The flood water in the Hutt Valley is said to be the highest within the memoiy of the oldest inhabitants. Several narrow escapes from drowning are recorded. As far as the eye can reach the valley is a sea of yellow water, and many home* steads are completely devastated. On the Hutt Park railway the rails are hang ing like a suspension bridge, and the earthwork and sleepers are swept away. Between 9.30 a.m. yesterday and 9.30 a.m. to-day no less than 5.7 inches of rain fell in the city—the heaviest fall on record for such a period. The lowest reading of ihe barometer during the night was 29 30. The Penguin, which left for Taranaki and Auckland last evening, returned to the wharf at 3 o'clock this afternoon, having anchored under Point Halswell all night. Two attempts were made to get out, but both were fruitless. The captain describes the sea running at the heads aa fearful. Wellington, March 12. On Saturday afternoon the rain cleared, i>ufe a strong southerly wind continued until this morning, when it changed to north and remained fine. In the Hutt district the residents on the low-lying ground between Taita an 1 the mouth of the river, and including Petone, had their houses flooded, The damage is confined to the destruction of gardens and furni ture. The water receded to-day, but the river is still in high flood. In town the w itor has receded except in Tinakori road, where the residents in the gully are still flooded, but a drain is being cut to enable the storm water to escape. The yacht Thetis became a total wreck. About three hundred yards of the seawall on fhorndon esplanade have either fallen in or been damaged. No fatalities are reported. / Wellington, March 13. The wall at Thorndon esplanade origin ally cost £7000, and it will take between £2000 and £3000 to replace the damaged portion. Ihs yacht Wenona is insured for £250. Sh*? is a complete wreck. The houses off the Tinakori road are still submerged, the culverts having burst. Special channels will have to be cut before the water can get away. Captain Edwin says the storm was a tropical rotarory hurricane from between New Caledonia snd Queensland. It struck New Zealand at Raglan, crossed the North Island, and worked round to the south-east at Wellington. It was not felt south of Hokitika and Kaikouro. The lowest pressure was 29*20, which, however, is not a very unusual reading. Heavier gales have been felt.here, and as heavy rain, but rarely combined as they were on Friday. The wind is still in the sauth. It is raining slightly again this morning The fellmongeries at Ngahauranga lost a good deal of wool and pelts, including some forty bales of the cargo damaged by the fire on Ihe ship Auckland. The Mayor is inviting subscriptions for distressed families. Haweka, March 13. The gale of Friday and Saturday was experienced hare with full force. In twenty four hours nearly six inches of rain fell. No very serious damage was done in town, but in the outlying districts great loss was occasioned. The bridges over several rivers and streams were either partially or totally destroyed. The flood on the . plains was the heaviest recorded, and the damage amounts to a Urge sum. The Otakeho bridge was washed away, and the estimated cost of a new one is £250. One span was carried away from the Haupokoiiui bridge on Otakeho side, leaving a gap a chain nid6 between the bank and the portion of the bridge left standing. The damage in the district will probably exceed £1000. At Kaponga ten inches of rain fell in twenty four hours. A wash out occurred on tho railway line at Tariki, near Ingle wood. The trains meet on either side. The damage is expected to be repaired today. Some anxiety is felt for the safety of the Patea railway bridge, the largo quantity of debris washed down threaten ing the piers, but men have set to work clearing away, and the Commissioners are informed to-day that danger is over. The Wairaiapa trains are not expected to get through till Thursday. The Kaiwarra bridge will have to be rebuilt, but in the mantime will be tem porarily repaired, i Mahterton, March 13. Although the late storm was unusually severe, and the rivers higher than for years past, the damage done was not nearly so great as anticipated. The roads are damaged in many places, and some stock drowned on lowlying ground.

Fourteen Pritnitire Methodist ministers have came from England to New Zealand during the last five years.

The power of modern artillery ia shown by the results of a trial of a 110-ton gun fired at Shoeburyness. The diameter of the gun was sixteen inches, and 9001bs of puwder was used in discharging tho projectile, which was of solid steel four feet in length, and weighed 18001b. These figures may serve to prepare the reader for the statement that the shot went through a plate of solid steel twenty inches thick, kept on through an eight inch iron plate, twenty feet of Bolid oak, five feet of granite, eleven feet of solid concrete, and stopped—for it had to stop somewhere —in a wall six feet thick.

THE ABHBURTOW GOAKDIAIST: MONUAV, MAKCfI U, 1891



Previously acknowledged £211 15 2 J. a Duncan 0 10 6 D. Phelps "... 05 0 1.0.G.T, No. 164, Aahburton 1 15 0 Lioa Brewery Company .. 110

Total £215 6 8



stlbj st lb Rebel ...12 3 Moonlight... 10 2 JackHarkaway Le Roi 11.... 9 7 (late Gros- Wild Irishman 9 5 venor) ... 10 q Highland Chief 9 2 Satyr ... 10 4 Hanlon ... 9 0 Annivbrlaky Handicap, of 130 soys, One mile and a quarter, st lb st b Tempest ... 8 12 Conjurer ... 7 5 Mariner ... 8 2 Paramu ... 7 2 Lustre ... 7 12 Catamount... 7 0 Captive ... 7 7 Maribyrnong 6 7 The Cliffs Handicap, of 80 boys. Five furlongs. 8b lb St lb Huguenot.., 812 Qitano ... "7 10 Glencairn , 8 7 Francotte ... 7 7! Paramu . 8 7 Lansley .„ 7 5 Forbury ... 8 5 Lady Mab.., 7 2 Beadonwell 8 2 Cactus . 7 6 Reflection ... 8 0 TheChangeling6 7 Kondinella 8 0 Lady Rake... 6 7 Tangi Maid 711 Wisdom ... 6 7 Nominations were received as under : Selling Race, of 40 boys. One milei and a furlong. Derby I Catamount | Finetta Tiimolita I Leinster I Rothamstead



Wanted. CONVERTIBLE Cycle, suitaWe for V.> L«dy or Gentleman. First claw "Star "Machine now on view. Cycle requisites supplied.—H- M. Jones. .L oiJS OF TJ-MPERaNCE. —Next » Meeting Will be held 27th nist., instead of To-Night, further notice of which will be given. 3 82 i OST on Saturday evening, fiom ■ I . ' CSomm^rcial Hotel, Sheep Dog "Scot," black and tan, white breast. Finder rewarded.--H. A. Maokay, M'les and Co.,L a imited. 3*83 f l HE Good Samaritan, for the iinme * diate relief of- pain —Lights Cash Storey 2 33 If OMEOPATHIC Medicines, price LX is. Sole agent for district. Light's Cash Store. 234 WANTED Known-Andrew Orr h'aa Removed to the Old Town Hall for one month, during the re-building of his premises. Drapery, Clothing, and Boots greatly reduced, -rAndbbw Orb. 2jj104 .TiHEAP Fruit—Plums for jam Having V> bought Mr Mayo's orchard, I can sell Fruit cheaper than any one in town. Orders may be left at East Street Shop. —M-ta Jambs. 2§61 CHEAP Firewood—Short D#y Gum Firewood, at 26s p»r cord; branches 3s per load at Mayo s, Trevor tou. Apply. Mrs Jamb^, Fruit Shop. W" ANTED the Public to know that S. W. AMORif and Co's Summer Sale ii now un. Great Bargains in Millinery, Underclothing etc. lANOFORTE and Organ Show Rooms. Best cash value obtain able. Extended terms ; reduced sca'e ; Ohmtchurch prices.—H. M. Jokes. \I / ANTED Known—loe Creams, Foe W Creams, for t-ho hot weather, Always ready *t H. G. Flower's, Confec tioner, Ewt Street. SOMKR'iET Meat Mart. The oldest the largest, tha best, and the cheap Mt. Small a specialty. Ful Weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. —qr. j. sii/sock. _______?_? W*~ ANTED Known-%1 Gloves for 4^d j 7^d Kmbroidery for 4^d ; 13s 6d Summer Dresses for 8s 9d.-~ MITCHJSLL & TUBNKB. 3 52 WANTED J_nown.—Come and see our dress lines at 4sd and 6d, l«iither shirting 6jd, three-quarter cloaks 12s 6d.—H. C Seokrs, Mslford House. TO*ANTED, LadTe» and Gentlemen to »▼ see, the orand Display in the windows at " The Corner " Saturday.— W. H. COTXIBR. BES'L 1 Nickel Watches in the market, are those at 22m 6d and 255. Specially made for S. Salbk, Jeweller. Guarantee with each watclu ANTED Known—" The Corner " is showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing. — W. H. Collier. '■■ _^ . j WANTED— Purchasers tor Bargains n Summer Dresses, Prints, and Delaines, Sunshades, &c. at S. W. Aiaork and Cot Sale. ___________ THE Misses Adams' new Refreshment, Rooms now open. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, L-mon Squash* Soda and Milk j and all the new summer drinks ready at ] ill times. Coleman's Buildinga, East Street. WANTED everyone to come and see the beautiful presents we are giving away for every 5a and upwards »p.nt —H. C. Seokbs, Melford Housa. • U6T Opened. — A splendid assort-j !»J ment of Ladiea' and Childr*iis' j-wjkets »"d ul«terd.-11. C. Seobks, Afelford Hou^e. DON'T let the rain water destroy your buildings. Got Spouting fixed at id per foot and buy a tank, complete With Up, tfcsreil before leaving workshop, for 30s, at J. W. Hardlky's. WHY nut Bake your own Bread when you cau* goo 601 b» of the (test Roller Klour for li^e shilling:! cash or fivo shillings and sixpence booked at. Robbrt ziawhs a, launders' Buildins;s. 11 3 s IMi¥l MtHsinyt Word I^. Books on Bh;;ep aiid Dairy Farming, The Hor^e, Tiie Dog, Poultry, Gardening, Athlettcs and Trnining. Back Numbers of Graphic, The Queen, Sporting and Dnun>i: News and orhtr illustrated p;.,p; ,;4 ;jl-- h'iif i'tV", »t L. F, ANDBRWEB I ()>''!' F nrget the Borough Bye-Lawa i 5 n. arr Hgn Lamps, and that H ARDi.K »h is lnrge Stock <>n hand, also » Urge akburtment <>f Tinware and Iron mongery, Scythes, Reaping Hooks, Hay Knives, Forks, eco., of best quality, and all at lowest possible prices. J. W. Hardley, East Street, Ashburton, BEAR in mind that J, W. Hardley, Plumber and Gasfitter, East Street, has tho largest Stock in town of Pumps, Pipes, and Fittings, and that he is selling them cheaper than ever at prices hitherto unheard of in Ashburton, Now is the chance for a cheap Pump ; improved No. 5. Price, 16s. Larger siws in proportion. iOHRISTMAS Suits. Boys, three V_/ garment long Trouser Suit! at 15s. Boys, Colorial-made Knicker Suits from 10a Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Huits 30*. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 50s. -Ashburton Olgthing Mart. Saunders 1 Buildings. Robbkt A-cors. WANTFD Known-Robert Shielm, (Jharles Street, opposite Wool'ln Factory, Ivas commenced Dyeing Jd Cleanirig Lvlies 1 and Men's Garme#s. Blankets and Woollen Goods Seoul d. Moderate charges. Parcels etc , leff at Mrs AjtUms 1, Siundtrs' Buildings, will bo attended to. 3 *1 NOW IS A CH\NCE~t<rSAYE MONEY. NEW GOODsTnEW GOODS, JDST TO HAND. 1 F ym want a Good Suit at a low I wiM, go to the Ashburton Scientific Tailoring 0omp»»y, where you will hive a gran i assortment of Fancy Lrowerings Coating, nnd iweeds of great variety to chose fr«»m- D"n't forget fcbe adilrpsH. T-_N'JTlBi> S'PUWKT, ASHBUItrON. G. J. F 'LVJBIiQW, Manager. MesciT Oolemane «nd Sms' Kucalypti Kxuwt (mHiiufjwtnred at Mittagong »nd IVitau'unH.ni. Now South Wales) has »tt*in«l a rupnution as » specific for affec tions of the cti«st, lungs, consumptions a*thiua, <hj.iitlietia, üßil _■ variety of other I compLaint*.. It miaiWr« among its patrol.3 Earl Jersey, die present, and Lord Larnng tou late, Governor of New South Wales, while in Great, Batata dvriug tUe influenza epe>liinic scarctsiy a iionae or office was with j out it. Mo«Bi'<* Uo'iemane auO Sons' whole mte depot is ,in Chribtcburolu Sharland and Co. are wiiolew* c agent* for the North



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHiNC FACTORY. NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS, FOR WINTEB, 1893. New Overcoats in Msn's, Youths', and Boys'. New Waterproof Coats, Mew s, Youths', and Ladies'. Made to measure. One hundred patterns to choose from. Hats. Hats. Hats. The Largest and Best Assorted btock we have ever had. BOOTS. BOOTS. B3OTS -NEW GOODS ARBIVED.- Prices that will astonish the people of Ashburton. j NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY AND WATERPROOF MANUFACTURERS. ALSXT HENDRY, Manager. OEOPLTS about to marry and furnish XT their houses, are invited to call on Plckford A lndrlll, AT THE ASHBUBTON FUKNITUBE WAEEHOTOE, TANCRBD STREET, I Next Building Society. _NOW ON VIEW— Dining-room Suites in Rimu, Bedroom Suites in Rimu, I^» n\^ rasß/ed^l 8 ' Chests Drawera, Washstands, Spring Mattresses, English and Colonial Peram- Ktors Horse 3 Hair, Kapoc and Flock MaSes, Duchesse and Fancy Tables, Floor Cloths and Linoleums, Carpets, Health Ruga, and^Mats. Furniture Repaired, Restuffed, and Repolished on the Premises. —Note the address— TAN'ORFD STREET, flex Building Soaiety. MOUNT BOMERS COAL MINES. from these mines will be charged for »»Y me no other receipt ilian my own being a sufficient discharge. C. B. KNIGHT, MIOPIiIETOR, WES? SWtf'X ASHBURTON



Bead This. These Barrios must be seen to be BelteTed. New Dress Goods 9_d, now 4jd All Wool Summer Serge U, now 7s« Summet t.»resu Tweeds worth Is, for osa Plaid and Stripes for Children's Dresses 6_d Flannelette 3s 9d dozen . , t . , „ Heavy Twilled Flannelette 49 lid dozen Cotton Shirtings worth 8 Hor s|d Cotton Shittings worth 9id for 6.d . Double Bod Sheeting, white twilled, 10$ d White Lace Curtains from Is 9d a pair Good twilled Cretonne 4§d yard Striped Dimity for bed valbmces 6_d yard CLOTHING. CLOTHING. Men's Strong Tweed SuiU 32s 6d, reduced to 19s 6d Men's Colonial Tweed Suite. 23s 6d Men's Serge Suits 20s Q fl . Men's New Zealand Twetd Trousers 83 lid _^li_3S_l?S-- »d L_k« HH dirt cb-p. Boys' Tweed Suits 4s 11*. Come and see them. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Colonial made Bluchers, 5s Men's Colonial made Shooters, nailed, 8s 6d A special line of Men's Colonial made Shooters, pegged and na-led, 12s 6d \ Men's Oookham Boots, worth 255, for Us 6d orS™«&^o« N s - boy* * arc I Women's strong Leather Shoes. 4s lid Ladies' Glove Itid Boots 8s 93, reduced to 6s lid Ladies' Glove Kid Boots l()s 6d, reduced to 7s 6d w „ (i. J. NKILL and CO., FRIEDLANDER'S BUILOINQS O^HE WATCHMAKING AND JEWELLERY REPAIRING DEPARTMENT 1 is now very complete in its arrangements, and having (in consequence of the increa ed business) obtained the additional assistance for he workroom of Mr Jambs Wilson (from Bryson and Sons, watchmakers, Edinburgh), Customers can rely on their woi k being done promptly and satisfactorily. PLEASE NOTE.-A special feature of the Repairing Department is work turned 8. 8"i LE X, W:it«h.»iak<r. Jeweller, A Oculist. "X'jl'.V"



"UNMERCIFUL DISASTER followed fast and followed faster" upon the fortunes of porr Queensland until that unfortunate Colony is now in the mo&t miserable condition imaginable. Gaunt famine may stalk over the land, frt m failure of the soil to give its annual increase, or from pther of tho many causes of that distress : the destroying plague may be let loose and grip with his cold hand the vitals of the young and strong, leaving sorrowing widows and wa ling 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 their track in place of smiling scenes of peace and plenty—all sad enough and sickening enough 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 aud ruined, and their hopes for the future 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 &uch blessings as are only enjoyed by the dwellers in a second paradise ? Such feelinus, to be sure, as aie prompting -he I thousands of meetings, and plans a"d 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 the foremost if we belie not our past his< ory. ___ SO THINK Hardley Bros., who are giving special value this month in Drapery, Clothing and Boots. ]20 Dozen large Towels to be sold at from 2s 9d a dozen. Splendid white Calico at 2* lid a dozen. Dress Tweed 4s 9d a dozen. Extra largu grey Blanket* only 10s 6d. Sheeting at 10£ d. 94 Men's Suits from 19s 6d. # Woollen Socks at ll_d. 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 12a 6d. f^ NOTE, THE ADDRESS— HARDLfiY BROS., ARCADE, ASHBURTON. Hampton's FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, TANCItED STREEP, Is Opposite Mitchell and Turner's. ' TRY HAMPTON'S FOH Perambulators from 22s 6d Perambulators 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 ! op CROCKERY, AND FANG? GOODS. ---2J35 CHE IP. "^"TKoncy.. f*/~*nf\a of Trust Moneys to lend gbOUv./V/ upon Freehold securi* Lies, in sums of not less than £1000 Applyto mkC.w.i',;RNEll, \ Solicitor, | 2 38 Montgomery's Build ing »,



j±. Good Man But "he drinks.'' Can a man be * good " either from a moral or business standpoint who is qddieied to the use of alcoholic drinks? He may possess fine business qualifications, but if he drinks his value to his employer, himself, or his family is on the wane. Wlnj dvn't he stop? Ah, why don't he? How many sad hearts are asking the question ? The enemy has him by the throat, he haa the disease of inebriety fastened upon him, bujb not an incurable disease, no no! Booth's Golden Remedy No. 1 fights the battle for the victim, and wins' the yjc tory. Jt absolutely destroys all desire,, jor stimulants, opium, and tobaccQ, genaforcircaUnjutcwee,



The Best Remedy fob Indigestion— Norton's Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy for [ndigesfcion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Piixs, with justice called the "Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentlt aperient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bottles, at 1« Ud, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine yeudnr* thmgMt the *i|id,



The Onsjlow Biscuit. The latest and most delicate biscuit npnu,f»«t«red v »y 4ulßebrwk aoity), *