MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following -places as j under, subject to the necessary alterations: SATURDAY, April 8. . . For Northern Ports, per Penguin, at e.^O p.m.; late fee letters, guards van 655 p.m.

ATH.

Reid.—On April 7, at Hill street, Welling ton, James Reid, Tailor and Olothier.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 1893. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The steamer lonic resumed her journey from Cape Town to New Zealand, via Hobart, on Friday. '.. At the court this morning, before Mr J W. Sawle, J.P., a first offender, who was suffering severely from a hard drinking bout, was remanded till Wednesday. : One tender from Dunedin and one from Christchurch were received for the 250 iron bedsteads required for the Porirua asylum. No local tender was received, aDd no word from Auckland. The Ministers of Lands has received a letter asking him to "contest Mataura a* the nexb general election and promising strong support. Mr McKenzie that he is pledged to contest his present seat Waihemo, Hon G. F. Richardson has announced that he will stand again for Mataura. The Mayor of Christchurch unfolded his scheme of municipal reform before 1500 people in the Tuam street hall on Friday night. The scheme was generally con sidered impracticable and only nine hands were held up in its favour; with three against. Parliament has been further formally prorogued until May 13 Another "Gazette" will be issued before that date, calling members together for the despatch of busi ness. Though not definitely decided it is understood Thursday, June 29, is the day on which Parliament will meet. Services to-morrow in the Presbyterian Churches, Ashburton and Wakanui, will be conducted by the Rev A. M. Wright, who has betn appointed by the Presbytery to declare the charge vacant. The collections will be special for the church extension fund i A regulation is gazetted notifying that every District land Register's Office shall be open, to the public for the purpose of searching the register in such office from 10 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. daily, except on Satur-, days, when the hours shall be from 10 a.m. to 12.00 pm. The same hours are to be observed in the Deeds Registry office. At Waimate, on' Thursday, Oscar Rielly, of Studholme Junction, was charged with cruelty to his horses. The evidence went to show that accused's horaes had been in the habit of jibbing, when to make them go, Rielly lit a tire under them, one of them getting terribly burnt. Accused was fined Jts and costs, or two months' imprisoument. The fines were paid. Mr James Reid, brother of Mr Charles Reid and Mr William Reid, of Ashburton, died yesterday at Wellington, where he resided. The deceased gentleman was a prominent and enthusiastic member of the Wellington Caledonian Society, and was well known as a judge at the Ashburton Caledo nian Society's spores. A very wide circle of friends wiJl hear with sorrow of his death. The train arrangements for the races at Timaru next Thursday and Friday are advertised. They include a special train leaving Ashburiou on Thursday morning at 7.15, arriving at Timaru at 9 SJ. Passengers who wish to be in time for the opening of the meeting must travel by this train, as the forenoon train will run at the usual time, arriving at Washdyke at 1.44 p.m. Farmers and others interested will observe on reference to our advertising columas that I an important sale of sheep, horses, imple ments, and sundries will be held on account of Messrs Strachan Bros., at Copeland's Farm, Dromore. Messrs Miles and Company; Limited, in conjunction with Mr D. Thomas, are the auctioneers, and the sale will start punctually at twelve o'clock on Friday, April 14. On Tuesday, about six p m., fire was dis covered in a group of five stacks of grain on Lowcliffe estate, and three of the stacks were burned. This is the most mysterious of all the stack fires this season, as it occurred in broad daylight, and ploughmen were at work on one side and some of the Longbeach men on the other, all of whom had full view of the stacks and are positive that nobody went near them We would remind our readers that Rev T. Spurgeon will commence a week's mission in the Oddfellows' Hall to-morrow, All who are anxious to hear him should not lose this opportunity; for in a few weeks he will be leaving the colony for the Old Country, having accepted an invitation to occupy the pulpit cf the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London, for twelve months wifeh a view to permanent settlement there. Mr Spurgeon conducts a meeting in the Baptist Church this evening. The u,gual monthly meeting of the Dromore School Committee was held on Saturday evening, April 1. Present Messrs King (chairman) Wilson, Allen, 0 Malley and Gibson. The master's report showed a "roll of 51 and an aveiage of 41 for the quarter. It was decided to have the spout ing cleaned and repared and that several other small matters about the school build ing should be seeu to. The secretary was instructed to write to the Board for .apparatus required for teaching agricultural chemistry in the school. After passing several smajl accounts for payment the meeting terminated. We have received the March number of the "Review of Reviews, for Australia." The number is of special interest tp New Zealand subscribers. As frontispiece it hg.s a photograph group of the Ballanee Mm* istrjr*—good likenesses all—and New Zea- J&nH polities and finances as tvell as those of the Australian polonies are touched upon. Capital portraits ,cf the pricketers compos, ing the eighth Australian eleven are given, with a note on the absurd devotion to sports which now prevails ; apropos of which the i astounding statement is made that England itself spends £2,000,000 eveyy year on professional football. Many of the qarica, ture3 which are reproduced are unusually S'.ever. The "character sketch >; is a h^st^ry of the " Pall Mall Gazette," \v]%'i ' journal j^.r Stead rightly describes as " m ' ".atity ik gnglish history." A history of the .Panama 'Vwitfdle, \7?th. portraits of some of the actors ; jwj£ usuaL copious ex tracts from current literature, $ud notes on the progress of the world and the cslopies with numerous portraits and other illustra^ lions, make up the best number of the "Review of Reviews'* that has yet been issued.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME. AND-FOREIGN.

[per press association.]

MR BALFOUR IN IRELAND.

London, April 6. Mr Balfour paid a visit to Dublin, where he was cordially welcomed. In the course of a speech he declared his supreme confidence that^the conflict over the Home Rule question would have a happy fesue. *' BIRTHDAY HONORS. " Truth " says that an unusually large number of birthday honors are expected this year. ABINGTON BAIRD'S WILL. Mr Abington Baird bequeathed everything to bis mother. The re mainder of the estate on her death goes to his cousin. He left nothing to Mrs Langtry. SIR J. GILBERT'S PICTURES. Sir John Gilbert, R.A., has pre sented his pictures to the Art Galleries in London, Liverpool, and Manchester. Sir T. 0. N. Braddon, Agent- General for Tasmania, read a paper at the Society of Arts in which he ad vocated Tasmania and New Zealand as fields for Anglo-Indian colonisation. -SAMOA. In the House of Commons Mr S. Buxton, Under-Secretary to the Colo nial Office, replying to a question asked by Mr Henniker Heaton, said that S»r J. B. Thurston, High Commissioner of ot the Western Pacific, has been in structed, to greatly modify the op - position displayed towards Mr R. L. Stevenson, the novelist. LABOR MATTERS. The strike at Hull is spreading, and military assistance has been demanded by the authorities. Two hundred and fifty additional freemen are proceening from London to Hull co replace those on strike. The employers have appealed to the Home Secretary for assistance. The firemen and seamen on T. S. Wilson and Sons, S. S. Bagley's and Edward LeethauYs lines of steamers, trading to Hull, have also gone out on strike. Detachments of the Scots Guards and First Dragoons have been sent to Hull to assist in preserving drder,

BEHRING SEA.

Paris, A.pril 6. At the Behring Sea arbitration to dny a scene occurred, Mr Phelps, the American delegate, alleging that Eng land's attitude was unjust and humili ating to America. Mr Charles Russell, the British delegate, protested against Mr Phelps' passion, and said thai it was useless for America to attempt to bounce the Commission. FRENCH POLITICS. Paris. April 7. The Chamber of Deputies, after listening to the colorless programme drafted by M. Dupuy, adjourned until the 25th instant. I M. Dupuy, in addressing the Cham ber, said that the Panama lessons had reached the national conscience.

LOSS OF THE KING JAMES.

*San Francisco, April 6. The second boat belonging to the barque King James, burned at sea, has turned up. In all twelve lives were lost by the catastrophe. April 7. Oaptain Drummond, of the ill-fated barque King James, relates the awful sufferings of his boat's crew from thirst. Want of water produced the insanity of .several, and this prevented others from sleeping, as they feared that they would be murdered ia their sleep.

ANOTHER MEDICAL DIS COVERY.

Berlin, April 6. Dr Koch claims to have discovered an antituberculous liquid for inhala tion, wh_|ch he says nas been used with great efficacy,

THE STUNDISTS.

St. Petersburg, April 6. A ukase issued by the Czar places the children of the Stundisls-Puritan sect in South Russia under the gontroi of the clerics, and imposes compulsory baptism.

TROUBLE IN PERU.

New York, April 7. Intelligence is to hand that a mob in Peru sacked the American Consulate and wounded the Consul. The Peru vian police remained impassive, The American Government is demanding reparation.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE QUEENSLAND FLOODS.

Sydney, April 7. The total amount of money con tributed in New South Wales towards the Queensland floods relief fund was £10,300, THE NEW LINE. It is understood that the steamers Miovera and Warrimoo will shortly be laid up for the winter months.

THE TOTALISATOR.

Melbourne, April 7. The ." Australasian," commentpg on the agitation in New Zealand agairis,t the tjC'talisafcor, says that what is re quired is legislation similar to tha.t adoptsd i» Adelaide to .cope with, tfa^e difficulties. It; adds that if New Zea land legislated oa the game Jines th<9 Agii-atioa- would be completely dis armed.

POLITICAL.

Brisbane, April 7. Sir T. Mcllwraith, Pn?rnier ; ad dressing liis constituents sa^d the Ministry had determined to reduce the cost of Government, and there would be no further borrowing until the burdens of. th,e taxpayers were relieved.

A Good Man.

Bat "he drinks," C^n a man be '■ good " either from a mcvai op business standpoint who is addicted to the use of alcoholic drinks? He may possess fine business qualifications, but if he drinks hjis yal,ve to his employer, himself, or his tamily' is o,n .tjho Wlbj don't he .stop? Ah* why don't, he £ Eow many saa |?ea::ts a^e asking tJie question $ The enemy has hin? % the"vhroafc, he lias the 4ieeasfi of inebriety fast^ed jipohjiim, but »ot m jneurable disease, "no "ho,! Booth's Golden Remedy No. 1' fights the battle fir the vjctiia, and wing tie vic tory. It absolutely destroys aljl dp^re for stimulants, opium, and tobaoeo? f §encl for ciyc^arg pt cures,

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following completes the report of yesterday's meeting :— .fords. __ Attention was.called to the unsatis factory state in which some of the new fords were left, and the Engineer was in structed to personally inspect and pass all new fords in future. ASSISTANT RANGER. Mr Wright suggested that an assistant ranger should be appointed, as the work of supervising all the water races was now beyond the present rangers. Mr Friedlander moved, Mr Grigg seconded, and it was carried—" That.the Engineer's report re assistant ranger be referred to a committee, consisting of ■Messrs Wright, Harper. Coster, the Uhairman, and the mover, to reporc at next meeting. ! SJ*EEP BRI»OB OVER THE BANGITATA. The proposal of the Engineer with re spect to the proposed sheep bridge along side the railway bridge over the Rangi tata river was agreed to. WEsTERFIELD MILL WATER SUPPLY. Mr Friedlander moved; Mr Wright seconded, and it was carried—"That the i former recommendations of the Com mittee be abandoned, and the Engineer be instructed to take in the water below the mill, and that the matter be left in the hands of the Committee to see to, with power to act," Mr Friedlander stated that all attempts to bring about an amicable arrangement between Messrs Todhunter and Dowding and Mr Lublow had failed, IHB MAIN RACES, ~ Mr Harper's motion re the main races, notice of which was given at last meeting ; was referred to the Committee appointed to report on the assistant water ranger. MR BROWN'S MOTION. Mr Brown withdrew his motion refer ring to Mr Purnell's charges in connec tion with the Wakanui creek. ' '". DIRECT CABLE.' The following letter was read •— April 7, 1893^ ' Grey Street, Ashburton. I. To the Chairman, j Ash burton County Council, [ Direct Cable. Sir, —I take this liberty to encroach upon your time, viz, the direct cable, and to lay before your important body the fol lowing scheme :—That Ashburton take up shares at 5s per share and form an un limited company for Australia and Great Britain, and we petition the House of Representatives and the Home Parlia ment a subsidy of 53 or 10s in the £, and rhat the subsidy goes to the goodwill of the Direct Cable Company. Trusting you will give this important and safe speculation youvv-On »ble consideration,— Yours respectfully, d gorge Gates. The letter was received good humeredly. EASEMENT WAKANUI CREEK. A letter was received from the Ashbur ton High School Board agreeing. to the conditions o? e&faoments re the Wakanui creek. A letter was read from Mr James Brown declining to comply with the conditions giving an easement in perpetuity in terms of the Council's memorandum, The letter was referred to the Chair man to deal with. WATER RACES FOR PERPETUAL LEASE SETTLERS. It was resolved that the work of con structing water races for perpjtual lease holders in the Rangitata Road Board dis trict be put in hand immediately according to the Engineer's estimate, the Rangitata Road Board undertaking to re fund the cost when the Board receives the money from the Government. Mr goodwin's lease. Mr Wright proposed, Mr Harper seconded, and after discussion it was carried—" That Mr Goodwin's lease be cancelUd over reserve 2589 as agreed to by him, and that the road a-ia ke-> for by the ratepayers be laid off, and the balance of the reserve re-let in three or four sec tions, provided Mr Goodwin agrees to make good any deficiency of revenue that may result from the subdivision and re serve." payment's. Accounts amounting to £700 were passed for payment. DEPUTATIONS. Mr McClimout waited on the Council, and complained that he had had a cow killed on the Mount Somers tramway line, and asked for redress. He also complained that he had been wrongfully charged the cleaning out of a length of water race alons; the tramaray line. He respectfully asked for a refund of the amount charged. It was resolved that enquiry be made into the case ot the cow killed, on Mr McClimont putting the case in writing ; and also re the water charges paid, in order that the Council may consider the whole matter. IRRIGATION. Mr John fyunbie waited on the Council in support of the following petition :— •' "The petition of the undersigned rate? payers, .residing in the eastern portion of the county comprised in the South Rakaia and Wakanui ridings, humbly shewetli —■ "That during the summer months the water races for some miles near the sea board aie very weak, are frequently dry, and at beat give only an intermittent supply. •" We respectfully request the Council to extend the present auxiliary race from the Rakaia river, so as to give a continuous supply in the lower ends of the present races. """ " Your petitioners also beg to call the §ttentiqn of the Council to the following proposal, viz:—'That if your Council can geg its way to enlarge the/above mentioned race so as to afford §>. supply for irrigation purposes, your petitioners who are benefited will agree to pay an annual rate of -~=- per acre foe every acre irrigated,' " Trusting you wi'! sjive our requ33fc your favourable consideration We are, etc., your obedknt servants, — John Lambie, Kyle; Robert Mulligan, Kyle ; Robert Beatty, Kyle.; E. McAnulty, W. L. Allan, H. J. Harrison, W. Ha-r'son, Daniel T)og,k, Donald McMillan, i;.vrge Harrison, John Watson, Edward. Richards, D, B. Carruthers, W. Lockhead, John W; Storry, Thomas Richards, George Butler, E. Hardwick, Henry Kingsbury, Henry Sprott, Joseph Sprott, Samuel Sprott, James Galletly,, James Beitty, John Beatty, Ajurdoch Bruce, Robert Cain, R. and T. Hampton,' Alexander Gordon." Mr Lambie, in support of the petition, said they had always been short of water jn the lower portions of the district. They had hoped thafc tfie enlargement of the races in the upper districts 'would haye been fehe mean's of sending down sufficient to give" tfie'm a supply, b.u£; sjjch jiad' npt been the case, and he thought the GounoiJ. 0-iuld scarcely expect them to go on pay ing for dry races. Sow that a supply was taken out of the Rakaia river at AjQton it would not be a very costly matter to so enlarge th^e main race as to be able to give a supply such as'was no^ asked for by the petitioners, and he" hoped the Council would see its way to 'grant the prayer of the petition., If the Council would do the work the settlers were prepared to put .thefy 'hands in their pockets and y.ay a rate to meet ,the cose- Tfce great drawback to the "previous irrigation' proposals was ,that .the sett.lers were asked to consent t.o b$ raided land j many of them saw very little chance pf • ! getting the water even then, consequently > they would not vote for the scheme. Lt I some such scheme as was now proposed [ were initiated it could be carried out at a snqail'coßc, and ]?9 the mealis of furni&h-: ing va^Uable practical <?.ata qij which to base a much'''larger •sctiemb at seme future time. If they could' be-given''a sufficient sjipply to'|.rngate say. from five jJtp'"t.o' fifty acres they "would 'be :otiite wjlljng to' pay any rea§oiiabje ohlrge, bye at jpesitf ty w^§ B9t

the exact area that would be irrigated, ] °r the quantity of water that would be required. He had been speaking to Mr Marmaduke Dixon on the matter and ; that gentleman had given it as his opinion that to irrigate light porous land three times the amount of water would be required than was at nrst anticipated. Tne settlers would give the Council a guarantee that none of the water should be wasted, and they would be willing to pay any reasonable charge they might fix upon. Mr Wright siid that one of the first things tnafc wjuld have to be done would be to constitute the district a separate water race district. That particular portion of the county could be supplied with water for irrigation purposes at a coropnratively low cost, but the settlers interested would have to be prepared to p*y a charge sufficient to meet the interest on, the sum expended. Mr ftrigg said it would scarcely be sufficient to give the Council a guarantee to pay&imply for any area they might want to irrigate from time to-time. A loan would have to be raised, and the settlers benefited would have-to be charged with the interest on the loan, i Mr Coster hoped the Council would favorably consider the scheme, but he ! thought the first thing to be done would be. for the Engineer to visit the district and furnish an estimate of the cost of the proposed work. Mr Wright said the area to be irrigated i would firsc have to be determined upon, { and then the Council to provide for a scheme in accordance therewith. j Mr Baxter said there were about 8000 acres of irrigable land in the lower J districts. I Mr Brown said it seemed bp him that i what was wanted was to enlarge the! present main races so as to afford a supply in the branches, and then allow the settlers to irrigate small paddocks as j an experiment. Mr Wright S aid that as a guide to the Engineer they would have to determine on the area to be irrigated. Mr Grigg said the settlers wanted the authority of the Council to use the water for irrigation purposes, but it would be i first necessary to constitute the district 5a | separate district for that purpose.. The i Engineer might go down and meet the settlers in public meeting and ascertain their views. ■ After Mr Lambie had retired, Mr Grigg moved, Mr Wright seconded, and it was carried—" That the Engineer meet the settlers in the district interested at a public meeting, and find out what they require, and report to the Council with an^estinaate of the probable cnst." ~WAIER SUPPLY. On the motion of Mr Wright it was decided—"That the Council execute the works necessary to provide Mr Shillito with a water race through his perpetual lease section, and accept the thirds as they accrue in repayment of such outlay and of any expenditure incurred in the maintenance of that portion ot the race which may have to be taken through the land of Mr .John MgLean. Mr Donald Williamson applied for about 25 chains ot water race through section 28728, Lauriston. - The application was granted. An application for a water servica for Mr Thomas McGce was referred to the Engineer. - An application from Mr John Kemp was similarly dealt with. On the motion of Mr Harper it was decided to apply to the Government to contribute towards new water races, in the Hinds Village Settlement homestead block, and that the Engineer be re quested to report as to the cost of a supply for each section. MrJuhnKeay's application for a water ! race was referred to the Engineer to re j port. | Several others applications for water ! races and for deviations of existing races ! were granted. The applications of Messrs Strachan and Smith were granted, provided the new loop line be constructed within the limits of reserve lil2, and that the cost iof construction and maintenance he de ( frayed by the applicants. A letter from Mr W. P. S. Elmslie was referred to the Committee apnointed to report on an assistant water ranger. CEMETERIES. Mr Coster gave notice to move—"That the Council ai its next take into consideration the question of supplying funds necessary for the maintenance of the cemeteries throughout the county." WATEE CHABGES. Mr J. Jamieson wrote objecting to pay water charges on a lengch of race going through his property. The Engineer was instructed To see the owners interested and report, with an intimation that unless they want the water and pay the ratds the water will be shutoff. » . The Council decided that it -would not entertain an applicafeiou from Mr Curd for additional payment for contract work done. BETORN SHOWING BfAIST RACES. A return was laid on the table showiug the chainage of main races throughout the county and the names of the owners and occupiers of the laud through which the mains ran, and the names of those who do not pay water charges on these main races. The report was, on the motion ■of Mr Brown, ordered to be printed. MISCELLANEOUS. . Oa the igption of Mr Cameron, ifc was resolved that the Committee appointed to consider the water race question be also a Committee to consider Messrs Gould and Carneron's deed. J The following tenders were accepted :— Water raoe, Acton, J. Dunn, £35 3s 4d ; tree planting^—-J. Porter, blocks 2, S'Siid 4; W. Gardner for block 1. The following were the successful tenderers for un planted plantation reserves —Messrs Mcßae, O'Gallagher,, Payne, G. Sewell, J. Scaly, Whitelaw, Trefche way. The following were the successful tenderers for planted reserves:—Messrs .James Allan, for reserve near Dromore; G. Hoatten," James Allen, E. Herring, K. Alcorn, J. Bright, WhitelaW,* E. Q. Wright, aDd Elmslie. , It wan decided that the sum of £200 be expended in the purchase of poisoned grain. The meeting then adjourned till May sth. ■" '■' ■■ ■ * •• - ■

"New Zealand Times" Company.

(P£E P»E§S ASSQCIi^JfOIj),

WgLMNgTpN, April f. Mr E. M Jelliooe, as a shareholder in the " New Zealand Times" Company has filed a statement challenging the legality of tfw recent eleotion of directors of the Oompany, the gtQ W^ of proper notice nob being givtn, ancLthat u~C!?r the' articles of Association "directors by resolution "'having beea remoped from office could' not" be re elected. xl*laihtis r asks, on behalf of himself and all share* holder* other than defendants, on the ground that the' resolution' dismissed the | former directors from'office asad l©ft the Company without' any director, (1) tlia't defendants be 'presented by "injunction from agi£ng 8§ djreptars, £2.) that a re ceiver and manager be appointed until directors can be appointed;" (3) that an extraordinary general meeting be called to.elect directors. He also asks, on the ground that the resolution is ineffective and leaves the matter as if no election had taken place, (I) that defendants be re strained-from jwting as directors, and (2) that the "Court grant such relief as may be iust. Mr Q-. Hutchison U casting > for jbiaift.bs ? "■ ---.-. ■-.••

FAILURE OF THE COMMERCIAL BANK OF AUSTRALIA.

(per press association.)

London, April 6. The Victorian Agent-General's depart ment has about £5000 locked up in the Commercial Bank. /Later telegrams from Melbourne have considerably modified the unfavourable feeling at firßt expressed in the City. The idea of forming an Estates Company is I strongly favored. | Several bankers and brokers express the opinion that the recent failures will have the effect of modifying the bystem under which large amounts of deposits are r v ived by financial institutions which Lave a comparatively pmall paid-up capital. In the event of the proposal for recon struction failing the prospects of forming a new and powerful bank to take the place of the Commercial are already can vasse^. The " Financial Times " considers the associated banks must be acquitted under the circumstances disclosed of any dere liction of duty in refusing to comply with the demand for unlimited assistance. The "Standard" thinks any help re quired in reconstruction must come from England, as there is no financial strength in the colonies at present. The '• Scotsman " declares that before " the Scotch depositors will extend their deposits as proposed under H-he recon struction scheme they will require to learn what prospects there are of the shareholders beint? able to pay calls on the unpaid capital, since the shareholders will be certain to find great difficulty in realising the securities in the present, demoralised state of- monetary, affairs in the Australian colonies. A broker who was instructed to sell Victorian three and a-half per cent stock to the amount of £25,000 at any price he could get realised at 88£. . " The London Board of the Commercial Bank suggest that the depositors in the bank should hold meetings in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The managers [ of the Union Bank of Australia, .Bank of ! New South Wales, Bank of Victoria, Bank .of New Zealand, and Bank of Adelaide, favour a reconstruction of the bank. The Exchange also approves of this. . ■■■■ ' April 7. The "Times" says that after careful enquiry it is satisfied that the Australian banks are sound, and ib is unlikely thab the boom injured any of them badly ex cept the Commercial, The " Daily Chronicle " states that the uneasy feeling which was prevalent ,&b first is disappearing. The " Daily News " believes that the rjght course is being taken by the bank in issuing circulars explaining the position and assembling the London depositors. The Scotch depositors demand that provision should be made for reserve capital. s The "Financial News," referring to the proposed reconstruction of the Com mercial bank, considers the schem.9 very satisfactory, provided that shares are credited with only £2 paid up, the- re maining £3 being available only in event of liquidation. * Melbourne, April 7. Mr Warwick, representing the Scotch depositors of the Commercial Bank, speaking at the meeting yesterday, said that if reconstruction were carried out promptly ha believes the Bank would temporarily open its doors within the next forty-eight hours. (Received April 8, 10.30 a.m.) London, April 7. Though the City is still unsettled by the suspension of the Commercial Bank, the acceptance of a reconstruction scheme by the Melbourne meeting has been re ceived wiih great favor. Mr G. Niven, the London' Manager, is awaiting orders to call a meeting to approve of the scheme. j (Received April 8, 11 a.m.) Melbourne, April 3. : I There are tigns of a general revival of confidence in Commercial Bankß affairs.

COMMERCIAL.

LONDON WOOL SALES.

[per press association.]

At the wool sales competition is spirited. American buyers are quiefc and French eager. . / ■-. •' ■ -; ;•..,.;■-.-..

Ashburton Markets.

MESSES MILES AND 00., LIMITED. - Messrs Miles and Company, limited report upon the weekly Btock market in the district as follows:—Notwithstanding the abnormally large entries of the Fair week and the following sale, when the combined totals reached 67,000 sheep, an extensive yarding was again collected at the Tinwald yards on Tuesday last, April 4. Op that date the totals entered were 26,219 sheep, 1(35 rams, 37 head cattle, and 28 pigs, and proving the second largest market of the season and only slightly under that for March 28. The attendance of those inter ested was largely representative, but; throughout the sale biddings were hard to attract. Store sheep of all classes and con ditions were yarded, including a large pro portion ofmenno ewes and. wethers. For really good forward sorts and youngish sheep of these descriptions business was fairly good, but old stock in backward con dition proved almost unsaleable, and numer ous, lines were withdrawn at publio sale.' With the exception of a line of 100 lambs we disposed of the whole of our large entry of 7000 sheep, 33 rams, and one head cattle, the prices obtained for good quality being 'satisfactory Iq sellers. We reached the top price for merino ewes In 'fs 4d to (3a 9d for wpII gonditioned sound sheep froih Mount Possession Estate, and for Mesopo taniia ewes we again realised 7s, Id, and for good forward^ wethers we made 5s sd. The folio wing sales are recorded: —Fat crossbreda 13s to 14s 7d, merino wethers and ewes 5s 9d to 7s 6d, lambs 10s. lOd to 12s 3d, store crosßbreds, according to age and condition, from 4s 9d up to 13s, merino ewes, coor to gobd sorts, Is 7d up to 7s 4d, and wethers Is §d to 5s sd, lambs-6s to 10s. The princi pal sales made by us were}—2oo four-tooth, crossbred ewes, 13s Id ; 34" crossbred*' ewes; 14s 3d; 133 crossbred ewes, 13s 2d; 310 lanibs, 10s 6d and 10s 7d ; 40 lamba, 8s 4d; 300 merino ewes, 6a lid ; 178 two aud four tooth crossbred wethers, 13s 8d j 675 merino wethers, 5s sd; 1100 merino ewes, 6s 9d to 7s 4d. iFor Shropshire rams we realised £4} Lincolns, £4 4s ; Leicester, *g 3s. > ;

Rakaia Monthly Sale.

SIB, JOHN G. RESXELJj. 3sr «[ol}n Q. Rpstell ? in conjuhptipn with £he IJew Zealand J^qan and Mercantile Agency Company, Lunited (per Mr .John Si Bland, auctioneer), reports i—We hold our regular monthly sale at the S uth Rakaia yards on Thursday, April 6. The attend ance" of farmers aud others was very large h\}. h there were very few buyers among the audience. The sale throughout was a very dull one, and a large proportion of the entry was turned out unsold. The entry was a large hue; ey'ery yard being full and several lines }v the paddock., AbouV StU)Q -ske^ 20 head of cattle, 0 horses, t l!^^ ■oiw'wewi entered, of which 1 wo offered 37^6 sheep, 29 ! pigs, 1 head of oa^tle, and horses, and sold the 'following lots :—24 fat crossbred eiyes, 10s 3d;'ll fajb crdssbred wethers, Jss; 27 fat croEsbred ewes, 12s; 83 fat merino wethers/ jbs 3d ; 106 crosßbred'ewes,l^; 4Q5 crossbred ewee, 93 j crossbred lambs, di 4d; 128' merino ewes, 2s 9d 5 57 cross bred wethers, 12s 6d ; 2 crossbred ewe's, 12s 9d ; 3 rams, |g ; 2 rams, Ig ; 3 pigs, 16s Gd ; aged draught horses, £4 10s, £6, £6 ; 1 cow, £3 sa; 1 steer, £2 16s ;-l old cow, 17s 6d.

THE ASfiBtIMOH tttJAIiDIIN : SAttTRDA^, AMtt g, ig§3.



Wanted. WANTED Known.-Foresters Social on Wednesday Evening, 12bh. Refreshments provided. Double Tickets : ., 3s 6d, Lady's Is, .D.Amos, Secretary. ."OICYCLES~(Adams, Curties, and~Co's _D machines) Cash or terms. Christ i" church prices.—H. M, Jones. ■____, B4PTIST Church—Services to-morrow .. will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall. Preacher—Rev T. Spurgeon. 465 HQIANOS from £28 10a. Organs from JT £1510s. Harmoniums, £'10. Easy terms of payment.—H. M. Jones. T OST from the Wakanui Road on JLJ Monday, 3rd inst., a St Bernard Puppy Bitch. The finder will ;be rewarded on returning the same to the Royal Hotel. 470 'T^/'ESLEYAJS Church, Baring Square.. "' Vy Sunday, April 9.—11 a.m., Fare-" well Service by Rev J. H.Gray j 7 p.m., Rev is. Lawry on " Religious Indecision." "ORIMIUVE Church ' Services To • 1 morrow. —Preachers — Morning, Mr J. Buchanan. Evening, Rev J. Cocker. Winchmore, Mission Band. .. -.- . ■ 4^71 ' .rpHE Good Samaritan, for the imme- X diate relief of pain.—Light's Cash Store. 2_33 1 rj OMEOPATHIC Medicines, ])rice v ... l*~l Is. Sole agent for district:, Light's Cash Store. 2 34 TV \/ANTED Known-9£d Gloves for VV 4£d;7£d Embroidery for 4£d ; 13s 6d Summer Dresses for 8s 9d.— Mitchell «sfc Turner. ..... 3 52 WANTED, Ladies and Gentlemen to see the orand Display in the windows at "The Corner" Saturday— ,W. H. CpTLIER. ' CX^ANTED Known.—Como and see ' » our beautiful Mantles, Jackets, ' Ulsters, Macintoshes, Dress Stuffs, etc. H. 0. Seqebs, Meiford House. Meat Mart, i'lie'ddes O the largest, lha bast, and the cheap ast. Small Goods a specialty. Pul weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. •— W. J. Siloock. 4t182 \\ ; ANTED .Kmnvn—lce Ureams, ice --'voVy Creams, for the hot weather," ' - always ready at H. G. Flower's, Confec tioner, East Street. ' 3' ADIES' and Children's Hats ; all the _J new shapes for the season now opened. Prices low to suit the times ;at - "S.W. Alcorn & Co.'s. ' C^HEAP Firewood—Short Dry Gum V Firewood, at 26s per cord ; mixed wood, 24s per cord at Mayo's, Tfevortou.—Apply Mrs James Fruit Shop. __ . CHEAP Fruit—Cheap Fruit.--Prime Quinces for .)*m and Preserving. Mrs James, East Street Fruit Shop. 2§6 m ANTED Known.—Jacket & Dress *' Department a specialty. High o'assgoods marked cheap. H. C. Seqeks, •\Molford House. •« . TTTTANTF.D Known.—Fov Jaikefs, ** Ulsters, Dress Stuff-s, etc. Come • to Meiford Houmj. . 11. 0. Segers. bESL 1 .Nickel Watches in the market, are those at 22s 61 and:;2ss.' Specially made for S. Salek, Jeweller. Guarantee with each watch. • IX^ANTED Known— 4' The Corner "is * * showing a m&unificent New Stock nf Dsepery and Clothing. — W. H. _Colliek. ' ___ __—-- " -rr-^TTTHY not Bake your own Bread when *' ' you can get 501 bs of the Best Roller Flour for five shillings cash or five shillings • and sixpence booked ac Robert Alcokns, Saunders' Uuildinfs. 11 31 •TIHEi Misses Adams' new Refreshment -*- Rooms now open. Tea, Coffee, Cocoa, Lemon Squash, Soda and Milk and all the new summer drinks ready at all times, Coleman's Buildings, East _ Street. VTEW Mantles and Jackets ; immense JJN variety just opened. Prices for equal value lower than any othor house, at S. W. Aicobn «fe Ca.'s. BANG ! Bans I Bang ! Guns"|"Guns ! Guns 1 by the best makers and atted with all the latest improvements Powder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, and Cases ab J. W. Hardley's, East Street. Guns repaired. -~^\KJ HO is your Plumber ? 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 stock of Pump 3 aud Pipe uptown. b" 1 ASTER "Cards and Booklets, New J. Gaints, new supply of the Zither Harps and Autoharps, New Books, Stationery, and Fancy Goods. Sub scribers wanted fur our Circulating Library, L F. A'ndubwls and Cv, . Stationers' Hall. «J[7HEREdo you gee "your Ironmon- V» gery? At Hahplkvs of course, where we get the bett value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinges, Plough . Chains, Rope, Wire Knetting, Gorse Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender an^ Fire Irons', and anything you require. ' (CHRISTMAS Suits. Boys, throe \J garment long Trouser Suibs at 355. Roys, Colorial-made Knicker Suits from 10s. Menls nicely made Colonial Tweed - Suits 30;. Colopial Tweed Suits to measure from 50a.—Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders 5 Buildings. Rosekt A^corn, WANTED Known-Robert Shields, Charles Street, opposite Woollen Factory, has commenced Dyeing and Cleaning Ladies' and Men's Garments. Blankets and Woollen Goods' Scoured. Moderate charges. Parcels etc., left at Mrs Adams', Sounders' Buildings,'will be attended to. , 3 41 P i-L-J-li ■ yJS!? ".■■.■!!■; ■■■■■ggiga ; > SFRIKS OF SPECIAL EVANGELISTIC SERVICES! \ i ILL l»e conducted by the REV. T. v * SPURGEON, in the Oddfellows' Hall, from SUN I>A.V, A prii O, 1893, j • . TO - : Api-il 16, (Monday, April 10, excepted.) Sunday-Sorv'ces, U a m. and 6.50 p.m.; week ni^hte, 730 ij.m. Sankey's Hymns at all Service,l!. - Co!kc<it)t)3 in aid «if Baptist Horn 3 Mission Fund. Vr S-'puigfion .will on MONDAY, MGHP, Apsil 17, 5890. deliver the late C. H. Spuruenn's pupulur Lecture, "SERMJNS IN CANDLES.'*-' r.Ju-tratnl I y FIFTY LIME-LIGUL' VIEWS, Admibsion, la ; Chi!drci) r 6J, Lectmo yUI ggwimehge at 7,30. /$ §§



NEW ZEALAND 0 loth ing Factory, "■.."•SPECIALS. WANTED KNOWN—AII Wool Stilts, 30s WANTED KNOWN—Men's Bannock Tweed Suits, 39s 6J WANTED KNOWN - Men's New Zealand Tweed Trousers, 9a 9d WANTED KNOWN—Men's .Trousers to measure, 17s 61 . .. ■ WANTED KNOWN-Boys' Guard Suits, WANTED KNOWN—Boys' Sailor ifluiteT 11s 6d v WANTED KNOWN--Youtlis' Blue Jerseys, 3s 61 . WANTED KNOWN—IOO Boxes Men's and Boyb' Hats, from Is 6d WANTED KNOWN—Men's Boots 7s 6d, 103 6d,1256d WANTED KNOWN—Boys' Boots, 5s 6d, 63 6d,.756d r WANTED KNOWN—Ladies' Boots, 6s Qd, 7s6d, 93 6d ' NEW 1: ZEALAND CLOTH!NC_FAOTORY. ALEX. HENDRY, - . • Manager. TINWAL7D TO THE FRONT. €. Maw kin* HAS notv got settled in his new Shop ■with a nice assortment of ALL KINDS OF DRAPERY, AND BOOTS, which [he is selling at prices that ai & bound to give satisfaction, as C. H. is determined to merit a share 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 see for yourselves the price and quality of Goods. ■ T]>EOPLE about to marry and furnish _L their houses, are" invited to call on Plcfcfora & IJndrll|, AT THE ASHBUETON FURNITURE WAKEHOUSE, TANCRED STREET, Next Building Society. —NOW ON VIEW— Dining-room Suites in Rimu, Bedi •rsom Suites in Rimu, Iron and Brass Bedsteads, Chests Drawers, Washstands, Sprfjig MattreEses, English and Colonial Peram bulators, Horse Hair, Kapoc and Flock Mattresses, Duchease and Fancy Tables, ■' Floor Cloths and Linoleums, Carpels, •! Hearth Rugs, and Mats. ' Furniture Repaired, Restuffed, and Repolished on the Premises. —Note the address— j TANORED STREET, ! Nex Building Soaiety. I - The ißeg't Tea-  IH CANTERBURY for the money, and ifreo from any- excess of astringei icy. COUNTESS. 2s.



Tiae Best Value in Asliburton Drapery, Clothing, & Boots IS TO BE HAD AT G. J. NEILL & GO.'S, FRIED!ANDER'S BUILDINGS. A Few Prints and Muslins lef?to be cleared AT ANY PRICE. Heavy Winter Tweeds 7|d. Check Dress Tweeds s£d. ■; v; v j . New Double Width Dress Goods ll|d. > j Flannels and Blankets for Winter —unmistakeable Value. y J Two Yards Wide Grey Twill Sheeting lUd, U'iannelettest3s 9d dozen. Men's Tweed Suits 19s 6d. ;, Men's Heavy Tweed Suits 25s 6d. - Boys' Tweed^Suits 4s lid. LA.RGE STOCK OF MEN'S SHIRTS, SOCKS, TIES BRACES, ETC., CJHLJBAI* AND GOOD, '«• BOOTS. BOO^S. / BOOTS. We stand Unrivalled in BOOTS. WE BUY for GASH, and WE SELL FOR CASH. NO BAD DEBTS. Small profics'and quick returns. Men's Colonial made Shooters, nailed, 8s 6d Men's Colonial made Bluchers, 5s . Strong Leather Slippers, 3s 6d Women's Strong Elastic Sides 6s lid. Women's Strong Shoes, 4s lid IF SOU WANT THE BEST VALUE IN BOOTS GO TO G. J. NEIIiL and CO., if ■ ■ • • • FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS- CORNER OF EAST AND MOORE STREETS, ASHBURTON. <^t*"^™"";l:aHW|lie-"" T iBiT* —nTT-nnHiH JPtnmiricrTrrmTiyTKsni-t*rrT jrrTi*t*-i'iT***~'~irf7f-f— "" immr t->i riri iimi.i ih>i wjn wu i.nii ■ wi^il THE WATCKM.\KING AND JEWELLERY RRPAIRTNG DEPARTMENT is now very complete in its arrangements, and having (in consequence of t.he increased business) obtained the additional assistance for the workroom of Mr Jambs Wilson (from Bryson and Sons, watchmakers, Edinburgh), Customers can jely on their work being done promptly and satisfactorily. " PLEASE NOTE.—A special feature of the Repairing Department is work turned out only in a FIRST CL.VSS ivlANliEil, and charges are"as low as is consistent with SOUND AND RELIABLE WORKMANSHIP. ■■;■ ': i. sa£ek, /W raftclii!i alter, Jeweller, & Oculist. •!'£!£■'•



"UNMERCIFUL DISASTER followed fast afid followed faster" upon the fortunes of puov Queensland until that unfortunate Colony is now in the most miserable condition imaginable. Gaunt famine may stalk over the land, fn. m failure of the soil to give its annual j increase, or from other of tlie many causes of that distress ; the destroying plague may be let loose and grip with his cold hand the vitals of the young r.nd 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 and ruined, and their hopes for the future sunk in one mournful_and_inr_etrievable disaster ? -TlreseTeelmgs 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 bißssings as are only enjoyed by the dwellers in a second paradise^ ? Such feelims, 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 cali. And we of Ashburton shall be in the front of the foremost if we belie not our past | history. SO THINK HardLley Bros., who are giving special value this month in Drapery, Clothing and Boots. 120 Dozen large Towels to be sold at from 2s -9d a dozen. Splendid white Calico at 2s lid a dozen. Dresa Tweed 4s 9d a dozen. Extra largu grey Blankets only 10s 6d. Sheeting at 10£ d. 94 Men's Suits from 19a 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 ruuled Shooters now only 8s lid, worth 12s 6d. . J^- NOTE THE ADDRESS— HIIIBIiEY BRO§, ARCADE, ASHBURTON. Hampton's T^URNITURE SX7AREHOUSE, JL? . t? _ TANCRED STREET, Is Opposite Mitchell and Turner s. TRY HAMPTON'S - FOB Pevanvyulators from 22s 6d Perambu&tprs Reversible Hoods from 355, Patent Rubber-Tires Basket Ware Chest Drawers Chairs and Tables Bedsteads Cheap Furniture All Repair 3 ' Colonial Couches . i Wire Spring Mattrasses \ BRANCH BUSINESS. EAST STREET, Below Patching's. GREAT ASSORTMENT OF CROCKERY, AND FANG! GOODS.— 2J35 OHEiP MOUNT SOMERS GOMj. W. & J. HAiittiS £XAVING bought the Lease of the _, J Mount Somers Coal Mine, beg to announce that they arc now prepared to supply tl*e excellent fuel from the Mount Somers Coal measures in any quantity. "They have appointed MR. JAMES BAKER, HAVE-LOCK STREET, their sole Agent;, and all orders will be promptly attended to. . In connection with the above JAMES BAKER, Timber Merchant, Havelock Street,, solicits a,share of public patron ise, and is prepared to give prompt and •eaijeful attention to any orders for MOUNT SOMRJIS COAL that oaay be enU-u^lud to him- for [exeoutioa, 4 24



TO ADVERTISERS. 1 In consequence of the Longbeach Coach leaving Ashburton an hour earlier the Qttardian will go to press punctually at 3.30 p.m. Advertisements must be at this office not later than 2.30 p.m. Asbburtou Publishing Office, j April 4,1893.__



Hot,loway's Ointment.—Sores, Wounds, Uleer&tions, and other diseases affecting the skin are capable of speedy amendment, by this cooling and healing ointment, which has called forth the loudest praise from persons who have suffered for years from bad legs, bad breasts, piles, abscesses, and chronic ulcers, after every hope of cure had long jpassed avay. None but those who have experienced the soothing effect of this Oint ment cajj foi'Oji ajj idea of the comfort it bestows by restraining infl.uimation and allaying pain, Wh<ene.v,er £Jolloway's Oint ment has foeeji once used it has established its own worth, a»d has again been .eagerly sought foe such complaints. Jn neuralgia, rheumatism and goat, the.samjß application properly used, gives wonderful pel^ef ;



The Best Tea IN" THE WORLD .Hyglo&'d. Ceyßon. NINIAN HYSLOF, Asp CO., Tea Importers, %% <Gs> !bsl street,« QUr^t?U u]r<#?



. The Onslow Biscuit. Tlie latest and most delicate* biscuit m^nuf^otured -by