MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations : — Mails for Uoited Kingdom, vi* San Fran, oiseo, per Alameda, immediately af.er arrival from Honolu'u, due Octobor 13; also for Tonga, Samoa, and Fiji,|per Upola, on Satu d :y, 14 h instant, at 5 30 p.m.

Note—On and after October 1 the parcels post system will be established between; New Zealand and New South Wales at the same rate of postage as to the other colonies.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit.. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1893. IRRIGATION.

The preliminary official steps have been taken, and in a few days work on the experimental irrigation scheme at the Acton estate will begin. We say experimental advisedly. The experi mental part only comes in to show the men of the surrounding district who are so distrustful of irrigation—so I •• afraid of the snow they have never i seen " as die old Scotch proverb has it —that irrigation is a thins; with money in it. Thousands of men in other countries are already satisfied of ths,t fact, because they have seen and practised irrigation—and generations in all ages, if history means anything at all, have done the same thing, and done it profitably. But there are farmers in Canterbury so far advanced in agricultural science that they are above and beyond irrigation, and their agricultural education has been so perfect, and so perfect without a know ledge of the details and benefits of irrigation that, like Thomas, also called Didymus, the demonstration to them must be very ocular before they will believe. Mr Allen, of Acton, was as blind himself as ihos© pidymusea who would not see, until he traveled and , saw for himself what irrigation meant, j Having seen he was no longer faithless' but believing. And believing, like a square wen he sets about putting his J fellow Thomases in a position to realise before their own eyes, and just beyond their own fences what irrigation can do. This summer ft is expected th,e irrigation stream will be in full flow over the Acton and.Mr Allan's pro perty, and ye feel perfectly sure that after its success has ijeen demonstrated the old incident of the seventies will be repeated; when the lower settlers

declined to have the water races, but when they saw them flowing, brayed and panted for them as thirsty hart for water brooks. We congratulate Mr Allan on the patriotic step he has taken, and feeling as assured of his success as he himself feels, —the suc cess in increasing by the use of irriga tion at the proper time the productive ness of his soil and the weight, abun dance, and quality of his crops, both root, green, and cereal—we feel equally assured that within the next ; two or three years the whole district below his homestead to the sea, and much of the land lying inward and southward, will go under an efficient system of irrigation, that will very materially increase the productive capacity of the soil as well as the market value of the land. We look upon Mr Allan as having acted the part of a public benefactor on this matter, a public teacher whose valuable object lesson will be a boon to the country generally: and upon the County Council who helped him in the matter as equally deserving commendation. When the works are in full swing and in the full flush of success there are no "helpers" in the movement likely to feel smaller than those who by their de clinature tojointhe larger scheme, acted the part of Thomas and would accept nothing but " seeing's believing." Yet we do not after all blame the Didy muses. The world owes much to the doubters in it, and Christianity owes much to the incident and the evidence of Thomas, and no man is expected to do anything he does not believe in. Mr Allan's neighbors would have none of the irrigation scheme proposed, and to. prove to them the true value of the thing he has had to go a lone hand. " What price irrigation next year ? And what pries Mr Allan's claim upon them for showing wht»t are the possi bilities of irrigation."

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr John McLaehlan at the Oddfellows Hall to-night—at eight. I Mr W. N. Cathro, eolioitor, Bangiora, has been asked to conteßt the Ksiapoi seat, but he haß not yet decidod. Me Huddart haa direoted bis steamers not to call at Queensland ports, and ia asking Canada to permit them to take in F.ji. Both the Ashburton and the Atbioa Cricket Clubs held Euooessful practice matches on Wednesday, and with the pitob.es in first olass order improved form was shown by many members. Tae direoors of 'he Kaiapoi Woollen Manu. faoturing Company h^ve decided to reoorn mend the payment of a dividend for the half j-tar a 1 the raie of nine per ceat. per annum, to place £1500 to the reserve fund, carrying forward a substantial balance. For tbe Asbburlon Siow the railway authorities hava conceded traveling privileges ou the iines which will no doubt: bo much valued and extensively takan advantage of. The lares from Garistohureh to Ashburtou will be at the excursion figures of 8i 01 first class and 63 6i second. A committee meeting of the Swimming O'.ub was held on Wednesday evening. It wa 8 decided to j )in the Association, and Messrs Kernpthorne and JParcusse wtre appointed delegates to ihit body. It was arranged to have the open day on Wednesday next, Oatober 18, when eight swimming tvtnls will tike place. The Po3tmaater-General of New Soutb I Wales had decided, subject to the apir-jval oi P^r iarnent, to continue t'ae subsidy of £4000 to the Sac Francisco mvii service for another year. The New Zealand Government has intimated to the poet office that the con tractors have been requested to renew the service for another twelve months on the existing terms. Last years' contract will expire on Oatober 30. A teoend meeting of the conference of re. preservatives of various religious denomina tions convened by Bishop Julius to consider the question of securing the introduclion of religious teaching into the public school of the colony wai held yesterday at Christchuroh. It was reported that a committee appointed to devise a suitable text bjos had failed to come to any agreement. It was decided to form an association to be called "The scripture text book in public schools associa tion " it 3 object being to seuure the introduc tion into the sohools of the colony of a suiiab'e scripture text book to be uaed under the time table aod conscience cUuae. The annual general meeting of the Ash burton Musical Pociety was held on Monday evening last at Gates' School of Music, when there was a good attendance, and considerable enthusiasm was evinced in tbe past and future work of the Society. The Key. T. A. Hamilton presided in his usual able manner, and in the course of hia remarks leferred to the great pleasure it gave him to be connected with the Society, and his regret that he could not devote still more time to its work and cause. He farther stated his sorrow at the loss of the conductor, Mr D. Booth, who was removing to another part of the colony, and testified to the great patience and sympathy displayed by Mr Booth in the Society's efforts to provide high class music for the people of Ashburton. Mr Hamilton, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sh.eet, accorded to the outgoing Committee the best thanks of the Society for their successful services during the past year. The names of Messrs A. and J. Qrr, Parnell, and YYason were added to the list of Vice presidents, and several additions were made to the Committee. Members referred to the good services rendered by Mr Mackay, who was urged to continue in office, but he could not see his way to accede. Pianist and librarian were appointed for the year, and Mr L. Owen was unanimously requested to act as conductor. It was resolved that Mr Booth's name be placed on the roll as an honorary member of the Society, and he was further requested to meet the memb^rp at Mr Gates' rooms on Thursday evening, l£th inbt., at 8 pm. A hearty vote of thawks was accorded to the Becre'ary, and the usual !hanks to Mas Chairman for presiding, brought a Biiccossful meeting to a, close, with good prospecte for the future year's opera* tions.

A telegram to-387 from Chriatohuroh a'atea that Mr Lnblow has loat bis water right case, and will have to pay costs. A general meeting of the Ariel Bioyole Club will be held in the Arcs.de Chambers to-morrow evening at eight o'o'ock. All members are requested to attend as the business is im portant. After a continuum spall c! fine wea'her, and a very close day on Wedre d'iy, a change oarne over the eky on Wednesday evening and after tbrca'eiaiag for come limo the ra;n came down in torrents over nighl, caueing a con siderable fresh in the river. As an instance of the sora straits to which tradesmen in Victoria are driven ia their efforts to get work at any priae the following paragraph from the " Age" is sugges ive :— " The Eichmond Council received twenty-one tendera for painting the Richmond Park bridge, ranging in prioe from Ll9 16s (Messrs Rule and Roberts; to Ll9O, The surveyor intimated that the work was honestly wenth Ll5O, which was the amount of hia estimate. Councillor Divies, who i 3 io the decorating business, dao'ared that the material would cost more than the money for which Rule and Roberts offered to do the whole work, The tender was reined. Residents both ia Wakanui and other parts of ihe county will regretfully hear of the death yesterday morning of Mra James Brown, at Netherby, Wakanui. Mrs Brown was taken ill about eleven days ago, but no serious conaequenoes ware anticipated, and it was hoped that with careful nursing and the best medical attention the h:arfy eld settler would be again on foot and about as usual. In spite of all these, however, the combination of ailments from whioh Mrs Btown Buffered proved too strong for what had been in its time a grand constitution, and she succumbed peacefully and almost pain lessly as above stated. Mrs Brown was fifty three years of age, and a large family of children now all grown up, are left to mourn their bereavement in her death. She was one of the old settlers, whose ranka are now rapidly thinning, linking the tussock period of the Wakanui with these days of emiiing homestead and well cultivated field, and bore her fair chare of the toil and labor that fell to the lot of tha hardy pioneers of the early seventies. For dairymen, Ihe Canterbury A. and P. Association's Show at Addinglon this year shoiid have particular attention. In ciaSi 39 the prizss aro £10, £7, and £4 103, and are made up of £10 givea by the Association, £5 53 given by Sir John Hall, £3 3d by Messrs Mason, S.ruthers, and Co., and £3 3s by the Da Laval Separator Company. The prizes are to be awarded to the cows whose milk on ins morning of November 10 shall yield the greatest, actual weight of butler fat. Dr Livinge, Medical Superintendent of Sunnyside Asylum, gives £5 53 in all for the best and second best milch cow, owned by a firmer farming not more than 300 acres. The Chrißtohurch " Preaa " Company give £5 5i for the bast geoersl purpose oow, giving the largest quantity of miik, averaging not less than 3.75 butier fat on the morniag of the 10th. All milch cows competing for thesa prizes shall be in their stalls by 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, and will be milked dry o^the evening of November 9.

LABOR ITEMS.

[PHR, PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

Brussels, October 11. Three million Belgian miners have resumed work. London, October 11. The Midland mine owners are willing to resume work at a reduction of 15 per cent, in wages. Melbourne, October 11. The engineers' strike has ended by the men letuming to the steamers Cioncurry and Eddystone within the cime specified by the owners. If the men had not adopted this course there were sufficient engineers already en gaged to take their place. It is not known whether any further action is contemplated.

SPORTING.

THE NEW ZEALAND CUP.

Sfc Hippo is slightly amiss, having bruised himself In consequence he has been knocked back in the betting to 100 to 12. Christchubch, October 12, St. Hippo was scratched this merning for all engagements at the C, J.C, Spring Meeting. _

MELBOURNE NOTES.

Melbourne, October 11. At Flemington this afternoon a couple of Mr S. Hordern's Maribyrnong Plate candidates, Collarette and Catapult, had a spin over the distance, the former, who is a beautiful mover, having all the best of the go. In the rooms to-day Division was well backed for theOaalfield Cup at 100 to 12, which is now the best offer against him, 1000 to 100 was taken aboub Brockleigh, 3000 to 210 Jeweller, 10,000 to 10 J.S.D., 500 to 5 Somniloquist. 500 to 75 was taken aboub Patron for the Dei by, for which event Pullvil is a shade better favorite thau Grarcon. All the money in the nvurkeb at 100 to 5 against Sternch*ser for the Melbourne Cup has been exhausted.

NAPIER PARK SPRING MEETING.

Napier, October 11. The weather was again splendid for the second day's racing of the Park Club's Spring meeting The attendance was very large, and there was pub through the machine £5238. Results :— Second Trial Hordlbs, of 50 soys ; one mile and a half—T. Rose, lOst 21b, 1 ; Maid of Lome, 9at 71b, 2 ; Vascoe, 9ab 101b, 3. Eight started. Won easily. Time—2.s4 2-&fch. Dividend—£3 7s. Caledonian Handicap, of 50 soys ; dx f urlongia—Looh Ness, 10.it 51b, 1 ; Muske teer, 63t 121b, S; Uomo.git 121b, 3. N^ne started. Won by a nose atter a magnificent finish. Time —1.21 1 £?th. Dividend—£l2 ss. Racing Club Handicap, of 130 soys ; one mile and a distance—Ua, Bsb 31b, 1 ; Rangiatea, Bst 101b, 2 ; Stanmoor, 7st 101b, 3. Nine started, Won b,y half a length. Time—l.s9 3-§tha. Dividend— £3 2s. Telephone Handicap, of 50 soys ; one mile—Water Lily, 7st lib, 1 ; Prairie Grass, Bst 101b, 2; T. Rose, 7sfc. 3. Four started. Won comfortably. Time—l.47. Dividend—£3 14s. Second Hurdles, 80 soya ; one mile and three-quarters—Couranto, 12st 91b, 1 ■ Jack, lOdfe Igtb, 2 ; Vascoe, 9dt 71b. 3. Ei»ht starters. Won comfcrtablj?. Time 5.35 2-sth. Dividend-£2 2s. Juvenile Handicap, of 70 soys ; four furlongs- Tartan, 7st 6b, 1 ; Maluri, "7st, 2j St Kevin, 6it 71b, 3. The only starters. Won easily. Time—sl. Divi dend— £2 2b." ■ Git and Stand Handicap, of 50 soys ; seven furlongs,—Pahgiatea, 9sfe 31b, 1 ) Mystic, 7st 101b, 2 ; Avis, Cat 7lb, 3. Nine started. Won very easily. Time— i.33]-sth. Dividend—£4 3s.

SWARD and TRACK.

[BY MERCURY. J The cycling season has begun in earnest, and what with the advent oi: the Raleighs and Humbers just over a week ago, and a •ontinuous supply from the Christchu_ch makers, assisted by perfect cycling weather, the hum of the wheel is ever in our ears. It is al-o pleasing to note that cycling is "catching ou " with the ?a:Hes of Ashburton, and several now machines for the fair ones have mada their appear ance. There ia no reason why cycling should not be popular amon* the ladies, as the pleasure and benefits derived from the exercise are in valuable. Tha Ariels set the ball rolling on the 20th of last month, and the Amateuis have taken it up and the success of the opening run and sports in connection with the respective Cluba has done much good in bringing the sport before the public. About half-past two yesterday the mem bers of the Amateur Club, numbering about twenty, assembled by the post office, and after riding through the streets, headed by their captain, Mr Stephe? s, made for the Domain, havinc first been photographed near Mr FookV housa by Mr J. Mitchell. Once on the track, with the cricketers and a large number of spec tators, they gave the sports ground quite a holiday appearance. Of the riders tak ing part in the races the public were some what disappointed in A. Daly, the scratch man, who was riding a beautiful Humber machine, weight 231bs, but he tvidently suffered from want of condition, and should he undergo a consistent course of training will probably be seen to advan tage before the end of the season. The Shearman Brothers showed the best form, and the younger—(" Our Bob ")— especi ally, who appropriated three out of the tour races, should with training - make c very good rider. In the foot races Broad was evidently in first class condition, winning both the 100 yards and the 250 yards from scratch with a little in hand. Following are the results : — One Mile Bicycle—R. Shearman, 30yds 1; W. Shearman, 4.oyds 2; H. Stewart, 40yds 3, A. Daly scratch, also started, and caught his men at the beginning of the race but then fell back. Half Mile Bicycle Race—R. Shearman, 20yds 1; Murray, 30yds 2 ; A Daly scr. 3. there were three other starters. One Mile and a Half Bicycle Race — R. Shearman, 35yds 1; W. Shearman, 45yds 2; A. Daly scr. 3. These were the only starters. Three Mile Bicycle Race—W. Shear man, 60yds 1; R, Shearman, 45yds 2 ; A, Daly, scr. 3. Murray was the only other starter and did not finish. 100 yds Flat—L. Broad, sor, 1; H. Hoult, 10yds 2 ; F. Tucker, 10yds 3. Seven started but Broad getting away well, got; through his men in fine style and won easily. 250 yds Flat—L. Broad, scr. 1; D. Matson, 4yds 2 ; Clowes, 9yds 3, W. Saunders also started. Broad again won easily by a few yds from Matson. 440 yds Flat—G. Oromie, lyd 1; H. Curtis, 20yds 2 ; Clowes, 17yds 3. These were the only starters. At the conclusion of the sports Mr A. Harrison mounted a bench and announced that a collection would be taken for the benefit of the Old Men's Home. The result of the collection was the substantial sum of £3 0s 9d, showing that a love of sport goes hand in hand with generosity. The Cash Amateur Club, Christchurch, at their adjourned annual meeting on Tuesday night, decided to alter the name of the Club to "The Christohurch Cycling Club." This is a step in the rigat direction, as the original name was rather ambiguous. They also decided to hold a meeting in Lancaster Park on Anniversary day and programmes will be out shortly. On Friday last, J, Boyd set out on a 211b machine to break the 50 mile re curd, but he unfortunately punctured his tire on the way. It will be seen that he had good intentions, as he cut out the first six miles in less than 16 minutes. I The Pioneers, tho Amateur Club of Christchurch, are taking for new club rooms th.B top floor of a big building in course of erection in Cathedral Square. They expect to be in their new quarters in a month or so. / The Lancaster Park track ia at present lin firsc class order and several Christ church riders have already commenced training, and on the 1893 racers are re puted to be making very fast times. Mr J. Forbes is the only Ashburton representative at the Waimate sports, to be held to-day, A specimen of a patent oiler, an ingeni ous and neat contrivance for oiling the chain of a bicycle, is to be seen at Mr Walker's shop in East street. The oiler— which ia the result of Messrs Walter and Horace Thompson's of Christchurch in ventive skill—is anything but cumber some, being only a few cubic inches in size, is simple in construction and withal most effective. Another up to date contrivance is an invention for preventing dust from enter ing the bearings of rover machines. I saw it on an Atalanta which was being sent south by Mr J. Miiller. the local agent. The invention is a good one, and cyclists will soon have no excuse for not keeping their machines in order. Messrs Adams and Curties, of Christ church, have in their show room in Man r Chester street a very fine collection of tl Stars," cons sting of about twenty new machines, and are evidently intending to keep pa^e with the times. The brilliant performances of Wilmot and Hayward on the other side on an Atalanta (Boyd's) and aZealandia (Oates 1) respectively led many Australian cyclists to assert that New Zealand machines wore equal to the best imported makes. Mr Stephens, the captain of the A. A.C.AC, donned the colors of the club yesterday. He wore a drab Norfolk coat, trimmed with gold piping on the sleeves and neck, and in virtue of his office four bars also of gold piping on hia arm. His hat was also piped with pold. A few cycle races on Wednesday after noons are enjoyed by the pubfic, and help to popu'arise the sport, and it is to be hoped that our two clubs will see their way to hold them frequently. Both the amateurs and the cash riders might have races the same afternoon, separate if need be, and a collection be taken for the Association, which has taken up the work i of keeping the sports ground and track in order.

The Trouble in South Africa.

Capetown, October 11. It is expected that the Eeohuana police with one thousand Khanias will unite with the Chartered Company's forces in attacking King Lobenguela's followers at Krolbulawayo. It is re ported that one of the Cape regiments will be sent ud country.

THE REVOLT IN BRAZIL.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Rio de Janeiro, October 10 A body of three thousand in&ur gents js making preparations to capture the magazines in the yicjnity, of thp capital. The president threatens to blow them up rather than let them fall into the rebels' hands. ,

Bank of New South Wales.

Proposals submitted by the Board, of Directors of the Bank of New South Wales and adopted at the Special General Mcc ing of the shareholders held at the OMef Banking 'House, Sydney, on Wednesday, September 27, 1893, Thomas Bucldind, Esq., President of the Bank, in the chair.

First.- That the capital of the bank bs increased to £2,000,000 ly the creation of 37.600 new shares of £20 each. Second. —That the new shares shall be issued at a premium of £5 (i c. at £25) per share such premium to be applied to the aug mentation of the reserve fund— and that such new shares shall be allotted to pro prietors in the proportion of an even three-fifths of the number of old shares held on the day of allotment, Third.— That the payment of new shaus shall be | as follows : —Not less than one-sixth of the number allotted to each proprietor shall be paid up in full on November 1, 1893 ; one sixth on May 1, 1894 ; "lie sixth on November 1, 1894 ; one-sixth on May 1, 1895 ; one-sixth on November 1, 1895 ; and the balance on May 1, 1896. Fourth—That any allottee of new shares shall have the option of paying deferred payments in full for the whole, or an^ less number of the remaining new shares, on any of the above dates respectively. ( Shares so paid in full to be entitled to participate proportionately in the then current half-year's dividend ; otherwise shares paid in full between the dates on which they are declared payable to re ceive interest at the rate of six per cent per annum to the following due date of payment on May 1 or November 1, and thereafter participate proportionately in the current half-year's dividend. Fifth. —That all shares not applied for and all shares accruing from the fractional parts of shares after the division as above shall be sold by the Board in accordance wLh the deed of settlement, and that in the event of the latter shares being disposed f i at a price in excess of £25, such excess shall be passed to the credit of the Bank's reserve fund. The following is a synopsis of the Chair man's address : — You have been called together to con sider a question of great importance to the Bank, and to 'your individual interests. Before calling upon you to decide the question now to be submitted it becomes my duty, on behalf of the Board of Direc tors, to give some reasons why an increase of capital is desirable. I need not go into details of the failures of Building Societies and the suspension of several banks, but I may refer to the result as affecting this institution. First, it caused a run upon uo, which gradually died out, but the general panic left a feeling of distrust throughout the community ; and, although confidence in the old Bank has returned, the Board feels that the proportion of liquid assets held, which has hitherto been deemed sufficient, and which had carried the Bank safely through seasons of difficulty, must now, in view of recent oc currences, b8 largely increased. Tt has i therefore been decided, after consulting those intimately acquainted with the Bank's affairs, that, owing to the increased magnitude of its transactions, the capital ought to be increased to £2,000,000, to secure to the institution the confidence of its constituents and the general public, which it has so long possessed. The addi tion of £750,000 of naw capital will enable the Board to increase the reserve of Go vernment and other immediately conver tible securities, available in an emergency, such as the Bank has now passed through. A. large amount; of new business is now offering, but our policy is directed towards strengthening the position of the Bank rather than to extending its operations. \ Until the customary returns have been received and examined it is impossible to give an exact forecast of the result of the half-year's -work. However, so far as it is possible to anticipate same, ifc is pro bable that the gross profits will not be less than usual. No doubt; a prudent and conservative policy will dictate the desir ableness of making larger reserves there from to provide for possible depreciation in securities, consequent on the existing depression ; but it is thought the net profits will still be sufficient to admit of the declaration of a fair dividend. There are two encouraging features of the pre sent season : one is that the wool clip, on which much of our prosperity depends, will certainly give a very much larger re turn of wool per sheep than was shorn last year. The other is that the starting of boiling down and freezing establish ments in Queensland and New South Wales has fixed a minimum value on fat stock. Already the results of the export of beef from Queensland ,are having an encouraging effect upon the returns from stations there.

COMMERCIAL.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

(Received October 12, 10,35 a.m.) London, October 11, Shares, New Zealand Shipping Com pany, £3 5a ; Shaw Savill and Company, £6. The quantity of wheat and flour afloat I for the United Kingdom is 2,896,000 quarters ; for the Continent 948,000. A cargo of Adelaide whejft off coast sold at 26s 6d. Victorian butter averag.es 104s. (Received October 12, 10 10 a.m.) London, October 11. Tt has been decided to hold six series of wool sales in 1894.

ADDINGTON LIVE STOCK.

Chbistohurch, October 11, The weather was oppressively hot for the market at Addiugton to-day. There was a large attendance, and business on the whole was fairly gcod. Store Sheep—Aboub 2000 were yarded, mostly ewes with lambs, and some forward hoggets. Crossbred ewes with lambs, brought from 12s ljd to l§s lid ; hoggets from 6s 103 to 12s Bd. Fat Sheep - The entry was about 2000, but a considerable proportion was inferior crossbreds and merinos. Though the sale opened fairly well, business was of a dragging nature, and towards the cud sales were hard to effect except ab a considerable reduction | on late values. Crossbred wethers brought l£s'9d to 21 9d; ewes, 14s to 17s Id; mixed sexes?, 10s 3d to 20s 63; mixed wethers and'maiden ewes, 16s 9d to 21s ; some shorn wethers, lls 3d ; halfbred wethers, 17s to 2Qs 6d J mixed wethers and maiden ewes, 15s Id to 17s lid j merino ewes, ?s to 15s ; ewes 9* 6d. Fat Cattle.—A mi^ed entrj? ot I^B head the bulk being inferior to medium quality. A few nice bullocks from the North Island topped off in Canterbury brought £13 2s 6d to £14 7a6d; steer*, £6 to £8 2s 6d ; heifers, £fl 2s 6d to £9 2s U ; cows £5 10s to £8 15s. The market was slightly easier for heavy cattle bub some of lighter sorts mua:h*ve brought within a shade of 30s per lOOlbs StSke Catt^.-A large entry and business showed an improved tone and more changed hands than for some time Pa piGS.-A large entry with an easier market, the only kinds which approached late rates being young stores.

San Francisco Mail.

Auckland, Ccfc>berl9. Arrived—A 1 amada, from Sin-Francisco. Her dates are—London, September 9 ; New York, September 15 ; San Fraueisco Septem ber 22; Hoaololu, September 19; Apia, Ociober 6. Fine weather was experienced throughout the voyage, which was unevect ful.

"The Road to Hell."

Coombe, ihn Milton publican, ia a -letter to th 9 prees, charged tha Salvationisfß with having chalked upon the pavement in front of his door the words <• This is tbo way to hell." The following denial appears, inter alia, in a Serter to the Bruce "Herald," writttn by a BliKon Salvationist:— I have interviewed Mr Coombs on tha subjeot, and ashed him if he is prepared to stand by what he pub'ished, and prove that there was a line drawn up to his door, and the word?, " This is the way to hell," written there, He said he was told the worda were the ye, but did not Bee them himsalf. Perhaps Mr Coombe had good reasons to believe his informant, and on the strength of that teati uioiy publish it far and wide. No iuoh wordß were ever written by Major Robinson or any other member of the Army; but about fifteenjyards from Mr Ocombe'edoor, on tbe edge of the pavement, end parallel with the street, along wi'h other announce ments were written, " Woe unto him that giveth bis neighbour drink." The writing on the footpa'h was not confined to one place, but here and there were written texts some thing similar. I also asked Mr Coombe about the grudge of eight years' Btandiog which Major Robinson is aooueed of saying he would pay off. This ac well oannot ba verified, Mr Coombe never heard the words need, eomeone told him, and he was at a lobb to understand why the Major had any ill-feeling against him. However, after come liitle talk, be gave me a reason why, and it was this: When be (Major Robinson) used to be about here drinking, he (Mr Ooombe) refused to give him drink on tick. As I explained to Mr Coombe, suoh a statement is ridioulous and void of the truth. Major Robinson bas never been to Milton, except on Salvation Army business. "Well," said Mr Ooombe, " I have been misinformed," and I said, " You have indeed." Whoever gave Mr Ooombe that information must have had a funny mind, and very little regard for the character of others. Major Robinson has no ill-feeling against Mr Ooombe or any oshar publican, but hates the trade they are engaged in. It is only fair to Bay Mr Ooombe desires the matter to drop, and does not intend to reply to this letter, but in all fairness to Mapr Robinson, and emphatic denial should be given through your columns to charges mada against him without the least foundation.

Russia and New Cale donia.

The Melbourne " Argus," of September 20, contains an article dealing with the pro bability of France disposing of New Gale* donia to Russia. The article says :—" A cablegram published yesterday morning intimates that France and Russia are in negotiation for the transfer by France to the Great Northern Power of ceriain oitea for naval fortresses and depots on the Australasian coast. A port between Aden and the mouth of the Red Sea, and the newly acquired port of Saigon, in Cochin China, are specifically mentioned as likely to be transferred to Russian control. This announcement lends force to a re port that has been in circulation for some little rime past that the French are willing to sell New Caledonia to Russia as a naval stronghold. The cost of the French penal occupation of Nevr Caledonia is very great, and it is said that the French Government would withdraw from the islands as a useless position,, but they wou'd not dare to do so in the face of public opinion which has been aroused by the British-Australian protests against the large schemes for convict deportation, and against the instant seizure of the New Hebrides, which would be required to give effect to the plans. But no French susceptibilities would be aroused by the transfer of the Ishnd to Russia, as this would be an offering to the nation to whose alliance France looks, and whose goodwill the nation is anxious to ensure. Ministers h%ve no official communications on the subject from any source, but have only heard the report in common with other people, and they do not profess either to authenticate it or to discredit it. The question was put to on a of the highest authorities here, whether Russia might not legitimately need posts to maintain her communication with her Pacific arsenal of Vladivostok, and whether this might not explain her action in seeking to acquire ports on the southern coast of Asia. The reply was that this might be put forward as an excuse, but the transfer of men and stores between Vladivostok and Russia is of no great value, and does not demand any enormous expense to protect ife. Besides the Russian Government has commenced and is energetically proceeding with a trans-Siberian railway, which will have its eastern terminus at Vladivostock, and will thus render that place independent ot the sea route. Russia has built and is build ing the largest and fastest cruisers, the Ruirk and her consorts, throwing into the shade the Blake, the flagship of the North American fleet, and the sea-going cruisers of the Imperial Nayy, But these vessels cou'd have no possible career in such confined and easily blocked waters as the Baltic and the Black Sea, from which English trade would probably disappear in war time. Such vessels want ease of communication with the open ssa. The acquisition of ports in these waters, poupled with the building of these vessels, would, our informant added, fyave as suredly an ominous appearance.''

CABLE SUMMARY.

Lord Bandolph Churchill considers tbat the House of Lords will deserve to be abolished if it passe s« the Home Rile Bill. Owing to the loss of H.M.S., Vic tori*, Admiral Seymour has declined the festivities tendered to the British fleet at Italian ports. Lieutenant Hoffineister, a Bavarian officer, is being tried for a violation of military honour by becoming a Socialist. ' ' i _ ■■ Mr Redmond aaid that the Par nellites were obliged to support Gov ernment in the hope—of which there were seme signs—that it would not con tinue to refuse amnesties to political prisoners. The Aqstyian Government, to fte amazement of all political parties, has suddenly proposed a Universal Suffrage Bill. The Socialists clamour for an in creased number of electorates, The members of the Parnelllte party hare decided to spend the time occupied by the autumn session in organising in Ireland, if the session is devoted simply to English business. Sir Henry Parfces has withdrawn his motion of censure owing to Govern ment ignoring it. He moved the ad jonrnment of the House in order tio attack the Qovernment over the?*? action, which he scathingly condemned? The debate is proceeding.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Wellington, October 11. The plant of the New Zealand electrical syndicate is being tasted, and at the end of the present week many business estab i Hshments and private residents in the city will be lighted by electricity. Tha station contains five dynamos, each capable of supplying electricity for 2000 incandescent lamps of ci >ht candle power; The total expenditure of the syndicate up \ tv Lhe present has been fully £50,^

THE ASHBtmTON GtAKDIAtt: THUBSDAt, OCTOBER ll 1 893.



New Goods. Ge J, NEILL and Co XTTE HAVE GREAT PLEASURE IN ANNOUNCING THE OPENING UP °F °UR NEW SPRING GOODS. Millinery liTait its Brandies, New Prints, guaranteed to wash, 4Jd, s£d, 6|d, 7£d New Washing White Muslin 4^d New Coloured Cashmeres, double width, is oa New Double Width Sheeting 9|d New Flannelettes 3£d. New Table Damasks Is bd CLOTHING- CLOTHING- Men's Tweed Suits 17s 6d i Men's Colonial Tweed Suits 253 6d Boys' Tweed Suits 4s lid Men's Strong Cotcon Shirts Is lid Men's Tweed Trousers 6s lid Men's Felt Hats 2s 6d Boys' Felt Hats Is 6d BOOTS- BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Bluchers 5s Men's Nailed Shooters 8s 6d _ Women's Strong Shoes 4s lldi Women's Leather Slippers 3s 6d Womeu's Canvas Shoes 4s 9d A 1 0, J. NEILL & CO.'S. FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS, EAST STREET. ' ~ ESTABLISHMENT FOR SATISFACTORY WATOH AND CLOCK REPAIRS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION AT CHARGES AS LOW AS IS CONSISTENT FOR Sound and Reliable Workmanship ■ is 8. SALEK'S, • PRACTICAL WATCH * V^^^?™*™ """^ A Speciality made of Converting Oustome^Old Jewellery into New and Fashionable WEDDING AND BIRTH DAY AND PRESENTATIONS. S . ajJTiKK, EAST STREET. _ — —"WALKER'S BOT FLYiEMEDIEa """ t\TARRANTEO TO CURE ANY HOBSE AFFLICTED WITH BOTS, IF ** GIVEN IN TIME, and to Improve the Condition of the Horse, whether he has Bots or not, given in two drenches, nas uo.s omu.s LO GAL TESTIMONIALS. Gray's read Amberley, alarmed aboa v the rest of my sock. lused jour Sep'embarC 1892. Box Fly Eemedies on one that wbb very bad, Mr Walker. Bir,-Your Bot Fly 'Rbmbdy at)d bad every Bjmpiom of dying, and in ihree rewhf d me in due course. I gave ib«m to days she wa3 completely cured Btid ib do.DX one that was very bad, and as I had well. I bcheve it is a proper thing and >f X plSd poDDg horse, I got very M *»^J^VS? F? ° anxiou?, as the stomach preaented one mass more deaths from the Bot F.v. of bota in all stages, wi h the coa ing eaten JJavid »* ww. sway. I Bmglad to tell you that the one 1 —- drenohea according to your in tructions got Brockq ; ide- p«Mmber 12, 1892^ quite bette-, acd is now at his work agaiG. Mr Walker, - S r,-I *«h to add my I would highly recommend farmers to use the te^mony -<o the wonderful effects of your J.meintime.asli-m B »tfofiedibat they *ill Bot Fly Bimediea. I had » vala*b?e horse save and greaily improve the oonditi of tbe whu-h got very bad and gradually got worre. horae Send me seme of your Bot Fly I quite believe be would have died Ha k<ipt Pbevbntive for the Bummer, and oblige,— loaing fleth, got a dry coat, tight skin, oan. V nra very reßDeotfully worn expression of tbe ej o, a cougb, running X.ura very reepeotiuuy, WatsoNi 6t the nostrils, and oould scaroa work I got _ your remedies and gave them ns directed, Killincby, September 14,1892 wish the most beneficial results. The Beflond Mr Bobert Walker, Oariatchurob, Dear ; day after getting:lhe last drench he brgan to Sir-Ybur Bot Fix Bmbdim hava proved a P"» bote in handfuls, some of wh lo h I here «L«i«,t« B ,,P«f«« with mv hors- Ha had with hand you. Immediately after passing CrfllrT bid icr s^me tTme thecoSdrj , '-he bots he began to msn*. and is now «s tat fiht IS got wj Z Teo'i didoo, nnd'gct a- butter hearty and well, thanks to Walker's iarce able to w!k I qai'e expected he Bot-fly Bemedzes Any who doubt Bend ?ddle SBbebadallthLymptomaofon, them to me, and I will convince them that won a aw» "r" "TV. Uh 1 u o . fl j _ aye your remedies are a boon to tha community Jou x Im 'Sffi^ a 8 youT direct *™h2 mA the aufferiog horse Every horse should iii -;«« r..nl . • The horse after oetiioa have them in the season, as lam confident heTate g bA b£m. very'pSdf lying jf a»d there wi!. be no more deaths from the aownroUing and groaning wi.h pain in vhe bot-fly U« tb H aB you ple ßß e Mddock. He began to ocugh very hard, each **• uuvew. tough bricgiog away a thick hamorou* —— matter from the noatrils, the like of wbioh I Greenwood Farm, I never saw before coming from a horse. Thi- . Southbridg:, August 2, 1392 continued all next day, wbioh Ism certain Mr Walker, Sir,—l an glad to bear testi j were tbe bots bursting from the tffects of the mony to the wonderful efffeots of your Bot Remedy, and coming up through the nostrils Fly Remedies. One of my beat horses be by ihe effects of ibe cough. After this ceasad, O ame very bd ; the 6kin tigbf, the eye life tbe borae began to mend, and in sjx days I less and a bad color, and got low in condition. bad bim at work again, heartily well. You Anxious to finish ploughing a paddock I did tbou'd make these B^mediaß public, so ih-*i no t wan 1 to 'ay him up until he beoame un farmers roißht know there is a remedy for a b!e to lift his feet, or do any more. We bad this demruotive posta. Send nn some to help bim into a stable I gave him your Preventive far keeping off ihe fly in sum- Hamedies, and, and tha treatment you pre- Wer,—And oblige, eeribed, and in a few days he waa quite Bobebt Mclorbaw. better, and now at b.n work, heafty and well —— I quiie be'ieve, had I not given him your Amberley, July 26,1892 r m dies, be would have died, You oan use To Mr Bobert W.»iker, Christchuroh, S;r, tbia as you please. —Having lost tbree good borsep, ai,d en ex- B -jjebt Thompson. aroinaiion found the Btom&ch of two com pletely eaten through, and tbe whole of the Bomaoh thick'y covered with bots ia &1I •:»ges of transformation, I bscama much AGENTS FOR aSHBORTOK—W. Anderson & J. Hesbltihe, Saddler. MANUFACTURER—ROBEBT WALKEH, Canal Reacrve, Wooiaton. Wanted. s \OOL yourselves during these per- WANTED^A good General Servant. \ ' <urbed times wnh Ice Cream. Waood referencas indfapenwble, | g«»dy tomorrow (&.uirday).-H. (x. APP!L2?!!il ti^P~™ —l_il- 7i t _-oWfiB' Confeeuoner- 7 For Sale Cheap, V \ W a first-class Model Piano by Haake. MaoMn^ A Lawn j| ower ,, Medical Coils, just new. Apply •• Guardian ' olto^ S all description ß of light machinery^ "D^ißKwooDTs^fc i«»gthß and dry- P AIL WAY Book st»u*—f very la?8 e JJ fcr sale. Orders left with Mks 1.1 and choice lot of books to select Jambs, Fruit Shop, East street, or at from. 7 103 Mayo's Garden, Hampstead. 10 75 -_ — —- - — - -. ... TF you. want fust-class fruit go to *!\JICKEL Watches at 12* 6!, usudlly L Adams' for Fiji, Tahiti, Auckland i-1 sold by ironmongers atlsi= The an( i Sydney Oranges, Citrons, Lemons, 22s 6d and 25j lines still maintain their etc< supremacy over all others at the price s T~~"i^ T" Obtaioabio only from B. Baler, "PvOS' £ Forgec to send your Bicycles Jeweller <• XJ along to the old Kindergarten to H~T^nTTS^7Q\^TB^t i Rasp-1, wwpaire^ atmoderatejrateß. berryade, home made Jams and , - EDICJAL Coils made and repaired Marmalade, and all fresh fruit in season. jy| on t}lo shortest notice at easy T. Hoult, East Street, Ashburton. 10 18 prices at A j < Wawbe's, Old Kinder f 1 HE Best Nickel Watch in the Market garte"' „ —— . J for 15a. Usually sold by Jewellers Q CJITS to measure, during th« sale, 495, at from 20a to 25a each. Specially made k> 555, 60s, 70s, and 755. Fit and in England fco our order.—John Ocr and workmanship guaranteed.—R. Alcobn, Co » 192 Saundere 1 Buildings. "eight« guaranteed. A crkl solicited, i MiidnELL amp Itone^. __^ SULZd*?* 100*- *flB2 t \ that Mbs Jarvis, I^IRtCKET and Law.i Tennis Matenai yy Monthly Nurse, has removed to V/ just unpacked at reduced prices. a i ar =g er housa on Alford Forest Road, New Books, Games and Fancy Goods. ear Woollen Factory, wbero she wiil All goods reduced in price for cash this |be p i eaS3( i to renew a patients. Best month. —L. F. Andeewes akd Co, re f erenceß . Toinas moderato. 9 130 Stationers' Hall. -.. — ___,__,.. \I/HO is yoar~Flumber T Why W 7 { SO bo Hakolby Bros, for Bargains W Habdley, who is * Manufacturer ! ' T' in Blanket^ 49 parrs of large white of Spouting, Ridging, Steel Gutters, suitable for double b<?ds only, 16s 6d Baths Sinks, Tanks, etc., and who haa worth 255. Extra large Grey, only 10s on hand the largeat stock of Pumps arid ,6d worth 18s 6d, Selling rapidly.- Pipe in town. EU»PiE¥ Baps, Arcade.



BOOK 3in good order and complete bought or taken in exchange. JS ew ock arriving every week. Circulating Library.—J. Maksden, Newsagent. RESENTS--Beautiful Presents now being given away to all purchasers of Drapery, Millinery, Boots, Clothing etc.—H. C. Segees, Melford House. BOOKS in great variety to suit all classes of readers, at the Railway BookStall, 7ioa ANTED Known—W. H. Colliee's noted four clasp Kid Gloves, 2s Bd, have just arrived in all si7.es. MITCHELL and Turner's prepara tions for the Season are acknowledged to be very complete. WANTED Known.—Choicest .Novel ties in Dress goods, Mantles and Millinery are to be seen,—Mitchell and Tuenek, TTTANTED Known—" The Corner " is v V showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing. — W. H. Collihb. WANTED Known—For good value in first clasa Drapery, Millinery, Poofcs, Clothing, etc., go to Melfokd House. Beautiful presents now giving away to all purchasers. WANTED Known—Some wonderful job lines n Drapery, etc., now being sold; also presents to all purchasers. H. 0. Segebs, Melford House. ANG 1 Bang 1 Bang ! Guns 1 Guns 1 Guns ! by the best makers and fitted with all the latest Improvements. Powder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, and Cases at J. W. Habdiey's, East Street. Guns repaired. WANTED Known.—To make room for Spring Boots I will give ten per cent for cash. Repairs done at once cheaper than ever to stay bad times over at J. Moison, Premier Bootmaker. 8 18 fITHEKEdo you gee your Ironmon- VV gery? At Hakdlbvs of course, where we get the best value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinges, Plough Chains, Rope, Wire Knotting, Gorse Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender and Fire Irons, and anything you reqnire



NEW ZEALAND CiiOTiii* o Factory \E\V GOODM. Men's Straw Hats from Is New Tennis Hats from Is lid New Tweed Hats from la Over 1500 Hats in stock. New Washing Ties from 4d New Tennis Shirts from 3a 6d New Collars, New Shirta, New Studs. INSPECT OUR HEW STOCK. CLOTHING DEPARTMENT Boys' Sailor Suits from 7s lid Men's Sac Suits from 30s Men's All-wool Trousers from 9s 6d. ALL NEW PATTERNS. t viloringlxepartment Men's Suits to measure from 59.s 6d Men'a Trousers to measure from 17a 6d BOOT DEPARTMENT. Men's Nailed Balmorals, 9a 6d Men's Bluchers, 6s 6d Boys' Strong School Boots from 5s 6d. NEW ZEALAND pLOTHINQ TmACTORY. ALEX HENDRY, Manager



HollowAT's OintJleNt AND Pills are beyond all doubt the most valuable and most convenient medi cines that travellers can take across .the seas to dtstant climes, for change o/cliiitaic; and (.he new conditions end surroundings 'of life to which' Uiey will be ex posed Will assuredly give rise to great disturbances of the system and to such especial morbid states of the blood and constitution generally as wllj reader tlie use of these''effectual remedies highly necessary, for they will in them find a ready aijd safe moans of relief in most of the disease which atflcb the bj^an race, and with them at hand they may be said to hase 4 bysiciitn always at their call. The OnSTjOW Biscuit. The latest and mo delicate Biscuit manufactured, by Aulsebroolj and Co. .



KEATING'S PO^yDER destroys Bugs, ifleas, i'lAtbs, Beetles, arid all other insect?, whilst'quite harmless to domestic 'animals. In' exterminating Beetles'-the moeess of this l?owdor is extraordinary. It is perfectly clean in application. Sijo the article you purchase is KEATINQ-'S, as imitations are noxious ana rn.ewectu.al. Bold iv Tius, 6d, Is, aud 3s 6d each, by all clieinjsts.



ColemaNk and SonsEucalypxio Extract is the only genuine in the' market, and was awarded medals snd diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide beating all competitors. For all affections of the Chest and Lungs, Consumption;- Asthma, Coii? a j Gravel, and Kidney Complaints, it haa (iig: O'sa ' '



Tlie Best Tea IN CANTERBURY for the money, and free from any excess of astringency. COUNTESS 2s. A3K iOUB qBOCERS,