MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to 1 hs necassary alterations :— SATURDAY, February 11. For South America, United Kingdom, ami Continent of "F.urope (specially addressed correspondence only), (to connect with Aorangi at Auckland, and Northern Ports of New Zealand, per Penguin, at Q.IS D.m. ; parcels post parcels, at 5 p.m, on FriJay, 10 instant. Due London March IS.

ENGLISH MAILS.

HOMEWARD —DIRECT MAiliS. Tongariro, sailed January 20, due T-ondon February 20. Arawa. sailed February 2, due London March 15. Aorangi, leaves February 16, clue London March 31. OUTWARD —DIRECT MAILS. Rimutaki, sailed January 7, due colonj February 22. lonic, sailed January 22, due colony March 15. HOMEWARD—SAW FRANCISCO MAILS. Monowai, sailed January 28, due Londpn February 28. Alatneda, leaves February 25, due London Mwch29* OT7TVTABD—SAN FRANCISCO MATLS. Next mail leaves London January 21, due colony February 23. The letter-box will be cleared for des patch of correspondence from Ashburtori Post Office to the under-mentioned places as follows :— For a.m. p.m. p.m Burnham and Dunsandel daily) ... ... ... ... 315 Ohertaey and , Rakaia (daily) ... ... ... 6.30 3.15 6.20 Christchurch and North (daily) ... 6.30 3.15 6.20 and on Mondays, Wed nesdays, and Fridays... 10.30 Oroncore (daily) ... ... 630 Eiffelton and Willowby. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays... ... 10.30 Elgin, Wakanui, River side, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, Tuesdays, \ Thursdays, and Satur dayg ... ... ... 630 Flemington Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays 4 45 Geraldine (daily).. .. 10.30 Greenstreet, Winchmore, and Forks, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 630 Hackthorne and Lismore, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays... ... 10,30 Methven (daily) ... ... 315 Mt. Somers, Springburn, Buahaide, and Alfoid Forest (daily) ... ... 4.0 Mayfield and Ruapuua, MondaysandThuradays 4,0 Newlands, Tueadayf, Thursdays, and Satur days ... 630 Tirnaru, Dunedin, and South (daily) ... ... 12.30 Selwyn (daily) ... ... 620 Teniuka <fc Tiinaru (daily) 10.30 12.30 and on Fuesdays, Thurs days and Saturdays ... 3.15 Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, and Waitnate (daily)... 10 30 and on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays ... 3.15 Wheatstone, Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach (daily) ... .. 4.45 N.B. —Letters containing 1 anything o| value should be handed to the Postmaster to be registered. Letters containing coin, or bank notes, if posted unregistered, will be compuhorili/ re gistered ond ch.in.ed double registration, fee.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1893. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

_ :— ■ Mr J. Himpton,furniture dealec, Tanored street, advertises in another column a large stock of furniture and a varied assortment of crockery, etc. Young couplea commenc ing housekeeping should iind his shop a good place to select from. On -Tuesday afternoon, while Mr John Hefford and Mr William, >mith, were driving in the latter'a trap to pay a vißit to Mr William Orooks, who has been ill for some time, the back harness of the horse came adrift, and caused the horse to plunge a good deal, and it finally fell. In getting down from the express Mr Hefford fell sideways on the bock board, and sustained the fracture of two ribs. He was at once taken home and placed under surgical care, but will be confined to the house for some time. No damage vas sustained by horse or express and Mr Smith came off also un scathed. According to the " Register," published by Messrs Harcourt and Co., of Wellington, J fifty-one Companies with a nominal capital of £738,162 were registered during the year 1892, made up as follows;— Nine gold rr.iniug companies with capital to the extent of £143,509, six dairy factories account for £20,950, three newspapers and a publishing company registered with £19,312, and thirty-two miscellaneous companies are credited with £554,400, made up of nine distributing or trading companies with £117,800, six manufacturing companies with £26,750, three farmers' co operative societies with £275,000^Rtw0 lighting companies with £32,400, two ship- Ding companies with £12,450, one coal company with £15,000, two public hall com panies with £2500, and six other companies with £42,500. At the close of the open air meeting in Barring square on Tuesday evening two young men entered into an argument oa the question of the amount of the licensing fee payable by hotel and accommodation bouse keepers. Neither apparently was an autho rity on the subject, although both were enthusiastic teetotallers enough; but as their heat waxed they gallopped to what seems to be the natural convincing ground of the colonial youth—a feet. The question did not appear to be satisfactorily settled, and the " fiv# bob," notwithstanding all the noise, was neither lost nor won; but the argument was kept up long after, the tnajn part of the crowd had left, and othorg besides the original disputants joined in, when the "heat" waxed so high that once or twice there was danger of a resort tp fcho arbitrament of the "bunch of fives" as a solution of the problem, Wiser counsels prevailed, however, and as the hour for stern respectability to retire to rest drew near, the parties separated—certainly not in love, but with whole skins and unbloody noses.

! A gener 1 meeting of the Ashburton Mus«J*l Society waß held on Tuesday even ing in tti9 Sahool of Music. There was a very satisfactory attendance, and a^ equally satisfactory balance sheet was sub mitted. After the business meeting a soiree musicale was held, at which about 150 iwwbers and friends attended. The fuU siiiite' of rooms in connection with the School of M^sic >nd th^ Dresden Piano Company's premises wwe made use ft, and very tustefufly far»whe.4 anf decorate.4 for the oeoadoo. furniture »l 4 drapery were kindly lent by Miss Henry til th§ [joiflr mercial Hotel, and Mesdames Williams, Gates, aud Kempthorne, and Mr H. Bairstow, and headed by Mrs Williams, the decorations were done by a bevy of ladies. Tea. etc., were supplied in the course of the evpnjag, which tended greatly to the heartiness' gt the gathering, and we have been requested to HQ.be ,the indebtedness in this connection of the committee o£ ladies who had charge .of the arrangements to &iis» Henry, from whose estiblishment bob water iv abundance was always available, and was 9,11 indispensable element of the success of fche suppei> arr&jigementa. An excellent programme was gojse thFPUgh, the ijbems of which were § mtributsd by—Mij^3 Douglas, wlio made her first appearance as a Pian<ji player, and delighted her hearers with the two pieces she performed; Mesdames TJrooke, Williams, Flower, and Dee, Miss Hardy, and Messrs Booth, Kersal, flower, afid Williams, all of whom sang with the taatp for which they have well earned reputations, At the close of a most enjoyable and suc cessful little gathering the usual votegi of thanks were passed, a special vote being recorded to the conductor, Mr D. Booth. Mr George Jameson vice president ot the .society, way chairman.

The healing of the action Primn er v | Stewart began in the Supreme Court Tiotwru this morning arid was expected to laat all day. In the K.M. (Jjiirt this morniug, before Major Steward, J.'.\, Ihnmub Co liiis was charged with drnnV.rnnesa and also will using language calcula'cd to provoke v breuoh of the peace. On the first charge (firstoftene. j) he was convti-.te^and dismissed, and on the second & fine of Us was imposed. At the Supreme Court, Timaiu, on Tue; - day, the two wharf laborer-, Gruhn aiiu Mabin, who were charged with etc-iling tarpaulins and iron rope from the steamer E ginshire, were tiied. The evidence was contradictory, and as the defence was that. the goods hi>d been taken by the accused with the sanction of the man in charge of the salvage operations, as remuneration' for having looked after the Salvage Com pany's machinery, and the weight of evidence was as much on the one side as on the other, his Honor charged the. jury accordingly, who found the prisoners not guilty, and they were discharged. On Tuesday evening a temperance meeting was held round the rotund* in Bating square east, and was attended by over 200 people. The Rev S. Lawry was chairman, and the special speakers were the Rev J T. Hinton, of Dunedin, and Mr T. E. Taylor, of Sydenham, both well known and thorough going advocates of & long rope and a short shrift for the Hquor traffic. Mr T. E. Taylor is the Rev L. M. Isitt's right hand man in the "Prohibitionist" newspaper, and the meeting of yesterday evening was the begin-, ning of a crusade the prohibition party purposes carrying on, the object being to stir up a strong public feeling m favor of the direct veto. The speches delivered by all the speakers ,were in this direction, and were well received. At the close cheers were given for the cause, and its great champion—Mr L. M. Isitt. Mr P. R. Gordon, chief of the Queensland Stock Department, in a description of his recent visit to New Zealand says :—"On the question of the crazing capabilities of the cultivated grass lands of New Zealand it would hardly be possible to speak without being open to a charge of exaggeration. It is estimated that, over fell, the land will carry four sheep to the acre all the year round—that is, with the assistance of turnips or chaff in the winter. At Hastings valley, near Napier, we actually saw nine and ten sheep to the acre, and in the Gisb rue dis trict (one of the richest districts in New Zealand)—which we did not visit—we were assured by owners of land that nine sheep to the acre is not uncommon, but frequently dv ing some of the summer months they are packed on the pasture at the rate of fourteen sheep to the acre."

At Tinwald yards on Tuesday, Mr John T. Ford (Messrs J. T. Ford and Co., auctioneers, stock and station agents, Christchurch) announced the arrangements he had entered into for the conduct of the Ashburton business of his firm. He said he had come to Ashburton to carry on business ia no spirit of rivalry, and hoped the harmonious relations between the other auctioneers and himself would continue. He had many old friends in the district who would give him their support, and he hoped to be favoured with a share of what was doing. Before he had entered into ar rangements with Mr Henry Zander he had made enquiries and found out what sort of man Mr Zander was. He had satisfied him self that he Was a man who could be de penoßd upon to carry out what he under took, and possessed the confidence of »!ie people of the district, and Mr Zander would henceforward represent the firm of J. T. Ford and Co. in the Ash burton district. On application to Mr Zmder paddocks would be looked after, stock : would be received and properly drafted, and prompt payments would be made. He (Mr Ford) would attend the Tinwald and Ashburton yards regulirly in future, and any business entrusted to him would have every attention.

The Onslow Biscuit The latest and most delicate biscuit manufactured by Auslebrook and Co.

Intelligent Compositor.

The " San Francisco Chronicle " of a recent date devotes a leading article to the "Intelligentcompositor," from which we extract the following ;— '* Let us see what the compositor. can do and does do every day of his life. He takes a manu bCtipt, the chiropraphy of which would make tho lid of a Chinese tea chest blush with envy, translates it into the vernacular as he goes along, corrects the spelling and the grammar, and oftentimes the rhetoric, and turns it out not as the author wrote it, but as he intended to write it. He sets up better English than most men can write ; he can detect errors of fact as well as of style ; he can give the horseeditor poinison sporting matters, and and religious edifcor^on theology ; he can appreciate even the merits of a discussion on the tariff, and detect the fallacies in a profound leader on economics ; and he can do more hard and Injbelliffent work in a given time than any other sort of handicraftsman. Setting off, then, his eccentricities and idiosyncrasies against his fund, of genera} information, his knowledge of a wide range of subjects, and his ability to discriminate between good and bad, literary work, it 19 surely no misnomsr to call him the ' intelligent' compositor/

The Wil sou's 'River Goldfield.

I «X JPRESa ASSOCIATION.

Wellington, February 7. The Inspector of Mines has forwarded to Lhe Minister a full report upon the auriferous reefs at Wilson's River, Pre servation Inlet, and on the works in pro gress there. He says :~"The river bed is all being worked from about a mile and a hatf below the preseiit toad line up to wliere the reel croups the river, and gome are Voikiiigaboxe the iine of riej: ; but it la wnjy jr t yery dry weather that 1 any workings can be eatrte4 ftn ; AJI the men state that they make very good wages when they can work, but some times they can only work six days a month ; therefore very few have averaged £3 a week since they commenced, and some have made only tucker. With regard to tin prospects of the locality developing into a large reefing district, there 13 nothing done at the present time to show whether anything will bo got beyond the prospector's claim. No stone is visible where gold can be seen in any flf the other claims, but there has been no work dope to test the reef. The lode exposed pn (the spuj:h 'ajide ©f the river is different frouj that on the north side. The best stone on the south Bide is near the surface, and one foot on tlje wall side Of the lode, yhereas on the north side the rich band qf stone is on the hangjng waU I aide, and should this band ran fop some distance it will yield a large quantity of gold. It is certainly the richest b»nd of •tone I have am to the Middle Isl»iri>"

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

r (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

IMPERIAL FEDERATION.

London, February 6. M r Gladstone lias agreed to receive a d^pution from the Imperial Federa tion League, respecting the report of Lord Brassey's Committee, after the Home Itnie Bill has heen introduced in the House of Commons. Lord Brasssy has been elected president of the League. THE HAWAIIAN CRISIS. The " Pall Mall Gazette " says that New Zealand has protested against the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. THE PAN-BRITANNIC CONTEST Mr. Wilson, of the Victorian i Amateur Athletic Asiociation, re commends the Australian team to compete at the Pan Britannic contest in London next year. THE FEDERAL BANK. London, February 7. Several Australian bankers are of opinion that if the Colonial Bank of Australia promptly took over the Federal Bank as a going concern, a large number of British deposits would easily be retained. LABOH MATTERS. The Welsh miners have renewed negotiations with the owners, and it is now proposed to accept a portion of the reduction in wages. Washington, February 7. The railway pointsmen at Chicago are striking. THE SILVER QUESTION.

Washington, February 6. The Senate rejected by 42 to 22 the motion to consider a proposal to repeal the Silver Purchase Act. Washington, February 7. The "Washington Post" says that the division of the Senate on the silver question was not a true test. The matter has only been temporarily dis posed of. 1 The silver market is unsettled.

THE CITY OF PEKIN. The missing steamer City of Pekin has arrived at San Francisco. OUTRAGE BY NEGROES. A band of negroes took possession of a train near Stratford, in Texas, arid threatened to ,t;mihilate all the white people on board. The unexpected arrival of a special train on the scene caused the negroes to disperse.

THE GERMANS IN AFRICA.

Bekun, February 6. Alarming news has reached the Berlin press of the state of affairs in the German territory in Africa. The Gomalis are said to be in conflict with the German East African Company. EUROPEAN AFFAIRS Alsace-Lorraine is demanding to be included among the German States, and its delegates in Berlin assert that its protests against German ruie are at an end, and the people desiro peace, and yve willing to co-operate with the other States for the advancement of the Empire, jDuring the recent interview the Czarewitch assured General You Caprivi that there was no alliance in existence between France and Kussia. Ht. Peteksbcbg, Februiry 6. It is said that the reports made by the Czarcwitch on his return from the German capital have satisfied the Czar, who previously suspected that General Yon Caprivi was intriguing with the Poles.

THE BANKING FRAUDS.

Uomb, February 6. The Banca Associatione of Florence has failed. The liabilities amount to 2,000,000 lire. The manager and cashier of the institution has been ar rested for fraud, February 7. Baron Lozzaronia, who has been ar rested on a charge of being concerned in the Bank of Rome frauds, is in debted to that institution to the amount of 12,000,000 lire.

AUSTRALIAN.

POLITICAL, Sydney, February 7. In the Legislative Assembly to-night the Premier announced tho intention of the Government to carry on business in the House, and claimed the support of those who thought more of their country than of their party. MrG. H. Reid said that the Go vernment had become so utterly dis graced that they had no claim to sup port. Mr Wilkinson gave notice to move " that under present circumstances an appeal to the country is desirable." Melbourne, February 7. Mr J. B. Patterson, the Premier, was re-elected by a large majority.

INTERPOVINCIAL.

Auckland, February 7. The J^anks decided to-day to pffuce tlje rate of interest on bank depots tor twelve months froni 5 to 4| per cent. The annual sheep fair of Buckland and Sons was held to-day at Remuera. The sheep were in fine condition and good prices were obtained. Two^tooth wethers reached as much as 225. Wellington, February 7, The Marine Department intends to appoint permanent examiners of masters and mates. Two officials will be selected, who will make periodical visits through out the colony for the purpose of making examinations, and local examiners will be aWished. A. trial of typewriting machines on an extended scale is being made in the Telegraph Department with 1 a view to detferjjiine the best!for ttie Goverhnienti Five n}aohif|e>s ar.e~jn use and two others h^ye b'gen rejected. ' '- " * !fhg number"of patients fn the Tfospit^l is lit. and it; was stated at a meeting Qf the trustees this morning, that patients were now sleeping in the corridors. The trustees decided to obtain a legal epiniou whether they had power to divert the sum of £500 (out of £6000 set apart for a new wing) for the erection of a building close to the present premises for the reception of typhoid fever cases. * TliQ New Zealand Government have cibled a protect against the annexation of Hawaii by the United States of America.'' At the inquest on'the body of the woman French^ otherwise Friend, otlier -1 wise Death, ' who died yesterday after | noon after her confinement under suspi cious circumstances, a verdict was re turned that death was due to hemorrhage. The jury added a rider, that if the mid yife had called, in medical assistance after the birth of tlje first chill the woman's life might pogsib'jr have bee}) Bayed,

In thj Magistrate's Couit thia after-1 noon a case arising out of a difference between t\v,» well-known citizens came on for hearing. Mr An 'raw Camp 1 •'i Manager of the National Insura a Com pany, was charged by Mr George Snnrfc, pawnbroker, with having committed an assault upon him on Jauu-uy 17, and Campbell laid an information ag-uusi Smut, charging him with hairing used abusive language towards him on Custom House Quay on the samo data with infcoM it wa3 alleged to provoke a breach of tin peace. The charge against Campbell wa dismissed, and Smart was fimd 40s and costs. Hokitika, February 7- Mr Rhody O'AlalJey, |>roptio;nr »>f the tramway between Hokifika ai.d Kan tori. , was killed this afternoon. 'J lie horse got. I frightened and bolted. Mr O'Mally endeavoured to pull it in, buc by a Budde:i jerk he was dragged on to thft line in front of the carriage which partially weiu over him. He managed with assistance to reach his hut but died on his way to the hospital. Ddhedik, February 7 AtMosgielPoliceCourt, Dennis O'Brien was charged under the Police Offences Act with working oh Sunday, in stacking his crop at Wingatui. He pleaded guilty, and was fined one shilling, without cists. At the monthly mcc.ing of the Tailor esses' Union to-night, a resolution was adopted, calliug upon the Government and legislature to pass into law at an early stage of next session a Conciliation Bill, providing for the enforcing of awards, so that working women, when oppressed in the manner recently brought to light at Auckland, might h*ve legal means of redress.

Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the Aahburton Volunteer Fire Brigade wae held last evening at the Brigade Station, The Captain, Mr A. A. Fooks, occupied the chair, and there was a good attendance of numbers. The Captain in his review of the past year congratulated the Brigade on ifcfl generally satisfactory position and the harmonious and willing manner in which the member* had worked together. It had been manifest that onß and all had the one desire of carrying out the object they hid volunteered to perform—the saving of life and property. The plant, under the care of Engineer Dolman was in a most serviceable, clean, and orderly state. After the "Clothing Factory fire it was deemed advisable to apply to the Borough Council for 400^ feet of befet canvas hose for the steamer, and some other minor necessaries ; these had now arrived and would be ready for use in a few days. Lamps for the curmle had also been obtained, and the manual is about to undergo a thorough repair. It is encouraging to note the ready manner ' in which the Council have supported the Brigade in its endeavour to keep the olanc up to the standard. No refusal had been received to any application for necessary improvements or additions to the plant. The carriage for the hook-and iadder plant, however, was totally un suitable ; efforts should be made to obtain an improvement, and he would suggest chat it be a recommendation to the in coming committee to consider tha best means of obtaining a more suitable carriage. During the year some import ant changes had taken place in the roil of members. The new officers and members had proved desirable inquisitions. The Brigade had now a total efficient strength of twenty-four of all ranks. The last year had bt«n the most eventful since the establishment of the Brigade, owin b to four tires having occurred. At tha t&ibt Sstreet fire the whole of the plant Irad been called into action, and its efficiency and that of the members were laxed to the utmost in staying the con flagration. The estimated loss of property by tire during the year was about £3000, and the property saved was certainly ten times as> much. He had on a previous occasion referred to the good work done by the United Fire Brigades' Association, and need not go over the ground again! The financial position of the Brigade was that the receipts for the year (including £47 10a 2d balance from the previous year) amounted to £161 7s Bd, and the expenditure to £134 15s 4d, leaving a balance cf cash in Bank and in hand of £26 12s id. Considering that the ex penses during the year had been unusually heavy, this was, satisfactory, but extreme economy would have to be observed during tlje ensuing year in order to meet the current expenses. Lieutenants Pauling and Miles and Foreman JNokes expressed pleasure with the satisfactory character of the report. The report and balance sheet were adopted unanimously. A vote of thanks was passed to the auditors, Messrs Comptoi; and Baker. The following officers and committee were elected for the ensuing year:— Captain—A. A. Focks; Lieutenants— J. H. Pauling, J, Miles; Secretary and Treasurer—H. H. Fookß ; Auditors—W. de B. Compton, J. W. Baker; Committee —The foregoing and firemen Voices, Barber, and Dorm. It was resolved that no delegate be sent to the United Fire Brigades Association conference this year.

After the business meeting the annual dinner of the Brigade was held in the Orderly Room. An excellent dinner was served by Mr James Lane, Somerset Hotel) and was done ample justice to. His Worship the Mayor presided, and after dinner read apologies from Council lors Thptnajs and Cuthtartson and Messrs Hugo priedlarider and <7. M. Cambridge, and verbal apologies were made for other citizens. Che toasts o/ "The Queen!' and "The Government and Parliament of New Zealand "were then given, the latter being responded to at a later period of the evening by the Hon. the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lieutenant Pauling . proposed " The Borough Counpil," expressing pleasure with the amicable relations which existed between that body and the Brigade. The Mayor responded in cordial terms. Lieutenant Miles proposed "The Borough Council," referring to the good work they had done by bringing down water for fire prevention in the district. Engineer Dolman proposed "The United Fire Brigades Association." To this body the Brigades owed much of the standing and recognition that they had Attained, and though all might not think alike he thought the Brigades should sup port the Association. ' : < Captain Fooks responded, giving ex amples of the. benefit's which had' been derived by membership of the Assbcfar tfon. He pqinted out the necessity for firemen conferring with each other in order lo gain the advantage of each other's experience as to the best means of fire prevention, the working of brigades, drill, and other matters, and hoped _ the Brigade would reconsider their decision not to appoint a delegate. The Mayor gave the toavst of the even" in«, " The Ashburton Voluateer Fire ' Brigade," briefly alluding to their valu able services to the town, : Captain ijCooks and Lieutenants Miles and Pauling replied ' His Worship then at the request of j Captain Foaks presented long' service i bVrs—doiiotpg seven yeais' service ~J:p, Foreman i^okes and Foreman Baker, with appropriate remarks to cash. The recipients suitably acknowledged thei presentations. PtytaU) Fyoks proposed ths <s?fc.

Firemen," to which Messrs Quane, Bnddell, and Steel responded. Mr Braddell remitked that he did not think th-it the Firo <n»urahce Association would go to the length :»f withdrawing the annual subsidy. Mr Steel advocated the organisation of ex-firumeu into a body which would be useful at fir. s, such as fire police. Captain Fooks next proposed " The Interests of Fire Prevention," coupled vith the narhe of Mi.j ( .r Steward, refer ring to the proposals to legislate in the interest of Fi-e Brigades. He held that thu Brigadas should be maintained by the local bodies rather than by the insurance . , companies. His holding this opinion had ciused him to decline election to the office of President of the Association, as li" " ished the party in favor of taxing the i trance companies to see what they could do in the way of legislation. Major Steward explained the provisions of the Bill introduced but not carried last session, and believed a Fire Brigades or Fire Prevention Bill would be passed before long. The Bill had proposed that the Government, the local bodies, and the insurance companies should contribute in certain proportions for the mainten ance of Brigades, under ecu-tain safe guards, one of which would be a system of instruction and inspection in drill, &c. He believed in the principle that definite provision should be made for fire prevention. Lieut. Pauling proposed " The Hon. Surgeon, Dr. Tweed," making reference to the idea of forming an ambulance class in connection with the Brigade, which had fallen through some time ago when it seemed about tc be realized. Dr. Tweed was glad to hear amhulanea work referred to, as it was of great im portanca in connection with a fire brigade. At the Municipal Conference he was a member of the committee on the Fire Brigades Bill, and thought it could be made into a useful measure. He thought when a body of men came forward, with out pay, taking great risks and giving much time, for the benefit of thefr neighbours it showed a spirit that should be encouraged, and (referring to a historic remark of his in the Council) the members of such a body had a good right to have *' mutual admiration " for each other. " The Press "—proposed by Foreman Nokes and responded to by Messrs Bisset and Paul; •« The Catarer " (with thanks for the use of a piano)—by Branchman Coinpton ; and ♦"The Chair man " —by Major Steward, brought a very pleasant gathering to a close Numerous good sons were sung during the evening, and Mr Harry Stephenson received a vote cf thanks for,accompany ing them.

Imperial Parliament.

(pke PBBS3 association,) London, February 7. In the House of Lords Lord Rose bery, Foreign Secretary, said that Sir Gerald Portal, the British Commis sioner in Uganda, was allowed a free hand, aud was empowered to take over the British East African Company's force. Mr Labouchere's amendment to the Addresa-in-Reply, expressing a hope that Sir Gerald Portal would not be invested with increased Imperial re sponsibility in Uganda, was with drawn. Mr Asquith, Home Secretary, has introduced a Bill in the House of Commons, dealing with the question' of the liability of employers in cases of accidents happening to their workmen. Mr Shaw Lister (Liberal) and Mr Arnold (Conservative) have been nomi» nated for the Halifax seat. The election, of a member to repre sent Burnley in the House of Com mons, in place of Mr Jabez S Bal foar, took place to-day, and resulted in the return of Mr Philip Stanhope,~the Liberal candidate. The polling was— Stanhope, 6100; Lindsay (Conserva tive), 5506; ■,

POLITICAL.

MR REEVES AT HAVELOCK.

[pkr press association.] Blenheim, February 7. . The Hon Mr Reeves addressed • well- : attended meeting at the Town Hall at Havelock on Monday evening. There was a good number of ladies present. He expressed himself well pleased with the beautiful scenery between here and Nefeon. He spoke on the abvisablenees of Ministers meeting the electors in all parts of the colony. He ridiculed the idea of Ministers being on the stump. He denied that town had been set against country or class against class, only as far as was actually necessary to effect any important reform, political or Bocial. He reviewed the sweeping charges brought by the Opposition againsc the Govern* ment. He was favorable to the remainder of the Crown lands being reserved for settlement. He approved of the purchase of the Cheviot Estate. He complimented the labor members, and justified the aciion of the Government in appointing Justices of the Peace from the working classes. He was very severe on Mr Rolleston. A unanimous vote ot thanks to Mr Reeves was passed, and a vote of ronfi. : dence was passed in the present Ministry without dissent.

Wbstport, February 8. Dr Ga^e has stated his intention of contesting the Inangahua seat at the general election. ■ -

The Queensland Floods.

■»■ . ■— [P?B FRB33 ASSPCJATJOJT.J llc«khampton, February 7, A train has arrived from Brisbane, and brings news that the city is in a deplorable condition. Victoria Bridge, connecting North and South Brisbane, has been destroyed, and Oxley Creek bridge is also demolished. . Several of the mines at Gympie are fldoded. Sydney, February 7. There are no si<?ns of the steamers which were expected to arrive from Brisbane to-day, and it is surmised that they have been unable to leave owing to the floods. If this surmise is correct no news will be received, juitU railway or ,sdggJ*|>hi<r" r "cftm- •- - niunication ii| restored. A repartee on the Ipswich paper succeeded at great personal' risk in making his way by boat through the flooded country to Brisbane and back. He says that there are 8 to 10 feet of water in Queen street, the principal thoroughfare in Brisbane, and 35 feet in Stanley street. Victoria Bridge and Indooroopilly railway biidge are destroyed, and from this cause alone the loss is £250,000. The gas and water supplies m the city are cut off. Over five hundred, houses have bqeri washed away, and the Botanical Gardens are under water.. There is. terrible devastation in the vicinity of Breakfast Creek, and hundreds oi families are. qamping in boats, haying been forced by thp height of the watep tg feaye their hoqiet, A 4 (»r 94 (|

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: WEDNESDA*, FEBRUARY 8, 1893.



'JHE-FIRST Ci-MhING SALE it J. WRllil' ft Co. BEFORE KNOWN IN AfeHBURTON. Ladies' Corsets 4s 6d, now 2s 6d. Dr Warner's well known Corsets 10* 6d now 6, 6d. Double width Sheeting, white twill, 10* d Good washing Muslins, 3s lid dozen White Muslins, satin stripe, 7£d now 4^i children>s dcesseS) wonderful value at o^d CLOTHING. CLOTHING. Men's Tweed Suits, 19s 6d Boys' Tweed Suits, 4s lid ?BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Colonial made Bluchers, 5s „ M.»'. Cookh.m Boot., wort* 25. for lte 6d Prioeß TERMS CASH. -REMEMBER THE ADDRESS- G. J. NEILL and CO., FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDING



' ' WATCHE* WAt€HEaJ. WATCHBft^^ ANNOUNCEMENT Botherb»m;i^JWatclie9. W A T C H X.A X t/^'j EWE L L E R, . * * »1 « wpll-known and reliable fiim of " Rotherham, Xjoii- HAS just received from the wen Kno « pe cially made by Rotherham for S d<m f p»IWCOiMM!J>n« nt-^^^ m J! t o on y A tB- of~lßct Gold Hunting Saijsk (as engraved on wnrKs.;_ e> lgct Qo]d n f|Mje and Hunting with Lever Keyless | plate open face a« fc .^ _ centre seconds. Lady s l»cc u< i v Bofcher i aam ' s fla-uing Levers, kpy-windmg ; Botherham'sHuatinuLever^^ B^ eth&m > s ( hien Face, key-winding. Al*>. Eotherham b Open Face, keyl^s jl from , fo rM ng men> „. embera o f choice stock of Ladies »>"™r .* v ,^ llihs an d all -vho have, occa-iop to me a watch for Athletic, Bicycle, and Swimming;Unbj. and a^ STERLING SILVER timing, S.S. has just «««^ dJS?S2nt«in fifths, Tho advantage of having a Race timers-will time »P^° ""'V s witll Bupe rior w«.rks for timing purposes only, tar^TiVK rWATCHMAKBE AN JBWJSLUBB. wly.naJeweUe^kep.ir.otcvenrjgcript.on prompt ririto^



BOOTS. BOOTS. SHOES. SHOES. THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory AMD BOOT AND SHOE WAREHOUSE. mHE Public would do well to inspec X our Large and Well-assorted St cV before purchasing elsewhere, A Single Pair of Boots at the Wholenale Price. All new goods. 200 Pairs of Boys' and Girls' Strong School Boots and Shoes from 2s 9d. LADIES. Buy your Boota and Shoes at the Factory, you will save 3s in the pound. THE AUGITE STOVE MAT. Only a few left; just the thing for pre serve making; only 2a. A Wonderful Line of m _ ■„_ MEN'S ALL-WOOL COLONIAL TWEED TROUSERS j?ob 9* 6d. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. AtBX. HENDRY, Manager*



THE HARVEBTJS PLENTEOUS. AT any rate it is up to the average— and the laborers are—well, a good de*l more than plenteous. I have never before seen *o many men in the country on the out U»k for harvest work. Fora time tho town was "stiff wid 'em," as Pat said about the river and the fish, out a gooJ many hue absorbed since th« vfeatl.e-- became harvest weather, and allowed the machines to yo rattling along, CUTTINGBOWN f,he wealth of Ceres' golden reign. I trust the farmers will get s<H»pthhg like a favorable return for their year * to;l, and that when they come into town with their little V OALICO-(28 lid a dozen) — bags of samples'of gljftip, representing th crop, on the growing and in-gathering o which they have been concentrating al their energies since last harvest, they wit be able to receive from the grain met c n.is that will enablb them to live themselves and LET OTHERS LIVE. The farmers are the men who feed u« all, who grow our grain, our meat, our dairy produce, and the wool to make our CLOTHING— (suits at 355). They are the men whip* with their wives and families, the tradesmen must depend upon to make their living, and we have the most solid reasons possible for re joicing when the farmers are prospering. So thinks HARRY HARDLEY Manager for HARDLI^YBROI. Who are selling ftoods ver> cheap. Beautiful dress tweed 4s 9d a dress; striped ginghams 7|d. BOOTS IN ENDLESS VARIETY. Men's Colonial made shooters 9s fid; slippers 3s 3d. COMB AND GIVE US A TRIAL.



A ISafggitie Wife A FACT. A speaker was holding forth on woman and he matle out that she was just a little angel on e*rth. In glowing Words he pictured how patient she was in suffering how courage >us in trouble, and how alto gefcher gentle, loving, and good she was under all circumstances, and closed his | peroration by declaring that any man who laid his hand on a woman, save in the act of kindness, was a monster. After the lecture, a pale, haggard, woebegone looking man shuffled up to the speaker and said, " Look here, mister ; I've heard what you've been saying about woman ; all j about how nice and swe9t she is, why, one would imagine that you believed all women > were just blushing full blown rose*; I guess you don't know my wife. Well ■he haint no Mooming rose. She's aj daisy, a rcg'lar daisy, why mister my wife | is a nagger, and there is'nt an hour, when she's juyake, _but lh»t she's nagging -_■.. jotseofie. If it STnTurerifs the chl^ireiv it is'nt the childrtn, it b the cat. There is nothing that escapes her nagging tongue, and the only time any of u^ ir^is any rest is when she has nagged horself j to sleep." How like the nerves of a man who drinks; they just nag, nag all the time, giving no rest until enough liquor has been taken to deaden all nervuus I sensibility, and the poor fellow goes off j n that hodden, snoring, mise able state that is but the rattling skeleton of a healthy sleep. R. T. Booth's Golden Remedy No 1 puis an end to all this nagging ot the nerves by destroying all desire for liquor. It, T. Booth's Golden Remedy No 2 is the best Brain and Nerve Tonic on this : 9»rth, All chemists.



Thk Bkst Bkmbdy fob Indigestion— Nonton's Camomile Pills are confidently recommended as a simple remedy {• ; Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all 6he diseases to which we are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice called the "Natural Strengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle aperient, are mild in their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold in bottles, at Is l£d, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine vnt-rl«ir» thrmifirhowfc the *-Rrlfl How Sambo Understood Fbench.—w'nd siys to the runaway negro on the raft, " Jim, what'd you say if 'twas said to yon ' Parly-vous-franzy V " " Wouldn't say nuffin. I'd just bust him over de ear ; if he wasn't a wite man. 'Low no nigger to call me dat. ' Finn says the words only mean, -"■Be^yea-Speak French?" Jim inquires, "If 1 hey mean that why don't thsy say that?" I)r Forest says, in "Health, the New Method," we might muke similar in quiries of the professors ot Massotherapy; 1 but he goes on to explain massage, rubbing, ! and its beneficial results so that it might even enter the skull of tiie densest negro; and his muscle-roller and other new method are invaluable. An edition of his book much enlarged, ia published at "Truth 'and "Health" Publication Offices, 161 Tuam street, Christchurch.—[Advt.l The Best Tea IS TIJE WORLD i3y§loi>'» Ccyioii. NINIAN HYSLOP, AMD CO., Tea Importers, 1% 0» hel street, ChneUjhurch,



Wanted LOST, in William Street, a Silver Brooch, gold horse shoe in centre Finder kindly return Mail Office. *> & "iTTHITAKKR'S Almanack, Haz ill's VV Annual, White Wings, Jhe Knight of the White Feather, Christian I Lyrics, The Children of God.—H. M. JONKS. — j HR Good bamaritan, for the imme 1 diate relief of pain.— Light's Cash »b>re. _____JJ** I J OMKOPATHIC Medicines, price r.~L Is. Sol^ agent for district. Light's Cash Store. • 234 ASTERS, Uysters.-First of the Sea son arrived nt Deep Rea Fi«hms? Company's, opposite Mail lkficb. 2 13 WANTED, at once, a Boy haying passed Standard "V. or VI., as apprentice to th«> printing trade. Apply Mail Office. LAN OS from £26 to 70 Guineas. Sold on one, two, and three years. Terms to suit purchasers. Reduced scale. —H. M. Jonks. WANTED Known—lee Creams, Ice dreams, for the hot weather, always ready at H. G. Flower's, Confec tioner, East Street. SOMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest, the largest, the best, and the cheap est. Small roods a specialty. Full weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. — W. J. Silcock. 4t182 r\7 ANTED Known—Good Em- VV broideries, 2_rd per yard.— Mitchell anb Turnbr. 2 8 WANTED Known that S. SalSk, Watchmaker and Jewsller, has removed to new shop near New Zealand Clothine Factory^ ' 10 213 TITANTED Known.—Come and see » our dress lines at ijd and 6d, leather shirting 6jd, three-quarter cloaks 12s 6d. —H. C. Seobks, Mslford House. \\f ANTED Known — 200 dozen W Ladies' Gloves from 4£d.— Mitchell and Tornbk.. 2 9 WANTED the Public to know that S. W. AlcobN and Co's Summer Sale is now on. Great Bargains, in Millinery, Underclothing etc. Tl / A TTTED~ Known—Good White M Calicoe 3^ 9d per dozen.— Mitchell and Turner. 2 7 THE Misses Adams' r,cw 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. W ~ANL'ED lvnown~-Ur Scott's cele brated Electric Corsets can only be obtained in Ashburton at W. H. Collier's, *'Th« fWtw." WANTED everyone to come and see the beautiful presents we are giving away for evt;ry 5s and upwards spent.—H. C. Skggrs, MelforJ House.



VyANTKD-K.iown.—A great variety * * of high cla^s drees goods to'choose from new selling under regular wholesale prices.—H. C. SEGEaa, Me!ford House. WANTED— Purchasers tor Bargains in Summer Dresses, Printa, and Delainca, Suuahades, &o. at S. W, Ar<oOßii and Co'a Sale. WANTED Known—Now Flannelfcttas nt extraordinary prices ; 3a lid *nd 4s lid do 2. Thirty per cent undei price.—VV. H. Colufe. DON'T let the rain water destroy your buildingH. Get Spouting fixed at 4d per foot and buy a tank, complete | with tap, tested before leaving workshop, for 30s, at J. W. Hardlbv's. XXTH.Y not Bake your own Bread when * * you can get 50lbs of the Best Roller Flour for five shillings cash or five shillings and sixpence booked a Robert a^lcorn s, Saunders' Buildings. !. IL%> DON'T Forget theßarough Bye-Laws re Carr aga Lamps, and that HA.UDLR . as large Stock on^hand, also a large assortment of Tinware and Iron mongery, Scythes, Reaping Hooks, Hay ! Knives, Forks, etc., of best quality, and all at lowest possible prices. J. W. Haedley, Bast Street, Ashburton. _ TV EW YEAR'S GIFTS.—Card, Book ■*-' lets New Games in great varietj Beaut fullotof Vases, Fancy Glassware, and Fairy Lamps Boys' and Girls' Annuals, and <,ther new Volumes. Prize Books at reduced prices. New Birthday Reward and Wedding Cards.—L. F. ANDREWES Sr DO., Stationers^Hall BEAR in mind that J, W. Haedlby, Plumber and Gasfitter, East Street, has the largest Stock in town of Pumps, Pipes, and Fittings, and that he is selling them cheaper than ever at prices hitherto unheard of in Ashburton, Now is the chance for a cheap Pump ; improved No. 14. Price, 16s. Larger sizes in proportion. [ /^HRISTafAS Suits. Boys, three \J garment long Trouser Suits at 15s. ' Boys, Colorial-made Knicker Suits from 10a. Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Suits 30<. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 50a.—Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings, Robbkt t \lcoen. t IT ANTED Known—That J. Moison W keeps the best stock of Boots in Ashburton, for this reason that he pays cash and is not under or bound to any one firm like many in the trade, which enables him to procure and supply the public with the Best Colonial and English | awakes ; and his well-known make needs I no resogamendaticm. Always on hand Uest'Soie Leather, yj^i for repairs and done .*t once.—J, Mojsqst, Jmpermeable Bootmakef, Town Hall, East SW, n^fc, Coui't Home . j



Public Notices U. 5.6. CO- jj^i IJAS'C r USi LOU S'i?EAM«*iiP COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND. TEAMJSRB SAIL from LYTTEL TO.N-AS UNDER: For Wellington—Monday, Tuesday, Wed . uesday, Thursday, sud Saturday. Nelson—Tuesday and Saturday. " Auckland—Thursday. Sydney-Jflvcry Second Thursday. Dunedin— Tuesday and Friday. M ellwurne—-Tuesday. Fxcuiaioti Season commenced on November 1. Rclu:ed fares over all he Company's lines. ForpHrticularsap^o^^ Apents for is burton



Statutory Declaration.—l, Franz Raabt Ironbark, Sandhurst, in the colony of Vie* ton'a, Australia, do solemnly and sincerely declare that on the 25th June, 1877, my son Alfred, six years of age, was accidentally Burly rwith an axe on his Jfenee. lat once took all pains to secure medical assistance. How iver, in spite of all efforts, on the 27th August, 1877, the opinion was given by Dr Macgillivray that an amputation of the njured limb had become imperative, in order to save life. At this juncture I called en Messrs Sander and Sons, procaring some oi their Extract of Eucalyptus Globulus, and by the application of the same I had c satisfaction of seeing my son within a fort night out of all danger, and to-day he s recovered. I may just add that it was when the crisis had been reached that the Extract referred to was first applied, and I make this olemn declaration, etc — Franz Raabe Declared at Sandhurst, in the colony of Victoria, Australia, this seventeenth day of ctober, one thousand eight hundred anci eventy-seven, before me, Morita Colui, J P. -(Advb.) 2