BIRTH.

Baxter.—On April 19, at Cameron Street east, the wife of A. J. Tyukkll-Baxtek of v daughter.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 1893 EARLY HISTORY.

The discussion that has lately taken place in the columns of tho " Otago Daily Times" on that part of tho early history of New Zealand which relates to the hoisting of the British flag at Akaroa, shows how easy it is for errors to creep into even such modern history as that really is. Wo had thought that tho accounts of the taking possession of the South Island for England by Captain Stanley, act ing under instructions from Governor Hobson, that have been published by Mr Kusden, Dt Hockon and the lato Mr J, H. Wallace, after tho most careful research into the actual facts, were accepted as being the true history of tho incident, but a new version has been put forth, by a Mr William Henry Palmer, of Sale, Victoria, claiming that the wholo uct of taking possession was really accomplished by Captain W. B. Rhodes, of \m own motion—to use a now classical plu-ase —quite apart from Governor Hobson's instructions. Mr Palmer's letter has been repuUished in our columns, together with a reply by Captain Pascoe, H.N., traversing Mr Palmer's statements, and the latter's re-attirma tion of their truth. Besides the histo rians we have named above, Mr G. Eliot Elliott, of Dunedin, has stepped in with a vindication of the credit of Governor Hobs^n and Captain Stanley to the proceedings, which resulted in the South Island being taken posses sion of on behalf of the British Crown, and clear proof that Captain Rhodes had no share in th«m. There is also substantial evidence that Captain Rhodes in his lifetime made no claim to any share in the honor. In no part of New Zealand w*s that gentle man better known than in Wellington, and the " Post," writing evidently with a knowledge of the subject, does not believe that he ever made the claim attributed to him by Mr Palmer. "If " (says the " Post") "Mr Palmer never heard that statement questioned by the oldest colonists of New Zealand, it was probably owing to their never having heard it advanced. We cer tainly never heard Captain Rhodes make a claim of the kind attributed to him, nor can we find any old settlers or friends of Captain Rhodes who ever did so. One of the oldest settlers, who was in Wellington when the occupation of Akaroa took place, and remained an intimate friend of Captain Rhodes to the date of the latter's death, has placed the events on historical record. We allude to the late Mr J. H. Wallace, the author ,of the history of New Zealand, pub lished by Brett. Mr Wallace alludes to the fact of ' many versions of the circumstances attending this moment ous incident' being current, but he does not allude to Captain Rhodes as taking any part in the proceedings, although, singularly enough, he men tions that gentleman's name as follows: ' There were, however, eighty-six Europeans resident on the Akaroa Peninsula at this time, and Mr W. B. Rhodes landed some cattle there in 184.0, under the care of Mr Green.' On the face of it Mr Palmer's story appears apocryphal, as individual action by an unauthorised whaling captain would have been a very poor title to set up against the French occupation." The Middle Island was formally annexed to the British Dominions voder a Proclamation by Governor Hobson on May 21, 1840, by right of discovery, and Dr. Hocken show* that Captain Rhodes' name became associated with the Akaroa coup by reason of his having acquired from the Maoris, at a period some years anterior to the Britomart epi socie, certain land for stockrearing and speculative purposes, and knowing that there was danger of a proclamation of sovereignty 6ver the South Island by France, he had erected a flagpole and instructed the stockman in charge, in the event of the French appearing, to run up the British flag, muster his cattle round the flagstaff, and claim priority of possession on behalf of the Queen. Far from shaking the accepted accounts of the annexation, Mr Palmer's claims have elicited additional evidence of the accuracy of our his torians.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Of the children of school age in the colony of.Victoria, 9956 out of every hundred are being educated. The average rate of interest on invest ments by the Public Trustee is £5 13s 7d, aud oa Government Insurance investments £5 19a Bd. According to the "Bruce Herald " the veteran colonist and politician, Mr Vincent Pyke, has had another stroke of paralysis, and for the present is incapable of using his right arm. John Wild, charged with an alleged attempt to murder his daughter at Papanui on March 8, was brought up at the Christ church Police Court, on Tuesday, and re manded till Monday. A special sale of sheep will be held by Messrs Miles and Company, Limited, at the Tinwald saleyards to-morrow (Thursday), when they will offer 6000 merino*ewe3 from Morven Hills Those in quest of this class of sheep would do well to attend. The " Kumara Times " has the following paragraph -.—The approaching elections are beginning to awaken interest in ths political strata of Westland. Mr Grimmond is once more about to put hi 3 lance in re3fc against the Samson of ihe Ministry. After all the Conservitives do support their men nobly. What do the »elec* few who run the Canter bury ' 'Press" care about a few thousands, more or leas ? Are not £500 a mere trifle for the privilege of gaining a point now and again ? The Land and Agency and Syndicate Party can afford to keep a fund to run the outside electorates with, One man we know gave a nool thousand to the fund, which ought to be large enough by this time to fight six or I seven teats with. Mr Seddou will have to fight money this time, ■;

i The native Mormons are preparing food for a great meeting to be held shortly at Te Hauke, Hawke's Bay. Their missionaries are teaching that drinking and gambling are sinful, and that it is wrong to have more than one wife. The " VVestporfc Times "says that unless the colony's present system of local govern ment is reformed during the nexfc session of Parliament, disaster must ensue to the West Coast County Councils, which aye all in a condition closely approaching insol vency. Mr H. M. Jones hae received from the Minister of Limdo a reply to a request that ho would deliver an address in Ashburton prior to t! • opening of t! c. Parliamonti.ry session. Mr'McKenssie says that, his health permitting, ho goes south early in May to address his constituents, and will try and stay iv night in Ashburton ou his return and ii(lilrcs3 a meeting. Ilia Honor Mr Justice Donniston has not ycfc definitely deeMed as to the application *nm»l<; to noiii-oii'datc tho estates of Messrs T. VV. Muudo, (Jeorjjo Harpor, and L. Harper, so as lo olivialo the filing of three separate set* of proofs. His Honor consulted the Chief Justice, bufcns his opinion was contrary to tho one held by his Honor, he has decided to consult all the judges on the subject. Tho Attraction*) of Golfing. — Cousin James, of London,: " Golf is' all tho rage now, Mac. Don't you think I should go iv for it ? It would brace mo up ?" Mcf cc: " Dinna, man, Jock ! Oh, dinna rtaothatl It's jcosfc porfee' insanity? Sin' I myself took ta gouf I've noglectit n>a iamily, I've licglcctit my boesiucstj, and (in a tragic whisper) X whilcn even dinna gang ta the kirk I" The almanac of tho New Zealand Fire and Marino Inonrunce Company, which bears the efllgy of a Maori chicru head, has been dis tributed in Shanghai, whore (according to an exchange) it has cmisod v sensation among tho Chinese. They exclaim, "Oh, your company's head man is a blackmail." Tho V.R.C. have reduced largely the Htakcs at their forthcoming Queen's Birth day Mooting, and havo also made the follow ing important alteration in connection with ponaltios for winning :—" In all handicap r<vceß, instead of fixed penalties being im posed as heretofore, the nandtcapper will be given discretionary ppwtr, in order that he may penalise winners in accordance with his ideas of tho merits of their victories." Wo notice that the North Otago Club has made a similar regulation. A meeting was held in the Willowby Wesloyfcn Church on Monday, to welcome tho Rev Mr Abernethy to tho district. Mr Frampton was in the chair. Speeches ex pressing a cordial welcome were made by Messrs Chapman, Harding, Low, Williams, Grayburn, Maxwell, Wheeler, J. Oaborne and Watson. Mr Abernethy replied thank ing the friends for their wekome, and ex pressing the hopo that his ministry might be abundantly blessed of God. A coffee-supper followed, and vote of thanks to the ladies concluded the proceedings. A special meeting of the Chrietshurch City Council was held on Tuesday night to consider the question of the re-division of the city into new wards. Resolutions pro posing to place certain facts before the Governor, to prepare a counter petition to the one circulated by the Mayor, and to ask for a copy of the one in circulation were carried, Upon the second one a warm dis cussion ensued, which only terminated when his Worship left the chair, and that aud the third one were passed in his absence. His Worship's action in leaving the chair ex cited the laughter of the councillors and some hissing amongst the public present. According to the " f.aunceston Examiner," Professor Mason, while performing in Zeehan lately, said that during his stay there, extending over eighteen nights, he had seen more misery silently borne among some of the people of Zeehan than he had witnessed during twenty years' travelling. He offered any number of those who were in destitute circumstances to help them to leave for any of the other colonies if they would only meet him at the railway station on the following morning. Quite a crowd of people took advantage of the professor's offer on the following morning, and he paid tl tir pass ages to the other colonies ; and more would have turred up but that they doubted his philanthropy, A well-dressed stranger arrive! recently by train in a large and populous district some miles south of Auckland (days the " Her%ld.") He was at once pronounced to be " a gent from Sydney." Oa applying at the hotel for accommodation he was told that there was no room for him, but that there was a boarding house some distance farther on, where he could stay. The stranger went to the boarding horse, but re turned next evening to the hotel, where he arranged to stay for the night. The repre sentative of the law was informed that the strange gentleman now in the hotel was a spielet without doubt. Later that night the stranger was disturbed by the clank of handcuffs, and the presence of a well-armed policeman in his room. The gentleman was politely requested to come along, and, in quiring the reason, he was accused of being a Sydney spieler. The stranger slowly rose, and handing the intruder a document, replied, " There is my authority ; I am sent by Bishop Luck to inspect the Convent School in this district." The late Duke of Sutherland, whose ninety-two wills are now giving Somerset House the toughest task they have yet en countered in probate work, by his last will, . dated December, 1890, left the Dutchesß < £100,000 and £4000 per annum. By a codicil dated November, 1891, a further £30,000 is bequeathed to the Dowager Duchess, and the amount is to be paid within twelve months of the Duke's | decease. Miss Baird benefits to the extent of £12,000. The Dowager Duchess by the will has all the Sutherland jewels for life, and the will contains an express stipulation that she need not make an inventory of them unless she be co disposed. The furniture, statuary, wines etc., at Stafford House, London, are aleo left to the Dowager Duchess, and a further £30,000 to purchase a house in London. These bequests are made to the Dowager Duchess abso lutely, with the exception of the family jewels, which are for life only. The Duchess Dowager has also the mansion house, Lilleshall, given to her by the Duke's will.

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

London. April 18. The Lord Mayor ot Dublin presented at the bar of the House of Commons a petition from the corporation, in favor of Home Rule. [ The Irish Unionists presented huge bundles of petitions against the Bill, including one signed by ten members of the Dublin Council. I (Received April 19, 11.10 a.m.) I London, April 18. j It is believed that the division on the second reading of the Home Rule Bill will be a strictly party one, but some radical defections are expected in Committee over the retention of Irish members at Westminster. It is also believed that the Government will make further concessions to Ireland in connection with finance. Mr Goschen made a brilliant speech in the House of Commons to-day on the second reading of the Home Rule Bill. He strongly attacked the 'finan cial proposals contained in the measure, and contended that Ireland would be unable to balance her budget. Mr Mundella intends to introduce a bill empowering the Board of Trade to appoint boards of conciliation and arbitration. The Marquis of Salisbury will ad dress the Ulster people on May IQ.

The Onslow Biscuit. The latest and most delicate biscuit manufactured by 4ttlß«brookftndCo.

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[per press association.]

THE MEA.TH ELECTION. London, Apr.ll7. A bankruptcy Dotice has been served on Mr Duvitt, in connection with the I expenses of the South Meath election petition. ■ ANTARCTIC FISHING. The Dundee whaleis sighted a number of hair seals in the Antarctic Ocean, and secured 14,000 yielding 500 tons of oil. No right whales were sf.-.en. LABOR MATTERS. The London shipowners have re solved to maintain their right to em-1 ! ploy free labourers and are preparing I to furnish provisions to three thousand men. Mr Wilson, the ship-owner, Mr Mundella, President of the Board of Trade, Mr Burns, and Mr Wilson, of the Seamen's Union, have agreed to an armistice, pending the submission of terms of settlement to the Shipping Federation and the Hull strikers. I Meanwhile work will proceed in Lon don. It is understood that the strikers will accept the terms. The stevedores disapprove of a general strike, and threaten that they will not join. The owners state that they can easily carry on, in consequence of the slackness of trade, with one fourth of the present number of men. The Bristol Channel trade is blocked. The London seamen and firemen cease work to-ncorrow. The leaders of the strike predict that 100,000 men will knock off to-morrow. April 18. It is reported that the compromise suggested for a settlement of the strike includes a stipulation that Unionists shall work in harmony with non-Unionists, and that the control of the later shall be transferred to the Board of Trade. Mr Burns conveyed the terras of the compromise to a hundred delegates from the dockers Jast evening. The delegates enquired whether they meant peace or war. Mr Ben Tillett says that the men are determined, and that a mighty democratic wave is beating against the citadel of greed. Mr Burns asserted in the House of Commons that if early in the shipping dispute he had been permitted to meet the parties interested, he could have settled the question in five minutes, i In the House of Commons, Mr Wilson, the member for Hull, accused the shipowners of being allied with crimps. Mr Mundella said that he would in quire into the truth of their allegation. Mr Burns, who moved the adjourn ment of the debate, complained of naval and military forces being sent to Hull. The Speaker ruled that the House was unable to discuss the matter. Brussels, April 17. There is increased ferment through out Belgium, and desperate fighting has taken place at Mons and Antwerp. A number of the Civic Guard have been wounded. Several strikers have been killed and many wounded. The Belgian strikers now number 50,000. Many have been killed in conflicts with the police and military. Work is at a standstill in Charleroi. The Fremier has agreed to accept plural voting as the only means of appeasing the agitators. April 18. Violent conflicts have taken place between the Civic Guard andj the rioters at Mons. The troops charged the mob, many of whom were wounded. The strikers retaliated with bricks, and the Guards then fired, killing five and wounding many more. A large number were arrested, and the crowd fled, taking the dead with them. Fourteen of the Guards were wounded, some mortally. The Antwerp strikers are in sympathy with the agitation respecting the suffrage. They hid behind piles of wool in the docks, and stoned the gensdarmes, who fired upon them. The Civic Guard were also called ont in this city. A Socialist rioter was arrested at Jolimont with seventeen dynamite cartridges in his possession. The strikers at Mons are maddened by the death of their comrades, and have sworn to avenge them. The Brussels compositors have struck, and publication of the news papers is suspended.

PARIS MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.

Paris, April I*. The Paris municipal elections have resulted in the return of a majority of Radicals and Socialists.

BELGIAN POLITICS.

Brussels, April 18. The Belgian Government advocate manhood suffrage combined with plural voting. If the proposal is rejected the King must intervene.

HAWAII.

N«w Yobk, April 17. The "Herald's" Honolulu corres pondent reports that 40,000 natives are opposed to the annexation to America, and only 2000 approve of it.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE VANCOUVER SERVICE.

Sydney, April 18. The Canadian Minister of Customs has cabled to Sir G. R. Dibbs, con firming the offer of a subsidy to Messrs Huddart and Parker, for a mail service to Vancouver, and urging the Aus tralian colonies to assist.

THE ASSAULT ON MR MUNRO.

Melbourne, April 18. The man who assaulted'Mr Munro had lost all his money in the Real Estate Bank failure. He was fined £5.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Gisbornb, April 18. A 'gruesome discovery was made this morning by a gardener digging a plot of land close to the town. From a small space two yards in circumference and 18in deep he uneaHhed no less than nine skulls, one thighbone, a pelvis, and several other bones in a rather decayed state. The skulls were piled together immediately under a grape vine, which grew up the side of an pld house which used to stand there. Several of them were remarkably well preserved, others

are somewhat decayed. Two or three are large sized, and others appear to be those of females or children. The teeth are in fiae condition, which goes to show that j the remains are those of Natives. It is thought that they may have been collected by a European from some bury ing ground and planted under the grape' vine, Napier, April 18. A snake of a venomous variety was landed in a case of bananas, and was found und killed when the cape was unpacked in a fruiterer's shop. The Hon. J. D. Ormond was to-day re-elected as chairman of the Education Board, which position he has held since the passing-of the Act. Wkmjngton, April 18. The Registrar of the University Senate yesterday received from England the re sult of the examination, and so far as the papers have yet bpen looked at there appear to be no important discrepancies with the information received by cable in February and forwarded to candidates. A special meeting of the Senate will be held in Ohristchurch on Wednesday, April 26, to consider the examiners' report. The Agricultural Department have decided to establish an agricultural museum at the head office, for the display ot samples of seed and anything of interest to the industry, The "Evening Presn" publishes the' text of a circular which states that the Minister of Lands has issued to all officors of the Lands and Survey Depart-1 menta instructions that whenever they have reasonable and well-founded grounds for believing that dummyiera is being attempted or practised, to report forth-1 with to their superior officer. The latter in requested to make the necessary enquiries, and if he finds the case one of prima facie duramyism, he is to refer the matter to the head office. The circular concludes thus :—ln any future cases of dummyism, when it'may appear that an officer had reasonable grounds for believing that it was being practised and did not report the fact as herein required, he will be called strictly to account, and will be dealt with as the case may require. This circular is considered necessary because in every c?se yet tried, information relating to it has been obtained from the public." fcfciacm, April 18. Immense audiences attended the Rev. F. W. Isitt's farewell meetings here on Friday. He was presented with an address and gold watch by the members of the temperance bodies. On Sunday both services were crowded, and last evening a most enthusiastic meeting was held, the speakers referring to his un tiring zeal with regard to social reform. Westport, April 18. Mr P. Kit son, proprietor and editor of the <v Charleston Herald," died to-day of paralysis. He leaves a widow and five children. Mr Reeve?, M.H.R., a member of the local Harbor Board, sued the Board for £72 9s for travelling expenses, being at the rate of one guinea per day, nine days in each month, travelling from and to Nelson to attend the Board's meeting. Judgment was given for £69, being twenty shillings a day, exclusive of coach fare. The action was brought in conse quence of the Audit Office refusing to pass any amount except coach fare. Mr Guinness, M.H.R., appeared for the plaintiff. Oabiartj, April 18. Thres stacks of threshed grain hava been destroyed by fire during the past week id one locality, and incendiarism is suspected.

SPORTING.

match.

(PER PREBS ASSOCIATION).

Dunedin, April 18. The match between Emperor and Lady Mab, to-day, was won by the former by a length. The betting wa» 5t04 on Emperor. ___

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB.

The following are the handicaps for the Ashburton Trotting Club's Autumn meeting: Maiden Handicap (in saddle), of 20 bovb. One mile and a half. Borodino ... scr Satanella ... 7sec Fiona ... ssec Iky mo ... 7sec Manuka ... 7sec Try Me ... 7sec Campo ... 7seo | Lola ... 7seo Peeress ... 7sec Agar -■ .„ 7sec Laurestina ... 7sec S.P.D. ... Bsec Belfast Girl ... 7«ec Temena ... Baec Wharf dale ... 7sec Dairymaid ... Ssec Vagary ... 7sec ( Laohmob Handicap (in harness), of 25 soya- Two miles. Bingwood ... Bcr Mountjoy ... 26sec Springfield ... 15sec M.M. ... 33sec Rocket .. 18sec I'm Sure ... 35sec BrownDucheas 18sec ] Geordie ... 38sec Maidoi Lusky 23sec I Fleethound ... 43sec Trissie ... 24sec J District Handicap (in saddle), of 20 soys. Two miles. Wilkin ... scr I Commodore ... 32sec Barney O'Hea 2sec | Satanella ... 37sec Brown Duchess 12sec Sando ... 37aec Rocket ... 12sec Vagary ... 37sec Sarah ... 22aeu Lola ... 37sec Borodino .., 32sec Sedgley Maid 42sec Humbug ... 32sec Ashburton Handicap (in saddle), of 30 soys. Three miles. Nilreb ... Bcr. | Geordie Dowse 30sec Hippias ... 9sec I Old Dad ... 45sec Boston Girl... 9sec Cloud ... 45sec Springfield... 12sec Common ... 45seo Maid of Lusky 22sec Fleethound 52sec Mountjoy ... 27sec Novel Handicap (in «addle), of 20 soya. One mile and a-half. Little Doll ... scr | Watch ... llsec Broomlands... 7sec Gunner ... llsec Commodore 7sec Coal Dust ... llsec Cloud ... 7sec Iky mo ... llsec Fiona ... Bsec Dairy Maid... Ifteec Manuka ... llsec Old Maid \.. Jo.cc Dash Handicap (in saddle), of 20 soya, One mile. Ringwood ... scr Sarah ... Isseo Wilkin ... 4sec Geordie Dowse losec Nilreb ... ssec M,M. ... ISsec Rocket ... lOsec Try Me ... 22aec Westleigh ... lOsec Albino ... 253ec Brown Duchess lOsec Sedgley Maid 25sec Trissie ... 13sec Recovery Handicap Stakes (in saddle), of 25 soys. Two miles. Ringwood ... scr Westleigh ... 18sec Wilkin ... 6aec Mountjoy... 26sec Barney O'Hea Bsec Sarah ... 28sec Nilreb ... Bsec Geordie Dowse 28aee Boston Girl... 13sec Old Dad ... 38sec Te Wanahau 13aec Fan ... 43sec Springfield ... 16sec Fleethound... 43sec Rocket ... IBsec Albino ... 48sec Acceptances close on Saturday at 9 p.p.

Early History.

Dr Hocken has addressed the following interesting letter to the "Otago Daily Time*" : "A correspondence of some interest recently appeared in the columns of the "Arpus" regarding the claims of the French to Akaroa and the South Island. One of the contributors, Mr Palmer, of Sale, claimed for the late Captain VV. b. Rhodes the credit of securing this part of New- Zealand to the British Crown. Captain Crawford Pasco correctly chal- I lenged this claim, and give on the whole i a true account of the story. In your issue of this 'morning Mr Eliott, while substantiating Captain Pasco'a version, asserts that I tautenant Willougnby Short land despatched ihe Britomart from the Bay of Islands to Akaroa, there to antici pate the arrival of the French vessel L'Aube, and not Captain Hobson, who at the time was at Auckland nuking; pre paration for the removal of the Govern ment from the B»y of Islands to Auck land. Mr Eliott will permit me to say — andldoso with much deference, remember ing that he moved amongst many of those historical incidents— that his statement is not in accordance with facts. Mr Eliott will presently agree in this, and will con clude with mo chat the lapsus is due to the fact that 53 years play sai havoc with memory. .As the story of these occur rences is interesting, I shall, with your permission, teU it truly, pointing our Captain Rhodes' claims, correcting the errors of my three predecessors, and shall then modestly await the coming of the critic behind me, Amongst the French whalers whe, in common with those of the English and American nations, frequented these shores was one Captain Lancjlois, who professed to have bought in 1838 3\ooo acres on Banks Peninsula, including the site of the pre sent town of Akaroa. On his return to France he induced several gentlemen, members of mercantile houses in Havre, Nantes, and Bordeaux, to form them selves into an association for the purpose of founding a colony in New Zealand: It is said that Louis Philippe furthered the project with substantial assistance. In March 1840, accordingly, the whaling vessel Comte de Paris sailed under the command of Captain Lanerlois with 60 souls on board, and after a voyage of five months reached Akaroa on August 16. The day before (the 15th) the corvette L'Aube, one of the French squadron maintained for the purpose of looking after the interests of the French whalers in the PaciGc, arrived from the Bay of Islands to act as tender or convoy to the expected emigrant rassel. To what must have been his intense disgust, her com mander, Captain Lavaud, found thab I H.M.S. Britomart, Captain Owen Stanley, had anticipated him by four days, and that the British flag was float ing and British authority established. The fact was that immediately on learning the object of the French war vessel's mission Captain flobson despatched on this service H.M.S. Britomart, which was then lying at anchor in the Bay of Islands, under the command of Captain Owen Stanley. Here will be the proper place to introduce Captain William Barnard Rhodes. In November 1839 he and his partners, Messrs Cooper and Holt-, j who conjointly traded between New South Wales and Hew Zealand, sent several head of cattle to Akaroa. Having received private information that the French emi grants might be expected, Captain Rhodes lost no time in erecting a large fl igstaff on that spot now known as Green's Point, and he gave instructions to Green, who - was in charge of his cattle, that when the French arrived he was to hoist the British flag, drive the cattle under it, and inform I the officer on landing that the South Island had been taken possession of for the Queen by Messrs Rhodes, Cooper, (and Holt. Now, whatever may, or might have been, the legal value of such pre cautions taken by a non-official subject of her Majesty, it is useless here to discuss; but they, at any rate, exhibit, foresight •md ingenuity. They were not necessary; for, as we have seen, the Jlngllsh man-of war anticipated that of' France. But, apart from all this, it may here be men tioned that Colonel Bunbury took formal possession of the South Island at Cloudy' Bay on June 17, 1840— two months before. Hence we may perhaps view Captain Owen Stanley's work as one of supererogation, but that Captain Hobbon was determined to clinch matters notwith standing. And now a word as to Lieu tenant Willoughby Shortland. All these occurrences lying between the departure of the Brtconiart from the Bay of Islands to her departure from Akaroa—her task being accomplished—tookplaceduringthemonth of August. During the months of June, July, August, and September Lieutenant Shortland dwelt at Port Nicholson, whither he and Lieutenant Smart and a body of soldiers had been sent by Governor Hobson to quell some insurrec tion or mutinous uprising which was supposed to have taken place amongst the peaceable settlers of Wellington. The whole affair was truly a mare's nest. Mr Eliott may remember the incident, and that the party sailed down in the Integrity. They were called for by the Britomart on hnr return voyage to the Bay of Islands in September. Governor Hobson did not leave the Bay of Islands for the Thames and the Waitemata until the end of September or beginning of October —that is long after he had despatched the Britomart. He sailed down in H.M.S. Favourite (Captain Dunlop). Dates »re dry, but imperative. Mr G. Elliot Elliott responds Ml fol lows: —" Dr Hocken's interesting letter detailing the circumstances connected with the taking possession of the South Island brings back vividly the men and facts of more than fifty years ago. There is no disputing what the doctor says. Still I cannot divest myself of the belief bhat Mr Shortland was a chief factor in the matter. However, both the doctor and I agree that the story abont Captain Rhodes related by Mr Palmer is a myth, and that Captain Stanley, R.N., was the man who did the deed. I knew Captain Rhodes well for years, and often talked with him about the early days, and he never in any w»y put forth a claim to be the hero Mr Palmer makes him out to be."

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Shipping-. Wellington, April 19. Arrived, at 7.30 a.m., Kaikoura from London, after an uneventful voyage. Her dates are London March 2, Plymouth, March 4, Tencrifie, March 9, Cape Town, Maich 25, flobart, April 13, 3 a.m. Arrived Talune, from Sydney; She brings forty-one saloon and ninety-seven steerage passengers for all ports.

ffLE AStoUHTOK atJAitIHAN: WEMESDAY^ APKIt, 10, 1893.



AA^anted. HAVE you Heen the New Slippers at MITCHELI AND TuHKBR's ? 4 148 WANTED, Board and Lodgings. Apply Box 42, Ashburton, statii g terms. 4 142 rILCaL rt TlNGLibrary,l4oovoluines; 3* 6d qunrter. Chrap reading for winter evening?. -H. M. Jonks. 4 126 HAVE y»»u secured some of cur wa»m Slippers ft r children, Is?— MITCnKLL AND TURNRK. 4 149 \\ AN'iEfJ Knowu—Any Fowls or ♦ Duoks trespassing on nsy pro perly will bo desir< yed.--Mks Joh s. Eat Belt. 4 128 *T\7ANTED Known.-Warm Slippers \ V for uiittlitffti; 1« o!to2d 9J f«r pair,—Mitchell anuTubsek. . 4 150 U" f^^KU'~Kn~Ti7^-''V. Hoult haviig commenced Bacon Cnriitc he will fcavo » goorl supply of Poi k Sausages, Pies, and Saveloys To morrow (Saturday), Kast fitreet^ 4 106 TRICYCLES (Adams, Curties, and Co's > machines) C«sh or terms. Christ church prices.—H. M. Jonks^ _^ *T. 1 UMEQPATHIC Medicines, price JIL Is. Solh agent for district, Light's Cash Store. 2 34 OB4K ft SET Meat Mart* The oldelt the largest, th 3 best, and the cheap ast. Small Goods a specialty. Ful weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. — W, J. Silcock. 4t182 "\\/ ANTED Known—lee Creams, Ice VV Creams, for the hot weather, %lways ready at H. G. Flower's, Confec ioner, East Street: _ "DIANOS from £28 10a. Organs from X £1510s. Harmoniums, £10. Easy terms of payment. —H. M. Jones. ft HIT Good Samaritan, tor the imme * diate relief of pain.—Light's Cash Store; 233 WANTED, Ladies and Gentlemen to see the Grand Display in the windows at "The Corner" Saturday— W. H. Cotubr. ~\ \ 7 ANTED Known-9id Gloves for VV 4|d; 7£d Embroidery for 4£d j 13a 6d Summer Dresses for 8s 9d.-~ Mitchell & Turner. 3_62 riTANTED Known.-Como and see » ▼ our beautiful Mantles, Jackets, Ulsters, Macintoshes, Dress Stuffs, etc. H. C. Seokrs, Melford House. 3" ADIES 1 and Children's Hats ; all the _J new shapes for the sewon now opened. Prices low to suit the t:mes ;at 8. W. Alcorw & Co.'s. (^HEAP Firewood—Short Dry Gum ' Firewood, at 26s p«r cord; mixed wood, 24s per cord at Mayo's, Trevortou.-Apply Mrs James Fruit Shop. HEAP Fruit—Cheap Fruit—Prime Quinces for Jam and Preservins. Mm James, Street Fruit Shop. 2§6 WANTED Known.—Jaoket & Dress Department a specialty.^ High class goods marked cheap. H. C. Seobrs, Melford House. mm ANTED Known.—For Jacket, Ulsters, Dress Stuffs, etc. Come to Melford Hoube. H. C. Seobrs. EST Nickel Watches in the market, are those at 22s 6d and 255. Specially made for S. Salek, Jeweller. Guarantee with ?ach watch. WANTED Known— v The Corner "is showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing. —W. H. Collier. ■ TIT Hlfnot Bake your own Bread when tV you can set 501 bs of the Best Boiler Flour for five shillings cash or five shillings and sixpence booked at Bobeut Alcobn », Saunders' Buildings. 11 31 THR Misses ADAMa' r<ew Refreshment R<>oras now open. Tea, CofTie, Cocoa. Lemon Squash, Scda and Milk and all the new summer drinks ready at ill-times. Colemau's Buildings, East Street. Mantles arid Jackets ; immense * variety just opened. Prices for equal value lower than any othor house, atS. W. Aicork &Cj.'s. BANG ! Banas! Bang 1 Guns! Guns ! Guns 1 by the best makers and Stted with all the latest improvements. Powder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, *nd Cases at J. W. Harduey's, East Street. Guns repaired. TOASTER tyrds and Booklets, New Li Games, new supply of the Zither Harps and Autoharps, New Books, Stationery, and Fancy Goods. Sub scribers w*nted for our Circulating Library. L, F. Andrewes ahd Co, Stationers' Hall- TI /HO is your Plumber'/ Why, J. W. VV Habdlby, who is a Manufacturer of Spouting, Ridging, Steel Gutters, Baths Sinks, Tanks, etc., and who has on hand the large Jt stock of Pumps and Rpe in town. WHERE do you get your Ironmon« gery ? At Hakdlev sof course, where we g«t the best value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinges, Plough Chains, Rope, Wire Knetting, Gorse Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender an<* Fire Irons, and anything require. CIHRISTMaS buits. Boys, three / garment long Trouser Suit* »t 15s. Boys, Uolorial-made Knicker Suits frum os. Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Suits 30s. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 60s.—Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. Robert AtCORl^ WANTED Known—Robert Shields, ' Charles Street, opposite Woollen Factory, has commenced Dyeing and Cleaning Ladies' «md Men's Garments. Blankets and Woollen Goods Sooured. Moderate charges. Parcels etc., left at Mrs Adams', Sounders' Buildings, will be attended to. 3 4 PEOPLF, about to marry and furnish their houses, are invited to call on Plckforn A Unclrlll, AT THE ASHBUBTON FUKNITUKE WAKEHOUSE, TANCRED STREET, Next Building Society. —NOW ON VIEV- Dining'toom Suites in Rimu, Bedroom Suiten in Rimu, Iron nnvd Brass Bedsteads, Chests Drawers, Withstands, Spring M»ttrt?&Boa. fciUg.ihh and Colonial Peram bulators, llnt-M! Hair, Kapoe and Flock Mattress, Duchcwsc and F»ncy Tables, Floor Cloths and Liisolenms, Carpets, Hearth Rugs, and &Lus. Furniture Repaired, Rebuffed, and itt;p>>li»liod vii i\u Premises. —Note the address — TANORED STREET, Nex Building Soaioty. |



NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, SPECIALS. WANTED KNOWN—AII Wool Suits, 30a WANTED KNOWN — Men's Bannock Iweed Suits, 39s 6<l WANTED KNOWN- Men's New Zealand Tweed Trousere, 9s 9d WANTED KNOWN—Men's Trousers to measure, 17s 6d WANTED KNOWN-Boys 1 Guard Suits, 10s WANTED KNOWN-Boya' Sailor 3uits, 11s 6d WANTED KNOWN—Youths' Blue Jerseys, 3s 6d WANTED KNOWN—IOO Boxes Men's and Boy>' Hats, from Is 6d WANTED KNOWN—Men's Boots 7a 6d, 10a 6d, 12s 6d WANTED KNOWN—Boys' Boots, 5s 6d, 6s 6d, 7s 6d m WANTED KNOWN—LadieB 1 Boots, 6s 6d, j 7a 6d, 9s 6d NEW ZEALAND CLOTHIHC_FACTORY. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager.



STEAM CHAFF CUTTING AND CRUSHING. GteorgeOsbo*2^ Begs to announce that he ia PREPARED TO CUT CHAFF AND CRUSH GRAIN IN ANY QUANTITY He uses Messrs Andrews and Beaven's besti Canterbury Chaffcutter, and their crusher with latest improvements, and can therefore guarantee giving every satis faction. Orders may be left with MR GUDSELL, Tinwald ; Or GKORGE OS BORNE, 3*5 Willowby.



The Vest Tea IN CANTERBURY for tho money, and free from any excess of astringency. COUNTESS 2s, UUC TOUB GKOGERt^



WINTER, 1893- G. J. JNeill & Go. RESPECTFULLY DRAW YOUR ATTENTION 10 THE FOLLOWING Mew Ooods. Kcw Ooods. J)RESSES. DBESSES. The latest in Shot Rep, double width, 2s 6d Amazon Oioth, double width, Is lid Fancy Dress Gocds, 6£d Heavy Dress Tweeds, 7|d Astiaklmnp, Beaver Trimming Ladies' Jackets and Mantles. MTLUNEKY IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. Trimmed Hats from 2-s lid. Dcubl.! Bkl Whte Shi eting, 10^1 Heavy Forfar, 6^d Blurik^ts, Bhmkets, from 7« lid All Wool Colonial Flinnel, Is. CLOTHING. CLOTHING. Men's Suits, 19s 6d j Men's Heavy Suits, 25s 6d Men's Whip Cord Tweed Suits, 29s 6d Boys' Suits, 4s lid j Men's Lamb's Wool Pants, 3s lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. WONDERFUL VALUE IN BOOTS. Ladies' Slices, 4s lid ; Strong Leather Simpers, 3s ud Men's Oolonial-made Nailed Shooters, 8s 6d Men's Colonial-made Bluchers, ss. > WE ASK YOU TO GIVE OUR SCHOOL BOOTS ONE IRIAL. Ladies' Strong E.S. Boots, 6a lid Patent Leather Slippers in endless variety, at G. J. NEILL & CO.'S, FRIEDL ODER'S BUILDINGS, CORNER OF EAST AND MOORE STREETS.



rrmv watchmakingTTnd jewellhry repairing department T 5 n!w very complete in its arrangements, and hiving (in consequence of the incraased business) obtained the additional assistance for the workroom of Mr jKSim Wimow (from Bryson and Sons, watchmakers, Edinburgh), Customers can rfelv on their woik being clone promptly and satisfactorily. PMPABB NOTE -A special feature of the Repairing Department is work turned S. SiiiEK, Watctamaker, Jeweller, X- Oculist. °KSS.- 1'



STEPHENS BROS., MARKET HOUSE _w — JUST LANDED — 150 Cases Kerosene. LigLt of the Age. AND 100 Caw« Zwrttte Kerosene. Best Oil Procurable. ./jL tomers to make EARbY PUHOUAbliib. ( . o:) Stephens Bros, markel Hoiisc.



Hardley Bros. HAVE OPENED IHEIR FIRST SHIPMENT OP WINTER GOODS, WHICH HAVE BEEN MARKED AT Very Low Prices TO CLEAR. Special Value in Blankets and Flannels. Colonial Blankets from 17<3 6d. Waterproof Overcoats, grand goods, from 29d 6d. Men's Colonial Suits from 23s 6d. DON'T FORGET TO CALL AND SEE THEiM & COMPARE VALUES. We are selling a Splendid Dress Tweed at6|d. All Wool, double-width Dress Tweed, only Is lid. BOOTS. BOOTS. Our Boot Stock is now Complete iv every Branch. Splendid Dancing Shoes, 3s lid. Men's Watertights from 12a 6d. Shooters, nailed. 8s 6d. Boys' and Girls' Boots in endless variety OUR MILLINERY DEPARTMENT Is now showing some Splendid value In HATS, FUFS, RIBBONS, LACE, Etc. Come and Secure Arcade Straw Hats, ktest shapes, .only Is, only a limited number left. Splendid Fur Collarettes, only 3s 9d. THESE ARE GENUINE BARGAINS. lIARJ>IiEY BROS., ARCADE.



MOUNT SOMBR3 COA.L. W. & J. HAKttIS HAVING bought the Lease of the MounL Soraers Coal ftftne, beg to announce that they are now prepared to supply the excellent fuel from the Mount Somers Coal measures in any quantity. They have appointed MR JAMES BAKEK, HAVFLOCK STREET, their sole Agent, and all orders will be promptly attended to.



In connection with tho above JAMKS BAKER, Timber Merchant, Havekn* Street, solicits a share of public patron age, and is prepared to give prompt and careful attention to any orders for j MOUNT SOMERS CQAL that may be entrusted to him for execution, 4 24



TO ADVERTISERS. I* consequence of the Longbeach Coach leaving -Ashburton an hour earlier the Guardian will ko to press punctually at .3.30 p.m. Advertisements must be at this office nob later than 2.30 p.m. Asbburtou Publishing Office, April 4, 1893.



Holloway's Pills .—With darkening days and changing temperatures the digestion becomes impaired, the liver disordered, and the mind despondent, unless the cause of the irregularity be removed from the blood and body by such an alterative as these pills. They directly attack the source of the evil, thrust out all impurities from the circulation, restore the distempered organs to their natural state, and correct all defective br contaminated secretions. Such an easy means of inscituting health, strength, and cheerful ness should be applied by.all whose stomachs ' are weak, whose minds are harassed, or whose brains are overworked. Holloway's is essentially a blood tempering medicin whereby its influence reaches the remotest fibre of the frame and effects a universa good. COLEMANE AND SCNS ErjCALYPTE EX TRACT is the only genuine in the market, and was a warded medals and diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating all competitors. For all affections of the Chest and Lungs, Consumption, Asthma, Coughs, Colde, Gravel, and Kidney Com plaints, it has no equal. AgeuU— | Abhburtok Dbug Co«pahy, i



The Cleveland correspondent of the "Brisbane Courier" notifies Australia that the electric eeL oi So th American fame, is not confined to that quarter of the world, but is to be fonnd in Queensland waters. "Whilst Mr Moore, of Kangaroo Point, was swimming in a private bathing enclosure," writes the correspon dent, « his enjoyment was brought to an abrupt ter mination by an electric eel—an insignificant looking object, about iom long, and of the thickness of seaming twin-. The eel became attach^ to his left arm above tho elbow. The bather at once recognised the char acter of hl« assailant, and tearing in off, slipped on his P'jaraas and mido a rush for home; but before he had compassed many yards of the jetty he became para lysed. Mr M. Ryan and Mr W. Rowncy were close by, and hastened to the assistance of the distressed man, whom they carried to his teinpouary seaside residence, a few yards away. Applications of spirits of turpen tine to the arm and spine alleviated the terrible agony, and the paralysed limbs gradually regained, their power, so that by tho evening Mr Moore had fairly recovered from his terrible shock. The mark an his farm was as though it had been branded with apiece of yed hot wire straight at each end with three or four cadres or waves in the centre- The electrlCAl Ml U Tery4eld.o« am inMowtonJay/' / . - - 7 -