MAIL NOTICES

Mails close for the following placet as under, subject to the necessary alterations:— SATURDAY, April 1. For Chatham Islands, per Kfchu «3.3 C» am" ENGLISH MAILS. HOMBWARD — DIRECT MAILS. Aorangi, sailed February 16, due London March 31. HOMEWARD—BAN ntANOISCO MAILS. Next mail leaves February 25, due London March 29. On Good Friday and Easter Monday the Ashburton Po»t and Telegraph Office will I be closed except from 9 till 10 a.m and . from 7 till 8 p.m. All mails will be closed i at 6.30 am. . Nora—Direct Mail Service to United Kingdom—l here will be no departure of direct steamers on March 30 from the colony, but the Ruahine and lainui will both leave Lyttelton on April 22 next. The letter-box will be cleared for des patch of correspondence from Ashburton Post Office to the uuder-mentioned places m follows: — ; For a.m. p.m. p.m. Burnham and Dunsandel (daily) ... ... ... 3.15 Chertsey and Rakaia (daily) 6.30 3.15 6.20 Christchurch and North : (daily) . 1 and on Mondays, Wed nesdays, and Fridays... 10.30 LWotrore (daily) 6.30 Eiffelton and Willowby, Tuesday*,; Thursdays, and Saturdays... .„ 10.30 Elgin, Wakanui, River* , tide, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Satuc days :.. 830 Remington Mondays, Wednesdays, ft Fridays 4.45 Geraldino (daily)... .. 10.31 Greenatreet, Winchmore, and Forks, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 6 30 Hackthorne and Lismore, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 10.30 Methven (daily)... ... 3-15 Mt. Somers, Springburn, Bushside, and Alford Forest (daily) 4.0 Mayfield and Ruapuna, MondaysandThursdays 4.0 Newlands, Tuesdays | Thursdays, and Satur days ... 6.30 Timaru, Dunedin, and South (daily) ... ... 12.30 Selwyn (daily) 6 20 Temuka & Timaru (daily) 10.30 12.30 andon Tuesdays, Thurs days and Saturdays ... 3.15 Tinwald, Winslow, Hinds, ' and Waiinate (daily)... 10 30 and on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays ... 3 15 Wheatatone, Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach (daily) 4.45 N.B. — Letters containing anything oi value should be handed to the Postmaster to be registered. Letters containing coin, or bank notes, if posted unregistered, will be comjnUtorily re gittertd and eharaed double reautratwn fte

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1893. INSOLVENT FRIENDLY SOCIETIES.

The annual report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies has year after the societies to proviafe the reTief'w hich they undertake to give in cases of sickness or death of members. The societies indicated have tacitly ad mitted the accuracy of Mr Mason's statements, but most of them have gone on as before, knowing their position but fearing to set their affairs in order for fear of losing members. We have often commented upon this very unsatisfactory state of affairs, and now, when the case has been brought directly under the notice of the Go vernment we have another >?ord to say. The deputation to Mr Reeves represented the American Order of Oddfellows, who have just been holding their annual conference. So far as we are aware there is no lodge of this order in this district, and we have therefore not published any reports of the proceedings of the Conference; but the matter brought under the notice of the Government is of great conse quence to all members of friendly societies, although we are bound to say that it was not from consideration for others but purely in their own interest that the American Order of Oddfellows approached the Govern ment, This society did not wait for any hints from a Government Registrar to set their finances straight. Seven teen years ago they found that their uniform scale of contributions irrespective of the age of members was unsound, an 3 they at once adopted graduated tables which have been in force ever since. The results are that this is now stated to be the only sol vent society in New Zealand; also that the membership is limited because people will join societies with lowei contributions and take the r sk, The head of this order for Australasia, who was One of the deputation, expressed the opinion that there should be no competition among friendly societies in the matter of rates of contribution, and we agree with him to this extent —that a stated benefit can only be secured by the payment of a stated contribution. Mr Mason declared that many of the societies wero absolutely bad, and urged the deputation to induce other leading societies to join them in establishing a standard of solvency. Great opposi tion would come from the insolvent societies, but in some of the societies intelligent men were working to secure a better state of things. We muse say that the matter has become one for State interference. The successive re port^ of the Registrar have been un availing in bringpg about any reform. In view of the plain case set before them the Government cannot register new societies, whose rates are insuffi cient, and existing societies which are in an insolvent condition should be warned that tfnjess they take effectual steps to establish a sound ftqance theii operations will be suspended.

Hollqway's Pilm and Ointment are remedies which should invariably be taken by travellers |tr^l}fi)g in teireh of health, pleasure, or business, tyapy deleterious in fluences are constantly at work m foreign climes, tending to deteriorate the health, Theae and the altered conditions of life will entail o» £hong who travel the necewity of carefully atfeudiflg to «arly nrarotonu of, disease, and they will find the xyia of fhose i«medies tg be highly ncc,ese«ry, the action at the pills being purifying and sfrenjfthen ing ana ot great Bervjce in cases of fever, ague, and all inflammatory di«eajtf>s, wbjUfe the ointment is a sorereigft cure in CMfsat piles, bad legs, bad breuts, wounds, agdi ulcer*. Hollo way's remedies 4o pot deterio* rat^ by ebaflye ef cMw»tf.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

There will be no issue of the Guardian on Friday next (Good Friday) »or on Monday, April 3—Easter Monday. The teaching of singing in the Victoria State schools has been costing £18,000 a year. The annual social of the Foresters, always enjoyable gathering, is announced to take place on Wednesday evening, April 12, in the Orange Hall. An advertisement giving particulars appears in another column. In connection with temperance work in this county, it is anticipated that the Rev L. M. Isitt's " preliminary canter "—after being relieved from ministerial duties—will be in the Rakaia township. We hate received from the Crown Lands office, Christchurch, a plan of the Cheviot estate, aa divided into nine grazing blocks, 'he plan can be seen at our office. Tenders for the grazing* close on Wednesday, April 5, at noon. On Monday night four stack* of wheat on Mr Dysart's farm at Willowby were burned. I'he tire occurred about eleven o'clock, but was discovered too late to be checked, and the whole of the grain was destroyed. The wheat was insured for £65 in the Phoenix office. An appalling ordeal (says " Vanity Fair ") awaits the public entry of the Princess Royal of Rouraaaia (Princess Marie of Edinburgh) into Bucharest. In compliance with an ancient custom, a deputation of peasants will present " the bread of wel come" to Princess Marie. This national dish ia a cake composed cf garlic, pig's blood* honey and bean flour. It is baked in wood ashes, and not to par take freely of this dainty would give mortal offence to the young bride's future subjects. An amusing, and withal we are assured, a true story reaches us of an incident said to have occurred recently in a shop situated not a thousand miles from East street, Aahbur* ton. The name of the shopkeeper has the national prefix which indicates a son of the land of SJt. Patrick, and he was at the moment engaged serving a Chinaman with a pair of boots, when the latter, wishing no doubt to pay a compliment to his nationality, emphatically expressed the opinion that ••Englishman: he no good I Scotchman: be muchee worse! Irishman: he welly good, allee same Chinaman t" At the meeting of the Charitable Aid Board, in Christchurch, on Monday, the fol lowing tenders for supplies, etc., to the Old Men's Home, Ashburten, were accepted for the year ending March 31, 1894:—Meat, Tasker Bros.; tuel, Collins and Co.; bread, G. H. Bryant; milk, J. Hepburn; groceries, H. Zander; drugs, H. £. Bonnington; clothing and boots, R. Alcorn; interments, Baker broa. The reappointment of Dr Trevor as medical officer at Ashburton was confirmed. The sum of £1300 was appor tioned for maintenance of the Home, and £100 for repairs and furniture. An illustration of the enormous profits made by publicans was given at Dover (says a Home paper), in the case where the tenant of a local tavern made a claim for compensation against the corporation. Ihe lowest profit was made on wine, which yielded 100 per C3nt. Ale yielded 150 pei cent profit, whilst on spirits the return wai from 150 to 250 per cent. Ihe publicani instanced, amidst great amusement, how these profits could be made. Experts oi the corporation side put the profits on ai hotel business at from sixty to eightj per cent. Ihe claimant was awardec £1845 compensation, in lieu of £4JOO claime< by him. A telegram was received in town oi Tuesday stating that, in the matter of th summons taken nut by Mr Pierce Welden ii the Supreme Court, at Nelson, calling upoi the Official Assignee, as adminiitrator of th estate of the late Judge Broad, to shoi cause why he should not deliver up t Weiclou a life policy for £500 taken out b; j^a^^j—*A,w*w4^aw^f»fc 6 Tflaut*n£ been given by Mr Justice Richmond i Weldena favor, with £15 15s costs. M Purnell appeared as counsel for Welden i support of the summons, and Mr Pitt fc the Official Assignee coatra. At the quarterly meeting of the Helpmat Division Sons and Daughters of Temperance held on Monday evening, there was a fairl good attendance, Bro Kilwcrth, W.P., i the chair. Oue candidate for memberahi was initiated, and among other businea transacted it was unanimoaly decided t affiliate with the New Zealand Friend! Societies Association for the interchange c medical benefits. A proposal to hold th Division meetings fortnightly instead o every four weeks was postponed until nex meeting, and in discussing financial matter it was incidentally mentioued, as showing the sound position in which the order stood that the accumulated funds of the Gram Division were «5300. It is asserted that the Prince of Wale: very solemnly declared that in the event o the report of the Committee of Inquiry inti the Darkest England scheme of Genera Booth beiug a thoroughly favourable one he would do all in his power, both by pure* and patronage, to aid his scheme of th< Salvation Army. No plan for the ameliora tion ot the condition qf the poor has evej been left without careful consideratioi whenever it was submitted to his Roya Highness, and the late Cardinal Manning was heard to say on one memorable occasioi to % well-known Roman Catholic phil anthropist, that if all the great EDglist capitalists had the interests of the poor ai much at heart as the Prince of Wales, then would be little reason to complain. At last (days the Melbourne correspondent of the " Otago Daily Times ") a Governmen! has been found in Victoria to tackle th« tree r»il*»y P»f? question, which hai grown to huge dimensions. The result it that free passes are no longer to he i BBue d to the following formidable list of granteeß —Wive* pi Ministers of the Crown and oi members of ParUament of the adjoining colonies, international judges, members ol the Board of Land and Works, military naval commandants, officers of her Majesty* Imperial military and naval force* and officers of the Victorian forces, the master of the, mint, the clerk of the Executive Council, officers and employes of Parliament md their wives, inland mail contractors, turning club recretaries, New South Wales border officers, wives of intercolonial railway officers and employee/, pensioned of! :ail*ray officers and their wives, newspaper reporters to attend the opening and pro rogation of Parliament, the opening of new •ailways, and the delivery of the premier's ipeeehes, members of the Fish Acclimatisa ion Society of Victoria. In addition to .hesc reductions the two passes hitherto ssued to members of Parliament to give to heir friends at the opening and prorogation if Paiiu iient will be discontinued. An interesting return has been published iv the Government printer (ordered by the louse of Reprsestatives on the motion of lir John Hall) showing the prices aVwhich he principal articles of export from the olony have been valued during the last ten ears, in the official statement of value of xports. The valuation of wool has varied ear by, year. In 1882 it was valued at ll£d er lb, and the valuation gradually fell to B|d 11886. The u&xt two years it was 9d, then Jd, 9|d,and-i'n 1891 it was 9.£ d agaia. Gold aa varied very slightly, from £4 nd £3 19s 6d per ox. In 1890 and 1891 the igher value was put upon it. The ««grain " alues per bushel have varied a good deal. In SB2 it wjui 4s 2 5 Bd, then in succeeding years »10J, 2*. 3a 3d, 2s 2Jd, 2s 2<l, 2s 7d, 3s 2Jd j 5Jd, and in 1891 2s 3d. (These values for grain" must Surely'be for whe?,t only.) hormium has been variously valued at from 14 7s per ton in 1886 to £21,3 am 1889, the }91 value being £17 16s. Kauri gum has sen fairly steady near £50, with a drop >wever to #44 lfls and £43 16s 8d in 1888-9, le 189lv*lWbeing *&2. gutter has ranged om 6Jd hi 1887 to JOd in 188.1, the '00 and I values beitig 7|d and 8d respectively, leeee, beginning at 6d in 1882, h»3 come »wn by unsteady steps to 4Jd per lb in '90 id "fll. Frozen meat, per cwt, has been lued at £1 7s 2d at the tiigh^t, in 'M, tnd 1 2s 8(1 at >h? lowest, 1887, the '$ add [ values being £1 4s 2d and £1 3s lqd ipegtivejy. - ' MTHm W ||| nil V*#«l|*MnM*tß): -

TELEGRAPHIC.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

PER VRKBB ASSOCIATION.

BEHRING SEA.

Paris, March 25, j The arbitration respecting the Behring Sea dispute has opened. Lonpon, March 25. In the House of Commons, the | Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs, I replying to a question, said that the Government were communicating with Russia with a view to arranging a modus vivendi pending a settlement of the Behring Sea difficulty.

FRENCH POLITICS.

Pabis. March 27. A leading Australian firm has in formed the Minister for Agriculture that if the French persist in imposing duties on Australian goods, the colonies will, retaliate. The French Government intend to (raise Envoys to the United States to the dignity of Ambassadors. The Chamber of Deputies passed a vote of confidence in M. Ribot by a \ majority of 114. \ M. Challemel Lacour has been elected to succeed M. Ferry, as President of the Senate. M. Brisson has resigned the presi dency of the Panama Canal Committee.

THE MISSISSIPPI CYCLONE.

Washington, March 26. The cyclone which devastated the state of Mississippi destroyed Kelly town and other villages. Eighteen people were killed. The damage to property is estimated at 500,000 dollars.

ALLEGED ANARCHIST PLOT.

W ASHiNGroK, March 2f. It is reported in New York that an extensive Anarchist plot has been dis covered to murder foreign Royalties, in the event of their visiting the Chicago Exhibition as guests of the Astor family. The police are said to confirm tha rumour.

AFGHANISTAN.

Cai«cctta, March 26. Owing to the Ameer's letter, an nouncing his willingness to negotiate respecting the Kurran Houndary, the British troops have been withdrawn from that district.

PENNY POSTAGE.

Ottawa, March 27. A proposal was made in the Dominion Parliament for a penny postage. The Postmaster-General op posed it on the ground of loss of revenue, and declined to permit dis cussion on the question.

ANTI-CHINESE LEGISLATION.

New York, March 27 The State of Minnesota is legislating to compel Chinese residents to adopt the European dress. A.D. 1900. The " Christian World " urges the celebration in Jerusalem of the year ! 1900 from the birth of Christ.

Bbrmn, March 27. Owing to the threatened famine the German co'.onists in the vicinity of the Volga have decided to emigrate to America.

THE GERMAN ARMY BILL.

Chancellor Yon Capdvi is arranging a compromise with the Liberals over the Army Bill, and will endeavor to induce the Catholics to assent to the measure.

FINANCIAL FRAUDS.

London, March 27. Hobbs (contractor), and Wright (solicitor), have been convicted of de frauding the Liberator Building Society of large sums of money, and sentenced to twelve years' imprisonment each. Newman, a director of several com panies who was associated with them, received five years. March 28. The net loss involved by the failure of Jabez S. Balfour's. group of com panies exceeds £7,000,000, including £3,000,000 swallowed up in the Liberator B,uilding Society. Washington, March 28. Three banks in Nashville, Tr nnpupe have suspended payment, involving a loss of 3,000,000 dollars.

THE COLONIAL INSTITUTE.

London, March 27. At a meeting of the Colonial Insti tute, it was decided that, while work ing in harmony with the Imperial In stitute, they would maintain their own independence.

BULLET-PROOF CLOTH.

The British military authorities have tested the bullet-proof uniform, similar to that invented in Germany, without success.

SOUTH AFRICAN ZOLLVEREIN

Capetown, M r.li 27. The South African States have decided to establish a zollverein.

CYCLONE IN MADAGASCAR.

News received from Madagascar states that the island has been visited by a cyclone. Great damage was done, and Tamatave, the principal port on the eastern coast, was almost de molished. The residents are suffering much distress.

AUSTRALIAN.

THE BANKING FRAUDS.

Melbourne, March 27. Mr Duoker, liquidator of the Mer cantile bank, deposed at the trial of the directors that on balancing day .£6OOO was paid in to satisfy the audi tors and taken out again when they had finished their work. In February of last year, in addition to the solicitors and auditors, ten officials of the bank had overdrafts. *'■'.'.'■

BILLIARDS.

Melbourne, March 28. At a spot-barred billiard tourna ment Weiss, with an unfinished break of 295, made the spot-barred record for Australia,

AGENT-GENERAL FOR QUEENS LAND.

Brisbane, March 2?. Mr B. B. Forpest has accepted the, position of Agent-Genera}.

BALLOON ACCIDENT.

Sy^nby, March 28. A female, paracjhi^tjsp ipade a foaljooft ascent at Orange, but by some mean's the balloo^ caught fjre and fell §QQ fwt, Tt»© jwrwiwte attached to tftt

balloon opened and saved the woman's) life.

THE RUAHINE.

Hobart, March 28, Arrived—Ruahine, at 11 o'clock this morning. She sails for Auckland at midnight,. She bring 25 passengers for Australia, and 70 for New Zealand.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FINANCE.

AuwtAiPE. March 28 The Oolonial'Treasurer expects that the deficit, at the end of June, will amount to £56.000.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Napier, March 28. At the Resident Magistrate's Court, Mr Oornford, solicitor for the Law Society, challenged the right of Mr P. Carnell to i appear as a solicitor, he being three years ! in arrears with his subscription to the Law Society, and having i»o certificate. Mr Carnell withdrew the cases he wa* ap pearing for. Mr Cornford express**! re gret for the course he was compelled to take. , rtQ Wellington, March 28. Mtjor Somerville, chairman of the New Zealand Rifle Association, is drafting a circular to all volunteer corps and rifle clubs, suggesting that each corps or club should send a representative to the Syd ney meeting in October next, representa tives to be selected by competition in ranges of 200y<K 600 yds, and 600 yds. Major Somerville is also endeavouring to arrange for a site for the next meeting of the New Zealand Rifle Association. The South Island members of the Counoil will be asked to fix upon a suitable range i midway between Chrwtchurch and Dune -1 din, to be used alternately with the Trentham range near Wellington, and both ranges to be thrown open for ordi nary practice and local competitions. Ihe Agent-General writes respecting the complaints of the quality of butter, that owing to large arrivals, especially of Australian and New Zealand, buyers are more critical, and have condemned as unsound butter which, in a less full market, would have found ready sale. He condemns the presence of large quantities of dairy batter on the market owing to the fact that it does nofc keep or carry so well <ts creamery. He states speculators who bought for export to the English market have lost heavily, and ai« not likely to visit the Colony this r season. Mr Perceval adds that the long standing controversy a% to the proper temperature at which to carry butter is still undecided. Opinions favor a low temperature as preterable, but fcr the best quality the present temperature seems to produce highly satisfactoiy results. Lord Onslow has forwarded to Mr Henry Wright, Wellington, a resolution passed by the Zoological Society of London, expressing their satisfaction at the steps taken by the New Zealand Government to secure Little Barrier Island for the preseivation of native birds and plants and for accalimisation purposes. The annual report of the Wellington Manawatu Railway Company recommends a declaration of 5 per cent, dividend on the paid up capital of the company. The traffic receipts for the year amount to £84,432, showing an increase of £206 C over the previous year. The area of land sold since last meeting was 12,994 acres, of which 12,963 acres were rural lands and 31 acres town sections. The sum realised from sales were £18,059. The report mentions that good progress wae being made with the drainage of Makeru swamp. The Uaited District, Charitable Aid cutting: down Che amount asked by the Benevolent tsee'ety. Another meeting was held to-day, at which steps were takan to put matters rii?ht by transmitting to the Colonial Secretary a protest against the requisition as excessive. Mr Buchanan, the Wairarapa member, denied that the majority of the applicants came from his district, and gave instances to the contrary. Upon a motion to pai»s the full amount, several members objected. It was pointed out th&t unless the votes were passed by March 31st, there would be no money for the various charitable bodies to go on with. An amendment was carried in favor of letting the matter stand over till the protest was decided. Some of the objectors said that they were prepared to personally guarantee the money required for the month rather than pass the full amount. Dunedin, March 28. The agricultural statistics for Taieri county show that there is an increase of 10,009 acres in land under cultivation. ; The estimated yield of wheat is 223,399 bushels, or an average of about 35A bushel* to theacre; oats forgiain, 371,956 bushels, being *.n average of over 42 bushels; barley. 17,549 bushels, average 32 bushels; potatoes, 3519 tons, average 6} tons. It is estimated that in two districts, the Hessian fly destroyed 2QBQ busheld. The damage by small birds' has been very large.

School Committee.

TINWALD.

The monthly meeting of the Tinwald School Committee was held on Monday. Prerent — Messrs Gudsell (chairman), Lusk, Curdy and Lowe. The master's report was read, which showed the present roll number to be—Boys, 77; girl<, 68; total, 146; and the average attendance for the past four weeks—boys, j 64; girls, 52 j total, 116. Miss Jones, the second pupil teacher, commenced her duties on March 6. It was decided to purchase two iron garden seats for the us.c of the girls in their playground, also 1 to effect some alterations in out buildings, the Committee approved the action of the Visiting Committee in improving swings nn' other work. Accounts to the amount A £o lis 8d for caretaker, secretary, carriage, etc., were passed for payment. The Committee also granted 15s from the prize fund for purchase of football for boys. This concluding the business, the meeting adjourned.

SUPREME COURT.

(PKK PRESS ASSOCIATION; Auckland, March 28. To-day Dr Thompson, brother of the man of whose murder Scott is accused, was called as a witness in the Waikomaiti poisoning case by the Crown to rebut the evidence given yesterday concerning Thompson's means. He said that deceased had brought from England between £1000 and £2000, and had an income from Horn* of about £100 per year. Mr £. Hesketh, counsel for prisoner, addressed the Jury on behalf of Scott, and occupied the Court until the adjourn ment;. He commenced at a quarter to one o'clock ml the morning, and con cluded his address at half-past four o'clock in the evening, when the Court adjourned. Mr Hesketh suggested that Thompson's fatal illness had' been caused by bad food, especially as arsenic was not found in the body. "He pointed out that though strychnine' had'been found in the remains of the deceased, it had been admitted by the analysts that the quantity isolated was not sufficient to cause death. As to the statement regarding undye familiarity between Mrs Thompson arid. Scott,' he argifod that even if it had been 'proved it did hot establish that Scott had murdered Thompson. He commented upon the fiiiaKcutl difficulty of Thompson, and sug gested that the* man had'hit pea^e'of mind ruined by domestic trouble, the im plication Being that be might coin. mUtt4«viei4tt

IMPERIAL POLITICS.

Wit MtßSb ASSOCIATION. London, March 27- Mr Gladstone is being shadowed by ietectives, as it is feared some attempt may be made to injure him. The Premier has informed a Liberal meet ing that he will force the second read- Lug of the Home Rule Bill on April 6. In the House of Commons, Mr Gladstone formally announced that the second reading of the Home Rule BUI would be moved on Thursday, April 6. A meeting of the Liberal party agreed v i !t enthusiasm to the Pre mier's proposal that Government busi ness should take precedence on Tues days and Wednesdays, with prece dence always when the Home Rule Bill was set down for discussion. Mr Labouchere suggested that the Liberals should not debate the Home Rule Bill, with the exception of the leaders of the party. Sir W. Vernon Harcourt approved of the proposal. Mr Glad stone made a pathetic apology for the shortcomings of bis old age, which compelled him<to be frequently absent from the House. London, March 28. The debate on the " No confidence " motion came to a conclusion yesterday evening. Mr Gladstone and Mr Morley de clared that Mr Balfour's charges were stale and trivial. Lord Randolph Churchill asserted that the Government had abandoned all genuine attempts to enforce law in Ireland. Mr Balfour's motion of censure was defeated by 319 to 272. Mr P. A. McHugh, member for Leitrim North, on behalf of the Nationalists, will introduce a Bill to give effect to the report of the Evicted Tenants Commission. The Govern ment will support the measure. (Received March 29, 10.36 a.m.) , London, March 28. Mr Gladstone to day received two deputations on the question of Home Rule; one was from Belfast consisting of merchants, bankers, and shipbuilders, and the second comprised merchants, bankers, members of the Stock Ex change, and delegates from shipping companies representing the city of London interests. Both deputations pointed out the dangers ot Home Rule to commerce. Mr Gladstone, in reply, argued that t'ae majority of the people in the nation favored the Bill, and hi doubted the gloomy prospects put forth by the members of the deputation. > (Receive March 29, 1045 a.m.) London, March 28. The "Standard" says that Sir W Y. Harcourt, Chancellor of the Ex chequer; intends to abolish the Goschec stamp tax and substitute a tax of on* shilling per cent on all stock exchangi contracts. ! . The "Standard" demands that th< Opposition shall continue relentles obstruction te the passage of the Horn Rule Bill.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

[pub press association.]

(Received March 29, 10.35 a.ra ) COURSING. London. March 28. Colonel North's well-known grey hound, Fullerton, has been lost or stolen.

(Received March 29, 10.45 a.m.) Paris, March 28. The Comte De Paris, in a circular letter to the Presidents of Monarchist Committees urges the party to accept any alliance since a monarch alone can sjupply a stable form of government. In the course of a speech in the Chamber of Deputies, M. Darlle indi cated that the Government would agree to a revision of the tariff rather than incur any difficulty with a friendly power. '

Bbrun, March 28. Dowe, inventor of the bullet proof uniform, has offered to sell the secret of the manufacture to the German Government for three million marks, Chancellor Gaprivi has the offer under consideration.

AUSTRALIAN.

(Received March 29. boob.)

POLITICAL.

Sydnky, March 29. Government have undet considera tion a proposal to reduce the salaries of all civil servants by ten per cent. Melbourne, March 29. Government contemplate effecting a considerable redaction in the expenses of the Government printing office by giving the bulk of the work to private firms. " ' ■' / "■ ■■' -i;

HARVEST RETURNS.

Adelaide, Marph 29. The Government statistioan has completed the compilation of the harvest yield. Thetotjal is 9,240,000 bushels, an average of six bushels per acre.

THE RUAHINE FIRE.

| HosAßr, March 29. | The fire on the Rnahine broke out amonp her par.-els of periodical! for New Zealand. Water and steam were used to quench the flames but without avail, and the fire burned four days before it was mastered. The vessel herself and the passengers' quarters were not damaged. A^ the Ruthine had a full complement of passengers she was unable to bring on the lonic's passengers from Capetown.

SMALLPOX

Pc^th^ March 29. A oase of smallpox is repdrteel hiire, % the victim being 'a recent arrival trbm Singapore. ! ' . :' ' " '

A Good Man

But "he drinks.'.' Can a man he *• good " either'from a moral or business' standpoint who is Wdieted, to the use of alcoholic drinks? He may possess^ fine business qualification*, bat if he drinks his value to his employer, himself, or his tamily is on the wane. W%M don'^ki stop f Ah, why 1 dc^n't he %' "How mariy sad hearts are asking the question'?. The enemy has hm hy the throat, he has the disease of inebriety fastened upon! him, but not an incurable' disease,' uo no 1 5s? ff ql* pn "3*** ?°' **4 te «*» battle for the victim, and wins the vic tory. It absolu^ly d^troy. #%& for stimulant*, oipiuin, and, tobacco,

tfHi! ASSBUBTON GtfAKDIAIN: WEDNESDAY, AIARCfi 2i), 189,1.



W anted. "\\f ANTElfKnown—General meeting W Amateur Cycling Club, T«mpW Hall, Thursday next.—F. Plsaßir^_f^ OST, between Mitchell and Turner's and Uox Street, Black Fur Tippet. k finder plewe leave at Mail Oftre. 319* T IVB Stock Journal, Rural Economy, JLj the Animal Parasites on Sheep. Any work required procured as soon as possible.—H. M. Jo«*«. /1 HE Good bamaritan, tor the iranae- I ditto relief of pain.—Lioht s Cash Store. __I___?^ aOMIfIOPATHIC Medicines. prio* It. Bolh agent for district Light's Owen Store. •_?* WANTED Known-9*d Glow* far 4sd;7*d Embroidery forijd; 13s 6d Summer Dresses for 8s W.— Ifncuti * Tttbmuu 3 5Z ijlfAHTElf Known-Come and see W onr beautiful Mantle, Jackets, Ulstew, Macintoshes, Dress Stuffs, eto. H. 0. 810 BBS, Melford House. < T ADnW^andTChildren's Hate ; all the \j new Bhapeß for the season now opened. Prices low to suit the t-mes ;at 8. W. Alcobm & Co.s. WANTED Known—loeCreams, Ice Creams, for the hot weather, always ready at H. O. Fiowbb's, Oonfec tioner, Km* Street ."' . SOttBRSBTMeat Mart. The oldest the lamest, ths beat, and the cheap m t BmaU '^ods a specialty. Ful weights goawnteed. A trial •ohcited. —W. J. Snnoc*. *tlßg iffANTKD Known-Robbbt Shmu», W Chwlet Street, opposite Woollen Factory, has commenced Dyeing and Cleaning Ladies' Mid Men's Cements. Blankets and Woollen Goo4s^P«red. Moderate charges. Pared* «ts. >4k Mt at Mis Adams', Saunders 1 Buildings, will be attended to. * 41 /"IHBAP Firewood—Short "Dry Gutn \' Firewood, at 26s per cord; mixed wood, 24s per ««rd •jJ'jJS TreTorton.-Apply Mrs Jambs ftrmt Shop. , OHEIP Fruit—Having bought Mr \J Mayo'a orchard, I c*n se",^™ Cheaper than any one in town. *W" may be left at East Street Shop.- M»a Jambs. 2§ 6 _ VI BW Mantles and Jackets ; immense JN variety just opened. Priceu foi equsl value lower than any other house, at S. W. Aicorn & Co.'». ANTED, Ladies and Gentlemen to see the Wrahd Display in the windows at " The Corner " Sniurday— , W. H. Cotlikb. B* B^T Nickel Watches in the market, are those at 22s 6d and 25s Specially made for S. Salkk, Jeweller Guarantee with each watch. WAN TED Known-** The Corner "I ** » ▼ showing a magnificent New btoci of Drapery and Clotting. — W. H COtMEK. ~ T"~HB Missus At>aMs' new Kefreshmen Rooms now open. Tea, Coffee Cocoa, Lemon Squash, Soda and Mill and all the new summer drinks ready^ a all times. Coleman'a Buildings, baa street. ; . _, W" ANTED. Known.-For Jacket Ulsters, Dress Stuff*, .etc. Com xwnwr r luur toniver snilTinsa cash o: five shillings and sixpence booked a Robbbt AtooßiT 8, Saunders' Buildings. "" 11 3 BANG i Bant; 1 Ban? ! Guns 1 Guns Gun* i by the best makers an< fttted with all the latest improvements Powder, Shot, Cops, Cartridges, Wada and Cases at J. W. Habdlky's, E&a fitrtet. Guns repaired. * ANTED Known.—T=ckei &' Drea Department a specially. Higl 1 e^am goods marked cheap. B. C. Skgeblb Melford House. W^^ANTED Known-Andrew Orr ha Removed to tho Old Town Hall Co one month, Huiins; the ro-buildinyr of hii ~ premises. Drapery, Clothing, and liooti greatly reduced.—Andruw Orr. 2§lo< EASTKR Cards aud Booklete, N^ Gaiues, new supplj of the Zithe; Harps and Autoharps, New Books . Stationery, and Fancy Goods. Sub ■oribers wanted for our Circulating Library. L F. Andriwes and Co, Stationers' Hall. 'W/ HO is your PJumber ? Why, J. W, VV Habducv, who is a Manuf»cturei of Fpouting, Ridging, Steel Gutters, Baths, Sinks, Tanks, etc., and who has on hand the largest stock of Pumps aud Pipe in town. WHERE do you get your Ironmon gery 7 At Hahplkv aof eourric, where we g«t the best value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinges, Plough Chains, Bope, Wire Knetting, Gorse Knives, Spades Forks, Lamps, Vender an«V Fire Irons, and anything you require. /""IHRIiST&AS Suits. Boys, thret \J garment long Trouser Suits at Ids. Boys, Colorial;made Knicker Suits from 10s. Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Baits 30*. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 60s.—Ashburton Clothing Mart,. Saunders' Buildings. Robskt A&ooBir. fi i ■ Zealandla Boots. rnHS Wonderful Reputation of these X Grand BOOTH is still maintained, Mid to-day the demand from AUCKLAND TO THE *BLUFIf IS GREATER THAN EVER. There are. mote ZE ALA NDIA BOOTS manufactured than any other make in the Colony. The Manufacturers are so confident of the excellent wear of these Boots that they guarantee every pair branded ZEA 0-ANDIA. For real hard wear and comfort they cannot be excelled, and they are made in so many different fittings that every kind of foqfc can he accommodated. Householders should buy this li and for themselves and their children. Once buy a Zenlandia Boot and you will never but any otfcr make. The Boya' and Girls' Dependable ffahooi Boors and the Paragon (Patent) an wonderful; they are regular warriors. The Aehburton and surrounding districts can now obtain these FINB BOOTS 78011 JHr J. Ulntaop, ZEALAND[A BOOT STOEE] " ASHBURTON.



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. NEW GOODS. vamp wianitßT, .;..." W/*$ Camp* JRu*r,... •••:,— — ,T/«* New Overcoats in Men's, Youths', and Boys'. New Waterproof Coats, Men's, You ths', and Ladies'. Made to measure. One hundred patterns to choose from. Hats. Hats. Hats. The Largest and Best Assorted Stock we have ever had. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS —NEW GOODS ARRIVED — Prices that will astonish the people of Ashburton. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY ;WATERPROOF MANUFACTURERS. alexThendry, Manager*



Monster Bazaar. 'rHE ANN HAL BAZAAR and Sale of " Work in connection with the Paro chyri District of lx>ngbeach, in aid of the Church Funds, will be held in the TEMPLAR^HALL, TINWALD, rat EASTER MONDAY, April 3, 1893. Bazaar opens at 2 p.m. Luncheon provided on a liberal scale at a very moderate charge. Any contributions of produce or live stock may be left at Mr Clothier's Store, Tinwald, and they will be thank fully acknowledged. » Admission, 6d; Children, half-price. 3*145 TINWALD TO THE FRONT. €. Haw kln*» HAS no* pot settled in his new Shop *ith a nice assortment of ALL KINDS OF DRAPERY, AND BOOTS, wHch he is selling at; prices that ate bound to give satisfaction, as C. H. is determined to merit a share of your kind favou". Men'a Watertight and Shooter Boots made to order for 17* od. REPAIRS NEATLY & CHEAPLY BONE. Call on your way to town and see for yourselves the price and quality of Goods. The Best Tea IN THE WORLD Hyalop'a Ceylon. NJffJAN HYSLOP, and CO., Taa Importers, 138 0a bel §tr,e©t, phfiicburob.



The Best Value In Aslrtmrto* IN Drapery, Clothing, & Boots IS TO BE HAD AT G. I NEILL & GO.'S, FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS. A Few Prints and MuaHnT^Tba cleared AT ANY PRIOB. Heavy Winter Tweeds 7£d. Check Drew Tweeds s^(l. Two Yards Wide Grey Twill Sheeting llsd. iTtannelettes 3s 9d down. Men's Tweed Suits 19s 6d. Men's HtsaTy Tweed Suits 25s 6d. Boys' Tweed Suite 4s lid. LARGE OTOOK OF MEN'S SHIRTS, SOCKS, TIES BRACES, BTO, OBEAF AND GOOD. boots. B^ra boots. Men's Colonial made Shooters, n»iled f 8s 6d Men's Colonial msdt Bluchers, 5s Strong Leather Slippers, 3s M wWn's Strong rf«tic Side. 6s lid. W^fioU >WAHT%HB BEST VALUE IN BOOTS GO TO FRIEDUANDER'S BUILDINGS. with SOUND AW^KELIABLB WORKMANSUIf. 8. SALEK, Watchmaker, Jeweller, A Oculist. •SST*



"UNMERCIFUL DISASTER followed fart and followed faster" upon the fortunes of poor Queensland until that unfortunate Colony is now m the mo*t miserable condition imaginable. Uaunt famine may stalk over the land, f«m failureS* the soil to Rive its annual increase, or from other of the many causes of that dislrass ; the destroying pJm<l<i mayJ^Jfli2OBe !!£i *"p WS clanks in every household ; or the ofijmon of war may send fire and sword over a country, and leave desolation in their trick in place of smiling scenes of peace and plenty—all sad enough and sickening enough if you will; but what must be the feeling of a whole people when they find their country covered as the waters cover the sea, their homes wrecked and ruinud, and their hopes for the future sunk in one mournful and irretrievable disaster ? These feelings can only be imagined. And what ought ours to be in regard to the sufferers —we who dwell in the most glorious country under the sun, and enjoy such blessings as are only enjoyed by the dwellers in a second paradise 1 Such feelings, to be sure, as are prompting the 1 hoL'sinds of meetings, and plans and organisations of the people of this Colony, to send help to the afflicted. New Zealand has come nob'y to thn front in j this matter, and her Canterbury sons have been well in the van at the first call. And we of Ashburton shall be in the front of the foremost if we belie not our past hisfory. SO THINK Harclley Bros., who are giving special value this mouth in Drapery, Clothing and Boots. ]20 Dozen large Towels to be sold at from 2n 9d a dozen. Splendid white Calico at 2s lid a dozen. Dress Tweed 4s 9d a dozen. Extra larg« grey Blankets only 10s 6d. Sheeting at 10$ d. 94 Men's Suits from lfe 6d. Woollen Socks at ll^d. Men's and Boys' Straw Hats, best quality, only Is. A special line of Women's Leather Shoes 6s 9d. Men's nailed Shooters now only 8s lid,- worth 12s 6d. NOTE THE ADDRESS HARDIiEY BROS., ARCADE, ASHBURTON.



OEOPLF, about to marry and furnish 1_ their houses, are invited to call on Plckford A Undrlll, AT THE ASHBUBTON FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, TANORED STREET, Next Building Society. —NOW ON VIEW— Dining-room Suites in Rimu, Bedroom Suites in Rimu, Iron and Brass Bedsteads, Chests Drawers, Washstands, Spring Mattresses, English and Colonial Peram bulators, Horse Hair, Kapoc and Flock Mattresses, Duchesse and Fancy Tables, Floor Cloths and Linoleums, Carpets/ Hearth Rugs, and Mats. Furniture Repaired, Restuffbd, and "Repolished on the Premises. -»-Jfote the addre-s— TANCREB BTRBFT, Nex Building Soaiety. MOUNT SOMERS COAL MINES. I WILL NOT be held r«suonsible for Debt contracted on my behalf without my written order. All Co:tl obtained from these mines will be charged for bj me, no other receipt than my own being a sufficient discharge. C. B. KNIGHT, PROPRIETOR, * WEST STREET, ASHBURTON