Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 1894. WHEAT.

Just at such a time as the present, i when farmers are hoping, almost against hope, that the bedrock has been reached in the price of wheat, any piece of information of a possible change, however slight, is eagerly re ceived as a ray of hope. Some days ago, a cablegram intimated that in Prance the grain crops were likely to be a total failure owing to the drought that had prevailed during the groJling season, just when moisture was wanted to set the plant up. It may be that in this fact, if it be a fact, there may lie some hope for an improvement in the ruinously low prices of wheat which have been ruling during the past twelve months. But it is not wise to attach too much importance to cable ! grams of this nature. We have had similar telegraphic information before which turned out to be very much exaggerated. With about the same frequency have we received cables which greatly understated the case. As there has been nothing further by wire either confirming or contradicting the first cable, we may feel justified to some extent in accepting the informa tion that the crops in France have suffered somewhat from drought, but April is hardly the tiue to talk of total ruin from this cause to the crops of any country whose harvest dates are so near to that of Great Britain as are those of France. Grain that is to be harvested in July or August has a long time between April and July to pull round, and may, after showing very poorly in the earlier season, redeem in harvest the want of promise in the spring and summer. Besides, few countries have the wide range of agri cultural resource that France pos sesses, and her people are celebrated fot* their ingenuity, their frugality, and their fertility of resource, so that France, even in a very bad wheat sea sen cannot be counted upon as likely to increase her cereal importations to an extent that would have any appre ciable influence on the markets of the world. Great Britain's average wheat yield is 28 bushels per acre, that of France 18 to 20, but then France has 17,000,000 acres under wheat. Yet the produce of this vast area is not enough to find all the breadstuff's her dense population requires, and she is compelled every year to seek grain in other countries to supply the short coming of her own wheat yield. From 1860 to 1886 her imports of grain over exports represented £211,000,000, and for the shorter and more recent period of 1881 to 1886 she imported grain to the value of £78,000,000. In France the holdings are not by any means so large as they are in Britain, and the army of peasant cultivators devote attention to the raising of crops which yield a higher profit to the grower than does grain—crops that take a shorter time to come to maturity, and, off the land, are replaced by others. The peasant turns his attention in fact to every kind of produce, largo and small from which a profit can be made, but he pays little attention to grain, except where his holding is such, that, from the quality of its soil and its position, grain will pay him well. If the shortage in France should be considerable at the coming harvest, France will have to import more wheat of course ) and this would tend to increase wheat prices a little, no doubt, for if 17,000,000 acres, fail to yield a crop far under average, a considerable hole is lef b to be filled. While there is plenty of wheat to fill the hole, even if these acres did not yield a bushel, the market would be effected to some extent, and prices would rise. There is great room in deed for prices to rise, for if they do not, we must cease growing wheat here, as present prices with a persevp ranee in grain growing for export, trusting for remuneration in the Eng lish market, would mean ruin to the colony, Still, we need not let our lip go down too low. "O' ths d^rl^est day came even," and although since 1812 prices have fallen from £6 6s 6d a quarter to £1 4s to £1 8s in 1894 we are not altogether without a hope that ■befc£#r days may be in store.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr Hendry, the local manager of the New Zealand Clothing Factory, has returned from Dunedin with a grand assortment of new goods in men's mercery and clothing. A great display next week is incended. At the meeting of the Ashburton school committee held last evening, it was decided to recommend that Mrs Effie Willis, present mistress of Elgin school, be appointed as infant mistress of the Ashburton school. Mr Stevenson's big pumpkin has been beaten by a bigger still. 87|lbs is a weight worth, mentioning, but how about Mr John Heftord's one, weighing 961bs, and now shown in Mr Joseph Sealy's window ? The Surprise firm of photographers have changed their quarters from Saunders' build ings to East street south, near Collier's corner, where they are making a display o? photographs, including many local faces. A German lady known as the " foot artist" (because, having neither hands nor arms, she paints with her feet) - has just married a professional singer. The wedding ring was placed on her fourth toe, and she signed the register with her foot. An Old Maids' Insurance Society is to be started in England on lines similar to the one already existing in Denmark* A young lady takea out a policy, pays her premiums, and should she remain single to the age of forty she will be entitled to a sum proportionate to her investments. The breeders and fanciers cf pure bred poultry will be pleased to know that the Ashburton Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society intend holding the annual business meeting of members on Wednesdy next. We understand that there are many more local breeders than was the case in former years, and there is every prospect of a successful show this year. Edison, although a millionaire, still works as hard as of yore. His laboratory (which coats £40,000 per year to maintain) still frequently holds him within its walls for 48 hours at a stretch, during which his food is lof the simplest, chiefly consisting of bread :and cheese. While a 'bus was being driven in Bourne mouth, the other day, one horse suddenly fell dead, and the other commenced to quiver violently. Two doga passing sud | denly rolled over, the occurrence being due I to leakage of an electric current from the wires beneath the road. The Invercargill licensing election petition | enquiry was continued on Thursday, and {the petitioner's case was closed. There is nothing extraordinary in the evidence given, and counsel for the respondents admit that there were irregularities ma minor character, due to the fact that this wag the first election of the kind, and that an under estimate of the necessities of the work in volved'had been made. Short—l thought you were going to drown that cat! Long—They say a cat has nine lives, but this one has twenty, I think. i Why, I actually put that cat in a tub of water and tied a brick round its neck, and what do you think? Short—Goodness knows. Long—Well, this morning, when I went to look at the tub the cat had swallowed all the water, and was sitting on the brick ! Unthan, the armless man, startled Few York recently, writes the "Spirit of the Times," by driving a party of friends up Broadway and Fifth Avenue. He held the ' reins with one foot and the whip with the other, and seemed to have no difficulty in guiding and controlling the spiritei team Unthan courteously lifted his hat with his foot in response to the salutations of pedes trians, and whipped up his horses skilfully to get out of the way of cable cars. A re markable sight was afforded the passers-by when Unthan held the reins and whip with cne foot while he took out and lighted a cigarette with the other. No idea can be conveyed in staid proae of the magnificence of architecture and lavish decorations of the millionaire Astor's two " hotels " in New York, the Waldorf and the Netherlands. The furnishing order for every department in both was carte blanche, and right royally was it carried out. The charges were necessarily on an ample scale, as Madame Melba found to her consternation. On her arrival in New York she stopped for one flight at the Waldorf, and was horrified to find her night's lodging cost her some where in the neighbourhood of 80dol (£l6). She concluded that the most silvery-throated nightingale could not stand such prices, and and so promptly changed her quarters. Mr Justice O'Brien made some very sen sible remarks when sentencing a Post Office employee in Ireland, who had been found guilty of stealing moneys. His Lordship said that a man who occupied a public employ ment was bound to be honest, but the ten dency of the human mind could not be con trolled by criminal sentences, and he had to express his opinion that it was a most extra ordinary thing that the Post Office should expose the property of the public to tempta tion such as was afforded to a young person to steal who had merely got such an abso lutely inadequate salary as 16s per week, which was extraordinary rate of remunera tion for a person engaged in an office with public property entrusted to him. Mr John Barns, in addressing a crowded aid enthusiastic gathering of Government work-people at Woolwich, said:—"The last time I came to the the Arsenal, a dirty, barefooted little boy put into my hands, not the news of an eight hours' day having been conceded in France or Germany, but the result of a brutal prize fight, or a race, Men of Woolwich, I have earned the right to speak plainly to you on this point. lam sorry to say we hate not to fear so "much the machinations of our employers or the indifference of the Government, but v/orae than these is the coquetting of the forces of reaction with the betting and gambling which are eating the heart out of Woolwich and Plutnstead and the labour movement every ! where. I hope the eight hours' day you have got may lead to the abolition of drink and betting, and to the extension of the bright ness, contentment, peace, and happiness of every artisan's home in Plumstead and Woolwich." On Wednesday evening a very successful (tea and concert came off in the Winohmore Schoolroom. Tables, under the charge of Mesdames Rooney, Johnston, P. Uapon, Green, C. Capon, and Miss Miller, were laid in the schoolroom, and from 6 p.m. till 7.80 $ succession of hungry people helped to make the good things thpreon look scarce. For the concert the room was crowdedby an orderly and appreciative audience, and the v items rendered by performers from Ashbur ton and Lauriston, under the direction of Mr Gates, were decidedly above the average of country concerts. The comic element was well represented by Messrs Cohen, Flower, and Frizzel, who had to respond to vocifer ous encores, and songs by Misses Gates (2) and Barrett (2), and Messrs Walker and Cromie were well received. A feature of the evening was the ventriloquial performance by Mr Buchan, of Lauriston. Votes of tfhanks t# the ladies for the good tea pro vided, and to the performers for their help closed the concert at j10.3^, after which the room was fcleared and .two houts dancing indulged jo] MusisT wa'a supplied by Ut ,

SPORTING.

Wednesday morning being fine, work was commenced at an early hour, and some fast galloping done. Prime Warden moved freely over a circuit. Palliser was cantered to the half-mile post and brought home at top ; the boy not being able to pull him up, the horse went another round on his own account. Saracen and Lady Zetland, in company, left a round behind in good time. Mr Grigg's mare, Aquahte, strode along in good style. No other work of importance waa done.

The Murder of a Bank Manager.

Sydney, April 19. The Government has offered a reward of £400 for the capture of the two men who shot Mr MclVay.

IMPERIAL POLITICS

London, April 18. It is expected I hat when Colonel Nolan's Bill comes to a division the voting power of the Unionists will be one-third below the strength of the party, as it is known that the Govern ment has no intention of proceeding with the measure. April 19. The Bill introduced in the House of Commons by Colonel Nolan, member for Galway North, for the repeal of the Irish Crimes Act, was read a second time, on a division, by a ma jority of 60 v«»tes. ! The " Daily News "uays that Sir W, V. Harcourt, in response to pressure brought to bear by the Irish and Scotch members, will limit the present increase in the beer and spirit duties j to the period of one year.

Waterton Wesleyan Church.

The harvest thanksgiving services in connection with the above church were held on Sunday last. The church was very tastefully decorated with fruit, vege tables, flowers, and grain, and as the day was fine there were large congregations at both services—that in the afternoon being conducted by the Ray T. G. Brooke, the newly appointed minister to the Ashbur ton circuit, and that in the evening by Mr Watson. Special hynms for the occasion were sung by an efficient choir, under the baton of Mr Joseph Wheeler. On Tuesday a public reception meeting, for the purpose of welcoming the Ray Mr Brooke to the circuit, was held, and proved a great success. The chair was taken by the Rev C. Abernethy, who ad dressed the meeting, while short addresses of welcome were also given by Messrs Watson, Chapman, and Bingham on be half of the local preachers; Messrs Oroy and Williams, society stewards ; Mr Moses for the trustees; and Mr T. Bennett. The Rev Mr Brooke, in a warm and elo quent speech, thanked the meeting for the hearty welcome accorded him, and stated that he hoped soon to make their fuller acquaintance by visiting them in their homes, The speeches over, refreshments were handed round, after which the various votes of thanks were accorded, and the meeting was brought to a close. During the evening several musical selec tions were rendered by the choir under the direction of Mr Wheeler in a very efficient manner. Advantage was also taken of the meeting to make an effort to pay off the circuit r*ebt, and this also was very successful, £5 19.« being taken at the door, while subscriptions collected by Messrs Bennett and Croy and Mrs Edge brought] up the amount realised by the effort to £12 19* Bd, which clears all lia bilities of the church up to March 31.

THE MARKETS.

ASHBURTON MARKETS.

Messrs Miles and Company, Limited, re port as follows upon the weekly stock sale held at the Tinwald yards, on Tuesday, 17th inst:—There were yarded for this week's supply 22,730 sheep, 72 head cattle, 68 pigs, the greater portion of the sheep comprising merino ewes and crossbred lambs. At a similar period during former years a con siderable reduction in numbers has ruled, but this week's auction showed an increase of over 14,000 sheep upon the same date of 1893. Although the attendance was good the sale dragged somewhat and prices were again reduced, the result being thai; numbers were passed out unsold. The butchers' pens mostly contained crossbred ewes, for which competition by the local trade waa very limited. We obtained for best crossbred ewes on offer 11s 3d, next qualities making 10s 6d for two-tooths, down from 7s 6d to 4a 6d for older and backward sorts; fafc merino ewes, 3s Id to 4s Id ; one special line, 5s 6d. We sold a couple of pens of fat lambs in buyers favor at 9s sd; other sorts selling at 5s 9d to 7s 6d. The biddings for station merino ewes were somewhat erratic. Owing to lateness of shearing the sheep of this deb cription art> very lightl y woolled, and the condition is also affected. Sound mouthed ewes, 4s 9d for a picked mob from the hills, whilst 3s 2d was hard to reaoh for another line ; farmers' lots sold from 3s 5d to 2s 3d; culls, 2a to 2s 7d ; boilers from 8d to 2s sd; crossbred ewes were bard to place at 103 3d for young sheep, to 8s 3d to 5a for older lots; culls, at 3i; store crossbred lambs realised from 7s 3d to 8s sd; a line of 2000 first cross even bufc late lambs withdrawn at 6s lOd ; small Jambs, 3s 9d to 5a Id; for well advanced crossbred ewes and wethers we obtained Jla 3d and 11s 6d for good young ewes, and up to 13s 7d for wethers. Our sales were—l9o crossbred wethers, 133 7d ; 130 merino ewes, 3s; 70 fat crossbred ewes. 11s 3d ; 15 merino ewes, 3s Id ; 30 crossbred lambs, 8a 6d; 52 fab lambs, 9s sd; 10 Leicester rams, 83,155, and 3|ss; 390 merino ewes, 2s lOd and 2s lid; 485. Is 6d j 134 boilers, 8d; 57 fat crossbreds, 11s 6d; 535 merino wethers, 4s 6d; 110 merino ewes, 2s si; 199 crossbred ewes, 4s 6d.

Messrs J. T. Ford and Co,, in conjunction with Mr Henry Zander, report on the live stock market, for the week ending April 17, as follows:—The,supplies of stock on Tnes day last were large in all classes at Tinwald, and there was also a good attendance. In spite of these facts, however, the sale right through lacked animation. The fat sheep | pens were well filled, but the greater portion | of the yarding was made up of crossbred ewes and merinos. The best sorts barely maintained late rates, while secondary and I inferior quality were hard to dispose of afc a reduction. The store sheep were occupied by a large entry, containing some good crossbred two-tooths, lambs of very good and some inferior quality, and a large representation of station merino ewes. The ! total quantity yarded was about 22,000 sheep, 70 head of cattle, and a fair yarding of pigs, of which our entry totalled 6276 sheep, and 26 head of cattle. We sold on account of various owners the following sheep and cattle :—349 two-tooth crossbred ewea and wethers, 11s 3d; 131 crossbred lambs, 8s sd; 500, 8s 5 28, 7s 9d; 312 cull lambs, 4s 4d; 172 merino ewes, 3s fld ; 2280 3s 2d ; 200, Is lOd ; 251, la 8d ; 253, Is 6d ; 300, Is lOd. In cattle, we sold 22 yearlings, in poor condition, 25s 6d; 1 Jersey bull, 38s; 1 cow, L 4 10s; 1 fat heifer, L 6 15s.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Berlin, April 18, Some sensation has been caused by the discovery of an Anarchist plot to take the life of the Emperor of Ger many during the festivities in connec tion with the approaching Royal wedding. The police authorities in Ooburg have taken minute precautions to ensure the safety of his Imperial Majesty.

Victorian Finance.

The "Argus," in discussing the financial condition of Victoria, points out that Ministers will need all the support possible in any wise endeavors they may make to finally close the financial chasm which exists between revenue and expenditure in that sorely smitten and depressed colony. Every day demands are being made upon the State to do this thing, and to do the other, and a knowledge of the finances as they really are (it says) is required to obtain sympathy for Ministers in their refusals. The treasurer can sell bonds fast enough, but selling bonds is running into debt and is not raising revenue. And as to new taxation, the fact that despite the heavy loads put upon the people the revenue shrinks and shrinks, tels its own tale of a more than sufficient burden. We may expect (says the " Argus ") a deficit of about £400,000 or £500,000 this year in addition to all the other deficits, and by this time one would think the way to relieve the colony had becoms clear. We need—(l) a sustained esonomy; (2) a better railway management; and (8) the taxes that are imposed to be devoted to revenue raising, and that only—the public payments to go into ithe public coffers, instead of being ! diverted, as under theprotective system, I to this interest and to the other.

The World's Gold Output.

The yield of gold throughout the world for 1893 is now made public, and although the Australasian colonies (under which head New Zealand is in cluded) occupies the foremost position, yet it is evident, from the rapid strides that the Rand district of South Africa is making, that Australasia, in the course of a year or two, will have to give place to her formidable rival, not withstanding the splendid discoveries recently made in the various colonies of the South Pacific It is not to the richness of her Banket reefs that South Africa owes her present position, but simply to the magnitude of the opera tions thereon, and the vast amount of capital to support such. That the limit of these operations has not been reached is evident, from the fact that the South African companies are monthly increasing the number of stampers, and th 9 erection of cyanide works. According to Mr Alexander Del Mar, the following were the values of gold products last year throughout the world :— Country. Gold. Australia ... ... ... £6,560,000 South Africa 5,622,240 Russian Kmpire 5,394,172 United States ... ... 5,000,000 Guiana, Venezuela, Colombia and the lafchmus , 1,520.000 British India , ... 800,000 Chili, Peru and Bolivia ... 360,600 Canada 185,000 ; Japan 136,000 Mexico 60,650 All others ... 600,000, £26 288,672 And silver equal to £16.354,490 The figures for 1892 show the pro duction of gold to have been £24,008,430; and silver, £17,795,649, an increase of over 2| millions sterling of the precious metal for the past year.

The Diving Rod as a Water- Seeker.

A man named John Mullins, of Colerne, Box, Wiltshire, has been engaged by the Earl of Oamperdown to exercise his " art" in the discovery of spring water on several farms on the Lundie estate. Mr Mullins is not un known in the locality. About twelve years ago his services were successfully employed in the detection of springs of water at St Fort and on farms in the same neighborhood, and it may also be stated that he has already on several occasions been engaged by the Earl of Camperdown for a similar purpose. Asked for an explanation of his method of procedure, Mr Mullins said the divining-rod consists of a V-shaped twig of hazel, 18 inches long and |-inch in diameter. Holding each branch between the first and second fingers of each hand and stooping slightly, he walks smartly over the ground, and when he comes to a spot underneath which ia a spring of water the branch twists in his fingers, sometimes with a force so great that the twig snaps. " After thirty-four years' experience," Mr Mullins remarked, " I am able from the rapidity with which the branch twists to judge within ten feet in every hundred of the depth at which water will be found. Lead and copper ores affect the twig in the same manner, but I cannot distinguish the one from the other. All I can say in regard to them is that sheets of ore are there. The thing is nothing more or less than the effect of animal magnetism. My b®dy is charged with it, and there seems to be an affinity between the magnetism and the water or the ores. In thundery weather, if I have been testing I have often to give it up and lie down untill the storm has passed. The older I get the feebler becomes my power." "Is it, then, fatiguing work ?" " Very much so. It makes arms, elbows, and knees ache. A strange feature about it is that I can transfer the power to certain persons, by grasp ing their wrists while they hold the rod < in their hands."

A New Bicycle.

A few days ago cur local columns noti fied that an Oamaruite claimed to hare in hand an invention by which a bicycle could be made to attain a speed of forty miles an hour, By most people, cyclists included, this bare statement about forty miles per h ur with no idea given of how the increase in speed was to be gained, was leceived cum grano salts. Not so, however, by Mr Adams, business manager of the firm of Messrs Adams and Gurties, Ghristchurch cycle manufacturers. He immediately■■took steps to become «. quainted with the inventor and the in? vention, with the result that this ea'eri; pristng firm is at the present time con structing a bicycle embodying Mr T. C. Dennison's patent. Mr Adams arrived in Ashburton on Wednesday evening and an interview soon elicited the above informa tion, but with regard to details Mr Adams, appeared reticent, Not that he was less talkative than usual bub in some way or other just when the idea of the invention seemed to be dawning on the interviewer, the conversation had drifted back to the •' Stars." Possibly our energetic Mead feels that the "Stars," which even he will not guarantee to exceed a speed of twenty miles per hour, will dim con* siderably when the glare of forty miles per hour appears above the horizon of the cycle trade. However, it was a case of Greek meeting Greek, and although the machine will not be completed before another fortnight, a fair idea of its principle may be given here. The machine will be of the rovt-r pattern, that is, with two wheels of a similar size. The frame is a single tube connecting the two wheels i together, and is so constructed that % i person while riding may sit in an upright position, thus avoiding the "cyclists' stoop." The motion la the result of both pushing and pulling, the feet being used at the end of levers to push and the bands and arms to pall. The steering is arranged by an ingenious contrivance which is worked simultane* ously with the pulling motion. The whole arrangement of the motive power Is similar to that of the railway bicycle used by railway employees on the lines, excepting that the feet besides supplying pushing power as on the railway bicycle or in a boat while rowing, are actually In motion. The saddle is well behind the levers and in such a position thab the rider can get all his power into the machine. It is thought; by the inventor that a great amount of power which can be exerted is at present on an ordinary bicycle wasted, and to overcome this loss he purposes to bring the arms into motion as described. The invention is novel, and we heartily wish the inventor success with his improved bicycle.

The Royal Wedding.

(Received April 20,10.50 a.m.) Berlin, April 19. Enormous crowds have gathered at Cobarg to witness the Royal wedding. The Kaiser, the Prince of Wales, and the Czarewitch were re ceived by the people with great en thusiasm.

The Pacific Cable Question.

Sydney, April 19. After combating Sir J. Pander's letter re Pacific cable, the " Sydney Morning Herald " states that there is something so naive in the suggestion that the Eastern Extension Company is ready to undertake the work, if necessary, that Australasia can well smile, but it will be generally felt that if there is to be an alternative service it must be conducted on alternative lines by different hands. One thing, it says, is sure, viz., that Queensland and New Zealand would be prompt; seceders if the enterprise was to be but an extension of the monopoly; and, though the generous offer of the Chair man of the Company may be taken aa admitting that the Pacific cable is not such an impossible thing after all, the colonies must be content to entrust the new enterprise to other, even if inferior, hands.

The Loan and mercantile

London, Anrii 19. The policy of the new Board of Directors of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company is iavourably received in the city. J "Fair Play," commenting on the reconstruction scheme, says:—" Baron Schroeder, who is master of the situation, has agreed to do his best to carry it out, if the shareholders fulfil their part of the conditions. If share holders reject the scheme they will have to meet forced calls to the utmost extent of their liabilities, besides losing a magnificent business which is capable in competent hands of re covering past losses. If, on the other hand, they accept the scheme the calls will be deferred, the total amount will be reduced, the business will be pre served, and the colonial exporters will have under their own control a valuable portion of their exports." Under the circumstances " Fair Hay " assumes that the shareholders will not hesitate to accept the scheme, air they have absolutely nothing to loie but much to gain, the new Board o Directors, with Mr Martin as Chait* man, and backed up by Baron Schroeder, contrasts favorably with the old Directorate. The paper goes on to say:—" It will be necessary to regain the goodwill of shippers fey reimbursing where possible those whose consignments were confiscated by having been merged in the general assets of the Company after suspension. In order to prevent the recurrence of such possibilities a clause should be im serted in the Articles of Association to provide that all sach consignments or money arising therefrom shall be held in trust by the Company as trustees for the consignees." "Fairplay" strongly commends this step to the consideration of the Board, and dwells on Mr Martin's intimate relations witl< powerful Shipping Companies. Whiter on the question of shipping, it also urges that consideration should bej given to the scheme for assisted emw gration. (Received April 20,11.50 a.m.) The examination of the Loan aiuf Mercantile directors was resumed to day. Mr H, J. Bristow said the shares in the Waikato lands were taken in fulfilment of an agreement with the Bank of New Zealand in 1887, that if thebank took up the Auckland Agricul tural Company's loan, the Loan and Mercantile Company was to take over the Waikato lands from Thos. Russell He was positive counsel's opinion re garding the altered prospects of tbe Company was submitted to the direc tors, despite Mr Mundella's belief to the contrary.

THE ASHBBBTUJS OTARDIAJfI: FBIDA*, APRIL 20, 1894.



Special Prices for this Month AT 6* J- Neill and 00/s THE CHEAPEST HOUSE IN ASHBURTON FOR I3M-APJBUY, CLUTHIIVG, AND BOOTS, Long Lace Curtains Is 9d pair Double Width DresaGoods.^d j Cretonne Sid Ureas Good*? 3s lid doz Double-bed' White Twill Sheeting 9|d i^arge Tarkish Towels 8M OrP» Calico 2s 3d dcz Women's Ribbed Hose bd pair oSi^^^^m 3*d Double-bed Quilts 3s lid each trong Ticking s*d Heav Forfar s^d CLOTHING. OJLiOTiIING. bow 29s 6d 9idPair BOOTS. BOUTS, In Boots we defy competition, ail our Boots are made specially to our order. We guarantee every pair to give satisfaction. Children's Patent! Leather Shoes and Slippers in Endless Variety at G. J. NEILL AND GO'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER TERMS CASH.



SPECIAL. SPECIAL. STEPHENS BROS, market House, HAVE DECIDED TO RELINQUISH THEIR BUSINESS IN ASHBUKTON, A ND in order to faoiHtate their arrangements, they will Sell the whole of their Large and Well Assorted Stocks of IRONMONGERY, OROOKERY, GLASSWARE, GROCERY, Exo, At TWENTY PER OENI Below Cost Price, No more goods will ba bought than Neoeasary to dispense with the other Goods^ fhey also ask all Camera, if Convenient, for their accounts on or before fchj lßtMay< After that date, alt Gooda will be disposed of for CASH. •MOTwtO* -I"IIII"BI1 Stephens Bros , MABKET HOUSE.



HEHRY ZANDER XBEG TO INTIMATE that I have jus anded a Large and Varied Stock o €£an 9 Oun§ CSuns SOLLIS' BEST MAKE. Single and Double Bawd. Breech and Muzzle Loading, well^worthy of iwpec* tion. BBYOLVERS, BEVOLVEBS ammunition; ammunition Oatfctidges and Cartridge Cases, Cnpa, Shot. Gunpowder, Powder and shot FlLkfl. Cartridge Belts, Raoappew, Lo»aerß, Wads, Punches, etc 80OTTS WELL-KSfOWN RANGES at Greatly iWiwd Pi ices, T HAVE IN STOCK AND TO LAND -100 Drums Limeed Oil 20 Cases Valvoline 200 Cases Caster Oil m 10 Bates hnt 5 ply Seaming Tw!ne Chin% and Glassware Hornsby'sand Baneome'sPlough Shares Barbed and Fencing Wire Mauritius and Queensland Sugars China. India, and Owum Tbas Best English Leather Belting. -NOW IN STOCK- Two Handed Galvanised Steel Elastic Horse Collars (in all stees), Early application necessary, They are givIn^NIVEKSALSATTS. Wines and Spirits, Alt 8 and Stout T.lqueurs, Havana Cigars, C lg arett 3 s, of best brands only. Also, a choke assortment of the PINEST DELICACIES Irom all parts of the world, - Henry Zander AOEKT FOR Australian Mutual Providen Seciety Stjh 'ird Office Canton Marine Office Health Tea.



TO LET.—Dwelling Centrally Situated in Burnett Streec, Rental required 7s per week, V T. BULLOCK. "DOLLAR CIGARETTES — 3d. No holders or photos. —EtESfltf 2akdbr, Whole aale agent> Special Consignment T\IRECT from the Manufacturers, LADIES' GOLD RINGS. GOLD BROOCHES, GOLD BANGLES, ( In plain Gold, and set with Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires and Pearls. A large and very choice stock of newest N designs just received — Bought for Cash, DIRECT FROM TWK MANUFACTURER in England at a liberal discount, will be ofhned at TWENTY P*SR CENT LOWER than usual prices by 8. Salek, WATCHMAKER and JEWELLER, ASHBURTON.



TVTEW 7 B A L A If D Clothing Vaciory OPENING New Winter Good& i i THH WEEK- i



JO'EALTH rpEA. I VVandering afar ocr A ustralasia seas ; } Sighing in softness, murmuring in air, I Comes the desire for Health imparting I Teas, 1 Fragrant in flavor, with aroma rare, At last! at last! the breezes murmur, Is found the Tea is well-named " Health," And Connoisseurs declare in accents firme* This tea contains within itself a priceless wealth. The daintiest leaf by cleanliest arts pre served, Blended with flavor that on the taste ne'er palls. "Health Tea" has won the pride of place deserved, Is drunk in cottage homes and palace halls HEALTH TEI HEALTH TEA Heafth Tea " cures indigestion. Oiher teas cause t.



Wanted , ANTED KnwnT—F^nSaWpes j and JPork Pies, tomorrow.—T. Hofft/t, Eat Street. 4 125 -^TATCHES, Clocks, etc., (all guaran teed) at wholesale cost for one month only. Now's your time.—Lums den's. 3 219 SALE at Melfor.il Mouse still on until further notice.—H, 0. Segers. WANTED Known. — For Millinery, Mantles, Jackets. Ulstort,, and Macintoshes, Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, try Mitchell & Tubnek. WANTeF Known—Specialise of Gents' Regatta Shirts, all sizes, with or without collars, 2s 6d.—W. H. Collier. WANTED Known —Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optical me at S. SiLßK's, Optician, INTENSION oF~Sa~le at Melford ■*-A House. We are still selling nearly all our Goods, with New Stock added, at reduced prices.—H. C. Segf.ks. WANTED Known—To make room for Spring Boots I will give ten per cent for cash. Repairs dene at once cheaper than evei to stay bad times over at J. Moisoa's, Premier Bootmaker. T\j ANTED Known—The Corner ia VV showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H, COLLIER. * If HAT is most essential to a tea VV drinker's happiness 'd Why, Health Tea, and don't yon forget it. Henry Zander, Wholesale Agen*- BANG- 1 Bang t Snug i My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Ciuo Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hardley's, Gun Emporium. OTICE 1 Notice! Sport for all. Guns let out on hire or sold on time payments. Hhying a professional | Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns ot any description. Gun fittings ia stock. Prices low.—J. W. Hardlby, Ironmonger, etc. WANTED Known.— Ladies are invited to inspect the Novelties in our Dress Department and Show Room without being pressed to buy.—Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Known.—ln consequence of the scarcity of money, we have extended our Sale till further notice. — H. C. Segers, Melford House. FRED. S. JEFFRIES, Manufaotur ing Confectioner, has opened a Shop in East street, next " The Corner,' for sale of all kinds of superior Con- I fectionery. Nothing inferior sold. No cheap cigarettes. 3§114 HEALTH TEA is more economical than ordinary tea. It undergoes a process whereby the injurious ingre dients are eliminated, whilst it renders the release of the better properties of the leaf more easy. Henry Zander, Autho rised Agent. BALI now on—White Calico 2s lid per dozen, Towels 2s 6d per dozen, Lace, Curtains, from Is lid per pair, ai Arcade House. 4 27 WANTED Known — Men's strong Tweed Suits from 16a 61; shirts from 2s 6i.—Arcade House. 4 24 WANTED Known. — Embroideries from Id a yard, Corsets 3s lid, I-ilies' Ulsters from4s lid, Ladies' Glrves four pair for Is, Kid Gloves four batons Is 6d.-~ Arcade House. 68 WANTED Known.—Cheviots, Hop sacks, Diagonals, Fast Dye Serges, Tweeds and Fancy Dresses, &o , with Trimmings to match at Mitchell and Turneb's. / IHOICE Ornaments, Folding Screens, * J Own make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing. Aprons, and Pinafores.— Mrs Alcobn, Saunders' Buildings. TEN Crates—New goods from the manufacturers in R. Alcorn's sale. Tea sets for six persons, 9s 6d ; 40 piece Tea Sets from 15a ; Bedroom Sets from B<3. Large coloured hand or gilt, very handsome 19s 6d. WANTED Known—Tomatoes, good ripe Grapea, Plums, Apples, etc., at MarsdbnsFruit Shop, below Mitchell and Turner's. 2109 "VTlSITthe Sale. Trimmed Millinery * going at any price. Ladles' Under • lothing reduced to 20 per cent, below cost.—Arcade House. 4 64 Known—All goods in Show Room to be slaughtered at any price.—Arcade Bouse. 4 28 WANTED Known-L W Pants 3s lid, Flannel Shirts 3s 9d, Worsted Socks 6*d per pair.—Arcade Houso 425 IF you want first-class fruit go to Ad^ms for Fiji, Tahiti, Auckland and Sydney Oranges, Citrons, Lemons, etc. OYSTERS and Fresh Fish of all sorts arrive evening per express at Deep Sea Fishing Co.'s Shop, Burnett street Ashburton. 2 62 WANTED Known—The whole of the stock to be sacrificed by order of the Pnrcbaser, Arcade House. 4 2fi /"^RUSHED' Oats. 5s per sack. Al \J kinds of Farm and Mill Produce o!;*ap for cash.~J. Thomas, Havelock street. r - J . f>1 .,,.. J , J . I WANTED Known. — Men's Tweed Suits 153 fid, Men's Treed Trou' ers 7s lid, Mens' Strong Flannellette Shirts 2s 6d, Mens 7 and Boys' Boots and Shoes greatly reduced.—Arcade House. 465 MRS ALCORN ha* on sale for he Holidays a varied assortment of Toys, Dolls, Prams, Fancy Goods, and Christmas Presents—Saundera Buildings. BOYS' three garment long trouser Suits for 10s, Men's Colonial made nailed Shooter Boots at 7s #d per pair at ft. Alcorn's sale, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. 1115 a' UN6 1 Guns !~Guns !My new stock of Guns just to hand direct from the manufacturers. Double and Single Bwctd. $r,aeeh Leaders, Rifles, etc. In gtpection i«*ifce«i. No old stock to select from at J. W. Happy's Sporting Repository. MR John Marsden, of the Railway i Bookstall, has opened a Book and Sbat-iojM&r'a Shop two doors below Mitohell and Tuwsar. JJooks and Stationery at the lowest pose? We pwqps, Books clean, complete, and in good order «$1 be taken, in exchange. Circulating library. j Hi> ASTER Cards, and Booklets, Fire, \j .Sccee©*!, Pi#tnF£S, Glass Ornaments, j Christinas iCards, Cricket §nd Lawn^ Tmnis Material, jPho,to Albums, jand: Frame*, *ni hundreds of .other articles are to be «oM ab * great sacrifice for o&b\ during thia month only at L. F.| andssweß & Co, Stationers' 1 WM> j



KEATING'3 POWDER deastyo^s Bn gs Fleas, Moths, Beetles and all other' in's'etta, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals In terminating Beetles the success of this Powder is extraordinary. It is per fectly e^an in application. See the article you purchase ,ia as imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Tj*?^ Sd, Is »nd 2s 6d eacK. Sold by all chemists/ £F yopt pjind is troubled.: nothing else wjjll gwe the treubles so thoroughly ♦way as Health Tea. Try ifc«—HENJRY



At Thirty Miles an Hottr—Our Mr P. N: Adams arrived by the express from the south yesterday evening, and he will he ready to talk •' wheels " at the agent's shop (H. M. Jones, East Street) this morning. The easy payment system of the firm offers great inducement to buy cycles. Deposits from £5; instalments, 30a per month. Humber Star, model B, fitted with 1894 Dunlop tires, £23 10si " English cycles at landed cost price. Genuine Beeston Hum bers at £26 10s ; Baleigha, Model G, £25 - new Howe's £23 10s, fitted with Dunlop tires and HalUs patent) brake.~ADAjrg, QmPPi & Qp. f Chrwtehpob,~(Adyfc.)



Holloway's Pills and Ointment exert a rapidly favaorable effect in all those diseases which are induced by exposure to damp or by great changes in temperature. Th«*y will therefore be found eminently serviceable to those who work in iron foundries, copper mines, and collieries. These well-known remedies present manifest advantages in respect of use and effectiveness, being entirely compounded of vegetable drugs selected with the greatest care and regard less of price. When used in accordance with the ample printed directions which accompany them, they ant surely but mildly, and do not interfere with the daily work. There are but a few diseases which are not capable of cure—or, at all events, of great relief—if Holloway's remedies are persever ngly used. DOLLAR CIGARETTES—Fiuesb Ameri can Tobaoco,--HiSNBY #a.!»S»Rj Wholesale



TJON'T wash yeurself. Titan Soap •** does the work. No rubbing. Nq