MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under subject to the necessary alterations: — WEDNESDAY, March 21. San Francisco mail. Due London April 25.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 1894. THE RUSH TO THE TOWNS.

<4P — . Mr Edwin Carman, in the " National Review " has been burrowing into the census returns for the past foriy years, and out of these returns he brings figures to prove that the " rush to the towns " which has been the lament for years of the stump orator is after all a myth. He heads hia article " The De-! cline of Urban Immigration," and gives interesting figures to prove that immigration from the country to th« towns has very considerably decreased during the period he passes under re view. Tn the principal cities and manufacturing districts of England, the population advanced during the first three ten-yearly periods as follows :— 613,456, 620,301, and 695,418. In 1880 the increase reached its climax, for during the next ten years it was only 241,764. This is a distinct drop of 450,000 in the rate of increase, and lit is quite possible that the excess, of births over deaths would account for all the increase that actually occurred, if it did not help to cover a certain amount of exodus. If that be so, then it is reasonable to infer that not only has the rush to the large towns from the country ceased, but a reaction has set in, and population ia leaving the towns for the country. Consequently the writer is inclined to look upon great towns as being the future cradle rather than the grav9 of population. Mr Oannan concludes his article with this reflection :—"The superior healthi ness of the modern town enables it to increase its population very rapidly, simply by the excess of births over deaths, and it seems highly probable that in the near future our great towns will be regarded as the cradle rather than the grave of population.' Should this really be the case v the great city " will at least have found its proper use There is no doubt that the superior sanitary arrangements of the modern town, and the abundance of cheap food which, as a rule, is obtainable in it, are conducive to a healthy growtli of population. The mental environ ments of the large town are also superior. In these days of free educa tion, free libraries, institutes for the imparting of knowledge direct or by mutual process, night schools, con tinuation schools, and what not, the young man of the town is placed in circumstances more favorable to himself than they were in the three decades of the forty years during which the larger increases occurred which Mr Cinnan quotes ; and he is reared under conditions which should enable him, should he seek the country as the scene of his after life, to hold his own with those whose lives have been rough hewn in rural environment, and have not enjoyed the advantages of the finer fashioning of life in the city. This is a complete reversal of the old order of things, but is one out of which only good can come, and the whole conditions of the country must thereby be improved, It was Cowper who said " God made the country, but man made the town." And the country is really the gift that. God has given to us, for it is the country, and not the city, which is the real source of wealth. Specially is this so in a new land like ours, and the more we can make our country produce the better for ourselves. There are con sumers waiting for our produce in the Old World—consumers who will take all we can give them. But we must be careful to raise only such products as will pay us to export, and already this fact is being forced upon the minds of our producers. They are buying the expedience at a high figure no doubt, but it will be worth the price paid for it. Uur colony is not very large, but much of it is still unproductive, and if the powers that be are only a,ble to carry out the plans they have in train for opening out the unused millions of acres for settlement and cultivation, an opportunity will be afforded to see whether or not an exodusof strong men, willing to wrestle with the land still in a state of nature, will take place f»*om the towns and show that out here Mr Carman's theory is more than true.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Farmers requiring first class merino ewes straight from thp statiqn, will have an opportunity of procuring their requirements on Tuesday next, when Messrs Miles and Co.i Limited, will offer the well known Mesopo tamia ewes atTinwald yards. It is atated that Mr A.Harrison the donor of the trophy for the winner of the ladies' swimming race yesterday intends presenting both of th.c competitors with a medal in recognition of the creditable display made by both yonug ladias A fire occurred at Mr Bullock's nesidence early this morning, but luckily was confined to the outbuildings About one o'clock Mrs Bullock was awakened by the crackling of flames, and on looking out of the window saw that a two-roomed cottage was on fire. She immediately aroused her neice and the others in the house, and with their assist ance saved two buggies and sets of harness, which were in other outbuildings that were also burned. Mr Bullock was away in Dunedin at the time. Constable Jackson saw the glare from town, and was soon on the spot, and with a neig^bo^r, Mr Dal gleish, rendered all possible assistance. The buildings were not insured, and the origin #f tjhjJ fire |is not known. ;

A match was played at the Ashburton Che3a Club Room on Wednesday evening between sides chosen by Dr Hunter and Mr Willis, the latter team winning after a tough contest by two games. Ie is to be hoped that all members and intend ing members will attend the meeting next Wednesday evening, as a suggestions from Mr Cleland, of rhe Otago Chess Club, will be considered that the Ashburton Club should play a telegraph match with his Olub at an early date. Late news from West Australia states that Coolgardie is practically deserted in favor of Pinnacles. It was estimated that there would be upwards of 2000 men at Pinnacles within a week, the road through being dotted with teams and pedestrians. Mr D. Lindsay describes it as splendid alluvial ground, but with no reefs showing. It is situated fifty-three miles north-east of Cool- I gardie, and within forty miles of Mount Magnet. The longest waterless stage is forty-five miles. Condensers are erected afc Lake Lepage, ten miles away. Three hundred and three ounces of gold, obtained by three men at the rush, have been sold, mostly in nuggets. One is cut into three pieces of twenty ounces each, and there are several lumps of from five to twelve ounces each. This is the second big parcel from the rush, 500 ounces having been shown to the local police at Christmas. A good flow of water has been struck in the Bayley No. 1 South mine at a depth of 120 feet. | The " Press " has the following -.—Accord ing to the statement of a young man named Albert Beiiamin, the " ghost" was out and { about on Wednesday night again. It appears that while walking on his way home, along Armagh street, towards the East Belt, Mr Beiiamin saw a tali thin figure, dressed in white, in a paddock at the junction of Armagh and Madras streets. The figure was dancing about and shaking its head very rapidly from side to side, and it seemed very light and active. Mr Beiiamin tried to get away from the figure by crossing the j street, but it jumped a few yards in front of him and holding its arms by its side it danced 'and dogged about, and would not let him go one way or the other. At last Mr Bellaanin made a rush at the figure, but the ghost seized him by the arm and sent him •' kick ing against the pricks " in a gorse fence. By the time he got out of the fence the figure had disappeared. Mr Beiiamin says that the " ghost" seemed to be dressed ia white tights and wore a mask covered with phosporua. Retrenchment save the "Argua is pro ceeding apace in the Victorian Education Department. A lady is generally supposed to be fortunate if she marries, but so far as the female teachers are concerned, marriage, if not exactly a failure, is a drawback. There are upwards of 130 male and female teachers in the Education Department in excess of the requirements, and they are being paid their full salaries while they render very little service. The Minister of Public Instruction has therefore determined to call upon several married teachers whose husbands are teachers or otherwise employed and able to support them to retire. A number of male teachers will also be asked to leave the service so as to reduce the number in excess of the require ments. In every caso those who will be called upon to retire will receive substantial pensions. In one case which was brought under the notice of Mr Baker, the husband who was in charge of a large school, received a salary of £500 a year, and his wife, who was also a teacher, was paid £320 per annum. Of course the retrenched ones declare that their dismissal is illegal, and threaten pro ceedings. Mr Gladstone (says a contributor to the "Graphic") is generally represented by the press as being still a strong and hearty man, against whom the ravages of time are of no avail. As a mittflr of fact, within the past year a very marked change has come over the Prime Minister. It is no secret that many of his followers are aware of this. They are, however, in a difficult position. Roughly speaking, there are two camps in the Gladstonian camp. If Mr Gladstone should resign when still in office, the Queen could send for whoever she ohose, and io all probability it is Lord Rosebsry who would be called for. Upon the other hand, were anything to happen to Mr Gladstone when out of office it would be the party then who would nominate hia successor. In either case it is certain that theie would be a split between the rival factions. The Radicals would wish Mr Gladstone to resign at once if they could see their way to Sir William Harcouit being appointed Premier in his stead. But Lord Rosebery would not suit them at all. An amusiug story that gives point to what I have written is now current in the House of Lords. When there is a division Mr Gladstone generally strides into the lobby and employs whatever interval there is in writing or pretending to write a letter or a note. Some nights ago a short sighted member observed in a corner of the lobby what he thought was a bundle of clothes that had been thrown upon a chair. Wondering at the unusual sight he walked up to examine it, when suddenly he per ceived a nose, and looking closer discovered that the supposed bundle was Mr Gladstone, who had fallen asleep.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Auckland, March 14 Towarei Rapta and Ahipu Tukonehu have been committed tor trial for cattle stea'ing at Waikato. Henry Bridges was fined £3 9a and costs for a breach of the Customs Act. It seemed that 100 cigars were brought ashore from the Doric. The Premier and the Hon Jas. Carroll left to-nighfc for Wangarei, and expect to return in a week. At a meeting of the Auckland Presby tery the Rev W Sonierville read the find ing of the Assembly, carried on the motion of the Rev Mr Gillies, and forwarded to him by the Rev D. Sidey, Clerk to the General Asssembly. It was decided that the Clerk write to the Rev S. J. Neil, enclosing the finding of the General Assembly, and thab tteps betaken to have the charge of Thames preached vacant nexfc Sabbath- The Rev T. W Robertson was appointed to fulfil the duty. liAwera., March 14. At the Districb Court to-day .lames Mercer was sentenced to three months' hard labor fcr assault. Edward Sach, charged under the bankruptcy Act with having obtained credit under false pre tenpes, was sentenced to, six months' hard hsbo.r. W.Bi,LiNftTfjjf, March J4. In order to meet the requirements of the frozen meat shippers thejtfew Zealand Shipping Company have docidei to send the s.B. Otarama out to the colony at once. She was bo lease London in ballast to-day. m DuNsniN, Marsh 8. The Presbytery passed a resolution urging all church members to support the reduction of licenses, and elect Committees to ensure a strict enforcement of the Act. R. Crow to-night lowered the cycling record for three miles, doing the dis'ance in 7min 56 2-sbh' sec. This is 4 2 ssh sec over the Alliance standard.

BALMORAL.

Mr Henry W. Lucy, the well-known London journalist, gossip i pleasantly and interestingly aboab the Queen's life at • Balmoral, and Her Majesty's predilection | for Deeside. The Queen makes no secret of her preference for Balmoral as a place of residence. Ib is there that she is seen at her very best—an exceedingly human, simple-hearted, kindly-natured woman. She knows every cottager on the estate, sorrows in their sorrowing, and is glad when they are happy During the time of the Jubilee all the servants at Balmoral were sent up to London in batches, and were daily taken to see the various sights of the great metropolis. Of intensely domestic and naturally affectionate dis position, the Queen is not only good to old servants in life, but honors them in death. There is nothing more common ' than to find among the quaintly formal paragraphs in the Court circular some tribute penned by the Queen's own hand, to a departed housekeeper, coachman, or lady-in-waiting. She has a peculiar fancy for commemorating the departed in stone or brass. Even her favourite dcga have monuments erected to them. In the grounds at Balmoral an iron tablet marks the resting place of "Ickn" (a Chinese dog), while not far off stands a life-sized bronze of " Noble, for more than fifteen years the favorite collie and dear and faithful companion of Queen Victoria." The queen has a passion for monumental stones There is at Balmorall a stately pyramid of granite blocks, *' To the beloved memory of Albert the Great and Good, Prince Consort, raised by his heart-broken widow, Victoria R., August 21, 1862." This cairn is 40 feet square at the base, and rises to a height of 35 feet. Besides this, there is an obelisk dedicated to the memory of Prince Albert, and a gigantic copy \a bronza of the marble statue by Theed, which stands in the castle hall. On the anniversary of the Prince Consort's birthday, August 26, — Her Majesty is always at Balmoral on that day—the tenants and domastics gather round the statue, and a j*r of whisky being produced, they drink in silence, but wth appreciation, to the lost master. Other memorials which give a funeral air to Balmoral is a cross raised " to the dear memory of Alice, Grand Duchess of Hesse, Princess of Great Britain and Ireland," a memorial chair dedicated to the memory of Prince Leopold, and a life-sized statue in bronze of John Brown, " the beloved friend of Queen Victoria." The high estimation in which Her Majesty held her Highland gillie, and the confidential re lations which existed between the Royal mistress and her humb'e henchmen are among the most curious and puzzling traits of the Queen's haracter.

The Late Mr Robert Mclntyre.

Thf> funeral of the late Mr Robert Mclntyre, Ashburton Forks, who died on Saturday night last took place on Tuesday afternoon, aud was very largely attended. The funeral procession moved from the deceased's house at the Forks, and was joined at every homestead on the way by the vehicles of friends and neighbors. In Ashburton it received accessions of friends from the lower parts of the county, and many farmers sacrificed the day's stock sale to attend the funeral, so that as the procession moved along East street there could not have leenless than 100 vehicles in line, with quite a number of horsemen in the rear. As a mark of respect to the memory of one who had so often been in the audience at the weekly sale, the auctioneers ceased business until the funeral was over. This cessation of busi ness at the yards set free a very large number of people of all classes who came to the cemetery to pay their last tribute of renpacfc to the departed, so that in the graveyard by the tima the hearse entered it there were quite 1200 people. The coffin was borne to ehe grave by six members of the Orange body, of which Mr McTnfcyre had been so long a brother and sttunch supporter, it was a hand some shell, beautifully mountpd. and bore the name, age, and date of death of the deceased, as wall as two verses from the hymn "Rock of Ages" At the grave the Rev G. B. lnglis, of the Presbyterian Church conducted service and addressed the people, and afterwards the service for the dead of the Orange Institution was read by Bro. W. Houston. These services over, many iriends took their last farewell look [■• all that was mortal oi one of the oldest settlers in the district.

Murder by a Mother.

Sydney, March 14. A woman named Bayley, residing at Balmain, butchered her five-year-old child to death with an American axe. fehe was found to be insane, and has been removed to an asylum.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Paris, March 14. It is reported that the Anarchist Henn, who is in custody in Paris on a charge of having thrown a bomb in the Cafe Lazaire last month, has made an important confession, in which he says he intended to kill a member of the Rothschild family, but changed his mind at the last moment. He also declares that his arrest on the present, charge will not prevent the ultimate carrying out of the intention he had in view. ]

CABLE NEWS

Betting on the University boat race is now 7 to 2 on Oxford. Sir J. Fergusson and Mr H; J. Bristow rejoin the Loan and Mercan tile Board. The Belgian Government is buying up the frontier railways, with a view to enable rapid mobilisation. Sullivan has made a match with Lambert, the Sydney oarsman, to be rowed on the Thames in August. The Midland Railway Company of Western Australia are negotiating about a colonising scheme, the capital applied to which will be £100,000.

New South Wales Defences.

When the House of Assembly went i^to Committee to consider the Mili tary Estimates efforts were ma,de to obtain from the Premier the recom raendations contain^ in the Com mandant's report, b,u,t Sir George Dibbs I denied that a, report had been received by the Government. Mr Haynes declared that the document, which was a most important one, had b^en inter cepted by the Premier, and had never reached the Cabinet. Sir George Dibbs then admitted that he had received the document, which, however, he ex plained, did not have a bearing on the estimates, and as it was intended as a slap in tb.e face for him,, he had returned it to" Major-General Hutton. y^rious unsuccessful attempts were made by members to " draw" the Premier with regard to the relations existing between himself and Major- Qpaeral button.

THE MARKETS.

ALDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

Chbistchukch, March 14. At the Addington yards to-day the entries, especially in the sheep pens, were very large, and the attendance good. Fat Cattle—l 93 head weie yarded, mostly light weight cow and heifer beef., The market was much easier, and beef brought from 20s to 22s 6d per lOOlbs. Steers, £6 10s to £8 17s 6d ; heifers, £3 2s 6d to £7 10s; cows, £4 17s 6d to £7 7s 6d. Store Cattle—An average entry, but the sale poor and prices unquotable. The aale of dairy stock was also poor. Fat Sheep—A heavy supply came to I hand. Beat mutton was Sd lower. The over supply caused a dull sale for all bub the very primest sorts. Some extra good lines of wethers brought up to 16s; freezing crossbred wethers, 12a to 14s 6d ; secondary, j 6s to 8s ; beat merino wethers, 7s to 9a; secondary, 4s to 6s, Stoke Sheep—A dragging sale, owing to over supply, and the number of country sales recently held. Two-tooth crossbreds, 6a to 10s ; crossbred lambs, 3s to 8s ; cross bred wethers, 6a to 9a; crossbred ewes, aged, 2s to 63; merino wethers, 2s 6d to 4s 6d ; merino ewes, Is to 4a. Fat Lambs—About 2000 penned, the bulk of the entry inferior and half fat wethera. There was a drop of la per head, and the primeat sorts were easier. Pigs—About 300 yarded, and a firm market. Baconersand porkers, 4d per Id.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET

Mr D, Thomas reports upon the live stock market for the week ending March 13 :—At the Ashburton yards a very large entry came forward, farmers and others turning out be fore daylight to have their sheep drafted and yarded before the crash came on. The entry was made up principally of old ewea, cross bred and merino, two and four-tooth cross breds, and a few pens of lambs. The totals for the day were about 21,000 sheep, 47 rams, 7 head of cattle, 66 pigs, of which my entry waß made up of 6100 sheep, 36 rams, 3 head of cattle, and 40 pigs. The atten dance was good, and most lines changed hands at a price a little below last week's rates Two, tour, and six-tooth sheep still held their own, and old sheep were mostly bought up by the boil<ng down company and several lines were turned one. I suc ceeded in selling 4709 sheep of my entry at the following prices, viz:—62 fat merino ewes, 3s lid ; 26 crossbred ewes, 10s ; 74 fafc crossbred s, 5a 7d; 64 fat crossbred ewes, 6a 9d | 168 two-tooth crossbred ewes and wethera, 10a; 54 cull lambs, 4s; 185 two and four-tooth, mostly wethers, 12s ; 477 cross bred Down lambs, 6s 9d; 60 four, six, and full-mouth crossbred ewes, 9a 8d; 165 «ound mouth merino ewes, 4s ; 133 two-tooth cross bred wethers, ]3s 6d ; 26 cull merino ewes, Is; 106 four, six, and eight-tooth crossbred ewes, 10s 6d; 184 merino ewes, la 6d ; 100 four-tooth crossbred ewe?, 12a 6d; 90 two tooth crossbreds, 10s; 144 crossbred ewes, 2s 3d; 164 two-tooth crossbred ewes and wethers, lla 8d ; 378 two-tooth crossbred wethers, lls 3d; 165 crassbred lambs, 8s 9d ; 83 crossbred ewes, 2a 3d; 178 merino ewes, Is 3d j 481 merino ewes, 2s Id; 177 merino ewes, 2s Id; 130 crossbred ewes, 3s 2d ; 82 first cross lambs, 8s ; 98 merino ewes, 2s ; 99 merino ewes, 2s; 64 crossbred ewes, 6s 9d ; 62 merino ewes, 4s 2d : 74 fat crossbreds, 5s 7d ; 50 two-tooth crossbred ewes, 9s 7d ; 112 crossbred cwpb, 3s Id ; 158 fat lambs, 9s 9d ; 103 crossbred lambs, 9s Id. Rams—lo Lin coln rama, 7s: 2 rams, 7a; 4 Leicester rams, fall-month, |g j 1 English Leicester ram, l|g. Cattle—l fat cow, £6 17s 6d; 1 milk cow, £3 17s 6d; 1 milk cow, £4 15s. Pigs—7 store pigs, £2; 17, £1 103 ; 1 sow, £2 7a ; 2 barrows, £1 16s 6d; 5 stores. £119s 6d.

Messrs J. T. Ford and Co., in conjunction with Mr Henr> Zander, report on the live stock market for the week ending March 13 as follows :—The entry on Tuesday last at the Ashburton yards was the largest seen this season. The business opened as usual with fat sheep, and the bidding was any thing but spirited in thia class. The store sheep pens were all filled with different clashes of stock, in fact accommodation had to be made pretty well all the morning to accommodate the number of sheep coming to hand, and several lots had to be held outside of peua, in the absence of sufficient yard room. In fat sheep, merino ewes made 33 to 48 6d ; crossbred ewes, 8* io 10s 6d ; a small line of fat sheep Bent forward by Mr Oochrane made 15a 6(1. In store sheep, lambs sold from 6s 9d to 10s ; merino ewes, for breeding purposes 3j to 43 5d ; crossbred ewes, aged, 3i to 63 6d ; full-mouthed and younger ewes, 93 to lls 9d. We sold on account of various client-s—69 crossbred ewes (old) 2s 9d ; 105 merino ewes (boilers) 10d ; 174 merino wethers, 4s; 204 quarter back wethers, 8s 7cl; 97, 8s 4d ; 264 halfbred wethers, 123 Id ; 430 halfbred ewes, 9s 9d ; 226 merino ewes, 4? 5d ; 307 quarter-back ewes, 6s; 200 crossbred wethers, fat, 143 lid ; 200 crossbred lamb?, 8a 3d.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, reporb upou the live stock market for the week ending Thursday, March 15: —The Ashburton yards on Tuesday last were taxed to their utmost capacity to accommodate all the sheep sent forward for the day's sale. Temporary yards had to be constructed, while sheep were kept to ay* ait their completion. How ever, everything sent forward was yarded in good time, and the various salesmen had their work cut out to put an entry of quite 22,000 sheep through. The attendance was average, and although bidding at the open ing of the sale was not spirited, good sound and well-grown store sheep (lambs and two tooth) met with fair competition, and nearly all lines of this description were disposed of at fair market values. Sheep that suffered in values were worn out merino and cross bred ewes, and small and inferior sheep. The butchers' pens were mostly filled up with merino ewesj some of very fair quality, but the demand was not strong, and those disposed of ranged in price from 33 to 58 Id; merino wethers to 53 9d. Fat crossbred (ewes, of which several pens were put for ward, sold at 7s 6d to 9s, and some up to 103. Several splendid lines of frefss/ngj sheep were yarded, those of Messrs John Ooehrane, A. Letham, D. Butterick, John Knox, and Geortre Giddings commanding top prices The four and six-tooth crossbred wethers gent forward by Mr John Couhrane were by far the heaviest sbeep yarded in this market for months past. Prices for these ranged from 13s 6d to 14s lid and 15s 6d, which we obtained for Mr Coohrane's. Forward condition half and crossbred sheep for finishing sold at horn 11s 6d to 13a. Store sheep—ln this class sheep of all descriptions were entered, ranging from inferior lambs to really good and well-grown store sheep. Two-tooth crossbreds—ln this class there were some very good sheep entered, and the sale in them may be said to be a very good one throughout, nearly every lot, for which the owners were prepared to take market values, was disposed of, good well-grown half and three-quarterbred two-tooths selling at 10a 9d to l|s 9,d, and small and inferior sheep 8s 3d to 9a 61 Lambs—A good entry of some very good sorts came forward, and. these were disposed of at 5s 6d to 9s 9d, one line which we submitted on account c& Mr E. Hampton realising 10s §d % .the top of the dsy's market. Sm^ll sorts sojd at 7s to 7s 9d ; culls B.t <ba to. 5,3 6d. .Halfbred and crogsbrud; ewos fetched Ss 6d to 10a for mixed ages, mouths guaranteed ; ai^d fcwo and four-tooth up to 12s; while aged ewes were rather difficult to clear, Merino ewes —Those entered were as a tot best described as boilers, and were disposed of at from Is to 1$ ijjd, according to condition ; a few small lines of sound mouthed ewes brought up to 4s. Taking the sale as a whole, and con sidering the large entry, we may say that for good round and well-grovirn sheep, the sale was a good one, inferior sorts having to ;ake a decline in values. Our entry for the day was 5739 sheep, 6 cattle, and 17 pigg. On account of various clients we disposed of 197 merino ewes 3s 3d ; 50 at 5s Id ; 84 at 5s ; 167 small two-tooth, 9s Id ; 184 cross bred lambs. 10s 5d ; 264 lambs, "$& ;79 two-tooth, 9j 6d ; 110 fat tw^-tooth, 14^ 4d ; 156 two-tooth, lla lttf ; aso two-tooth, 11s 7d ; 128 free*6r«, 14s 6d ; 156 two and four tooth freeaers, 14s 5d ; '66 at 16s 6d ; 293 halfbred lambs, 7s lOd; 478 cull merino, ewes, Is 3d; 431 at Is; 335, two-tooth' halfbred, 11s 8d; 467 lamlw, 83 8d ; 600 merino eweg, 3s 9d. \Jery, few cattle were yarded, yearly a total absence of beef, and only a fpw stjore cattle. We. sold five youM cattle at 50a each;. cow, in. profit, £sy. Kgs were in good demand, and v§yy good values were obtained. W« ?ss.& w;e.aner,s afc IQs, •9,4 (kt^i '

SWIMMING.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE A.SH BCJRTON SWIMMING CLUB.

About seven o'clcck yesterday morning the outlook was not very cheering for those interested in the annual swimming races, as besides a slight drizzle, which had bsen in evidence several hoars, the sky looked very dull. Another hour, however, saw the sun out, and that lumi nary very shortly dispelled both mists and fears, and a perfect day was the result. The attendance was gocd, and, consider ing the large number of entries, the events were got through satisf'Ctori'y. The principal event was the 220 Yards Pro vincial Championship, and this fell to H. Bullivant, who for a long distance is evi dently superior to the short dis'anco champion, S. L. Partridge. Both are members of the East Christchurch Swim ming Club. Mr Buckley's trophy, for the greatest number of points gained in races during the season, falls to Frank Williams, who showed, by winning the 100 yards open, what a greatly improved and strong swimmer he is. Purchase, who until fcbat race was decided, was leading in points for the trophy did not compete, and was therefore beaten by one point. A novel feature of the sports wm one for which the club can take credit. The Jadies' race de cided yesterday waa the first ladies' race which has been decided under the rules ef theN.Z.S.A.in public, andit is to be hoped it was the precursor of many similar races. Swimming is essentially an exercise for both sexes, and as the races are attended by both sexes there is no gcod reason why ladies should not compete also. Ashbur ton has started the ball rolling and other clubs will doubtless help u> keep it going. The two young ladies, Miss Harrison and Miss Alcoru, must be congratulated on their pluck, <md also, we are pleased to say, on their proficiency in swimming. After the races the visitors from Christ church were entertained to dinner at Mr i Henry's Commercial Hotel, and after wards accompanied to the station by the local club members where they were ac corded hearty cheers as the train left the station. The following gentlemen kindly offi ciated and were successful in the always difficult task of keeping to the acbertised time:— Referee—Mr R Friedlander; Judges- Messrs D Thomas, E Kempthorne,and P H Oox; starter—Mr A J Miiller; timekeepers—Messrs J J Lewis and S Salek ; marksmen—Messrs HA Gates and J Mullor ; visitors' aide-de sarop— Mr A Harrison. Messrs R Francis and J M Watson, of the 0 A S C, were also of great assistance. Following are the results:—' 50yds PaESiDEBT"s Cup. First prize, President's trophy; second, 15s—First hoat—R Felton, 9*ec, 1; F A Smith* 7aec, 2. Time, 43 3-sth sec Second heat—C W Steward, 9 d ec, 1; E Purchase, 2sec, 2. Time, 46sec, Third heat-A G Williams, 4sec, 1; A H Wilkie, 6se3, 2. Time, 445«0. Fourth heat -E E Clowes, 6sec, 1; R Upton, scr, 2. Final—Felton, 9sec, 1; Smith, 7sec, 2. Time, 44 l-sth sec 220 Yards Provincial Championship, first prize, £3 ; second, £1. -H Bullivant, E.U. A.S.C., 1:8 L Partridge, E.C.A.S.C. 2. Partridge went away with a good lead and at half way had about four yards in hand. Then Bullivant who was swim ming strongly with a long easy stroke in creased his pace and was winning easily, but through taking a crooked course attUß finish all but let Partridare in, the latter coming well in the last few strokes. The other competitors were easily left Won by a length. Time-3niin 87 l-sth. 75yds Visitors' Handicap-First £2, second £I—First heat—East, lOaec, 1; Duncan, 6sec, 2. Time—7s sec. Second heat—Roper, scr. 1; Duncan. s|sec, 2. Time -65 2-sth sec. Final—E A Bast 1, E A Roper 2. Time—7l 3-sth sec. 50yds Juniors—First, value 15s, second sa— Page, scr, 1; J Kempthorne, Bsec, 2. Time—49jec. Losg Dive—First 15s—Duncan 1. Duncan kept; a perfectly straight course and dived about 130 feet whilst Upton who went further and kept longer under water on each attempt described a semi circle and brought up in the shallows. 50yd9 Ladies' Bracelet Handicap— First, gold bracelet, value £210s ; second, bracelet value £110s—First heat—W A Saunders. 12sec, 1; H E Curtis, 7sec, 2. Time-47 15th sec. Second hean—T •+ Grubb, 6<ec 1; E J Purchase, 7sec, 2. Time—42 3-sth tec, Third beat-J Mc- Tis;ue, 10£ sec, 1; F A Smith, 12sec 2. Time—44{ sec. Fourth heat—P Cleary, 1; C W Steward, 12eec 2. Time—3s 1 sfch sec. Final heat-H E Curtis; 1 j J McTigue, 2. A Close finish. Time— 41 4-sth sec. Greasy Boom (open). First 15a—4 S Duncan L Broad, R O Duncad, R Upton and A Duncan competed. The two first named succeeded in taking the Qm from the end of the boom once each, all the others failing *o reach It, and these two. tied and divided the stake. Ladies' Race, 30yds. First, sDrer medal; second, silver medal; presented by A Harrison—Miss N. Harrison 1, Miss K. Alcorn 2. The young ladies were heartily cheered on making their appear ance on the board. Both started from scratch, Miss Hsrrison taking a lead from the start, which she increased and won by a few yards. Time— 46sec. 100 Yards Handicap (open). First, £2 ; second, £I—First heat—H A Houlfc, 24syo, l;Ffi Williams. 16seo, 2. Time— 1.47£. Second heat—E A Roper, 2seo, 1 ; H E Curtis, 14aec, 2. Time—l.23 4 sth. Final heat—F G Williams 1, H Hoult 2 An old women's raca, for members of the AABO only, created considerable amusement, but the names of the com* petitors are too aristocratic for publica tion, fIiGAK, and Umbhella Race, 30yds. First, £l; second, Messrs Craighead and Berryman's trophy—First heat—A Dun can, scr. 1; W A Saunders, 6sec, 2. Second heat—R F Curtis, 1. Third head —Broad, 7sec, 1; L Andrews, 4aee, £ Final Heat—L Broad 1, Duncan 2. 5Q Yards Consolation. First, £I—* D Duncan 1, Oleary 2. Time— 4® 2-sth.

The Presbytery.

I Ar, the meeting o* Presbytery i n gfc Paul's Church* Ohristclurch, yesterday, the following business of locyJa interest was transacted :— The commission of B&- John Dunn, Fleraington, elder, wi^ received among others. A vote of thanks was passed to the ar bitrators who haxl acted in the recent difference between Springburn and Rangi- TINWALD. The matter of the resignation of the «cv k. Blake, minister of Tinwald elemington, was broupht up. A. petition against the resignation signed by twenty four members of the church (eleven families) was received. The Rev A. Blake said he was not aware of the petition. He desired to thank the brethren who had expressed so much sympathy with him, He regretted the necessity which caused him to resign. He had been glad fchab tne work hitherto \ had prospered so well. , The resignation was accepted 1 with deep regret, the work accomplished by the Key A. Blake In the charge being well spoken of. The Presbytery placed on record its ('sympathy with the rev gentlcn»n, and • appreciation of ike self-sacrii«ing manasr ,in which he had considered the Interests) of the church in tendering fiis resignation ajb th|s stage. It waj* 4eoided tso- declare the efiftrjra YWaojp o» the fi>sfc Sabbath in April, the Bit a & htiii to;b 6 m***Q?i

THE ASHBUBTOff GTOAftfclAH, THUKSDaY, MAftCH IS, 1894.



Special Prices for this Month AT G-. J. Neill and 00/s THE CHEAPEST HOUSE IN ASHBURTON FOR I>£LA.Fl3Erc, CLOTHTNG, A.3NO BOOTH. Long Lace Curtains Is 9d pair Double Width Dress Goods 9£d Cretonne 3M Dress Goods 3s lid doz : Doub!e-bed"White Twill Sheeting 9£d J^arge Turkish Towels B|i Grey Calico 2s 3d dc z. Women's Ribbed Hose 6i pair Cotton Shirting, very strong 3£d Double-bed Quilts 3s lid each trong Ticking s£d Heavy Forfar ssd CLOTHING. C7JL.OTHIINC* Boys: Tweed Suits 3s lid Men's Shirts at any price Men's Tweed Trousers 10s 6! now 63 lid Men's Merino Socks only 6d pair Men's Colonial Tweed Suits only 19a 6d Men's Ties at half price. Men's New Zealand Tweed Suits 39j 6d Men's Colonial-knit Woollen Socks only bow 29s 6d 9£d Vait BOOTS. — BOOTS*. In Boots we defy competition, all our Boots are made specially to our^order. We guarantee every pair to give satisfaction. Women's Elastic-side Boots 8s 6i, now Men's Balmoral Boots 10a 6d, now 7s lid 5 3 115 Men's Bluchera os Women's Kid Shoes 7s lid, now 5s lid Men's Nailed Shooters 10s 6d, now 8s lid Women's Leather Shoes 7s 6d, now 5s lid Women's Carpet Slippers la 6d Children's Patents Leather Shoes and Slippers^ in Endless Variety afc G. J. NEILL A.ND GO'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER. TERMS CASH.



TINWALD. TO Lls T—Four-roomed Cottage, Situated not far from the Railway Station, T. BULLOCK. THERE is only one quality of Health Tea and that is the best. Ask your grocer for it, and see that you get it. — Henby Zander, Wholesale Agent. EALTH TEA. "Delightful," "Wholesome," "Refreshin.?." All Grocers. Wholesale at Zahder's. r\UR FIRST CONSIGNMENT OF THE Moled Health Tea TO HAND GUARANTEED THE BEST VALUE IN THE MAKKET John Orr & Co.



Electors. yriLL all Lady Electors VOTE NO LICENSE on Wednesday next, and so defend their homes and children against the drink. Thia ia the Women's Question, All persons wishing to see the evils of drink reduced are requested to vote for the following moderate and fair minded Committee:—Messrs D. Williamson, M. Bruce, J, Cocker, J. Wallace, G. W. Leadley, H. M. Jones, W. L. Allan (Acton), and G. 0. Waby. Vote for above Committee and No License. I _^ : J SINGING, PIANOFORTE, CLASS | SLSGING, THEORY, Etc. Miss JUaiuel Bell WILL ba at home to pupils at Gates School of Music, each WEDNES DAY, from 1 p.m to 4.30 p.m. 2 152



DOLLAR CIGARETTfiS-31 per packe .f_] KALTH TEA is free from the i~X tannin so prevalent ia other teas. It ia recommended by the Medical Faculty | in the United Kingdom and Australia. ! All Grocers keep it. | ~FOR£SALE OR TO LETi\ 440 acres :440 Near Dromore Railwiy Station, mostly in English Grasses and well watered. For further particulars apply to T. BULLOOK, FpHAT whioh 'brings most light and jL hope to poorest homes fo Titan Soap. 11 183 THE REASON WHY GRAIOHEAD AND BERRYMAN ARE the tiPalingTailors and Outfitters in Ashburton — j BECAUSE They keep the Largest Stock of Fashionable Tailor in • Goods. BECAUSE They employ the Largest Number of First Clasa T ilors. BECAUSE They do the Largest Tailor ing Business. BECAUSE They give Lhe Besb Value, Fit, and Workmanship BECAUSE Their Motto ia - §H* ftsttiftfiictioii. ORAIGHBAD &BE REYMAN, THE LE DING TAILORS AND OUT FITTERS, ASHBURTON |



HEALTH TEA is more eoonoaaical than ordinary tea. It uudergoes a process wheroHy the injurious ingre dients are eliminated, whilst it r«mdera the release of tho better properties of the !.eaf more easy. Hbnuy Zander, Autho rised Agent. To Lot—A small sbop with two room attached, situated in Burnett street 'V. BuLLOOK*



NEW ZEALAND ClotU!ii£ Factory. ri"K> those looking about for a good X Waterproof Cent for the Winter. CALL AT THE FACTORY IN EAST STREET. SELECT YOUR. OWN PATTERN. OVER 100 TO CHOOSE FROM. Mo psriehed goods in stock. All sewn seams. Waterproof Coats with Cape Waterproof Co»fc Macfarlane Waterproof Fishing Outfit Wa'erprtof Shoeing Cnpe Waterproof Wadors Waterproof Riding Aprons Waterproof Pnnchos Waterproof Bbycle Capos. SPECIAL SPECIAL. SPECIAL LADIES' WATERPROOFS LABIE-5 WAT.'/RrROOFrf L4DIE3' WATERPROOFS MADE TO MEASURE. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOBY AND WATERPROOF MANFACTURERS. ALEX. HEN DRY, Manager,



cleaking sale. DAVIB"I3RO3m CABINET-MAKERS, Havelock Street, A RE GIVING UP BUSINESS, and to clear their large Stock of Durable Furniture are selling at GREAT REDUCTIONS FOR CASH. DAVIS BROS,, Next Courthouse, Haveiock Street. ALSO, FOR SALF-, CHEAP,— j



JNew Eight-roomed House, Hivelock Street. 3 98 "^"aTX OJSM & »««« JEucalypti JBxtrw t' Ifherear imitations of Hucilypti* Extract in the maiiffct now, pro-iucts of R mpto distillation forming tirie' i"fslnous oils In order that those cvn«te oils m-.v not be taken, OUR TURK Voi-atilk Kce.ii.TPfi F.x'tbAC'J'. wbic '■ is rccojrnifcU by the nrHieal rWißion of ihe Prnesian Government to be of yer (■"^atlv pure origin, a-^ tlieir information for warded to "is ilinswgU the Consul it Melbourne, March 2, JB7B r* en*prav6(£ by tests by the Medical Clinic of Ithe Univ roitic*. a/, iiimn «n<i Ct-iefswal-, Piusfia. ani r, , -te-i by Or KcHu'/, Pro^.-or of Parnwcolonr. at Won, and ' Profe^or Lti Rosier, Director of the Medical Clinic at OreifswaUi *.h# only product'that ..(". saturated with ovypren and ftiat fl( a-ids, resinous *i>d other Bubsfaucee, adherent to primw/4sftijlation, will (ferelope the sanative qualities proper to Wifent nopnrdms-to iljese authorities, and accoroin? to Pjo-, fr^r W W«r of Knglaud. and to D« Bauer,; Melntire, Wood, Mb,s,»(l, of America, is the on y ( extract corresooo-iing to scientific tests, and the mly one wliicii poss-ssoulis propw,Ll^vapcutic val-ie. S«perA Son's JtwcAjjusr*^ Extract.: AM rttii.»r crude oils are to bo classed asn,9«g the ti.rpe'.ti.if», ,^l.icH h-ve.when vised as medteiti^M ,tUerapeutto*ft«q'. iiud are abwdoned as an ■iuternal j Baodipiment. Xf«-« called Eucalypti Extracts wl, eh may have-i;eceiv«rt at I'xhibitif.jif as '| Zmmwl-1 ftrtiqles *fe m !»*i- tor ffo^amcal pur- f ' f 9'» v *tlwir'deficiency In' pungent «>(!««•/Which our i lir 4«ct, fLhe'wly genuine lixti^ts dc- • wlor«s roost Ui>*\v tUrpugh Its surplus ot.pyjtgw) • 2 v"' Sbefr *-WoliqUc th(u and n.obilei appearaucq,, i f.ein* recueed in «{%•!% dfU'^V though ,th,p »ByS6 5^ <* *** *^^ '*V If theT yorW;.' n»^W^«»7r« ext^te.^ »ra' ird by mistake n cases of cronp, bwucljiti*,, d»Pfc- S* /nternal infammatlons, (iysentery, wounds Ww **t,.!",,L fln . appallinp Tor 3 fe'v al^ys ask tot s°&W?*» soiiV KucAi.YP'rr Kxtiiact and get ,the'ol.l, \vfaw*M ai>-l reliable preparation, -tand-



V O R WEDDING PRESENTS, BIRTHDAY PRESENTS, AND PRESENTATIONS, PAY a Visit to the Jewellery Establish ment of 8. Salek, WATCHMAKER and •T^ELT^R. Whete is «o be seen the LaPG^SI and FINEST FTOCK in the DlHtnc!- of- SILVER AND SILVER-PLATE WARE, GOLD AND SILVER JEWKIjLKkY, «dOth« HIGS-CLASS GOODS Suit *Kelor PRESFJTS AT LO^P'^T PfilOKS. j W.-t' cti. <?J'■•ck d J ewellovy Ifcepnirksg J SPECTACLE t'i J*uit all Sights



Wanted %\t ANTED Known-Ticketa for the *'V St Patrick's Concert to be had at Stephens Bros,, Market House. 3 129 WANTED Known—l ntries close ft r Amateur Cyc ing Club's TCs^t r Monday MeetingTr-niorrowniu;ht(FiidHy, 16thJ at nine p.m.—W, G. Murkay, Hon, Sec. 3 130 WANTED Known—l am selling splendid Kidney Potatoes, guaran teed good. Any quantity, 4a 6d sack — W. G. Pbabcb. Allenton. 3 109 FRED. S. JEFFRIES, Manufactur ing Confectioner, has opentd a Shop in East street, next " The Corner," for sale of all kinds of superior Con fectionery. Nothiag inferior stld. No cheap cigarettes. 3§114 H "TVING tried Health Tea and found it Al, I sell it.—J. Thomas, Produce Dealer, Havelock street. 3 104 WANTED Known—Tomatoes, good ripe Grapes, Plums, Apples, etc., at Mabsdbn's Fruit Shop, below Mitchell and Turner's. 2 109 | OYSTERS and iJ'reeh Fish of all sorts arrive evening per express at Deep Sea Fishing Co.'s Shop, Burnett street Ashburton. 2 62 1 BUY and Sell for Cash, therefore I Sell Oat Sheaf from Is 3d per sack or £2 2s 6d per ton. J. Thomas, Havelock street. f\ REAT Clearing Sale of Drapery, KjT Boots, Clothing, etc., at Melford House, from 20th February to 20th March.—H. 0. Segehs. W' ANTED Known—ThlTCorner is showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H, Collier.



FIRST-CLASS Drapery, Boots, Cloth ing, etc., to be sold cheap at Seoers Sale, from February 20 to March 20,— Melford House. WANTED Known—To make room lor Spring Boots I will give ten per cent for cash. Repairs dene at onoe cheaper than evei to stay b«d times over at J. Moisot»'s, Premier Bootmaker. BANG ! Bang i Bt»ug ', My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Ky nock's and, Cluo Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hardley's, Gun Emporium. WANTED Known. — No reasonable offer will be refused for the balance of ouc Summer Dresses, Millinery, and Mantles.—Mitcuell and Turner. ANTED Known -^Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optical me at S. Salek's, Optician. "7\ / ANTED Known—W. H. Collier V V noted four-clasp Kid Gloves, 2s 6d, have ju3t arrived In aU siz^s. / IHOICE Ornaments, Folding Screens, * J Own make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing. Aprons, and Pinafores.— Mks Aicorn, Saunders 1 Buildings. GUNS ! Guns ! Guns ! My new stock _." of Guns just to hand direct from the manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In spection invited. No old stock to select from at J. W. Hardley's Sporting Repository.



WHY grumble about the price of Bread and Mh*c when you cm gat 50'b best Roller Four for 4a 6d and good Fresh Butter at 61 per 1b at R. Alcorn's sale Saunders Butldinsrs. 3 116 IVTO more indigestion ; no mure nervous -*-* nes 1? frrnn indulging in too much tea drinKing, for those who drink " Health Tea." One trial will convince you.— Henry Zander, Authorised Agent! | |ON'T miss our Groat Hale For one •*-' month only, from 20th February to 20 h March. Drapery, Clothing Boots, etc. —H. C. Segers, ftlelford House. / OOD afternoon Mrs Smith. Not 'TT fed ing well '! Have a cup of Health Tea ! Nothing so invigorating and strengthening ! My word, Mrs Brown, this ia simply lovely ! Whole pale and retail at Zander's. BOYS f three garment long trouger Suits for 10t!. Men's Colonial made nailed Shooter Boots at 7s 6d per pair at R. Alcokn's sile, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. 1 116 WANTED" Known. —To Harvwsters —Dungaree Jackets and Overalls, Harvest Hats and Shirts and Suits of all kinds, at prices to meet the times.— Mitchell & Tubnek.



WANTED, Everybody to use Titan Soap, greatest marvel of the age. fl. Zander, Sole Agent. 11 181 j r|ON''iß. wash yourself. Titan Soap ! -"-^ does the work. No rubbing N machines. II 182 DON'T Forget to send your Bicycles along to the Old Kindergarten to ! be repaired, at moderate rates. IF you want first-class fruit go to Aihms for Fiji, Tahiti, Auckland and Sydney Oranges, (Jitrona, Lemons, etc. VJtf ANT~fifo Known-Our Cheap *^ Slippers are solHntj in dozen?. Children's from Is, women's Is 9d. Buy one pur and y>>u will buy more.— Mitchell and 'I l*ener. MEDICAL Ooils made s»nd repaiied on the shnrfpist) notice at easy prices at A. J. Walker's, Old Kin<?er> garten.



WANTED Known — That A. J, Walkkr repairs Birycles, Sewing Machines, Lawn Mowers, Medical Coils, and all descriptions of %he machinery. MRS ALCORN has on sale for the Holidays a varied assortment of Toys, Dolls, Prams, Fancy Goods, and Christmas Presents—Saundera Buildings. MR John Maksden, of the Railway Bookstall, has opened a Book and | Stationer's Shop two doors below Mitchell and Turner. Books and Stationery at the lowest; possible prices.. Books clean, complete, and in good order m\l be taken in exchange. Circulating Übtary.. ROASTER Cards, and Booklets, Fire / Screens Pictures, Glass Ornaments, Christinas Cauls, Oickeb and Lawn Te#sjs Material, Photo Albums, and Frames, $*$. hundreds of other articles are to be sold afc a great sacrifice for Cash during this month only at L. F. AupßEWfls & Cp, Stationers' Hall. "uTICIi Noicel""SporTfor all. G^jnß ;^et out on hire or sold on tirn* paym'^ita. Having a professional Gunsmith qn.the premises, I undertake to repair ,Guns of any description. Gun 'ijjjttintfs in" stick. Pi ices low.—J. 'W [ 'H^uij^By, Iroin'"""^ l e l ri e »»—Miw ■— ~THi fEST~TEA " !nSA.NT&RBURy for the flioney, afld free tvom ®n7 excess of asti^ngency^



DO-L^LAR piGATRETTJSS — 3d. No hoWs orp^otQS.r-ljß^fty Zander, \yhole



CTTRAT is moat essential to a tea VV drinkar.'s happiness i Why, Health Tea, and don't yon forgeb it.—HsmtY ZApEB, Wfyoleßale Agent;