MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places aa under subject to the necessary alterations: — WEDNESDAY, March 21. San Erancisco mail. Dae London April2s.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 1894. FICTION

I + It is somewhat startling to find a Con tinental publisher informing the British public that the publication of fiction for the delectation of the English speaking world does not pay. This publisher says that two-thirds of his accounts opened for the publication of works of fiction, verse, and travel showed losses. We can readily under stand that verse would show a loss, as j only the very best in this walk of i literature will people read, and every second man one meets, and woman too for that matter, has at some time or other dabbled in rhyme, as many un fortunate editors but too well know. Travel, too, has been overdone, and it is only when a brilliant descriptive writer essays a work of travel that the ordinary reader will stay a moment to glance at its pages. Travel has now become so much the fashion that every " 'Aarry " with a few pounds to spare has done the Continent, sons and daughters of well-to-do people have included America in their tours, and many of them have added Australia and the islands of the Southern seas, white " globe-trotting " has become the rage, and thousands of fashionable young men are doing to-day what a certain personage mentioned in the Book of Job is reported to have answered in reply to the question as to whence he came—" From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it." And thousands of booklets of trivel appear written by these excursionists, mostly " for private circulation," but those that are in tended to form part of the published literature of the day seldom by any chance reach a second edition, while a large portion of the first has to find its way to the barber's to do duty as shav ing paper. In regard to the unprofi tableness of fiction, it is alleged that too much royalty is paid to the authors, and that the taste for good literature in fiction is being ruined by cheap literature. These two complaints are somewhat perplexing. The author's works are spread over the world at dirt-cheap rates, and stereo type copies of most of the leading writers' works can be bought by news paper proprietors at half-a crown per column, with the illustrations thrown in. It is difficult to realise how an author can profit much under, these circumstances, while it is easy to under stand that the printer must suffer from being deprived of the work that would certainly fall to him were the stereo types not sold, But these are matters that do not interest the general reader, who would, however, no doubt like to know how much of truth there is in the charge that has been laid at his door. That the flood of cheap literature is enormous no one will gainsay, nor will any one deny that much of it is sad rubbish. But the cheapness of literature has placed within the reach of everyone the best works of the masters of English fiction. The great works of Sir Walter Scott, Oharles Dickens, William Makepeace Thack eray, and those prizes of our boyhood, the novels of Captain Mayne Reid, are to be purchased at any bookstall for a few coppers. In the case of the later and living writers of the best class, their best works are now in two shilling or half-crown form, instead of the three-volume absui'dity which cost three half-guineas, or even the better bound single volume at three half crowns. To-day the good novelist has a far larger clientele thin had his talented fellow of the earlier part of the century. When Scott, Dickens, and Thackeray were each in the hey day of their glory their works were not read by a tithe of the number of readers that now perusa them, and a writer to day of any talent will be read by far more people than were the works of either of the three great master's we have mentioned, while those masters were in the flesh. " Ivanhoe," with full notes and illustrations, at the nominal price of sixpence, is enough to make the bones of the Wizard of the North turn in their sacred grave. There is not a good book published to-day but what finds thousands of readers in its cheap form as against hundreds in the past, so that whatever the cause of the un profitableness of fiction lack of eager public support cannot be adduced. There are those who say the age is too feverishly busy to read anything but what are termed telescopic novels— tales told in a score or so of pages, that the railway reader can absorb in the journey from station to station. This can only be looked upon as a jest. The short stsry has certainly gained acceptance with the public;, but to say that the more bulky book, with its carefully wrought out plot, its elabo rated word pictures of places, persons, scenes, characters, and incidents, lacks appreciation, is to say what is not thd fact. The publisher may growl as he likes about the alleged collapse of fic tion as a trad®, but if the collapse has occurred we are not sorry to hear it, for a certain class o£ publishers have jlongpanderedtoa depraved public .taste fey the ifssije of the sensational ■" shocker n wiJbh jts blood #>nd thunder ii»pog§ibjUjbie«s, ifcs haity literary style f I alifl upwtwiesomg disregard of the pro*

prieties. If the book markets J of the world were not flooded j by this sorfc of trashy literature *, the superior works might find a far : more extensive sale, and Dickens, Scott, and others of the English classics would take the place as mental pabu lum of the detective and other stories of crime and wickedness which our ' youth read with so much avidity. There are publishers who confine them selves to the publication of good litera ture only—firms whose press has never yet groaned under a worthless or un healthy load, and to their honor be this said ; but these are injured by the publications of their unscrupulous fel lows. The world is just as ready to day to welcome a clever writer as it ever has been, and when a genius dawns upon the literary horizon the reading public are as willing to accept his works as they ever have been at i any period since Gaxton put up his ■ press, and set going the mightiest engine for civilisation the world has ever seen.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

To-morrow (Irishmen need not be re minded) is the seventeenth of Ould Ireland. To-night the St. Patrick's concert will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall—at which " Oaed mille failthe" await patrons. A meeting of Temperance people waa held last evening in the Templar hall. The work of distributing ballot papers and temperance Almanacs was proceeded with, 1 Reports of meetings held at Lauriston and Wakanui were received and arrangements were made for holding meetings at Ohertsey and^Seafield. Subscribers to the Ashburto Industrial Building Society are requested to pay all moneys due before Monday next in order to be allowed to participate in the coming ballot. A few of the Society's shares still remain unsold, and intending subscribers are reminded that shareholders purchasing before Monday will be eligible to take part in the ballot. The programme to be submitted by the Alhambra Company at the Oddfellows' Hall on Saturday evening, we are assured by Mr Allan Hamilton, will be one of unusual excell ence, and will comprise the very best items in the company's repertory. The company has earned quite a reputation in its tour through the colony, and the performance on Saturday night will be quite a treat to play goers. A plan of tho hall lies at the Dresden Company's rooms (School of Musis) and those who desire to obtain a good seat should interview Mr Gates early. Captain Feodor Zubovitch has started from Pesth on a romantic errand. He intends to make his way up the Nile for the purpose of liberating, from the hands of the Mahdists, Charles Neufeld and Slatin Bey, who for more than ] 1 years have been, if they aie still alive, in slavery to the merciless fanatics who have closed the Soudan to the outer world. Both prisoners are Germans, and Neufeld was at ODe time a companion in arms of the gallant officer who is how determined to make a last efforc to free them from the terrible yoke which they have endured so long. The British Government, however, have refused to allow tie Austrian officer to enter the Soudan. The English military authorities have decided to commence the armament of the Militia Infantry with the Lee-Metford magazine rifle by the issue of that weapon to the twenty-eight battalions which belong to the Third Army Curps in the Home defence scheme, and it is expected.that the new wea pon will be taken into use, and the Martini- Henry be discarded in the approaching drill season. The Militia battalious immediately affected by the change belong to the Middle sex, Surrey, the Tower Hamlets, Lancashire Yorkshire, Berks, Sussex and Notts, and form five Infantry brigades. The one other brigade of the Army Corps is composed entirely of Regulars already armed with the magazine rifle. There was a good gathering in the Wesleyan Schoolroom on Wednesday even ing when a complimentary social was held to welcome the Rev D. McNicol, President of the Wesleyan Conference, and formerly pastor of the Ashbu.ton congregation. The rev gentleman recounted his experience as chairman of the conference, and also nar rated incidents in connection with his recent trip to England, The advantages of such a trip to young people he said were incalcu lable, aud he advised such of his hearers as could to save their money for a trip to the Old Country. The address, which was very interesting, was listened to attentively throughout. During the evening several musical items were rendered, and an enjoy able evening was brought to a close by the pronouncing of the benediction. Mr Ernest Hart, of the " British Medical Journal," in the course of a lecture delivered at Toynbee Hall, said that a great respon sibility rested upon Government which allowed under present conditions of a quasi sanctional authority the enormous traffic in patent medicines ; the stamp of l|d upon tbe various bottles brings annually about £2^0,000 into the Treasury. The word "patent" itself was a falsehood. There was nothing more patent about them than there was in a walking-stick. They were the exact opposite of patent, whick means open, for they were secret. When a person went to l/uy butter which contained marga rine he was informed that he was not pur- ! chasing pure butter. Coffee was generally | sold with a mixture of chicory, which was duly stated on the wrapper of the tin. Secret medicines should also have printed on the bottles the composition of the medicine, so that everyone should be able to see what he was taking. An important action relative to the sale by grocers of proprietary medicines containing poisons was heard at Stockton-on-Tees County Court. The Pharmaceutical Society were the plaintiffs and the managing director of Toogood and Co., Limited, grocers, were the defendants, A half-ounce bottle of Freeman's chlorodyne had been purchased of the defendants, who sell pro prietary medicines, but are not chemists. Analysts from thp Pharmaceutical Society stated that it contained 1-05 grains of mor phine, which was a poison under the Phar macy Act. This was a dangerous quantity, one grain of morphine being supposed to be fatal for an adult. The defence was that the ehlorodyne was not a preparation of morphia, but of some eight or ten drugs, and that as the charge was for selling chlorodyne as a preparation of morphia the action si ovld be dismissed. The Judge, however, gave a verdict for the plaintiffs for £5 claimed, and costs on the higher scale, refusing leavq to appeal. . .

The Huddart Line.

London, March 14 Mr Huddart has been invited to make Queensland and Milford Haven ports of call. He has replied that no decision has been come to as to the final port of arrival, though it is .implied that Liverpool will be the j terminus. Mr Huddart relies to a | large extent on Canada to support his line. The expenditure of two millions will be required in his opinion, and the success of the venture depends upon obtaining an Imperial subsidy. He will ask the Premier for £75,000 per annum. The port of departure will be decided on its merits, but the question of ports will not be discussed till the directors are appointed. The service will be fortnightly to begin with, and eventually weekly. Mr Huddart considers New Zealand will gain nothing by holding aloof. He expects the coming Conference at Ottawa will produce important deci sions upon questions connected with the Pacific. Mr Huddart expects that Canada and the Australian colonies will make a substantial increase ia the existing subsidies to the Pacific mail service. He declines to say anything at present respecting the probability of the steamers calling at New Zealand and Melbourne, but it is understood that he will make a statement on this point at the Ottawa Conference. Mr Huddart expects that Canada will abolish the duties on meat and fruit. He has decided to call at Fiji, and intends that the journey shall be on an average 30 hours shorter than by way of New York. New Zealand will have to increase her subsidy. (Received March 17,10.35 a.m.) London, March 15. Mr Huddart states that ia addition to granting a subsidy to his line the Canadian Government will guarantee four per cent interest on a million and a half debentures of preferrrd stock for twenty years. Three great Canadian railways have pledged their support.

New South Wales Defences.

Sydney, Match 15 | fit is understood that Major-Geaeral Hutton's report recommends the retire ment of certain artillery officers and the appointment of one Tmperial officer. There is no reason to suppose that Major-General Button will alter his report in the direction demanded by the Premier, The Commandant when forwarding his report also sent a copy to the Governor, at which Sir George Dibbs has taken umbrage.

CABLE NEWS.

The Queen has left for Florence. The cable steamer feherrard Osborne has left to engage in overhauling part of the La Perouse-Wakapuaka cable. Heavy rain has fallen along the watershed of the Brisbane river. The stream is rising and a flood is feared. Sir Westby Perceval has renewed the agreement for a year with the New Zealand Shipping Company for reduced fares to immigrants. The " Daily Hews," commenting on the Oopeland incident, considers it im possible for the New South Wales Assembly to continue to countenance inebriety amongst its members after such an exposure. Mr Keid, leader of the Opposition in the New South Wales Parliament, has given notice to move, when the Appropriation Bill is introduced, urging upon the Government the necessity of holding a general election as soon as possible in view of the important national questions awaiting the new Parliament. The object is to ascertain the views of the Government before granting twelve months supplies.

IMPERIAL POLITICS

Londok, M%rch 14. la the discussion on Mr Labouchere's amendment yesterday 55 Liberals and 90 Unionists supported the Govern ment. I The long standing quarrel between the Healy and Dillon factions of the Irish party is becoming acute. In the House of Commons, on the motion of Sir W, V. Harcourt, the original Address-in-Reply was nega tived, and a new Address was substi tuted. Mr J. J". Clancy, memher for Dublin North, moved a further amendment to the Address-in Reply, condemning the present system of coerciva administra tion in Ireland. Closure was applied by a majority of 8 to 2 votes. Mr John Redmond, in an angry tone, demanded a division, when the amendment was rejected by a majority of 312 votes, March 15. In the House of Commons, Mr Eed rnond said that Ireland would not tolerate delay, and would make the Government of England impossible. Mr Chamberlain did not believe that Lord Rosebery had accepted the leadership with any intention of be traying the Irish. Mr Morley s in reply, said that the conversion of England to Home Rule would be easy and rapid. The Go vernment did not share in the opinion that a majority in England was neces sary before Home Rule could be ac complished. The Nationalists are excited over the present prospect, and condemn the Premier's policy as virtually equivalent to the indefinite postponement of Home Rule. The " Times " considers an early dissolution inevitable. Mr Dillon has triumphed over Mr lealy, having secured eight out of nine votes for the Irish Parliamentary Com mittee, The Parnellite§ have convened a National Convention, to meet on April 8, to consider future action in regard to the Home Rule question.

THE ANARCHISTS.

Si. Petersburg, March 14 Gendarmes surrounded a convent in Warsaw and surprised a number of Nihilists in the act of manufacturing dynamite bombs. After a, severe fight, in which two gendarmes and three j Nihilists were shot, $he inmates of the building were arrested. P4RJS, Marph 16. A bomb explode^ inside the church of Sfc Madeline, }n Paris. The man who threw it was killed, and, several |Qte|jnjur§i

The Imperial Federation League.

London, Match 14. The city branch of the Imperial Federation League met to-day to dis-, cuss the question of the reconstruction of the League on a new basis, and to consider the formation of a commercial union for the Empire. Sir John Lub bock presided, Sir Charles Tupper, High Commissioner for Canada, advo cated permanent unity of the Empire, urging that this could be attained by the institution of the closest inter course with the colonies in trade, steamship lines, and postal and cables services. He contended that it was the duty of every portion of the Empire to contribute towards common defence. The Agents-General explained that their presenca at the meeting was un official ; that they had attended purely as a matter of courtesy. Sir baul i Samuel, New South Wales, Sir Andrew Clark, and Mr Robert Reid, Victoria, entered their emphatic protest against the revival of the League on the ground that existing relations would suffer thereby. Sir Westby Perceval, New Zealand, said that he was not opposed to a new body aiding the promotion of colonial interests if it were not committed to Imperial Federation, The attitude adopted by the Australian Agents-General disconcerted the pro moters of the movement, and very little vitality was shown regarding the scheme of reconstruction. The pro posal to form a commercial union for the Empire on lines as near as possible to a freetrade policy was not discussed. The meeting was poorly attended.

Men-of- Warsmen at Fires

At the Wyndham streets {4.ucklandj fire & fracas occurred between certain liberty men ashore from the British warships and the Salvage Corps, one member of the latter being very severely kicked, narrowly escaping what might have proved injuries for life. After the melee was over and tbe sailors had been got outside the cordon of police, some of them were using moat disgusting language, and that in close proximity to many women. The police could not very well interfere, their attention having to be given to the fire, and, as they said, had they inter fered with one man a free fight would probably have been the consequence, as this was not the first time trouble has been experienced ia the same directions. A. press representative saw Superintendent Hughes, chief officer of the Fire Brigade, who said: " J have had trouble with British men-of-warsmen on nearly every occasion when a fire has occurred at the time they were in port. I, too, have had assistance, but it is these ' liberty' men I do not want. They are all very well when under discipline on board their ships, but once loose on liberty they are often like wild men. At tbe late fire, for in stance, I found some of them smashing the bank windows when the tire was up in the ceiling. I told them to desist, and they then assaulted and badly kicked one of the salvage corps." Superintendent Hughes then went on to say his com plaints extended as far back as 1888. when men-of-warsmen had been caught looting, down to recent instances, where he had had suspicions* of the same thing being done. Hfl contrasted the be haviour of the men with those of the American warship Ircquois, on which occasion the men were kept alongside their ship until they were signalled for by an officer from shore, and the men from the German warship But-zird at the Lome street fire a few weeks ago, when the German eailors drew up in orderly line to give assistance until they were told is was not reeded ; then they went quiatly away. Up to recently there had, ha said, not been so much ground for complaint as formerly—Mr Devore, when m&yor, having made a request to com manders on the station to let the men know there was an efficient brigade in Auckland, and that when their assistance was required it would be asked for. Latterly, however, grounds for complaint had again arisen. " What would you suggest, Mr Hughes ?" asked the repre sentative, I would suggest that a general order be Issued through the fleet stating that the men were not to interfere with a fire at all. For tbe future they will not be allowed within the cordon of police, I have given instructions for that. lam quite willing to receive the help of men-of-warsmen if they come under their own officers, but I will not have any liberty men." j

The Dairy Industry.

PROPOSED BJTTER FACTORY OR CREAMERY AT TINWALD.

A meeting of persons interested in the establishment of a butter factory or creamery was held in Mr Heseltine's shed at linwa'd on Thursday night. About thirty farmers were present), and Mr Charles bohetty was in the chair. The Chairman 1 briefly stated the object of the meeting, and invited Mr Harding, of Willowby, to speak on the subject. | Mr Harding gave a short account of I his visit to the central factory at Tai {Tapu, and other small factories and creameries; the manner in which they were worked, and the cost of working. As regarded the establishment of a creamery only, which would merely re ceive the milk and separate the cream to be forwarded to the Tai Tapu butter factory, he had ascertained from the manager of the latter factory that the necessary outlay would be about £600. He nad also ascertained from a reliable source that a small butter factory could be established with very little difference in cost, and therefore personally he favored the latter plan. He gave the following figures as a rough estimate of the cost of establishing a small butler factory :—Building, with concrete floor, and brick engine room, £200; Be Laval | separator with heater, £97 10s ; butter worker, £15 10s; churn to phurn 200 gallons, £14; engine and boiler, £87 j pumps, if necessary, say £10; cream vats, £10; milk vats, £10 ; plumber work and tanks, £50; Eureka butter machine, £8 10s ; scales, shafting, and sundries, £100 ; total, £602 10s«. The above estimates Mr Harding stated were taken from a butter factory now working and raying well. Considerable discussion toplr place,, those present considering a factory pre ferable to a creamery," Difference of opinion existed a.s to" whether it would be advisable to have the faotory situated at Ashburton or at Tinwald. The majority appeared to favor Tinwald, but it was explained that the the site would be a matter for a company, when formed, to deal with. The following gentlemen were elected a committee to ascertain what support a factory at Tinwald would receive, to report at a future meeting be held at an early date :—Mossjra J,. Heseltine T. Stone, O. Dohe^ty, E. Gates, J. Gudsell W. Harding. Mr Doherty was elected chairman of the committee. It was decided to write to the Govern ment asking them for information as to : when the Qoyeifo^ent dairy exper,t would be m Ashburton, in order fco consult kfa on dairy matters. I The chairman took clown the ma , e3 of those present w^o w<mJ< j be wim send wiflß to. tbe factory m $ it was found that the number of flows guaranteed in

Ifc waa decided to advertise requesting persons willing to supply milk to forward their names to Mr Doherty, together with the number of cows. The meeting then adjourned.

BRAZIL.

Ria db Janiero, March 15. Admiral De Gama has left the harbor on board a French warship, having been ejected from a Portuguese vessel.

WRECK.

Brisbane!, March 15 The schooner Grace Darling was wrecked at Morton Island during a heavy gale. The crew were saved.

THE MARKETS.

London, March 14. The quantity of wheat and flour afloat for the United Kingdom is 3,292,000 quarters; for the Continent, 864,000. Money is hardening owing to the inoreaaed S? i -Three montnß biUs H Per oenfc» Wool prices unchanged. There have been large withdrawals o* inferior sorts and the Germans are buying freely.

SPORTING.

Mbibourne, March 15. It is understood the V.R.O. Committee will fix the added money for the next Melbourne Cup at 5000 aovs,

Jabez Balfour's Arrest.

THE RESULT OF DIPLOMATIC ACTION,

THE PROCEEDINGS IN LOJSDON*

Amidst the chorus of congratulations which was to be heard in London on the subject of the arrest of Jabez Balfour tha comment was frequently made, "Why was he not caught before V The answer given to this question was, (> Diplomatic difficulties stood in the way ot his extra* dition." Closely concerned in the proceed ings which have led to the present result have been the Bankruptcy Court, the Treasury, the Home Secretary directing the Scotland-yard police, and the Foreign. ; < )ffice. The tacts already known, supple mented by details which are now supplied for the first Lime, make up altogether a singular story. In September, 1892, consequent upon the failure of the London and General Bank in August, the affairs of the Liberator group of companies came under the cognisance of Mr Stewart), the provisional liquidator, and it is be lieved that representations were almost immediately made to the Treasury. The Public prosecutor, however, took no action. In the middle of December, about; the 16th, Balfour disappeared, and no one knew whither he had gone. Oti January 12, 1893, Mr C. J. Stewart, in his capacity of provisional liquidator to the London and General Bank, peti tioned for a receiving order against Balfour, the act of bankruptcy alleged being his departure from the country with intent to defeat and delay the creditors. Balfour was adjudicated bankrupt. His affairs passed into the hands of Mr George Wieford, Beaior Official Receiver fat Bankruptcy, who took possession of the property nt Whitehall Court and Bureote, Oxford, with all books and papers. Up to this stage of the investigation n.» clue could be found to Balfour's whereabouts ; bub a pretty piece of detective work, con ducted noc by the police, but by the Bankruptcy OourS officials, led to the dis covery of the absconding bankrupt's place of hiding. Amongst the documents examined by the Senior Official Receiver was Balfour's cash book, and in it was found an entry ot £500, which sum appeared to have bern drawnoutof his Croydon bank for personal use two days before he Ifclt England. The cheque, it was ascertained, was cashed in five £100 notes. One of these notes was presented at the Bank of England before the attention o? Mr Wreford was drawn to the item; but the Bank authorities were requested to take note of the pre sentation of the remaining four. In the early part of February, 1893, the four £100 notes were tendered for payment, by the agents of an Argentine bank. The numbers corresponded with thenotes which had been given to Balfour by his Croydon bankers ; bub the endorsement was not that of Jabez Balfaur, He had. selected an alia?, but, with a singular wanfc of Ingenuity, had chosen one with Ike* same initials, "J. 8.," and these initiate,, on comparison with the scores ot arigna-' tures in the Senior Official Receivers pos session, left no doubt that Balfour had endorsed the notes. The Argentine bankers had insisted that he should not only endorse the notes but supply his ad* dress, and, curiously enough, Balfour had written upon the notes themselves the correct address in Buenos Ayres. The Senior Official Receiver lost no time in applying to the Registrar for an order to prosecute, under the 12th Section of the Debtors Act, which provides that a debtor absconding with his properly to the amount of £20 and upwards is guilty of felony, punishable with imprisonment, with or without hard labor, nob exceeding two years. Balfonr was charged by the Official Re oeiver with having left the country witle property belonging to his creditors—tW evidence having been obtained. Ihe, order was granted and it was placed in the hands of the Public Prosecutor,, who directed the Official Receiver to. attend at Bow street police court and fey the infor mation, upon which a warrant in the usuaS course was granted, Whilst these pro ceedings were w progress Mr C, J, Stewart, in the liquidation of the Balfeur group of companies,3 assisted by Mr Wheels who is now the liquidator of the Liberator, obtained other evidence, upon which some six or Beven other warrants were granted, for offences alleged to have been committed In contravention of the- Public Companies Act. The necessity of diplomatic actioa waty at once recognised by Lord Roaeberyj. and efforts were made to obtain. Balfour's extradition, but at first wither effect. A month ago a treaty was, signed* but whether it is retrospective in its action, or includes a B&oret clause, as some of the foreign telegrams allege, or whether the arrest has, been made by the British Con sul under the provisions of this treaty at, all, the Foreign Office declines to explp^u, 'n due course the terms of the treatj will fbe published, but for the present* it is. 'contended, the less said about k the better, for ** difficulties mights fee accen tuated by the publication of ike details at this stage." It is laterestjin^ to note that the negotiations for an extradition treaty were begun by L_a»4 Salisbury j but, al though the Argentine Government were willing^ ©wgress refused to ratify the RgratHttenfc. The subject was revived by Lord Roaebery, with special reference, it is understood to the Balfour case, and last year the treaty was duly concluded. There k reason for believing that Bal foi\p's arrest had been,arianged as an act of international courtesy, and that, being so, it is anticipated in some quarters that no delay will arise in handing the prisoner over to. Inspector Tonbridge a month hence It is, however, thought, probable tkafc Balfour will not be permijtfcd to qu Bueaos Ayres until he ha* satisfied his Argentine creditors. Th* Senior Officfa Receiver is taking th.s accessary steps t. protect the interests* of the English cred tors by securi^ sweh aeeeta as jnay & U> Arg^tW, *

THE ASHBUKTOi* GUARDIAN : FBIDAY, MIROH 16, WH



Special Prices for this Month AT (}. J. Neill and Co/s THE CHEAPEST HOUSE W ASHBURIW FOR 1)1-£a.E»JS'ICT, CLOTHING, AND BOOTH. Long Lace C artafns Is 9d par Double Width Dress Gooda 9sd Cretonne 3M Dress Good* 3s lid doz Bouble-bed'White Twill Sheeting 9^d Large Tarkish Towels B|d Urey Calico 2s 3d doz. Women's Ribbed Hose 6d pair Cotton Shirting, very stroag 3jd Double-bed Quilts 3a Ud each teong Ticking s|d Heavy Forfar s|d , CLOTHING. OJLiOTiXiatG-. Boys' Tweed Suits 3a lid Men's Shirts at any price Men'a Tweed Trousers 10s 6d now 6s lid Men's Merino Socks only 6i pair j Men's Colonial Tweed Suits only 19a 6d Men's Ties at half price. ] Men's New Zealand Tweed Suits 393 63 Men's Colonial-knit Woollen Sooks only ! how 29s 6d 9£dpair BOOTS. • BOOT*. ' In Boots we defy competition, all our Boots are made specially to ourjorder. We guarantee every pair to give satisfaction. Women's Elastic-side Bo®ts 8s 6d, now Men's Balmoral Boots 10a 6d, now 7s lid 6s lid Men'a Bluchers 5s Women's Kid Shoes 7s lid, now 5s lid Men's Nailed Shooters 10s 6d, now 8s lid Women's Leather Shoes 7e 6d, now 5s lid Women's Carpet Slippers Is 6d Children's Patent! Leather Shoes and Slippers' in Endless Variety at G. J. NEILL AND COS, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER TERMS CASH.



TINWALD. TO LET—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 Soces for it, and see that you get it.— enry Zander, Wholesale Agent. EALTH TEA. "Delightful," "Wholesome," "Refreshing." All Grocers. Wholegale at Zahder'h. a SHBURTOIS riOUKTY gToCK AND SALEYARDS COMPANY, Looted. THE ANNUAL Ram It Kwc Fair Will be held as usual at the TINWALD f ARDS, ON THURSDAY, MARCH 22, j Commencing at 11 o'clock punctually. ENTRIES OF RAMS must be mad« with the various Auctioneers on or before SATURDAY, March^?. GIG. JAMESON, g 143 Chairman. H"~ EALTH TEA is move economical than ordinary tea. Ifc undergoes » process whereby the injurious ingre dients are eliminated, whilst it midara the release cf thfi better properties of the leaf more easy. Hemiy Zandkr, Autho rised Agent. ______ To Let—A small shop with two room attached, situated in Burnett street T. BULLOCK.



DIPPING will commence at the premises at Tinwald on MONDAY. Mr R B Jeff will superintend the work, thereby ensuring satisfaction to Flock Owners. JOHN G. RESTELL, 3 124 Agent for Coopers Sheep Dip. ~ REWARD™ £10 ASHBURTON SHEEP FARMERS, MUTUAL PROTECTION SOCIETY. A REWARD of £10 is offered by above Society for such information as will secure the conviction of any person found guilty of SHEEP STEALING in the Ashburton County. G. W. LEADLEY, *30 Hon. Sec. SINGING, PIANOFORTE, CLASS SINGING, THEORY, etc. Miss Maliel Bell WILL be at home to pupils at Gates School of Music, each WEDNES DAY, from 1 p.m to 4.30 p.m. 2 152 , DOLLAR CIGARETTBS-3d per packe j HEALTH TfiA is free from the ' tannin so prevalent in other teas. | I It is recommended by the Medical Faculty in the United Kingdom and Australia. All Grocers keep it. FORISALE OR TO LET. 440 AORES :440 Near Dromore Railway Station, mostly in English Grasses and well watered. For further particulars apply to T. BULLOCK. THAT which brings most light and hope to poorest homes h Titan Soap. 11 163 "THE REASON WHY CRAIGHEAD AND BERRYMAN a RE the Lea-ling Tailors and Outfitters i:*- in. Ashbnrton— BECAUSE They keep the Larsrest Stock of Fashionable Tailor ing Good?. BECAUSE They employ the Largest Number of First Class T ilors. BECAUSE They So the Largest Tailor ing BuHiuesß. BECAUSE They pive Lhe Bosb Value, Fit. and Workmanship j BECAUSE Their Motto is- j gjf- Satisfaction. CRAIGHEAD f THE LS \DING TAILORS AND OUT FITTERS, ASHBURTON



NEW ZEALAKB nothing 1 Factory. fl^O looking about f<« » good X Waterproof Co:iS for tho Winter. CALL AT TFIB FACTORY EAST STREET, SELECT YOUR OWN PAT fEftN. OVER WO TO CHOOSE FROM. JSo psrished gooda iti stock. All sewn seanw. Waterproof Coats with Cape Waterproof Coab MacforUue Waterproof Fisbino; Oatiic Waterproof Shooting Cape Waterproof Wad«rs Waterproof Riding Aprons Waterproof Potichoa Waterproof Bbycle Capes. SPECIAL SPECIAL. SPECIAL LADIES' W ATP BPROOFS LADIES WATERPROOFS LADIES' WATERPROOFS MADK TO MEASURE. HEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY WATERPROOF MANFACTURBRS. ALKX. HEN DRY, Manager.



CLEAKING SALE. , DAVIS"^ROS» CABINET-MAKERS, Havelock Stkeet, A EE GIVING UP BUSINESS, and lo olear their large Stock of Durable Furnitttro are selling at GREAT BIIiDOCTIONS FOR CASH. DAVIS BROS., ]Next Courthouse, Havelock'^Sfcreet. ALSO, FOR SALF, CHEAP,— IScw Elfiht-rooraed House, Havelock Street. _ 3 H8 There ar imitations of Eucalypti" Kvtract in the market now, j.ro-i«ct« (if s mjilo rtiptillatiwi fonniriK me r-simm" oils Ih order that th»se crime nils m-'.vnotbctvk»n,Oi7ii Purk Voi-atii.e Rucai.ypti F.x'tbact, whio h is recorjnised by tlie medical riiviflion of ihe Prussian Government to be of per fectly pure origin, rs their information forwarded to us t'lirough the Consul 8t Melbourne, MarcTi 2, 1878 t'lM^o'ved by tests by t!'e Medlca! <:liMCo<tf Itho Uuivirsities (it Boun and Grietswul', Prussia- «;d n portel by Ur Schu'z, Profe*eorof Pannacriioyy. at i Po?- ami Pro fe«»<ir Dr Jloslcr, Director of the [ iwert.'oul Clinic at Greifewald, that only product" that i.n hu,Hi*atcd with oxygen ai.d freed of ands, resinous niiii oilici adherent to primary distillation, will (Icveloiie %! :.anative qualities proper to the plant n< rordinc to tticso minorities, and according to Pro ictisor nr Liter of tofigUud. and to Drs Bauer, JVWntirc, Wood, Hazard, ty., of America, is the only ,>*tract corresponding to foientitj<s.ies<a._and the only 4 iw which possesses the proper thera^tutwsal-ie. Pajmws* & Son's Eucalypti jEx^bact, All other or*tln oils arc to ba classed among the tt,rpr-«l.ir«, i *'Wi* *n-VP,when used as medicine, no e-m«»-cf-| articJe^ are usM |or .n^cfc^ical pur po-:esiirfio^dfb-fii-rnjb3e.:-- /«rt,i^,-.„.. S I By theii- (tenntenqr In pungent ockrf (Weji,* pr. duut, tricoiiifg»w>rw i'iwftiypfa KxtraO^ «e ---velopes most freely thro«tfk fits nin-nMV^ of oxygen) •2 By their alcoholic thin ftsd «m*J>o appearance, being reciK'fd in specific density *teQ«gb we prose -co of aefde :j liy their tii-lc, the re ult of the contracting tea dency of ro im and toinate. 3. If these erode oils, so called eucalypti extracts tire aM^Kil b X mistake in cases of croup, bronchitis, diph ■tVw. internal iufammations, dysentery, wounds, the (vi»o(iV'q?i<£tt- "J'B BPP:'llilJg *'or s lfe v alwnys ask for SAKthHW ay-'D KXTf'ACT .md get life ,otid. .welMeietep -ai.'l (i,'4;;;,ble prepa'atioc—Sand '■■**#,. f ;iot(iria, Aw-tniiia.



F 0 R WEDDING PRESENTS, BIRTHDAY PRESENTS, AND PRESENTATIONS, "D&Y a Vkit; to the Jewifery Establish- Jl ment of 8. Salek, WATCHMAKER *«d JEWELLjBR. Whsteis tn be peen the Lal^RbJ. and FINEST PTOCK in the DiMricb of— SILVER AND bILVER-PLAT.E WAKE, GOLD AND SILVER JEWELLERY, and Otto? P«SWWJI^BS GOODS Suit- \ ablelor pirSSEITB AT LOWEST eitWm Watch. Clock r^wellevj/ &&**&& j SPECIALTY j .SPECTACLES to suit all Sights-



'Wanted] IF your mind is troubled : nothing else -*- will give the troubles so thoroughly away as Health Tea. Try it.— Henry Zander, Wholesale Agent. WANTED Known—Entries close for Amateur Cyc'ing Club's Easter Monday MeetingTo-morrowniijht (Friday, Ifith* at nine p.m.—W. (}, Murray, Hon, Sec. 3 130 VIT ANTED Known—l am selling * * splendid Kidney Potatoes, guaran tsed good. Any quantity, 4a 6d sack — W. G. Pbabcb. Allenton. 3 109 jjpRED. S. JE*FftIES, Manufaotur- Jj ing Confectioner, has opened a [ Shop in East street, next " The Corner,' for sale of all kinds of superior Con fectionery, Nothing inferior sold. No cheap cigarettes. 3§114 rTAVING tried Health Tea and JLJI found it Al, I sell it.—J. Thomas, Produce Dealer, Havelock atreet. 3 104 WANISD Known—Tomatoea, good ripe Grapes, Plums, Apples, ate, at Mabsdens Fruit Shop, below Mitchell and Turner's. 2J.09 OYSTERS and Fresh Fish of all sorts arrive evening per express at Deep Sea Fishing Oo.'s Shop, Burnett street Ashburton. 2 62 1 BUY and Sell for Cash, therefore I Sell Oafc Sheaf from Is 3d per sack or £2 2s 6i per ton. J. Thomas, Havelock street. /""I REAT Clearing Sale of Drapery, \JT Boots, Clothing, etc., at Meiford House, from 20th February to 20th March, —H. O. Segers. ANTED Known—The~Conier~iß showing a magnificent New cStock of Drapery and Clothing.~W, H. Colliee. J THIRST-CLASS Drapery, Boots, Cloth J ing, etc., to be sold cheap at Segers Sale, from February 20 to March 20,— Meiford House, WANTED Known—To make room for Spring Boots I will give ten per cent foe cash. Repairs dene at once cheaper than evei to stay b*d times over at J. Moison's, Premier Bootmaker. BANG-! Bang! Bnug'l My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley'e, Kynock's and, Cluo Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hardlky's, Gun Emporium. WANTED Known.—No reasonable offer will be refused for the balance of our Summer Dresses, Millinery, and Mantles.—Mhosell and Turner.



WANTED Known— Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optical me at S. Salek's, Optician. \ 1 RANTED Known—W. H. Collier ; VV noted fonr-clasp Kid Gloves, 2s 6d, have ju3t arrived in a'l sizes. /IHOICE Ornaments, Folding Screen^ \J Own make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing. Aprons, «nd Pinafores.— Mrs A morn, Saqnders' BuildingH. OUNS ! Guns ! Guns ! My new stock _," of Guns just to hand direct from the manufacturers. Doublo and Smglp Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In ppeotion invitod. No old stock to select from at J. VV. Hardley's Sporting Repository. grumble about the price of V•' Bread and Meat when you cm get 50;b best Roller F our for 4s 6J and good Frosh Butter at 6d per 1b at R Aloorn's sale Saunders Buitdinsrs. 3 116 ~!VT~O more indigestion ; no more nervous -^ ness frnm indulging in too much tea drinKing, for those who drink " Health Tea." One trial will convince you.— Henry Zander, Authorised Agent! i |ON'T miss our Great Sale. For one -*-' month only, from 20th February to 20th March. Drapery, Clothin?, Boots, etc.— H. C. Skgers, Melfori House. /^ OOD afternoon, Mrs Smith. Not ' T feeling; well '(■ Have a cup of Health Tea ! Nothing so invigorating and strengthening ! My word, Mrs Brown, this is sfmpiy lovely ! Whole tale and retail at Zanbtcr'k. BOYS' three garment long trouser Suits fir 10 . Men's Colonial made nailed Shooter Boots at 7s 61 per pair at U. alcorn'm sale, Anhburton Clothing Mart, launders' Buildings. 1 115 WANTED Known. —To Harvesters —Dungaree Jackets and Overalls, Harvest Hats and Shirts and Suits of aIJ kit.dfl, at prices to meet the times.— Mitchell & Turnek. WANTED, Everybody to use Titan Soap, greatest marvel of the age. fl. Zander, Sole Agent. 11 181 X'VON'T Forget to send your Bicycles JLy along to the Old Kindergarten to i be repaired, afc moderate races. IF you want first-class fruit go to Ada.ms for Fiji, Tahiti, Auckland and Sydney Oranges, Citrons, Lemons, etc. CI7 ANTED Known - Our Oheap ** Slippers are selling in dozens. Children's from la, women's Is 9J. Buy ono pur and you will l»uy t ißoie,-- MITCIKLL AND 'I URNEK,



11/tEDIOAL Coils made pnd repaired *-'-*- on tho short pisd noiice at easy prices at A. J, Walker's, Old Kinder garten. WANTED Known — That A. J. Walker repairs Bicycles, Sewing Machines, Lawn Mowers, Medical Coils, and all descriptions of lighc machinery. MRS ALCORN has on sale for the Holidays a varied assortment of Toys, Dolls, Prams, Fancy Goods, and Christmas Presents—Saunders Buildings. MR John Maesdek, of the Railway Bookstall, has opened a Book and Stationer's Shop two doora below Mitchell and Turner. Books and Stationery at the lowest possible prices. Books clean, .complete, and in aood order will be taken in exchange. Circulating library. JT ASTER Cards, ans BooMqto, Fire Screens Picture, Glass Ornaments, Christmas Cards, Cricket; and Lawn Tennis Material, Photo Albums, and Frames, and hundreds of other articles aro to be sold at a great sacrifice for Cash during this month only at L. F. ANpKBWES & Co, Stationers' Hall. Vfu iTCJi! $ ""Notice ! " Wpnrt for"'alL LN Guns let out on hire or sold on tim? paym<-nta. H&vin« a professional | Gunsmith on ,the premises, I undertake to ! rapjji/.' G,uns ot any descripticn. Gun ! fittings in st/^ck. Prices low.—J. W. Ha^iMßY, Iro^.nogff^r, etc. "THE BEST "TEA" fn CATSITiSHBPR* for lho fl^ouey, a/id free irom ail? «JK»SfiS of- asWngemy,



DON'T wash yourself. Titan Soap does the worjj. No rubbing. N