TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Pitch.—We cannot take any more letters on the subject. Mr Goldfinch's letter it followed by one from the other side could only be simply contradicted on one or two points, and Free La ace's letter has already done that. We have no space for a "You're another " sort of correspond ence. By the way, we understand the Barber's heading to ha*e reference to " pitching yarns " on the tar (pitch) pavement after shop hours and not to a cricket field, the site of a tent, or the stand of a street hepgar, all of which are also called " pitches."

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1894. VILLAGE HOMESTEADS.

The report of Mr J. E. March the Superintendent of Settlements, is in teresting reading. The village settle ment system has been m operation for several years. It has not, perhaps, fulfilled all the expectations of its original promoters, but the prospects of success that it continues to hold out are very encouraging. As is well known to all who have noted the rise and progress of the system, the idea was to set aside blocks of Jand m different parts ef the colony, m each of which there should be a village divided into sections not exceeding one acre, and homestead allotments not exceeding a hundred acres. Regula tions issued from time to time by the Governor-in-Council laid down the terms and conditions, but the allot ments under the Land Act of 1892, are only to be offered on the lease m per petuity principle. Authority is given to the Colonial Treasurer to advance money to the settlers to enable them to work their land profitably. When the settlements wflre placed under the care of Mr J. E. March, a gentleman was •-*ved m him with an experience e*l- r. "k trom the old provincial dating bau. - . t» rovillcial Govern days, as under the - • - mainly ment of Canterbury he had beeu ■ instrumental m founding special settle ments which have been very useful. Mr March's report is to the end of March last, and from it we glean some particulars, which will be read with some interest. The number of village homestead settlements which have been established is 120—87 m the North and 83 m the Fouih Island. The number of original selectors was 1519, of whom 933 are now remaining. There are at present 1157 selectors, of whom 769 are resident. Those non resident are mostly new selectors, and the time allowed for residing on their sections haa not expired. During 1893-94 35 new settlements were formed, chiefly m the Sbuth Island ; 293 selectors took up sections and allotments representing m the aggre gate 5530 acres—an average of 19 acres to each. The annual rents amount to £1274—an average of 4s 7d per acre. The total area originally taken up was 40,544 acres, and of this 27.314 acres are still occupied or available under the system^ the balance having been otherwise disposed of. The average area occupied by each settler is 23J acres, and the total area laid down m pasture or cultivated is 11,979 acres. The amount advanced to settlers for dwelling-houses, bush felling, etc., from the commencement of the system to the 31st March last was £25,318 5s lid, of which £20,047 3s 9d was m the North Island, where the system has notably been a failure. In 1893 ---94 only £634 10s was advanced on the whole, which indicates that a better class of selectors is coming forward. The total annual rents, including in terest on advances, amount to £3753, equal to 2s 9d per acre. The amount received for last year was £2881, but on a considerable area of the land taken up only six months' rent was pay able. The total amount received for rent and interest from the commence ment of the system to March 31 was £13,403 19s 7d, and the arrears amounted to £2212 17s. The value of improvements on the land is esti mated »t X 70.00 Mr March oh-

serves that "by referring to the re turns of last year it, will be seen that considerable progress has been made this year (1893-94) under this system of land settlement. It is also satisfac tory fo note that, while the receipts i are greater, the arrears are less." Mr March quotes freely from the reports of the Crown lands rangers m the several provincial districts, m all of which the settlements appear to be working satisfactorily. "The regula tions are well complied with, and the settlers are fairly punctual m the pay ment of their rents." In many cases the holdings are so small that they do not admit of further improvement; and m the case of many of the larger areas the land is of poor quality, and the process of improvement is natur ally slow. General complaint, he says, is made that the holdings are too 1 small. uln future it would be well if holdings of this nature were made large enough to carry six milch cows I the year round." Generally speaking, he reports, settlers and their families have comfortable surroundings Fifty six of the holdings are occupied by families with a total population of 338 souls —-an average of six persons to each holding. Mr March, m conclu ifon, declares that he thinks it un necessary to lengthen his report by any remarks of his own. He feels, he says, strongly convinced that the viilage settlement scheme is the trua remedy for meeting the difficulty which ever and again arises m the colony by men being out of employment. "It is true that the area of land allowed under the regulations may nob be sufficient to support them and their families "; but he affirms that this was never the intention, the idea being that men need never be idle, nor com plain that they have no work to do. The design of the system was that working men, m the possible intervals of active employment, might devote their spare time to their holdings. He urges upon the Minister that the system should be encouraged and extended to the utmost. This can be done by amending the regulations, since the terms of the statute are sufficiently liberal. It is absolutely essential, however, he insists, that good land should be set aside for settle ments, and assistance granted towards the erection of dwellings.

Recently m the House of Lords the Earl of Eosse called attention to a letter from M. Pasteur, and asked whether dogs, they were of opinion that it was not desirable to confer upon a Government department powers for ordering the muzzling of dogs which were at present vested m the local authorities, with the view of stamping out canine rabies; and whether Che simultaneous mnzsling of degs throughout the Kingdom did not appear likely to be the most effec tual as well »s, m the end, the simplest mode for effecting that object. Lord Ribblesdale said that tha returns of the Bowl of Agriculture justified the noble lord m bringing forward this suject. He found that whereas m 1889 there were 312 cases of ascertained rabies, m 1891 2 the figorai fell considerably. In 1890 there were 129 ca-es. m 1891 there wera seventy-ninf-, and m 1892 <ha number fell to thirty-eight. In 1893 the figures went #p again to ninety-three, and m the \twenty seven weeks ending July 7, 1894, , jjthere were 101 cases reported. Under ihe third section of the Board of Agricul ture Act of 1889, powers were given to the locsl authorities to regulate the muz zling of dogs, as well a* their pe'ssure, deren'ion, and disposal. In the la<t six and a half years ending m Junp, out of 901 cases of ascertained rabies, 669, or 84 j per cent, of the whole, occurred m eight counties of England. The Board of Agri culture did not consider they would be justified m entering upon so large and dubions an enterprise as that of simul taneously moswUngall the c^ogs m question, nor did they think that any new legis lation was necessary.

The Nelson Evening Star, a newly-estab lished daily paper m Nelson, has the following :—The uninlti ferocious ated public m writing to .lOUENALISM. newspapers, frequentlyin elude remarks defamatory to individuals, and when these are ex cised by tbe editorial staff, not) a little grumbling takes place, and the newspaper is characterised as a weak kneed concern, afraid of losing custom, by giving offence to residents m a more or less influential position. These uncharitable comments on journalistic practice, arise from readers of newspapers confounding the application of newspaper comment to (1) the public aijdl (2) the private position of persons alluded to. Screeching articles of a very abusive nature arerei»d m outside journals, "■* on the rejection of a communication, *'*- ' ~—* is afc once instituted, &nd the a compariKu.. a,» fc tJje j ogsl paper conclusion is come to .... m less outspoken than the press v. <.u+ There are those experienced m n._ msnigement of newspapers who believe that the public should be regaled on strong stuff, and issue after issue the ex citement is kept np by every variety of aggression and attack, until ingenuity m denunciation is well nigh exhausted. It is a policy of Irresponsible ripping up ; to pull down and destroy is the motto, and there is no attempt made at sugsestins; a remedy for the faults assailed, much less vj? conscientious effort to confirm the substance of the criticisms offered. To be always on the attack, and to dsstroy without suggesting any better course of public polity than the existing one, is the creed of ore class of journalism, which caters for excitement, and by unprincipled tactics works up a reputation for fear lessness. But readers who condemn a newspaper because it does not reach this standard of ferocity m its remarks, should remember that m nearly every case it is public men and pubic institu tions which are so ruthlessly dealt with, m high sounding phrases. In dealing with persons m their private capacity, great care is necessary, as there are j questions of privilege ; and defamation j can be sheeted home on the frailest issue, j There are journalists such hs Mr Labou chere who succeed m exactly the opposite way >o " che greater the truth the greater the libel," but m their case journalism is reduced to police detetion, and when a swindle or a fraud is exposed, and those censured retaliate with a libel action, such a damnatory flood of evidence is available against them, that the libel cause sinks into insignificance m the astonishing criminal developments elucidated.

Hglloway's Pills.—Changes of tempera ture and weather frequently upset persons %ho ace careful of their health, and particu lar m their diet. These eorrectiv*, purify ing, and gentle aperient pills are the best remedy for all defective action of the digestive organs They augment the appetite, strengthen the stomach, correct biliousness, and carry off all that is noxious from the system. JJColloway's Pills are composed of rare balsams, unmixed with baser matter, and on that account g,rci peculiarly adapted for the young, delicate,' and aged. Ab this peerless medicine haa gained fame m ths past, so it will preserve it m the future by its renovating and invigorating qualities, and the impossibility ; f its doing hi\rm» I

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Interesting reading matter will be j found on the fourth page. A bomb was found m the London Law Courts. It was not charged, and was therefore harmless. Sb Stephen's Charch annual Garden Party will be held Jn the Parsonage grounds on Wednesday, December 12. The drawing for the'lndusfcml Building Society's ninth appropriation of £300 took place lasc night. Mr Thomas Toppin was the successful shareholder. A transit of Mercury took place on Sunday, the passage of the planet across the sun's disc beingvisible from a little after sunrise until 20 minutes past 9 a.m. Severe fighting has taken place between the Germans and the Waihele tribe m East Africa. Several officers have been killed. Prince Hohenlohe and the Italian Premier have arranged a meeting to discuss the Russian situation. Nothing (says an exchange) mere forci bly illustrates the extent of Melbourne's depression than the presence of a book maker's bag, name and all, m a pawnshop window. A converted policeman is at present m the ranks of the Salvation Army at Napier. He is giving personal reminiscences of police life, much to the annoyance of his late fellow ' cops.' It is reported that the Czar Nicholas has announced his intention of taking the Poles into favor, permitting their employ ment on the railways, and the acquisition by them of land m Lithuania. A general meeting of the Ashbuiton Cricket Club, for the transaction of important business is callad for 8 p m. on Thursday next at the County Council Chambers. The New Zealand Bible Society will will open a temporary depot m Ash burton, to-morrow, for the sale of their books and other stock—an excellent opportunity for promoters of Sunday schools and teachers. About six o'clock on Monday evening a five-roomed house at the Styx, owned and occupied by Mr John Pearson, was destroyed by fire, The house was insured m the Standard Office for £150, and the furniture m the New Zealand Office for £100. Oat of the 117 mail bags Bbipped by the Wairarapa at Sydney 100 have been recovered. It is believed that all letters have been recovered and delivered. Many of the newspapers and other packets are much damaged and without addresses, and are now m Auckland. Application for missing packets will be duly attended to. Shortly before two o'clock on Tuesday morning a small building m Manchester street, Christchurch, was destroyed by fire. The building was uaed by Mr Crook as a storeroom for lantern-slides, photo graphic apparatus, etc. The contents were very valuable, and Me Orook esti mates his loss at about £1000. There is an insurance, but the amount is small. The London correspondent of the New Zealand Times says :— Among the many novelties at the Royal Aquarium, West minster, are six fresh New Zaaland trout, caught by Mr Shury, of Ash burton, Can terbury, oa December 13 and 18 last year. They vary m weight from 41b to 101 b each. They were consigned m a frozen condition by Mr Shury to Mr Bain bridge, of Windsor, by whom they were presented to the aquarium. The curtains m one of the rooms over the North Dunedin btanch of the Bank of New Z -aland, which are occupied by Mr G. O Israel, caught fire at half-past sevon on Saturday evening. The flames spread over the window rapidly, and looked very dangerous, but Mr Israel and one or two young men, who had run to give assis tance, beat the fire out with clothes arid pillows just as the first bucket of water was handed up. The population of the colony (exclusive of Maoris) on 30th {September lasn is estimated at 360,830 males and 319,767 females. The births during the September quarter were 2431 males and 2280 females, and the deaths 1079 males and 864 females. The arrivals for the quarter were 2921 males and 1471 females, and the de partures 3701 males and 1448 females, showing an increase of European popula tion of 2011 for the quarter, bat an excess of departures over arrivals of 757. Parents whose children attend school at intermittent periods might find it useful to paste tha following m their hats for reference:— * When aay child required by this Act to attead a public school has been enrolled m a register of a public school, and being m good health, does not attend afa least six times m any week m the course of which the school is open nine times, the parent of scch child shall be liable to a penalty of 2s for every such week m which such child shall have attended less than six times; provided that proceedings for the recovery of any penalty incurred by reason of insufficient attendance during any part of any month cannot be instituted except during that mqnth or during the next following mqnth.'

The huge fortune of the late Mr Hugh M'Oalmont, which for seven years has been accumulating at compound interest, ia about to pass into the sols control of the heir 7" H*ri7 LesUe Blandell M'Calmok the we^WW} owner of Isinglass. The amount is believd to be notmuch, flat all, less than £4,000,000 sterling, and the bulk of this enormous sum was accumulated by the testator whilst $ member of the once prominent firmGfM'oalG*on£Bro'.hers, Iha^ firm, together with Messrs J?eabody and Co., were the pione.ers m introducing Ajjijer jean railroad Becurities upon the London market, and they wers for many years very closely connected with that now iiope'essly bankrupt company—the Phila delphia awd Reading. Rumor has it that the amount to winch Mr M '.Calmcnt will succeed is greater than fchat aifc^he absolute disposal of any other single person £n this, country, and this Is not improbable. Of course (aays the Westminster) larger * mounts are owned by some of the great city .magiwt#S, but probably m most cases their wealth is i»ot entirely unfettered ; it is either aub|ect to heavy charge?, or else ia invested m business from which it could not easily be disen^ gaged. For sGfi&e time past the Agricutural Department jias b^jen devoting attention to tihe introduction .ol the humble bee into New South Vales from New j^aaland, where jt has been successfully acclima tised $.fter &?uch trouble and expense. The value of ih® humble bee (says a Sydney paper) lies ia fche fact that it is the only insect which readily fertilises red clover and enables ib to Peed freely. The result of the introduction of the humble bee into New Zealand is that red clover ha 3 been made permanent, and that locally-grown seed can readily be obtained. The New South Wales Depart ment has up to date imported about 100 bumbla beas, but so far without any njtarfced success In view, however, of the Importance of the matter, it ts proposed to continuo its experiments, and the New Zealand Agricultural Department is pre senting the New South wajes Department ( with a further consignment of humble | bees. These aie being sent to a gentleman j y/ho has a large area under red clover, and it is hoped that this effort to acclimatise the insec.t mgy b. c ijior.e successful than previous ones. , DOZLdB OIQABZTTBS 3d per fwwfot

THE WAIRARAPA DISASTER.

Sydney, November 13 The Shipwrecks Society have cabled , to the Mayor of Auckland, expressing sympathy with the endeavor to relieve the sufferers by the Wairarapa. They have intimated that the society will re- 1? lieve all the Nevr South Wales pas-1 sengers and relatives of the seamen. I

Auckland, November 13 | The Union Company have received from the Sydney office a list of passengers who lefb Sydney by the Wairarapa, about ag correct as ib is possible fco make it. The following is the list of the lost:—Saloon — Mr and Mrs Hill, and Mr and Mra W. Scoullar, Mra Levesque, Mrs fcskews and three children, Mr and Mrs West and two children, Mrs Baldwin and child, Mrs Brown and two children, Mrs H. Hollis, Mrs Fyfe, Mrs Manderaoa, Mrs Ray ward and two infants, Mrs Rhodes and infant, Mrs Ryan, Mrs Smith, Mrs M. Smith, Mrs Stewart, Mrs Waterhouse and child, Misses Arkle, Scoullar (2), Barton, Flayell, Glen, Knight. Rowbotham, Head, Sulli van, Williams, Messrs 1. Bray, J. Bowker, Chick, S. Dunckley, D. Dry borough, Hoheke, A. Kelly, McKinnon, L. Ranting, Warry, T. Spencer, J. C. White. F, 0. White, Whaley, J. Talbot, A. Mills, Rev S. Mclvor. Steerage : - Lost—Mr and Mrs T. Bubler, Mr and Mrs Courtney and infant, Mrs Vorback, te. Martin, Rosemergy, J. Tucksworth, Miss A. M. Pitcher, Messrs J. Beregar, G, Bird, F. Brotnwell, J. Bailey. George Brewn, J. Clark, M. Dickson, T Davis, J. Donovan, A. Gordon, Heavy, T. Hastie, T. 0. Howland. W. Johnstone, G. Lyonj J. L. Mackay, James Melicie, W Manderson, J. McKenzie, D. McMillan, W. H. Sinclair, W. Stanley, F. Veneke, Mr and Mrs Orowther and child, Misses Rosemergy and T. F, Nichols, Chang Wang, and Wong Chan Toe. Some China men, John Cree and John Dean, were said to be aboard by the fore-cabin steward, but their names are not m the Sydney and Melbourne Hats. In all 100 passengers. The looal Manager of the Union Com pany has received the list of passengers by the Wairarapa from Sydney and Mel bourne. The list now made oub from these, and frcm information from the ship's officers and the survivors is aa nearly accurate as is possible to make it. The following are the alterations m the previously published lists:—Saved: saloon —H. F. Chamberlain and S. Hardy; steerage—D. M. Roberts, Sow Wai and Wong Fim (Chinamen). Additional lost: steerage—Mr and Mrs Crowthers and child, Misses Rosmergy andl T. F. Nichols, Chans; Wang, Wong Chang. THE INQUIRY. Dr Harris m his evidence stated that he was on the raffc with one sailor belonging to the Wairarapa. * A life-boat took off the sailor. They ha# no desire to take him (Harris) on board, but he insisted upon it. So far as his knowledge went the crew were quite prepared to defend themselves m any possible way to the exclusion of the nassengers. He thought that the pro portion of crew to passengers saved would corroborate tha same statement, Dr Harris highly praised the conduct of the stewards aid stewardesses. Joseph L. Clarke, the second officer, said that he did not think that the new composition with which the steamer's bottom was greised increased her speed, He took one observation on the east by north course and found no deviation m the compasses. He hod no fnrcher oppor tunity of taking observations The cap fain never consulted the officers as to the ship's course. T'e came on the bridge at midnight relishing the third officer. The loi( showed 145 miles run from the time I the course was altered near the North Cape. The nisrht was thick. He could see nothing. The vessel was still going full speed. He said to the captain " Yau have no business to o;o ahead like this. You ought to s!< w her and turn her round." The captain rpplied "Go to the other side of the deck, look oub for the Mokohinau lighb and turn the venti lators " Witness went there. The look out roared oat "breakers ahead," and simultaneously the ship »truck. _ "Witness previously had a conversation with John ston, and said, "W e ought to be some where about the H?n now." The captain said, "What nonsense." That was all. The first thing the captain said was " Get the boats out" to him as a general order. He passed the order on and went to his scation. The course marked on the ohart m Court left some thirteen miles un accounted for. He believed this was to b<= explained by a|strong westerly current Ke thought that the captain continued Hie E.S. -| F,. course to give the Pnor Knighfcs a good berth. According to the log they should have b9en abreast the Poor Knights afc between 9 »nd 10 p.m. The captain did not ran much too far, but waa carried 13 to 15 miles oat of his course by a current. Had the steamer slowed down wh«n the fog came on at 6 pm. thab would have avoided the casualty.

Mr A. Gillies, of ttampden, mentions to rhe Oamaru Mail that an ex-fireman of the Wairarapa, resident of thab district, ad vaices, as an explanation of the vessel's being so far out of her track, the state ment that tfye Wairarapa "vyould make an pxtra half knot an fyour m a head sea. He said that it was well known to the fire men that she could and did make 14 knots regularly m a head sea, when only sup? posed to be going 13 or 13J knots. Mr Robert Macquaid, of George street, Dunedin, writes to the Ofa?o Bail?/ Times: — " Sir, —In yoar issue of this morning appears a letter from 'Sym pathy ' suggesting that a testimonial be presented to my wife and myself. Will you kindly give me space to say that whilst we fully appreciate the motives that prompted ' Sympathy s' action, and gjcateffilfy thank your correspondent for the kmoinea;? manifested, we feel that we would rather not be so singled out, inas much as there were no doubfc many others besides our dear daughter who did their duty nobly and bravely In the awful cahmity that has bereft us of our beloved child. We also try to remember that thef? are others besides ourselves bereaved of their dearest, a*}d who are m dire dis I tress. I should like to add that the kind ness disDlayeii by your correspondent is m keeping with the almost numberless messages of condolence and sympathy we have received from all parts of the colony, sfis for which we jiow tender our heartfelt thanks/

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold <rjrseives responsible tor tlifl opinions expressed by our correspondents.)

WATER RACES.

TO THE EjtylTOE. Sik, —I notice m your report of the last Oounty (Council meeting that it was stated I was making use of the water from the water race. So far as 1 am concerned, the i water is of no use to me, nor to anyone else m the locality for that matter, exeppt Mr W. Jamieeon. In my opinion the race is not wanted there at all —1 am, etc.. Samuel Brown, j

THE GALE.

The shelter shed at Buccleuch railway station, half way between Springburn and Mount Somers "disappearedj no vestige of it being visible from the platform.

From Our Al£ord Forest Correspondent On Monday evening a wonderful close* ness m the air told of something like the approach of a hurricane. Flashes of lightning, accompanied by the roar of terrific thunder, shook the ground at the I foot of the hills like an earthquake ; m 1 faco people scarcely knew what was coming. Barometers fell alarmingly until 6 o'clock, when the heaviest wind storm ever known caused every house to shake. About 7.30 the roof went off Mr A. W. Smith's house, the fire scattered through the pHee, and the house was completely destroyed though all help was freely rendered : in sured for £50 m the New Zealand Office. The roof was taken from Mr Michaal Fagan's house on the South side. Bush side school suffered also to some extent. The list of complaints from losses by the wind is a long one. About 9 o'clock the rain fell heavily, quietening down the heaviest gusts. Towards midnight rolls of thunder like heavy artillery startled the sleepers ; tuwards Tuesday morning things had resumed their usual quiet tone. At thb back of the hills, judging from the sounds, they must have had it worse than at the foot of the hills. By Tuesday night's heavy hail, fruit trees ! were greatly damaged.

Oar correspondent at Alford Station writes : — the hurricane that cams down on the plains at sunset on Monday with such disastrous results was anticipated only a short time before by the rapid fall of the mercury m the barometer, and a rambling noise among the hills* About eight p.m. the clouds of soil and shingle were sufficient evidence that the paddocks worked m spring were losing grain and young grasses as well as the soil, i Paddocks which gave promise of good crops of oats are to-day devoid of any sign of vegetation. Trees are prostrated by the thousand ; a great number of the handsome trees that surround Alford Houae are either torn up by the roots or broken off—the stately Lombardy poplars suffering most m the latter respect. The stand which carried the thermometers was blown away, and the costly instru ments broken* These cannot be replaced until a fresh set arrives from London. I hear of one settler's house having been burnt to the ground, his wife and family of young children homeless on one of the most dreadful nights experienced m the Alford and Monnt Somers district;. The sum of the disasters will be beyond precedent, judging by what we see around us here. Sain came down m torrents towards midnight. The day had been all thafc could be desired for shearing, which ia still progressing. The storm, however, is not yet spent—November 13.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Timaktj, November 14 A strong north-west gale on Tuesday afc Burkes Pass unroofed a house and flattened Sibbald's woolshed. Some men were sheltering m the latter, and one named Bhckwood was jammed by the falling roaf and considerably hurt.

CRICKET.

ENGLAND v. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Adelaide, November 12 The South Australian eleven made 383— Ciffen 64, Darling 117., Jarvis 35, Dyer 23, Hill 20. Blinman, not out, 19, Jones 0. The Euglishmen, ia the seiond innings lost one wicket for 16 ; Ward 11. Adelaide, November 13 " The Englishmen ia their second innings only made 130. Briggs 5, Stoddarfc 9, Brockwell 1, Peel 15, Brown 20, Gay 28, Lockwood 14, Humphreys 4, Ford .16, Richardson not out 2. Extras 2. Jones took one wicket for 42, Giffen 6 for 49, Jarvis 3 for 38. South Australia m their secend innings have lost 3 wickets for 164. Lyoas 32, Reedman, not out 76, G. Giffen, not out 42, A. Jarvas 7, W. Giffea 5. They only ' require 81 more to win. Adelaide, November 14. The fielding of ihe Focal team was brilliant. George Giffen took three wicket? m seeen overs for three runs, while Jarvis at the wickets did not allow a single extra.

COMMERCIAL.

London, November 12 Kauri timber is quoted at 2s 6d to 4s 6d. The present stock is 45,000 feet November 13. Mr Weddel'a circular states that the supplies of American meat are decreasing, and the stocks of coarser qualities are almost finished, while those of fine sorts are reduced. The provincial demand for Australian meat has improved. s Wheat has risen 6d to la per quarter during the week.

DISTRICT COURT.

ASHBUETON—WEDNESDAY.

(Before His Honor Judge Ward). Is Bastkroptcv.—ifc J. G. Restell.—The application of J. 6, Restell for discharge was farther adjourned, as was also an appli oation to sit aside a sale made by Restell to the N. Z. ltoa.n and Mercantile Co. He Thomas Dwyer and Frederick Parkin, —r Applications for disoharge granted. Mr Ciuthbertson for applicants. JRe John Johnston.—Application for dis charge. Mr Qut-hberteon for applicant. —Mr Parnell for Joseph Robinson and for the Official Assignee, to oppose the applica tion. The bankrupt, examined by Mr Purnell, stated that he had commenced contracting on His own account about four years ago. Had no capital to start with. Two years late/ he held a clearing sale, and with the proceeds paid most of his creditors. He then made a fresh start and con tinued business unt'l he filed his schedule recently.—John Davison, Official Assignee, stated that he had examined the bankrupt and had pointed out to him thtefc prior to • his bankruptcy h,e had received large si^ms of money from Todhunter ajid Dowdjng, which had not beep accounted for m the expenditure. These had not been satisfactorily accounted for sincse.—Mr Purnell based his opposition on the fact th^t £90 rece,iyed m cash m the six months immediately prfyr to the bankruptcy watt uh'aoaounted for.—Mr Cuthber.fson admitted; that the books had noc been kept as satis-, factotily as "they might have "been, bu^ h,e confended tl^at it was quite reasonable that £90 might have, been consumed m the t^me meutioned by the living expenses and the many incidental expenses of a contractor, Jfia Efcmoi? oonsidored that though it w«8 quite possible the £8(| had been properly ex pended, £he bankrupt should know some thing ftboufc.it. His dischargei:'wou,ld t»e, suspended for six months.

*Hfe ASHBURTON GfrAKDtAN . WfcDfrESDAt, NOVEMBER 14, §1894.



By an explosion of lire, damp m a mine at Ur§a, m E}oheraia, twenty men w^ killed. The (-rothic arrived at Wellington at noon torday from London, Cape, a.n<j Hobarfc. Mr E. Peldwick has been nominated as Mayor of Kaiapoi and Mr T Keir was yesterday nominated as Mayor of R»n£;iora. As a Safe, and Permanent Warranted Cltje for Pimplee, Scrofula, Scurvy, Bad Legs, Skin and Blood Diseases, Pimples and Sores of all kinds, we can with confidence recommend Clark's World famed Blood Mix ture. It is certainly the finest Blood Purifies that science and medical skill have brought to light. Thousands of testimonials. Sold everywhere, at gs Qd per bottle Beware of worthless imitations; and substitutes. (3) jVT O Stimulant has given so much favo^ with the Natives as Health Tjba It must be good ; ask your Grocer for jt Henry Zakvw, W^%»le Agent



How is it that Clarke Blood Mixtube has obtained such great popularity is a quest:on which has perplexed many. The answer is, that it is unquestionably the finest JJlood Purifier that science and medi cal skill have brought to light. Thousands of wonderful cures have' been effected by it. J?or Scrofula, Scurvy, Fczema, Skin and Blood diseases, Bad Legs, Sores and Pimples of kind's it effects are mar vellous. Sold everywhere, at 2s 9d per bottte. Beware of worthless imitations and substitutes. (2)



— BOOKS. BOOKS.— : tTTANTED KNOWN—New Zealand » Bible and Book Society will open a temporary depot m Ash burton, on THURSDAY, November 15th, with a large Stock of BOOKS, CARDS, Etc., including all the New Annual Volumes. A splendid stock of New Prize Books from 4d to Bs. Also, all the Material for Schools, and helps for Sunday School Teachers. N B.—As the time is limited to THREE WEEKS ONLY, intending purchasers will please make an early call. J. R. MACDONALO, 11 80 Agent, j



NEW SPRING AND SUMMER GOODS OPENING UP THIS WEEK. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHIN3 FACTORY, NEW GOODS MEN'S New Shapes Hard Hats GOODS Mea'a New Shape Soft NEW flats GOODS Men's New Lounge Hats | NEW —ljoz weight GOODS Men's New Tennis Hats NEW Men's* Boys' and Youths' GOODS Straw Hats NEW GOODS —SPECIAL NEW GOODS _ The New Swimming Com- NEW bination Suit GOODS t^™- Men's and Youths' Black NEW Lace Shirts GOODS — „ New Tennis Sashes NEW |N ew Cycling Shirts GOODS New Tennis Shirt 3 NEW New Cricket Shirts GOODS NEW -SPECIAL- GOODS NEW IHOI New Ties and GOODS Bows NEW GOODS NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager* 1



OWN Make In Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs Alcobn's new shop, Bakei's Buildings.



ICE CREAM, Ice Cream, Ice Cream, now ready at H. A. Flower's, East street, Ashburton. Ice supplied at shortest notice. 10 114



1 pDWARDS, Bennett's Sale. Grand lot -^ new and fashionable Furs and Mantles ; half price. Come and take your pick at Mrs Adams,



DOLLAR CIGARKTTES.-3d. No holders or photos—Hsuky Zander, Wholesale agent,



TpLIPPERTY FLOPS Is. New Books Jj just arrived. Ciiculating Library. Terms easy. Latest new books added to Library every month. Subsc ibera to Library can exchange Books at Bookstall or Shop. Most popular library m Ash burton. Eight Id Books for 6d, four 2d Booka for 6d, two 4d Books for 6d, three Gd Books for Is., Plain, Fancy, and Mourning Stationary. Text, Birthday, Christmas, *nd New Year Cards, Picture Books, Scraps, etc. Everything good Cheap, and m great variety —J. Mars den



i^HRISTMAS and New Year Cards for \J the Home Mail. A beautiful assort ment just opened up, Packets of Cards of choice designs from 3d upwards. Writing Papers and Envelopes, Pocket Books, Purses, Writing Oases, Ink stands, Pictures, Music, Accordeons from 7s 9d, Concertinas, Violins, Banjos, Zither Harps, Photo Frames and Albums, Scrap and Postage Stamp Albums, Indoor Games, and a great variety of goods too numerous to mention; all at greatly reduced prices for cash this month at L, F. Andrew es and Co.'s Cheap Sale.



SWEEPING Reductions. —Is Books for 9d, Is 6d Books for Is, 2a Books for Is 6d, 2s 6d Books for 2s, and all others at equal ra*e of reduction at L. F. Andrewbs and Cos., Cash Sale. 618



WANTED Known—That owing to the success of the Fule now being held up at Saunders' Buildings, opposite Rail way Station, it will be continued for another twenty-eight days. lam not advertising a few cheap lines, but the whole of the stock. Don't lose the oppor tunity of securing genuine bargains—A Lavveie. 7 366



WANTED Known-That if you are m want of a first class article m sum mer Boots and Shoes, you cannot do better than call at J. Moison's ; you will get the very best at reduced prices. As for his own make, they are well known to the delight of the wearers, throughout the Australasian colonies. Repairs well done and at once Premier Boot Maker, Town Hall Boot Store, East street, Ashburton.



qiO LADlES.—Spring Cleaning—We ■*■ have jusfc received Three Cases of Gnrtalns and Liberty Muslins, together with new Patterns m Carpets, Oilcloths, and Linoleums. China Matting from BAd per yard.—Mitchell &nd Turner.



"I^OBERT ALCORN haa opened m J_l/ taker's Buildings, next the Court house wkH * Bfcock of Clotning« etc«« bought at'iHwa^ B*™? 1; 8 a f nd !5 c Kaiapoi Sales, the ehC 1*1* lot ? «oods ever brought to Ashbnrton, Am m assortment of Boots.



NOTICE 1 Notice Sport for all Guns let out on hire or sold on time payments. H*ving a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns of any description. Gun fittings m stock. Prices low.—J. W. Hardlev, Ironmonger, etc



GUNS ! Guns ! Gun« J My new stock of Gunsj ust to hand direct from the manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In spection invited. No old 6tock to select front at J. W. Hardley's Sporting Repository



BANG! Bang ! Snug » My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Cluo Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Canes and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hardley's, Gun Emporium.



WE Hold a Large Stock of the Latest Novelties m Mnterials for Blouses and Walking Presses. Just opened, ex Pakeha and lonic, Dress Goods of choice selection, Sunshades and Umbrellas.—Mitoh'sm. and Torner.



LARGE Purchase Embroideries ab Edwards, Bennett's Sale; over ninety pieces to choose from. Ladies' Troasseaux made on short notice. Orna ments, Fancy Goodp, and Dolls' Prams at Mrs Aloorn's new shop, H»velock Street



Tl EOENT Arrivals.—Ladies'andGentle -" men's Summer Boots and Shoes, Cricketing and Tennis Shirts. Unlimited selection of Summer Ties and Hats.— Mitcheix and Turner.



,fVTANTED Known-Before buying W your Hats come and see our Stock. Greatest variety to choose from In Afihbarton. All marked very Cheap. — H. C. Seoers, Melford House.



WANTED KNOWN— Dressmaking prices to suit the times. Material dresses from 8s 6d, Prints from 7s 6d. Fit and ftyle guaranteed.—Miss Mukphy, Old Kindergarten, East Street.



TUST Opened, a splendid line of fashion ** able Dress Stuffs, m Cardinals, Maroons, Navies, Browns and Blacks. To be sold under wholesale price.—H, C. Segers, Melford House.



BLANKETS bought at Edwards Bennet's Sale, a special line of Double Blankets at 7s 9d. Extra large and heavy 15a 6d and 16a 6d.~Robert Alcorn, Baker's Buildings.



Wanted 1 WANTED Known-Good quiet Co J for sale. Child cm milk her.) Apply W. 0. Page, Netherby. 11 84 j THRESH BUTTEU 6d"pT7lK~Blue *• Derwen'j Potatoes 2s 9d per bag, Bran 2s 8d per bag. Sharps 5j 3d per bag, Rollitt and Thomas' Flour at Cost price Note address—Fletchee Bros, East street, Ashburton. "TXy ANTED Known—The Corner Is W showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. Collier. WANTED Known — Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything m the optical me at S. S ilek's, Optician, WANTED Known — The Cheapest House In tcwn for First-class Millinery and Drapery is H. 0. Segers, Melford House. WANTED Known—Special line of Gents' Regatta Shirts, all sizes, with or without collars, 2s 6d.~W, H. Collier. WANTED —Every Lady to try Mi dam Balcombk's Patent Ex panding Belt Corset (registered), guaran teed whalebone throughout. Orders left at Mr E. Hall's, Herbalist, Ashburton, will receive prompts attention. 10 86 FsTERS,~~Fried Flounders, Whitebait every night at Jbwitt's, Deep Sea Fishing Company, opposite Mail office. 9 166



MITCHELL &■ TDBMR. W. H. COLLINS & GO Papei lia© g'ings. Paperhangings. SiX BALES Containing 1800 PrECES of THIS SEASON'S WALL PAPERS, WHICH MUST BE SOLD. fpilE Consignee not being able to complete his purchase, these Goods have been handed over to us and W1 LL BE SOLD AT REDUCED RaTKS TO CLEAR THE LINE W- H- COLLINS <&; CO (Royal Insurance Company I Grey Valley Coal Company kfairvwq went J Springfield Pottery Company MJJMIIS *UK Enamelled Mantelpieces I McKeneie's Furniture Renovator \.Black Ball Coal Company



Dresses Dresses, Dresses. WYDS DOUBLEWIDTH, LINING AND BUTTONS COMPLETE FOB ¥s 9d. A VERY CHOICE SELECTION OF SINGLE ROBES ,NEW WOOL DELATEE3 FKOM 6k). •CARPETS CHINA MaTHNGS, OILCLOTHS, LINOLEUMS A frhowrooirt Full of Ufovelticg, THREE OASES ENGLISH SHOES AND SLIPPERS



JOHN WILSON, PAINTER, GLAZIER & PAPERHANGER, Corner ot^Arcade and Burnett Street, Athhurton NEW SEASON'S WALL PAPERS Just Arrived j BEST ASSORTMENT IN TOWN. ! ESTIMATE OF HOUSE DECORATIONS GIVEN FREE.



Business Notice 1. J NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS. TO ME E T TbTe TIME S. OWING to the scarcity of money and dulness of trade generally, we are over stocked. To ensure a speedy clearance, we have marked the whole of our Stock at the Vciy Lowest Pocglbta Prices. NOW IS YOUR TIME. MAKE NO MISTAKE. G J. JnlTi L L'S IS THE SHOP FOR A GENUINE BARGAIN. New Prints, guaranteed to wash, 3£d I New and Fashionable Dress Goods, double New Galateas, very strong, 6£d . width, worth 2s for Is 3d New Delaines, very pretty, 7id, guaranteed | Calicos, 2s lid dozen to wash I Double-bed Sheeting, white twill, 9^d New Dress Goods 5s lid, dress worth double j Towe's, 2sd j Cotton Shirting, 4jd MILLINER~MILLINERY IN ALL ITS BRANCHES EXCEPTIONALLY CHEAP. Strong Corseto, 4s 6d now 2s lid | Children's Sunshades Is Ladies' Sunshades of every description | CLOTHING. CLOTHING. Men's Suits, 13s 6d I Boys' Tweed Suits, 4a lid Men's Colonial Tweed Suits, 37s 6d now 27s Straw Hats for men and boys at any price 6d | Hats, Socks, Shirts and Ties at your own Men's Colonial Tweed Suits, 45s now 32s 6d | price BOOTS 7" BOOTS. We were never beaten, and we defy competition. All our Colonial Boots are made specially to our order, and we jwfffntee them. If not as good as recommended, we will replace them. —JUSI TO HAND— 120 pair of Ladies' Lace Shoes, 4» lid j Children's Tan Shoes and Slippers a specialty Ladies' Tan Strapped Shoes, 6s lid I with box to match Ladies' Canvas Shoes, ten and black } Men's Colonial-made Shooters, naj led 7s lid Ladies* French Glace Kid Shoes, the best to j Men's Colonial-made Shooters, nailed 8b lid be had m New Zealand' I Men's Balmorals and Cookhams of every Men's Bluchers, 4s lid I description. COME AN D SEE. G. J. NEIL US FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET, ASHBUKTON



THOMAS E, KILWORTH, ENGINEEE, TTAS KEMOVED TO HIS NEW PREMISES, BRIDGE WORKS, WEST AND KBRMODE STREETS, ABHBURION.