Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 1895 NEWSPAPER POSTAGE.

For several weeks we kept standing over our leading columns a paragraph to this effect: —" On and after January ], H&95, the postage on newspapers for the TD'nited $£isgdom and foreign countries will be, for the first four] ounces in weight one penny, and for ' each succeeding two ounces one half penny. The postige on newspapers for Australian Colonies and South Sea Islands remains as at present —one peony for each newspaper." Nearly every other paper in the colony dicj the sijbrnsi thing, as the paragraph had been supplied in the same wording almost, by the postal authorities to every registered newspaper in the colony. More complete publicity could not have been given, short of stopping every man in New Zealand, after the manner of the " Ancient Manner " who said 1 ' ', c I knew ,iha icap who must hear me, To hiiji my tale J. tesoh." The paragraph was couched', a& can bjß • seen, in the plainest of plain language, and any man who could misread it— most sane people would say —had established an incontestible claim to the iijbje of dunce. If the paragraph , toeant anyfctiib^ afc &}ljp tliat

after New Year's Day the postage on papers for Home and foreign countries would be charged on a weight tat iff, instead of what had prevailed before January 1. Under the old custom the weight of the paper did not affect the tariff. A heavy weekly paper went for a penny just the same as the lightest country dai'y " buster." This has been changed no»v, and while the four-page "buster" will still go for a penny, because in weight it is necessarily well under a quarter of a pound, the limit carried for a penny, the heavy weeklies will run the risk, every time they publish a supplement, of going beyond that limit, and costing subscribers another halfpenny for each paper. All that seempd to be very plain to us. and we were innocent enough to fmcy it was plain enough to the meanest understanding. But from Wellington comes a telegram to this effect :— f• A large section of the public appears to have overlooked the fact that since the beginning of the year postage on newspapers for the United Kingdom and foreign countries is gaug ed by weight, and it is stated that of six thousand newspapers despatched by yesterday's English mail from Well ington, fully one-half were deficient in postage." Evidently there were three thousand people in this colony who never read, or if they dii read, did not understand the simple language of the postal announcement. Crystalised to proverbial shortness the paragraph means "Weigh the weeklies." Weigh well every paper, of course. The editors ask for that, but especially weigh the paper before posting to friends at Home and so avoid the annoyance of causing those friends to pay a postage fine at their end of the paper's 'journey.

THE RAILWAY STATION.

The Mayor (Mr Joseph Scaly) and Councillor Tweed this morning met Mr McLachlan, M.H.R., who kindly came, by invitation, to inspect the alterations now being made at the Ashburton Railway Station, and to hear any suggestions the Mayor might have to make in reference to the works. The principal change asked for was the removal of the buildings at the south end of the platform to the northern end, where for sanitary reasons they could be detached. Mr McLachlan fully concurred in the views of the representatives of the Borough, and undertook to further the proposals as far as in his power, to which end he at once wired to the Minister for Railways, recommending that the alterations be made.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Commercial news appears on the fourth page. Messrs W. H. Collins and Co, advertise arrival of coal and building materials. Nelson has decided for the Wednesday half-holiday. " A girl at Nelson named Nalder, aged about 12, was on Thursday accidentally shot through the jaw and neck by a lad with whom she was playing, and who was holding a pea r fl?. By direction of the Minister of Labour, there has juafc been pcblished a volume containing the text; of all the labour laws of New Zealand, with extracts from other Acts bearing on them. The prolonged dry weather at Dunedln having rendered water scarcn, the Cor poration of that 3ity are now trying to keep down tha dust by pumping water from the bay, A. memorial service for the late Mr J. E. i'uchanin will be conducted at the Wesleyan Church to-morrow evening. For many years the d .ceased gentleman occupied a prominent position in the church as one of its most acceptable local prfachers, and did it yoeman ser vice throughout the district. All friends of the deceased are kindly invited to be nresent. The Rev. T. G. Brooke will be the preacher for the occasion. The Albany correspondent of the New Zealand Herald '•eports that asettler found in a schnapper he was cleaning a half sovereign of 1845. The coin bears the mark of the fish's teeth, and when found wab a good deal tarnished, but on cleaning was seen to be in a fair state of prederva tion. Thefortunate finder intends h&ving the coin mounted as a breastpin, as an interesting memento of regaining a coin from the briny deep. Mr J. E. March, Superintendent of Settlements in New Zealand, is to accom pany the Hon. Mr Garrard, Minister of Public Instruction in New South Wales, daring the tour which the latter is about to make through New Zealand for the purpose of making himself acquainted with the working of the village settle ment system in this colony. The Minister is a brother of Captain Garrard, who was drowned in the Tararua. k committee meeting of the Ashburfcon Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club was held on Thursday evening, when a pre liminary programme was drafted for the annual races to be heldon Easter Monday. This consists of nine bicycle races and five pedestrian events. A unanimous vote of thanka waa accorded to G. A. M. Buakley, Esq., for his generous offer to giye troph: es for a series of foot races, tq be competed for during the season, The first distance, 100 yards, will be run on Thursday 17th inst, at 7 IS p.m., for which twenty entries have been receiyed. Four new members were elected. The MaHborqugh Times says :~One of our local farmers advertised for twenty boys for pea-pulling, and on the Monday morning he started them to work up to the number of fifty, though this did not by any means exhaust the supply, but it was all he could employ. However the young unemployed continued to congregate at the sane of operations, and up to the number flf some twenty-five followed the whole labonr party's lines barracking and chiafelng the workers, affirming that one } was not able to woyk, another was a duffer while a third ought to be at home helping his mother, and so forth and so on, over the whole crowd at work. The Wairarapa Times publishes the fol lowing :—The p,s. Port Melbourne, by which the " fyon. Undesirable $iH" Reeves * returnee* to the colony from Sydney, has a Lascar crevy. The eight of their dark faces grievously affected the Minister of Labour for the first day or two, aggravating the pangs of vial ile vier. When ho had somewhat recovered he held forth to the Captain* on the subject predicting that the day would soon come when all chips would have to be manned by men of our own race and colour. The Captain listened patiently and deferen tially, but jn §ilence. Coming on deck next morning lie found the • |»|inLßter of Labour reclining luxuriously .on a deck chair, white a Lascar lad was humbly tyinst the Ministerial shr>c striugs. " Ah " said Captain Richardson, "you would not get seamen of your own racq and colour to dj that." Pure. Bjxjqd is the Secret of Health Gordon's Bkoop ~BlLhs ole^psp the system of all impure blood, cupe iudigestion,con stipation, liver complaint, pains in back and sides, biliousness, sick headache; remove pimples, scrofula, scurvy, etc. Large bo 6bj two boxes, 103, post ireci J. Wi Clayton Box 23* DuuediD j

Bike in Company.

Miss Mitchell, a young lady cyclist, arid $ her brother. Me George Mitchell, mem- 1 bers of the Gore Bicycle Club, arrived in \ Ashburton on Thursday evening on their i bicycles, having ridden from Gore. Hay- ' ing been advised of their arrival orr re presentative interviewed the youthful pair of cyclists and obtained particulars 01 their journey. Miss Mitchell'd handa and face show marks of exposure to the weather and are as deep'y brown in tint as the complexion of "Ye nufc brown maid." " Yes," she laughingly said, "I do look pretly brown, more like a half-caste, but l'Jl soon get all right again. In Timaru, where we stayed, they rook me for a half caste and thought I spoke 1 nglish very WcU for one. This amused me very much.'1 The tourists left Gore last Saturday morning at half-past four. They had a good road to Balclutha for a distance of about fifty-six miles and they reached the town early in the afternoon, and left again at half-past five on Sunday morning for Dunedin, which is nearly sixty miles from Balclutha. Good roads and fine weather helped to make the journey a pleasant one, and all went well until reaching Mosgiel, nine miles from Dane din, when the fork* of Miss Mitchell's machine cracked, and she had to walk into Dunedin, which they reached about 6 p.m. On Monday morning they interviewed their friend Mr Sam Steadman, who soon had the bicycle in good order again. They left Dunedin about three p m. for Waikouaiti —distance thirty-five miles — a strong head wind making it rather hard work. Roads fairly good, but hilly, a good many having to be ascended on foot, Waikouaid was reached at 7-30 p.m., and left at six o'clock next morning (Tuesday) for Oamaru,— distance about fifty-three miles. On reaching Palmerston, the fine weather they had experienced de serted them, and it began to drfzz'e, and on reaching the Horse Shoe bend it came on a very thick misty rain, so thick they could not see half a dozen yards ahead. They reached Oamaru at half-past three p.m., wet through. Left Oamaru next morning at six for Timaru —distance about fifty-four miles. Drizzling rain continued, and the roads began to get very soft. Arrived at Timaru at half-past two p.m., and left again at six am. on Thursday morning. At Temuka— twelve miles from Timaru — to their disgust rain again com menced bo f*H, but they continued on their journey, and the rain fell heavily for about an hour, wetting them through again. Roads from Tlmarn were very soft, the worst of any they had met yet. Ashburton was reached at five p.m., an 3 they were very glad to put themselves under the care of Mrs Ranger, Miss Mitchell getting the loan of dry apparel, and Mr Mitchell drying himself by a good fire. Mr Mitchell felt the effects a little of the bad weather, but Miss Mitchell who, by the way, is a slightly built young tady, declared that the felt "splendid," was enjoying the trip very much, and was feeling every day able to go furthar. They left for Christchurch yesterday morning about six a.m. and will take steamer to Wellington. Thence they in tend to ride up to Masterton and other places id the North Island, and will re turn on their bikes in the course of a week or two. They both ride cushion tyred machines preferring to do slower time to riding pneumatic tyres with the risk of puncturing.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We ilo not hold ourseives responsible ror tlio "pinions expicsscd by our corresponds nts) BLOOD POISONING. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —May I have the privilege of'sUl* further addressing you on this subject. It seems improbable for Mr Oliver and myself to agree as to the mode Nature adopts to originate and discharge virulent matter to poison the Mood. Therefore we mußt allow this subject to pass. But I cannot allow him to stubbornly insist that my sheep died from hove instead of blood poisoning. I know the majority of the public are already con vinced that the symptoms I have given previously are sufficient to satisfy them that I have spoken the truth. I will again describe the general symptoms exhibited by my sheep while suffering from the disease. They seem in extreme pain; dulness; appetite gone; temperature high ; do not chew the cud; the ears drop ; grinding of the teeth ; sometimes blood is passed ; the animal has a tendency to get away from the general flock, or lie about the fence sides; and before death they are all more or less lame on the affected qua,rter, where the disease c\n be observed. After death, if the pelt be taken off, the affected part is plainly visible and appears a black mass of corruption. Death generally takes place in from 24 to 48 hours, sometimes sooner and sometimes later, but in no case does the disease linger more than three days, ' and I always felt satisfied that, at the end of the fourth day, after being turned out from the shears, all danger was ended. The symptoms from hove are quite different. The distended state of the rumen causes pain and uneasiness, and directly before and after death a green bile flows from mouth and nostrils. The position of the sheep when found dead is generally lying flat on one side, with head and limbs extended. The chief cause of acute tympany is rapid feeding on young clover, or"sorrel in a soft succulent state ; but there is little chance of sheep in good condition, mdre especially dry sheep, getting blown. It is generally ewes in lamb, or with lambs at foot, that suffer —such as in the case of Mr Oliver's flock that he purchased at Mitcham. Fat sheep are more liable to be affected with indigestion, more particularly when feeding on cold watery turnips without the aid of dry fodder to make them digest thir food properly. This is my belief as to the cause of so many shep dying annually through being fed on turnips alone. I have expiainsd myself thus to show that; my sheep already spoken of succumbed to blood poisoning and not to hoven; as Mr Oliver desires to make out. I may state that all my sheep thjjifc died were either fjj,t sheep or hqggecs in first-class condition, and not one of them died with the wool on, and not for about twenty^four hours after being shorn, and when observed before death they were all more or less lame in one quarter. I have already mentioned in one ot my letters that my sheep were yarded early in the morning and discharged late at night. If Mr Oliver's assertion was right that they died from hove, how was ifc that no sheep died during the day, or during the following night or morning, as ib is a well-known fact that any animal affected thus does not generally live more than an hour or two unless relieved. Poisoned animais linger yery much longer than hoven animals, and the symptoms &ie considerably different. Now, sir, I respectfully invite any of your readers, practical or scientific men, to carefully consider my evidence, and I have no hesitation in saying that they must come to the conclusion that itihe symptoms shown b,y my sheep arose from no other trouble but bloqd poisoning, and that Mr Oliver has entirely failed to show the contrary. Mr Oliver states that I sacrifice! my sheep in not knowing how to treat them during the simple process of shearing. I admit at-that time I was ignorant of the cause of death, but experience teaches; and no one can deny that it is the real school of knowledge, and I have profited thereby, Mr Oliver has never acquired hia knowledge by experience; therefore his knowledge on the subject is nqt real. Mr Oliver may be placed in a similar position 1^ Captain Mclntosh, and J in a like position to the mate Johnston, throwing out hints to him to adopt necessary precautions. But) like human pride, a protest from one in lower rank sets fire to the ambition of the superiors. Mr Johnston's useful remark was entirely lo3t on his high-spirited and determined captain, but his actions will for ever live in thp higtory of hi§ country. In conclusion I wish t q state that I am sorry to have taken up so .much of. your space on this subject; moreover, at being compelled to speak so personally of my [own affairs, bufc I felt it my duty when this matter wao opened

to the public to give you my own experience, as I consider this matter requires to be fully discussed by all who have any experience on the subject, as I find that a large number of sheep die every year from the same cause Such deaths in many quarters are net reported, but there is no reason why thih trouble should not be fully investigated. A full, knowledge of the proper treatment would effect a great saving to farmers in general. I think if anything can be done in this directiou at the present time it would I come in very acceptably. — l am, etc., Wm, Stkacjian.

SANITARY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sin,— Before the Borough Council's arrangements for the disposal of the night soil are finally settled for the current year, I should like to draw special attention to the fact, that tinder th 3 existing by-la*s it is,not compulsory upon householders to employ the borough scavenger to remove nightsoil. It may be disposed of on the premises. Now as this is a source of danger to neighbors and to the general health of the ratepiyers, I think the Borough Council should pa'sa by-law making the removal of night Boil beyond the town boundaries com pulsory upon all householders. Some may object to the trifling extra expense, but they ' may depend upon it the system will be the | best and cheapest in the long run. The garden plan is fraught with danger, and should not be permitted under any circum stances whatever. — l am, etc., Prudence.

CRICKET.

Adelaide, January 11 The following was the sooo at drawing of stumps this evening: — Australians —First Innicgs. Bruce, b Richardson ... , 11 H Trott, runout... ... 48 GiffeDj c Lock wood b Brock well . 58 Iredale, b Richardson ... ... ... 7 Darling, c Phillipson b Briggs .„ ... 10 Gregory, c Brown b Richardson ... 6 Harry, b Richardson 2 Worrall, run out 0 Jarvis, c and b Lockwood 13 Callaway, b Richardson „ 41 A. E. Trott, not out ... 38 Extras , ... 4 Total 238 Bnuland -First Innings. Briggs, not out ... .„, 4 MacLaren, not out 1

Induction Services at Flemington.

The Presbytery of Chtistchurch met at Flemington on Wednesday last, for the pur- ( pose of inducting the Rev James Skinner into the pastoral charge of the congregation, The church was well filled, and the Rev William Scorgie conducted the first part of the service. He preached from Matthew xvi 16—20, a sermon appropriate to the occasion, at the close of which Mr Inglis put the prescribed questions to the new minister, and in name and by authority of the Presbytery inducted and admitted him into the pastoral oversight of the parish. He also addressed him briefly on the duties and privileges of his sacred office, and Mr Riddle followed with a terse, practical ad dress to the congregation. At the close of the eervice an adjournment was made to the schoolroom, where tea had beets prepared by the ladies and young men connected with the church. The abundance of good things was simply bewildering, and from five o'clock until eight the waiters were kept hard at work supplying a good inside lining to all who sat down to the tables. Many friends were present from neighbouring dis tricts, and when the after meeting was begun in the church every available inch of space was fully occupied, and large numbers were unable to gain admission. Speeches were delivered by Messrs Inglis, Skinner, Abernethy, Scorgie, Riddle, and Westbrooke, and there was just a slight suspicion that one of the parsons had been on pilgrimage to Cork Castle to kiss the Blarney stone. Everybody was hearty and enthusiastic, and th- meeting went with a good swing from start to finish. Mr Skinner received a magnificent reception from his new congrega tion, and he gently and wisely cautioned them to he reasonable and moderate in their expectations. He would do his best, and when they got to know each other, they would work harmoniously together tor the glory of God. In the course of the evenmg, Mr Donaldson, in the name of the congrega tion presented Mr Inglis with a purse of sovereigns for his services as moderator during the vacancy. That gentleman warmly thanked them for their gift, and referred to the fine Christian spirit which had been manifested by the people in the so-newhafc trying circumstances in which they hfttt wen placed. Votes of thanks were passed to all who had given their services during the vacancy, and to those who had worked so hard to make the meeting a success. Mr Prebble, the treasurer, announced witn evident satisfacton that the finances of the congregation showed a small balance to credit, and the proceeds of the meeting amounted to a trifle over £39- We were pleased to notice that the new manse is finished and ready for immediate occupation. The house was eagerly in spected by many of the visitors, and all agreed that the contractors had made a good job. _^

THE COREAN WAR

Shanghai, Ja»iua*y 10 Severe fighting has taken place between the Japanese and the Chinese at Jehol, 120 miles north-east of Pekin. The latter lost heavily.

European and Other Foreign Items.

London, January 10 A Spaniard who was travelling in Armenia during the time the alleged atrocities were said to have been com mitted by the Turkish soldiery denies tfye truth of the statements pub lished. It is reported to day that the Cabinet has unanimously adopted the Govern ment programme, and any dissension between Sir W. Vernon Harcourt and Lord liosebery, respecting the naval vote, is denied. Cardinal Vaughan and a committee of Catholic bishops have drafted a Bill for presentation to Parliament, allowing voluntary schools State aiJ within the existing Board districts. The Union Bank of Australia has declared a dividend of 6 per cent, and carried forward £14,000.

Severe Weather.

London, January 18 Storms have been experienced throughout Scotland, and many deaths are' recorded. In some parts trains were blocked. TfUENNA, January 10. A severe snow storm was experienced in tho city, which is almost isolated from the rest of the country. During the height of the storm the thermo meter was at zaro. January 11. Extraordinary falls of snow have taken place in Italy, Spain, France and Austria. Many deaths are re ported and several cities are isolated. Tha Trieste express, with the Arcltiduke Ferdinand on board, ran into a snow drift. The Prince was unhurt, but saven others were injured.

POLO NOTES.

By Onlooker. There was a large attendance of visitors at the Polo Club's ground last Wednesday, to look on at the match which had been ad vertised—married v single, The two teams picked were respectively Messrs Buckley, baundera, Denshire, and Cox, against Messrs Clandge X Roberts, Curtis, and Rickman. Unfortunately, Mr Buckley could not play through illness, so Rickman took his place, and Jackson played with Claridge's team. Ihe first spell, owing to the late arrival of Cox s pony, was played by three a side, and j was very unsatisfactory. Things livened up | a bit m the second spell, however, but Saunders team were too strong for their opponents. The latter continually missed the ball, anrl with the ground at its very best, no excuses could be made. This state of affairs lasted all through the game, which ended by Saunders' team winning by about six goals to three. Saunders had com paratively little to do, bufc did that well. Cox and Denshire also played fairly, Den shire being conspicuous for the consistent manner in which he managed to gee on the ball and away with it, but to young Rick man certainty belong the honors of the afternoon, not only for consistently good play on ar apparently indifferent (though an improving) pony of the cut and come again sort, but particularly for fcwo exceedingly difficult goals he hit for his eide at ap parently almost impossible angles. The task of contrasting the other men's play is Bome what invidious, h* No. 1, Roberts Beemed out of his place, and the dashing play ex pected from him after the exhibition he gave us on the 2nd of January was altogether wanting. As far as I could Bee, the other members of his team were more to blame for this than he was. They mulled the ball continually, and in his anxiety to save his side Roberts tried to do the work of two men in the team, which is impossible. Once or twice Saunders had a clear bid for goal, as the result of the opposing No. 1 not being in his place. Claridge played very indifferently. One of his ponies was playing badly, and allowance must be made for this, bufc the other, though new at the game, (the pony is a dark chestnut with a nice clean head and plenty of strength all over), seemed to play well, but was not made sufficient uae of. Being close to the ground for practice purposes, I was led to expect a far better exhibition from this player. Curtis, except occasionally, did not shine, but being mounted on a atrange pony, there may be some excuse made for him. Jackson, I thought, did very well for a beginner, although I noticed his own side hauling him over the coula pretty often. This was clearly a case of the pot calling the kettle black. Mrs Buckley very kindly provided after noon tea, which was very acceptable both to players and visitors. I omitted, in my previous notes, to mention that Mr Graves, the Club's honorary secretary, who was hurt some time-ago by a fall aad kick from one of his ponies, and has in consequence thereof been unable to play, has devoted himself to umpiring and coach ing the men. If I may be allowed to say so, I think his whistle should have been heard oftener last Wednesday for infractions of the rules, more particularly for crossing. Apart from the advantage an opposing team always reaps from the penalty inflicted in such cases, crossing is so dangerous that the existence of the game almost depends upon the very strictest enforcement of the penalty in every case coming before an umpire, and he should always be on the look out for infringements of this rule. I hear the Christchurch Polo Club have finally decided that being short of playing members this year they cannot pay a visit to Ashburton. This will be a great disappoint ment to those who attend the games here regularly, and particularly to the Ashburtoe Club. lam rather surprised at the decision. As the pioneer Club in the colony, I should have expected the Christchurch Club to go out of its way to encourage one of the junior Clubs. Apait from this, the policy this year when the tournament has to be played appears doubtful, as strangers, even though hardly such finished players, often afford better practice than those whose play is known to you. However, I hope the Ashburton Club will see its way fco send a team to Christchurch in order to get some outside practice.

SPORTING.

C.J.C. SUMMER MEETING.

Christchukch, January 11 The following nominations and final payments have been received :— Hornby Welter Handicap, 100 soya ; one mile and a quarter. —Lord of Mis rule, Aqualate, Esparto, Sprig of Myrtle, Pepita, FieJdpiece, Fairchild, Busybody, Barnardo, Aldershot, Liberator, Silver Spec, Goodwood, Doubtful, Lord Zetland, Lady Sockburn, New Headford, Midsummer Handicap. 250 aovs j one mile and a half.—Aqualate, Chaos, Au Revoir, Doubtful, Dunoon, Silver Spec, Geraint, Magazine, Goodwood, Saracen, Lady Zetland. Selling Race, 6Q soys ; six furlongs. —Roseguard, Fairchild, Artilleur, Leda, Wedlock, Rothamstead, Miss Bftadge, King Wai, Reflector, Lord Gotland, Lady Sockburn, St Louis. ; Craven Plate, 120 soya; seven fur longs.— Barraby, Esparto, Britomarte, Loveshot, Pepita, The Changeliag, Gulden Fleece, King Wai, Neroli, Kul nine, Aldershoi, Au Revoir, Dunoon, Foresight, Saracen. Middle Park Plate, 250 soys; cix furlongs.— Black and Red, Loveshot, Bluefire, Bloodshot, King John, Golden Vale, Nautilus Shell, Bizarre, Medious, Pop'em, Alcestis.

HORORATA RACES.

Thelre was a good attendance at the Hororafca races yesterday. The principal event, the Cup, was won by Aqualatei paying a dividend of £114s.

ALFORD FOREST.

Owe Correspondent) Mr G. E, Goldsmith, of Springburn, being lowest tenderer for the mail contract, is now running the mail by way off Staveley, the. new post office, instead of by the old route, direct across the plain by way" of the iron house,. The Church of England has taken a step in the right direction by appointing a curate to reside near the hills. This will allow Rev T. A Hamilton more time for his press ing work in Ashburton, Great pleasure is expressed at the appointment of Rev H, Purchas. January is generally a time for slackening down to half time at the sawmill, Spring, burn, but orders are arriving pretty freely, and the busy hum is expected to continue from the beginning to the end of each week, instead of giving spells of two or three days a week. Hopes are being held of being able to drive the saws by water power shortly thus decreasing the expense attendant on steam power. Firewood is in good demand, especially the short lengths. . . - ■ « Air Thomas fteil, of Sp'ringbum, has a mare which dropped a live foal with the usual number of. legs, but' each leg having two feet. It lived five days and w,as healthy« but the owner decided to kiU iti The legs' are still in h|s posseuon for the inspection of the curious. -. Everywhere, for miles round, grass and clover are most abundant. When we read of parched paddocks below, and sheep turned into standing oats, it seems strange that these same farmers do not speculate in a piece of land this way, so that when grass goes off below.stock could have three months' splendid feed here, not to mention turnips which thrive wel ). * There is some rumor of the upper part of the Alford Estate being under" offer to thd Government for sub-division. If-so, there will be a fair demand for reasonable sized blocks, and an impetus will be given to settlement. The land is well situated easy access to good roads, can be easily placed in connection with an excellent supply of water and turns up well on ploughing, A general' desire is expressed in this lpcaljty that the offer may cad in acceptance by Government,

THE ASffIBUETOtt Gt)AKDIAS s SATURDAY, JANUARY, IS, 189&.



Business Notice". Holidays Holidays. HOLIDAYS ARE NOW IN FULL SWING. mHE CHEAPEST HOUSE IN CANTERBURY FOR Drapery, Clothing, and Boots. G d. JN EIL L. Flannelettes 2a Jld dozen Double Bed Sheeting 9£d Good Washing Print 3U A Man's Real Good Suit fur a Pound A Holiday D. ess for 3s" Hd A Boy's Suit for 3s lld Calico 2s lid dozen BOOTS. BOOTS. Ladies Shoes 4s lid | Men's Bluchers 4s lid Men's Nailed Shootera slid I G. J. NEILL. EAST STREET, FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS.



Most Extraordinary Eeyolution IN THE Tailoring Trade. NO MORE NEED FOR PEOPLE TO GO TO CHRISTCHURCH OR ELSEWHERE FOR THEIR TAILORING: W- SPARROW HAS proved from past experience that the credit system is unsatisfactory, both to buyer and seller, the good marks have to pay for the bad ones. He has therefore decided to CLOSE HIS BOOKS and go in for the CASH SYSTEM entirely, and will sell at prices which are bound to command a krc[e turnover. The following quotations will give some idea of the REDUC TIONS :- First Class Tweed Sac Suib ... .- 555, former price <0s First Class „ ... •• 60s, former price 753 First Class „ ... .. 65b, former price 80a First Class „ ... ... 70s, former price 853 Best Quality Twee 1 money can procure ... 755, former price 90s No 4 Foxes Serge Suit .. ... .. £3 12« 6d Best black or blue Worsted Coat and Vest, bound, with best quality Trousering ... £4 0s 01 Remember these Prices are for First Class "W orkraanship. FIT aND STYLE GUARANTEED. WILLIAM HPAEROW, EAST STREET. jj $ p ti As these prices may be copied by other FirjiF, please call or send for simples and compare qualities.



18 0 4. Ch istinas and Kow Year's Greeting FI/ETCIIEE BROS-, HAVE J.UST RECEIVED EX GOTHIC— 100 cases Finest New Vestisan Currants 50 boxes Finest New Sultanas ,30 boxes Finest New Valencias 50 boxes Finest New Eleraes 25 boxes Australian Muscatels, to be cleared at 8d per lb ALSO THE FOLLOWING JDol TO HiNDPOR CHRISTMAS TRADE— Jordan Almonds Dessicated Cocoanut Keene's Mixed Spice Preserved Fruits Preserved Ginger Pears, Peaches, Cordials, <fee. Apricots, &c. Valencia Almonds * Mb bottles of Persian Sherbit, 8d per bottle. A splendid line of Chris,tm^s Cake in Fancy Baskets to be sold at 1$ §1 each. PLKASE NOTE that all those Goods are of the very FINEST QUALITY PROCURABLE, whbh we intend to sell at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE. A look at our windows will show. PRESERVING SEASON, 1895. JUST LANDING Ex AURIGA,— j 25 tons Finest Mauritius Cane Sugar (11G4 bags') This is the FINEST CANE SUGAR to be got] and jam, Ac, made with it will keep almost any length of time. NOTE ADDRESS FLETCHER BROS., : CASH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBUBTON, AND j LOWER HIGH STREET, CHRISTOHURCH. Don t miss seeing our splendid show o£ Christmas Fruits, &c.



WINSLOW. SECTIONS 140, 141, 150 and 151, an *3 acre in one block on the upper side of railway. Offers are invited for these. Terms if required. Apply to T. BULLOCK. BANG ! Bang : Bang '. My new sea-i ton's stock of Ammunition to hand j Eley's, Kynock's and, Quo Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wade, Cases and all spirting materials of the firafc quality •'i, J". W, HABi>i«y's, Gpo Empciote^



/"CHRISTMAS Presents, Choice Orna \J mentß, Withers and Jew's Harp% Balis and Dolls for everybody from Id each; Jointed Dolh for 6J, Sleeping Beauties Is, Chinese Conquerors 6d, Eussian Embassies Is, Walking Men, Talking Dolls, Scotch Greys, and Ennis killen Dragoons all wonderfully cheap at Mks AlcobVs Ladies-' Dnderclothing and Fancy Bazaar, HaTelock street. POlLAft CIGAREITES-Sd por packet,



Wanted W'ANTEdTo hire Bkj^^w^'days only, 5 till 7 In evenings. State terms to X., Guardian Offictj.



rTTANTED—A Cock for station, jVV raus t De a £ 00( j jj rea( j haker. Apply, Mes Adams, East street, Ashbur t2^_ 1 71 WESLEFAN Church, To moirowT 3.iv T. G. Brooke. Morning " Encouragement; " ; Evening, " The , Dissolving Tabernacle." Memorial Ser vice for the iate Mr J. E. Buchanan. Friends of the deceased specially invited. <; 1 74 SCHOOL B^oka —Scholars and teachers can be supplied with school books at my shop.— J. Mabsden. 176 T OST, about a fortnight ago, Bay -Li Hack, white fore feet, about sixteen hands. Finder rewarded on communica ting with Thos. Everett, Willowby, or W. Abbott, Whitecliffi,, Malvern. 179 "pICTURE Books— The largest and Jl moat varied stock of Picture Books in i.ahbaiton. — J. Marsden. 1 77 HAT and Coat found on a section in Cox street on Thursday morning. The owner can get; information by calling at office of this paper. 1 80 TjiNGLISH Illustrated Christmas Num -L^ bers at cost price. Circulating Library— J. Marsden. 178



FOR SALE — Purebred Partridge Cochins, also young Houdans. App'y •' Fancier," Mail Office. * 1 56 TTi ANTED Knowrr-The~ Corner is YV showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing.— W, H. Collier. WANTED Known— Special line of Gents1 Regatta Shirts, all siaes, with or without collars, 2s 6d.~ W. H. Collier. T> EAUTIFUL ar.d useful Presents to JJ all purchasers of 2s 6dand upwards. —11. C Segers, Melicr f i House. WANTED Known— Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optica line at S. S^lek's, Optician, BERBAL Beer, Herbal Baer. Six gallons of splendid Herbal Beer for 7<J. Made with a bottle of Potter's Herbal Beer Extract, price 7d per bottle. Warranted purely hetbal. Fletcher Bros.. Wholesale and Retail Agents, Cash Supply Stores, Ashburton and Christchurch. tVTANTED Known -Holders o"f VV Present t:ckets can now get them changed.— H. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED Known— A tremendous run on our Gloves, 4£d upwards. —Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Known— Tint E. T. 1 lower, Confectioner, Eas* street, has a splendid variety of Fry'g and Cadbury's Chocalate Boxes, now in stock. WANTED, Everybody to use Titan Soap, greatest marvel of the age. H. Zander, Sola Agent. WANTED Known— All wool Delaines, Prints, and Crepons below whole sa'e rites. —Mitchfll and Turner TDRKSENTS. We are now eivine: 1 Presents to a'l purcrwer-: of 2s 6J and upwards.— -H. C. Fegebs, Melford House. WANTED Known.— Having had such a 3uccessr ul seifon with Dresses. baUnco to clear it nominal prices.— Mitchell and Turner. LADIES' and Gentlemen's lefr-off Clothes and all kinds of goods bought, sold, or exchanged. — Mes Knight, opposite Templar Hall, ne<*r Post Office. 11 170 CHEAP Christna-s Present, Cheap New Ye»r Gifis, Cheap Toys, Cheap Dolls, Cheap Fancy Gcods. Mcs Adams. Saunders' Buildings. WANTED — Every Lady to try Madam Balcombe's Patent Ex panding Belt Corset (registered), guaran teed whalobone throughout. Orders left at Mr E, Hill's, Herbalist, Ashburton. will receive prompt attention. 10 86 OWN Make In Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Aluslins, Flannelettes, Tiimmings, etc.j afc Mrs Alcorn's new shop, Baker's Buildings. BLANKETS bought at Edwards Bennet's Bale, a special line of Double Blankets at 7s 9d. Extra large and heavy 15s 6d and 16s 6d.—RoberJ Alcorn, Baker's Buildinsr*. ry ANTED Known — Mrs Hoofek ** (monthly nurse) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter,. to Mrs Hooper, Alford Forest Road, Ashburton. 11*134 ROBERT ALCORN has opened in Baker's Buildings, next the Court house, with a stock of Clothing, etc., bought at Edwardp, Bannett'a and the Kaiapoi S%les, the cheapest lot of goods ever brought to Ashborton, Also an assortment of Boots. NOTICE I Notice Sport for all Guns let out on hire cr sold on tim? payments. Having a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns of any description. Gun fittings in stock. Prices low. — J, W EUrd&ev, Ironmonger, etc f^S UNS ! Guns 1 Guna J My new stock VX of Gunsj ust to band direct from the manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc In spection invited. No old stock to select from 4t ,). W. Hardley's Sporting Repository WANTED Known -That if. you .are in wrant of a first class art; ,fcle it), sum mer Bo^ts and Shoes, you cannot do better than call at J. Moison's ; you will geb 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 ljl»{l Boot Store, Fv street, Ashburton. WANTEp Known— That otirkg to the cyceess of the B#le now being held up at Saunders' BiuMjings, opposite Rail way Station, ie will be continued for another twenty-eight days. 1 am not advertising a few cheap linea, but the whole of the stock. Don't lose the oppor tunity of securing genuine bargains —A Lfsj/RIE. 366 1 QGP' e f r ear ar^ s an^ New l_Q%j t)» YearX^ifts ,o| various kinds. F*ncy Goods, including jJWcy Qig.§a and , Chinawarc, Toys of various kinds, Chinese Lanterns, New Games for indoors and outdoors, including Tennis and Cricket Material; Writing Desks and Cases, Inkstandr, Photo and Scrap Albums, Ladies' Hand Bags, Picture Frames Pictures, Test's, Accorleons,Concertinas, Violins, Zither Harps, gamos and a great variety of other goods all at Reduced i Prices ,fojf Oftsh at L. F, Andre wes and'



CHRISTMAS & NJiW YEAR' 1894-95 N. Z. C F. Opened up this week for the holidays, NEW TIES, NEW SILK HANDKERCHIEFS. ALA.IE shipment of Men's Navy Blue and White STRAW HATS, to be Cleared at 3^, worth 4a 61. BOYS' STRAW HATS Is. We have the Latest shapes in Hard and Soft FELT HATS. See our Windows for Grand Christmas Display, For comforb try one ot the New Soft Felt Hats— weight ljoz CLOTHING DEPARTMENT. 1 few Boys Washing Blouses to be Cleared at 3d 3d. Gents' Fancy Vests in Great Variety! FOR TRAVELLING- Steel Trunks from 12s Portmanteaux and Gladstone Bags. HANDSOME PRESENT— A Bismarck Sewing Machine with Coves for &5 lOs. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHINQ FACTORY. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager 1 MAIL NOTICES, The Letter Box will be cleared for the despatch of correspondence from Ashburton to the undermentioned places as follows :•— Burnham and Dunsandel, daily 3,15 pm Chertsey and Rakaia, Christ church and north, daily 630 am 315 pm 6 30 pm and Monday, Wednes day, and Friday ... 10 30 am Dromore and Selwyn, daily 6 30 pm Eiffelton, Willowby, daily ... 1030 a m Lismore, Tuesday, Thurs day, and Saturday ... 10 30 am Elgin, Wakatmi, and River- J side, daily 6 30 am Seaview, Seafield, Kyle, and *} Newlands, Tuesday, , Thursday, Saturday ... 630 am Greenstreetj Winchmore, and < Forks, Tuesday, Thurs day, Saturday 6 30 am Wheatstone, Waterton, Ash- | ton, Longbeach, and FlemingtoD, daily ... 345 pm Mount Somers, Springburn, Bu&hside, Alford Forest, Stave'ey, daily 4 pm Methven, daily ... ..3 15 pm Geraldine, and Orari, daily.. 12 30 pm Oamaru, Dunedin, Waimate, and south, daily ... 12 30 pm Eiling, Rangifcata, daily ... 10 30 am 12 30 pm Temuka, Timaru, daily, 10 30 am 12 and Tuesday, Thursday, 30 pm and Saturday 3 15 pm Tiuwald, Winslow, Hinds, 10 30 am 12 daily 30 pm d .And Tuesday, Thursday, * and Saturday £3 15 pm Ruapuna, Monday and Thurs day ... ... ... 4 pm Mayfield, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday ... 4 pm "* Letters containing anything of value should be registered. I Letters containing coin or bank notes if posted unregistered will be eompulßorily registered, and charged double registration fee.



TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS. Owing to the lar^e amount now owing for subscriptions to the Mail ' and Guam ian, we are compelUd to press for payment, and have to notify tint we shall take immediate steps to recover all sub scriptions that are more than one year overdue. FIRE ALARMS Allenton „ one toll Borough, north of railway .., two tolls Borough, south of railway ... three tolls Hampstead four tolls TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS



SOME of the Guardian runners having been changed, our Subscribers are respectfully requested to notify the man ager at once any irregatarity in the delivery of their papers. Ashburton Publishing Co,, January 3, 1895.



BORROWER PLEASE NOTE, The person who borrowed a volume of Statutes for 1891 from this office some time ago is requested to return the same. Ed Ashburton Maji,.



Oxeßox of Clabke's B 41 Fills iswarran tei to cure all discharges from the Urinary Organs, in either sex (acquired or consti stttional),'Gr.a>rel and' 3?ains "in the^ Back. Guarranteed free from ftfercury, Sold in Boxes 4s 6ci each, by all Chemists and Paten. Medicine Vendors thronghoufc the World Proprietors : Thk Lincoln and Midland Counties DhugComfauv, Lincoln, England. I



DOLLAR CIGARETTES. -3d. N o oliera or photos-HwaY Zaitokh, wholeeale »ge<ps