FIRE ALARMS

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Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, MARCH 25, 1895.

"The Nightly Atrocity of the Strand" formed the basis of the Rev \V. Carlile's

remarks the other Sunday night at St. Mary-at-Hill Church, Monument. He seated that for Mr Asquith

MODERN 'BABYLON.

he had profound respect, hut that though fish may live two miles higher up the Thames than formerly, and though one and a half tono of coal can now fill cellars that formerly required two tons, yet L melon was far from being *'Paradis9 regained." It was still only a *! Fool's Paradise. 9' where fallen men, women, and angels plotted to drag each other and the city to a certain doom. Just as the winked at debaucheries pracised at fome of the restaurants at the Wast End flourished in the c'oaest proximity to a police station adjoining, so the scandalous street solicitations of ihe Strand pro spered within gunshot of Scotland Yard and Whitehall. The Albert Club might be raided and gamblers arrested, but the married and unmarried "bulUes" who nightly profit from the traffic of poor and weak unfortunatea in the Strand must be allowed police protection. *f Oh, dam nable slavery," he concluded, ** will public opinion never come to the re: cue of the*epcor man enchained Magdalenes Oh, women (f England, how can you rest while your Bisters are bqught and sold alive in the market at Charing Cros3 •?"

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Reading matter on fourth page.

At present an unple<s»nt epidemic affecting the stomach of patients i? going the rounds of this district (says the Tapanui Councr), and a large number of people have suffered from it. Dr de Latour considers that the thousands of carcases (f putrid rabbits afrer the Pollard poison ing have been the cause of the epidemic, and that the land owners should be compelled to gather and bury the poisoned rodents.

Saya the Clu%* Leader : —During a conversation with a rabbiter the other day he informed us that with steady work on ordinary ground * man can earn about £IXO a year at killing rabbits, His earn? ings for a number of years past had averaged from £115 to £120 a year, He says there is $ fair living throughout the county for hundreds f the unemployed if they were sent to destroy rabbits, but that they would have to work for their money early and late, as the eight hours a day sytem would hot do.

Mr G A. Schoch, writing to the New Zi?land Times, says: —' It is a fact that we cm grow the very best gilk to be found anywhere. Experiments made in Canter bury, in Nelson, and in Auckland show that our article is very much superior to the Chinese, Japanese, Indian, or even the average Freuph and Italian silks. 'But the a»ost striking advanjbige we possess in it is the absence of disease. In Southern i pi,,;.""ishey have never been able to pet riSofthe tr^r/'J dUea ß e which brok out some 40 years ago, S!? d -*m» ,hm relucjd the yield of their old and gloiiTS* braeds to a frastion of what it was. 'i hey are cons quently coir palled to ionpor; a ljt of In'eiior breeds from Japan and elsewhere. But they would much sooner buy their own breeds If they could get a country wl icli could reproduce these old varieties in a healthy condition and in large quantities. Owing to the disease every moth in France and Italy has to be examined microscopically (Pasteur's system). One firm in Milan employs about 2000 girls dining the season for the sole purpose of examining silk-worm moths. We could save all thisexpense and trouble, beciuse disea'6 Is absent. Therefore, if we go in for the old favourite European breeds (which, as I said, they have the greatest d ffieu'ty to raise on the Continent) with our climate nnd other natural advantages, combined with the superior intelligence and industry of our settlers, we could go on cheerfully producing millions per annum, and always find a ready maiket, so long as we produce a fi -st c?a3S article and maintain it absolutely reliable.'

Holloway's,. Pills.--The ills of life are increased tenfold by the mode of life so many have to lead ; most especially is this the case amongst the toilers in our factories and huge workshops of the manufacturing districts whose digestions become impaired and nervous systems debilitated by the protracted confinement and enforced depriva tion of healthy out-of-dcor exercise. The factory workers may almost be s^id to have diseases of their own, readily amenable, however, to treatment if not allowed to proceed unchecked. Hclloway's Pills are the moefc'effectual remedy ever discovered for the liver and stomach complaints, as they act surely but gently, regulating thVsebfev tions without weakening 1 the nerves op ißterferwg with tbi cUily work, '

The MoßSbul'a correspondent of the Southland Tints states that the swamp turkey has taken to killing the humble bees presumably for the sake of their honey- The turkeys have been observed to catch the bees on the thistle-flowers and bite off the part that holds the honey, leaving the rest of the bee uneaten. The humble bees are now so numerous that all the swamp tirkejs kill will not make much difference. At Wellington on Saturday, before the Chief Justice, ia Chambers, Mr Young ob tained an order on bahalf of ihe widow of the late Mr R. N. Reid, b»r.>k manager, Palmerston South, directing thit 225 J shares in the Bank of New Zealand purchased by the trustees of the deceased's will (Messrs Heevea and Adams, of Dunedit). should be dealared to be their property, and that they should refund to the estate the sum of £711 7s 61, the cost of the shares. Mr Edward Saunders 1 bicycle, which somebody * took a loan off' from his office door last week, was found at daybreak this morning - laid up against the racecourse gate ; the place most likely to be struck by parties known to the Secretary of the Racing Club. We are sorry to learn that Mr Saundera is laid up at present with an attack of what appears to be influenza ; but Mr W. W. White has the clerical wrk work in charge for races on Wednesday and Tftarsday. All our matrons and ra lids ought to visit the Orange Hall on Tuesday evening next at 7-30. At that hour Mrs Miller, of the Technical Classes, Dunedin, teacher of cookery, will give a free lecture, with practical illustrations, both with the gas stove and the fire range, on cookery. This lady has much to tell that is worth bearing, and if any future wife would like to know how to 'feed the brute 'well, and keep him in good humor she could do worse than listen to Mrs Miller.

The courageous engineer Sample, of the isteamer Federal, who was mentioned in our cable news a few days as having at the risk of his life faced the scalding fiteam to stop its escape, owing to one of the tubes bursting, at Perth, was terribly scalded on the back and head, and his cries of agony were awful to hear. Surgi cal aid was at once sought, and although fatal results are not likely to result, the brave fellow will carry the visible effects of the roasting to his grave There were » lot of passengers on board as well as a large shipment of thoroughbred stock from Singapore. The engineer's conduct was all the more laudable as he had a wife and family dependent on him at Mcl bourne for subsistence.

A Committee meeting of the Ashburton. Amateur Cycling and Atheletic Club was held on Wednesday evening last when the following gentlemen were appointed officers for the race meeting to be hald on Easter Monday. —Referee, A. J. Miiller; Starter, —D. Thomas ; Judges,— T. RolJitt, E. Kempthorne, P. H Cox ; Timekeepers, —S. Salek, W. G. Murray, G. Jesson; Laptakers,— A. Hendry, W. Mitchell,- D. Grant; Clerks of Course,— F. JNokes, P. Williams ; Marksmen,—F. Den by, J. Shephard, A. Jameson, R. Clark; Telegraph Board,—R. Frizzell. Dl Greenwood and Mr Robert McOwen were elected honorary members. Corres pondence was read from the station-master stating that excursion fares had been granted froir Chriacchurch to Ashburton on Baxter,; Monday In connection wiihthe sports, meeting ; also from the Traffic Manager. Christchurch, promising to delay the Mount Somers train for an hour on Easter Monday. The Committee then arranged the order of events on the programme and adjourned

We havo to record a severe accident thai ocmi red onSatutd»y ni^hc. On his way to Laghmor shortly after eight o'clock the horse ridden by Mr Alick McKay, the well knriwn Highland piper,stumbled and fe'l, Mr McKay bad evilentaliy fallen heavily on his head, and the horse after he got up had apparently dragged his rider for some distance. Mr MoK »y lay mi the road unconscious till nearly eight o'clock on Sunday morning, at which hour Mr George Veel, of Ashburton, happened to drive past in a bugsy, in company with one of the post office letter carriers. They picked up Mr McKay and brought him in to the Ashbuiton Hospital, whera he still lies, alive, but unconscious. He is tad'y bruised about the head, but hopes are entertained that he will recover.

♦Walter Gibson, 175 pieces; Milfcon Gibson, 250 ; John Drake, 300; Frederick llanney, 30 I; Shellman Stewart, 60 ; Langdon Howes, 7" ; Murray Saunders, 40 ; Robert Henning, 60; Albert Wallace, 60,' A boy at Montclair (New Jersy), named Griffi h, was desperately burned, but the doctors informed his parents that if they could get a sufficient number of persons who would volunteer to contribute < 5,000 pieces of their skin to graft on to the parts left bare by the barns, they might s»ve his life. No lack of volunteers stood in the way of the experiment. The parent* were the firsb to offer themselves, a score of healthy young men in the neigh bourhood followed suit, and the grafting process, which was bsgun in August, has been carried on ever sinpe, with the re sult that Master Frederick Griffith has already 2,030 pieces of skin from* other persons growing on his body. By Febru ary the doctors hoped to )i<*ve entirely completed the upholstering of the little patient, though mjny months must s-ill elapse before he is able to quit his bed The story, of course, comes from America.

A letter from St, Petersburg sates that the young Empress will probably change the whole aspect of the Russiin Court, and not rest until she has nude it as much like the English as possible. The Empress is reported to have declared that slid cannot lead a life indoors, thab she mast be allowed to take as much exercise as she pleases, must sac life in the streets, etc. It is, therefore, expected that the Empiror $nd impress w.ll often be seen in St. Petersburg. Much influence is attributed to the Prince of Wales, to »flC!!? totb Emperor and Empress look up. The Imperar especially has re peatedly said that the life of the Punce of Wales was exactly what lie should like bis own life to be. He is very friendly with the Duke of York, and asked the Prinze to try and induce his son to stay some weeks with him. The Princa of Wales is supposed to have said that the young Empress would no doubt want to have her husband all to herself during the honeymoon, but that the Duke of York would soon return for a long stay, perhaps early jn tne new Year. <

CRICKET.

Mk^bournk, March 23

At the farewell banquet given to the English cricketers by the Melbourne Cricket Club, Stoddart said the trip had been most pleasant. If the Australian team did not go home because England had won the last test match, he would feel, sorry they had won, Every one of his men was delighted with the tour, and wanted to come again. He paid a high tribute to the Australian umpiring, and had not heard a single Englishman grumble at one decision.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—MONDAY.

(Before Messrs T. E. Upton and A. ■ Harrison, J.P.s.)

Chattels Transfer Act. — James George Bean, on remand from Match 20, waa charged with defrauding Friodiander Bros in January last of 181 crossbred ' hoggets valued ab £76 10a 6d. Mr Purnell for the prosecution, Mr Bonelly for defendant. Mr Purnell, in opening his case, said accused came to Mr Fried lander in September last, and on another occas on since, and obtained advances on sheep, giving security, which was still in force. Subsequently Mr Rudolph Fried* lander had gone to accused's farm near Dromore, and found the sheep were n.>t' there. Accused then told him the sheep ' were on Mr S. Ryan's farm, and gave him an order to get them, Mr Friedlander sent Mr Restell to get them, bub they were nob there. Accused then said he had sold the sheep to his brother, who had since re-sold them. Mr Purnell called—Rudolph Friedlander, who said he was a member of the firm of Friedlander Bros. His firm was the holder of (he security pro duced, which was signed by accused. The hoggets mentioned were those referred to in the information. The money was still ovlng on them. Went last Monday to Willowby farm, to see the sheep. Found accused there, but not the sheep. Asked iccused where the hoggets were, and eaid they were up at Stephen Ryan's at Lauriston. Told him he had come to take possession of the sheep. Went into the house with him, and asked for pen and ink, as witness wanted an order from him to take the sheep from Ryan's, and some at Patterson's at Lism are. [Order put in.] The latter were ewes under security. Met Mr Maynard on Willowby farm. Accused left with him to go to Christ church, and witness came into Ash burton and gave some instructions to Mr Restell. Had not been able to find the hoggets. Went to Willowby farm with Mr Restell on Wednesday following and saw accused. He had just returned from Chriatchurch. Told him the sheep were not at Ryan's, and he said at onse he supposed there would be a bother over it, as he had lent or sold the sheep to his brother. Witness said " Ton know they are under security to us and had no right to deal with them." Accused said "Well, it can't be helped now," and his brother promised to replace them. His brother had sold some to Clarkson and some to McMullen. Wit ness had found that sheep under another security were also missing. Accused lived with his brother at Willowby firm. Told accused he had bettor come into town with witness, which he did, acid they saw witness's brother, and accused repeated the statement that the sheep had been sold sometime after shearing, and mentioned the price, which witness had forgotten. Reused said he had sold 180 or 190 hoggets to his brother and some to Clarkson. Accused never had the firm's consent to sell the sheep. Had not received any of the proceeds. By IMr Donnelly—Had looked for the sheep. Accused said he Ind lent or sold the Hheep. He made two different state -1 ments.—J. G. Restell —Was the attesting I witness to acjused's signature on the security produced. Knew him"; he renied a farm near Chertsey. Went on Blond ay last to take possession of sheep for 1 Friedlander Bros. Went to Ryan's at Lauriston with Primmer to get the hoggets. Looked for them, but they were not. there j then went to Ryan's home farm at Spread Eagle, and th^ hoggets were not there. Showed Ryan the orJer —Stephen Ryan said he knew accused. Saw last witness lasc Tuesday. Never had any sheep of Bean'a in his possession.—J. H. Maynard—Knew ac cused. Went to Christchurch by rail with him last Monday. Before the train started he appeared to be endeavouring to avoid notice. Just as the train was starting a policeman pissed the carriage and accused said he was afraid Friedlander would send the police and prevent his leaving. After they left the station he t>aid he was afraid of getting irrto serious trouble with the Friedlandera, as he had let his brother have some of their sheep. Was in Fiiedlander's oflbe on Tuesday with accused and R Friedlander. Heard acaused tell Mr Hugo Friedlander his brother got 7* 6d per head for the sheep from Mr W. B. Clarkson, and 8? 33 from Mr McMullen Was nob quite certain as to the prices. By Mr Donnelly—Bean was in the train before witness. Accused knew wifnesa was watching him in order to find his brother. Knew nothing about the sheep affair till accused told him in the train. Only wanted his own money. Did not advise accused to surrender nor to clear out. By Mr Purnell— Am not in any way interested in this prosecution. W. McMnllen, a farmer at Doric, said he bought 190 crossbred hoggets from Miles and Co. on December 18 last. Paid fa 6d for twenty and 8s 6d for the balance. Understood they belonged to Bean. Could not say which Bean. Inspected the sheep on the farm, and saw both of the Beans there. Accused counted out the sheep to him when they were delivered.—By Mr Donnelly—Accused was not present at the time of the Bale. Could nob say that ac cused instructed Miles and 00. to sell the shaep. Paid Miles and Co. for the sheep There was no brand on them ; they ap peared to be just off the shears.—Hugo Friedlander said the money was still owing on the security. His firm never gave accused leave to sail or deal with the hojrgets. Did not know till a few days ago thoy had been sold. Asked acoused where the hoggets were, and he siid he sold them to his brother Asked him why he did so, as witness had told him be fore he would notpetmit any dealing with the sheep ou'side witness's firm; and ac cused paid his brother promised to return or replace then. Accused raid 189 were sold to McMaJlen at about 8s 61 and 310 to W. B. Clarkson at 7s 6i per head. The firm held another security over 310 sheep, By Mr Donnelly —Accused seemed very willing to give witness all informa. tion. Had asked h'm to make a clean breast of it. He said distinctly he had sold the sheep to his brother. Did not afak what his brother gave for them as witness was more interested in finding where they were. Accused did not tell witness he tried to find the sheep as soon as he knew his brother was not returning them. The promissory nobe referred tn in the security was dishonored. Could not say without his bocks if it was given solely for the sheep in the security alone. —Mr Purnell here put in a certified copy of the registered security ; which closed the case for the prosecution. James Gerge Bean was further charged wi h disposing 31^ crossbred hoggets under security to Friedlander Bros. The case was precisely similar to the last, except that tho the sheep claimed were different lots and covered by separate sepurities.—Mr Donnelly said he would reserve the defence on both charges, and accused, declining to make any statement, was committed for trial at the next sittings of the Supreme Court at Christ church, bail being allowed in £200 on his own recognisance, and two sureties of £100 each to cover both charges.—Mr Purnell said he purposed leaving the further prosenu ion to the Crown.

ON THE PITCH.

By The Barber

I believe polo was invented by a I surgeon, football by the devil. Football I is a sad sntasher-up of limbs and heads, and only too frequently sends several of its most ardent votaries to the happy hunting grounds. The annual butcher s bill of football is something terrible, and during the football season every second young man you meet walka wifch a limp, if not on a crutch, has an arm in splints, or carries an eye in a sling. Not one footballer in a hundred can look you straight in the face and teD you his carcase is wholly free from damage sus tained in pursuib of that horrid oval The oval is for kicking. But the opposing lep just as often as nob receives cln kick that misses the oval. And to a man wh'> cm enjoy a dog fighfc, anl fee the canines tearing and chewing each other, football has a clurm nearly as fascinating He looks at a scrimmage, and if the fieU is » quagmire, as it fr» quei.t y is, it is nuts to his greedy eyes to see oir yjung gentlemen tearing each other about, mauling each other with rough hugs, an-1 floundering in the dir tiil they are past recognition. A priza fight ia hardly worse than a football match for "bruis ing." But what shall I cay of polo ? The editor of the Press says "it U not a gams for milksops." And I would add " nor for anybody else for that matter, if the butcher's bill of every tournament in as heavy as that at Christchorch last week " Laghmor Buckley comes oub of it with a broken c llar-bonif. ""Every movement of Mr Buckley's handsome person will remind him for some time to come of the sweets of polo. Mr k. Boyle's share of the enjoyment) of the game includes a slight concussion of the brain. Mr Palmer shakes hands with his sinister fl pper till the sprain of his dexter wrist has been sufficiently reduced to enable him to salute in the manner of other Christian men, Messrs B L. Lane and J. Cr Wilson must practice signing their names left-handed until, the thumbs of their better hands can hold the pen. The H n E. W. Parker and Mr, tteddiford had their heads mistaken for the ball, and the strokes they received have left gashes like plough furrows that do not add to the beauty of their personal appearance. Mr Archer has a broken rib, and Mr O Rorke has a dimple in his chin which has no likeness at all to the one cupid is said to smile in, while Mr Roberts feels as if he had beenfed to a thrashing machine, or been drawn tail-first through a goose berry bu«h. All this reminds one of reading the list of damages in the account of a railway accident, but it is not nice to learn that it is the toll of pain and suffer ing paid by the equestrian athletes of the present day. I have only one set of limbs and one suit of skin, and though I admire ard respect the great army of noble men to whom we appeal when our anatomy has got an ugly clout, 1 prefer to see them idle rather than be myself the object of their merciful attentions. And while I have to take my chance amoiig" the ordinary Accidents of life, I prefer not to give the stalwart arm of a man like Mr Buckley a chance to polo my head instead of the ball.

It was wet on Saturday night, and while I hung about -waiting for a friend who has the racing fever bad, and was thirsting for the acceptances due that evening, three men entered a room near tothe Clubroom, They were picturesquely clad. Their hats were of the ordinary ■tamp that colonials wear. But their overcoats S Each man ware a sack—an ordinary grain sack He had snicked off the corners of the sack's bottom, cut a hole in the centre of the bottom large enough to let his head through, and drawn the whole thing over Mm. His arms came through at the cornois and hi* head at the middle, and for the time being he was armed against the shower. No poncho could have b^eu better. The sacks bore he brand of a merchant firm prominently stamped upon them The men lo ked oddly enough in thsir jutey garmenture, and I c juld hardly repress a smile when I saw them. Bat the scene recalled to my mind a paragraph I once read, the contribution of an Ash burton correspondent of a Christchurch paper. There had been a long stietch of web weather in Ashburton, and on the return of the sun every clothes line was fulfilling ita mission to the utmost, and shock out as much, if not bunting, at least of more usaful fabrics, as ever did vessels in port on an admiral's wedding day. In the ordinary course of things, said the writer of the par, I vould have taken no note of this ; but in paahnq: one dwelling I also passed an elderly lidy whose eyes had j'-st been averted from a cloches lino, and a smile passed over her vener able features. My eyes sympathetically strayed to the line. The divided skirt has not yet become an article of common wear amongst the Ashburton fair, though a modified form of it Just fo ! There was one specimen of this modified form of it on the line, and apparently belonging to some portly wearer. In this bifurcated calico a new idea in advertising was displayed. On either ample upper and posterior division there shone out in faded red the strange device—" Canter bury mills—silk dressed." I commend the idea to Mr Rollit. He might go further, and so Construct his fifty-pouni bags that after use for flour they oould by a dexterous snip hare and a stitch there do duty as—-

Now that; we have a fairly comfortable railway station, and the railway authorities hive done their share in regar 1 to It, there remains a little for the Borough to do. The centre entrance is a convenience in many way*, and most people make use of It en route from the station to the post office. We have had a long stretch of dry weather, and when the weather is dry the roads are dry, but last- Saturday evening was not dry. The side of the main road next the station was, a perfect qnagmire, and there were many dirty boots in con sequence. I commend the job of shingling this spot to "the guardians of public morality," for- some Aehburton people swore over this -more tenibly than the army in Flanders. !

COMMERCIAL.

London, March 24

The total quantity of wool catalogued up to date is 179,400 bales, of which 172,800f were sold. The market is firm/■ ReprW sentatives of Continental Crms are the principal buyers.' There is eager competi tion for sheep skins, which show a general advance of a halfpenny. The Wool Com mittee has abandoned the demand for re duced dock charges, owing to the persistent i opposition of the j3qck Companies. Tallow, medium mutton, 22s 3d: beef, The English wheat market shows a general decline o,f sixpence.. The Conti nental market is declining rapidly, and the American is weak and declining. A cargo of wheat by the ship Oakworth, from Gee long, sold at 243 3d. Milder weather, in cre^ied supplies, and she ■ improved pros- ■ pects of the crops in France are weakening I the wheat market. Goodwin estimates that i the surplus of wheat in the Argentine Re- ) public available for export will not succeed ' four and a half million quarters. j

European and Other Foreign Items

London, March 23 Tha Scottish newspapers generally favor the proposals of the Oity of ; Melbourne Bank to reduce the rate of interest to depositors. The Guildford tunnel collapsed, and an empty train was buried. A stable and a number of horses on the surface were engulphed. Paris, March 23 News has been received from Mada gascar that the French authorities in I Tauittave have sentenced Mr Walter, a former American Consul, to twenty years' imprisonment (sic) on » charge of exciting the Hovas to resist the Fremh.

Berlin, March 23 The State Oouncil has condemned Count Kanitz'3 proposal that the State should have the monopoly of imported cereals.

The Prussian Diet has passed a motion congratulating Prince Bismarck on the anniversary of his birthday. A scene of excitement took place in the Reichstag, where the Socialists rejected the President's motion congratulating the Prince, by a majority of 17. Preai* dent Vitne resigned. There was a crowded attendance at the tine, and the galleries were filled. The Emperor telegraphed to the Prince that he was most profoundly indignant at the action of the Reichstag, which was completely opposed to the feelings of all Germans who had the interest of the State at heart. Prince Bismarck, in replying to the Emperor, said he had changed the unkindly action into a source of joy ful satisfaction.

Madbid, March 23 Senor Canovas has succeeded in forming a Ministry.

Imperial Politics.

Londojt, March 22

In the House of Commons, the resolution moved by Mr Allen regard* ing the payment of members, passed by a majority of 18. Sir William Vernon Harcourt, Chancellor of the Exchequer, supported the motion, Mr Goschen opposed it, In the House of Lords, the Austra lian Customs Bill was read a third time. March 23. In the House of Lords, Lord Brassey submitted a scheme for increasing the Seamen of the naval reserve to 50,000. Earl Spencer, First Lord of the Admiralty, in reply said that the scheme would be too costly and success doubtful. At a later period the Government would submit their own

scheme.

CHITRAL.

Oalootta, March 22.

The Central Tribes attacked a de tachment of Sikhs, killing Lieut. Ross and several men. Later. Lieutenant Boss, one of the Indian staff corps, and sixty Sikhs, whila ad vancing to reinforce the British force at Kesbuna, were attacked. near Karagh, and their retreat was cut off by % thousand of the enemy. In at tempting to force a passage Ross and forty-six Sikhs, with eight other fol i lowers, were killed, but the remnant escape! The preparations for a relief column to proceed to Ohitral are being expedited to the utmost. March 23. It is believed by Mr Robert son's escort to Karagh that Ross's force was advancing from Gilgit. The remnant returned to Mestig. Many were killed by the rocks hurled from the heights above. Reinforcements are leaving Gilgit, Umrakam and Sheerafzul, and active organising pro ceeds at Birswat, where the tribesmen are reported to be willing to assist the British. Abdurraham is also anxious to attack Umrakam. Fourteen thousand British, under General How, of Peshawar, will pro bably advance via Swat and Kyber Pass. Mr Robertson is still at Ohitral. The rising is critical, and this opinion is confirmed by news received by the Viceroy.

STEAMER COLLISION

Melbourne, March 23 The steamer Konoowara collided with the Pile light in the West channel, smashing several piles, carry ing away the water tank and provision locker, and otherwise seriously dassaged the light. The steamer did not sustain any damage. The cause was due to aft accident to the steering.

SIR T McILWRAITH.

Bbi&baxk, Much 23 When Sir Thos. MclUraith went to England, he left his resignation in the hands of the Premier to be accepted wheu he thought fit. It is now decided to accept it, but Sir T. Mcllwraith will retain a seat in Cabinet without port folio. Should he return with renewed health, he will probably resume control of the Departments formerly under his ♦are. Mr Dalrymple is mentioned aa likely to succeed him as Chief tfecre *»ry.

N.S.W. POLITICS.

Sydney, Mirch 23 ' At a large meeting in the Protestant Hall, resolutions were carried opposing the insidious attempt to bring about a coalition between Sir H, P»rkea and Sir G. Dibbs, two politiLuns of pro-< fessedly different faiths, for the pur- PQse of defeatinjSf the will of the peapte as expressed at the general election. The proceedings were rowdy and the resolutions were finally adopted mul a scene of great disorder,

RETRENCHMENT.

Memourkb, March 23 The time allowed Governmentoflicers to retire on a pension or six months pay ha* expired. Two hundred and ten teachers have signified their willingness to be pensioned, and a hundred mem bers of the permanent artillery to retire oa six month* pay. Only half of the latter will be allowed to go. Mr Murray, the Government geologist, is also willing to be pensioned, but it is doubtful if he will be allowed, as the position will have to be filled in any case. MfiiBOURNB, March 25 Sixteen officers of the Customs Department, thirty-eightportal officers, and 161 railway servants, expressed their willipgaw to re tin oo ptosionf.

tflß ABHJ3CBTON GUABDIAN; MONDAY, MAIICH 25, 189§



Notices I STOCK-TAKING SALE AT G. J. NEILL'S. DRAPERY, CLOTHING & BOOTS. . White CMio Is 9J do/ L^W^S • ' ,» M Double-bed Twill Sheeting tt.d Men . Tweed bmta 13* M Print* Sid Men's Tweed Trousers from dj llct White rfusHnSsJllddoz Boya'Kuieker Suits 3s lid BOOTS! BOOTS!! BOOTS!!! Women's Lace Shoes fa 114 Men's Bluchers 4a lid" Women's Leather Lac* Boot* 5s lid Men's Balmoral Boots 6a lid ftbn'i Nailed Shooter. 7s lid EVERY ARTICLE REDUCED TU LE3B THAN COST PRIOE AT G. J. NEILL'S FSIEDUND IB S 1 CO RNE R, EAST STREET. CASH. CASH. Latest Gold Discovery. ■•**• ■—— Great Rush to the Fields. WHILE the people have been seeking other SHORES \n :\ '* search of GOLD, a rich Discovery li»b been made in ' THI3 CITY, that will bring JOY to the INHABITANTS. — FOR — WE J. MELLOR, LEAD, . (Late Bishop,) not follow Zealandia Boot Store* want «t W a hu discovered that he can give better VALUE for 14s than NOT. ™UKf than any ordinary SHOP for 20s. J.M. has jiwt bought for CASH £900 worth o! NEW Ag .„.„ GOODS for £600 He is now prepared to sell CHEAPER MAY- THAN EVER FOR OASH^ SUR j, NOTE A FEW LINES. SMALL AS Men's Bluchers, from 4s lid % women's slippers, Is 6d j children's shoes, la 3d ; youths' school boots 10-3, 4s YOU PROFITS lid • women's lasting dippers, 2a lid ; men's shoe', 7a 61; men's tan shoes, ti 6d; women's slippers, 3*, cost WASTE 4j ; women's ES, usual price 10a 64 now 7s 6d ; girls' AND beat kid shoes, 5s 61; maide'best kid boots 10a, now 6s; .; YOU men's boott 12s 6d, mow 8s 6d. riTiTfir STACKS OP OTHER LIVF9 AT TtfE SAM*S WI^L uloKk CUTIING PRICB.?. WANT. WXimns" INSPECTION INVI TB D. N.B.—All repairs left in our charge will be neatly and promptly executed. ■::■ v NOTE ADDRESS, - ' ; ' J, Mellor, HALANDIA BOOT STORE, TANCRED STREET, ASSBURTON. ■'.■■■,'.'•''''''''■■ '' ' •-'■''. . • ' ' . •-' • ■!■: Kerosene. Kerosene. Kerosene. !T|fE ARI?J JUST L\NDING, EX CUt OP AOEL\IDE, 100 Cases OK THE Celebrated Light of the Age Kerosene Bought by us »t a very low price which we'intend to sell at almost landed cost Now is your tim 6to lay in your Winter Supply of|Kerosene We have alt? received our first consign meat of MOIB'S NEW OATMEAL, which everyone knows is the best in the Market, and wo are (selling it at a Lover Price than it as ever been sold either in Christchurch or Ashburtoo. SSOWFLAKE 7BAKING POWDER. Have you tried the Snowflakb Baking Powder, if not, do so and you will be very much pleased with it. The tins hold one ounce more Biking Powder than any other sold at a Id less per tin—namely, lOd tin 9s 3d per dozen. CONFECTIONERY, CONFECTIONERY. We are making a Leading Line of Confectionery at Very Low Prices Finest Scotch Mixtures 6d per lb Finest Conversations 6d per lb Tom Thumb Conversations 6d per lb Chocolate Creams Is Fruit Pastilea 9d per lb Black Balls 6d per lb Boiled Mixtures 6d per lb English Musks Is 6d Strong Peppermint 8d per Id Cough Tablets Sd lb We make a Substantial Heduction by Quantities. NOTE THE ADDRESS FLETCHER BROS., CiSH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBU&TON AND CHRISTCHURCH. ANTED Known-Sped.l line of i fjHOICE FRUITS.-Paachas, Una» M , Gente' ttegatta Shirts, all sI«M, !/ A e£«B OS. J«raonß and. ***?*** *fc wither wkhout «$!«», ti 6d,-W, B. H A. Fww ß ß,Ffuicer»ndOonftefcloner,



Wanted. RACES, RACES, RACES.—Shilling Luncheon on Course. Dinner from 11 till 2. Hot Tea and Supper. Huffam's Ashburton Restaurant, Burnett Street. ______ 3 171 FOR SALK, Cheap—Double bairel breechloading Gun, with case, 2»ihb bag, etc.—G Jesson, East Street. 3 166 L'UR SALE. —Two Four-roomed * Cottages A pp'y Edward Stephrns, Tancred street. 3 165 TIf ANTED Known—We are reducng VY lha whole of our Drapery, Bjois, C'otbing, etc, For Cash. New Drepsea, Now Jackeis, New Kats, etc , will all be reduced—H. C. Segeks. Melford Hotis»- WANTED Known—Spectaclw, rye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optics line at S. S ilek's. Optician. i WANxED, Everybody to use Titan Soap, greatest marvel of the age, B. ZAKOfcn. Sola A gen ti CHOICE New Season Fruit. Grapes, Peaches, Pines, Plums, Bananas, Apples, Apricots, and Tomatoes; the best in town.—ADAMB, Swndero' Buildings. SHOOTING Season 1895 —See the Beautiful Symonds Gun at Carson . and Go's. Also smokeless ammunition at Chrlstchurch Prices. 3 90 WANTED Known.—That our New Autumn Goods are now on view. Novelties in all Departments. Landing 1 ex Tongariro 4 cases Flanelletes.—Mit- CHELL AND TURNER. ■ WANTED Known.—We are dally receiving additions to our large " Good Value " Stock —Mitchell and Turner, Drapers and Clothiers, Tancred Street. IMPORTANT To Men! Mitchell and Turner Outfitting Specialists. Style, Fit, and Good Value in all citses. fTIkDREWES dKJO.—Sale now • on of Surplus Stock of Fancy Goods, Toys, Books, Stationery and Account Books, and all at greatly reduced prices for cash, at L. F. Andrewes & Co. CASH, CASH. Drapery, Boots, Cloth ing, etc. New Goods just opened. Everything reduced for Cash.—H. C. S goers, Mcl ford House. BOY'S and Girls Own Annual, British Workman and Workwoman, Infant's Magazine, The Prize, Child's Companion, Ohildren'a Friend, Little Dot, Family Friend, Band of Hope, Young England, and other New Books at Lowest Prices. — L. F. Andrewes and Co. 11 98 ANTED - Every Lady ~to try Madam Balcohbe's Patent Ex panding Belt Corset (registered), guaran teed whalebone throughout. Orders left at Mr E. Hall's, Herbalist, Ashburton, will receive prompt attention. -- 10 86 I^LETCHER BROS., are stilling allow *- ing a good reduction on 5,10 and 20 lb tins of Tea of all well-known brands. Special quotations for lirge quantities. Fletcher Bros , Cash Supply Stores, Ashburton. WAKTtfD Known — Great Bargains are now being given for Ca-h in all departments. B«f<re laying out your money for Drapery, Boots, etc , give us a call.—H. C. Seoeri, Melf rd House. Known—The Corner Is YY showing a magnificent New StocV of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. Collier. ROBERT ALCORN has opened in Baker's Buildings, next the Court house, with a stock of Clothing, etc., bought at Edwards, Bannett's and the Kaiapoi S%les, the cheapest lot of goods ever brought to Ashburton, Also an assortment of Boots. WANTED Known.—That wa are selling Finest Japan Rice lower that the cheapest stores in Christchurch or Ashburton. Sharps and Bran a'so at very low prices. Fletcher Bros , Cash Supply Stores, Ashbnrton. HM. JONES is offering his Large » and Varied Stock of Stationery, Account Bo ks, Prize and School Buoke, Fancy Goods, Plati d Glass a:, d China ware, at lowest prices for cash.. Pianos and Cycles on Easy Terms. 2 158 WANTED KNOWN. — F. S Jeffries, leading Confectioner and Fruiterer of Ashburton, East Street, next the Corner. lea Cream?, Fresh Fruits, Confectionery; Summer drinks of every description. Ice a»i reasonable rates Ladies Room a specialty. 1*153 WANTED Known —The Misses Ukquhabt have started Dress making, and having a thorough knowledge of the business, combined with moderate charges, hope to receive a share of the public patronage* Address; Tancred Street, next to E. W. Hall, Herbalist. BANG ! Bang I Bang ! My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Cluo Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hartley's, Gun Emporium NOTICE! Notice Sport for all Guns let out on hire or sold on timt payments. Hiving a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Qnm at any description. Gun fitting! in stock, Prytm low.—J. W <ui»Wlf, Ironmonger, etc* / iHRIs I '^AinPrJMentSr OhoiroOirna- O ments,' Zith£? •«* U J»*\ H*r p^ Balis and Dolls for every u^* *? oro *d each; Jointed Dolls for 6J," Sleb^ a<? Beauties Is. Chinese Conquerors 6d, Russian Embassies Is, Walking Men, Talking Dolls, Scotch Greys, and Ennis killen Dragoons all wonderfully cheap at Mrs Alcorn's Ladies' Underclothing and Fancy Bazaar, Havelock street. f\WN Make In Ladies' and Children's VJ Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs Alcorn's new shop, Baker's Buildings. /'TUNS I Guns ! Guns ! My new stock VJT of Gunsj ust to hand direct from the manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In spection invited. No old stock to select from at J. W. Hardlky's Sporting Repository WANTED Known -That if you are in want of a 6rs6 class article in sum- ' mer Boots and Shoes, you cannot do better than call at J. Moison's ; you will get the very best at reduced prices. An , for his own make, they are well known to the delight of the wearers, throughout the lustralaslan colonies. Repairs well done , and at once Premier Boot Maker, Town Hall Boot Store, E*«fc street, Abhburton WANTED Known—That oirir.g to the i success of the Sale now being held i up at Saunders' Buildings, epposite Rail- * way Station, it: will bo continued for 8 another twenty-eight days. lam not c advertising a few cheap lines, but the ' 1 whole of the stock. Don't lose the oppor- j tunity of securing genuine bargains—A f Lawrie 16 (



NEW PATTERNS OF TWEEDS. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. REDUCTION IN PRICES FOS FIRST CLASS TAILORING MEN'S SAC SUITS, D.B. OR S.B. TO MEASURE, 55s MEN'S TROUSERS TO MEASURE, 15s YOUTHS 1 SUITS TO MEASURE, 45s - BOYS' S-UITS TQ MEASURE, :iss MEN'S COVERT COATS TO MEASURE, sOs MEN'S WATERPROOF COATS TO MEASURE, 35s YOUTHS' WATERPROOF COAIS TO MEASURE, LADIES' WATBBPROOF COAT TO MEASURE, NEW ZEALAND CLf THING FACTORY. ALEX HENDRY, Manager. S- BALEE WATCHMAKER & MANUFACTURING JEWELLER. rpHE largest and finest stock In the _I_ District to select froan. It is also the newest and cheapest. Watch and Jewellery repairs receive careful and prompt atttention. Watches cleaned and guaranteed for twelve months ss. Sole Agent for Lazarus' patented system of sight testing and " Specialite" spectacles. S SALEft EAST STREET.



Onb Box of Clarke's B 41 Pills is warran ted to cure all discharges from the Urinary Organs, in either sex (acquired or consli* tutional), Gravel and Fains in the Back. Guaranteed free from Mercury. Sold in Box as 4s 6d each, by all Chemists and Paten. Medicine Vendors throughout the World Proprietors : The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug CbMPAnY, Lincoln, England Rheumatism.— Dr E. Gordon's remedy nkvkr fails in permanently curing rheuma tism, lumbago, sciatica, sjoat, etc, one bottle give* relief. Prise lQ« f port free. J. W. Oil7$o&, f,Q. Bot SW, Dao»4w«



Ciabkks World-famed Blood Mixture is a guaranteed cure for all Blood and Skin diseases, It is the most searching blood cleanser ever discovered, and it will free the system from all impurities from whatever cause arising^ For scrofula, scurvy, eczema, bad 'egs, sores and pimples of all kinds its effects are marvellous. Thousands of testi monials Sold' everywhere *t 2s 9d per bottlei BewKf of worthies imitation! »n<J tttbltitutM tt) ft I >■'■ L ■



KEATING S POWDER destroys Bugs j Fleas, Moths, Beetles and all other insects, I whilst quite harmless to domestic animals, ■ In exterminating Beetles the success of this j Powder is extrftqrdinary. It is perfectly i clean in appHcafcfen. >"cc the article you ! purchase is KEATING'S, as imitations are ' noxious and ineffectual. Tins, 6d and Is xc with the signature Thomu Keating on each tin, SelcTwr Ml obemiit*.