MAIL NOTICES.

The Letter Box m)l be cleared for the! flentmteh of correspondence from Ashbarton to the undermentioned places as ollows :— Bnrnh«»ni and Dunsandel, daily 3,15 pm Chertaey and Rakaia, Christ church and north, daily 630 am 315 pm 6 30 pm and Monday, Wednes day, and Friday ... 10 30 am Dromafe and Selwyn, daily G 30 pm E ffelton, Willmvby, daily ... 103 d a m Lusmeic, Tuesday, Thaw day, and Saiurdsv ..-, 10 30 am Elgin. Wakamii, and River- Nide, daily ... ...6 80 am Seaview, Se-ifield, Kyle, and Xewlands, Tuesday, Thursday SaMirday ... 630 am Greenstreet, Winchmnre, and Forks, Tuesday, Thurs day, Saturday ... '.630 am fVh*ati-tont\ Waterfon, Ash ton, Longbeaeh, and Jfjpmuigton, daily ... 34a pm Mow*? S^mer", Sprii>s?"burn, Baetaide, Alfnrd B'orest, Ktare'ey. daily .. .•• *Bm Metk V en,<i«ly .... •• f^P" 1, Oeraldine, and Orari, daily.. 12 30 pm Oamaru, Danedin, Waimate, m and .oath, daily ... JJTOprn^ E*Hng, Bangitata, daily ... l^ m &m 1- T«nuka, Timaru, daily, I^3o am 12 and Ta«day. Thursday, 30^ pin^ TiawSi^Winslw/'HmdV, 10 30 am 12 daily .- ... .■" m?m And Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday ... ,. *l» Pm Ruapuna, Monday and Thurs day .- - ,». *Pm Mcyfield, Monday, Tuesday, ' Thuniday, and Friday ... * pm LeHen eontaioing anything of value jhoitld"b« registered- • _,„.:# Lflttcw containing cnm ot 1 Hank Mtw if uareei«tered will he c(Mnp«l«oriijr ?egi*te»fid, «ud charged double reKistc*t«« fwe ... ■ :; ■ -*' | I

FIRE ALARMS

AMetifron „■ •• one t0)l| ißmvueh, north of railwuy . two tolls j IBorow»b> south of railway .., fchrce tolls ■ HampsDe_:l ' **»«• J»Hs

DEATH.

Tweed.— At his residence, Burnett street, on Sunday, 24th inst., Dr John . Moore Tweed. Aged 37 years.

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

An American contemporary is respon sible for the following:—A wife of the new school has had a cruel woman's truth told her by a heart inhumanjty less doctor. He said her to man. husband would nob live long unless he gob some rest. As she nat in an easy chair and watched him take off his coat on coming home from his office, put on a gingham apron and go to work cheerfully washing potatoes for supper and pounding steak, occasionally stopping to care for the baby, her heart smote her. She spoke to him kindly, and her heart smote her a second time when he looked up surprised. Was it true that in the ru h and worry of stining the country up to political truths she had forgotten to be kind to him 1 She khsed him tenderly when he handed her a cup of tea at the table, and his eyes filled with tears ; it was so long since he had heard a tender word. She praised his biscuits; then he broke down and cried. The result of this tender little scene was that this morning the woman cancelled all lecture engagements and re signed from all committees. She realised that since it would not do to hire a strong girl to assist him with the heavy house work, it would be better for her to stay at home and aid him by tender sympathy and loving words. Ob, wives, take warn ing from this little tale ! Speak gently to your husbands ere the cold sod clo&es over them. Praise their coffee and bis cuits. A kind word costs so little, and never gets lost through travelling.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Another grub, which eats the outside portion, is assisting the codlin moth to destroy the apples in the Wairarapa dis trict, , Two horse teams left Goondiwindi the I other day for Brisbane, a distance of 270 miles, as an experiment in opposition to the railways. The Ashburton High School Board will hold its monthly meeting afc the Oounfy Council office on Wednesday next, the 27th insfc , at 2 p.m. , It ia staged the Ne'son hopgrowers are talking of paying only 2d per bushel for picking this season. The hop-pickers talk of a strike unless 2-J>d is given. Rugby Unions are multiplying under the New Zealand Union. It ia now pro posed to form a union embracing the clubs between Waipawa and Danevirke. Tons cf l.lackberries nave been recently despatched from Buili to a Sydney fruity preserving ii m. One panny per lb i paid, to children for picking the fruit, which" sells at 31 per lb. Another rabbit drive took place at Fort Bourke, .New South Wales, on January 30, when 1800 cf the pest were yarded and killed This makes over 4000 destroyed in two drives. The Melbourne Women's Franchise League is inquiring into the truth of a statement that a large Melbourne firm had issued orders that none of its female em ployees should join any women's franchise league. The railway line In Victoria from Wycheproof to Sea Lake, a distance of 48 miles, is the cheapest yet made in the colony, costing only £1500 a mile. This; is £3000 less than is allowed under the new Act. A four-legaed goose is a freak of nature (writes the Melbourne Herald) which has rarely, if ever, been seen before. Mr J, J. Gillespie, of Sb. Kilda, has one. It is stated that the bird is full grown, and moves about easily. ■The highest degree of heat registered in Auckland for the last three years was that of Sunday week—it was 85 in the shade. During the time Mr Cheeseman has beeti in charge of the observatory there have , been bub two or three readings higher. Several private thermometers registered more than 85 on Sunday. An old fellow who had taken the pledge, but whose practice did not keep pace frith his profession, was twitted about it one day by an acquaintance. ' Oh,' said the self-apologist, 'I jist whiles pits a wee drappiein the boddom o' the tum'ler, jlst tae warm the gless like ; but, ye ken, I never drinks doon tae the whuskey. ;

Daring the yacht races in Sydney harbour the otjier Saturday afternoon a squall canja up and for a little time blew with hurricane force. One yacht was blown two miles oatside the Heads, other yachts had to anchor, having been damaged, and a number were capsized. All the occupants were subsequently rescued and no fatality occurred.

The dividends decHred ac Charters Towers during the month of January amounted to £21.608, showing an increase of £4fioo compared with .lanuary Jast year. During rhe month 17,543 ton« of stone were crushed for a yield of 16,6940z gold, showing an increase of 3468 tons ol stone and 31520z gold compared with the previous corresponding period.

Three little boys riding in a dray near Goldsborough, on the West Coast, began (struggling fpr possession of the reins. '• he horse was jerked untij the animal backed over the read and down a precipice 30 fee.fi hlyh Although landed on a heap <•! boulders, the beys escaped unhurt, and the herse with a f6W scratches. Those who know the locality cay the escipe from fatal in juries was marvellous,

Baron Deberg, a specialist on brain surgery, who had had charge of a large hospital In St. Petersburg, and who was appointed by the Russian army, has for the last few days beenstiying in Auckland He comes to the colonies accredited by the Russian Government, and during his stay has yisited'both the Hospital and the Asylum. At tho instance of the locaj branch of the New Zealand Medical Asso oia'|.6n he met tit the iT.JM..C.-A, rooms a number of 'gentlemen interested in the tr.ea'tnjesb of tfte sjck and' ine»nq. The i /conversation turned prinpipajUy upon hospital and »sylnim management, ' the" Ba^on answeP|Pg questions put tp him as to how things veire 4one in Rpesia, and •pplying thil to our owo io«tU\jtion«.

Members of the Druids lodge are re quested by advertisement to meet at the Templar Hall at 2 15 afternoon to aitmd the funer.il of their late lodge surgeon, Dr Tweed,

By a typographical eiror in our prizj' list of the Flower Show, the firsr prize { for hand bouquet, not to exceed six inches in diameter, not wired, was credited to Mrs James Potter— the prim was gained by Mrs James Porter.

The resolution to adopt the Martini- Henry rifle for the armament: of the Volun teers has left upon the hands of the Defence Department a large number of Soldier iifbs. The Department is about to call tenders for the purchase of 2000 of these rifles and carbines, with bayonets and scabbards complete.

Amrn? Captain Allmn'a recommenda tions, based on the I?.'sou of the Wdi-arapa, are that life-boats and life-rafts should be attached by painters to the ship, so chat, if washed overboard, »hey may nob break away entirely, but float alongside ; also that a system should he devised of Hound ing an atarm when the lived of those on board are in danger, and orders to launch boats, etc., should be given by signal instead of by voice.

Eating monkey is the nearest approach co cannibalism that the European can indulge in without bringing himself within reach of the law. If we ware cannibals we should probably say that the flesh of our speciea tasted like veal. For some reason or ether every new and strange most is said by the consumer to caste like veal. But yon Hrmboldt did nob say that the flesh of the Coaita. monkey bore any resemblance to veal ; he deliberately compared it to beef, but with * a richer and sweeter taste.' When a monkey of this kind is cooked, it has apparently a disagreeably suggestive resemblance to a baby. Yon Humboldt even thought that the practice of eating monkeys had some thing to do with the introduction of anthropophagy.

We were shown to-day a new departure in local work. A sample by Mr W. Pearson, in glass embossing. The work is undoubtedly well done, more especially the fine lining, and scroll work, and the colors used are handled with great taste. The actual glass embossing done is small, but the pattern is traced with great care and regularity. Taken as a specimen of work it should certainly bring some good' few crders to the talented artist, for art it is undoubtedly, and capable of an infinity of application. We wish Mr W. Pearson every success in the new venture and hope to see erelong, evidences of his handi work in glass embossing all over Auhbur ton. The panel is on view at Messrs T. H. Undrill and Go's aud we understand also thab it has been presented to the the Presbyterian Gift Auction.

There was but a small attendance at St. Stephen's school room last Friday evening on the occasion of the concert in aid of St. Stephen's choir fund, and so far as the financial results of the concert are concerned the labor and pains of those who took part in it might just as well have been saved. The programme Was an excellent one, comprising numbers by the orchestra, choir, Mrs O. M. B ooke, Mr W. B. Denshire, Mrs J. B. Mayne, and Mrs Peter Williams; the Rev T. A Hamilton and Peter Williams, and a delightful euphonium solo by Mr Marsden. It is to be hoped that; when those whose duty and intereat ie is to support St Srephfcn's choir are in a more liberal frame of mind the concert will be repeated \

The Tariff Commissioners

Dunbbin, February 23 The Tarift Commission sat this morning, but, by request, the names of the witnesses and the nature of the evidence were not disclosed The Commissioners leave for Invercargill on Monday.

Robbery by Hypnotism.

A sensational robbery by the aid of hypnotism, whioh occurred in a large private house in a fashionable part of the Boulevard Haussmann, in Paris, occupied by a gentleman and his wife and daughter, has just come to light. The other evening all intended to go to the opera, but in consequence of feeling slight'y indisposed the master of the house decided to remain at home, and the ladies went alone. On re turning, the elder went to her husband's study to see how he was, Phe had hardly been in the room more than a few moments when the servants heard piercing shrieks coming fiom it. Going into the room, an incredible sight met their eyes* The gentleman held his wife's hand between his own, as in a vice, and the poor woman was struggling at his feet in a vain attempt to release herself. The gentleman appeared wholly unconscious of what he was doing, or the presence of other persons, and as he could not be in duced to let go his hold, and no qne could force him to do so, a doctqr was sent for. The physician discovered that he was in a state of insensibility, caused by hypnotism, and had the greatest difficulty in restoring him to a normal frame of mind. Meanwhile the lady had fainted. When she recovered she related a singular tale. Upon opening the study door, she said she saw her husband sitting in an armchair, looking so strangely absorbed that she ran up to him in alarm. As she did so she saw there was a strange man in the room bending over one of the drawers of the private desk, busily engaged extracting the valuables it contained. Hearing footsteps, he turned round and muttered^ some wqrds in a threatening manner In a language which sounded like Portuguese, and made for the door. This seemed to rouse the husband, who bounded from the chair, as though to seize the thief, but grasped her instead with such violence that she screamed. Not the least curious part of the affair is that when the gentleman eventually re gained his Benses he had not the slightest recollection of what had taken place, and was astounded to hear what had happened.

ON THE PITCH.

By The Barber

The annual St Patrick's concort night drawn near, and preparations are of course being pushed on. I learn that the best vocal talent in the town has bern erilisfed for the occasion, Mr Jones, the musical director, having in view the giving of a coucerh of eucli a class that while the amusing element will not be excluded by any means in compiling the programme, beitor class music will be represented by many of the numbers. To do this, he appealed to several of our best lady singers, and bis appeal has found favor, while two ladies of high standing in Christchurch musicil circles have also consented to come * Thus the element of high class music will be well represented. it is also whispered that a desire will be gratified that many lovers of good music have often given expression to> —viz , to hear Mrs Denshires superb soprano blending in duet with Miss Venie Flower's rich alto. This in itself should be worth going a long way to hear I know a reporter who felt as proud as a cock with two tails because he was able to worm some information out of a farmer who was credited with being as difficult to "draw" as a full fed badper. The farmer, after the reporter's battery ot persuasive eloquence had been turned on him for a few minutes, struck his flag, and was as pliable as a sponge in the reporter's hands. The farmer looked helplessly in the reporter's face and said—"Well, old man, if I were a girl, I'd like to be courted by just such a chap as you. You could wheedle a Ijtifd from a tree." Evidently Mr Jones pis tha same kind of talent as this reporter, for in addition to getting the hesfc^that is to be got in town among—&»- singers he has been able to add to his programme , the names of Mr David Thomas and Mr T. E. Upton. Ib is years since the first named humorist took the stage to amuse i in dead earnest, and had almost registered a solemn vow never to appear again in public, but the gentle-hearted David Jones has got at the gentle-hearted David Thomas, and once again we will hear the latter sing his humorous ditties in his own inimitable style. And Mr Upton too. Who would have thought that anybody would have been able to induce the modest T. E. to sing his jolly hunting songs be fore the tremendous audience that always assembles on the "night o? St. Patrick," Bub it is so, and the hunting men will have an opportunity of joining in a rousing hunting chorus, and hearing—let us hope he will choose it,—" John Peel" sang as only a hunter can sing it. An audience ia usually rowdy or respectful according to the programme pub before it, and the selection prepared for this concert ia such thab while plenty of fun is to be provided, there will be a fair proportion of music that will delight the hearers with the charms of it which are said to be able even to soothe the savage breast.

The Shops and Shop Assistants Act is funny. The last piece of giitn humor about it is that publicans cannot sell cigars, cigarettes, or tobacco in any form to their customers without coming under the provisions of the Act and having to close th3ir houses on the weekly half holiday. The authority in Wellington whose reading of the Act this is draws a cast-iron rule in connection with it. It will not suffice to abstain from selling on thafc day in the week only-—the hotel keeper musr, shut down on tobacco al together. This is hard lines for the chap who has had his quantity and knows that if he " drinks another nip he will," etc , and in consequence takes refuge in a cigar or packet of cigarette?, while his mates indulge in the more potent nip or half pint But if it is unlawful for the hotels to vend cigars without coming under the Act. bccauß« tobacconists have to close on tho half-holiday, is it not equally un lawfal for them t© sell "soft drinks on that day because confectioners sell theae commodities 1

At last things have been put right at the head works of oul water supply by the fixing up of the South Branch so thftt we can get some wa^er down. The woik of deepening the creek was finished on Saturday night, and when the local ranger ( went to the Domain at five o'clock on Sua ' diy morning he was gratified with the sight of an abundant flow of water. The bath was soon full, and the middle reser voir also, while by Monday morning, the lower reservoir was sufficiently charged to admit of a hearty rush of water going down the street channels.

I havn just come acres? a volume of Good Words for 1869, »nd among the " Short Essays" which used to form so readable a feature of that publication when under the able editorship of the late Dr Norman Mcteod, 1 find the following, which is worth reproducing as a pen-and ink portrait of a type of individual to be found in every community :-~lf superior I beings regard the worlJ, and are curions in the observation of character, how few instances they will be able to discern of any vice, or virtue, or quality being thoroughly carried out! There certainly have been some splendid specimens of consistent cruelty amongst mankind, such as Judge Jeffries. But, for the most part, the characters of men are of a mottled description. The envious man is not always envious; the jealous not always jealous ; and, as for good qualities, I sup pose we must own tha~ they are seldom carried to a surpassing height. But there is one class of character, happily not very common, which is often raised to the highest perfection in this planet. It is difficult to describe this character by any single epithet: but it is the character of one who, wherever placed, or into what ever circumstances he may be thrown, succeeds in bringing around him an atmosphere of contradiction, contention, and vexation, which may be said to be complete. Tb is character has never been well drawn in action, for it is not a dra matic character. It does not create dra matic incidents":,.' it causes no signal mur ders, nor robberies, nor disasters of any kind : it only makes a number of peop'e miserable : itorily brings into light what ever is seamy, sordid, and unpleasant in all those with tfhom it is brought into contact. Wherever it is, there are plenty of quarrels. Tfc is generally In the wrong ; but is, if possible, more hateful when it is in the right. That fine line of Byron's—

,'• And where ho gazed a gl om pervaded space" might be parodied thus :—

" And where he gazed, a seam pervaded space.' Everybody knows the astonishing effect that may be produced by a little panful of oil poured upon the waters, and how a film of wondrous thinness, and yet of marvellous potency in stilling a tempest, may thus be produced. From such a character as I am describing, there ema nates a subtle fluid of an exactly opposite description. I almost think that euch people might have an effect upon inani mate nature; and that if they were to talk to the Bay of Biscay, the Atlantic waves would bound in upon the shore with addi tional indignation, and retire from it, grating and rasping among the pebbles with an increased spitefulness and irrita bility.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold ourseives responsible tor the opinions expressed by onr correspondents)

OUR DOMAINS.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —After tho Borough Council meet ing held on September 25. 1893, the members sat as the Domain Board- The Ashburtnn Athletic Clubs' Association wrote, offering the .Beard the sum of £25 as an animal rental for the use of the sports gtounrl, with nuven closed days— the Aesuciation to keep ihe ground in order.

Cr Thomas moved that the offer be accepted.

Cr Cuthbertson seconded the mo ion.

Cr Scaly thought one day for each Club was sufficient, Cr Collins disagreed with the arrange ments, on the ground that ho objected to the whole Domain being closed for seven' holidays for £25 Cr Thomas, in replying, stated that the Association after that year would not ask to close the Domain, other then the sports ground on closed days. The motion was then carried, Cr Collins dissenting. The foregoing is from th« Chtardian report of the Borough Council's meeting referred to.

How, sir, I have always been able to take Cr Thomas' word ; and even now I think he has forgotten his promise that the Association would not ask for closed days for all the Domain another year, and Cr Thomas, as President should know that this has been done. As rate payers, we are being wronged by having the whole of our beautiful Domain, closed on all public holidays. Ratepayers have no objection to the sports ground being closed, but to have all the Domain closed is not right. I think the tima has come when we must ask the Council to let us have the part of the Domain tor our own use on the days we most need it—'the holidays.—l am, etc.,

Ratepayer.

TO THIS EDITOB.

Sir, —It is very pleasing to see how the Ashburton lads have availed themselves of the advantages for bathing given them by the Domain Board, and how many of them have learned'to swim since the baths were opened. In Tinwald we have a Domain too, with a very nice piece ml water in it, but bathing is strictly prohibited, though I never could understand the reason why. About two years ago, in answer to a numerously signed petition, asking for leave to bathe in the pond at suitable hours, the Domain Board promised to construct a bath in the Domiin. The result, I am sorry to cay, was a (good sited ditch about ninety feet by ten. Even here, however, the boys might have learned to swim but unfortunately being shaded by trees the water was so cold that except in the very hottest weather to batho in it was like plunging into au ice well. I speak of it in the past tense, for now it is silted up with mud and filled with gorife and rubbish to Buch an extent that bath ing in it is impossible. I understand that a cricket and football ground are in pre paration, so that our young people, and some of their elders too, as far as the cricket goes, may enjoy a little outdoor amusement; and I trust that our Domain Board, who individually are liberal minded men enough, may see their way to add twimratng to the lists of sports practised ia the Domain, by giving the public per mission to bathe in the ornamental water under proper restrictions. I may add that bithinsr is allowed in Hydp Park, London, and that on a warm Hammer's evening crowds of lads, many of them ragged enough, may be seen thronging from the slums of Westminster and the Dials to have a dip In the Serpentine. No harm is done to the Park, nor do the swans and ducks suffer ; and sir, why cannot we pnjoy the same privilege in Tinwald■?—l am. etc.,

George Culvjerhousk, Tlnwiid, February 23.

CRICKET

Sydney, February 24 The match between the Englishmen and eighteen of the Northern district was drawn. In their fiist innings, the local men made 189 (Giles 58, L'ndsay 28) and in their second e*say had five wickets down for 85 (Ebsworth 52, Wooden 28).

Stoddart's eleven knocked up 241 in their first innings (Brockwell 73, Ward 63),

CANTERBURY v. OT GO.

Christchprch, February 23 The heavy rain on Friday night and Satur day /morning almost necessitated a postpone* ment of the cricket match Canterbury v. Otago, but the weather clearing at noon it was decided to begin at 2.30 p.m. Canter bury won the toss and went in, but Downea and Fisher dismissed the team for 46 runs; Lawrence 18, was the. only double figure soorer. Otago at the call of time had made 100 for five wickets; Clarke 41, Clayton 17 (not out), and Fisher and Baker 12 each.

Canterbury—First Innings. L. A. Cuff, b Fisher ... 2 J. D. Lawrence, run out .... ... 18 H. DeMaus, b Downes .. ... ... 5 A. M. Labatt, b Fisher 1 W. Pearce, c Rains b Downea ... ... I 1 F. A. Macdonald* run out f ... 2; F. Wilding, st Rains, b Fisher ... „ 4 \ J. U. Collins, c and b Downes 1 A. E: Ridley, c and b Fisher 4 T. W. Reese, b Downes ... ... 4 W. Robertson, not out , 0 Byes ,4

Total ... 46 Bowline Analysis—Downes 4 wickets for 23 runs, Fisher 4 wickets for 19 runs. Otago—First Innings. J- Baker, c Reese b DeMaus ... , 12 W. Parker, b Pearce ... ... ... 3 A. Downes, b Pearce  0 A. O'arke. c and b Pearce 41 A. H. Fisher, cA. Ridley b DeMaus ... 12 C. W. Rattray, not out 4 F. D.Clayton, not cut ... ...  17 Byes , 7 Leg-byes ... 4 Total for five wickets 100

SPORTING.

DUNEDIS AUTUMN MEETING.

THIRD DAY.

Duneoin, February 23 Concluding results:— Flying Handicap, of 100 soys ; one mile. —Saracen, 9.2, I > »<'spar*o, 70, 2; Solano, 69, 3 Time-147^. Dividends—£2 15s £SH» .

Maiden Two-Year Old Rack, of 80 roy«; five furlongs.—TEmmel:ne, 7.10, 1; Maxi milian, Sst, 2; Clairvoyant, 72, 3 Time ly, Dividends ~£l 15s. Disposal Stakes, of 20 soys ; five fur longs.—Swivel. 9.0, 1; Salvo, 8.0; Ulva, 8.0- 3. Dividends—£7 18s and £9 Ba,

Consolation Handicap, of 70 soys ; one mile.—Britomarte, 7.10, 1; Captivs, S4, 2 ; The Winchman, 7.7, 3. Dividends—£4 10s and £4 12s.

The principal winners of stakes in con nection with the recent race meeting were J, Shephenson £964, H. Goodman £437, M. Hobbs £256 10», S. VVaddell £171, R. Derrefct £155. Sir George Clifford £142; R. Allan £104 10?, M. Sherwin £104 103. Smaller amounts bring the total up to £2932;

INFLUENZA

Londok, Febrmry JE»_ Tho influenza, epidemic is again making itself severely felt in all quarters. Lord Rosebery, Justice Davey, Sir Robert Herbert, Max O'Rell, the Earl of Dun raven, Mr Hat old Finch Hatton, the Earl of Cadogon, Lord Aberdare, Henry Irving, and Toole are all pros trated by it. A large number of schools have had to be ciosed, and out of 100 guests present at a recent gold wedding ninety were suffering from the prevailing complaint.

SIR HENRY LOCH

London, February 23 Reuters correspondent at Capetown wires that Mr Rhodes has published a minute stating that Sir H. Loch, the. High Commissioner, wat recalled on, Tuesday, previous to resigning." The reason is unknown. The Colonial Office, however, denies that Sir Henry Loch was re-called.

The recall of Sir Henry Loch, the Governor of Cape Colony, wai the outcome of an old arrangement with the Colonial Office in the event of Sir Henry desiring a rest. Lieutenant- General W. H. Goodenough, Com mander of the troops in the colony, ii acting temporarily as Governor and High Commissioner.

LABOR

London, February 23 Mr Keir flardie, in giving evidence before the Committee set up to con sider the unemployed question, said if the Committee refused temporary assistance to the extent of £100,000 pending its report, it was probable the unemployed would flood the work houses en masse, thereby Croaking down the present system of relief.

February 21, The Government has decided that in future all able bodied men supplied with rations by the Labor Bureau shall do an equivalent amount of work. By this means the Government hope to assist willing workers without de grading them, and to earmark and eliminate professional loafers. Btdk«t, February 25 The Workers' Union has passed » resolution empowering the New South Wales branch to take up land under the homestead selection clause, if the new Land Bill becomes law, for the purpose of establishing co-operative settlements on a voluntary basis.

The German Navy.

Bxbun, February 24 The Budget Committe of the Reich stag has agreed to a tote of 7,000,000 marks to begin the construction of four new cruisers, but rejected a simi lar proposal in regard to torpedo vessels.

EGYPT

Caibo, February 23

At the instance of Lord Crotner the British representative, the Khedive has published a decree creating a special tribunal to deal with offences against British soldiers and sailors^ ■■ The Council has again been ordered to reconsider the measures which they have rejected.

Lord Cromer is acting in the present crisis with energy and de termination.

NOUMEA

JT» More C*avict» *• t»« ■•■*

2000 Cto»« t'Mdnct JK«n f»r Watfa* erwacwr

▲ Mew lT»t> f«r Prla«a«rs

Sydney, February 25 News from Noumea states that the Governor has received a cable from France statins: that no more convicts will be sent out. The news was hailed with satisfaction. It is also under stood that a. cable has been receive;} ordering two thousand good conduct men to be sent to Madagascar, to make roads for the French troops who are to operate against the Hovas.

Results of the Flood.

Sydney, February 25 Enquiries by the Agricultural De» partmert into the condition of the) farmers of the Maitland district, show that they have been quite impoverished. through a succession 'of disastrous floods. Many are even in want of food. ; " ■ " ;■

Cable Guarantee.

Brisbane, February 2g Mr Thynne says he told tho Postal; Conference that he would recommend his colleagues to consider trie advisable ness of joining the cable guarantee in order to secure lower rates, for the transmission of messages, but he declined to contribute anything to the cattle subsidy, which was an entirely different matter. The colony* share to the guarantee would not be anjr ! thing like £2000, and as the business 1 ! was increasing it was unlikely that the contribution would be required for some years. The. reasons influencing: him in recommending the colony to ioin the guarantee were that Queens' land might have an equal voice with 1 the other colonies at the Postal Con ference and also to help to secure bringing the Canadian Pacific cable to* Queensland.

TRADE.

Adelaide, February 23' The imports into the colony for the year 1894 show a decrease in value of £1,667,000 and the exports % decrease of £1,162,000, as compared with the previous year. The imports from New - Zealand and Tasmania and exports to Western Australia and Tasmania/ showed an increase, but in respect to* all the other colonies there was a large decrease.

TBE ASftßtfßTOtt &DARBIaN i MOtiDA?, FEBRUARY 25, IS9&.



/ • /" Business Notice?. . _/- ■ -;y: _ - _______ s'toc*-tak:in j g sale JrJ. NE ILL'S, DRAPERY, CLOTHING & BOOTS. White G*l«cn la 9J do_ iT^^^lf^lpA WWtjMa-linSsrilddoz Boys'Knicker Suits: 3s lid BOOTS! BOOTS!! BOOTS!!! Wora»n'_J^tShoea4sil_ JJen;« Blachers 4j lid Wotnin'i Le-thet Lace Boot* 5a lid Mm* B»lmo._l Boote 6s lid Men 1! Nailed Shooters 7s lid -■ ■ ■ , -. f^^ mm ,^_^ EVERY ARTICLE BEDUOED TO LESS THAN COST PEIOE AT G. 3. NEILJ^S FEIIDLAKDBBS 1 COBNEE, EAST STREET. CASH. CASH. AR TI STB~Mk T E RIALB. I have Received a in a position to Supply I chers, Foreign Canvas Sdecv Stock of Wmsoß the Artkts of Ashbur- Academy Boards, Oils, and HBWTcm'a Artist's ton with Ort Tubes, i Easels, Etc., Etc., at a Matbeials, and am now Brushes, Qanvaa Stret- j Very Cheap Rate. House Painting & Paperhan^mj?. T HAVE Especially hanging Dwellings dux- Very Best dE Oils and 1 Reduced the Prices ing the summer months. Lead used in the work, of Painting and Paper- N.B.—None but the A Large Stock of Paperhanginga, WmdoTllass, and Picture Frame Mouldings ° on the Premise j. wTlsox. CORNER OF ARCADE AND BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTOS. BEATH'S Great Summer Sale. r\ GOd Service;*bio Dress Goods now "3hl per y<irl Strong douliU width Dress 7|.l All Summar Dresses at half price F_st C.lor Prints now 3|l Strong Heavy Galatea now 4|d B autifui Washing Brocades now 6|d Heavy FJannellettes now 2|d All Linen Tabli R now Is 6kl >■ He vy Sheeting (two yards wide) now 10jd GREAT SUMMER SALE- Men's New-Pittem f^eed Suits now 17s 1W youths' New Pattt-m Tweed Suits now 13-» lid Boys' New Pattern Kni .kar S.itn nnw 4 s* lid Men's Stronr Working Shirts now Is lid Men's Blue Jumpers now 3* lid Me»*<j Strong Mule Trousers now 5-j lid Men's Heavy X litfctd feocka now 10| 1 1; , BOOTS AHD SHOES TtIjIeAT SEDUCTIONS. BEATH'S TrTAT SALE, TA If CRED STREET.



NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING'FACTORY, ! EA.ST STKEET. Half-Yearly Stocktaking. STRAW HATS to be cleared out at Greasy Reduced Prices. Boy's Straw Hats 3s 6d for Is Men s Straw Hvs 3s 61 for If? M-n's Java Straw Hate 2s 9d for la 6d Men's Straw Hats 6a 91 for 3. 6:> We do not often advertise Oheap Gooda, but these are GENUINE REDUCTIONS. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. Boy'is Strong School Boots 63 6d Men'ci Light Balmorals 8s 6i Men's Strong Canvas Shoes s<? Men' strong Nailed Shooters 9s 6d You will Savo money by purchasing your Boots from the N. ZJS- f. ( ♦Vcmen s Canvsw Shoeei 4s 9d Women's Glace X d Shoes 5 s 6d Maids' Tan Strap Shoes 5s 61 MEW ZEALAND CLOTBING FACTORY. Hallenstejn Jsfi@a __ Notice." j \T/E BE<3- to notify td fche Farmers | of tike Aahturlon Distriot tb>t we ar j BUYFRS OF WHKAT & FARM j PRODUCE!, j I AND HAVE AVPOUKTVU I MR F. FEBBIMAN to BUY for us in the district. WOOO BHOS\ LIMITED, ■«IUWW, ctfniSTOHVBCH.



;f»OiLLAIt OI p-AfcK'TfS«. 31 —No file Anent,



Wanted. ] WANT 8D Known—Splendid large i Plums in any quantity at 2|d p."" 1 * | lb.— «V. G. Pbabcb, Allenton. 2 j43 WANTED Known—That we are sell ing Mason's Patent Jam Jar«. Pints 5s 6d per dozen, Quarts 6a, and half Gallon 8s 6:1, to clear. Enamel and Bra»8 Preserving Pans from 4a 6d upwards. - John Okr and Co. 2 33 ICK CREAM, Ice Oream. Cool your selves during these hot times at H. A. Flower, Oonfectioneer, East Street. Ice supplied in Urge or small lots. CHOICE New Season Fruit. Grapes, Peaches, Pinea, Plums, Bananas, Apples, Apricots, and Tomatoes ; the b«st in town.— a dams, Stunders' BuildingH. T^TEW Season's Teas, just to hand- I 1 Best value in Ashbunon. Prises 1/6, 1/9, 2/-, and 2/4.—Pakson and Co '___ . 2_24 tiTANTED Known-Holders of W Present tickets can now get them changed.—H. 0. Segers. Melford House. T AD IES* and Gentlemen's lefr-off J_J Clothes and all kinds of goods bought, sold, or exchanged. — Mrs Knight, opposite Templar, Ball, near Post Office. 11 170 WANTED —Every Lady to try Madam Balcombe'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 WANTED Known.— Having had such a successful season with Dresses, balance to clear it nominal prices.— MITOHEIL AHD TURNER^ WANTED Known—-All wool Delaines, Prints, and Crepons below whole sale rates.—Mitohbll and Turner. ANTED Known— Mrs Hooper (monthly nurse) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter, to Mrs Hooper, Alford Forest Road, Ashburton. 11*134 tXT AJNTJED — Frash Eggs in any * quantity. Highest cash price given.—Fletcher Bros , Cash Supply Stores, Ashburtnn. 2 31 WANTED Known—A tremendous run on our Gloves, 4£d upwards. —Mitchell and Turner. BANG I Bang i Btwg » My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Club Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of the first quality at .T. W. Hardlby's, un Emporium T)RESENTS. We are now giving JL Presents to all purchasers of 2a 6d and upwards.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED Known—Special line of Gents' Regatta Shirts, all sizes, with or without collars, 2s 6d.—W, H. Collier. WANTED Known —Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything In the optlca line at S. S_l_k's, Optician. HERBAL Beer, Herbal Bser- Six . gallons of splendid Herbal Beer for 7o\ Made with a bottle of Potter's Herbal Beer Extract, price 7d per bottle. Warranter] purely herbal. Fletcher Bros.. WholesUe and Retail Agents, Cash Supply Stores, Ashburton and Cnriatchurch. \tj ANTED Known—The Corner Is V¥ showing s magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. Collier. "OEAUTTFULar.d useful Presents to JLJ all purchasers of 2s 6dand upwards. —n. C Segers, Melrerd House. BOY'S and Girls Own Annual, British Workman and Workwoman, Infant's Magazine, The Prize, Child's Companion, Children's Friend, Littla Dot, Family Friend, Band of Hope, Young England, and other New Books at Lowest Prices.— L. F. Andrewbs and Co. 11 98 BLANKETS bought at Edwards Bennet's Sale, a special line of Double Blankets at 7s 9d. Extra large and heavy 15^ 6d and 16s 6d.--Robert Alcorn, Baker's Building* L" F. ASDREWES & CO.—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. OWN Make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc. } at Mrs Alcorn's new shop, Baker's Buildings. i IHRIS TMAS Presents, Choice Orna- V J ments. Zithers and Jew's Harp?, Balis an<^ Dolls for everybody from Id each; Jointed Dolls for 6d, Sleeping 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' Dnderclothing and Fancy Bazaar, Havelock street. W~*~ANTKD Known -That if you ate in want of a firsu 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. As for his own make, they are well known to the delight of the wearers, throughout the Australasian cobnies. Repairs well done and at: once Premier Boot Maker, Town Hall Boot Store. B-vt street, Ashburton. i'"\ UNS ! Guns ! Guns ! My new stock VH of Gunsj ust to hand direct from ihe manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In spection invited. No old stock to select from at J. W. Hakdley's Sporting Ropository 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. _„____ ____^ Jeffsjejs, leading Confectioner and Fruiterer of Ashburton, East Street, next the Corner. Ice Cream?, Fresh Fruits, Confectionery, Summer drinks of every description. Ice at reasonable rate* Ladies Room a specialty. 1*153 tl/ ANTED Known—That owing to the vV success of the Pale now being held up afc Sounders' Buildings, opposite Rail way Station, in will be continued for another twenty-eight days. lam not advertising a lev cheap lines, bub the whole of the stock. Don'fc lose the oppor tunity of securing genuine bargains—A Lawbie ijg VtOTJ-CEI Notice Sport for all l\ Gjms \et out on hir,e or sold on tij»9 payments. H&yvag a rjpo&flaiqnal Gunsmith on the premises, j undertake ,fco repair Gwm ot any description. ,Qrun fitttnga in stock, PrJS#« hw.—J* W. HAitDiiY, Ironmonger, etc 11 DOLLAR CIGAPETTjBS - 3d. So hold«i* or photoi -Hinb? Zakp«b, Wbol«« ddJeiig^ ... , ; , (



c. salee: WATCHMAKER k MANUFACTURING JEWELLER. rPIHE largest and finest stock tn the JL District to select froai. Ie is also the newest and cheapest. J Watch and Jewellery repairs receive , careful and prompt attention. Watches cleaned and guaranteed for twelve months ss. Sole Agent for Lazarus' patented system of sight besting and " Specialite"' sp ctaclee. S- SALEK EAST (STREET.



Holloway's Pills. — Enfeebled Exist ence,—This medicine embraces every tri bute required in a general and domostic remedy. It overturns the foundations of disease laid by detective food and iirpure air. In obstructions or congestions of the liver, lungs, bowls 4 or any other organs, the?e -pills.are especially serviceable and eminently successful. They shonld be kept in readiness in every family, being a menicine of incomparable utility for young persons, especially those of feeble constitutions. They never cause pain or irritate the most sensi tive nerves or most tender bowels. Hollo* way's Pills are the best known purifiers of the blood, the most active promoters of absorption and secretion, whereby ali poison ous and most obnoxious particles are re moved from both solids and fluids.



KEATING S POWDER destroys Bugs Fleas, Moths, Beetles and all other insects, whilst quite harmless to domestic animals, In exterminating Beetles the success of th,is fowler, is extraordinary. Jfc is perfectly clean in application. See the article yoy. purchase is'ipiATlNff'S, a§ imitations are noxious and ineffectual. Tina, 6d and Is, %c with th« signature Thorn** Kenipg op e&ct) tip, goiOytUeMito



Ptjbe Blood is the Secret of Health Gordon's Blood Pills cleanse the system of all impure blood, cure iudigeiatio^con stipation, liver complaint, pains in back and sides, biliousness, Bick headache; remove pimples, scrofula, scurvy, etc. Large bo 6s; two boxes, lOp, post free. J. W. Clayton Box 234 Dv din



DOLLAR CIGARETTES, 3d— Na holders or photos—Hshry Zander, whaiowle »geat,



Eon Indigestion, the best remedy is un doubtedly Norton's Camomile Pills. They can confidently be recommended as being mild in operation and absolutely free from injurious drugs. Acting at once as a splen did tonic and a gentle aperient. For nearly 130 years they hav<^ proved unequalled for Indigestion, Dyspepsia, sick Headache and for Liver and Stomach compk ts. Sold in bottles Is ljd, 2i 9d r and Us, by all Medi cine Vendors throughout the world, A implMftf* »»4 certain remedy. ,



One Box of Clarke's B 41 Pills hwarratf ted to cure all discharge* from the Urinary Organs, in either sex (acquired or consti tutional), Gravel and Pains jn the Back. Guaranteed free.from Mercury. Sold iflf Boxes 4s 6d each, by all Chemists and Paten Medicine Vendors thronghout the World! Proprietors : The Lincoln and Midlas* ' Counties Dkug COMPAny, Lincoln, England Rheumatism.—Dr E. Gordon's remedy nevjer fails in permanently curing rhemna* tism, lumbago, sciatica, sprat* etc, one bottle gives relief. Prioe 10s, pert free. J. W» Cltytoo, P.O. Bot 834, Dunodiß.