MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alteras tions : — WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 For United Kingdom, Continents of Europe and America and West Indies (via San Francisco), Hawaiian Islands and Samoa, and also for Northern Ports of New Zealand, per Takapuna, as follows :—Ordi nary letters, books aud newspapers, at 6.15 p.m., registered letters, 5 p.m.; money ordtrs 3 p.m. Due London June 17th.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 12, 1896.

Khalifa Abdullah el Taashi — the head and front of the tyranny, bloodshed, and rapine to which the the khalifa. Soudan has for the past fifteen years been in subjection — is now nearly sixty years of age. He is said to be a tall, stout man, with grey hair t a large beard, and slight moastache, and a facemuch pitted by smallpox. At the siege of .El Obeid he received a bullet in the thigh, and in consequence walks with a slight limp. He is proud of his wound and points to it as evidence of his own valour. Unlike the Mahdi, who was a scholar as well as a holy man — as scholars are counted in the Soudan — the Khalifa is said, on the authority of Major Wingate, to be a man of excep tional ignorance, who neither reads nor writes. He is intensely vain, as • sly as a fox,' and has summary methods of dealing with any who oppose him. His life is devoid of asceticism, but in the matter of wives he is content with a i relatively small number. He keeps about thirty-four, the chief of whom is — or was — a daughter of Mohammed Ahmed (the Mahdi). Her name is Keltum, and her beauty is like the dawn. We are, at least, entitled to assume that it is so, for eyes of man other than the Khalifa's have not looked upon her countenance. The Khalifa's face, also, is sacred from tbe looks of the common people. When a man interviews the Khalifa he has to go in to his presence on all fours, and to address him always as (Ya Sadi ' (0 my lord). He mast keep his eyes always on the ground. When the inter view is over he may rise, and, with bent i head and eyes still fixed on the ground, may retire backwards from the august presence.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

> * An eel of a brighfa orange colour was oaught in the Patea River the other day. I Outram is the only town in the colony that haß adopted the Saturday half -holiday. It ia reported, says the Nelson Star, that Mr E, O'Oonor will contest the Inangahua seat against Mr P. J. O'Began, It is computed that there Is £800,000,000 worth In gold and jewels at the bottom of the sea on the route between England and I India. On our fourth page today will be found a report of the meeting of ratepayers in the Wakanul Road District, and cricket items. Platinum has been found nob far from Ooolgardie, and a discovery of mica has been made between Ooolgardie and Londonderry. A black opossum was seen near Ingle wood a few days since. The Acclimatisa tion Society liberated several of these | animals some six months ago on the Kai toke ranges. The costliest mile of railroad is a mile measured on the steel portion of the Forth Bridge. The length of this portion I is a mile and twenty yards, and the cost } of it was considerably over £2,000,000. .The leading sof tgooda firms in Dunedin have presented Mr J. H. Milligan, of Oamaru, who recently paid in full all debts contracted before his bankruptcy, with a handsome piece of plate. Valentine's Day in England passed almost without recognition. The death blow to the custom is thought to have been given by the decision of juries that the love effusions of valentines constitute a promise of marriage. The New Zealand Times saya: — The increase of the private wealth of the colony during the last five years is very satisfactory, nearly as much so as the increases in the North displayed by the oensus returns. The Registrar-General's estimate, based on the probate, gives an I increase of eleven millions during the period* The result is probably not exact ; the Registrar-General does not pretend to think that it is. But it is approximate, and based on very real evi dence. The Ashburton Shorthand Club com menced their first term last Friday, In St Stephen's schoolroom, when Mr A. T. H. Williams, the teaoher seleoted, had twenty pupils to begin with, but it is expected that nexb. night the membership will be considerably larger, as Mr Segers, the promoter of the club, reported over thirty who intended to join. The system taught is Gregg's light line, in which Mr Williams proved to be very proficient, and doubtless ere long he will be able to turn out some excellent writers. The class is held every Friday evening, and Mr L Baigent is the secretary. Holloway's Pius and Ointment. — Bilioua affections, with all their concomitant annoyanceß induced by atmospheric changes, or too liberal diet, should be checked at once or serious consequences may ensue, When any one finds his ideas less clear than usual, his eyesight dimmed, and his head dizzy, accompanied by a disinclination for all exertion, physical or mental, he may be quite sure that he is in imimdiate need of some alterative medicine* Let him at once send for » box of Uoiioway's FiUa t a mild course of whioh will remove the symptoms, and Bpeedily renew his usual healthful feeling. If the bowels be irritable Hollo way's Ointment should be diligently rubbed , over the stomaoh and liver every sight and |inoroj|og<

Mr Maslin, M H.R., speaks at Spring* burn fco-nighb at 7-30, and at Mount; Somers to-morrow at tha same hour. A Gazette extraordinary was issued to day, calling Parliament together for the despatch of business on Thursday, the llfch of June. The Bmnner News reports the discovery by Mr-Geo. Dyer of two hot springs in the Utira Gorge, aboab a mile up the Obira river. The Oamaru Mail states that it is intended to erect a brass memorial tablet to the Rev 3. Sotham, in Sd Augustine's Chuich. The necessary funds will be raised by a shilling subscription list. The charge against S. Green for stabbing Scobie, at Westporb, was dis missed. The latter has disappeared, and the police so far have failed to discover his whereabouts. At a meeting of the Geraldiae branch of the Workers Union on Saturday even ing, owing to a change in Mr Maslin's political viaws, the members did not feel justified in re-eleotnig him as their presi dent. The Coroaiandel branch of the Thames Miners' Union have decided to obtain fall I particulars from tbe Minister of Mines before expressing an opinion as to cancell ing the mining lease on the Kauri Timber Company's lands. The Ashburton Rifle Club will fire its annual championship match on Thursday afternoon next ab 2 o'clock. Four cash prizes amounting to £3 will be given. The highest scorer will also be the holder of the champion cup for a year. lAb a golf practice match oi the Pal merston links, Mr A. S. Baker struck the ball 220 yards with one blow. This U believed to be a reoord for the colony. Willie Park's 240 yards stroke at MusHel burgh Is understood to be the world's reoord. A man earned Bedingfield has been arrested ab Makotaku on a curious charge. IHe wrote letters to a settler's daughter threatening bodily violence if aha did not supply him with money or tobacco which was to be left) ab a certain place. A trap was laid for him, resulting in his arrest. At a meeting of the Head Masters of the schools of Dunedin and suburbs, held on Saturday morning, a discussion took place on the proposed seventh standard syllabus as submitted by the Inspectors in the lasb annualreport of the Education Board. The opinions expressed were generally against the adoption of the proposed scheme. When the steamer Takapuna was coming up Mannkau harbour on Saturday night, she gob a little too near the edge &f the channel and grounded. The attempt to float her off proved unsuccessful. The Gairloch lasb night made an attempt to tow her off into the channel, bub it proved unsuccessful. Further efforts were made ab high water this morning, A young man named Henry Vlncenb Martin appeased ab Auckland Police Court yesberday, charged with shooting Miss Edith Williams through the calf of the leg. Accused, who is said to ba afflicted with religious mania, and had been in the a9ylum prrviously, did not know the girl. The defenoe Is that the shooting was accidental. The case was adjoufcnel. Here is another instance in which the postal address on an envelope must have given considerable trouble to the letter oarriers and authorities. The letter— a trade circular from Illinois — is addressed 4Mr Thomas Phillips, Mackelvie, Sunny Hills, Australia.' Id reached its destina tion eventually when ib was delivered to Mr Phillips, Mackelvie street, Surrey Hills, Newton, Auckland. The mineral seam discovered on Mr Omundsen's property ab Maharahara near Woo Iville, has (says the Wellington Post) been pronounced by Mr Skey, Government Analyst, to have all the appearance of a : first-class jefc— closely resembling Whitby I jet so the local paper says, bub of much greater brilliancy. Its uncertain mode of occurrence, however, shows that It. cannot be relied upon to be obtained regularly and in quantity. This forenoon an elderly man named | John Brodie, while engaged cleaning one of the upper windows ab Mrs Ranger's bearding house, fell from the sill upon the conorete below — some twelve or fifteen feet. Constables Moore and Jackson conveyed him to the hospital, where his injuries were attended to. Ib is under stood that no bones have been broken, but the man received a severe shock. On the Tarawera arriving at Auckland from Sydney she hoisted the police flig, and a detective and three constables went on board. The captain said that several passengers had reported missing articles. Shortly after leaving Sydney three gentle* men had lost their overcoats. Another gentleman had lost' a gold-headed stick, and a lady missed a mackintosh and a pair of binoculars value! ab £25. The police search was unsuccessful, and ib is now supposed the things were taken by Sydney thieves before the vessel left. Five suspicious characters who had no tickets cleared off before the steamer sailed. The * calculating boy ' (a native of New Zealand) who Is new exhibiting In Inver carglll, is elghb years of age, has received no special education in arlbhmeblo, beyond the simple rules, and yet he manipulates figures with such ease as to astonish the most expert). He can mentally add, subtract, multiply, and divide huge Bums in a few seconds, and can tell in 40 seconds how many ounces there are in such sums as 194tons 13c wb 3qrs 171b. He oan retain in his memory for any length of time figures he has manipulated, and has repeated after long intervals answers he has given and suras he has done involv ing figures up to and above millions. The gif b he is endowed wibh was discovered accidentally when he was four and a half years of age. The Rev J. Hobba, the Church of Eng land clergyman at Hastings, is evidently not a disbeliever in dancing — and adver tising. Preaching on Sunday week, says a contemporary, he took for his text " There is a time to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance," from Ecclesiastes iil., 4. The reverend gentleman delivered an eloquenb and stirring address on the subject of dancing, pointing out that ib was a pleasure that should be encouraged. Ic was a perfectly innocent amusement, and a very popular one in this colony. People who decried ib knew nothing of its pleasures. Last year he had given a dance, and Ib realised a considerable sum, which had been spent on charities. This year he intended to do the same, and he hoped to bring msny people together for the purpose of thoroughly enjoying them selves. The proceeds will go to his benevolent fund. Loud complaints were made by the farmers ab the saleyards to-day of the con dltion of the sheep pens and the lanes between them. The Ashburton farmer is not anxious to have the yards laid with Brussels carpet, bub he fancies he is quite within his rights when he aekg that his comfort, and the comfort of the sheep he buys and sells, should be considered a little. He fancies also thab when from four to six inches of mud, thick enough to seb a grate, covers the pecs and alleys, so that the sheep are a thousand times more be draggled thab ever Jenny was ' when coming through the Bye,' and he himself can scrape from hia nebherments enough puddle dirb to grow a hill of potatoes, the Yards Company has come Bhorb of Its duty, and, to say the laasb, is wanting in civility to its patrons. £30, £10, £10, £5, given away for single gueßS. Send Btamp for particulars and circulars to Box 176, P.0., Wellington. 5 65 Wright's Celebrated Family Brand Coffee . is the best in the market s try it s idd everywhere,

[ Oab of 50 000 male adults in South Australia, 2000 are Justices of the Peace. On several properties in the Otaki dis" tricfc the caterpillar pest is doing enormous damage ; in fact, so destructive are they that several farmers fear that they will be obliged to dispose of their stock for what they will fetch, simply for want of food. Teaneraki Settlement, North Otago, one of the repurchased estates, was not well allotted. On Thursday seven lessees occupying ten lots, had their leases cancelled by the Land Board f<>r non payment of rent. Five of the lessees were women, holding seven lots. A village settler in Gippsland North, Via tor ia, planted three acres with the hno all black (Russian) Butflower, from which he has harvested over thirty bags, containing 1751b of seed each. At the offered price of 3£d per lb this would gire a return at the rate of £25 per acre. A lecture on the Royal Navy, illustrated by limelight 1 views, will be delivered by the Rev T. A. Hamilton in the Oddfellows 1 1 Hall on Thursday evening, May 21. As I the rev, gentleman was for some years in the Navy, his lecture is sure to be an interesting one. Tn the Kapanga mine, Coromandel* they have struck a reef with gold showing in the shaft over 900 feet deep. It ie in splendid country. The find, says the correspondent of thb New Zealand Herald, is a most important one, as it is the deepest gold yet got in New Zealand. Nearly all the farm work in Paraguay, South America, is done by women, while the men lounge around, play cards, and smoke. Farming is the chief industry of that country, and the men are so happy and^indolenb that they view with alarm any enterprise that would call for mascu line labor. An expenditure of £40,000 to reinforce the railway rolling stock is an eloquent proof either of the very great develop* n?enb of the public resources, or of the very bad management) which per mitted the stock to run low in order to show large profits. For these two reasons we can quite understand the sil ence which has followed the announce ment of the Government intention. —New Zealand Times. Phenomenal children every now and then make their appearance in all parts of the world, and New Zealand seems likely to produce her fair share. In another paragraph in this issue we give some particulars with regard to a wonderful calculating boy, who seems to have been born into the world with a genius for figures. We can tell of another instance of marvellous inborn talent in the case of a little fellow of six years, who can play the most complicated music at sight, and is a composer of some really charming pieces. Only last week we listened to a delightful walls by the tiny composer, who is to be given a first-class musical ' education and may live to take high rank In the art for which Nature seems to have designed him. Daring the recent sitting of Parliament numbers of members were affeo'ed with troublesome oougbs and colds. . That largely advertised medioine, Woods' Great Pepper mint Oure, was the popular remedy, It was not an uoubusl thing to Bee a bottle passed around at the House, it was so effeotive. It is sold everywhere, at Is 63 and 23 6d,

AQUATICS.

THE NEW ZEALAND CREW. j Sydney, May 11 This week's doings of the eight-oared crews overshadow the fours. The Vic torian and New Zealand four-oared crews were out to-day. The former showed brilliant form, and were at once installed favourites. The New Zealanders are regarded as too slow of action, but the men themselves are satisfied they can get | sufficient speed to render a good account of themselves.

INTERPROVINCIAL

The Brunner Fund

Wellington, May 12 The Conference convened by the Premier to discuss the Brunner Belief Fund meets on Thursday, but an adjournment will be made until Friday.

The Printing Office

< The Government Printing Office Commis sion report has been received by the Govern ment from the Governor, but is not yet available for publication. One result is that the services of three of the permanent staff of the printing office, who brought charges against the Government printer, have been dispensed with as from Monday next.

CRICKET.

• THE AUSTRALIANS v LORD SHEF- , FIELD'S ELEVEN. » London, May il The Australian sricketers began the open ing match of the tour at Sheffield park to-day, , when they were opposed by an eleven chosen , by Lord Sheffield. There was splendid weather, and a large attendance, including , the Ptince of Wales, to whom Trott, captain of the visitors, was presented. The wicket was not of the best, being rather lively. Trott won the toss and decided to bat. Donnan and Darling were the first two to go to the wickets, opposed to the bowling of Pougher and MacDonald. Each batsman played with confidence and scored freely* Darling gave the spectators a brilliant dis play of hard clean driving, bat gave a hard return toPlougher early in the innings, which waa'nob accepted* With 34 on the board Jackson relieved Plougher. Later. Donnon is not out with 24, and Darling not out 55 ; extras 1. Total, no wioketß for 80.

The United States and Cuba.

■» • I New York, May 11 The Oourt-Martial at Harana has I sentenced to death five of the crew of the American schooner " Competitor " which was seized by a Spanish gon-boat for carrying arms to Cuba. Three of those under sentence are American citizens. President Cleveland cabled to Madrid that if the men were executed without a Oivil trial the United States Government would re* gard it as an unfriendly act. Premier Oanovas replied that the dispute must be settled in accordance with the law of treaties. It is reported that Premier Oanovas subsequently ordered the Havana authorities to submit the cases to the Supreme Military Court. The New York press ia indignant at the incident. The New York World points out that the only offence the taen were guilty of was that of smuggling. The American vessel " Bermuda," bound to Cuba, embarked at Florida a force of 300 men and a cargo of 10,000 rifles. The Spanish Consul protested against thß departure of the vessel under these circumstances. Washington, May 11 The United States Government has ordered a battalion in Florida t6 prepare for action, and sent orders to the navy to assemble in the event of the Spanish Government refusing to give way to President Cleveland's ultimatum. Havanna, May 11 General Weyler, the Spanish com mander-in-chief, will resign unless the death sentence is carried out.

GREENSTREET.

\ • From a Correspondent j A short time ago I had the pleasure of I supplying you with an account of a ball got up at Greenatreet by certain Bingie ladies of the district. It might have been safely predicted that the young men so hospitably entertained by the ladies referred to, would not, when the proper time arrived, fail in the chivalry due to the fair friends to whom they were indebted for that happy night, and in the natural course of things it now falls to my lot to furnish you with an account of another Greenstreet ball, got up this time by the jolly young men of the district — may their merry hearts never grow sad 1 It is melancholy to think, however, that Buch a company of handsome young fellows should frequently have to sit down and stitch on shirt buttons to fill the place of others which have taken to themselves wings, before they are fit to appear on parade. No wonder that while engaged in this feminine pastime, they ofter tap the sanguine foantain of their fingers, .drawing beads of scarlet hue, which are sure to settle on their only clean collar ; thus calling forth from the sufferer the expletive so forcibly used by Lady Macbeth on discovering the crimson spot on her f»ir but homicidal hand. It may be asked how is this button and needle difficulty to be got over— nothing in the world easier. John O'Shanassy settled a parallel question in another oolony years and years ago, by giving judgment that the girls should lid married to the boys. And it might well be moved in this land by some great authority — say Mr Seddon — that in order to save our boys from spilling their own innocent blood with an instrument they do not understand, they should be married to the girls. Theyoung men, contrary to the example set them by the fair, givers of tke preceding ball, crammed the schoolroom with guests, so. much so, that 'during a crowded quadrille, one lady had actually to fall out and take refuge in the lap of your correspondent, who sat jammed among others on a seat against the wall. This crowding must not, how ever, be put down to any want of solicitude ;on the part of the young men for the comfort of their friends. It all arose from the bigness of their hearts. If I am correctly informed, Mrs fiaird presided in the refreshment room throughout the whole night, assisted when the supper hour arrived by Mrs J. W. Oliver. Mr Baird was indefatigable in seeing after matters connected with the ballroom; his grand disposition which prompts him to assist at the amusements, as well as in the education of the people, will always make him a first favorite. After reading " Search Light's " strictures onaome M.C.Ns, I feel a delicacy about connecting our talented friend, Mr Frizzell's, name with those initials. I feel more inclined to view him in the light of a military officer capable of putting his Lancers through their evolutions in a manner that would have done credit to the great Suwar row himself. Mr JTrizzell and other gentle men contributed greatly towards the pleasure ,of the evening by giving appropriats songs and recitations. One lady (I am sorry her name has escaped my memory) sang with pathos the beautiful Scottish song, "I love nae a laddie bub ane." A piano was pro vided for the benefit of the votaries of Terpßichore, on which Mr Walker performed. I may say, all night, in a masterly manner ; indeed I am afraid that no party taking place at Greenstreet will, in future, be con sidered perfect without Mr Walker and a piano. At the last Greenatreet ball it was found impossible to single out the chief j belle from among so many deserving of that 1 title. In the present case, however, there was no difficulty about the matter. The belle of the young men's ball had no ob« trusiveness about her, she was distinguished by a head of hair of the description so rapturously spoken of by King Solomon, her feet would excite envy in the breast of the moat aristocratic Chinese Princess. Borneo prayed for a retrogression of the hands of the clock, but Chronos with his one lock and old scythe refused to be propitiated. So Venus, Ancient Goddess of the skies, In splendour ushered in the morn, With blazing torch of silver sheen, To light the Greenstreet fairies home. • Good night !' ' Good night' ! and is ifc so ? And must I from my Kosa go ? 0 Rosa ! Say good night i once more, And I'll repeat it o'er and o'er, Till the first glance af dawning light Shall find us saying still " Good night." After hearing the above expressions, your correspondent left, with his good opinion of the young men of the district considerably enhanced. ■ .

COMMERCIAL

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRO DUCE MARKET. TheLytieUon Times ol yesterday reports :— A very good business was passing in both grain and produce on Saturday, speculators for export being on the look oat to supply orders for Australia. Amongst the transac tions in wheat waa the [sale of another one thousand sacks of Tuscan for Hobarb at 3s 3£d f.0.b., and several lines of good mixed milling sorts were taken for local grinding at full quotations. In spite of the number of anxious inquiries for good samples of. oats holders are not inclined to sell afa the prices offered, arguing that, with the quotations ruling at the Bluff, values must rise still further here. Several very large lines of good oatsheaf chaff are required for export, and while there are plenty of inferior and discolored lots offering, really heavy, bright samples are scarce* On Saturday 45a at a distant country station was paid for a line going thirty sacks to the ton. Potatoes are offering freely, and prices show no sign of hardening further. Holders of onions are demanding more than buyers care to give. The following are current prices :— Wheat.— Pearl (prime milling), 3s 3d to 3s 4d ; millers' mixed lines, 3s 2d to 3s 4d ; Tuscan, 3a 3d to 3s 3&d ; Hunter's, 3s 2d to 33 3d ; good seconds, 2s 8d to 2s lOd. Oats. — Prime milling, 2s to 2a 2d ; short feed, to 2a Id ; Duns and Danish and good short feed 2s. Barley. — Malting, prime 3s 6d to 3s 9d (nominal) ; medium do, 3s 3d to 3a 6d j second quality 2s 6d to 33 ; feed, 2s 3d. Beans.— Well saved 2s 3d; ticks, 2s 4d to 2s 6d. Peas.— Blue Prussians 3a 6d to 3s 9d ; others, 3s to 3a Id. Oatsheaf Chaff. — 47s 6d to 50s at handy country stations. Onions.— £6 tod67 103 at country stations. Potatoes. — Dements 35s at country stations. Grass Seed.— Ryegrass, farmers' lets 2s to 2s 9<J, machine-dressed to 3s 9d, heavy, weight 4s. Cocksfoot 2fd to 3d, town machine-dressed 4d to 4Jd, extra to 4Ad. Dairy Produce.— Cheese 3|d to 4d, loaf 4d to 4£d. Butter— Factory iOd, dairy 8d to 9d, salt 6d to 7<3. Bacon and hams 5Jd» The above prices are paid to farmers f.o.b. Lyttelton, except where otherwise stated.

The Fruit Conference.

Wellington, May 11 A deputation representing the Inter* national Fruitgrowers' Conference waited on the Premier this afternoon and cordially thanked the Government for the kindness courtesy and assistance extended to. the delegates by the Department of Agriculture They especially expressed pleasure at the fact that a full report of the proceedings at the Conference was to he printed. Some of the delegates observed that the colonies would soon grow sufficient fruit to carry or a large export trade, in which case it would be necessary for the various colonies to combine and work together.

188 ASHBtItfON ftUARJDIAtt i TUESDAt, MA* 12, 1866.



IF YOU ABE SICK in any way whatever send a stamped envelope to our Agency, Well* ington ; Btate the oase as minutely aa poß?ible and you reoeive advice by return post, Our agents are all qualified. If you enclose 2s 6d I we will send you our beßt remedy for the oase lasting you two weeks. You save money and doctors' bills. You reoeive advioe on all points, and the purest ot remedies sent at no extra oost than if personally bought by doing your business with us by post. Con- sult at once. Ailments whioh axe at the time thought to be light, are often the begin* ping of serious aonflequenoes, whioh if taken in time are checked and cured.— Gmatfobd Botanical Company, Wellington. 5 99 Try Wright's Family Brand Coffee ; to be obtained from all Grocers wjd Storekeeper!



IK you w»»t dtlioloua Coffee try the I celebrated Family Brand} to be obtained I ivorywberej I



Wanted* WAR 00 ! THE CURE FOR INDIGESTION. Ashburton Drug Company, Agents 11 108 WANTED Known— A Magnificent Display of Ladies' Jackets in all the Newest Styles, just landed and now on view. See window.—- Mitchell and Turner. WANTED Known— Having bought our Winter Supply of Blankets and Flannels before the great advance in prices we intend giving our friends full benefit of same.— Mitchell and Turner u.- ANTED Known— Our Season's V V Dresses in all the New Colonial Tweeds and Choice Home Materials now opened. An inspection invited. — Mitchell and Turner WANTJSD Known— We intend to shake up every Boob Shop in Ashburton. — Mellou's Clearing Boot Sale



Wanted. RS KNIGHT, caah purchaser of Ladies' and Gentlemen's lefb off Clothing, etc. Letters promptly attended to. Near Post Office. 5 100 WANTED — Experienced General Servant. References required. Apply— Mrs Wroughton, Union Bank, Ashburton. 5 102 Lj'RESH Oysters, Flounders, Warehou Groper and Crayfish — Jewitt s by express to-uigbt — Oppoc-ite Mail office. 5 101 WOLF! WOLF! WOLF! The old cry. He has come this week, and is slaughteiing Music at unheard of prices, la pieces for 3d ; Is 6d pieces for 4i ; 2s pieces for 6d ; 3s pieces for 9d ; 4s pieces for Is. 3500 pieces to select from at L. F. Andrbwks & Uo. 's Great Sale. 593 HOOTING SEASON, 1896— Buy your Guns, .Ammunition, Etc., at J. W. Hardley's. 3 79 Q.UNS ON HIRE; also Guns thoroughly repaired. Please forward early to avoid the rush.TJ. W. Hakdley. 380 /COMFORTABLE Board and Lodging \J with every home comfoio, 16s per week ; meals at all hours, Is ; beds, Is. Tea and Coffee always ready, 2d per cup. Truckle's Coffee Palace (late Jbyttelton Boardinghouse) Cameron street, Abhbur ton. 3 23 ANTED- Attendance at Navy League Lecture on " The Royal Navy" (lime-light views) by the Rev. T. A. Hamilton, In Oddfellows' Hall, on Thursday, May 21. Tickets only Is, obtainable from the Booksellers. 5 84 A MERIOAN BOSS and Nougat > 0.. Creams, simply delicious. Hot Pies, Tea, Coffee, and Cocoa — H. Diggle, Up-to-date Confectioner, East Street. "POTATOES- Just arrived a splendid ■*- lob of Derwents ; large sacks, prime quality j to be sold cheap. — Carson & Go. C^REAM Dates— The original maker. J Don't be misled by other makes. H. A. Flower, the old reliable Confec- tioner. Hot Pies, Tea, Coffee and Cocoa. 5 25 W" ANTED Known— Ladies ShoeT tan or black, 6s 6d. — Mf.llor' Cheap Boot Sale. OUGH, Cough, Cough— l am still making my celebrated Cough Drops, None genuine unless stamped Flower's Cough — H. A. Flower, Confectioner, East street. 5 24 WANTED Known— You save 6s In every pound if yon patronise Mellor's Cheap Boot Store. I AM making Irish Moss Jujubes, in- valuable for coughs, colds, influenza, etc.— H. A. Flower, Confectioner, East Btreet. 5 23 \\ /"ANTED Known— Lirge delivery of vv the •Economic' Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth much more. — W H. Collier. R DAVID THOMAS has For Sale, by private treaty, Mrs Qoinn's House, corner of Havelork and Grigg Street. 5 38 \ AT" AN MGD Known— Ludies" Glacie VY Walking Shoes from 5a 93, Ladies Morocco Walking Shoes from 4s 9d at McDonald and McDiabmid's. 5 68 /TKEGG'S Shorthand, Tom Bracken's VU~ Annual, Is 3d j posted, Is 4d. Good selections of Historical and Bio- graphical publications, 2d each, 4 for 6d. Song Books, Reciters, cheap editions. Young Ladies' Journal for May, Weldon's Journal, New Books. — H. M. Jones. "POTATOES. Potatoes. -Prime Der- IT went Potatoes 4a ]Id per bag ; two bags for 9a 6d. Delivered anywhere within the Belt. — Fletcher Bros. ED CHAFF. Bed Chaff. 9i per bag delivered. Sharps, Bran, Flour. &c, at equally low rates. — Fletcher Bros. TTTANTED KNOWN.— Mrs Hotfam, vv having taken the premises lately occupied by Mr G. Neill, intends to open same as Ladies' Dining and Refresh- ment Rooms, where visitors will find a long fclfc want supplied. Meals at all hours. A fetv boarders will find all the comforts of a home. 4 196 WANTED Known— Buots and Shoes from Is 3d to 27s 6d — Mellor's ' Cheap Boot Sale. pi REAT SALE NOW ON at L. F. VT ANDREWES & Co. £30 a 0 worth of Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Toys, Music, &c, to be sold this month regard- less of cost. Sale now on at L. F. Andrewes & Co, Stationers' Hall. 425 riTHEiN yon are In Chrlstchurch don't * * fail to go to Warne's, Cashel street, for Fish or Oyster Lunch, Tea or Supper. — Joseph Taylor and Co.. Proprietors. 3 4 "DEAD THIS- Sixpenny Books at 3d, •** Shilling Books at 4rt, Eighteen Penny Books at 9J, Half a-crown Books at Is, Envelopes irom 3a 9i per 1000, or 250 for 1% Boxes of Note Paper aid envelopes from 4£d, Shilling packets of Note Paper at Bd, Two-shilling Packets for Is 3i — at L. F. Andrewes and Co's Great Sale. 5 46 WANTED Knqwn — 6000 pairs of Boots and shoes to pick from. KTellor a Great Boot Sale. \y ANTED Known— 6ooo pairß of V* 1 BpoteMo be cleared In one month i — Mellor's Zealandia Boot; Store. AW TED Known— lf you miss the Cheip Boot Sale you will be sorry. — Mellor's, Tancred Street. WANTED Known— Go to The Corner | for Newest Styles In Drapery and Millinery— W. H. Collier. FRESH OYSTERS (4d a doaen), Groper, Blue Cod, Skate, Smoked Fiah and Wild Rabbit. Hot Fiah Dnner's at Sutherland's, Tancred Street. OWN Make in Ladies and Children's Undorclothlng, Aprons, and Pina- fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Mnslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs Alcorns new shop, Baker's Buildings. i i OLIDAY Suits— A Nice Kalapot 11 Suit for 27s 6d, Boys' Knlcker and Cambridge Suits from 7s 6d, Men's Suits to Measure from 455, Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed at R. Alcorn's WANTED Known— That E, Mahood Is Btlll selling all kinds of Grocery, Crockery, and Glassware at as reasonable a price as any other house In the trade Orders by letter or Telephone promptly attended to Families waited on daily. Telephone No 76. WANTED Known— so pairs Ladles an<t Girls' Leather Top and Canvas Tennis Shoes, at half nsual price, for two weeks only. — Andre wOrr. 10136 WANTED : Known— Monster Clear Ing Boob Sale at Mjsilob' Zealao (lift Boot; Store, i



Public notices. ' -OPENED UP— Q TRUNKS MEN'S, YOUTHS' AND BOYS' BOOTS AT NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. We have gained the reputation of Keeping a GOOD ARTICLE, and we intend to Retain it. The Goods are all marked in Plain Figures at the VERY LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES. 4 Trnnks GENTLEMEN'S ENGLISH BALMORALS, Sewn, at prices that will pay yon to in- spect and Buyj TRY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY FOR YOUR NEXT PAIR OF BOOTS ALEX* HENDRY, Manager. HAVELOCK STREET, — CASH— GRAIN & PRODUCE STORE T HAVE to express appreciation of the *• manner in which my numerous Friends and the Public of Ashburton generally, have in the past extended to me such liberal support, and I take this opportunity of soliciting a continuance of their valued patronage. Amongst other commodities, my stock includes : — FLOUR, BRAN, SHARPS, CHICKWHEAT, BARLEY, OATS, CRUSHED OATS, STRAW & OATSHEAF CHAFF, CAPE BARLEY, GOLDEN TARES, ONIONS, LINSEED, ETC., ETC* POTATOES ! POTATOES ! ! POTATOES ! ! ! POT PLANTS, BULBS, AND FERNS. Customers may depend on receiving prompt attention to orders, and every effort will be made to give both large and small purchasers perfect satisfaction. J. Thomas, PRODUCE DEALER HAVELOOK STREET. 4 172 special for this week arcadeT~house. Men s Heavy Tweed Overcoats, with Capes, 19s9d Men's Heavy Tweed Trousers 6s lid Men's Heavy Grandrill Shicts 2s lid, collars or bands Men's Heavy Black and White Check Shirts 2s lid, collars or bands Men's Heavy Flannelette Shirt* 2a lid, collars or bands ASHBURTON TWEED SUITS 38s 6o Men's Colonial Knitted Socks, heavy, la pair : Men's Colonial Undershirts 2s lid Men's Waterproof Coats from 29a 6d Men's Heavy Watertight Boots, pegged, 12a 6d pair Men's Kip Shooters 8s lid pair A DRESS LENGTH WONDERFUL SERGE 6s 11 d DRESSES TO ORDER Serge Dress in Navy, Maroon, Myrtle, Grey or Black, complete, including Material, Linings, all Extras, and Making, for 20s Shot Material — In Navy and Brown, complete, for 22a 9d Tweed Dress— Complete for 28a 6d SPECIAL SHOW CHEAP STYLISH MILLINERY SEE WINDOWS. 31in Flannelette (Heavy), 4s lid dozen All-Linen Tick, 31in, Is 2d yard Ashburton Drapery Company, Cash Drapers, Clothiers, Milliners, and Dressmakers, Burnett street WAHTTEJD, •nOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY, 10,000 Sacks PRIME MILLING WHEAT. koJjI/i r v x co,, CANTERBURY FLOUR MILLS, i ASHBURTON. 5 10 i WAIN TED Known — Bargains from floor to ceiling. —MßHO.'sSto i» aklng Boot Sale, j



Business Notices. G. J. NEILL TTAS OPENED UP AN ENTIRELY NEW STOCK OF Drapery, Clothing, and Boots. New Dress Goods, double width, IHd yard All Wool Flannel 9sd Double Bed Twill Sheeting, in white and unbleached, 9|d NEW GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. NO OLD STOCK. CLOTHING. CLOTHING. Men's and Boys' Suits of every description at the very Lowest possible price. Hats, Gaps, Collars and Ties. BOOTS. BOOTS. Men't Nail Shooters 7s lid . . ■ f'~ - Boys' Boots, Ladies' Boots and Shoes of every description. fit. J. UTElfcli, FriedlanderV Confer, East Street. — FOR — WEDDING PRESENTS, WEDDING PRESENTS. v Pay a Visit to the JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT OP a BALEK, BAST STREET, ASHBURTON. XJU HERE Is to be seen the Largest and Finest Stock of JEWELLERY, and SILVER PLATED WARE in our distriob. SOME VERY SUITABLE ARTICLES FOB WEDDING PRESENTS AT REASONABLE PRICES. SOMETHING WORTH GROWING. NEW STRAWBERRY "LAXTON'S NOBLE." ffIHIS new Strawberry has established itself in the Home market as the Very X Best Strawberry under cultivation. The fruit is large, firm, and handsome, the bright crimson Bcarlot barries weighing as high as 2oz each, while the flavor is rich and vioons. Besides these recommendations, " THE NOBLE " is one of the earliest fruiting strawberries, and we have no hesitation in saying that it is undoubtedly the Strawberry for growers of this favourite fruit. The following is extracted from the Otago Witness of January 2, 1896 : " New Strawberry : " Laxton's Noble " — . . This strawberry excels both in size, flavour and appearance, anything we have had in New Zealand before. . . Some of these fine berries were sent by the Countess of Pembroke to the Emperor of Germany, each berry being about the size of an apple. They were said to be larger than had ever been seen before. The fruit arrived in ex- cellent condition, not a berry being crushed, speaking well both for the packing and the travelling qualities of the berries' On the average the berries weighed 2oz each. They were not big, ugly fruit, but were full and handsome. . . "Laxton's Noble" Strawberry comes early into bearing, and is a very h<savy beirer, and it should be very serviceable for any cottager with small garden space or for market gardenerp, as it is a splendid grower and a heavy cropper, coming early into fruit. Mr Bennet hes on young plants, laid in the spring, eight to ten large berries, averaging, say, 2oz each. They are fine handsome berries, and of good travelling qualitiep." / - , . As Stock is limited, we recommend Ordering Early for delivery early in May Strong Well-rooted Plants, 6s per Dozen j 40s per 100. Authorised Sole Agents for Ashburton and Christchurch for — NIMMO & BLAIR, SEED MERCHANTS AND SEED GROWERS, DUNEDIN. Kero*en<>- Kerosene, Kerosene. 100 Cases. 100 Cases. We have in stock and to arrive 100 cases ♦Evening. Star' Kerosene, 150 degrees fire test. This oil is, without doubt, one of the Safoßt and Best light-giving oils in the market. Cream of sartw. Cream of Tartar. 11201bs. 11201bs, We have just received half a ton of Pure Oream oi Tartar ground specially for us from the crystals. This Cream of Tartar is guaranteed Pure, j and is the Strongest and Best procurable, and having bought it before the rise in the Home market, we are enabled to sell at a Lower Price than any other storekeeper in the town. coffee. Coffee. Coffee We are giving special attention to our Coffee. The Coffee Beans are selected with the greatest care and freshly roasted and ground on our premises by the most approved machinery. We can recommend it with the greatest of confidence as Superior to any other Coffee in the market. Give it a trial and you will use no other. NOTICE TO FARMERS, Etc. We are Cash Buyers of GOOD BEESWAX in any quantity, at Highest Market Rates. Orders by Post or Telephone Promptly attended to FLETCHER BROS., CASH SUPPLY STOBES, BAST STREET, ASHBURTOiN, and High street, Chrisfccliurch. Ttoraowit 24 Box 6