The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 1896. THE UNEMPLOYED.

The problem of the unemployed is one which for years has puzzled the brains of statesmen m all parts of the world, and is to-day m New Zealand apparently as far from solution as ever. We have our policy of village settlement, of resumption of private lands for settlement purposes, and of cheap money; but though all these things have resulted m good, the un employed are still with us, and how to find work for them is the difficulty of the day. It is a thousand pities that such should be the case m a country capable of supporting at least ten times its present population, and it is the first duty of our public men to seek to remove the causes which bring about the existing state of things and to endeavour to prevent its recurrence. We mean of course the unemployed problem as it now exists only, for we fully recognise the fact that there must always be some unemployed and ■■ that there will always.be also a number of old,. disabled or weakly peOplein capable of work except of the very lightest sort,

Suggestions as to the best way of' providing for these conditions are few" and far between and still fewer of a practical sort, and we are therefore pleased to see m our Temuka contem porary (the Leader) an article which is very opportune and which points to what has been done m Austria and Germany as indicating the direction m which a solution of the problem may be found. The Leader says . — British people pride themselves on their love of justice, their sense of fair play, and are very boastful concerning their religiousness and their superior morality ; but we doubt whether there is a country m Europe m which the poor are treated with leas considera tion. Take Austria. There the poor are classed. The deserving poor are not huddled into a workhouse with the worst and most dissolute criminals. They are provided with neat cottages, and surrounded, with not only neces saries but luxuries. Furniture designed for their comfort is provided, while beautiful gardens surround their dwellings. They are not treated like paupers, but the best people m the land visit them and contribute to their happiness.. In Germany still more practical steps are taken to grapple with the unemployed. There have been established what is called Labor Colonies, or what we would call Stat9 Farms, and on these the unemployed can find a home m times when labor is scarce. A description of these colonies can be found m a book entitled A Colony of Mercy, by Miss Suter, published a few years ago, and from it \»e gather that every person presenting himself is admitted ; that a new. suit of clothes is immediately provided; that, unlike the English system, these clothes are neither marked with the broad arrow, nor of a similar pattern. Each colonist can have the kind of clothes he likes best without having, as would be the case m England, to bear the brand of a pauper or the charity school. This constitutes an essential difference between the English and the Contin ental system. The vulgar English system degrades and pauperises the man ; the other does not. Oa the con trary, every effort is put forth to ele vate the mind, and improve the moral character of the colonists. Everyone must work, but there is guch a variety of occupations on the farm that almost every one finds congenial employment, and. whatever surplus is left at the end of the year from the result of the year's work is divided amongst the colonists. The steward m charge is styled the father, and by all accounts the name is not a misnomer. His wife is called the mother, and both mix with the icolonists on equal terms. Bven the Grown Prince of Germany when he visited the colony dined at the same table with the colonists, amongst whom are of tan found doctors, lawyers, and paen of the highest education, as well: as illiterate and ignorant men." Our contemporary urges that it is somejbhißg of this sort that we want m this colony and points out that, while m thj3 North Island districts there is work to be found all the year round m the ripening up of fresh settlements, rokd-making and bushfellipg, there is i.nit)hfetsettled.dißtricts of Canterbury very little winter and that there ford it, is <m Canterbury m particular that }3tate Farms would be of especial advantage. We are very much inclined to agree with him.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Reading matter on fourth page. {Sergeant Wakelin, the rifle champion, will, be accorded a public reception -at Christchnrch this evening. The £500 guarantee m connection with the Wellington Industrial Exhibition has been more than filled up. The Earl of Lonsdale spenb nearly £125.000 to entertain the German Emperor for a week at Lowther Castle. Ab Haddon, Victoria, on the 2nd insfc., .Mrs Patrick Bourke, wife of a mine manager, gave birth to three sons. and children are well. ThY annual general meeting of the shareholders of the Ashburton Permanent Bailding Society takes place on Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock. A Swiss scientist has been testing the presence of bacteria m mountain air, and finds that not a single microbe exists beyond an altitude of 2,000 ft above the level ot the sea. Native game, with certain exceptions may be killed within the South Canter bury district including the county of Ashburton from the Ist April to the 31st ! July ; and within the Gerald ine County district from the lat April to 30bh June. The police of Australia are to be taken m hand by the Misses Johnson and Barker, two evangelists from London, at present visiting Australia. The fair evangelist* are organising special work amongst the police m each centre. The cricket mateh — North v South Canterbury — which was to have been played* on the Ashburton Domain next week, will nob now be played here, the .•pitch'/ for some reaion or other, having been changed to Geraldine. The b»z*ar m aid of the Catholic Church debt extinction fund, which was delayed owing to the difficulty of finding a suitable hall, has been fixed for the Easter holi days, and will be opened on Tuesday, April 7» The difficulty m regari to a hall arose, an readers will doubtless re member, from the burning of the Odd fellows' Hall, a difficulty which has been removed by the completion and opening of the new building. The lady stall holders requests that those friends who have promised aid In goods or money will be good enough to fulfil their promises as noon as possible. The golf course Is not ip the very best opnditlon at the present moment. As the game wras new to Ashburton, many of the players who palyed their first game at golf on our links, knew nothing of keeping the putting greens m order, and not only idled about the holes, but kicked out ( teeing ' turfs m their immediate vicinity. Onlookers, especially ladies, congregated about the holes, never thinking of the injury that every tread of their dainty i feet did to the turf. The result ia that all round the holes the ground is as bare ; of gras9 as a footpath, so that before play 1 can be engaged m with any degree of * pleasure, wither new greens mus*> be found or the old ones turfted over. It is to be I hoped that during the ensuing season the , turf of the greens will be respected, and that visitors will view the putting at a ' distance of at least thirty feet from the ' hole. Players will also do well to remain * as short time as possible on the greens, ' and always tee at a good distance oft'— never, m any case to kick a teeing turf out of the green It will be necessary, ] probably, to sow grass on the present ( greens, and to use temporary greens till a sward p? some kind has formed. Mr ' Hyndman, the secretary of the Golf Club, 1 is meditating doing something m the 1 matter, and it is to be hoped what is necessary will be dune speedily, J

Another case of * bots ' occurred to-day. A mare belonging to Mr David Amos was attacked, and after suffering severely, had to be destroyed. She was shot this after noon by Constables Jackson and Eade. i The annual reunion m connection with ' the treabyterian Church, Tinwald, will be held m the Templar Hall, Tinwald, on Thursday next, March 26. As several popular Bpeikers will be present and a musical programme is promised there should be a good attendance. ' Bishop Magee used to tell a story of a | Conneraara woman who exclaimed after hearing a catechisb read the not very appropriate scripture which tells of Solo- 1 mon and his numerous wives : ' To think of the privileges them early Christians had!' A meeting of the Ladies' Liederkranz, and those wishing to jnin it, is called for Monday, March 30, at Mrs Bowman Fox's music room, Saunders' Buildings. The business will be the election of officer?, and such other business as is usually, transacted at the annual general meeting of a society, including the enrolment of new members. At a recent Birmingham dog show, Mr Williamson'* Bernard, Lord Hatherron, a young dog, born a year ago, and which had carried all before it at the show, was priced m the catalogue at £210. He was disposed of for £470 to Mr Joseph Royle, of Oldham road. Manchester. The Transvaal Advertiser vouches for the fact that during Mr Barnato's visit to South Africa of less than a month's dura tion, and immediately after his return to England, but through transactions arising out of chat three weeks' visit, he and his firm netted a sum of £5,000,000 sterling. A public trial of the P. and D. Dancan spring tine cultivator was held at 'Mr J, Jamiespn's farm, Waterton, m the presence of some dczan farmers. k The machine operated upon stubble; and ploughed land. A new device In the shape of hooked knives was attached for cutting the twitch turf when ploughed. The machine did good work and to the satisfaction of those present. At a meeting last; night m Christchurch attended by about a hundred people, a resolution was carried that the Premier's ' reply to the local M.H.R's re the unem ployed U unsatisfactory; and that it is the duty of Government to find some per manent solution of the difficulty. It was ; also resolved that the system of subsidis ing local bodies to find work is not de sirable, as it has a pauperising effect. The Wanganui Herald saya that socia circles m Wellington have been much excited during the past few days over a sensational divorce ease, m which parties m the city are concerned. Seme leading professional men m the city, including married men with families, will be joined as defendants, and the Injured husband alsoask-i for heavy damages.— -There are alleged to be no less than 13 co-respond ents; The number of craters on the moon's surface is very large. A large lunar map by Schmidt, published m 1878, includes about 32,000 of these formations, some of which are very deep. They are surrounded by ramparts or walls raised above the general level. The mountains are pro portionately high; one peak, named Newton, has an elevation of 24,000 feeb. There are also ring mountains varying from ten to flfceen miles m diameter. In former years, the sale of work and ' produce connected with the Ashburton Wesleyan Church harvest festival has been held m the Bating Square 6choolroom, bat the "receipt of custom " will on Saturday next be at the more commodious and convenient Orange Hall. Busy fingers and active brains have been exer cised to make the effort mosfr e uccessful, and ibis to be hoped that the sanguine ) anticipations of the workers will be fully realised. Farmers »re reminded that Mr Daniel Brick's clearing sale of sheep takes pace nr\ Monday nexb at Tara. Mr Rudolf Fciedlander will submit to auction 5635 sheep, of good quality, and — as is Mr Brick'a invariable custom— without any reserve at all being placed upon them. They will be sold absolutely at what they will fetch, and rtiis fact ought to induce those m want of ovine stock to pay a visit i to Tara. This fact:, added to the ] other that Mr Brick never keeps inferior quali'v on his place, should ensure a large attendance at the sale. Holloway's. Pitts.— The ills of life are increased tenfold by the mode of life so many have to lead ; most especially is this the caae amongst the toilers m our factories and huge workshops of the manufacturing districts whose digestion becomes impaired iand nervous systems debiliated hy the protracted confinement and enforced depriva tion of healthy out-of-door exercise. The factory workers may almost be said to have diseases of their own, readily amenable, however, to treatment if not allowed to proceed unchecked. Holloway's Pills are the mosfc effectual remedy ever discovered for the liver and stomach complaints, as they apt surely but gently, regulating the secre tions without weakening the nerves or interfering with the daily work.-

The Longbeach Grain Case.

The case of Fleming and Gilktnson v Grieg again came before Mr Justice Williams, sitting m hanco at. Dunedin, on Wednesday last. It will be remembered that, at the trial m December last, the jury returned a verdicb for the plaintiffs for one farthing damages, contingently upon the Court finding; that the plaintiffs had established the existence of a contract between them and the defendant. The plaintiffs now moved for a new trial, upon the grounds that the damages 'assessed were too low ; that the jury had not taken into account the quest iou of the storage of the wheat ; and th»b the Judge t bad misdirected the jury. On behalf of the defendant, a cross motion had been filed that judgment be entered m his favor, or m the alternative, that the plaintiffs be ordered to pay the defendant his costs of suit. Messrs Sim and Wood- house appeared as counsel for the plain tiffs, and Meßsrs Hiking and Porrtell for the defendants. The legal arguments lasted during the whole of Wednesday and Thursday last, and at; the dose His Honor intimated that he would reserve his decision.

The Italians m Abeyssinia.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION

London, March 19

The Marquis of Salisbury told the House of Lords that the fall of Kassala was extremely improbable. The Italian Government had no infor mation on the subject that would lead them to suppose the place to be unten able. In the House of Commons Sir G. Curzon stated that Italy bad decided not to evacuate the town unless com pelled. There was no alliance or agree ment between England and Italy, but their mutual interests required that; they should co operate. Rome, March 20 The Negus has written to General | Baldisera stating that he is anxious to conclude terms of peace. It is re ported that he has garrotted his prisoners. Rome, March 20 Fifteen hundred Italian troops are prisoners at Adowa,

Ashburton Ram and Ewe Fair.

AUCTIONEERS' REPORTS.

MR DAVID THOMAS.

This yearly fixture was held on Thursday at the Tinwald yards. In e.wes, the entry, was not as large as we are accustomed to see. The sheep were, as < a rulej short m condition and quality,, and j a large portion of them were only fit tor the boiler down, who purchased several lines at prices which any good farmer would decline, if they were given to him for nothing. The j bulk of the entry was made up principally of merino ewes, those from Anaraa, Valetta, Upton, Longbeach and Morrow's being the pick of thorn, selling at from 3s 6d to o'a 6d per head as per description. Good cross bred ewes were m very short supply, and I the only lines worth mention were those sent m by Lttgmhor, W. Mawion, Mawson Bros., Dr Trevor, and E. S, Coster. A large number of good young sound cross i bred ewes could- have been absorbed at fair prices, but, being m short supply, farmers elected to wait for the usual weekly ■alt. In rams, the breeding of many of those entered was deficient, and a Urge propor tion of the entry found their way into the hands of the boiler down, the best place for them. There were, however, several lines of good sheep, the marjority of which were sold, and, m comparison with Cbristohurch, brought fair prices, those from Messrs J. |D. Boag, Longbeach, Sutton, Upton, Rogers, M. Friedlander, Bonifant, Mawaon Bros., Digby, and Jeff being especially good sheep. The totals entered for the day comprised about 15,000 ewes and 857 rams, of which my entry consisted of 5525 ewes, 11 stud ewes 433 rams. I cleared nearly all the rams, and most of the ewes at values as under: — Ewe3— l9o six and eight-tooth crossbred ewes, 6s. 7d; 407 merino ewes, 3s 6d;300 merino ewes (Upton's), 6s ; 400 six and eight-tooth crossbred ewes, 6s "9d ; 228 boilers Is 9d; 201 boilers, ls~7d; 190 v boilers, Is 9d, 119 boilers, Is 8d; 245 boilers, Is 6d (what a farce !) ; 183 ' four, six, and eight-tooth crossbred ewes, 7s ; 201 halfbred two-tooths, Ss 2d ; 250 four, and six- tooths, 8? sd ; 550 sound mouth merinos, 33 lOd ; 380 sound mouth merinos, 3s 7d,: 242 cull cross breds, 3a 6d ; 168 four tooth crossbred ewes, 8s 7d, etc. Bams— English Leicesters, 6 calls, 4s 6d ; 10 at 5s ;sat 6a 6d ; 2 rams, 19s each ; 18 at 18s ;2 at 255 ; lat £2 2s ; 4at 15s 9d j4 at 2|gs ; 28 at 2Jgs ; 6at £1 la ; 6at 17s 6d. Border Leicesters, 7at 13s 6d : 3at 15s ; 4at £1 6s 3d ; 6at £1 11 6 d. Longbeach— 3 at £1 11s 6d ; 6at £1 ; 4 hired at 15s ; 8 ram lambs, £1 Is Lincolns, 4. at 5s 64 ; sat 3s 6d :3 at ss ; 9at 4s 6d ; 21 at 9s ; 50 at lls ; 2at6s6d ;3 at 17s 6d ; sat4a6d; 24 at ss; 6 at £1 Is. Shropshire*, Upton's, 10 at l|gs; 7 at £1 Is; 2 at £1 lls 6d; 9 at ljgs ; 3 at £1 lls 6d ; 3»t l|gs j 6at l£gs ; 3at l£gs. Other owners, 10 at 10s 6d j5 at LI Is ; 12 at 6s. Inbred halfbreds, 10 at 7s ; 3 at 5s 6d; a large portion of the rams, although they were well bred, were gummies, and only fit for the boiler.

MESSRS FRIEDLANDER. As far as entries go the fair was one of the smallest held for years past, and the qnality hardly to be compared with former years, when really good lines of both merino and halfbred ewes were sent forward. With very few exception m each of these classes on this occasion the entry was made up of (inferior sheep. 'In merinos, the Valetta ewes were far ahead of anything yarded m that class, and sold at 6s 6d, the top price for the day. The Anama ewes were m very poor condition, and sold at the low figure of 3s 8d for the pick, and 2a 3d for the culls. Halfbred breeding awes, top price for four tooths 8s sd; mixed ages to sound mouth made from 6a 6d to 7s 9d ! ; a line of sound mouth crossbred ewes from Laghmor sold at from 7a to 7s 2d. When we state that the total entry of ewes did not exceed 14,000 it must be considered a small yarding for the annual fair, at which there have been at times as many as 25.000 yarded. However, the entry proved sufficient Qf the quality on offer. The sale opened by several lines being : passed, buc these Were * eventually sold after the hammer. Bams — A total entry of about 900 proved more than sufficient for requirements. Prices ruled for English Leicester from 1& to 4gs, for young sheep, and any price obtainable for aged sheep of doubtful parentage. Lin colns from 1£ to 2sgs for two- tooths, and any price ranging from £g to lg, according to |condition, age, and breeding. Border Leicester from 1£ to 2|gs for two tooihe. Shropßhires realized from 1£ to 2gs for two-tooths, and 1 to l£gs for ram lambs of this breed Hampshires, 2£gs for two tooths. We were glad to see the boiling down representative present, who made a good clearance m all classes, and we say a '; good riddance to the district. Our entry of rams was 368, and 2265 of ewes— most of 'which we cleared at prices above indicated.

MR DAVID ZANDER, The sale throughout was a dragging one— from beginning to end. Buyers did not bid at all freely at auction, and consequently most of the lots offered were passed m un sold, but afterwards the majority of the lots passed were sold privately at a considerable advance. Ewes— A few very good peas of merinos were yarded, which made up to 6a 6d for four-tooths. The average prices were for sound mouth merino ewes from 33 6d to 4s, crossbred two-tooth ewes from 7s to Bs, four aud six-tooth from 7s 3d to 8s Bd, full mouthed from 5s to 6s Bd. Rams were sold at all prices, from 2} guineas down to the|boiling down price of ss. Our sales comprised : —Ewes— 79 crossbred two-tooths 7s 2d, 403 sound mouthed merino ewes 3s 3d, 156 at 3s Bd, 314 crossbred two tooth ewes at os, 115 at 7s, 200 halfbred two-tooth ewes at 7s. Bams— l sold 5 full mouth Liocolns at £1 Is, 3at 15a. I also had an entry of 27 Lincoln rams from the well-known breeder, Mr P. Sntton of Invercargill, which consisted of 20 black rams and 7 stud rams, I disposed of 8 two-tooth black ramß at2J guineas.

The Harper Case.

A SECOND ACQUITTAL.

Wellington, March 20 The Crown proceeded with the second charge against Leonard Harper this morning. He was charged with having converted to hia own use the sum of £2250 belonging to the Rev H. H. Gilletb, of England, being part of a sum of £6000 sent oat to Harper's firm m 1888 for investment. The same counsel appeared as m the first charge. The witnesses were much the same as m the previous case. The hearing lasted all day, and the jury, after a retirement of half an hour, returned a verdict of *Not guilty.' The Court adjourned till Monday. March 21. The Crown has abandoned the remainder of the charges against) Leonard Harper.

SPORTING. .

DUNEDIN RACES.

Forbury Racecourse, March 20

There is perfect weather for the races and the attendance is fair. Bookmakers are 1 again excluded; I HtBDLES — Brin (J. Cotton Junr ) 1, Jack Harkaway 2. There also started Rebel who fell at the first, and Smuggler who fell %b the second hurdle. Won easily. Time — 3min 93ec. Dividends— £1 14s. Annivebsart Handicap.— Black and I Red(Norrie) 1, Hippomenes (Mcllroy) 2, Vandyke (T. Buddicombe) 3. There also ntarted Vanquisher, Emmeline, and Jane Eyre. Won comfortably by two lengths. Time— 2min 13Jaec. Dividends— £7 Bs.

Fob Indigestion, the best remedy is un doubtedly Norton's Camomile Pills. They can confidently be recommended as being mild m operation and absolutely free from injurious drugs. Acting at once as a splen did tonic and a gentle aperient. For nearly 100 years they have proved ucequallec* for Indigestion, Dyspepsia, sick Headache and for Liver and Stomach complaints. Sold m bottles 1b l^d, 2s 9d, and 11s, by all Medi cine Vendori throughout the world. A implo, laft «p4 oerbalu remedy

COMMERCIAL.

LONDON MARKETS

«■ ~ , , London, March 20 New Zealand mutton first quality 3M second quality 3d, lamb 4jd. ' The Bradford wool sales were dull. Holders have advanced merinos from Ad to ld« Crossbreds firm. The butter market is still doll and shows no sign of improvement. Colonial 94a to 100s j Danish 106a.

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Sydney, March 2> The unsatisfactory results of the frozen meat trade have engaged the Attention of a conference of representatives of the trade during the week. New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland were represented. A scheme was approved which will ba sent to all the Freezing Companies m Australia, and when replies bavV been received a further conference will be he!d, for the purpose of finally adopting it. The object is to form a combination to act on co operative lines, regulating supplies, classing, and maintaining a regular standard of meat, so as to command improved prices. It is intended not only to regulate the .export from Australia, but to operate m such V way m the English market a. to gaard the meat from being sacrificed when it reaches Lomdoo.

ASHBURTON MARKETS.

Mr D. Thomas reports upon the live stock market, m the Aahburton County, for the week ending March 20, as follows .— On Tuesday at the Ashburton yards, there was again a large entry of stock of all descrip turns, amongsfc which were several lh?es of good stook, notably those sent forward by Messrs T. Wilson. 5?. Treynrza, tflaek Bros' J a °^ dy * J< V*' M »Mens, T. Dalton, H. A. McKay, and A. E. Peache, and one or two other good lines of two-tooth cross breds, which, considering the dry weather sold at fair rates. The balance of the entry was made up principally of cull sheep of all descriptions. The totals yarded for the day comprised 12,125 sheep, 36 head of cattle, 52 pigs, and 53 rams, of which my entry con sisted 0f6039 sheep, 14 he»d of cattle, 52 pigs, and 53 rams. In sheep, with the ex ception of about 600, I cleared my entry at values similar to those ruling during the last month. My principal sales were— 33 fat merino ewes 3s Bd, 29 fat merino ewes 2s 6d, 30 fat merino ewes 2. sd, 25 fat merino ewes Is Bd, 47 crossbred ewes 2s 7d, 10 fat four-toeth crosabred ewes and wethers 12s Id, 41 crossbred ewas 2s lid, 11 fat cross bred lambs 8s 2d, 22 fiyt crosabred ewes 4s 6d, 14 crossbred lambs 4s Bd, 35 merino ewes la 4d, 107 crossbred lambs 7s 4d, 166 two tooth half bred Shropshire ewes 7s 4d. 34 merino ewes Is 9d, 200 four, six, and eight- ' tooth crossbred ewes 5s 9d, 269 two-tooth half bred wethers 8s 2d, 300 six and eight tooth crossbred ewes 7s 7d, 103 crossbred ewes 2s Bd, 208 crossbred lambs 5s 6d, 88 four-tooth crossbred ewes and wethers 7s 7d, 50 merino ewes 2s 3d, 159 merino ewes la 9d, 331 two-tooth crossbred ewes and wethers 8s 7d, 80 six and eight-tooth cross bred ewes 7s 3d, 200 crossbred lambs 9s 4d, • 86 fat crossbred Jambs 9a Id, 113 crossbred lambs 5s lOd, 245 sound mouth merino wethers 2s lOd, 150 sound mouth merino ewes 3a 6d, 97 crossbred lambs 8s -sd, 100 sound mouth crossbred ewes 5s sd, 124 • crossbred ewes 2s lOd. 288 merino ewes 2s, 11 cull lambs Is 9d, 97 sound mouth cross bred ewes ss'lod, 165 sound month merino ewes 1b lid, 212 crossbred ewes 3s lid.

Messrs Friedlander Bros, report upon the live stock market for the week ending March 20.-— On Tuesday last, at the Ashburton yards, the total entry was 12,125 sheep, 36 cattle, 52 pigs and 63 rams. The attendance was large, and a good deal of business re sulted, most of the sheep changing hands at auction, and privately after the Bale. Prices, however, did not show much improvement on late sales, with the exception m one or two cases, m which the resnlt raußfc have come as a happy surprise to the vendors. The yarding consisted mostly of crossbred and merino breeding ewes, ,two-tooth crpae- - » bred mixed sexes, several lines of lambs of ~ various qualities, which came m for good competition. A fair proportion of the entry consisted of boilers, which we were pleased to note went m that direction; there were also several lines of very forward two*tooth crossbred, but competition for these was rather lifeless. The sheep sent forward by ' ' Mr Peache, of Mount Somers, consisted of halfbred wethers and breeding ewes, and quarter-back of both sexes. These, with a line of Mr Tripp's ewes came m for good competition, more especially the latter, which aold ahiliings above their value as compared with other transactions during the aale. Out of our entry, which numbered only 2151 sheep, 22 cattle, and 6 baconers, we disposed of the following:— 34 crossbred fat ewes 8s 6d, 34 at Bs, 31 at 6s 9d, 30 at 6s 10d,37 at 4a 6d, 6 at fs, 15. at 5s 3d, 15 merino at 3s 3d, 115 merinoixrilers at 2s, 36 merino boilers at Is 3d. In store sheep we disposed of 180 halfbred lambs at ss. 84 at 4s Bd, 202 six-tooth halfbred ewes 7a 9d, 101 merino boilers Is 3d, 41 crossbred lambs 6s 6d. 51 forward two-tooths 7s 4d, 90 at 8a 6d, 290 merino culls Is 7d, 275 at Is 9d, 156 small two-tooths 6s 6d. Cattle— Only a medium entry, two good steers sent forward I byMrPeter.OhalmersroadeL7 2a 6deach« smaller sorts f rom L.4 10a to L 5 10s ; cows from L 3 10s to L 6. A few young store cattle met with fair competition. Pigs—Baconers sold from 30s to 37s each; store pigs were turned out unsold ; virtually no competi- : tion.

Mr Henry Zander (Mr David Zander auctioneer) reports upon the live stock market for the week ending, March 20, as follows : — At the Ashburton yards on Tubb day last there was again a large entry of all classes of sheep, which met, however, a de pressed market. In is evident that buyers are' holding back, for reasons nnknown to me. I should advise those who are wanking sheep, to buy at the present prices, as I feet sure that within a few weeks the tone of the markets will be much firmer. Wool, as has been seen by our latest telegrams from Home, is m good demand, and an upward tendency is daily reported for. both crosa bred and merino, which must improve the price of sheep. Of my entries for the week, I sold the following lota :— 3l fat crossbred ewes at sa, .27 fat merino ewsa at 3a 4d, 48 fat two-tooth ewes and wethers at 8s 9d. In store sheep I sold 22 cull merino ewes at Is sd, 160 crossbred ewes (failing), at Ss, 33 at 2s Bd, 272 two-tooth ewes and wethers! 8s Id, 254 at 7s, 450 halfbred ewes, 6s sd,

The N. Z. Rifle Association Meeting.

Following are the results of the remain ing events, which were decided yester day: — Companies Teams Match, 200, 500 and 600 ■ yards, seven shots ; five men. 200 500 600 ODbt. Prize Woodville Bifle Club 166 163 155 484 £20 Pebone Rifle Club .. 162 159 151.472 £15 A.Co.'y, Queensland 164 153 149 466 £10 Dunedin City Guards 163 169 138 460 £5 The other teams' scores were :— Oamarn R.C. No. 1, 457; Christchurch Reserve Corps No. 1, 453; Dunedin Rifle Club, 448; Wanganui Rifles, 443 ; A Battery, Auck land, 436 ; Christchurch Reserve No. 2, 431; Oamaru No. 2, 419. Detailed shots of the truly phenomenal score of the Woodville team are -.—Chicken, 5455545, 4535534, 5345555 ; O. Loveday, 5455455, 5555545, 4353555; W. Loveday, 5455555, 5534554, 5545545 ; Irigpen, 5555454, 5555555, 4545555 ; Wilson, 5454555, 4555555, 4552434. ™; Bronze Medal Match, 200 and 500 yards, ten shots. The prizetakers were— J. Manson (Port Victoria), £5 and silver medal, 96; W. Ballinger (Wellington), £4, 93 ; G. Loveday (Woodville), £3, 93 ; Jack (Dunedin), 93; McFarlane (Christchurch), Robinson (Upper Hutt), 92; J. Armstrong (Dunedin), 91, £2 each. Eight others, 90 to 89, £1 each.. The Volley Firing Match was won by Otago 411 points ; Canterbury "second, 402; Napier, Wanganui; and Taranaki, third, 401. . v District Representatives Match.—Canter bury team, 1185; Wellington, 1160; Otago, 1 1 42 ; Taranaki, Napier . and Wanganui, .

ME ASflßQjffOM GtJAKDIAN : SAiOEDAt, MaEOH it, 1896.



Fragrant qnd GQm f o*ti*%—tfw V**H



J Wanted. WABOO ! THE CURE FOR INDIGESTION, j ABhburton Drug Company, Agents II 108 TVTIiJW Season's Stock now opening •^ SSplendid selection. Special pi iocs. — G. L. Beath and Co , Taucred street. 3137 YOUNG Ladies' Journal for March, 1 Woldon's Ladies' Journal for February, and Review of Reviews for Keb»uary. Agent for Pononga Electric Belt, Petal Dust, etc — -H, M Jones. WAJSTF.D Known— so pairs Ladies and Girls' Leather Top and Canvas Tennis Shoes, at half ÜBual price, for two weeka only. — Andrew Obr 10 136 OTHEN you are m Christchurch don't * * fail to go to Warnb's, Caßhel street, for Fish or Oyster L unoh, Tea or Sapper. — Joseph Taylor and Co.. Proprietors. 3 34 /COMFORTABLE Board and Lodging V^ with every home comfoit, 16s per week; meals at all hours, Is; beds, Is. Tea and Coffee always ready, 2J per cup. Truckle's Coffee Palace (tabu Lyttelton Boardinghouse) Cameron street, Abhbur ton. 3 23 CTTANTED Known—Our Season's VV Dresses m all the New Colonial Tweeds and Choice Home Materials now opened. An inspection invited. — Mitchell and Turner. TIT ANTED Known— That B. Makood * " is still selling all kinds of Grocery, Crockery, and Glassware At as reasonable a price as any other house m the trade. Orders by letter or Telephone promptly attended to. Families waited on daily. Telephone No. 76 OPENING TTP T\AILY PENING UP JL/AILY AT THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, NEW GOODS FOR THB WINTER SEASON. THE BEST ASSORTMENT OF SUPERIOR BEADY-MADE CLOTHING IN THE DISTRICT; New Hats, New; Ties, New Shirts. KEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ARCADE HODSE. NEW AUTUMN HAT* NEWffAUTCJMN MILLINERY "VTEVv- DRESSES IN COLONIAL AND SCOTCH TWEEDS, SERGES, Etc. NOW SHOWING AT LOWEST CASH PRICES. i i SEE WINDOWS SPECIAL DISPLAY Ashburton Drapery Company, BURNETT STREET.



Wanted. . . — — 1 QfIOOTIHG SEASON, 1896.-1 Boy yocr Guns, A mmunitioii, Etc, at , J. W. HARDtEY'B. 3 79 I HUNS O.N HI R B ; also Guru thoroughly repaired, Plraee forward early o avoid the rusli — ,1. W. Haiidley. 380 | OST, im Tharfaay night. Bay Marev ' ' • Blightly ''eiotmenl near hind leg. Fipder rtw«rd« cl on cm uunicating with J. Mills, Tancrrd Street. 3 151 AO. F. — Social »nd Dance Wednes- day, March 25 h, m the nearly enlHreed Orange Uall 3 156 lj^lll^SH Oysters by ExpreHs to-nuht. JJ Jrwitt's Oyater tatoon, oppofiifc MAir, Office. 3 159 ANTEDKnown— Rev. J . <>i phert wiU jircaoh at the Priraiave Methodiat Church on Sunday. Evening surjoct : — '*No more St-a " 3 148 TTy KSLB.YAN Church, To-morrow.— V* Morning — JRev. -T. G. Brooke ; Evt. ning, Mr Stephen Chapman. The old atory retold. Come and hear, 3 149 APTTST Church— Mr L»mb, of Lincoln, will preach to-morrow morning and evening. 3 154 ] W ANTED— IOOO Visitors to »alv&tiun 1 VT Army Swiss Village, April 4, 5, 6, and 7. Tickets 63. Value of ticket given In Goods. 3 H5 "LIOR SALE OR TO LET.— Seven- *• roomed House, with pantry, wash- house, stable, etc., on 2£ acres of land, good garden and orchard. Apply Office of this paper. 3 122 , TO"ANTED Known— Just opening a ' T fresh lot of useful Presents, to be given to all Purchasers of Drapery.— H. C. Segers, Melford House WANTED Known— Great Reduction at Mbllor's Cheap Boot Pale. y — _ W7 ANTED Known— Men's Suits 17s TT 6d, Kaiapo! Tweed Trousers 9s lid, Knlcker Suits 4s Lid, Caps 6d.— The Corner. W. H. Collier WANTED Known— Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and . everything m the optica line at S. S4LBKR, Optician .__ 1 ANTED Known— Monster Clear- ing Boot Sale at Mellor's Zealan dia Boob Store. SEPARATOR Butter, Separator Butter. •^ Fineßt Fern Leaf Separator Butter lid per lb, at Fletcher Bros , East street, Ashburton. WANTED Known — Bargains from floor to oeiling.— Mbllor's Stock V taking Boot Sale. rWNMakein Indies and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina- fores ; alpo a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimming*, etc., at Mrs Alcorns new shop, Baker's Buildings. OTHER People are getting Bargains at Carson's Monster bale of Bicycles, "Earthenware, Glass, and Chin* Why not You?. 1 34 Vl/ANTED Known- Buots and Shoes! /v froml«j3l to 27s 6d Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale. WANTF.D Known— We are still giving Presents to all Porchanflrs of drapery, etc.— H. C. Segebs, Melford House .4/TEN'S Bluchers ss, a good Strong T - i - Nailed .Shoojbnr at 89 61 ; * nice assortment of Ladies' and Children's Boo's and Shoea from Is 9d a pair at R. Alcorn's "PRESENTS, Presents- We are new *• giving useful Presents to all Pur- chaqers of Drapery, etc.— H. C. Segers, Melford House \XTANTED Known— Newest Gocds~i^ vv Dr»pery and Millinery for the Summer Season, direct from London W H. Collier, The Corner. TITANTED Known— Having bought T /_ our Winter Supply of Blankets and Flannels before the great advance m prices we intend giving our friends full benefit of same.— Mitohrll and Turner. WANTED Known— Ladies Shoes, tan or black, 69 6i.— Mkllor's Cheap Boot Sale. WANTED Known— We intend to shake up every Boob Shop m Ashburton.— Mellok's Clearing Boot Sale WANTED Known— Everybody to roll ap to Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale. Now'a your time to buy. \\T ANTEDKnown— Go toTHsCoRNER v * for Newest Styles m Drapery and -Millinery— W. H. Collier. WANTED Known— Mrs Smith, Dress- maker (late of London West), has Removed from Cameron street to Have- lock street, opposite Army Barraoks. 12 148 WANTED Known— A Magnificent Display of Ladiet.' .Jackets m all the Newest Styleß. just landed and now on view. See window. — Mitchell and Turner. - WANTED Known- You save 5s m every pound if yon patronise Mbllor's Cheup Boot Store. HOLIDAY Suits—A Nioe Kaiapo! Suit for 27s 6d, Boys' Knioker and Cambridge Suits from. 7s 6d, Men's Suits to Measure from 45a, Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed at R. Alcorn's TUST Arrived. —A large variety of ase l) ful and Ornamental Goods, Dolls, Toys, and Novelties ; also, a job lot over one hundred assorted Baskets and Morocoo and Russian Leather Handbags, to be sold at and under ordinary cost price at Mrs Alcorn's. . \IT ANTED Known— 6ooo pairs of VV Boots to be cleared m one month, — Mellor's Zsalandia Boot Store. TEA, Tea, Tea— Try our Indian and Ceylon Pekor, with red labels, m £lb and lib packets and 551 b cases. They are without doubt some of the finest Teas m the market, and are specially selected and bulked m gardens for our own trade. — Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores, Ashburton and Christ- ohuron. \%T ANTED Known— That it ia lament- vv able to hear people ask why there is mo much trash m the Boot Trade no w-a- dttyH 'I But no wonder I say. They m^y strike their breasts and say, ' By our own fault, who buy suoh trash at oheap sales.' Though cheap, a profit must be levied, and you don't get the worth of your money But you have yet a remedy by calling at J . Mpiaon. the Premier m the Boot Trade, where; a>o)id, dry, and good wearing boot can ]fp $o|« Secure gppd boots for winter, or yd^fe^t will be #*£;■' v 9 * your repairs done, at once or whi^Vou wait at J. Moisjon'S laapermeisfe. Jtoot Depobi East **mt t Ajjhburfcou. Pjv ■? 2 127



Business Notices LARGEST SHIPMENT Ever Imported m Ashbarton, U»VI1"B INSPECTION. JiOllW '188 'A C>O«) T JJJOW HEARTILY THA.EK, all those who so kindly and generously have such Valuable assistance on the occasion of the late fire. I am, etc., G. J. NULL. FIRE. FIRE. FIRE. T7"EEP YOUB EYE OH THIS SPACE, ■ 1 Salvage Stock ' b WILL BE READY FOR THB PUBLIC IN A FEW DAYS. G. J. NEI L L liEMT. XKtfiV liKJiri 1 . FLETCHER BROS. HAVE just, received a large Consignment of the Finest Preserved FISH for the PRESENT LENT SEASON. 2 Kegs Finest Salt Salmon 6 Dqz. Salt Herrings, one doz. 5 r J ins Red Herrings, Scotch m each tin 5 Cases Moir's Fresh Herrings 2 Cases Herrings m Tomato 2 Cases MaconochieV Fresh , Sauce Herrings 2 Cases Kippered Herrings 5 Cases Cocktail Salmon '. 5 Cases Auckland Mullet 2 Cases Albert Sardines 1 Case Mackerel 3 Cases Boneless Cod Etc., Etc. C ROCK E ICY. CROCKERY, We have just received several shipments of Everyday Lines m Crockery, which we are enabled to sell at Very Low Prices. We have also received a special line m China Cruets that we are selling at the remarkably low price -of fs D<l. They are really the Cheapest Cruet ever sold, m Ashburton. We have only a few left. ' If you are requiring one come\a£ once, as we have only a few left ENAMEL WARE. ENAMEL WARE. Having bought large stocks of Enamel Ware m the Home and Continental markets before the rise, we are enabled to sell at lower prices than anyone m the trade. The following are a few of the varieties we keep m stock : — 1 namelled Saucepans m various sizes (with lid and without) Enamelled Stewpans m various sizes Enamelled Kettles, Enamelled Chambers, m three sizes Enamelled Wash Basins and Mixing Bowls, Enamelled Jugs Enamelled Mugs, -J Pint, f Pint, and 1 Pint Enamelled Pie Dishes m all sizes, etc., etc. TEA. TEA. TEA. Try our Indian and Ceylon Pekoe, with red label, m Jib and lib packets. It is without doubt one of the Finest Teas m the market, and is specially selected and bulked m the Gardens for our own trade. Give it a trial. FLETCHER BROS., <3ASH SUPPLY STORES, BAST STREET, ASHBURTON, Wholesale and Retay- Agtin|s m Ashburton nnd Ohristchurch for ■Nijtap standard seeds. Tvlitbohs 24 Box ; - * •' A