Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1897. THE DOOM OF TURKEY.

The speech o£ Lord Salisbury on the Address in Reply to the Queen'a Speech contains some passage* very ominous for Turkey. In addressing the House of Lords, the Premier, the cables tell us, admitted that in the past, both he and the late Earl Beaconsfield had had some misgivings about the wisdom of the policy of propping up Turkey, and went on to say that it was clear that Great Britain made a mistake in re jecting the proposals made by the Czar in 1853 for defining the influence of the Powers in Turkey, Lord Salisbury said that were similar overtures now made by Russia they would be gladly accepted. This is virtually a confes sion on the part of the First Minister of the Crown, that the Crimean war— a war disastrous in men and tamns to Great Britain and her European allies —■ought never to have been fought. Had the feeling that now exists to wards Russia—a feeling gaining m strength every day—been as kindly in 1853 as it is to-day, the Crimean war would never have been waged, and the misrule of the Ottoman empire would have ended. But the distrust enter tained at the time as to Russia's de signs in southern and eastern Europe and in northern Asia was strong, and the traditions of the Romanofi dynasty were such as to strengthen the sus picion that at all hazards Russia would increase her territory by absorbing Turkey, and having succeeded in plac ing the eagle above the crescent in the Turkish capital, and installing the Patriarch of Constantinople in the city which gives its name to the ecclesiastical position of the head of the Greek church, she would then have turned her eyes westward, and in titpe have sought to add to her empire by assailing the integrity of neighbouring states, both northward and westward. She had already partitioned Poland, whose name had disappeared from the political map of Europe, and she was boldly accused of being ready at any moment to ruthlessly seize several of the smaller sjLates of Europe in her more immediate neighborhood. As a matter of fact, all Europe was afraid of | Russia, and the " balance of power " I was the political cry raised, and the reason assigned for attacking her by the allied forces in the Crimea. That foolish war gave Turkey a renewed lease of political life, one of the con ditions of which lease was the in auguration and carrying out of the very reforms which the Powers are now asking her to institute. Since the Crimean war Turkey has been again in grips with Russia, who routed the Turks in several decisive battles, cul minating in the victory at Plevna ; but again diplomacy with its fetich, <( the balance of power" stepped in, and Turkey once mote was allowed to renew her lotus-eating. Her atrocities in Armenia, however, have outraged all the instincts of humanity through? out the Christian world, and the uni versal horror they have inspired, as well as the better understanding that seems to be obtaining of Russia's in tentions,, and the more lib* rul views taken of them in high p;ao s and throughout British political circles, have changed the situation for the " unspeakable Turk " And so we find Lord Salisbury giving utterance to j language, omincus, as we have said, for i Turkey. The Powers "are "pondering! as to remedies to save the Turkish empire, and it was generally agreed that if reforms were refused material pressure mu§t be applied" This is simply the language of diplomacy, for the whole world has been ringing with cries for those long delayed reforms, as long promised as long delayed, till the word of the Porte has pome to be re garded as the most broken of broken reeds. But what foliows 3 though the language is still guarded, .and still diplomatic, appears to be more easily read and understood. " Some of the most important Powers were convinced chat the doom of Turkey could not long be postponed unless essential re forms were granted." The Powers' experience of '1 urkish promises is such that that doom may be regarded as at band, and the whole tpne of the speech, if it can be judged from the summary sent by cable—and we take it that the tone conveyed by the cable is the tone that struck the sender of it—is that Lord Salisbury, like the Cabinet of which h/a is the head, and the people whom he rules under Her Majesty—is tired of Turkish delay ; falseness, corruption, and fiendish inhumanity, and that being 80 he speaks for Great Britain when he says (f §ome of the Powers-" We take it Lord Salisbury sees a strong concert of the Powers on this Turkish question in the txeS.T future, and some direct action which will have a serious result to the Ottoman Empire. Then, elements of decay are beginning to manifest them selves internally in Turkey. Sultan Abdul Hamid has lived foryearsinan atmosphere of treachery, and in daily fear of death from assassination, while the empire itself is iusfc now simmering Avith disaffection. The Young Turkey party, supposed to be favorable to the reforms asked for by the Powers, and certainly desirous of a larger political and social liberty for the people, is now clamant and troublesome, and at any moment we may hear of internal tumults that may end fatally for Sultanic rule. As things are at present Turkey's mana is a curse toanenormous tract of country, blessed by Nature with the greatest fertility, but cursed, with A government whose corruption, oppression, and plunder prevent the unhappy felJah from bestowing upon it the labor which it would abundantly r«pay. And it is no credit to the civilisation of Europe that ja great slice of its most fertile soil, over which smiles one of the most benign climates in the world, should be allowed to remain a wilderness and a waste because of the misrule of men who, though of the same continent which contains the centre of the very highest •ivilisation,, are still plunged in the depths of the darkest and cruelest bar barism.

There seem to be no limits to the in ventive genius of that electrical wizard

Thomas Edison, who has now produced aninstnument which

TELEGRAPHING PICTURES.

can telegraph pic tures over any distance. Mr Edison's instrument ie a marvel of simplicity and effectiveness. The drawing to be telegraphed is made on soft paper by a hard pencil, so that the lines make de pressions on the surface. The sketch is wrapped round an upright revolving cylinder. A sensitive needle touches the cylinder, and when it comes to a depressed place slips into the hollow, and makes an electric connection which startß a current through the wire to a similar cylinder at the other station. Specially prepared paper is wrapped round this cylinder, and on the work ing of the current a dot of discoloura tion is formed by the action of the current on this paper. The needle at the other cylinder passes on, and every line which it crosses is marked by a dot at the receiving cylinder. By a slow vertical motion the needle tra verses the whole-surface of the cylinder in a mounting spiral, and every line in the drawing is recorded in an almost, continuous Jine of dots on the receiving cylinder, perhaps hundreds of miles away. The results, from an artistic i point of view, may not be very consi derable, but there is no doubt but that the invention, if produced at reason able cost, will be of immense practical value in many spheres of industry.

M» 0. Hopgood, of Oolau, and his mates claim to have caught recently

A MONSTIR SHARK.

the largest shark ever caught in l«lew Zealand waters, and have sent the follow-

ing particulars to the Southland News :

—" On the 20th inst., an extraordi narily large shark was caught off the Oolac jetty measuring 27ft 6in in length, with a girth of 15ft. The monster has been seen about the jetty for the past week. It made a vicious attack on one of the fishing boats, and was with great difficulty beaten off. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to hook it, but it broke the ordinary lines like thread. A hook was then expressly made of iron, with a chain attached, and the monster was captured. It took thirty men to hold it after it was hooked. The rows of teeth in the top jaw measured 6ft each, and the fluke or back fin was sft 9in in length. It is estimated that there is £o worth of oil in the carcase. When opened it contained three large groper, one gum boot, three penguins, one paddle blade, and a fish box branded U. A.R. Messrs John Dallas and Thomas Stanley must be compli mented for the skilful manner in which they handled it after being hooked. From the contents of the stomach it looks probable that some unfortunate fisherman has supplied a meal for this marine monster. Whether the boat was attacked and wrecked by it or was capsized through stress of weather is a question on which it would be idle to speculate, but the gum boot, the oar blade, and the fiah box certainly supply the thread of a thrillidg sea tragedy.

Local and General.

The palae of bicycle exports from Grea Britain, whole or in portions, was lasc yea a million and a half sterling. The making of cod-liver oil it an impor tant industry at Christiana. The quaatit; exported last year was 70,000 barrels. The English Pout Office has inyitei tenders for 10,000 cycles. The authorise apparently are going to provide the lette , carriers with machines. t The Czar ha 3 purchased in London t costly suit of mother of pearl furniture which was made for the Empress Josephine the first wife of Napoleon. A San Francisco invent is reported t have constructed a successful airship, am has made trips at the rate of a mile a minute it is built of metal, and has canvas wings. Only one marble statue of the humai figure with eyelashes is known. It is thi sleeping Ariadne, one of the gems of thi yaticaa, and was found in 1503. A white tar has been invented. Thi beauty of the substance is that under m climatic conditions will jfc become soft, s< vh&t in caulking the decks of a ship ib wil probably supersede pitch. The Ashburton Drapery Company's new advertisement appears in another columq ol this issue, in which they announce that thej are showing some startling reductions k their dress department. Electric tramways and launches have beec iustalled in the Paris sewers. Twice a month, on two Wednesdays, visitors are Admitted to the number of about 1200, although the applications are nearly always far more numerous.' Writing of electricity as a curative agent the Bristol Times cays that it has been found that static electricity ia very effective in cases of consumption when properly applied us it kills the disease germ ; and in the case of persons who are run down that the treat ment is a'ao very beneficial, as it invigorates and simulates them almost to the same ex tent as a sea voyage." We learn with regret thai an injury to one of the eyes of the second son of Mr Toahua Tucker, sustained a few days ago, has necb*"itate< *the remo*rftl of the eye. The lad was taken to '^ristchuroh to have the benefit of the skill of Christchuroh . specialists, who decided that removal v?*a I necessary, and yesterday the operation was successfully performed, and we are glad to learn that the youth is doing well, Ib seems^ just as Victor Hugo thought little of his writings and longed ever to be a painter, so does Prince Ranjitsinhji long to be a bowler rather than a bat. He practises assiduously, and there are some who hold that when he becomes captain of the Sussex teara next year, as it is likely he will, hia eagerness to assist Tate and Bland with the ball will need no spur, lime, however, will show. Metnwhile he is the finest living batsman in the world. The second Maoriland election under woman's suffrage goes to farther dispel four old-established theories:—(l) Women in general don't (in M.L. at all eveuts) refuse to use the suffrage ; (2) they don't always vote the Tory ticket; (3) the most beautiful candidate doesn't invariably get the solid woman vote—^in fact, the ugly politician with shabby clothes and legs got as much support as U9ual; (4) the baby doesn't fall into the fire while its mother ie away voting, any more than when she is away doing anything elae.~-Bu 7le(m.

It is understood that the Licensing Com mittee elections will take place on the 24th and 25th March.

Government has decided to obtain an expert from Europe to manage the thermal springs of the colony.

* A meeting of the choir of the Wesleyan Church took place last evening. The elec tion of three new members was the only business of interest.

Mrs George Jameson and family sailed for New Zealand on December 10 per the Kaikoura, Mr Jameson follows by this month's steamer.

The next term of Christ's College Grammar School will commence on February 4. An examination for four Somes scholarships at the College will be held by Mr Tendall on February 19.

On our fourth page to-day will be found a report of the second day's racing at Wellington. We also reprint /or the benefit of our country readers an account of a serious affray at Christchurch, which we published in our second edition of yester day.

A Press Association telegram says that Thomas Carroll, against whom a warrant is out for the sulphuric acid throwing episode at Paeroa, by which Robert Jewell, not J'.ckson, was disfigured, ia stated to have left Auck'an ) by the Mahinapua. He has friends in Dunedin.

The North Otago Times hears from the Southern part f 'hat district that both wheat and oats are likely to turn out much better than was at first anticipated. The shower of rain has worked a great improve ment, whioh the subsequent dry weather has not been able to undo yet,

The Rev. A. B. Winnifrith and Mrs Rosa Hern have been brought up in custody at Bow-street, London, charged with perjury and conspiracy in connection with the divorce proceedings lately taken by Mr Hern, a Devonshire farmer. Mr Winnifrith was co-respondent.

The Wellington morning journal says :— Mr E. Tregear has left for Christohurch and Dune din in connection with the proposal of the Ministry to establish workmen's villages near towns. He is to report to the Govern ment. Mr Tregear has already visited the Hutt district on the same mission.

A Chinese leper, who was walking along Flinders street, Melbourne, was detected by a fellow-countryman, who handed him over to the police. Upon examination the Chinaman was found to be in a very bad state of leprosy. He said he was a miner, and had recently arrived from Balllarat.

An expert declares that lime-water is an excellent remedy for scour in calves. The lime-water is simply tha water in which lime is dissolved. It can be prepared in a bottle and keep au indefinite length of time, always ready for use. A dose for a scour ing calf is a tablespoonful; to be repeated after a few hours if the first is not effective.

It is told of a certain Midland railway guard, residing in a small town in the Mid lands, that one night while sleeping in a chair by the fire, he surprised his wife and family by suddenly jumping up, seizing the cat who was aaleep on the rug, bundling her into the oven, banging the door to, and then shouting : " Any more for Netting-

An Anckland telegram of yesterday's date •ays:—Mrs Kate Donovan, who had an altercaton with her daughter, took a box of ma*chet and a glass of milk into her bed room, kissed her young children good-bye and locked herself in. After some time the door was broken, and she was found lying unconscious on the floor, and was removed to the Hospital, Some match heads and sediment wera found in a. glass.

During a thunderstorm at Hunterville on Sunday afternoon a gash of lightning struck Mr Morris's workshop, piercing a hole right through the aide of the building, and set fire to some of hia picture mouldings and other goods. By good luck (says the Kansjitikei Advocate) Mr J Vickery saw the fire start, i>nd went and broke open the door before the flames had done much damage. Ihe elec tricity lib up the shop for fully two minutes.

An Irishman, who was a dealer in a small Way and kept a little donkey and cart, came on one occasion to a bridge where a toL was levied, but to his disappointment, found he had not enough money to pay for it. A bright thought struck him. H« unharnessed the donkey and put it into the cart, Then, getting between ....thfl- sjiafta .himself, he pu led the cart, with the donkey .standing in it, on to the bridge. In due course he was hailed by the toll-collector. Hey, ma man, cried the latter, whaur'a yer toll? Begorra, said the Irishman, juat ax the driver.

Here is fche last published description of the aun from the pen of Sir Robert Ball :— For every >ere on the surface of our glob there are more than 10,000 acres on the sur face of the great luminary. Every portion of this illimitable deaert of flame is pouring forth torrents of heat It has been est imateri that if the heat which is incessantly flowing through any single square foot of the buo's exterior could be collected and applied to the boileis of an Atlantic liner, ie would produce steam enough to* sustain in con tinuous movements engines of 20,000 horse pwer, thus enabling a large ship to break the record between England and America,

A meeting of subscribers to the Queens land cricket match fund was held in the County Coußcii offices last evening. There was a good attendance, and Mr 6. J. Neill, chairman of the Committee, presided. The Secretary, Air Aiingtpn, was also present, and a balance sheet was submitted, showing a balance to credit of the fund of £4 14s. After some discussion, it was decided to replace some of the oricket material used at the match, and to hand the balance to the Domain Board, to be used for improving the pitch accommodation on the oval. Votes of thanks were passed to the Chairman, Secre tary, umpires, and scorers, and a special vote of thanks to the ladies who provided and dispensed afternoon tea, and the meet ing adjourned.

"A correspondent sends the following to the Timaru Herald t—'f'Liitt Saturday, on going past a clump of raupo, I heard peculiar sounds emitted therefrom, and on going cautiously in I saw three almost full fledged goss-hawks standing on their nests picking fiercely at what on examination proved to be a full-grown dead weasel, killed and brought (hem as food no doubt by the parent bird, as they had about the half of the fur picked off. I left without; disturbing them* and on going back the next day found the flesh of the hind-quarters eaten out of the skin, and Qua of the young hawks lying dead in the nest, Are h^wks in the habit of killing weasels ? Did the eating of the flesh of the weasS! kill this young hawk ? are questions that perhaps s?me of your reader* may be able to answer.

We regret to learn that Dr. Greenwood's patients are about to lose his services. The dotttop has transferred hia practice ti Dr Ernest Fooks, son of Mr C. E, Fooks of Ashburton, who has attained a high position in his profession and iias held very impor tant appointments in several of the chief lunatjic asylums in the colony. Dr Fooks is at present mcdi al superintendent of the Auckland Lunatic Asylum, and held a, similar position at Wellington. He will enter upon hie practice here as soon as his arrangements will permit him, and Dr. Greenwood goes to Christchurch to take up the practice of the late Dr Prins. Mean while the practice in Ashburton is being carried on by Dr Hunter, and Mr Graham Roberts will take charge of the business connections left by Dr Greenwood, as an nounced by advertisement.

SPORTING.

D.J.C. AUTUMN MEETING. The following acceptances have been received :— ■ Dunk din Cup, of 700 soya; one mile and three-quarters. st Ib st 1b Euroclydon... 10 0 Plotter ... 7 3 Saracen ... 8 11 Lord Roaslyn 7 2 Skirmisher ... 8 5 '■ Publicans' Handicap ; seven furlongs. Saracen ... 9 3 Bizarre ... 7 8 Heather Bell 713 Missfire ..,7 6 Belle Glair ... 713 St Ouida ... 7 6 Aldershot ... 712 Arquebus ... 7 4 Sicti^ ... 711 Ra cor ... 612 Arline .„ 7 101 Qmvholl ..,;. 610 Mtrliß im 7Wj ":-''■ '

COMMERCIAL.

LONDON WOOL SALES.

London, January 21 At to-day's wool sales merinos were neglected, but crossbreda sold well. The Suglish and German buye.a secured the hulk of the wool sold. The wool market is firm, and there is a brick general competition.

WELLINGTON RAM AND EWE FAIR.

Wellington, January 22. At the ram and ewe fair buyers were not disposed to pay high prioes. The demand was chiefly for Leiceaters and Line Ins. Stud Romneys brought up to 6gs. Flock Romneys fetched lg to 2£ga ; stud Lincolns from 3gs to Bgs ; flock Lincolns l£g to 2£gs. Leicesters averaged about 2£gs.

WELLINGTON WOOL SALES.

Wellington, January 22 Ah the second wool sale of the season to-day there was an unusua y large att< c dauce of buyers, five of whom operated on account of Engl sh manufacturers and to on Continent >1 account. The catalogue was the largest ever brought forward in Welling ton, consisting of 8000 bales, of which about two-thirds were pa Bed in. There was practically no competition, the bidding being very dull throughout, due no doubt to the advertised report concerning the opening of the first series m London. The prices ruling showed an aveomge decline of |d to fdper lb. The following is a list of the prices obtaining:—Crossbred*, superior 7£d to Bd, medium 6sd to 7id, inferior 5d to 6£d; half-bred, superior 7d to 7id, medium s£d to 7d, inferior s£l to 6Jd; pieces and bellies, 4d to 5d } locks and pieces, 2£d to 3£d ; locks, Id to 2£d.

TEE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

London, January 22. A deputation of Glasgow merchants and Mr Sine air, the Victorian produce expert, asked the Clivn Dook Trust to erect cold stores on the river. The Trust is consider ing the proposal.

A. conference wag held yesterday between Mr R. E. N. Twopeny (who was sent Home as a delegate from the Australian Frozen Meat Kxport Association, with the object of organising a Committee in London to co operate with an Australian Committee in regulating and expanding the frozen meat trade in England), and representatives ot the Banks and leading meat and produce firms trading isi Australia,

The Executive Committee was instructed to prepare a constitution and rules, and authorised to secure the co-operation of other firms with a view of increasing the efficiency of the Committee.

ASHBURTON MARKETS.

Mr David Thomas reports upon the live stock market for the week ending January 23, 1897. The usual sale of stock was held at the Ashburton saleyards on Tuesday, the entry comprising 982 sheep, 25 cattle, 1 horse, of which my entry consisted of 345 sheep, 10 cart!e, 1 horse. The market showed but little advance on the previous sales recorded. A nice line of two-tooths in the wool brought 10s. I managed to dispose of all my entry at the following prices, viz : —11 f*t crossbred ewes and wethers 9s 4d; 15 two-tooth crossbred ewes and wethers in wool 10a, 33 fat crossbred ewes ss, 17 tat me mo ewes 2% 7d, 10 fat crossbred* 9s 7d, 29 fat crossbred ewes 6s lOd, 221 four-tooth ewes and wethers 9s Id. On account S. Brown, Wakanui, 1 brown filly by St George, 6£gs. Cittle—2 tat hefers £4 4s, 3 tat i-teers £5 15s, 1 fat heifer £4. Store and d dry cattle unsaleable.

During the week I have sold privately— 66 fat limbs 10s 3d, 93 fat lambs 10s, ICS crossbred lambs 6s, 60 fat lambs 10s.

Proposed National Granary.

Mr R. A, Yerburgh, M.P., and Mr V. W. Chapman have drawn out a scheme for storing wheat at the national expense. Their object is to secure Great Britain Against famiue in the event of a war. They propose that the Government should buiid forty granaries, each granary to be divided into 150 siloa or tins, and to have a capacity of storing 250,000 quarters of wheat, or alto gether 10,000,000 quarters. Each silo would be 100 ft high, abut 13ft across, and would contain about 1666 quarters. They would be built of brick or concrete, and be fire- Poof. b very arrangement would be made for loading, unloading, shifting, airing and cleaning the grain. They estimate the c pi al expenditure to be about £21,500,000, and the annual oost of storage £282,000.

Sir George Gray.

I The London correspondent of the Ptess wries :—l' is quite true, lam glad to Bay, that a complete reconciliation has at last taken place between Sir George Grey and his w fe. He and Lady Grey are still living at the Norfolk Hotel, South Kensington, aud they tell me they intend to remain there for the present at anyrate, in fact they have as yet formed no plans for removing to any other residence at they are quite comfort able where they are. Ail Sir George's friends rejoice that his lonely and somewhat deflate London life has given place to some thing more comfortable and domestic. Lady Grey is assiduous in watching over her dis tinguished husband, and it is quite pleasant now to see them enjoying together their cosy winter fireside. Sir George seemed much better and brighter to-day than last week. Apparently his health was more satisfactory, and hia spirits had risen accordingly. He also had lost that wandering, uncertain look which struck one last week. Unforunately his eyesight continues very weak, and so he is debarred from reading—hia severest deprivation of all. He seemed to take more interest in South African affairs than in anything else, and chatted with eager enthusiasm about them. .-

A Little Girl's Lament.

My brother Will he used to be The nicest kind of girl; He wore a little drops like roe, And had his hair in curl. We played with dolls and tea-set* then, And every kind of toy. But all these good old times are gone- Will turned into a boy.

Mamma has made him little suits With pockets in his pants, And cut off all his yellow curls, And sent them to his aunts ; And V. ill he was so pleased 1 know He almost jumped with joy; But JLmust qwo I <J?4 Q>t like Will's lurn'into a boy.

And now hep>ya with horrid tops 1 don't kaow how to spin, And marbles that I try to shoot, And never hit or win j And leap-frag—lcan't give a ♦'back," Like Charley, Ffink, and Roy— .Oh ! no one knows how bad I fell Since Will has turned a boy,

I have to wear frocks just the same, And now they're mostly white; I have to sit and just be good. While Will can climb and tight; But I must keep my dresses nioe And wear my hair in curl, And worst, oh ! worstest thing of all, ihave tostayagtrH

CHERTSEY.

From Our Own Correspondent, Harvesting is now in full swing, while some are still busy reaping wheat, Others « are stacking. Most of the oats is now in stack or threshed. A great deal of it was threshed from the stook this year, and then is no doubt more of it would have been, if it ~ had been possible to get a threshing mill. Our two, local threshing mill proprietors are so rushed with requests for threshing that they cannot keep pace with the demand. As usual in a dry season like this every one wants the mill at once.

Despite the entire absence of green feed the sheep look well, especially the older lines. Fortunately the races are fairly well supplied, and plenty of water is available, otherwise there would be heavy loss among the sheep farmers. I learn that some ol those who lost most of their feed during the late fires have had to dispose of their stook. I am afraid unless a good soaking rain oomes speedily, others besides those burnt out will have to get rid of their s'ook. As it is there is great difficulty in keeping them in the paddocks. Turnips have been a great failure this year, but I notice Mr J. Stringfellow has a splendid paddock near the township, and I am told Mr Gardiner also has a fine show.

The fire scare is not over yet, though as I write there seems a likelihood of rain. At present the slightest sign of smoke in any direction is watched with the keenest anxiety. '

AN AFTERNOON WITH THE THRESHERS.

(1 ROM OUR OOTBTSEY 00BB18JP0V0INV).

Having occasion to ride round soum of the homesteads in this district the other day, I called in to see Mr Peter Chalmers and Ma men threshing oats from the stook for Mr W. Gill, and thinking an account of what I saw during a few hours spent with a thresh ing machine, may not be uninteresting to some of your readers, I am sending you the following notes. Mr Chalmers, or *' Peter "as he is generally called, appeared glad to see me, and took quite a pleasure in explaining any little matters that interested me. As there bad been some rain the night before, the morn* ing had been lost, ana they were just await* ing the arrival of the teams to make a start. About half-past twelve the belt was ad justed and away she went. Starting at half-past twelve there was a run on without interruption until the arrival of tea at five p.m, This speaks well for the efficiency of the machinery. Though the plant has been in use for seven years, I am sore that there is not a mill in the county looks in better going order, and every thing is as good as it looks. Peter is to a large extent hit own mechanic, and tLe appearance of his mill re fects the highest credit on hia ability. The engine is a Fowler, the mill a Clayton and Shuttleworth, and our colonial firm Reid and Gray are the makers of the elevators. The mill is manned by a good team under Peter, chief among them being Mr J. Stewart, who has acted as Peter's bagman for some years. M. Lock hart is bandontter. Four one-horse drays were carting from the stook, and work went on merrily. The orop they were working in was only a twenty bushel one, going four and three-quarters in the bags, bub it Was coming through fairly fast. The weather was warm, and ac each empty dray; left the machine its ' driver's face put me iv mind of those linei which are just as applicable to the hard work of the harvest field as to that of the shearing shed. Here's work for men to do and sweat, i-weet sweat that makes them long and ■ strong, ■ And for such work at night they get A sleep as deep as a river's song. While watching the steady work going on, ' and listening to the buzz of the miil, one could not help noticing how rr%ich the last few years has seen in the advance of labor saving appliances, not only in agricultural I machinery generally, but in the threshing ' mill itself. I need only mention the abtenoe of the "feeder" and our old friend the "chaffy," who, seen in hia duat-covered garb was ho effectually disguised as to make his identity a matter of considerable doubt. ' Hie place is now taken by an apparatus that blows the chaff right away from the machine into a heap by itself, The more careful observer will notice about Mr Chalmers' mill ooe or two i*ouliarities which at once arrest hia attention. I might first refer to what he calls a " supplementary feed pipe," which Mr Kilworth has lately fixed at his order. The o\fr*k. at. tj»U ?ip« »ta pnamnt the engine from " priming" when she is travelling, that is—lifting water as well as steam and putting it through the cylinder. By means of the supplementary feed pipe* the cylinder is fed with steam three feet from the end of the boiler, instead of at the end where the " wash" rues when the engine is travelling. By another neat little contrivance, consisting of a spring rod on rhe arm controlling the "governor's jaws," the driver need not trouble touching the I lever and shutting off steam during any J temporary delay in the feeding, as has to be done on most engines. I might mention ' another device used in the combine, oonsist ing of a cradle arrangement, worked by a Pitman rod, for the purpose of spreading any lumps of straw that might happen to be on the shakers, and thus preventing loot* grain from being carried out with. the straw. Having had a late breakfast and no, lunch, "your own" showed signs of/ collapse during the afternoon, and at Peter's t advice paid a visit to Charlie, who was camped near by in charge of the culinary department. Here »gain the arrangements ; were complete ; for besides having the amal outside appliances, Charlie has a fine oamp^ > stove, which enables him to bake in any weather. On learning my condition, Charlie brought out his beet, and the pangs of hunger were soon gone. I left Charlie with the impression on my ■ mind that of all the good men in that mill the cook wa"s by no ', means the least, <

TREMENDOUS RAINFALL AT THE PELORUS.

The subjoined particulars of a tremendous rain storm in the Pelorus district are famished by the Pelorus Guatdian, publuhed at Havelook. It is strange that no word o? it has been received by telegraph", Tb» Guardian in its issue of 19th instant writes; —An unprecedented fall of rain, fell on this portion of Marlborougb district during the night of Wednesday and the whole of Thursday last, and It is variously estimated that from twelve to fourteen inches ipust haye fallen within eighteen hours'. * The re* suit of the excessive rain and the consequent rush of water from the water-sheds and waterways has weakened the majority of the bridges in the surrounding distriot, and a large expenditure from the Road Board in repairing the damage will be necessary. Largo volumes of water flowed from the hillsides, washing the metal from the roans, and bringing large slips from the hills, in many cases making vehicular traffic of the utmost danger. Messrs Brownlee and Co. have been heavy sufferers, their new bridge p«sr the Hai River having had the oentre carried clear away, and it i« estimated thai the repairs will cost $USO. The road between Havelook and Canvastowh was a recurrence of slips, and after being viewed by the Inspector of the Road Board, it Wai roughly calculated that at least £100 would be required to replace the road in its former state. At Blackball the rush of water defied all efforts at control, and, after plunging over its natural and preven* ti ye barriers, inundated the boiler shed of the miX, extinguishing the fires, and stop ping the work of the machinery. All efforts of the men to make artificial outlets for the inrush were unavailing, and, after many hours of fruitless labor, '< it was found neces sary to release the men from work and per mit the flood to wreck its damage uoaesaiTed. The s.s. Tores, arriving from Picton on Friday morning had a particularly liftreiv experience steaming against the flooded Pelorus to Blackball, where, on arrival the was tiken charge of by the torrent and thrown upon the shore, but, fortunately was re-floated without any damage. The «oach froifci Blenheim, due in Nekpn on Thursday evening did not reach the latter city until the following afternoon, after a most event ful trip, and the experience of the passengers ib something they will hereafter tragically rebate. It is gratifying to find the Road Board nas risen sb ore man to the occasion and are, one and all, putting their bee* mem into the work whiql* devoir* upon thw in ooping with tho wrtefcftfe,

THE ASHBI3ETOJN OTABDIAN: SaWJEDAY, JANUARY 28, 18§?,



Busine s Notices - OOGD WASHING PRINT, 3|d. WHITE MDSLIN, 3a lid per doz AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DRESS FOR 6a lid AT G. J. NEILL'S. Flanoelettei 3£<l yard. The Beat Turkish TOWELS in Ashburl;on are a'— G. J. NEILL'S. BOW Navy Blue Sailor Suits 4s lid, Men'i Tweed Trousers 5a lid, Men'b Heavy Colonial Tweed Suits 25a 6d, at G. J. NEILL'S. Indies, L*oe Show, 4e lid. Ladies two-strap Shoes, 4i lid. AT G. J. NEILL'S. L»dl#B', Maid»*,andChildr«n'a TAN SHOES of Every Description, at Very Low Prices, AT G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET.



BOOM IN DRAPERY. CROWDS ON SATURDAY. TTOST COMING BACK TO SALE AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S.



NEW FIRM -:- -:- -: -:- -.- -:- NEW FIRM SAVE MOKEY BY /DEALING WITH MITCHELL & BRODRIBB NO BAD DEBTS. NO OLD STOOK THAT ACCUMULATES BY YEARS of BUSINESS THI Public should only consider what they can sa^e by dealing with a Cash Firm, where thej do not have to pay for the great losses that are occasioned by Bad Debts, : MITCHELL & BRODRIBB BUY AND SELL FOR CASH, THBRBX?OKE THEY AEB ABLE TO GIVE BETTER VALUE THAN ANY OTHER PLACE IN ASHBURTON. —' A Few Quotations will be Convincing — Browa Ribbed Panta (heavy) Is 6d—worth Ladies" BVse, fast colors, plain and ribbed la lid 6d Pair Men's Socks 6d—worth 9d White and Brown Turkish Towels, only 6d Harvester Hats B£d~worth Is White Calico, graud value, at 2s lld--12yds Blacher Boots 4s lid—grand value The Best Value for Flannelettes n Heavy Shooters 93 lid-worth 12a 6d Ashburton. Ladies' Gem Shoes, Special, 4a lid—worth Heavy Twill, 4s lid dozen—worth 7d a yd 5 S 6d A Splendid Line of Corsets, all sizes, at Hairline Tweed Trousers 8s 6d—cheap at Is lid 10 a 6d The Beet Assortment of Sunshades in town, Men's Felt Hats from 2s 61 o fro, m *s We have the Choicest Assortment of Hats Ladies' Sailor Straws, all shades and shapes, in town. *Rom 9d each—Pick your own shape 12yds Strong Print for 3s lid—Cheap at 6s and trimming, and have your A Beautiful Summer Tweed is Id, double Millinery done Free of Charge. width J'ULL RANGES OF KAIAPOI AND MOSGIEL CLOTHING. MEASUBED GABMENTS A SPECIALTY. Ada £*t\ FULL SUIT FROM AQ« /^ 4:1/$ O** FULL SUIT FROM U^ MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, EAST STBIKT ,



* Business Notices, ] NEW ZEALAND Clothing 1 Factory, QOLB AGEHTS FOR THE FAMOUS "VICTORY" SEWING MACHINE.



9 d i 5,3*3 @ •• * ! s >iy S ° llli PQ * .2 =" S



TEN POUNDS TBIAD a ,£lO {Ten Pound} j6lO b 5 COMPETITION. 2 M 0 ~~ X {L mHIS MONTH the TRIAD X offers a prize of £10 to the 0 one who selects from the under- _^ mentioned list of novels the six m •w most popular books. Thiscompeti- w tion will be decided by the compe- ffl titors themselves. The person M m who votes for the six books which w £■4 the majority vote for will receive (g) the 4310 ; or, should there be two : or more voters for the same six that the majority vote for, the i,-?oney will be divided equally amoiT« them. The conditions are aa under:—* 1. Write doWQ on p*per the titles of what you consider the six most popular books in the follow list: Westward Ko ! Pickwick Papers, Trilby, We Two, Lady Audley's Secret, My Novol, Handy Andy, Bleak House, Kenilworth, She, Va'entine Vox, Easfc Lynne, Charles O'Malley, The Heayealy r* Twins, Adam Bede, John Halifax, j 11 Gentleman, Vanity Fair, Ivanhoe, ~ Q Monte Christo, Woman in White, M m Tom Brown's Schooldays, The v 2 Yellow Aster, Cleg Kelly, The g V* Wooing O't. D 2. Purchase 5i worth, or more, . of anything you may require, W from one of the iirma below, and w a get a receipt, and post receipt and • "^ your list of six to the Manager, Q TRIAD, Dunedin. If you enclose v receipt for 10s or over you may H send in two lists ; if for 15s, three 2J lists ; and so oq for ©very 5a worth y r« purchased. . W Ashburton Drapery Co. y H Gates, Horace 4., Music Ware* » house (agent for Tbiad). * N.Z. Clothing Factory TEN I»OXJ]\U»



NOTICE. rpHEEE is a vacancy for one apprentice in this Office. Applicant must have passed the sixth standard. Ashburlon Publishing Company.. January 18th. Church. Services. S~T. STEPHEN' S CHURCH, Ashburton. SUNDAY SERVICES. '" 8.30.—H01y Communion. 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer. 3 p. m.—SEAFIELD. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. Annual Treat THURSD^ 28, in Domain. Donors of Provisions will kindly send them to St Stephen's Schoolroom at 9 o'clock on THURSDAY MORNING. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. i -forkPy NEW Year C»rds and lO*/ I • Booklets,- Christmas Cards half price, New Books, Fancy Goods, Toys and Stationery. A ferge variety of goods suitable for New Year presents. New lot of Foreign Stamps ami , paekete.—Am:W£S, A.ndeJvbo*, 4 0P« ; <



Chamberlain s Cough Remedy cures colds, croup and whooping cough. It ib pleasant:, ea|e and reliable. For sale by ASHBtJBTON



Hqkloway's Pills and Ointment—The atteuti&n of all sufferers is drawn to theße well known remedies, for they possess con spicuous advantage as q- safe and reliable aid in all those emergencies 10 which travellers, emigrants, and sailors are so especially liable. They have been largely patronised by wayfarers by land and sea, and, in fact, by all claßßes of the community, to their very gye*fc advantage. The Pills are beyond all doubt one of the most effective remedies ever discovered for c»Bes of abstinate constipation, eopfjrnied indigestion and colic, complaints Wu<& aire,?ngeudej«sd by exposure and irregu tar feeding. C;T:tie'®infcm»)ti'< w^Jji be fo|ind c! fche \tery greatest !Bervitoa iik'cWeg/ofipiJe'*; abscesees, erysipelas, and nil kind* of local uloeratiooif



I Synopsis of jNbw advbbtisements.



R. Bir*—Tenders. Dr 0. D. Greenwood—.Medical notice. Subday notices—Bfc. Stephens, Wealeyan, Salvation Army, The Tabernacle and Primi tive Methodist, BYiedlander Bros—.Special entry, Tiowald yard . W. H. Stevens —Notice r« cheque. Ashburton Drapery Company—New busi neia advprtiaemeot. T. Bullock—Suburban building allotment! for aale. D- Thomas—Sale ab Tjtnwftld y*rdl,