Mail Notices.

Mails for Barotonga and Tahiti per Upolu, close at Auckland on Wednesday, 17th February, at 4 p.m. Mails for the United Kingdom and Continent of Europe close at Wellington on Thursday, 18lh insfc, per Kaikoura. Corres pondence must be specially addressed. A temporary telegraph office will be open at the Rifle Camp, Takapuna, Auckland. Hours 9 a m. to 6.30 p.m.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1897. CRETE.

The crisis in Crete appears to be ap proaching a climax, and we may expect to hear soon that the troubles of the Cretan population, if not satisfactorily mended by reforms granted by Turkey under compulsion of the Powers, have been altogether ended by the cession of the island to Greece. Affairs in the island are such just now that a war between Greece and Turkey may break cfat at any moment, and authorities in diplomatic circles seem to think that things have reached a situation which diplomacy can no longer control. As when two disputants will no longer listen to mediative reason, but continue on in their hot blood, an appeal to force is the natural result, so when diplomacy fails in a case of strained relations between two nations, they resort to the arbitrament of the sword. Actual war between Turkey and Greece, with the island of Crete for its theatre, could be no worse for the Cretan population than the existing state of things, for the island is now in a condition of civil war—virtually Christians against Moslems*—and what that means to the Christians should the Turks triumph is sufficiently illus trated in their conduct towards the Armenians. But though the situation at the present moment is alarming we have a belief that no conflict be tween Turkey and Greece will b'> engaged in, but that the island will be handed over to Greek rule by the

Powers -in accordance with what appears to be the desire of the majority of the population. The island is not of large extent, being only about 3000 square miles in area, and very moun tainous, while its population is some what less than 300,000. Of the number more than two-thirds are Christians of the Greek church ; about 70,000 Mohammedans; 1000 Jews, and a few Roman Catholics. The Mohammedans are mostly native born, and speak the language of the island, which is Greek, and not Turkish, and though their faith would incline them to loyalty to Constantinople, they do not take kindly to the tyranny and oppression to which they in common with the Christian inhabitants are subjected by the Porte, more especially in the matter of taxation. In 1895 the Sultan ordered the elections for the Cretan general assembly to take place, but reduced the number of deputies from 80 to p7, 35 of whom were to be Christians, and 22 Mussplmen, But previous to this—in 1890—the Sultan had ordered the establishment of a system of taxation by which the old f method of payment of tithe in kind was abolished, and cash required instead. This was oppressive to the islanders, whose commerce — though extepsive enough to make the little country more than prosperous, if not unduly burdened —is not of a kind that will supply cash for the crushing taxation which Turkey has imposed, and leave any thing like a "living wage" remain ing. The Cretans petitioned against the reduced Parliament, and the change in taxation, and asked for a Christian Governor, the restoration of the charter, and a reorganisation of the trilitary service. The answer to this petition was the despatch of troops, and the island has ever since been more or less in a condition of revolt, which the Turkish Government have not beeu able to quell. The physical character of the country is such that tine islanders are able to confine the operations of the Turkish troops to the garrisons, while the Cretans being all born sailora have but little difficulty in obtaining supplies from the friendly Greeks to whom they are near neigh bors, and kindred in race and language. The bankrupt condition of Turkey— caused by the mssgovernment and corruption of her rulers, and by the tremendous war indemnity she has to pay to Russia—is such that any de pendency of the Porte must be oppressively taxed, in the enfprce- I went of taxation her measures are ; none of the mildest. As she will not j concbd* tho apparently reasonable demands of tha islanders, who appear to be determined to throw off her yoke, and as she is unable to reduce to order a people now desperate and fighting for long-withheld liberty, the chances are a hundred to one in favor of the Powers settling the matter by ordering the Turks out of the Island, and allowing the population to pass quietly under Greek rule, in favor of which its people have already declared themselves.

Local and General.

On our fourth page to-day will be found an article entitled "A dog wedding in Paris." The flavor and perfume of honey is due to formic acid, which is the active principle in the bee's sting. There was a polo match on donkeys at Ohristehurch on Saturday. Truth says it was great fcfi". A patent has been taken out by Mr A. Martin, of Wang&nni, for a new discovery in photography, by which "baa relief" pictures are produced. At the monthly meeting of the Dromore School Committee it was decided to vote for Messrs Siloock, Oreaswell and Pole as members of the Board of Eduoation. During the last twenty-five years the import of wheat into Great Britain has increased by 152 per cent, while the quantity i of home grown wheat has diminished by 45 j per cent. The planting of large areas of sugar-cane is still being carried out in the Alatonville district, New South Wales, and planters I expect profitable returns for at least three I years to come. In the Gartenfiora for October 15 is a photographic illustration of a bunch, consist ing of aixby-eight cherries, all springing from a common stalk. The bunch ia pre served in the museum of the agricultural high school of Berlin.

The bride —"I want to thank you so much for that beautiful present." Her married friend—" Say no more, my dear, it was a mere trifle." The bride—" Well, I didn't think so when 1 gave it to you at your marriage." Mr Rudolph Friedlander gave notice yesterday at the Ashburton Yards, that the auctioneers had decided in future to determine the order of sale of store sheep by lot instead of selling under the system hitherto adopted. Butchers' lines will be offered first as heretofore. The Oamaru Mail says that the settlers on the Ardgowan are busy getting in their crops, consisting principally of wheat. They are more than satisfied with the result of their labors, for, notwithstanding the drought, the crops are turning out well, and good yields are confidently expected. The most expensive product in the world is said to be charcoal thread, employed as fila ments for incandescent electric lamps, whioh in the shape of filaments foT3O candle power lamps is worth over £3000 per pound. It requires 1,500,000 of thesß filaments to make'a pound, and their total length would be 187 miles. The following will represent the Ashbur ton Junior Second in the cricket match against the First Eleven, to be played in the Domain to-morrow at 2 p.m.:—G. Gourdie, F. Clarke, B. Amos (captain), D. Stock, R. Minnis, W. Hoskins, E. Crisp, D. Revell, A. Gates. B. Barr, G. Wilson. Emergencies H. Hopkins, J. Stock, and D. Simpson* The Poverty Bay Herald, urges that the Government should acquire and place some one in charge of the Marumaru Caves, situated a few miles off the Gisborne-Wairoa road. These oaves are said to be wonderful in their character and most beautiful in internal effects, and they are being dese crated by the vandals who visit them. Mistress (angrily :—"Bridget. I find that you wore one of my low-necked evening dresses at the bus-drivers' ball last eveniDg, It's the worst piece of impudence I ever heard of. You ought to be ashamed of yourself !" Bridget (meekly ;•—" Oi wuz, mum _Oi wuz. And me young man said if I Oi iver wore such an ondacent dress in public '■ agin he'd break our engagement." The sheep inspector, Mr Fullarton, an nounced on Tuesday at the Ashburton saleyards, that proceedings would be taken against owners of sheep that have not been dipped, as well as of sheep infected by lice. This notice should have been advertised, but since it may concern some of our sub scribers, we think it as well to make the matter public. It is understood, says the Dunedin Even ing Star, that the Imperial Government have all but decided on the successor to Lord Glasgow, and we may expect in the course of a day or two to know the name of our next Governor. It may be taken for granted that the choice will not fall on either L/nd Hopetoun oi Mr Henniker-Heaton, M.f., whose names have been mentioned in con nection with the vacancy.

The teachers of the Primitive Methodist Sunday school met last evening, the Key. J. Olphert presiding, when final arrangements were made for the annual treat, to be held at Mr George Lamb's farm, Elgin, on Thursday, February 25- The treat promises to be a great succet>s, nothing having been left undone to assure a pleasant day's outing for the children. Newman's drag and other conveyances will leave the church for Elgin at 9 and 10 a.m. Sara Eernhardt is not only poor, but is frequently compelled to pledge her jewels to meet current obligations. The immense amount of money she made by her recent American tour was swallowed up by her debts and the extravagances of her family. She has a number of dependents, chief among them being her son Maurier, who keeps up an expensive establishment. There are well-knowii places in Paris where Bern hardt is always able to borrow money. She pays 200 and even 30Q per cent for the use of money, but she always pays, and for that reason never fails to get it. Despite her long and lucrative career she has little money, and her only possession is her chaclfcu at IJelle Isle, on the coast of IJrittany. This cost her a very small sum, and when she bought it it was an abandoned Frsnch barracks. The parade state of the Ashburbon Rifles last evening showed forty-five of all ranks, inaddition to the ofjScers of the corps. Major Douglas was present, and Staff Sergeant- Major Jones represented the officer com manding the district. The parade was a Government one, and Sergeant-Major Jones made the usual thorough inspection of the Company—men, arms, and accoutrements— and put the men through such company exercises as can be done in the shed. A special feature of the inspection was that every non-commissioned officer had to £ake a turn in command, and we learn that the officer commanding the district will require satisfactory efficiency on the part of the non commissioned officers, otherwise the non efficienta will have to, in official language, "revert." Colonel Pole Penton is impera tive in this matter, and Ipoka for far greater efficiency on the part of non-pommissioned officers than the authorities have hitherto been content with. Sergeants and Cor porals, in view of the Colonel's inspection, which will be made in a month or two, would therefore do well to make themselves thoroughly conversant with their duties. Yesterday Messrs Alcorn and Bullock, sitting at the Police Court, dealt with a case from the Old Men's Home. A .man named Fuller, a paralytic, and an inmate of the Home, gave himself up to the police on Sunday as having no means of support. He was charged on Monday and remanded till next day. When the case was called the evi dence given showed that Fuller's character is such that the police had to deal with him on a previous occasion for indecent prac tices, and it' has' been thp custom of the Master of the Home, as Fuller is Qf some what weak mind, to warn him as to his behaviour when he went out for a walk. Fuller disliked this warning, and being also of an irritable and quarrelsome character, I used bad language to another inmate with ! whom he lost his temper. For the bad language he had his tobacco stopped for a week. When the inmates were mustered to receive their allowances of butter and tobacco, Fuller finding none of the latter coming hia way, became enraged, and while the Master had his back turned to serve another man with his allowances, Fuller dis charged his supply of butter at the Master's h ad? The shot took effect in Mr Fox's neck, and the Master lost no time in eject ing the turbulent, Fuller from the Home. Finding himself without a shelter, Fuller gave himself up to the police, with the result that when his case Was heard yest^ day the Magistrates had ho alternative but to send him to gaol for a month, and there " Hokey"-the name he is known by m town —now is, WMmmt and Rtittshtot—Nw Vmm

Complaints have been rife since the late rains of the condition of the road beyond Winsiow towards the Hinds. Drays have to travel on the tussock land beside the made road, so useless ia the latter for vehicular traffic. A valuable mare belonging to Mr M, Ibell died suddenly yesterday afternoon. No symptoms of illness were shown until about 3 o'clock, when the mare began to shiver like a leaf and dropped dead. The real cause of death is not known, but an exami nation was to be made this afternoon. On Monday a horse belonging to Mr Joseph Miles died, and a veterinary examination of the body afterwards failed to discover the cause of death. We not unfrequently see paragraphs re ferring to Argentina as an ideal country for the production of cheap mutton, beef, and wheat, but judging from information sup plied by the Rural Insurance Company in regard to the ravages of locusts, farmers have very serious drawbacks in that country. In four provinces, having a total area of 5,096,300 acres under cultivation this season, no lobs than 3,334,300 acres have been seriously damaged by locusts. Wheat is the principal crop, and in some districts it was eaten up completely, though efforts were made by the destruction of the eggs of the insect in bushels, to prevent them being hatched. Holloway's Pills and Ointment—lt is impossible entirely to prevent the noxious vapours which are given off in mines and tunnels, and those who, like miners and railway operatives, have to work day after day in such vitiated atmospheres, suffer in health and strength in consequence. The chest and liver often become clogged with the products of coal combustion, neoessita | ting great attention to the health. No remedy is more valuable for miner 3 and the I like than Holloway's Pills, as they carry off all affected matter from the blood, and healthily stimulate the liver. They are also invaluable for costive bowels and for all bilious disorders. The ointment ia apriceless remedy for piles, sprains, uloera and all manner of sores.

The Wellington City Election Petition.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

Wellington, February 16. In the Petition Court, further evidence of alleged treating was brought forward, but Mr Skerrett was not called on to examine the witnesses. Evidence of obstruction of voters was taken. The Court disallowed the charge of treat ing on the ground that the petitioners had failed to prove treating at common law, and there was nothing to connect Mr Fisher with it. On the question of hiring cabs, counsel argued that the publicans were working with the Liberal Electoral League, and gave them the use of the cabs they had hired in return for their support. The Court said there was no evidence to show that the cabs were used as suggested. As far as the Court could see anyone could use them. The charge must fail. Evidence was then given of rowdyim at the Rink polling booth. The Court held that while it was not proved that electors had been prevented from voting, enough was shown to convince it that a very extraordinary state of things had been allowed to prevail by the police, and the attention of the authorities should he called to it. The conduct of one Croasey, a publican, was shown to be particularly offensive. There was nothing, however, for Mr Skerrett to answer, and this charge also must fail. The final portion of the petition, relating to the nongumming of ballot papers, followed. The Returning Officer said that out of seven huudred papers supplied to him only twenty or thirty were gummed, and those on the wrong corner. Nobody, however, refused to vote on account of thia defect, and ib was absolutely cettain it did not affec.t the secrecy of the ballot. Other evidence prov ing the nongumming was adduced, but argu ment on the point was postponed till 2 p.m. to-morrow, when it is expected that the recount will be finished, Mr Justice Conolly remarked incidentally that the question of the defective papers was a matter which affected the whole election, and should not be made to bear on Mr Fisher only.

The Wellington Suburbs.

Mr Joseph Myers has been asked to stand for the Suburbs seat in the Government interest, but it is doubtful if he will do so. At a meeting of Mr T. M. Wilford's Electiou Executive Committee on Saturday night, it was decided to ask the Chairman to communicate with the Chairmen of the different Committees in the electorate, and ask them not to disband their Committees, so as to be ready for any emergency.

New Zealand Rifle Association Meeting.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Auckland, February 16 Followi7ig are the results of Tuesday's shooting:— Otago Match, 10 shots; 300 yds. McFarlane, Christchurch 46 Head, Whangarei.. 45 Langham, Woodville 44 Banks, Christchurch 44 Love, Wellington .„ . ... ... 44 Nine others each ... ... .- 43 Ladies Match, 10 shots; 200 yds; squatting, not counting for belb. W. H. Ballinger, Petone... • 48 Leslie, Wellington .... ... ... 48 Preston, Auckland ... 4? J. ipoveday, Woodville ..', 47 Buchanan, Auckland ... ... ... 47 McFarlane, Christchurch 47 McHattie, Wairarapa 47 Si^f others, each ... ... ... 46 Nelson Match ; ,200 yards, §0.0 yards, and 600 yards ; 7 shots at each range. A. Bailing, Wellington, £6 ... ... 95 King, Oamaru, £5 ■. ... 94 Loveday, Woodville, £4 94 Hill, Ponsonby, £3 .., , ... ... 94 Smith, Oamaru, £2 ... ... ... 94 Williams, Wellington, £2 92 Holland, Petone, £2 ... 92 After completing thia match the 500 yards range of the Hawke's Bay match, 500 yards and 600 yards, 10 shots, was got tfirugh, and then the bugle sounded " cease firing." The leading scores were:— Smith, Qamaru, (the possible) .... ... 50 Howe, Wellington  49 Banks, Christchurcb. .., ... ..,. 49 Head, Whangars!... ... ... ... 49 Eleven others, each , 48 The shooting at thia range was some of the best ever made in the history of tha Associa tion. The Hawke's Bay match will be finished in the morning, then the Marl borough match. 500 yards, 10 shots; Wanganui match, 700 yards, 10 shots; Christchurch match, 600 yards, 10 shots, will be taken in that order, the day's firing concluding with a match for ladies, 7 shots at 200 yards, in which great interest is Centred. _________________

INTERPROVINCIAL NEWS.

(per press association telegram.)

Presentation, Winganui, February 17. Mr F. R. Jackson was last night presented by the councillors with a handsome gold chain and pendant on the completion of his four years' term as mayor. Body Found. The police have received information from Ohingaiti that a body has been found in the Rangitikei river, supposed to be that of a settler whose horse was found several weeks ago.

The Ryley Case.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

DuNEmir, February 16 At the Police Court to-day the hearing of the charges in the information laid by the Official Assignee in bankruptcy against John I Ryley was commenced, and will extend over i couple of days. Evidence was given by 1 ftyle.v'g tgyoijaUut »»4 the Official Assignee, J

An Extraordinary Career of Crime.

Mr W. Maloney is a Victorian legislate*: of K:idical proclivities who represents a Radical suburban constituency around Mel bourne, and is a member of the Melbourne City Council. lUs own professional statu a8 a physician has been impugned a-t Home under circumbt'xnces that have little or no concern for our readers. Their interest is, however, considerable in Mr Maloney's manager, who, unless we are gtvatly mis taken^ made a tour of this colony a couple of years ago as " Professor " Richards, and came in for severe handling at the handu of Christchurch Truth. According to the S otsman of December 12 the Edinburgh police received informa tion of an extraordinary nature respecting the career of a Frenchman who w«ib acting as Maloney'B manager and taking chief part in electrical exhibitions in t:He mußic halls of that city. The matter was brought under the notice of the chief constable of Edinburgh by an Edinburgh physician, who claimed to have discovered in the "Dr Edward Moross," who assisted Maloney in hia enter tainments at Manchester, the individual who had been convicted of indecent assault at Newcastle. The chief constable lost no time iv communicating with the Newcastle police, from whom he obtained satisfactory proofs of identification of Richards with Moross and details of the mau's career, which is one of the most extraordinary of the many romances of crime that the century has pro duced. It transpires that Richard's real name is Aaron Geismar, and that he was bom at Spig, in Alsace, on February 19, 1847. He arrived iv Antwerp in September, 1869, from Boston, U.S., and carried on a busi ness in rags. He was married in Antwerp on January 20, 1870, to Inatze yon Stratum. They were divorced on September 4, 1874, but previous to that Geismar had been sentenced to three months' imprisonment and a me for complicity in robbery, and on February 13, 1872, he received two years' imprisonment ior swindling. At the end of 1873 he was expelled from Belgium by royal decree, and he left Antwerp on December 2j5 of that year for Hamburg. On March 8, 1874, he was can celled from the Register of Population of Havre, and on the 25th of the same year he

was authorised, at the request of his wife, to reside again in Belgium, but, owing to mis conduct, he was once moro expelled on January 3, 1876. His divorced wife still resides in Antwerp, and has identified the photograph in the hands of the Edinburgh police as that of her former husband From American papers in the hands of the police, it appears that Geismar in 1874 arrived at New Orleans from Antwerp, and introduced himself to a merchant named Lafferanderie, with whom he entered into partnership, and from whom he fraudulently obtained 400dol. About 1880 he appears to have gone to Louisville, where he opened a kid glove and fur store on a large scale under the title of " The Paris Glove Store," and he exhibited letters of recommendation purporting to be from some of the leading merchants of New York, Cincinnati, and Philadelphia. His business seemed to ex tend rapidly, and he then entered into society and married a Miss Leaf, the daughter of a wealthy ironfounder. After the honeymoon he became bankrupt, and it then appeared that he had stocked his store on credit, giving bills which he had from time to time renewed. When the failure had become known it was found that Geismar had disposod of most of his valuable goods, and had left very small aasefcs for his creditors, Immediately before the assignment he borrowed money from his friends, and then decamped, deserting his young wife, who subsequently obtained a divorce. It was then discovered that he had a wife living in Cincinnati and another in Paris. A year afterwards he was arrested at Cincinnati, under the name of Ernest Le Blanc, on & charge of embezzlement, but he escaped on a technicality- He next turned up at Chicago, under the name of Albert Le Grand, practising as a magnetic physician. There he victimised several lead ing citizens, and had to leave town to avoid arrest. He next appears to have visited Portland, Oregon, under the name of Dr I

Gismardo, and was imprisoned there for assaulting; oue of his women patients. A short visit was paid to San Jose, which he left with sums of money paid in advance by patients for treatment never received. He then visited Detroit, Michigan, advertising a play written by himself, and purporting to describe his expeijeneea as a convict in Oregon Penitemiary. The performance, however, lasted only one night. He subse quently married at Chicago Mm Eva Le Guy, a wealthy widow, with one child, and then he disappeared again, leaving no trace of his whereabouts, buo any number of law suits. He afterwards turned up at New Orleans, but had to flee the town to escape arrest for swindling. He appears next to have visited in turn Denver City, St. Louis, Kansas City, Baltimore, Boston, and Mil waukee, where he was arrested, bub upon what charge is not known. More recently he visited Buffalo, where he received notice to quit the town within twenty-four hours for practising without a diploma. He appears bo have come to England in 1888, aud visited Manchester, where he gave entertainments in St. James' Hall and the Freetrade Hall. He then returned to London, and in May, 1889, took rooms in Park street W. About a month afterwards he enterei iato partnership with a Dr Swyer, and took a house afe 17 Euston square. The partnership, however, lasted only a short time, as there appears to have been a dispute, and in August he took possession of all the books, cash, etc, and locked Dr Swyer out. Dr Swyer then com menced Chancery proceedings, and a. re ceiver was appointed. Geismar afterwards appears to have practised at Croydon, Wigan, Preston, and Manchester before becoming associated with Maloney

The above information was supplemented by details furnished to the Edinburgh police by Maloney himself. He declared that he first met his manager in Melbourne, where, under the name of Richards, he was giving public exhibitions of his skill as a mesmerist, and claimed to effect cures by means of electricity. He showed Maloney an electrical battery of a novel and ingenious construc tion which the latter regarded as revolution ising the whole system of electrical treat ment. Having hecome convinced in his own mind of the wonderful powers of the new battery, Maloney says he paid Richards a sum of £1500 down for the exclusive privilege of using the new battery He also engaged Richards for five years, and Richards accompanied Maloney to India, where they gave a series of demonstrations. In the meantime, action had been taken against Maioney by the medical faculty of England; and when that came to his know ledge he telegraphed that he was about to return and present himself in answer to the complaints that had been made against him of unprofessional conduct in advertising his performances. Before he could return, however, the Medical Council had found him guilty of the charges brought against him. He received intimation of this whi'e at Genoa'on his way to Egypt; from India, and ! he was so incensed at the action that had been taken that he came Home determined to nleet his accusers on their own ground. He had opened in Belfast some weeks later, and then he came on to Edinburgh. Beyond the knowledge that "Richards" had been in monetary difficulties, Maloney protests that he never heard a word imputed against him, and he professed the greatest astonish ment on learning that his manager had been convicted of crime in Newcastle.

The Edinburgh papers assert that Maloney. has put his position before Mr Labouchere, M.P., and sought his advice, and that upon the scandal becoming known he instructed his agent in Melbourne to tender his resig nation as a member of the Victorian Parlia ment ; but the Argus doubts the authenticity of the last mentioned piece of information.

TENNIS.

The Ashburton Tennis Club will play a tennis match with the Temuka Club at the club's courts, Cameroi Street, on Saturday next the 20th inst. The foliowing players h. ye been selected to represent the A«hbur ton Club:-Ladies doubles—Misses K. Orr and J. Shury, Misaee Hart and M. Fooks ; combined doubles—Mi&s Hart and Mr E. Jackson, Mieß M. Fooks snd Mr K. Upton ; ladies singles—Miss J. Shury and Mi>s K. Orr ; gentlemen's d übles —Messrs Fooks and Mayne, (.'ox and Salmond, Jackson and Grant; gentlemen's singles—Messrs, Sal mond, Mayne, Fooks, and Cox.

UNCLE AND NEPHEW.

A French Thief Story.

Oar Paris correspondent writes :—» To the audacity of. thieves there is no limit, and the really difficult question now-a-days is to know who is not a thief. How easily people are deceived is shown by a case which was reported the other day to the police here. A. gentleman living in the Rue de la Rochefoucauld was returning from a business journey to Havre. "When the train started his only companion was an elegantly dressed young gentleman, with whom he entered into conversa tion. Other passengers got up on the way, and the conversation became general. After Rouen had been passed the gentleman in question fell asleep, but the talking was con tinued, the young fellow casually announcing that he was the sleeper's nephew. Suddenly the young fellow remarked " I'll have a good joke with my uncle, and delicately he undid a small satchet which the passenger had slung across his shoulder. He explained that he would get into the next carriage, and they would have a good laugh when his uncle woke up, he viewing the scene from the little safety window. Then the train drew up at Yernon, and the nephew disappeared. A little later the sleeper awoke, and missing his satchet, exclaimed that he had been robbed. A general laugh greeted him, and then a kindly paa i senger told him of hia nephew's little trick. " But I have no nephew," ex claimed the old gentleman, and then the laugh was of another tone. It only remains to b& added that the satchet contained 2,000 fr. and some important paperSj and that when i Paris, the next stop, was reached the thief was of course far away.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

The Bridgeton Seat. London, February 15 The election for the vacancy at Brjdgeton, caused through the retire ment of bir G. 0. Trevelyan, resulted in the return of Sir Charles Cameron, a Liberal, who defeated Mr Dickson by 125 votes.

Australian.

I The Stamp Frauds. Melbourne, February 16 Webb was sentenced to six months for the stamp frauds. The Queen's Celebration. The Minister of Defence has agreed to recommend the Government to send twenty-five Mounted Rifles to Eng land to take part in the escort at the Queen's ceUbration.

THE NOTORIOUS BUTLER.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

! San Francisco, February 16. Rival showmen purchased Butler'g hat, shoes and «belt for 150 dollars, while phonographic records of his voice were taken. Sydney, February 16. The police authorities have received nothing from San Francisco in regard to Butler's accomplices.

The Rosebrook Murder.

P«qs Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Melbourne, February 16 Mrs Snell has been declared insane and committed to an asylum. The trial of Lyfield for the murder of his wife is proceeding. (Received February 17, 10 a.m.) Melbourne, February 17 The jury found Lyfield not guilty of murder on the grounds of insanity.

*HE ASHBUIiTON GUARDIAN: WEDNESDAY, FEBKTJAKI IT, 189?.



G. J. NEILL iS SELLING WASHING PRINTS at 3^d per yd ; WHITE MUSLINS 33 lid per doz G. J. NEILL IS SELLING DOUBLE-WIDTH SERGES in Navy, Brown and Maroon, at la per yd G. J. NEILL IS SELLING MEN'S ALL-WOOL SUITS at 23a 6J ; Men's Tweed Troussra 5a lid O. J. NEILL IS SELLING BOYS' SUITS at 4s lid each G. J. NEILL IS SELLING—Men's Bluchers ab ... ... 4s lid Men's Nail Shooterß ... ... 7a lid Men's Shoes ... ... ... 5a lid Women's Shoes .... ... 4s lid Women's Strap Shoes... ... 4a lid G. J. NEILL DEFIES COMPETITION IN BOOTS Every Pair Guaranteed to Wear and give SATISFACTION FRIEDLANDER'B CORNER, EAST STREET. TREMENDOUS CLEARING SALE OF BOOTS AND SHOES. MCDONALD and MoTOARMID, East Street, have much pleasure in announcing theii Colossal Annual Clearing Sale. Special preparations have been going on during the paat week for this great event. To effect a speedy clearance, every pair of Boots and Shoes WILL BE SOLD at a GREAT REDUCTION. Being the only Manufacturers ie A*hburton 9 our position for selling the best class of goods at first cost is unrivalled. Dealing exclusively io Boots and Shoes we understand our business thoroughly, so that the public can rely upon a very much superior class of goods than is usually found ie Drapers' Stocks. Our Reductions will Range from 3s to 10s in the Pound. Some lines wo have decided to clear UNDER COST. These include a part of the very large purchase from S. Anderson, which we will positively clear during this Annual Sale. Hundreds o! odd pairs Sf Boots will be Sold at RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP PRICKS. . Per Pair er *■ au 8 d S <3 Ladies' and Gents' Tennis Shoes Men's Pegged Watertight (Rpnehaw make) 2 9&2 11 Bluchera (own makej, splan- Children's School Boots (our aid value, onl/ ye own make)— 7to 9 ... 4 3 .t, t > 10 to 13 4 9 Men 8 Watertight Balmorals Ladies' Real Gla c Kid Shoes (own make), splendid value only 8 £ —a perfect gem (own make) only 611 ladies' Evening Shoes, with Ladies' Tan Leather Lace Shoes neat bow, glace kid ... only 211 splendid value, only ... 4 I Gents' Canvas £hoes (black or brown), reduced from 6s to 4 6 Girls' 2-Strap Shoes (black or Ladies' Canvas Shoes (black, tan leather)-7 to 9 ... £U blue, or brown), own make only 4 3 10 to 1 ... o - Gents' Tan Leather Shoes (sewn)— Usual price ... 9* Women's Leather Slippers Sale Price only ... 611 (own make), only 3v. All lines of Evening Shoes at Clearing Sale Prices. Children's lace and 2 strap Canvas Shoes extremely cheap. Limited space prevents the enumeration of dozens of other lines. Oui Stock of Imported Boots and Shoes comprise the Beehive, Bective, Wolfe, Otto Hers:, and Bosfcock makes. We make no reservation of any part of this splendid Stock. Every Pair on the Premises subject to a Substantial Discount. Come Early and make your Family Purchases.' IS" TERMS—STRICTLY CASH. All Orders must be accompanied by Remittance. Sale begins on FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, and will continue for ONE Month. McDonald & mcdiarmid, BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS, East Street, Ashburtok.] [Branches at Oamaru and Waimatb. TO FARMERS. REID '& GRAY DESIRE TO INTIMATE TO FARMERS and OTHERS that their late manager, MR TAYLOR, has been compelled to leave their employ owing to ill health, and that in future all Jobbing, etc., will be under the supervision of Mr J. H. PAULING, whose work has always given satisfaction, and as Reid and Gray only use the very best of materials they would respectfully solicit a continuance of your valued support. Oar DOUBLE and TEREE-FURROW PLOUGHS (over 13,000 at work) as now made with duplicated mouldtoards are perfect. CAST SHARES are extra hard carbon chilled, and especially suited for stony districts. TRIPOD and ROTARY HARROWS specially suited for working down Twitch aod Clods. ; Grubbers Harrows Eureka Grain and Manure Drills j Drays and Rollers Chaffcutters Broadcast Seed-Sowerf, &c Oils Turnip Cutters Chaffcutters and Baggers """"'* Fencing Standards and Wire Blacksmith's Rasps (extra quality) AND ALL FARMING REQUISITES. Sols Aoents for Deering's Steel Binders with Ball and Rollsr Bearings. Our Latest Illustrated Catologue free on application. Fawner* and Others will kindly address all letters direct to REID AND GRAY, ASHBURTON, TO ENSURE PROMPT ATTENTION. 2 94



Business Notices, ] READ THIS. WE ABE SELLING OFF FROM JANUARY TO DECEMBEE. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, OWING to our special facilities for buy ing in large quantities—as we have to supply 32 branches—the Public can depend on getting the VERY BEST VALUE . IN THE TRADE. A few Lines will convince :—» Men's Mo3giel Tweed Suits ,„, ,„ 27/6 Boys' Aahburton Tweed Suits ... 7/6 Men's Mosgiel Tweed Trousers ... 8/9 Boys' Sailor Suits .„ 5/6 Men's Trousers to Measure ... ... 15/- Mosgiel Tweed (per yard) 1/1] Men's Suits to Order 55/- HALLENSTEItf BROS. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager. Hr* <r* xn a q t "i I \k % < !,So O * . Ph Jz; O 4 ■ s c w uL ■P ?_ <! o w ANTED Known—Large delivery of the " Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth iruch more.— W. H. Collibb. ATS TED Known—The cheapest and most, reliable boot shop in Ashburton ia Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. /^ROCKERY, Crockery. Still we lead VJ and defy anyone to get better value in Crockery, etc.. and AS cheap us we are selling now. Please read our new advertise ment and judge for yourselves.—Fletcher Bros. , Cash Supply Stores- ANTED Known—Our Show Room to be cleared of all Summer Goods. —Mitchell & Turner. WANTED Known—Sale of this season's Millinery only, at greatly reduced prices, also large selection in Ladies flannelette Dressing Gowns and Morning Wrappers, Children's Pinafores, Overalls, etc., for fourteen days only.—Miss h. Babnes, Arcade and Tancred Street. 413 j



OUR FIRST SALE, COMMENCING SATUBDAY, JANUARY 30 MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, THE CENTRAL CASH TRADERS, NEXD TO J. ORR & COS IRONMONGERY DEPARTMENT, EAST STREET. ERUPTIONS IN THE DRAPERY TRADE. XTTE have decided to oolipa, all, with the result that one cut haa been m,de at our new stock, which haa B ever,d the price in half. what tho «eait inuieri am losing indirectly. With this ««•«?-« «"«£ EtL ';™wfit "o»t mm.j. and feel tab this is a sample of ths bargains oflered you :— 9 pieces Light Print at 3s lid per doz yards Usual Price, 7id per yard 16 pieces Dark Print at 3s lid per doz yards Usual Price, 8d per yard 22 piece*. Gingham Printa, 4a lid per doz yards Usua Price, 9d per yard 19 pieces Floral Crepona, 4s lid per doz yards U«ua Price, 1 Idl per yard ; 17 tfancy Brilliant Cloth, 7±d per yard Usual Price, Is 3d per yard * 7 piece! Plain Orepon, 5s lid per doz yards Usual Price, U per yard 11 1 ccc! Stripe Zephyr, 6, lid per doz yards Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 8 E Zephyr, 6s per doz yards Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 22 pieces Shmere Cloth, 4s lid per doz yards Usual Price Is per yard j 10 pieces Mourning Cloth at the ridiculous price of 3s per doz yards. j We assure you that at this very important sale both you and ourselves will have a spanking time. , V * White Calico 2s lid per doz yards Usual price 6*d per yard White Sheeting, 2 yards wide, 10£ d per yard Usual price Is 6d per yard Nainsook 4£d per yard Usual price 74d per yard White'«urkish Towels 5s 6d per don Laual price 9d each . SE 6 yards for Is lid, worth double Hundreds of Cheap Dress awaiting inspection S3e width Tweeds Is per yard Black and Colored Cashmeres from la per yard up fftflipa Black Lavantine Paragon frame Umbrellas from 2s 6d, 3a lid, 4s lid, etc. JS sunshades all colors from 3a lid Black and Colored Velveteens from Is 6d per yard up A mixed lot of children's sunshades all colors from lid each juiuj r>i i nt ( HOSIERY-iiTbest value in the trade. Plain and Ribbed Cashmere Hose from Is up. Plain and Ribbed Black Cotton PTOVE3 GSJ™ S -AaiM« F variety Cheap and Good. A beautifil Kid Glove, any shade, at 2s lid. Lower lines from GLOVES J;1^ 8' „£. g Cashmere Gloves 4^d, 6d, 9d, and Is per pair. Gaggety and Silk, from la 3d upward* RTOFTWS Blouses Kouaes.-We have sold more of these goods than any house in town. What we have on hand-About BLOUSE, n dozen will be cleured from Is lid, 2s 6d, 2s lid up ; just half price. All muslin and fancy Aprons just half what you will pay anywhere else. hitttvotv Miilinprv Price cut in half. Trimmed Mats from is lid upwards. MILLINERY MiHinery ™f™*™ d startling Bargains in the Clothing and Mercery Departments. A few Harvester fut. W Seamlesß Merino Sox, 6df Regatta Shirts, all sizes, 4s 6J. Brown cotton pan s Is 6d Heavy WorkinS Shirts, 2s 6d. Men's strong Moles, 6s 6d. Tweed Trousers, special 8s 6d, Colonial 81 lid. Men s Tweed luita 21s 6d. Men's imitation Fox's Serge Suits, 29s 6d. Sailor Tweed Suits, bs lid, size 1 to 7. Cho?ott stock of Ties and Scarfa in Ashburton. AH our Boots and Shoes reduced Hard and Soft Pelts in endless variety. Mohairßoot Laces, 3J per dozen. Heavy Kaiapoi box, Is. Kaiapo! Under Elannels, 3s lid. ■mi iin i *O* i i DO HOT FOKGET MITCHIXL & BRODRIBB'S FIRST SALE. NJSXT TO J. ORB & CO, EAST SIRBISV ASHBURTON,



Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. WEDNESDAY — Brotherhood, of Sfc. Andrew, 7.30 p.m. Special choir practice, 8 p.m. FRIDAY—Short Service, 730 p.m. Choir practice, 8 p.m. SATURDAY—ChurchDecoration, 2 30pm SUNDAY, FBBEUARY 21. HARVEST THANKSGIVING SERVICES 11 a.m.—•Morning Prayer and Holy Com muni on. 6.30 p.m.—-Evening Prayer. Special Offerings will be made for the INDIAN FAMINE RELIEF FUND. Contributions of Fruit, Vegetables, Grain, Flowers, and Evergreens will be thankfully received for the Decorations. All willing to assist in decorating the Church are in vited to assemble at the Schoolroom on Saturday at 2.30 p.m. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



Six weeks ago I Buffered from a very severe cold; was almost unable to speak. My friends all advised me to consult a physician. Noticing Chamberlain's Cough Remedy advertised in the St Paul Folks Zeitung I procured a bottle, and af Ler taking ib a short while was entirely well. I now most heartily recommend this remedy to anyone suffering from a cold. Wm Keil, 670 Selby Aye., St Paul, Minn, For Bale by ASHBUfITQN DRUG QoWTABYt j



Synopsis of New Advertisements. Permanent Building Society — Annual Meeting. Guinness and LeCren—Sale of Leaaea of Railway Reserves, Rangitata. Friedlander Bros.—Re storing grain. New Zealand Shipping Company—Time table alteration. p%} T. Bullock—House to let. "? ■'■W*S& E, Stephens—Apples and plumba for sale.



Since 1878 there have been nine epidemics of dysentery in different parts of the country in which Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhcea Remedy was used with perfect success Dysentery, when epidemic, is almost as severe and dangerous as Asiatic cholera. Heretofore the best efforts of the most skilled physicians hive failed to check its ravages; this remedy, however, has cured the most malignant caßes, both of children and adults, and under t^e most trying con ditions, which proves it to be the best medicine in the world for bowel complaints. For sale by Ashbubton Dru<j Company.



COLDS, COUGHS, INFLUENZA, SORE THROAT Ayer's Cherry Pectoral S Will relieve the most dis ■ 1 tressing cough, soothe j^P*"V the inflamed membrane, jlLjnu, loosen tlie Phlegm, and pSll induce refreshing sleep. Op^ Fov the cure of Croup, 18 Whooping Cough, and all H the pulmonary troubles n| to which the young are Sflmfii'TiiiiiiJl so liable, there is no other remedy so effective as AVER'S Cherry Pectoral Made by Dr4.C.Ayer & Co.,Lowen, Mass., U.S.A. In Half-size Bottles, And also in large 4/6 size. Gold Medals at the World's Chief Expositions. . &y The name, Ayer's Cherry Pectoral, is prominent on the wrapper and is blown in the glass of each bottle, Safee no cheaii imitation,