Mail Notices.

Mails for America, Continent of Kurope, Samoa, Honolulu, and the United Kingdom per Monowai, via Fiißco close at Auckland 20th inst 1 p.m.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1897. SILK WITHOUT SILKWORMS.

Among the most important of thf j many wonderful discoveries which have been made within the past few years is that of the practicability of making silk m any quantity without the interventioa of the silkworm. For this the world is indebted to Count Eilaire de Ohardonnet, a graduate of the Polytechnic School of France and Knight of the Legion of Honour. Like most other great discoveries this was due to a sudden inspiration, the Count conceiving the idea that the process of metamorphosis effected by the silkworm by which the leaf-sub stance of trees is transformed from cellulose into collodion might possibly be effected by machinery. The con ception was followed by experiment and experiment by complete success. Instead of the leaf as used by the silkworm the wood of the tree is used by Ohardonnet, the following interest ing description of the process being given m the Illustrated London News, (Australasian Edition), of February 27 :—" The silkworms are not bred but manufactured, m the form of glass tubes. The wood, after having been chemically treated until it has assumed the consistency and appear ance of thick gum, eventually finds its way under pneumatic pressure into the glass tubes or worms, each of which has a minute aperture at the extreme point. Through t\\U the liquified nitro-cellulose is forced, and the tiny exudation appearing at the end of the capillary is touched on by deft-handed girls to several bobbins, according to the number of filaments required to make the thread of the desired thickness. These are individu ally so fine that it takes no less than ten or a dozen of them to equal the diameter of an average human hair. The resultant yarn is afterwards deni trifled and ironed—the former process rendering the silk non-inflammable, and the latter lending to it a high degree of lustre." The silk produced, which has already been sold extensively m England, and has commanded a ready market, is indistinguishable from natural silk, but is m several respects superior to the product of the silkworm. " It takes the dye more effectively, and the extreme richness of some of the specimens that have been on view m London is all that the most fastidious could desire. It is exquisitely soft to the touch, and will be found equally appropriate for the dazzling splendour of the first ball-dress or the orthodox white silk of the bridal robf. It is also especially suited for purposes which call for grandeur and display, such as church vestments, robes, and altar frontals," and it is also much cheaper than "natural" silk. And all this has been proved on a lar^e soale, the industry being m full work ing order at » manufactory prrpferl by a Company at Besang-on, the output of silk from the works showing a steady increase frofn the first, and the demand for it being far m excess of the avail able supply. Views of the work?, both Bxterior and interior, are given m the paper frJ.? whloh we »a *her th* f JJ e going, as also of el!"" 81™ w *rks foJ ( the same manufacture now m course C arection at Brandon, near Coventry, England. At the last-named place the industry is about to be undertaken by "The Artificial Silk-Spinning Com pany, Limited," which has purchased from Count Chardonnet the rights of his invention and is erecting a plant of the latest and most improved description, so that a large output of silk, artificially made, will shortly be an accomplished fact. Other factories are m contemplation, on the royalty principle, and, s*ys the News, "it is plain that we shall soon be m the thick of a volume of produc tion that cannot fail to have a distinctly appreciable effect on the prices of the silk market. The immediate result of the new product being placed m large quantities on the market will certainly not be to foist an inferior material on the purchaser, but rather to supply silk at a considerable reduction m cost as compared with the prices that have hitherto ruled. So there seems every chance of the poor silkworm waking up some morning m the near future only to find its occupation gone, and the necessity for its cultivation a thing of the past."

FASTING.

AvtuoiiGii faith is not extinct, nor ever will be, many of the practices

which were formerly regarded as manda tory by devout

peop'e are gradually falling into disuse. This is particularly true of fasting, | which was wont fco ??3 regarded as a strict religious observance, ajntj ivhich is still enjoined by the Kotnan Catholic Church as an imperative means of grace. H& would be a bold man who would affirm that fasting is now a common practice among church-goers. In Scotland, where fast days used to be kept with real self-mortification, and were passed by roany^ if not by tho majority, m humiliation and prayer, they are now given up to pleasure and feasting and drinking. Even Lent, probably the oldest of all Fasta, is not observed as strictly as m former years, which fact was incident ally mentioned m a uotnmercial report last week. The writer^ m referring to the sale of tinned fish, says, i! there is a decided shrinkage m the sale of Lenten goods to that of years ago, from some caute not known." The cause, however, is no mystery, Fasting is dying out. After lasting from the earliest; days of primeval man, and •»eiDg ranked as * ag^eipn religious rite m nearu *U reHgfo»s,_' aodf afcong all mces, from the tt« P»rsee^ of Irania to our own times, it is pas'b*'?^ away, from, among ourselves at least, as have done so many other customs dating from the dim ages of antiquity. We confess we regret this, not so muchi On ; <}cclesiagtical grounds as for reasons of public health, There can be no doubt that all eat too much, and

that the majority of our ailments are the direci result of this over-indulgence. A periodical abstinence from all food *nd drink, and from the use of tobacco and stimulants would have a highly beneficial and salutary influence upon the average colonial. Let him try it.

There is no name m the scientific world better known at the present moment than that EDISON'S of Thomas Alva BIRTHDAY. Edison, whose jubi lee birthday took place on February 11. Business men m their daily affairs are constantly, and quite as a matter of course, utilis ing the facilities with which his pheno menal inventive powers have supplied them. If a telegram is sent one is reminded that Edison by his wonderful improvements —his duplex and multi plex methods—has shortened the time of transmission to a minimum. When one speaks through the telephone it is because of the talents of Edison, and the electric light is another outcome of his genius for invention. Among the many other fruits of his labors may be mentioned the phonograph and the cinematographe; and at the present moment Mr Edison is hoping for a result from the Rontgen rays which will be a greater wonder thaa any of his former achievements. He sees no reason why with the aid of the rays sight should not be restored to the blind. There is one important condi tion—the optic nerve must be intact, and where this is the case the American inventor sees no reason why sightless persons should not receive impressions by the X rays, and even be able to read by means of stencil letters Mr Edison is thus raising hopes m the minds of the blind which will cause great disap pointment if not realised. It is said that a New York millionaire, who is blind, has offered a million dollars to Mr Edison or any scientist who will restore his, sight. To be blind i« to be deprived of some of the greatest plea sures of life, and Mr Edison will be regarded as one of the most conspicuous benefactors of the race if he succeeds m giving back the power of vision, even m a limited number of cases. To use his own words Mr Edison is not a scientific man, but an inventor- He comes between the man of science and the public.

Local and General.

Commercial news will be found on our fourth page, and the results of the Hawke's Bay races appear oa the first page. Harvest thanksgiving services will be held m the Seafield School ou Sunday next. Rev J. Olphert will be the preacher. The greatest of all luxuries m Central Africa is salt. The long continued use of vegetable food m that country creates so painful a longing for salt that natives deprived of it for a long period often show symptoms of insanity. Matthew Dawson recently calebratfd his 77th birthday. His record as a trainer is unique, he having prepared six Derby winners, five Oaks heroines, seven winners of the Loger, five of the Two Thousand, and six of the One Thousand Guineas. Speaking at a Volunteer "social" m . Wellington on the tubject of the proposed New Zealand Rifle team for Bisley the Premier estimated the cost at £2000 which he hoped would be raised by private sub scriptions. "If not the Government would take the bull by the horns." The organ of sight iB more highly de veloped m birds than m any other animals, British natunlists declare that the kestrel is possessed of such wonderful powers of sight that it is able fco see a mouse when it is itaelf at such a height m the air that it is invisible to the naked human eye. We remind our readers of the annual meeting of the Biitish and foreign Bible Sqc ety to be held m the Orange Hull to, night at half-past seven o'clock. All the choirs m town will be present to lead the aingirg and the proceedings will close with an exhibition of most interesting photographs of manuscripts from the British Museum Library, the Vatigan Library and 0 here. We have not h^r** the last of the P. emier's pigeon it seems. Mr Stukey, of Melbourne, who sent it to the Premier, and who reported that it had returned from New Zealand to its loft m the Victorian metropolis, writes that there is no doubt it i is the same hird, and the performance is not ' more wonderful than other pigeons have done. He is sending the pigeon back again marked. Rev. Charles Edward Stowe, of Simsbury, Conn,, son of the late Harriet Beecht-r Stowe, of " Uncle Tom's Cabin" fame, refuses a 20,000d01s bronze monument to the memory of his mother, which it was proposed to erect m Bu?hnell Park, Hartford, Conn. He suggests, instead, that a scholarship be founded to perpetuate the memory of the authoress, at. the co'lege m Hampton, Fisk, or Tuskegee. He regards bronze monuments as monstrosities. The exodus from Victoria is creating an uneasy feeling m Melbourne. In J-inuary, it appears, the departures reached the record number of any month, no fewer than 6052 persona leaving the port of Melbourne for Albany, Perth, and Freemantle, of whom 3946 were adult men and youths. The com pleted returns for the three years 1894, 1895, 1396 show the arrivals to be 25,568 and the departures 74,987, indicating an exodus of 49,429 people, which the January return makes up 54,481. ■ The Wellington Post understands that a condition of things has arisen m regard to the future management of the People's Bank, which is the Bank of New Zealand, that will necessitate an absolute declaration on the part of the Government as to its atti tude upon the whole question. Unless this difficulty, amounting almost to a crisis m the affairs of a great national institution, is meanwhile surmounted, the Government no doubt will be required by Parliament to insist upon a very radical solution. Some little excitement was caused m East street yesterday afternoon by a team of horses belonging to Mr Frisby which careered down the centre of the street. The horses were standing m front of Mr Thomas' new seed - cleaning building, whea something startled them, and m endeavoring to turn the corner m West street they ran into one of the corner posts and broke one of the tug-chaina, The driver succeeded m getting into the dray m East street, and seizing tlie reins, and eventually, with the assistance of some passers-by, luanaged to pull the horses up. No serious damage was don,e. On Tuesday night a usually quiet locality was visited by some midnight prowlei with the avowed object of seeing what success would attend his attempt at pilfering. The window he endeavored to get m by was* left a little open $b the top by the occupant when retiring for the night, thinking it would be quite safe as the window generally makes a noise when being pulled down, and there was ajso a sewing machine m front of the window. But the would-be burglar was an adept at the game, for silently and noiselessly was the window opened. A puff of cold air awakened the drowsy sleeper, who ! suspecting something was wrong, jumped up and wsnt to the window, but m doing so hit against the machine which doubtless dia- Curbed the t!:iflf« *« he at on<w mady off leaving the imprints of £*? fOQtajayjs» very visibly on the soft earth of the garden. I* '»yas Jusbaß%ell hfl aid not etster the room t&e Us wight' ba?e had a wapnfceseption, but his midnight... -• Aakbuctoo. other unsuspecting residents v. ._

ST. PATRICK'S CONCERT.

There was the usual immense gathering at St Patrick's concert last night, the hall being crowded m every part. The pro gramme was not followed m strict accord ance with the printed order, indisposition having prevented some of the vocalists from appearing at all; other causes brought others late. But alter the first gap or two had been filled, things went on with satisfactory smoothness. The first part opened with a piano piece by the Misses Brick, both con vent pupiis, and the second part with an 1 overture by the Misses Devane and Bour- I nique, also convent pupils, both pieces being well played, and well received. Piano pieces during the coicert were also given by Mesdames McLean and Bowman Fox m their usual excellent stylo. Mrs C- M. Brooke was m her best form, and aang two Irish songs with great effect, receiving a hearty encore. Her best effort perhaps was "Come back to Erin," which she sang with feeling enough to admit her at once to every Irish heart. Mrs VV. S. Mitchell, whom we have neyer heard to better advantage, or raore highly appreciated, gave as her first song "The Shamrock," which was sung with the pathoa it requires. It ought never to be undertaken by any vocalist who has not a wealth of both tone and compass, a3 well as some notion of expression, but given all these, the song is one that must score, and as Mrs Mitchell supplied all these indispensables, success was certain and a reoall inevitable. Her song m the second part was the evergreen " Old folks at home," and it goes without saying that that, too, was a sigual success, and was redemanded. Mis-a Barrati is always popular, and her "Irish emigrant," yas particularly so. having been most artistically rendered, and vociferously en cored. In the second part her '.' Nora , Acushia," was equally pppular. Miss i Tomplan? hs.a doc sung of late, and her appearance was most heartily wel comed. She sang "Kate O'eihane," an old favourite song which, m the hands of a finished singer will always please any audience, Irish or otherwise, and every note told, She has a charming voice and an j equally charmittg mariner, so that when she finished the applause was more than hearty, and the desire to hear her again could not be mistaken. For encore she gave •• The dash ing white sergeant" m a style that would have gained credit to many older and mor< pretentious balladists. "Kate O'Bhane " was sung to a flute obblif?ato composed for the song by Mr D J. Jones, and played very sweetly and skilfully by Mr Peachy. Last, but not least, has to be mentioned a debutante m the person of Miss Hilda Kid'l, , who sang " Killarney,"also with flute obbJi gato by the same composer, and by the flame player, and a pronounced encore showed how well she had BUDg the far from easy song. In response she gave " Mleen aian nah" with grand effect, a wing chorus adding to the charm of the song. Mr Ker sel was twice on the programme. Hia ad mirable rendering m the first part of " The meeting of the waters," was honored with a well*medted encore, and m the secoqd part his equally well treated "Kate Kearney" was similarly acknowledged. Mr R, D. Wilson, to his own accompaniment on the banjo, gays "The blind Jrish girl," and "The Tipperary Christening" which could hardly fail to please such an audience aa he was catering for, and he received the hearty applause he deserved. Mr Thomas was as usual very amusing m •' The widow Map hree," and Mr Upton's hunting song ''John Pee!" scored up to the hilt. Mr Graham Roberts, who is new to an Ashburcon concert audience, sang his coster songs m excellent style, and became a favorite immediately. He knows what the coster is, and what coster life is, so that he avoids caricature »nd presents coster '"Arry" aa he is, both m Btyle and speech, with a quaint humor of his own thrown m. The Laghmor High landera were also m evidence, and danced a reel m good fettle, Mr Donald McLean also dancing a Highland fiing as featly as of yore. A feature of the entertainment was the dancing of a team of young people trained by Mr Nicholas Fitzgerald. Tha "High caul cap " dance, an eight-handed Irish reel, waß most gracefully performed by Mr Fitz gerald's team—composed of Misses Stewart, Dineen, Fitzgerald, and Devane, and Masters | Stewart and Fitzgerald (3). Masters John and David Fitzgerald also danced a '' double Irish jig m perfect time and with considerable grace. An attractive novelty m the shape of a Scotch seen;? was introduced. Four ladies—Mrs Mac Lean Dunn, and Misses Tompkins, Kidd, and Baker—appeared m character as fishwives, andsangGow's well known " Caller herrin',** giving effect by suitable gesture to the words of the fjshwives. The picture of the four fishwives, with " mutch " and "kurtch," and " creel," was very pretty, and was heightened by a crew of fishermen who landed a very well-painted herring boat, showing port of hail and registered number on her bow, Messrs Mitchell and Turner's stock of Yarmouth oilskins had been requisi tioned to cjothe the crew, who were clad to defy any storm m getting the fish that q,re 11 haul'd thro' wind an' rain." In response to an encore the party sang " The boatie rows " very sweetly. Accompaniments were played by Mrs Bowman Fox, Miss Edith Barratb, Mr Llewellyn Owen, and Mr I). J. Jones, the latter gentleman being musical dirVCt'T- l J»PeE M»v4o"a.ld found the High land dance music, and Mrs Bishop, and an ex cellent ilddler whose name we did not catch, found tie musjs fer tha Irish, dancing, at as aucuflSsfui and bi7}lianfafconcetfc as h"as6vei; • -1« aid ot the Qonyenji funds. .""4 been given . ■■ • —„« ' V^ry We}\ dance followed, whicn »i» attended indeed.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—THURSDAY.

(Before Mr 0. A. Wray, S.M ) By-Laws.—John Cooper was fined 5s for furiously ridiug a horse m Havelock Street. —Dr Morris was fined 5s aad costs fo? riding a bicycle on the footpath.—H. Hermann was also fined 5a for a aimilai offence. Supplying a ProhibitedJPebson.—Mui fe Devauey, himself a prohibit, was fined £b for this offeoce. Civil Cases. —The case of Marsden v. Hardley, eenr., adjourned from last Court day, was resumed. £13 2e was claimed as Wctgea on a stocking j ;b. The plaintiffs claim was that the machines engaged m cutting failed to bind the sheaves properly, and he cou'd not fulfil his contract of stook ius; m a satisfactory manner, as he could no bind so many loose sheaves and keep up to the mark with his work. Plaintiff blamed the machines for any deficiency m the work, and defendant denied that the machines i were any worse than other machines. Evi dence was heaid at aome length—on the part of the plaintiff that the machines 5 work was faulty aad that enough work was not) dove to keep the stookers> employed, and on the part of the defendant that the machines were all right and did their work well, but the etooks were badly built and the sheaves I fell down. In cons* quence of the bad stooking the oats could hardly be forked, the sheaves growing to the ground. Where the sheaves had been re-stooked by defendants men the rain did no damage. There was a counter claim by Hardley for damage suffered, and after a lengthy argument by Counsel—for plaintiff Mr Wilding, for defendant Mr Purnell—his Worship, also at length, went into the whole case, and gave judgment for plaintiff for £5 14a and coats.—A. Lawrie v, W. J. Thomas, £3 183 6d. This was a judgment summons, but defendant swore m the box that he had paid the money to Mr Lawrie m the latter's own office, leas the costs, and that Mr Lawrie had given him a receipt, which, however, defendant had mislaid. The payment was maie 60 avoid the execution of a judgment summons, and defendant said that since the payment, though he had often seen Mr Lawrie, he had heard no more of the claim, which he considered settled till this second summons was issued. Plaintiff, m the box, swore that he had not, to his knowledge, received the money as al eged by defendant, and there was no trace m the books of the payment being made. The first judgment summons had been withdrawn, but he could not say why His Worship declined to make any order.

COMMERCIAL

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS.

Sydney, March 17. Wheat, chick, 3a to 3s 3d ; milling, 4s 6d to 4,s 7d. Oats, New Zealand prime feeding, 2s 3d ; medium, 23 to 2s 2d ; seeding, 2a 3d to 2s 6d. Barley, Cape 3a. Peas, Prussian blue, 4s 6d. Potatoes, pleneiful, local $3 to £3 6b ; Circular Heads, £3 15s. Onions, Victorian, prime, £6. Butter, dairy made, 6d to 7d ; factory, 7£d. Cheese, plentiful, and better sales; prime, 3d to 3|d. Bacon, 5d to 6d. Hama, New Zealand, 9d. Mblbouenßj March 17. Wheat, dull, 5a 7£d to 5s Bd. Oats, Algeriar, feeding, 2s to 2s 2£d ; seeding, 2s 3d to 2s 4d ; stout white, 2s 2d to 2,9 3£d, Barley, malting, 4s to 4a Id. Potatoes, £17s6dto£2. Qnions, £5 to £5 2s 6d. Adelaide, March 17 Wheat, bareat business, 5s 3d to 5s 4d. Oata, dun, 2s 9d ; Algerian and stout white, 3s 6d. Barley, malting, 4a 6d to 5a 3d-j Cape, 3a 9d to 4s 3d.

SPORTING.

WAIMATE RACES.

I Ihere was a very large attendance at this meeting yesterday, and £1170 was passed through the totalisator during the day. Following were the winners of the principal events :—» Hpbbm Handicap—Taluue. Dividend. £312*. >St Patrick's Handicap—jEs&u. Divi dend, £6 7a. Hanjhcaxl. Time Trot—Spider. Divi dend, £2 17s. District Race—Victor 11. Dividend, £31 17a. Flyino Handicap—Molly Darling. Divi dend, £6 l^s. Two-mile Tkot—-Marguerite. Dividend, £4 14s. Harvest Handicap — Vandyke. Divi dend} £1 14s' i

EDUCATION BOARD.

We take the following from the reports m the Chriatchurch papers of yesterday's meeting:— It was reported that the follow ing, am ng other tenders had been accepted : Petrie and Co., new school at Highbank, £390; G Duggan, painting school, Doric, £15 10a. 1 The Appointments Committee recom mended the following appointments ;—. Rakuh South, Miss .Rose M. Smith, Assist ant Mistress. The appointment of Mr C. L), Hardie to the Ashhurton school hid been recommended. A letter had been received from Mr Dunn, protesting against) the selection on the ground that the required three days' notice of the special meeting had not been given. It had been resolved that, under the circumstances, it would be necessary for the School Committee to call another meeting, complying with the provisions of the Act. The Board's anuuftl report and the report of the Normal School Principal were re ceived and adopted. Mr R. Hill-Fisher was re-appointed audi- ( tor.

AROWHENUA ESTATE.

Intending applicants should note the following points, strict compliance with which is absolutely necessary, otherwise their applications will be rejeoted : — I—Applicationsl—Applications must be made on the new form, as printed m the pamphlet, and on no others. 2~Applicants must write their answers to all the questions on the forms, and the declaration at the back of the form must be signed before a J P. 3~Every applicant must deposit with his or her application a sum to cover halt year's rent, instalment for improvements (if any), and lease fee £1 Is, for the largest area applied for. Each member of a family must make a separate deposit. 4—Every applicant must appear m person before the Land Board at the time and place notified, to answer such additional questions as the Board may see fib to ask. : The new application forms may be ob tained at the Post Ofpce.

CRICKET.

NORTH CANTERBURY v. SOUTH CANTERBURY.

Christoijurch, March li A cricket match between teams represent ing North Otmserbury and South Canter bury commenced this morning at Hagley Park m Bplendid weather. T. W. Reese, local captain, won the toas and elected to bat. Two wickets fell for 16 runs, but then Wigley and Hasell got together and added another hundred before a separation was effected—Wigley 52, Hasell 50. H, M. Reeves played well for 24, Williams hit hard for 18, and Weston carried his bat for 11, which number waa also scored by VVheatley. Fanthorpe was by far the most successful bowler, taking six wicketa for 39, Brosnahan secured three for 60 and Macintosh one for 44. The innings closed for 189 South Canterbury's first innings against the bowling of Bennett and Palmer was quite a procession, all being ou for 43, Wickstead who carried his bat for 12 being the only batsman who reached double figures, j&euuett cleaned bow Led eight men for eleven runs, and Pannier took two wickets fot 1 17 fUB» $Q\s§ ' P&n'fcetfwty» w!>° icllpwed' oofn f ■ ■ -■-... |gr jjj ry§| when had lost loui . . •-'»» Vi» r«» stumps were drawn. The game ««. ». . - Bume| to.di^r. j

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Presß Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

The Cash Betting* Decision- London, March 16. A strong agitation is oti foot to secure a modification of the cash betting decision. Mr Lowther, member for the Isle of Thanel", and a leading mem ber of the Jockey Club, is confident that the decision exceeds the intentions of the judgment delivered by the lafca Ohief Justice Oockburn with reference to the betting laws €o-oj»erative Society. The English Wholesale Co-operative Society has decided to open a branch m Sydney. Destructive Fire. New York, March 16. Ely and Walker's immense dry goods stores at St. Louis have been destroyed by fire. The damage ii estimated at 1,700,000 dollars. Germany m South Africa. Berlin, March 16 Ifainburger Afachlichten, a -Hamburg newspaper, referring to Germany send* ing arms to Africa, says Germany is so strong that she cauld take the field m South-west Africa with the Boers against the Oape. Steinitz Recovering. St Petersburg, March 16, Steinitz, ex-chess champion, is suf6° ciently recovered to leave Moscow Hospital.

Australian.

The West Australian Cabinet. Perth, March 17. Mr Richardson, Minister of Lands, has resigned, and Mr Throssell, the member for Norfchatn, succeeds him. Attempted Wife Murder. Melbourne, March 17 A restaurant Keeper named Wilsott fired three shots at his wife, and one seriously wounded her neck. Wilson locked himself m a room, and threatened to shoot anyone who approached. The police smashed the door and arrested him.

THE LATEST.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

(Received Wakapuaka March 18,10.10 a.m., Guardian office 11.30 a.m.J Tue Colliery Disaster. Sydney, March 18 The Court of Enquiry appointed to enquire into the Stockton colliery disaster finds that the immediate cause wag extraordinary recklessness and obstinate disobedience of orders. The Court states that the general course of working the mine had been sush as to tend necessarily to the happening of such accidents by leaving abandoned districts m a dangerous condition. In view of this finding, the Minister of Mines has ordtred another enquiry under the presidency of Judge Back house, Sentenced to Death. Mblbodrnb, March 18 Phillips, found guilty of the wilful murder of Brady, has been sentenced to death. The jury expressed the opinion that the murder waß not premeditated.

THE INSURRECTION IN CRETE.

Despatch of English Tro«p.

Popular Feeling m Greece.

Attitude of France.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Athens, March 16 Russia advocates Danilo, Heir Ap parent of Montenegro* aa Governor of Crete. Farther details show that the mosque at Dafuis was fired by means of straw steeped m kerosene. The Moslems m trying to escape were stabbed or shot down. Similar atrocities have been committed m other villages. London, March* 16 The fiist battalion of the Seaforth Highlanders, stationed at Malta, has been sent to Crete. (Received Wakapuaka, March 13, 9.50 ».!»«• • Mail office 10.45 a.m.) London, March 17. The Athens correspondent of the Times states that the conviction prevails that a general war is inevita tible The populace insists that Yassoa * shall resist the Powers' demands and that Turkey be attacked if Greece be blockaded. ■ • The Daily A?ews sb»tm that Greece offers to confine Vassos to a point on the coast away from the insurgents if the Turkish troops are likewise dealt with ; both Greek and Turkish troops to evacuate Oete m the event of the Cretans accepting autonomy, Athens, March 17 Yassos is fortifyihg^Afikjaun. Greece is intensely incensed against Russia for leading the European concert. Pajiis, March 17 The Senate by a targe majority endorsed the policy of the Govern ment m regard to Crete,,

THE NOTORIOUS BUTLER.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph-" Copyyight,

[ San Francisco, March 16. The Circuit Oourfc has refused Butler's request to appeal to the Supreme Court.

THE &BHBUKTOI3 GUAJKDIAJ9 : THURSDAY MABCH 18, 1897



Br Nansen i-i desceuded from Hans Nansen, who was burgomaster of Copen hagen m 1658, and headed the civic forces tluriDg the city's siege by the Swedes. Hans was something of a statesman besides, and while he fought the Swedes outside th* cii.y walls, he fought the privileged nobles within. He succeeded m forcirg them to pay taxes like other people, and against their opposition made the Grown of Den mark hereditary. It is interesting to note, also, thit this same Hans Nansen, when a young man, made what were for those days some highly adventurous Arctic voyages, and explored the shores of the White Sea. A boy named L >gan, m the employ of Mrs Reid, Tirauine», w 8 (says thePahiatua Herald) badly knocked about, by an infuri ated young cow. The cow, after being milked for the first time, was turned into a ?mall paddock, when Logan started to drive her into another paddock. Turning on the boy she caught him on her horns and threw him iv the air. He fell again on her horns, and was thrown forward on the ground, when the brute knocked him about consider ably until attracted by her calf. The boy had the presence of mind not to try and get up until the cow went away. He received a long gore acroaj the stomach and a severe cut on the back of the head. The following extract from a letter from the Bombay correspondent of an exchange throws a lurid light on the horrors of the Indian famine:—"At a village m the neighbourhood of Sangor, a woman threw first one child into a well, and then pushed the other one m, and meant to drown her self afterwards; but though the first had | already been drowned, the eriet of the elder | girl attracted people's notice, and the woman | was sent to prison for three years. Why ? ; because ahe could not any longer stand the oriea of her children for bread \ In KU a woman actually began to eat her child, tear ing pieces of flesh from its body. I know the native teacher who saw the child m that state. In B—, I was told nine starved people attempted to eat a boy, extinguishing the fire m which the corpse was being burned after their oustom."



We have sometimes heard it remarked that Messrs Craighead and Berryman charge rather high prices for their suits. It is evident from the number of bands m their employ that they do by far the largest tailoring business m Ashburton, and aa they employ the best workmen and pay the highest wages their customers do not expect their clothes at " sweating " rates (" cheap and nasty.") By insisting upon firat-c!an workmanship m every garment, combined with good fit and best quality linings etc. Messrs fTraighead and Berryman have earned flfeir reputation io,r gi^n^ satisfaction and their reduction of about 26a per suit, referrent to ia tUrn JMffi -BWiffißWrt »iwre M"*



fragrant antf Inviqoratitigom^few Vmus.



Holloway's Pills and Ointment.—lt is impossible entirely to preveut the noxious vapours whiuh are given off m mines and tunoels, and those who, like miners and railway operatives, have to work day afoer day m such vitiated atmospheres, suffer m health and strength m consequence. The cheat and liver often become clogged with the products of coal combustion, necessita ting great attention to the health. No remedy is more valuable for miners and the like than Holloway's Pills, as they carry off all effe c matter from the blood, and healthily stimulate the liver. They are also invaluable for coßtive bowels and for all bilious dis orders. The ointment is a priceless remedy for piles, sprains, ulcers and all manner of sores.



From all ace unta Chamberlain's Cough Remedy is g, godsend to the afflicted. There is no advertisement about this ; we feel just Ike sayiug it.—TAe Democrat Carroljton, Ky. For sale byAsHBURTOJf Dj»VG Cow pANy.



Business Notices GRAND SHOW OF i NEW GOODS AT THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. /~\UR MR HENDRY has returned from Duaedin wi(% the CHOICEST LOT OF NEW GOODS ever seen m Ashburton. NEW HATS NEW SHIRTS NEW TIES HALLENSTBIN BROS. i% § h *I S Oh - U h * oS rD •S i • ® aa o siicubiS Si a g a m w—^ H 8 FT) Dr Wilhelm Morris, "F)HYSICUM Erlangen (Bavaria), 1884; I X State Exam. Munich, 1888; late Assistant Doctor at the University Hospital, Erl .ingen ; late Military SurgeoD, Leipzig, HAS COMMENCED PRACTICE AT ASHBURTON, And may be consulted from THURSDAY 11th inst., AT HIS RESIDENCE, CORNER OF BURNETT & WILLIAM STREETS, Lately occupied by Mb C. M. Brooke Hourß of attendance 9 to 11 a.m., 2 to 3 and 7to 8 p.m. Sundays 9to 11 a.m. Telephone, No. 90. P.O. Box, 83.



MEN lS AND BOYS' BATS. HATS. HATS. Mr\ DOZEN FELT HATS ALMOST GIVEN AWAY. A. GRAND SUCCESS. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S "OABRIO AND PRINT SALE being bucli a Grand Success, we have decided to hold it FOR TWO WEEKS, A GREAT HAT SALE. f"f\ DOZEN MEN'S. KA DOZEN BOYS, 1. Men's Soffc Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 5s Boys'" Soft Pelt Hats Is 6d, worth 3s 9d Hen's Soft Felt Hata 3s (id, worth 6s 6d Boys' Soft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 4s 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 4s 6d, worth 7s 6d M«n'g Soft Felt Hats os Gd, worth 8* yd Men's Soft Felt Hats 6b 6d, worth 10a (id Men's Soft Felt Hats 8s 6d, worth 12s Gd EVERY AR'IIULB m fche Clothing #"d Mercery Departments equally Cheap, so as to clear the shelves for the NEW GOODS expected by the end of the month ; while the balance of general Drapery will be still further reduced, so as to make a clean sweep before the New Seat oil's Goods arrive. Prints, Brilliants, Cambrics from 3s lid per dozen, worth double Flannelettes for Dressing Gowns and Home Blouses 48 lid dozen, half price Trimmed and antritnmed Hats, Aprons, Blouses, VeiJijjgs, Ribbons, etc., at half coit BOOTS AND SHOES—the Best value m the trade DON'T FOKGBT THE GREAT HAT SALE AT MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S, THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART, NMXX «X> i. OHU % CO., MS3J SVBStiT, ASBPURTQNJ



LOOKOUT. G. J. NEILL —IS SELLING— Table Damask at Is per yard Twill Sheeting, 2 yards wide, white or grey, 9Jd Turkish Towels, 6d each Cretonne 3|d Flannelettes, 2s lid per dozen G. J. N EILL I s S ELLING~ Men's Heavy Tweed Suits at 21s 6d, wonderful value Boys Suits, 4s lid Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid BOOTS. BOOTS, Men's Kail SHOOTBRB 7s lid. Women's SHOES 4s lid Men's BLUCHERS 4s lid. Women's Lace SHOES 4s lid The Cheapest Boots m Ashburton are to be got at G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDER'S: CORNER, EAST STREET. SPECIAL NOTICE TO TIMEKEEPERS. TUST RECEIVED, direct from the Manufacturers, a few HALF-HOUR CHRONOGRAPHS. jpirf'i* 1" ---"" The Special advantages are— LEVER MOVEMENT. NON-MAWNETIC. ABSOLUTELY ACCURATE TO FIFTHS OF A SECOND. The finest Watch of its kind and best value ever ottered m tbo district. PRICE (with Gtttnntee)-J*« 1O«. TO BE OBTAINED ONLY FROM S. SALEK, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER, EAST STREET, APH3URTON. M E L L O R'S 'ZEALANDIA' BOOT STORE. FEW LEATHERS. NEW LEATHERS. NEW LEATHERS. THE ONLY SHOP m Ashburton that is selling the Wonderful Orack proof Oalf, beautiful m appearance, and m wear practically indeatruct Ml*. " ! Kangaroo Calf, soft as a glove, with all the wearing properties of Kangaroo, j Kangaroo Kip Oow Hide, dressed on » new and improved principle, equal to the hardest wearing Kip, but as soft and comfortable as kid skin. AH these new leathers I have made up m Ladies' and Gentlemen's Boots and Shoes. They are splendid goods, and well worth a tri*l. Keep up to date and ask for these new goods, Every pair is guaranteed. JAMES MELLOR, ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE, ASHBURTON.