Mail Notice.

Extended Notice.—Mails for United Kingdom and Continent of Euiope pei direct steamer, close at Lyttelton per Matatua at 8 p.m., Saturday 220 d inst.

An American paper gave some statistics the other day ahout the

CUBA'S COST LN BLOOD TO SPAIX.

troops employed in Cuba which ought to make Englishmen feel proud of the

ease with which they subdue risings in every part of th ; British Empire. Altogether eleven expeditions have been sent into the island during the p-ist two years :—

March 15, 1895, 8600; April 15, 1895, 7500 ; April 24, 1895, 4000 ; May 20, 1895, 3000, June iO, 1895, 9600; July 20, 1895, 30,000; October 14, 1895, 26,000 ; January 4, 189 C, 9000; Troops from Porto Eico, 1500 : Total, 181,200. Of these, according to a Unban physician, 23,500 have been lost. That is : 10,000 through yellow fever, 9500 killed in action, 1000 from wounds and 3000 from various diseases.

Is a book entitled " Around the World from Madrid to Madrid," Senor

Enrique Dupuy de Looae, the present Minister of Spain at Wa3hington, refers

THE BOX m THE LADIES.

to American women in a style which that curious product of the age is not ikely to appreciate. ft We all know," v; s sys, " what woman in the United States is. She is adventurous ar.d bold. She travels alone with full liberty, protected more by the fear of

law than by the lespect which she in spires, khe is an elegant spendthrift, and weirs *h > most risque fashions, knowing well tha* everything becomes her. She is geutoel; h(-r feet are small, her hair is beautiful, Is she a tvouun who lores home? Ido not know. T have seen American women living at hotels in California, in Paris, ail over Europp, always extravagant, spending more money than their husbands, of whom they do not Know much—money earned God knows how or where. Be fore marriage, as I said before, they are more feared than respected. When they marry, how do they hchave 1 Who cun tell? People have b. en in clined to believe they make model wivos. Ido not think they are the worst in the world, but there are in dications which do not commend them much."

Ashburton Guardian. MAGNA EST VERITAS ET PRÆVALEBIT. SATURDAY, MAY 22, 1897. THE RECORD REIGN CELEBRATION.

The question raised at last meeting of the Oounty Council, and taken up at the'la3t meeting of the Borough Coun cil, is one of considerable importune !— namely, of how the people of Ashbur fcon town and county can best miirk ' Her Majesty's completion of sixty years' sway of the Royal sceptre. The Oounty Chairman suggested the pur chase of, say, a hundred acres of land for a site for a new Old Men's Home. Re said that the Mole bequest would be available for the erection of a new building, but would not cover a site. He was quite alive to the somewhat formidable character of the undertak ing, but he thought, biuce the desire tf the Sovereign Lady, in whose honor the celebration was to be held —what ever form it toofe —was that it should be in the direction of benevolence, no better object could be chosen than the Old Men's Home. Anything in the shape of a demonstration with blowing of trumpets and displaying of banners, or the erection of some structure the object of which would be to minister to our pleasures, would mean expenditure of money on ourselves. This was no r the wish of the Queen, if it were in tended to take the placo of the object, already mentioned, which was nearer to her heart. The deputation from the Borough Council which afterwards waited on the County Council, of course knew nothing of the discussion which bad taken place, and m which a site for the Old Men's Home had been mentioned. They had not thought of the Old Men's Home, as was evident by the surprise with which they re ceived the suggestion But the sur prise was a joyful one, for tht-y readily iel) In with it as soon as the suggestion was made to them. But before the suggestion was made to* the depu tation, the Mayor mentioned a

pavilion in the Lornain as a suit able mark of the county's loyulty. Since then, however, the Borough Fathers have had time to think over the matter, and have become alarmfd at tlie magnitude of the County Council's suggestion. Yet the idea is not so formidable after all. We con fess that £2000, which 100 acres of decent land at £20 an acre would re present, is rather formidable; but it lias to be remembered that Govern ment would subsidise this to the ex tent of £1 per £1 of local subscriptions raised, which would reduce tho amount by one-half. Then, it is not absolute y necessary that the site should be 10U acres in extent. A smaller area per haps might serve, especially if it were net too far away jcrom the town ; but the objection to this is that land of any value for fertility in the imme diate vicinity of the town cannot be bought at a low figure. Again, as the Home is not a county bat a provincial institution the whole of Canterbury could—we think successfully—be ap peaied to, and the money raised. At any rate we tbink a new Home would be a noble direction in which to turn ! the expression of our loyalty, and the county and borough could do no higher honor to their Gracious Sovereign and to themselves than to mark the Diamond Jubilee by the provision of a site for an institution the object of which is to provide maintenance in com fort during their declining years of men who, having borne the burden and the heat of the day in the toil of life, and have become veterans in the great struggle of life's battle, find themselves ' helpless and homeless in the winter of existence, and tequire the hep and care of younger hands in the dreaty interregnum between the cessation of their ability to do for themselves and the time ere " the silver cord bs loosed, or the golden bowl he broken." i

Local and General.

Reading matter on fourth pnge. 1 the Gazelle announces the incorporation of the Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Association tinder the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act, 1877.

Attention is directed to the " Hobby Show" of the Hampstead School on Wednes day, June 2, and other days. The show will be of a most interesting character, and well deserves the patronage of the public, not only in the way of attendance but in the matter of contributions.

William Bennington, ganger of platelayers on the Kangiora section of the railway, dropped dead yesterday afternoon while assisting to survey in the.Ashley riverbed. He was about forty-five years of age, and leaves a family of fifteen children totally Kaprovided for.

The police, are taking active measures to put down loitering on the footpaths in one of the main, but narrow, streets of Welling ton, and a number of people have received invitations to explain to the Stipendiary Magistrate why they did not obey the man date to " move on."

At the annual meeting of the Christchurch Chrysanthemum Society last eveniug ]>r Irving was re-elected president. The Com mittee reported that favorable replies to ihe proposal to amalgamate the Chrysanthemum Clubs of the colony had been received ftom several clubs. The receip's for the year were £201, credit balance £58.

The following players will represent the Christchurch Ciufa in the match with the Ashburton Lawn Tenois Club on Monday next: — Messrs Cox, Wilding, Garcia, Perry, Raphael and Wigley. Messrs Salmond, Cox, Jackson, Fooks, Grant and Dr Maude will play for Ashburtou. Play will commence at 11 a.m. sharp and vantage sets of nine games will be played.

A. most destructive fire occurred recently in a large jute waydhcuse in connection with the Camperdown Jute Works, Dundee. There were from 8000 to 10,000 bales of jute packed in the building, and when the material began to swell through the water poured on the flames, the strain on the builiing proved too much, and one of the walls fell out. Jute is the material of which our grain bags are made.

The fo lowing will play for Aehbutton First in the match v Albion on May 24, iieginning at 230 : — Backs—J, McTigue, Purchase, Freeman, Upton, Smith, and Wilson. Forwards—Hefford, Orr, Cromie, W. Thiel.-, Hobbs, Fitzgerald. Seldon, Curtis, Steward. Emergences—A. Hu ton, Conter, Jonas. The Christchurch third being unable to come up, the second match has been abandoned.

There is trouble among the musician and choristers of the Ronietn Catholic Cathedral in Wei iugtoa. The conductor, tiie organist, and some members of the choir having retited, the musical service" la-t Sunday were performed by the Sisters of Mercy. Archbishop Redwood ia absent, u.u<l *l?e ili»pute, Wllatcvoi ib Ulmy ho, arisen (■lit of aome hciion taken by the admini strator of the church in his absence. The choir is to be re-organised.

Much recrimiuation was indulged in at the list meeting of the Auckland Education Board iv reference to the travelling expenses claimed by some of the members. One gen ilemao, it appeared, drew £31 5s for attend ing 27 meeings during the past year, and two others received £19 10s each. The out come w»8 the fallowing resolution :—" That a return bo prepared showing the distance c ich member lived from the nearest railway or other means of conveyance, and the cost of conveyance to Auckland."

Those of our readers who are interested in evangelistic work will be pleased to know that no effort is being spared to make the most of the Rev D. O'Donuell's visit to A*h burton A house to house visitation, for the purpose of distributing handbills relating to tite mission, ia being made by various workers, and every evening next week special united p rayer meetings are to be held, preparatory to the opening of the mission on '••unday, 30th inst. A strong and efficient choir is also being organised.

An extraordinary case of wife selling has occurred at Irth ingborough, a shoe manu facturing village of Northamptonshire. A party of shoemakers having spent all their monny at a public house, and having nothing hanciy to dispose of to get more, one of \ them offered to sell his wife for two shillings. ;\ customer in the bar accepted the offur, and to make the bargain complete one of the men was induced to go through the streets, publicly announcing on behalf of the husband that he had *'sold and bequeathed " his wife to the purchaser, and was witness to the transaction. I

Perhaps the most remarkable evidence of the change of sentiment which is coming over France regarding England (says th« Home Neius f>f the latest date to hand) is the tribute paid by the Temps to Lord Salisbury when it says that " his mind is ore of the most masculine, his understanding one of the broadest, his reason one of the c earest and most luminous of his country and hie age."

A surgical operation of great scientific interest was performed recently at the Maritime Hospital of St. Pol-sur-Mcr, near Dunkirk. The patieut was a little girl, aged 11, who had become a hunch back as a consequenca of disease. Dr Pho'cu=*, the surgeon of tlie establishment, applied the method introduced by l)r Calotsome months ago, and carried out the opeiaiion in a most successful monner. llje child's spine was straightened, and, after the necessary stage in an apparatus for the purpose of setting the bones in their normal condition, will be entirely freed from al. disfigurement.

A remarkably idiotic act was performed by a M*ori named Pera Kanharaha at (iisborue the other morning. While clean ing oat, his qua he placed a lighted match utoiie end, an<l put the other end to his mouth to blow down it ihe more effectively to clear away any obstructions that might be iti it. The obstructionß came away all right, but not quite in the way iutendud. It unfortunately happened that there was a qu ntity of powder in the barrel, and this exploding, caused somewhat severe injuries in the operator's mouth. He was at once, taken to the hospital, and attended to by Dr Craig.

At a meeting of the Hawke's Bay Relief Committee, held ia the Council Chambers lust evening, it was decided to close the subscription lists, and forward the balance in hand to the Mayor of Napier, af-rer a few amounts outstanding have be«n collected. £100 has already been sent, and the Mayor has still in hand about £30. Messrs Rollir and Co contributed a ton of flour ; Mr J. R. Williams, of Riversdale, a ton oi potatoes ; Mr J. Thomas six boxeß of tea ; Mr R, B. Lusoombe, a bag of linseed ; and Mr Mciiae a bag of po atoes. Altogether it waa con sideied that the district's contribution was very satisfactory.

Ha'lens'ein Bros' trophy, to be shot for by the Voluoteeis on Monday, will be exhibited j in the Clothing Factory's window this even ing. It is a parlor clock, iv China, with candlesticks to mutch.

Arrangements are being made (says the Ntiu Zealand Times) for a conference of deletes from Charitable Aid Boards to !»i<et in Wellington before nt-xb session and discuss the question of charitable aid.

Archbishop Redwood, who is now in lustialia, is to b • iv Maitlaud on the 6tli June, to assist at the conatoration of Dr i>wyer as Coadjutor-Bishop of Maitland. The Archbishop will then probably leave for New Zealand.

Some half dozen of our local cyclists have decided to take a run down to Christchurch, starting to-night about nine thirty o'clock from the Post Office, and stopping for the night at, Rakaia to break the journey, a;oiog on to Christchurch in the morning. If the southerly wind continues they should have an eaby run to the ciiy of the plains.

The Rev Mr Taylor, pastor of the Wes leyun Church, proposes to preach a monthly sermon to young nvn and women, the first of which will be given in the Baring Square Church tomorrow evening. It ia to be hoped that a goodly number of young men will avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing " The preacher's counsel to the young."

The amount of work done by the Govern ment Biologist, Mr Kirk, may (says the New Zealand Times) be gouged from the fact that, on returning to the department after an absence of a few week?, he found await ing him for his opinion forty-seven packages containing bugs, grasses, a heterogeneous collection of weeds and numbers of plants.

While Mr Tom Doig's chaff-cutting ma chine waa at work at Messers Moore and Clucas' property ifc Seafield yesterday, a man named James O'Connor had a narrow escape;* from a severe accident. 16 seems O'Conftpr was engaged oiling the cutter; wheu ibmeone accidentally was the cause of the belt; moving. The man's arm juat above the wrist was severely lacerated and he had to seek professional assistance.

The following will represent the Ashburton Junior Football Olub in tne match against the Shamrock Club, Timaru, at Timaru on Monday May 24: — Madden, Baxter, Campbell, Hefford, Hepburn, C. Smith, Whitelaw, Brown, McTi«ue, W. Smith, D. Wilson, Pilbiow, Boyle, F. Wilson, Pritchard and Jonas. Emergencies—Anderson, Smith, Douglas and Bruce. They will leave by excursion train leaving Ashburton at 10.20 a.m.

Miss Barnicoat, who was the first lady shorthand-writer in this olony to undertike Parliamentary reporting, and who reported the proceedings in the banking enquiry before the Legislative Council, has left on a two-years' visit to the Metropolitan School of Shorthand in London, where she intends to get the best shorthand and mercantile training possible, and also to complete her studies in French and German, with a view to eventually taking up journalistic work Miss Barnicoat is a B. A. of New Zealand University.

A movement is being piomoted in Napier by Inap;cor Emerson to collect funds from the members of the police force in the colony for the maintenance < f the children of Ser geant O'Donovan and Constable Stephenson, who were drowned in the late disstrous ii ods. All these unfortunate children are quite young, and wiU not be able to earn their own liviog tor many years to com**. In the case of >ergeantO'Donovan's children the calamity is intensified by the addition of another domestic affliction which prac tically renders them orphans in the broader meaning of the term. Inspector Emerson's ufforrs should meet with a hearty response.

The Salvation Army people never pay fines. They " take it out." The youn^ man who was recently fined for obstructing the streets in A'hhurton was allowed time to pay, but as the army never pay, and there was never any in;en:ion to pay, he " took ib out," and Constable Pascoe took him per rail yesterday to Lyttelton to do his forty-eight hours—as it there were no gaol in Ashburton strong enough to hold the poor chap. The young man and the con stable were brass-banded, and hallelujahed, and all the rest of ir, on arrival, and pretty well all trie way to gaol, the doors of which closed on him till four o clock to-day, wheu he was to be liberated to join & great hallelujah meeting, and be the little heio of the hour, in the great farce which Salvation prosecutions for obstruction have become.

Apropos of our current note op the M Eng lish language,'' Mr VV. H. Whiting sends us a few lints, written about fifty years ago by a poet now deceased. They are as follows : Greek's a harp we love to heir ; Latin is a trumpet clear ; Spanish like an organ swells ; Italian rings its bridal beils ; France, with mauy a frolic mien, .1 unes her sprightly violin ; Loud the German rolls his drum, When Russia's clashing cymbals come ; But Bntan's sons may well rejoice, For English is the human voioe. These, with Eastern basses far, Form the world's great orchestra.

The Dresden Piano Manufacturing and Agency Company have fifty zinc-lined pitno cases for sale, suitable for coal or fi.ed b<xes. Sale price 5a each, liarly application necessary. Apply Mr J. A. X. Riedle, care H. N, Anderson, Stat oner, East Street. 5 188

Private Benefit Societies Commission.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph

DuNßniN, May 21 Mr W. Belcher, Secretary of the Seamen's Union, made a statement covering a general survey of the situation. He dealt princi pally with the early stages of the Union Company's Benefit Society, but read three statements made by men to show that com pulsion waa used. One wrote that, though a ",member of another Society, he hal been dismissed for not joining the Benefit Socie y. Another wrote that he was given distinctly to understand he must join. Another wrote

that he hid been dieeharged, and when he applied again for work was told he could get no employment as he was too old to Join the Benefit Society. A round robin against the Society, circulated before 1894, was also quoted ; abaut 300 employees had signed it. Mr Belcher aaid his belief was that the Society had been established to wipe out the Seamen's Ui|ion, and having failed, it seemed probable the Company would withdraw their subsidy. Benefit Societies allowed the Shipping Company to evade their liabilities under the Shipping an<) Seimen's Act, by which the duty of providing medical attend anpe and medicine was thrown on the owner Another witness, who did not desire his name to be given, said the Company had been paying benefits out of the Society's funds, thus evading their legal liability. Several other witnesses gave evidence sup porting the Socie'y ; one, a, member of the Committee, (.ointing out that if any large que-s ion ernie up four of the Company's nominees we>e working men, who p*id in o the >ociety, who would n-tturaLy protect their own interests and those of thsir fellow members.

COMMERCIAL

j Press Association. —By Eleotric Telegraph— J Copyright,

London, May 20 At the wool Hales, " Tauui" brand, New Zeaknd, brought 7|d,

H«smp and ny at are unchanged. The English wheat market ahows a general decline of 6d. the Continental is declining, and the American is declining and weak. C lifornian No. 1 milling 31a 6d, Russian cargoes 29a. The London quotation for No. 1 hard Duluih is 33s 6d.

Wool to-day met with an excellent sale, there being good competition all round. Prices were in favor of sellers. The Brad fo:d market ia hardening. "

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Spanish Politics. Madrid, May 20 Senor Sagasta, leader of the liberals vi the Cortes, and the members of his party, h*ve decided to withdraw their support from Government, considering the political outlook too black. The Dervishes.

Brussels, May 20. Reports from the Congo Free State state that the Dervishes inflicted a reverse upon the Belgian force under Baron de Sanis. The Belgian vanguard was defeated, five officers and twenty non commiesioned office™ being killed. Grave fears are entertained for the remainder of the force. Aliens Immigration Bill. Capetown, May 20. The Volksraad of the Orange Free State, by a snatch vote, read the Aliens Immigration Bill a first time. The Bill is similar to the measure passed by the Transvaal "Volksraad, but whicb was subsequently repealed.

Australian.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-" Copyright,

AMI*. Society. Sydney, May 21 At the A.M.P. meeting the report was adopted, and general satisfaction expressed at the progress for the year. Sir Joseph Abbott and Mr J. T. Walker were re-elected Directors, Sir Joseph Abbott suggested commemora ting the fifrieth meeting by voting £1000 from the funds towards the Jubilee Consumptive Hospital. This would only represent twopence a piece from the members. The suggestion was warmly received.

Execution. Hines was executed at Maitland; death was instantaneous.

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright,

London, May 21. The Qacen visits MitflHd in con nection with the Jubilee celebration.

Received Wakapuaka May 22, 10.10 a.m., Guardian office 11.20 a.m.

Sydney, May 22. The Cabinet adopted the following proposals for celebrating the Queen's i ecord Reign;— Dinners to the in ma'es of asylums, and other Govern ment benevolent institutions; extra supply of clothing, food, and tobacco to aboriginals; relief of destitute poor outsidfi Government institutes ; illumi nating the city, foreshores, harbor, parks, and squadron ;and the unveiling of Governor Phillips' statue. There wiil also be a monster demonstration of public school children. June 21 as well as Tpjsday has been declared a national holiday.

THE WAR IN THE EAST.

An Armistice Agreed On

The Greek Retreat from Domoko.

Particulars of the Battle

Cowardly Greeks.

Press Association -By Electric Telegraph— Copyright

Athens, May 20 An armistice for seveuteen days has been agreed upon. Prior to the issue of the proclamation the Turks had followed up their victory at Domoko by driving the retreating Greeks to the pass of Thermopylae.

May 21. From Domoko the Turks closely followed the retreating Greeks, aud cleared the Furka, Zanitzo, and other passes. The Greek officers made repeated attempts to rally their men, but all their efforts to check the dis orderly flight were in vain. The Foreign Legions, which acted as the rearguard, made a gallant attempt to check the Turkish advances, but failed, and had to give way after their com mander was killed.

The Duke of Sparta quitted the Furka Pass early in the morning, the army having virtually abandoned him. The Greek Comniander-in-Ohief vainly tried to collect the remnant of his scattered forces at Lamia. A mixed Commission of officers has been appointed to establish a neutral zone betwf en the two armies pending , the peace negotiations.

Berlin, May 20 The Politische Correspondent, a journal published here, estimates the Turkish war expenditure has totalled 36,000,000 francs. London, May 20 The Powers are considering the terms of peace demanded by Turkey. Th«y are inclined to sanction the pay ment by Greece of an indemnity of two million pounds, and to allow Turkey to retain a few strategic points on the Thessalian frontier.

Received Wakapuaka May 22, 9.50 a.m.» I Guardian Office 10 a.m.

Athens, May 21 The Greek fugitives fired at the Duke of -parta while he was trying to Stem the panic in the flight from Domoko. Ralii disagrees with the proposal to allow Turkey to retain possession of a few strategic positions in rectifying the present frontier.

The Canadian Tariff.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Ottawa, May 20 The Canadian Government has expressed its willingness to reserve the new Tariff Bill for Great Britain's assent. I

Brussblls, May 20 Speaking in the 'Jhamber of Depu ties M De Favereau, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated that the Cans-1 dian tariff would not be admissible to | Belgium, on account of its unfairness to the Belgian trade. The Govern ment would adopt means to safeguard Belgian interests.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association—Ky Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Received Wakaonak» \Ta«. 22 95 0 am., Guardian cffies 10 a.m. Spain ami the United States. Washington, Miy 21. The Senate, by 40 to 14, adopt* d m resolution according Cuba and Spain equal war rights, the United State* to r m«in neutral in the Cuban difficulty. The result of t' c division was warmly applauded in the spectators' gallery. The British Empire League. Ottawa, May 21 The Canadian brancn of theßtiiish Empire League suggests that the colonies take measures to organise & naval reserve.

THE REVOLT IN CUBA.

Press Association—By Electric Telecntiih " Copyright.

Washington, May 20 The Cuban party at Washington it strongly pressing the Government to recognise the Cuban belligerents.

The American Chamber of Com merce are petitioning the Government to take measures to secure peace io Cuba, and thereby rescue the pro perty of the Americans in Cuba from - loss, ' ..•■■■■;■ •■;:■ ■ :-- ■■

May 21 The House of Representatives baa endorsed the resolution paesed by the Senate for granting fifty thousand dollars for the relief of destitute Americans in Cuba.

The Drought in Australia.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

Sydney, May 21. The rain is fairly heavy in the coast districts, where it continues, but no thing of consequence has fallen else where. A gale is blowing, and the sea is very rough.

The Victorian Rifle Team.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka, M*y 22, 10.10 •»m. Guardian Office 11.20 a.m.

London, May 21 The Victorian rifle team has arrived in London. The team pro ceeded to Bialey, where the men will be allowed to practise at the ranges. The officials are procuring Lee MtU ford rifles for the team. The visitors will not accept any hospitalities until the Natienal Rifle Association's meet ing at Bisley is over, although they will probably appear in the record reign procession. The officers will oettainly be present.

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE CONFERENCE.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

Sidney, May 21 ! The Conference of Chambers of Commerce resolved in favor of the various Parliaments legislating to amend bills of lading and the adoption of a federal quarantine system, under which all quarantine expenses would be borne jointly by the different Govern ments. In his paper, Mr Jackson said the present system was bothersome, expensive, and not thoroughly effective, and it was unjustly severe on ship owners, who had to bear all the ex penses.

Last evening the Chambers of Commerce Conference practically con cluded. It adopted a resolution in favor of assimilating the legis lation of the various colonies relating to trade and commerce, the simplification of legal procedure, the codification of mercantile laws, thai colonial stocks be constituted trustee investment stocks under the Act, and the London Chamber be asked to assist ! in obtaining the necessary legislation for the purpose. It dec ded that the time and information available were too meagre to properly deal with the ques tion of federal finance. It appointed Special Committees in each Chamber to draw up a joint report before the Federal Convention meets. MrMeares (Christchurch) had formulated a scheme for federating the Australasian Chambers, to be submitted to the various Chambers to consider. Mr Jackson, of the Union Steamship Coin* pany, tead a paper advocating the Federal control of lighthouses.

Received Wakapuaka, May 22, 10 50 ».m., Guabdian office, 12.15 p.m.

Sydnuy, May 22 The Conference of Chambers of Commerce has resolved that the restric tions in the way of trading with the New Hebrides at present hampered British residents. The restrictions should be applied alike to aH nationali ties. The Conference strongly endorsed - the petition to the Queen adopted by the Federal Council on the subject decided in favour ot holding a regular intercolonial congress.

A Peculiar Phenomenon.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

Received Wak«puaka May 22, 10.30 a.m., Guardian office 12.15 p.m. Sydney, May 22. A peculiar phenomenon baa mani fested itself in Bathurst and Orange districts. For months there had been no rain, and the creeks and sprii-gs were dry. They have now commenced to flow, some springs spouting several feet. Water, whioh has previously been exceedingly scarce, is now super abundant. Scientists are puzzled, and Professor Daud attributes it to the drought killing all vegetation, and moisture which that absorbed when growing has augmented the under ground water supply Ha instance! several similar occurrences in Australia during severe droughts. Mr Wragge inclines to the opinion that the phenomenon is traceable to the recent earthquakes.

THE ASHBURTOft GUARDIAN t SATURDAY, MAY 22, I*9



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As we are the Largest Waterproof Gar. menfc Manufacturers in the coloay, we feel quite confident in Bayins? that our Garments tend unequalled, both iq qnntity, fin»n and price. Thoroughly waterproof ama all awn loams. N(|'-iXTRA <9IABGR fOR ' ■ WATERPROOFS MADE TO MEASURE. WA TKRPRO< >F, LEGGINGS,. OYOLING C 'P' B, BAGS, & GAPS. YARMOUTH OILSKIN COATS, LSGGING3, SOU-WESTERS, &c. HALLENSTEIi BROS. & CO. A. G. BATTON, Manager. FLAGS FOR THK DIAMOND JUBILEE. EN>IGN HANDKERCHIEFS, suitable, for Flags for the Diamond Jubilee, j including Australian Eusign, New Zealand Ensign, and the Jubilee F*ag oa Sale at 6d eaoh> 5 9 ANDREW ORR. JUST LANDED —A High-class Kid Glove, four etuds, all colors; price 4a FuUy equal to usual 5a 6d quality.—W. H. Collier. QUIET COW for Sale, to calve in two months. Apply for address at Mail Office. 5 4



AUTUMN AND WINTER SHIPMENTS—IB 97. GRAND DISPLAY. OUR PREMISES are stocked throughout with the moat COMPLETE ASSORTMENT USEFUL, SEASON ABLE, AND FASHIONABLE DRAPERY To be found in South Canterbury. Splendid Stock of BLANKETS, FLANNELS, and FLANNBLRTrES AT BED-HOCK PRICES. Ladies' and Onildren'fi MACKINTOSHES a Specialty—guaranteed to keep out the rain French and English MILLINER?, FLOWERS, RIBBONS, Ac. Handßome CAPES, JACKETS, and MANTLES. DRES>. GOODS in Endlesa Variety. Everything NEW and UP-TO-DATE, and the BEST VALUE IN THE TRADE. W. H. COLLIER, "THE COKNE K."



1 I kH id of r > *^jf &--.X ■"* g feH b?2 g S ■■- » - ' PR- I § 1-^ s f i o 11 pi r p^i H ? b z*s : Ps O 1 a jgaa |z;l P^ s I » s 5 Oi 1 ] fM M a 03 CO t_J f> B:i i 3 Si ag« m [ * B § S



ATJTUMS AND WINTER NOVELTIES. GRAND SPECIAL DISPLAY AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S. MANTLES— MILLINERY— JACKETS WATERPROOFS. CLOAKS FUR BOAS CAFES UNDERCLGTHIN3 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO LADiES,— IN PURSUANCE of oar policy in keeping our Business well to the front, we have decided to add a, FIRST-CL^SS DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT to our Establishment. We hav-^ secured the services of Miss Hill, a lady of unquestioned ability, who hrinys with her credentials of the highest order from MESSRS W. STRANGE & CO., in whose Workrooms she has been engaged for over seven years. Our object ia to supply our Customers with Stylish ami Well-made COSTUMES at a Moderate Price, and every possible effuro will be given to make our NEW DEPART vIENT an unqualified s-uocess. U c have already booked a number of Orders, and expect a very full aeaaon. Mtss Hill will be pleased to receive intending Patrons on and after FRIDAY, March 26. MITCHELL AND TURN EB, TANORED STREET;



NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS. AUTUMN AND WINTER. PRICES CUT ITO SUIT THE KEEN WEATHER AND KEENER TIMES LOOK OUT. LOOK OUT. THE CEOTKAL CASH DRAPERY AND CLOTHING MART. NEXT TO J. ORR AND CO, EAST STREET. W. S. MITCHELL GIVES THE BEST VALUE IN THE TR4DE. EVERYTHING NEW, EVERYTHING GOOD, EVERYTHING STYLISH, And of Course EVERYTHING CHEAP. DAY Cash and Save 25 per cent. Grand assortment bought at Special Rates to enables me to sustain my reputation, yet giving the TfSvv^wsl"breiw for ?he Winter, 8a 9J, worth 12s 6d. Good strong plain Homespnn 4s lid dress. Beautiful Tweeds, grand •r*lnr».a»Mt shades at 83 9d and 9s 9d full dress. All the latest Trimmings in Furs, (limps, Braids, Velvets, etc., at prices never before heTrd of? FLANNELETTES FLANNELS, CALICOS, SHEETINGS-you'll wonder at the prices No bad debts do it. Grand tektrtaer FlanneleS 4s 114 per do,. Alt'wool Flannels, wide width, 104,1 per yard AH our goods sold at price, to bring win I bJk -w/aTn Calico for the winter3s 9d per doz ; cheaper lines at from 2s 6d per doz. Double White Sheeting 10^d, cheap at la 3d. Fl« * WhSE Towli 4s lid-dMuT BLANKETS, Blankets, Blankets. White Blankets, Blue Blankets, Brown and Grey Kaiapoi B sL!to per°™t cheaper thaaPanyotL House ia New Zealand^ A grand heavy Blanket at 8* lid. Art Muslins, Cretonnes p'*W ntlß PRffKS ARK THR LOWKST—the reasons are—We Buy Cheap; we Soil for Cash Look here ! Look here ! ! SfRO "?.„% ™l P t uj a GRAND KID GLOVE, lon's and Brown's at Is lid pairf ONLY W. S. MITCHELL, East Street, HAS fTHKM newest «tyl«,S LADIES' SHOWERPROOF CLOAKS at prices 50 per cent, below aching heard of t nftln NkJJ Grlvild B^nSVd and 19a 6d, worth 308 and 358. Golf Capes, bought, to undersell any other House, save you h™£ «Js«?v fa*^?OING BTR4IGaT FOR THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART. MILLINERY, Millinery, Millinery w7u"ri"^ yha?^^o^^t atjStht trimmings a low price and guu-antee you a -aving of fallv SJjner »tonaj h^^ from Is 9d,Colo^a made^flannelsl 3""^ b"[f 14s lid Colonial twerd 25, 6d. TIES AND SCARVES-We are Heo'a White Kid Glovea and Evening Bow*, etc. W. S. MITCHELL NEXT TO .T ORB * GO,, EASU STREB*, ASHBUFTON;



Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Asliburton. SUNDAY SERVICES. May 23. 8.30 a.m.—Holy Communion. 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer. 3 p.m.—Dromore, Mr ••. A. Gates. 3 p.m.— Seatield, Mr W. Bowman-Fox. 6 30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. ''



QUEEN'S BIRTfiDAY. npHERE will be no publication of the Guakdian on MONDAY NEXT,—Her Majesty's Birthday.



Beautiful New Zealand ! The land over flowing with the buttermilk and apple-sauce of prosperity—produces anything and every thing, such ac petticoat government, un employed, and coughs and colds veritably ; bub that's not a drawback, they can be cured in every form by taking Wooes' Great Vsnvmim Cuss, jn&y23



Many Ladies complain that the IVa they have been using has neither strength nor fhvor. If they try Kozie Tea they will be satisfied. Try the No 4at 2/4, 'tis superb Kozie Tka, the beat, and yet within reach of all; Sold at 1/8, l'lO, 2/-, and 2/4— John Orr ft; Co Sole A^ats.



From the Tea Plant to the Tea Cup, nadulberatei and pure; this is KQUS i£A* JohnOrr &Co,, agents.



Good advice: Never leave home on * j mrney without a bottle of Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy, Fof «*lv by A»Ul)urtoo Prug GMfWf*