Mail Notices.

Mails for Austialian Colonies, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via Sydney and Suez, close at Auckland per Waihora on Monday, the 15th inst,, at 4.30 p.m.

DEATH.

Ruthebford—On March 12, at his residence, Willowbank Farm, fepriugburu, Jamks Rutherford. Aged 77 years.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 1897. THE FLAX INDUSTRY.

One of the most regrettable matters in connection with the industries of the Oolony is the sprious decline of late years in the production of fibre from the native flax (phormium tenax). Time was that the industry had as sumed large proportions, the fibre form ing a large item in our exports, and its preparation giving employment to thousands of hands. Indeed, in 1890 the value of the flax exported was no less than £382,000, and in that year the industry gave direct employment to 3200 men and boys, while in 1895 the export had fallen to £21,000, and of course the amount of labor employed had correspondingly fallen. This phenomenal decline may no doubt be partly attributed to the competition of other fibres such as manilla and sisal, but we fear that it is due in a very much larger degree to carelessness in manufacture, and even rascality in connection with the shipment of butts, waste, and even foreign substances as part of the contents of what purported to be bales of fibre- The fact is that what pro mised at one time to be an expanding and important trade has been killed by mismanagement and fraud, and it will require a good deal of earnest and faithful work to recover lost ground and place the industry once more on a satisfactory footing. We are therefore glad to know that the subject has been actively taken up by the Flaxmillers Association of the North Island who, assisted by a contribution of £250 from the Government, are raising a fund to enable a representative to visit the countries which produce the rival fibres of manilla and sisal, and also the centres of industry in Great Britain and the United States, with the double objeot of ascertaining precisely the nature and extent of the competi tion with whi.h Few Zealand fibre is met, and of endeavouring to secure its introduction and use in va'ious indus tries and manufactures. The gentle man who has been selected for this duty is Mr John Holmes, of Welling ton, who is possessed of large com mercial experience, and being a thorough expert in the flax trade will doubtless carry out his mission suc cessfully. Mr Holmes is just now in Ashburton and will, we hope, receive assistance from our local merchants in the project he has in hand, which is one that if successfully carried out will prove a lasting benefit to all parts of the Colony.

The "Exporters' and ■■ Importers Journal" for January gives some

interes i.igdiagraras of recent designs for

FJ-YING MACHINES.

flying machines,

The Cowdon machine consists of three cigar-shaprd p>Jinders 6Qit long, two of which are placed on ft level, and tbe third, which is midway between the two,is elevated several feet above them. The cylinders are filled with hydrogen or some similar gas, They are also telescopic, so that the manipulator is able to adjust them to any desired superficial area, and thus control the height at which the machine will float above the earth. The machine is propelled by means of screws - one forward and one aft—and the passenger carriage hangs below, Battey's machine consists of a single cigarshaped cylinder madeof aluminium. Its method of propulsion is remarkable. At the rear end is a large cup opening rearwards. Into this fall, at the rato of six a minute, pellets of nitro-glycerine from a magazine tube. As each pellet falls it closes an e'ettric circuit, and thus develops a spark which ignites and explodes it. The explosion gives a propulsive shock to the concave surface fit the pup. Then we have the Chanute machine, projpelle,d by bicycle gear, and Erickson's, which is a combination of balloon wings and cylinder, and is propelled by means of an aluminium sprew.

Local and General.

Commercial news on fourth page,

Oil is now flowing from the petroleum well at Moturoa at the rate of fifty barrels per day.

Mr Fish. M.F.R., has greatly improved In health, and he hopes to return to Dunedin ia about a moflth's time.

A man named Noah Tannycliffe, althorer, committed suicide at Makarewa on Thurs day by hanging bim&elf by his scarf from a door.

The Mataura Ensign says that this year from that district alone it ia probable upwards of a million and a half of rabbits will be exported for human consumption.

A sawyer named Nixon was seized by an aUigat,«>r ya theMossman River, Queensland. The .man struggled ashore, two of his ribs being broken, while he was badly batten.

A method has been recently discovered by whwh aea water can be made fit to drink. The water ia forced under pressure through a rilter consisting of the trunk of a tree about 15ft long. It is drjypn lengthwise through the pores of the wood, and in three snjnutes, at most, issues from the end of the trunk in thin streams, when it is found to be free fro*» s*lt and suitable for drinking.

We learn from the Tyftelfon Times that the final selection of members of the (Garjterbury Yeomanry Cavalry to undergo training, with the view of joining the detachment to be sent Home to take part in the record reign celebration, has resulted in Corporal Haydon and Troopers Dampier-Crossley, Cardale and W. Parsons being chosen. They will leave Lyttelton for Wellington by the s.s. Pengu.in thia evening.

We learn from Mr Zander that Mr White, who has just been appointed manager of the Bgrrytown Golduiining .Company, was for aiglit years manager of the United Hercules j I Company's ipipe af Roxburgh, and during i '*• tikm gave great satisfaction. The tbau - -*•« 0 £ tfefi £*rry town Qonspany $re shareholcit..- "-*••«. o„'haying secured &,he to be congratuia^ ''- *«©getpn,b a man. services of so thoroughly .. - ifae |?ost- A letter has been received iron. -Mv master-General, intimating that a bi-we__., mail service will be at once established be- j. tween Greymouth and Barrytown, connect- j ing with the Greymouth coaoheg, j

Rev. Mr Hamilton and Mrs Hamilton were passengers for Wellington by the Talune yesterday. The Rev. gentleman is taking a much needed holiday, his work having been incessant for years.

A four-roomed house, furniture, and effects, the property of Margaret Cronon, near Rakaia, was destroyed by fire on

Wedo sday night. The houae was insured for £100, and the furniture for £50, the office at present being unknown. Dr Nansen. the arctic explorer, and wife a

are iv London, guests of Sir George Baden- Powell, who gave a dinner and reception in their honor on February 3. It is under stood that the Cambridge University will confer an honorary degsee on the doctor.

The anniversary sermon, in connection with the Baptist Church are to be preached at the Tabernacle to-morrow, and in order not to clash with the Bible Society's meet ing the tearmeting, which was advertised for Thursday next, is postponed till Thurs day, April Ist. The Press says that on Wednesday, during the flood in the south branch of the Waimakariri, Mr J. Johns, of Styx, had a small mob of fifty-one merinos surrounded by the flood water on an island, and it is feared that most of the sheep were drowned, aa several of them were seen floating down the river. A.t a special meeting of the Fire Brigade on Friday evening, the captain presiding, the business to come bafore the annual conference at Port Chalmers was discussed, and the mind of the brigade on the various questions was taken for the guidance of the delegate, Captain Fooks. The motions dealt mainly with competition rules and detail matters of brigade work. Ellen Sullivan, 16 years of age, died in the Wangaratta Hospital the other day from irritant poisoning. Deceased was in service and ate half of a kippered herriog that was left in the tin after supper on the preceding night. The cause of the internal pains whioh supervened during the day was not known until late in the evening. Remedies were applied, but the girl did no. recover. Tinned meats should always be turned out of the tin when opened.

An unfortunate resident of the Aehburton ! county has received a notification from the " Carjada United SUtes, West Indies, Sou' h America, Africa, and Austra'asia" Collect ing Association that unless he pays £1 within seven days from March 3, the results will be something fearful. The embarrass ing part of the business is that the victim does not know who is the claimant, as the curious document referred to bears no name, and he cannot call to mind owing exactly £1 to anybody. A very few days will see the completion of work, now going on in East street, of fixing the new hydrants. When all is finished last street will have three hydrants for the attachment of hose by which long stretches of the street can be played upon, and the supply can be used, if need be, for watering the street, as well as for fire prevention purposes. The supply is, of course, from the Domain, via the stand-pipe service, acd the main pipes were laid down last winter by the unemployed.

A dray loaded with grain and drawn by four horses had an exceedingly narrow escape this morning. It was being taken over the crossing in Havelock street just as the Mount Somers train was coming in. The leaders had crossed the line when the driver saw the approaching train, and realised the position. In ihe excitement he dropped his whip, and finding he could not get over, pulled hard on the leaders and succeeded in getting them off the line just as the train rushed past, within a yard or so of their heads Not only the driver of the dray, but the onlookers, had a few seconds of keener excitement than is usual to the dwellers in this peaceful county. Mr R. Murray, who has a high reputation as au apple grower, has a remarkably good crop this year of his better class of apples. This morning he brought down several samples of the Peasgood Nonsuch, taken at haphazard from one of his tree?. One of them is just under a pound in weight, but this tcale record is not unusual with the Pea good, and Mr Murray will have many this year equal to and over thi3 weight. The flavor of this apple is superb, but its great value as a fashionab c dessert ia its coloring. One of the samples is most exquisite in this respect, delicate in the chrome tint of its body color, and finely mottled in pale rose color. The mottling is very regular, and altogether the coloring is chaiming indeed. Holloway's Pills.—The ills of life are increased tenfold by the mode of Ife so many have to lead ; most especially is this the case amongst the toilers in our factories and huge workshops of the manufacturing districts whose dgestions beoome impaired and n rvous systems debilitated by the protr .cted confinenient and enforced depriva tion of healthy out.of-door exercise. The factory workers pay almost be said to have diseases of their own, r adily amenable, however, to treatment if not allowed to proceed unchecked. Holloway's Pills are j the most effectual remedy ever discovered | tor the liver and stomach complaints, as they act surely, but gently, regulating the secre tions without weakening the nerves or interfereiug with the daily work.

Interprovincial News.

Gold Dredging'

Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph Dunedin, March 13 The Clyde Dredging Company reports 68 ounces for the week.

THE INSURRECTION IN CRETE.

Greece and the Powers.

The Greefe Fleet Withdraws

(Received Wakapuaka March 13, 9.44 a.m., Ouardun office 10.20 a,m.)

A^jjens, March 12 The Admirals of the foreign fleets have discovered that Reineck, the Greek naval commander, abstained from warning the Cretan insurgents that the ships of the powers would bombard their camp if they threatened Canea. The insurgents were unaware that autonomy had been promised to Crete.

London, March |2

The Vienna correspondent of the Times states that the Powers intend to adhere to their programme in regard to the blockade of Crete as the chief means of compelling Greece to with draw. According to the Athens co-respon dent of the Times the Greek Govern ment considers the chief danger to Greece lies in the situation on the Turkish frontier. ' ■

(Received Wakapuaka, March 13, 9.44 a.m; * Guardian Office 10.50 a.m. ; ' Athens, March 12. The Greek feet has virtually with drawn from Crete.

! The Greek Government have revised their demands in reg-ird to Crete. They have agreed to the Greek military acting under the ofiicers of the powers, but require a plebiscite of the Cretans to be taken at the end of three months to determine the form of Government to be established. They also demand that the Powers compel Turkey to withdraw from Crete and from the GU>eek frontier 1. The' Cretan jtns^rgent chiefs have , informed the ' Admirals thai; jfchey I willingly accept the autonomy, 'fhe Moslems fn Crete are appealing to the! Powers for facility t$ emigrate^ from tk§ I.fland.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—

Copyright,

Indian Famine Fund. London, March 11 The Indian F»min« Relief Fund

amounts to £411,000 The t_ueen contributed an additional £500. The Alaska Treaty. Washington, March 11 The Senate has recommended that the Alaska Boundary Treaty be rati fied without amendment. Burned to Death. London, March 11. Mrs Dale, widow of the late Rev Dr Dale was burned to death at Bath, while reading in bed. Slavery. The Royal Niger Company has succeeded in abolishing slavery in the 'territory under its control. The French in Africa. Paris, March 16. The French forces in Dahomey seized Busa, a town in Western Soudan, situated on an island in the Niger river. The French now claim the whole west bank of the Niger. Madagascar. The French authorities in Madagas car have exiled Queen Raljiavalona to the island of Reunion.

Australian.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-

Copyright.

The Rabbit Pest. Sydney, March 12

At a Conference of pastoralists to discuss the proposed Babbit Destruc tion Bill, the Minister of Lands stated the Government had expended over £831,000 in attempts to exterminate the pest, and nearly 1000 miles of wire proof fencing had been erected.

The Salvation Array

The Salvation Army, in connection with rescue work, has purchased a model lodging-house, which for sotn time had been a non-paying concern.

The Elder Bequests.

Adelaide, March 12

Sir T. Elder bequeathed £154,000 to charitable and philanthropic organisa tions.

The Elder bequests are free of duty bringing the total up to £170,000 The bequests are divided as follows:— Mtdical School (Adelaide University) £20,000, O.iair of Music (Adelaide Universe) £20,000, Adelaide Univer sity £25,000, Adelaide Art Gallery (fo be spent wholly in pictures) £25,000, Prince Alied College £4000, Anglican Cathedral, £4000, Presbyterian Church (South Australia) £6000, to found a Workmen's Home £25,000, and £25,000 (in sums ranging from one to two thousand) amongst local Hospitals at>d * charitable and educational institutions. Missing' Prospectors. The evidence is strengthening that the skeletons found are those of two prospectors not of the missing members of. the Calvert expedition. The search is being continued

Sensational Robbery at Coolgardie. Perth, March 12.

A sensational robbery has occurred at Coolgardie railway station; £1159 in notes and gold was stolen. It was a hot night, and the stationmaster left the window open, his trousers, in which was the key of the safe, being within reach. The Rocket Accident. , /fcBANY, March 12 Oliver, the man who was injured by the rocket accident on board the steamer McGregor, is dead.

The "New Australia" Settlement.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Copyright.

Brisbane, March 11

The British Consul at Asuncion intimates that, owing to internal dis sension, the Paraguyan Government will wind up the affairs of the New Australia Settlement Company, and divide the assets among all the members.

THE NOTORIOUS BUTLER.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

(Received Wakapuaka, March 13,10.30 a.m., GuABpiAN office IJL.S a nj.)

San Francisco, March 12

Butler appealed against his extra dition on the ground that a British ship was equivalent to British Tprrjtory b'jit the Circuit Court refused to enter tain t\xe appeal. Butler has now applied to the Supreme Court.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association—By J_lectrip Telegraph Copyright,

(Received Wakapuaka March 13, 10.10 a.m., Guardian Office, 11.5 a.m.)

The <[ueen and President Fanre

Paris, March 12

The meeting between the Queen and President Eaure at Noisyleses, five miles from Paris was extremely cordial.

Australia.

Methodist Union.

Melbourne, March 13.

The Wesleyan Conference by 157 votes to 98 adopted a resolution in favor of lfethodist tlnion, but as the majority was below the required two thirds, the resolution was declared to be lost.

Collision with m Iceberg-.

Sydney*' March 13.

The German ship Lika from Brazil to Newcastle has put in here for re pairs. During a dense fog on Febru ary 24th she crashed into an immense iccb?^. the force of the impact causing very great damage to t_e vessel,

The Federal Convention.

Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph — Copyiight.

(Reoeived March 13, 10,20 a.m.)

Sydney, March 13

Mr Reid has received wires intima ting that the South Australian and Tasmsnian Executives have adopted the necessary minutes, fixing the meet ing of the Federal Convention for the Adelaide House of Parliament on the 22nd inst.

Hampstead Town Board.

The monthly meeting of the Hampstead Town Board was held last evening. Present— Messrs Maynard (chairman), Mahood, Hendry, Mo_lrea, Pickford, and J. W. Hardley.

VALUATION,

The Valuer-General notified that the new valuation would not be available for next year's rating.

THIRDS.

The Chief Surveyor applied for particulars of expenditure of thirds received by the Board during 1896 7. —Ordered to be furnished.

BY-LAWS.

The Tinwald Town Board requested to be supplied with a copy of the Hampstead by-laws.—The clerk stated that he had forwarded a copy, at the same time inform ing the Tinwald Board that the Hampstead Board was about to consider the question of amending them

BBSICWATION.

Mr E. J. Stillwell wrote tendering his resignation as a member of the Board on account of hie leaving the district, whioh was accepted, and the Returning Offioer was ordered to hold an election to fill the vacancy. __

SMALL BIRDS.

The Ashburton County Council wrote, stating that their subsidy was available all the year round, txcept during the months that poisoned grain is laid, and requesting the Town Board not to discontinue payment for eggs and heads.—lt was stated that the Town Board had not been paying for eggs, and the clerk was directed to reply that the Board consider the destruction of small birds entirely a matter for the County i Council to deal with, but will be. glad to assist if the Council is prepared to pay the whole cost.

markey's bridge,

The Ashburton County Council wrote, acknowledging receipt of copy of the Town Board's resolution in reference to this matter, and forwarded their solicitor opinion on it. The question was fully dis cussed, and the Board was of one opinion aa to the course to be pursued, subject to their solicitor's advice, which the clerk was directed to obtain and submit to the Board in a fortnight.

MISCELLANEOUS.

The clerk was instructed to call the atten tion of the County Engineer to an overflow from the water race in Princess Str«;er.

The ranger was instructed to ascertain the names of persons removing soil from Princess street and other localities. Also to request a ratepayer to trim up some trees overhanging the beach road.

BYLAWS,

The ohairmm, Messrs Mcßirea, Hardley, and Mahood were appointed a Committe to revise the by-laws and report to the Board.

RATES.

It was resolved that 10 per cent, be added to all rates not paid by the 26th inst,, and that defaulters after that date be sued. The Board then adjourned.

The Kinetoscope.

As the kinetoscope and phonograph season closes to-nigh^, we would advise a 1 who have not yet. seeu and heard these wonderful machines, on no account to allow the oppor tunity to pass. The management is in receipt of new scenes and records per 'Frisco mail, which were avaUable today. Among these are the Butteifly dance, in which a danseuse is seen perf /rming in the graceful mazes of a skirt dance to the accom paniment of suitable music which ia heard as plainly as the movements of the dancer are seen. Then there is a scene in the interior of a coachbuilder's forge, the work men being ssen busily engaged at the forge and anvil, and another from the opera of " The White Flag 1' in which all the charac ters on the stage are seen marching on and off and going through their several parts as realisticaly as if the spectators were in the opera house itself. There are also a number of new phonograph records, among which visitors should hear one of a performance by Mr Llewellyn Owen's Estudiantina Band, and another of Mr Kersel's song, " Scotland Yet." Altogether the exhibition is a most interesting one, a°d those who have not visited it should make a point of doing bo this evening, which will be the last oppor tunity, as Mr Coiquhoun goes on to Timaru on Monday.

The Accident in the Tunnel.

The Inquest

We are indebted to to-day's Press for the following report :— An inquest was held yesterday at the JVJitre Hote+j Lyttelton, before Mr H. W. Bishop, Coroner, on the body of Alexander McLellan. Mr N. C. Schumacker was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Peter Keller, hotelkeeper at Winslow, deposed to knowing deceased for about ten years. Deceased was a passenger by the excursion train from Ashburton. Witness and his wife and daughter were also pas sengers, Qn the return journey witness's daughter 4told her Vnotheri that when they entered the tunnel deceased was standing on the platform of the carriage they were in, and when they got out of the tunnel he had disappeared. In response to witness's signal the guard c une through the train. They were paen between Heathcote and Wooiston, and witness told the guard What he sua* pected. The guard reported the matter at Wooiston and Christchurch.

Alexander Thompson, Winslow, deposed to travelling by the train. Saw deceased at Lyttelton. He had three drinks. Witness thought they were ohandy-gaff. Saw him abojit eight minutes, before the train left Port. He was then sober.

William Bachelor, guard of the excursion train, deposed that when the train was between Heathcote and Wooiston the witness Keller told witness a man who had been on the phtform at Lyttelton was not there when they got out of the tunnel. Witness reported the matter to the station masper at- Wooiston. reported the matter to the stationrpaßter at Christchurch.

To the Foremin —The train was nqt over crowded, as half the people had left the train at Christchuroh. Passengers were cautioned against standing on the platform, but would insist on standing there.

Dr. T. W. Pairman deposed to examining deceased soon after he was found. There was hemorrhage from the left «ar, showing fracture of the base of the brain, an indent of the frontal bone, and other smaller wounds about the head. The wounds were sufficient to cause death.

_, C* Maeintyre, stabionraaster, Lyttelton, deposed to searching the fccmnel and finding the body. The Wooiston and Opawa station masters had no communication by telephone or telegraph with Christchurch or Lyttelton, and consequently the one at Wooiston was unable to stop the 5.15 train leaving Lyt telton. Thia train passed through after the man fell oft*. T_e Wooiston -tatiomhaater did all he could, namely, sent a man hack at once, _ J , , A verdict was returned—" That deceased was accidentally killed by falling off the train " A r der was added urging upon the railway ahithoritie. tha advisability of con necting by'telephone those" stations on the line at present unconnected;,

THE BREACH OF PROMISE.

Verdict for £70,

The following is the conclusion of our report:—

John Smart Watts was the next witness. 'Tc said he was employed at the Commercial Hotel in the stables. Knew both parties to this sui', and met Mahoney at Dore's after Miss Allman had goue to be his housekeeper. .Said to him he ought to consider himself lucky to get a giil like Miss Allman to be housekeeper. Mahoney said he thought he ought to be. Miss Allman had b. en a fellow servant with witness at Drummond. re freshment rooms. He began the conversa tion just mentioned by saying he believed Mahoney had gob an old sweetheart of his | down there.

Albert Mulford, engine-driver, had known Miss Allman for two years. She lived near his place at the Beit. After she went to be housekeeper to Mahoney, the latter came to Miss Allman's house for furniture. Thil would be a month or six weeks after she went to E gin. Had a conversation with Mahoney, in the course of which he asked for an arm chair. Witness said he could have it, and added that he ought to take the lot and gee married to the girl. Mahoney said it was too early. Witness replied he ought to fix it up as people would only talk. Had frequently seen the two driving to> gefcher. He seemed to pay great attention to her, as if he could not de enough for her. By Mr Wilding—The whole thing waa • piece of chaff on witness's part, and he sup posed M <honey took it as such. Mary Jane Mulford had aeen the two driving out, and they seemed a very happy couple in the beginning, Was down at Mahoney'b house towards the end of the year, but Miss AUman did not seem happy then, and Mahoney spoke roughly to her. Mrs Forsyth, Elgin, remembered a con versation she had had with Mahoney, a fortnight after Miss Allman oame. He said she was a regular godsend. Had often asked Mahoney afterwards about her, and he always said she was a godsend. After the row between Mahoney and Miss Allman witness asked what was the matter, and he said, *' Bother the women." Witness said she had always be_h a •• godsend M before j what was the matter now? He answered that he did not think Miss Allman would be fit for harvest. This was the case L r the plaintiff. Mr Wilding submitted that there was no case to go before the jury. The main facts founded on hid not been corroborated, and it was no corroboration of plaintiffs statements that defendant had not denied them. The circumstances under which Miss Allman had made the charges against Mahoney in Pro* theroe's presence were such that no sensible man would do other than remain silent. The woman had just taken poison, and was in a greatly exoited condition. Mr Wilding quoted authorities to show that such silence as Mahoney bad maintained was no corro boration of the statements "made by Miss Allman. Nor had there been any proof of breach of the promise. Since the rupture on January 6 the woman had not spoken to the man. Addressing the jury, Mr Wild ing aaid this was the firsfc breach of promise case that had been tri d in Canterbury in

sixteen yeara, and oer'oainly the first in Ashburton. This said t. good deal for the ladies of Canterbury. I. had remained for his friend Mr Donnelly to bring the "maiden" breach of promise before the Courts, and for himself (Mr Wilding) to defend it. Tha onus of proof in the most trivial cases rested with the plaintiff, but specially so in breach of promise cases, in which the plaintiff could not succeed unless the plaintiff's statements were supported by independent testimony. The reason for this was obvious The mar riage contract was unlike any other. A man may enter into almost any other con tract, and if unsatisfactory could pass it on to somebody else more foolish than himself. But if he married an unsatisfactory wife— God help him. Mr Wilding went at. some length into the law as between man and woman in the matter of seduction, and asked the jury to dismiss the seduction matter from their minds as they were not trying Mahoney for seduction. He dwelt for some time on the grosßneas and improbability of Mi-.s Allman's story, and went od to say that . the lady, who was no chicken, was more in love with the fat acres of Wakanui than with the person of Michael Mahoney.. He > reviewed the evidence of the witnesses for the plaintiff, and the whole circumstances of the trouble on January 6, the cause of which he attributed to the jealousy Of a slighted woman. The poison incident he believed to be nothing but a cooked up story. If it were true, then the poison should have killed the plaintiff seeing that she bad swallowed as much corrosive sublimate as would kill a horse. After some further argument he called, Michael Mahoney, who said he had been on the Elgin farm sijr. years. Knew the plaintiff who had told him that seventeen years ago she had been dismissed from a situation at Maronan for tampering with spirits. Her story as to seduction was. absolutely untrue His late wife was a Protestant, and he was a Catholic. The children were brought up as Protestants. The purchase of his farm had been facilitated by his late wife's money. When his wife died he applied to a registry office for a housekeeper, and Miss Allmaq was sent. Had only one child with him when Miss Allman came, the others being away. Miss All man's statement as to his asking her to marry him a fortnight after the death of his wife was altogether untrue. The two men on the farm slept in a wkare opposite Miss Allman's bedroom. The story of the seduc tion was untrue from beginning to end. Plaintiff did not cook well, and as the men complained of the food she supplied, he called in Frank Quigley to talk to her about it. Had no improper relations of any kind at all with her; never made love to her at at all; had played cards with her at times. She liked cards. She spent a good deal of time at cards, and read fortunes with them! There was' a change in his conduct 1 towards the woman at the end! of the year? and he avoided being alone with her.' They had hardly been on speaking terms for four months. She Wanted to* go to town on January €j. He objected because it was harvest time, but ultimately con sented to her going, and sent Frank Quigley to diiye her in. When the trap came shi) would not go into jt. Witness made her go into the trap, and she was driven away. Opposite Protlieroe'a she threw herself out of ihe trap. There was no great roughness used, towards her in putting her into the trap, but she picked up a boulder to throw at him, and a gum Btick to hit him witb. Iv the poitoniug incident, when he heard Miss Allman say poison he became anxious about his daughter, and asked excitedly where she was. She was at school. Did not believe that Miss Allman had taken poison, but thought, if she had, she would be better, in the hands of the police than'ii. his, rtnd' he was anxious to get her away! Heard her remarks about living with him liis wife, but did not think fit to deny them, because he had heard of some extraordinary things she had said, and was not astonished. Witness went over all the circumstances of the journey into town. Was quite pleased with the way Miss Allman conducted herself in the beginning, but afterwards when her failure as a cook was made so patent he was not pleased. By Mr Donnelly—lt did not take him long to find out that she could not cook, and she was only learning to bake. Fancied that ahe had other deoigps. tha?} being a servant, and he iyent .out of ith_ house at night to avoid her company and her importunities. • ; Joseph Stephens, blacksmith, said that after the poisoning incident, he was in front

of his shop repairing „ trap when Miss Allman came past. She said her boss had not treated her nicely; !> He replied that she was looking very well: on it, and >a he answered that he would get his deserts. She said she did not love him, and he asked why she allowed him to sleep with her thW She answered that she thought she was going to gets a Jiaßie.-— $y 3(r' DbnfcelljM Mahoney was a medium customer 6j his, and hid lent him £!?9 soma years "ago','but ha owed him no niotiey how. " * ,l '*»

Mrs Francis Cass knew the plaiutif slightly before she went to Mahoney's, and visited her there afterwards. Always asked how she got on with Mick, aud she replied .. - _ -_.. »_..ij „-,j, to j b j, fn- a hef.tur maata-. MDb auu uuuiu v., ...... ... .... .. A> ked about how he behaved when he had a few glasses, she replied that he went straight to bed. Saw her after the poisoning case, cvheh Bhe told witness what Mahoaey had done. Asked if the "Utile |irl'wai Oxmih'. and she said the was, but wan Mleep *fc m

fllte ASHBOftTQN GrtiABDIiUS: SATtJKDAY, MAKCtt 18, 189f a



Business Notices LOOK OUT. G. J. NEILL —IS SELLING-* Table Damask at Is per yard 'I will Sheeting, 2 yards wide, white or grey, 9-|d Turkish Towels, 6d each Cretonne 3|d Flannelettes, 2s lid per dozen G. J. N EILL I s S EL™~ Men's Heavy Tweed Suits at 21s 6d, wonderful value Boys Suits, 4s lid Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Nail SHOOTERS 7s lid. Women's SHOES,4. lid | Men's BLTJOHERS 4s lid. Women's Lace SHOES 4s lid The Cheapest Boots in Ashburton an? to b© got at G. J. NEILL'S, tRIEDLANDER'S OORNER, EAST STREET. 11 RANGES _B__MrSS^_^ r^___t__^l_i ■IHlH_l______-ll__-MW^ I iffln IN IMMENSE VARIETY, and -T ARC-E STOCKS 0 WNS, OARtBIDGBS.- AND AMMUNITION OF ALL KINDS. FEEDERS AND FIRMRONS, LAMPS, BEDSTEADS, Km JOHN ORR & CO. SHEARMAN BROS., TITB Have just landed the following Seasonable Goods :— •fl f\ Cases Prime Ling Fish 1 / \ XX) • Cases Prime Ling Fi.h J-^ 5«""a Bea8ea "Royal" Freeh Herring ~. fasea "Royal" Fresh Herrings *S 5 Cases Herrings in Tomato Sauce R Cases Herrings in Tomato Sauce *s 5 Cases "SUvocea" Smoked Haddocks c Cases "Silvocea" Smoked Hadd cks *J 5 Cases "Royal" Kippered Herrings fZ Cases "Royal" Kippered Herrings tJ sCaeea Fresh Salmon (Cocktail Brai.d) J^ Cases Fresh Salmon (Cocktail Bran J) *J 3 Cases Fresh New Zealand Mulletc Q Cases Fre«h New Zealand Mullett *J 3 Oases Maconochiea Spiced Herrings O Oases Maconochiea Spiced Herrings O TEA. Til TEA. ORANGE PEKOE, CEYLON TEA, in .lb and lib Packets, 51b and 101b Tins. <5-.v A-Mita for Ticer Blended Teas. Goods delivered daily. Customers waited upor far<>^ Bt^lsii» Ashburton for Groceries, Ironmongery, Crockery anc ~~ SHEARMAN BROS., MARKET HOUSE. Telephone 53



Business Notices I GBAND SHOW OF | NEW GOODS AT THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. ■ /-\UR MR HENDRY has returned from Dunedin with the CHOICEST LOT OF NEW GOODS ever seen in Ashburton. NEW HATS NEW SHIRTS NEW TIES HALLENSTEIN BBOS. Si § J* "^ U-J In- ■___%» W ~ __ r_^ W ° g r^j £ | » (-HI ° s a fcH 8 ° © g_ 2 © c. S ___ tf » 1_ o Ol P ss§ B§g K*g M _i»s^s s g pqg i ßj__i§S| Pa 6 _ISQO a -° £_ _" S__ & &° *_*£ H Hg i 1s"-H & Cv « © . a its Ph r—' Church Services. q!TTt~E.P HEN'S CHURCH £) Ashburton. SUNDAY SERVICES. 8.30--Early celebration of Holy Com munion—Rev. J. Blftckburne. 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer—Rev. J. Black burns. .„ _ ~ 3 p.m.-Dromore~Mr W. Bowman-Fox. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer—Mr H. Aling ton. _______—___■____■__—- mm WANTED Known—What the people say. That Andbbw Orb has the i largest and beat assorted Btock of Boots in Canterbury. _JLif? WH A I everybody says must Jbe true You get wonderful value for Iltte fcj money at Mb__or's.



MEN'S AND BOYS' ~~ HATS. HATS. HATS. DOZEN FELT HATS ALMOST GIVEN AWAY. A GRAND°' SUCCESS. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S '■ "TIABRTO AND PRINT SALE being such a Grand Success, we have decided to ho FOR TWO WEEKS, A GREAT HAT SALE. p?r\ DOZEN MEN'S. Kf\ DOZEN BOYS'. Men's Soft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 5s Boys' Soft Felt Hats Is 6d, worth 3s 9rl Men's Soft Felt Hats 3s 6d, worth 6s 6d , Boys' Soft Felt Hats 2s Gd, worth 4s 9d ; Men's Soft Felt Hats 4s Gd, worth 7s 6d < Ufan's Soft Felt Hats 5s 6d, worth 8* 9d J Men's Soft Felt Hats 6s 6d, worth 103 bd ■ Men's Soft Felt Hats 8s 6d, worth 12s 6d EVERY AETIOLB in the o_th_« *»* «-~ «^ <*** »° ""^"" M~ *" the NEW GOODS expected b, the __ * «* month ; ._to the balance of genera! Draper, .11! weep before the New Season's Goods arrive, be still further reduced, ao as to make a clean r ~ .-. , i ■**• double Prints, Brilliants, Cambrics from 3s lid per dozen, -0r... - __ n< ha!f price j Flannelettes for Dressing Gowns and Home Blouses 4s lid do_«. ' _„ _^ ha |f cosfc | Trimmed and untrimmed Hats, Aprons, Blouses, Veilings, Ribbons, e„., i BOOTS AND SHOES—the Best value in the trade DON'T FORGET THE GREAT HAT SALE AT MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S, THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART, NEXT TO J. OBR fe CO., BAST STREET, ABHBURTON,



From all accounts Qhamberjlain's "pough Remedy is a godsend to the afflicted. There is no advertisement about this • we feel just like saying it.—T/ie Dmocral, Carrollton, Ky. For 6ij,le by AsipoaxoN Drug COM PANY. ' "!i" ;



I sesv„.— ) ''-mtuingmmNm Vsnus, [ fragrant and Invic/v...



S«nt it to llin Hoslier ia tteritiuny Mr Jacob Esbensen, who is in the employ of the Chicago Lumber Co., at Dcs Moines, T... . . ■ *T have iust sent some mediciue _owa, says: _ . back to my mother in the t>ld Country, that i I know from personal use to be the best fnedicihe m the syorld for rheumatism, having used it: in uiy family for several years. It' ia called Chamberlain's Fain Balm. It always does ths work.' For sale by A6#9URTON VXWQ COM?MY.