Mail Notices.

Mails f >r Fiji close at Auckland at 4 p.m., on Friday, sth insfc.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 1897. COAL.

YVa in New Zealand are never weary of advocating the development of our mineral resources. As a matter of fact we do not know what) they are. There are thousands of acres of our mountain lands which toot of man has never trod, and we know no more about what lies buried in the bosom of those hills than do those who have never seen them. We have tickled the surface of some of them, and as a result have found, amongst other things lots of coal. Some of ib is of the best quality in the world, as witness the little incident at Apia in Samoa, when, thanks, as much, or more, to the superiority of Westport coal, aa to the ex cellence of the engines made by Rennie, of Glasgow, Captain Kane, was able to steam out of the harbor with his now historical Calliope in the teeth of» hurricane and reach the open sea and safety, while the German and United States warships, unable to face the storm, and stem the waves that dashed with hurricane foroe upon the Samoau coast, piled their wreckage upon the rocks,, and hundreds of their crews lost the number of their mess. That incident established the reputation of West port coal as a rapid and 1 abundant steam producer, while our house wives and cooks have long ago borne testi mony to its value in the kitchen as a quick I fuel when used by itself, and as a satisfactory medium or slow fire when used mixed with lignite of the Canterbury hills. Our parlour fires can also bear evidence to its warming influence, especially when lignite is burned with it. AH this is very nice, but even yet we I do not fully understand the wealth we possess in our coal measures. Indeed, it will be years, perhaps, before we do. Great Britain j is at present so far as is known the greatest' coal-producing country in the world, but the figures given below show that every year the miners are cutting the very heart out of , the Old Country, and the time rr.uafe come when the great gaps they are making in her bosom will demand refilling—with what? Shall it be the water of the German and Atlantic oceans, when the surface has caved : in, and let cur kindred down into depths unknown? The subject is too alarming for us to speculate on, but when 189| millions of tons of the heart of Great Britain are burned every year, one begins to wonder how long the grand old islands will last at such a rate? Mr Simpson, a well-known authority on coal mining, shows how, during the present cen tury, the output of coal in Great Britain has increased by leaps and bounds. He regards it as a triumph of engineering skill, and nobody will gainsay that, but mean while the British people are gradually burn ing away their country, and the quantity of coal dug out of the bowels of British earth every year must in time leave a terrible void. The digging of coal in the Old Coun try has, aa has been said, gone on with leaps and bounds during the last century, and Mr Simpson's figures to prove that statement are as follows :—

To illustrate the magnitude of the t<*tal out pub in Britain for 1895, it may be stated that if this quantity were put into 10-ton trucks and placed on a railway, they would reach two and a-half times round the world.

Local and General.

Sims Reeves has been declared a bankrupt. Commercial news and market reports on the fourth page,

We are glad to learn that Mrs Hal!»Jones is rapidly recovering.

The rumour is gaining ground in Welling ton that Mr R. O. Bruce will contest the Suburbs seat,

In moving about from one place to another the people of England spend about £150,000 a day.

Mr Fish, M.H.R., who recently under went an operation in Melbourne is reported to be progressing satisfactorily.

Shares in the Mount Morgan silver mine have lately changed hands at £3 5s each. This makes the capital value of the mine £3,250,000.

The formation of an Amazon volunteer corps is a probable result of the excellent shooting by the ladies &t the Rifle Associa tion meeting at Auckland.

A Wellington telegram says that the Law Society is taking action against a country solicitor, who is to be called on to answer an accusation of misappropriating the funds of a client.

At a great sale of thoroughbred stock held recently in America, the Euglishrbred stallion Order, by Bend Or—Angelica, was sold for £5200, while St. Blaise's full brother Candlemaa, realised £3000.

"The trouble with so many of the young men of this day and age," remarked old Uncle Sagely, " is that they think there is a patent on work, and they are afraid of get ting into trouble if they use it."

The homestead portion of the Horsley Downs estate, recently acquired by the Government, has been cub up into farms ranging from 50 to 450 acres. They will be open for selection tpwarda the end of April.

The Sixtieth anniversary of the Queen's reign will fall on Sunday, June 20. The Court functions in connection with the celebration are to commence on the follow ing day and are expected to last through the week. The Queen will remain at Bucking ham Palace two days, and the thanksgiving service in Westminster Abbey will most likely be held on the Tuesday.

-"•Hitnfio poisoning case has occurred at „ , , l" Vaiap, named Frederick Smith, Colchester. - r~MM attendant in the employed as resiuo. n ia the town, house of an invalid clergyirw ..» in ' formed an attachment to a housemaiu

Colchester Asylum. He asked permission to live out, as he was anxious to marry, but the family deemed it best for him to leave if he took such a step. On learning this, Smith swallowed rat poison, and died in the hospital of the institution where his sweetheart is employed,

The Waimate Rifles secure the first prize (£18) for volley and independent firing, the Timaru Rifles second prize (£l2), and the Timaru Navals third prize (£8 15). The scores of the competing corps are as follows : Waimate Rifles, 31 men firing, average volley firing 18 41, independent 20*19; Tima"ru Rifles, 50 men, 16 81, and 19-83; Timaru Navals, 53 men, 1370, and 16.56 ; Temuka Rifles, 30 men, 13-06, and 15*30; Ashburton Rifles, 49 men, 11-73, and 15-89; C Battery, N.Z. A, 51 men, 7-33 and 958.

A remarkable incident recently occurred at the Bristol Post Office, and what is more, it is a story with a moral. Some time a^jo a letter containing a cheque for upwards of £300 was posted to a gentleman's business address in the city, and although there was proof that it was delivered the same even ing, the addressee complained that the important missive had not reached him. Subsequently, however, it occurred to him, that as his business premises were infested with rats, and as everything put through the aperture in the door, ia the absence of a letter-box dropped to the floor, the postal j authorities might not after all be respon -1 sible for the strange disappearance of the letter, A search which he instituted was completely successful. On looking behind a cornbin he discovered, to his astonishment, two huge rats actually fighting for the possession of a dust-besmeared envelope, which, on being opened was found to be none other than the one that ooataioed the

The Rakaia bridge will be blocked for road traffic betwffc the hours of 8p m and 8 a.m. each night from Monday until further notice, for the purpose of effecting repairs.

The latest thing in " hospitality ' consists in perfume warming-pans being used for the beds of guests. The favorite scent of each having been divined, the sheers are thus impregnated with lily, rose, heliotrope, or new-mown hay.

In. compliance with a numerously signed requisition published in this issue His Worship the Mayor requests the burgesses of Ashburton *o obssrve Thursday next, 11th inst, as a whole holiday in connection with the Schools Excursion.

The German Government are adopting a system of postage without the use of stamps. They issue a contrivance which stamps an official mark on all letters passed through if. aud registers the amount of postage due, working in much the same way as a gas meter.

Till they met in Sydney the other day Bishop Saumarez Smith and Bishop Cowie had nob seen each other since 1866, when they both returned to England from India, where the former had been chaplain to the Bishop of Madras and the other chaplain to the Bishop of Calcutta.

Joseph Taylor, a labourer, was, at King's Lynn, recently sentenced to one month's imprisonment for drunkenness. Accused had run about with a red-hot poker, ripped open the coffin containing the body of his child, burned the ooffin lid, and attempted to put the coffin and body upon the fire.

Homing pigeons are now being used on board fishiug boats, whenoe they are leb loose in the morning when the nets or iines are hauled, with a message attached to their wings, informing the curer or agent on shore of the amount of the catch, and when the boat ia likely to arrive.

Mr Ben Jonas, eldest son of Mr Moas Jonas, has left Timaru on his way to Western Australia, Mr Jonas was for some time on the staff of his father's office, and later on joined that of Messrs Guinness and LeCrea on those gentlemen taking over Mr Jonas' business. He is well known in athletic circles in Timaru.

Mr John Burn's friends will be interested in the communication which a Battersea correspondent makes to the Daily Chronicle. Mr John Burns has made his will. The document is short and to the point. The hon. member leaves his best love to his wife, a souud constitution to his son, his books to his parish, and his debts to his country.

The output of the Oxford Bibles is the largest ia the world. It averages 20,000 per week, or upwards of a million a year. The weekly shipment to the United States has often exceeded five tons in weight. There are seventy-one editions of the Bible now being circulated, twenty-four of which have the Apocrypha, while twenty-five are printed on Oxford India paper.

The Women's Chiistian Temperance Union Convention has passed resolutions depre cating the use of fermented wine in the ctmmunion service; recommending efforts to induce boys to sign the "Legion"pledge, which includes abstinence from smoking; and to induce adults to sign the temperance pledge ; and urging upon mothers the importance of instructing their children in the laws of physiology.

On Wednesday evening a well attended meeting of the Wesleyan Christian Endeavor Society was held in the schoolroom, Mise E. Potter presiding. Greetings were received through Mr E. Purchase, from the Y.P.C.W.S. Trinity Church, Dunedin. Instead of the contemplated vißib of the Presbyterian Society an interesting and instructive Bible study was held and commented on, after which the meeting closed.

We learn from the limaru Herald that Mr David Stowell, of Sb. Andrews, met with a p£»inful accident on Monday last. He was removing a leg-rope from a young cow, usually a quiet one, when she, without any warning, kicked viciously and struck him in the face, knocking him to the ground un conscious, and causing a severe shock to the system. A medical examination disclosed that Mr Stowell's cheek-bone had been badly broken, which may render an operation necessary.

CALEDONIAN SOCIETY.

Annual Meeting',

The Secretary's office was too small to hold the greatly increased number of members who pub in an appearance last night— increased as compared with previous years' attendances. Mr Charles Reid was chairman,

The annual report of the Directors re ferred to the twelve very successful and well patronised social gatherings that had been held during the year, and to the two " ingleside" meetings that had been held during the season ; also to-the fancy dress ball that had been specially brilliant and successful. The gathering at the sports last year had been the largest ever held in the Domain—£73 having been taken at the gates, and 3000 people on the ground. The concert on Boxing night had also been a moßt suc cessful gathering. Financially, the Society was very sound. All the old debts had been paid, and there was. a credit balance of £10 10a lOd. The following officers were elected: —President—U A. M. Buckley, Esq ; Vice presidents—Messrs Donald McLean and J. C. N. Grigg; Treasurer—Mr Joshua Tucker; Pipers—Messrs Ross, Macdonald, Scott, and Robertson ; Auditors—Messrs Lawrie and Minnis. Directors to the number of twenty were elected, as well as Committees for the weekly sooial arrangements, and the "Highlandman's Home," Mr Lawrie reported that he held * cup, the gift of Messrs Recce, as a quoit prize for next year. It was resolved that a Scotch concert ha held during the year. Five guineas were voted to the Secretary as honorarium in recognition of the services he had rendered to the society. A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the meeting.

Beautiful Threads of Gold.

Weaving them into a work a*day life, Beautiful threads of gold ! A thread of joy and a thread of strife And yefc the hands that hold May fashion them out into patterns rare, Designs of beauty new and fair, Till the Master Weaver finds them there In beautiful threads of gold.

Weaving them in with a patient hand, Beautiful threads of gold J Filling them in as the Artist planned • -Re laid life's sombre fold, Wheu - -u.h the homeliest cares WeaviDg t hem in vv. .. K( , Over some burden another .... Glad that the Master Weaver spares Some beautiful threads of gold.

Weaving them in with hopes and fears, Beautiful threads of gold ; Brighter the thread of the gold appears As the web of life grows old, Weaving them in with a smile and a song, Wonderful threads so fine and strong. Under the good and over the wrong Weave beautiful threads of gold.

Weaving them in with a watchful eye, Beautiful threads of gold, To ahine across where the shadows lie When the web is all unro'led, Weaving them in when the Master's call Lets the bright threads break and the shuttle fall, And the angels come down to gather them all, Life's broken threads of gold.

Items of Interest.

In France the only gitt a fiancee is per mitted to receive is fiowera.

Prince Bismarck ia the possessor of 482 crosses and decorations. It would require a breast of 21ft in width to wear them all at once.

By means of the X rays the genuineness of mummies can be tested without unwrap ping them, as the bones can be photographed through the bandages.

The diamond is not among the earliest gems known to man. Ie has not been fcftind in the ruins of Nineveh, in the Etruscan sepulchres, nor in the tomba of the Phoeni cians.

The Queen's pink pearls, Empress Frederick's seven rows of pure white pearls, and Grand Duchess Marie of Russia's superb necklace of the same gems task among the most valuable jewels in Europe.

Mark Twain is living ia very modest lodgings at present, working hard at his book in the hopes that the sale of it will lift him out of the depths of poverty in which he finds himself. He seems to have scarcely any friends.

Every soldier knows that a horse will not step on a man intentionally. It is therefore a standing order in the British cavalry that if a trooper heoomes dismounted he musb lie perfectly still. If he do this the whole squadron will pass over him without injuring him.

Passengers in a railway carriage travel ling near Watford were startled by a small bird daahing in at the open window Closely pursued by a hawk. The small bird flew against the opposite window and was killed, and the hawk, becoming entangled in the netting of the rack, was killed by a passenger.

The first keel plates of two new battle ships, the Goliath aud Canopus have been laid at the English dookyards. The Goliath which is the first of the new battleships under Mr Goachen's programme is to be completed in 20 months. Her displacement is 13,000 tons. The Canopus, a modified Majestic, is to be completed by September 1898.

An English scientiat is quoted as author ity for the statement that there are five times as many species of insects as there are species of all other living things put together The oak tree alone supports 450 species of insects, and 200 kinds make their home in the pine. Forty yearaago Humboldt estima ted that the number of species preserved in collections was between 150,000 and 170,000 but scientific men now say that there must be more than 750,000, without taking into account parasitic insects.

Prau Eva Nansen, wife of the famous explorer, is a great traveller in her own way. Now that her husband is safe and sound at home, says the Klevne Zeitung, she is about to set forth upoa one of her long musical tours through Sweden, Finland, and the cold North. She is one of the most accomplished of Scandinavian soprano songstresses, and one night recently arrived at Stockholm, where she sang before a crowded audience at the Festival of the Academy of Arts. King Oscar was present, and after the concert invited the Norwegian.nightingale to supper with himself and the Royal household.

A Welsh dog which had won the yarding priza for several years lost it, on the time test, through the pugnaciousness of one of the three sheep he had to yard. The dog got two of the three sheep yarded all right, but the third showed fight when he came to the hurdles. Then the wonderful intelli gence of the dog showed itself. He placed himself between the sheep and the pen, and at every rush of the sheep he backed nearer to the entrance, so enticing the sheep for ward, till at last the dog actually a'lowed himself to be butted right into the pen. The sheep followed him in, and as he did so the dog sprang over his back and stood triumphantly in the entrance to prevent his re-exit.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—THURSDAY.

(Before Major Steward and Mr T. Bullock, J'b.P.)

Prohibition Okdeb,—A prohibition order was granted against Charles Jarvis, for twelve months, to have effect in town and county. Bbeach of Beer Duty Act —George Nock, in the employ of Mr JohnDore, of the Central Hotel, was charged with & breach of the Beer Duty Act by s< knowingly aid ing in the withdrawal of beer from a cask without destroying or defacing the stamp affixed thereon." Mr Paten, Collector of Customs; Chriatchurch, prosecuted, and Mr Cuihbertson appeared for the defendant. —Edward Paten deposed that he was Collector of Customs at Christchurch. On Saturday, February 20, he visited Ashbur ton, and accompanied by Sergeant Barlow inspected the public-houses and brewerieß. The law provided for the affixing of revenue stamps upon beer barrels, and required that every such stamp should be destroyed 01 defaced before withdrawing any beer from the cask, He fyund that this had been done in all cases' with one exception— that of a cask in the Central Hotd, kept by John Dore. The cask was a hogshead No 1260, and was in the cellar. It was one of Ward and Go.'s, Christchurch. It had been tapped, but the stamp had not been defaped. The landlord was present, and being asked who had tapped it, said it was a man named George Nock. Nock was sent for, and came and stated that he had tapped the cask, but had forgotten to destroy the stamp. —Mr Dore said it was an oversight, as all the other stamps had been destroyed. If he had tapped the beer himself, it would not have occurred. By Mr Cuthbertson— Duty stamps were usually placed over the tap-hole. In the case of the cask in question this was not so, the stamp being on the head of the barrel, but on one side of the tap-hole. There were six other casks in the cellar, the stamps of some of which were on the tap-hole and others not. —Sergeant Barlow said he took the stamp off the end of the cask ; it was two or three inches from the taphole. Accused admitted in his presence that he had put the tap into the barrel. —This was the case for the prose^ cution, and the Collector of Customs stated that he did not press for a heavy penalty, as he did not think there had been any attempt to defraud ; but he would draw the attention of the Bench to the terms oi section 19, and also to section 48 of the Act, the latter providing that the person charged is to be deemed to have committed the offence charged unless he prove the contrary. —Mr Outhbertson said that the defendant was. prepared, to admit that he had tapped the cask, and that he had accidentally failed to deface the stamp, but before calling evidence he submitted that the terms oi seGtiou 19 required that the person charged had either drawn or assisted in drawing beer "■•^vi a cask, which his olient had not done, and"before fading he would ask the Bench to rule whether, if he pT'Wed the fact, it would still be held that a breach of the Act had been committed.—Major Steward said the Bench were of opinion that the putting of a tap into a cask was a part of the process of withdrawing beer within the con templation of seotion 19, which, however, was by no means happily worded—a circum stance not at all unusual. Aftey a few remarks from counsel, the case was left to the Bench without calling evidence for the defence. Their Worships said that a breach of the section had been committed, evidently through carelessness, withoub any fault on the part of the licensee, aad the case would be met by a fine of 20s—the railway fare of the Collector of Customs being allowed. Civil Cases.—R, B. Resteii vJ. G. Jones, £2 Bs~judgment for plaintiff by defaul 1. Two other cases, in which there was no appearance of either party were struck out On the application of Mr Wilding, concurred in by Mr Purnell, counsel for the defence, two cases on the cause list were adjoutned until Thursday next.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Preas Association —By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

London Bank of Australia. London, March 2. Thf House of Lords yesterday agreed to the second reading of the London Bank of Australia Enabling Bill, which provides for a revision of the Batik's reconstruc tion scheme. It is possible the Bill will be opposed in Committee. The creditors' commit fees in Edinburgh and London have approved rf the scheme. Thanks from the tlueen. The Q jeen has expressed her thanks to the members of the Benin expedition. Mr Cecil Rhodes, Before the Hoaso Committee ef Enquiry Mr Cecil Rhodes again scored uuder Mr Liboochere's examination. Russia and Manchuria. St Fbtbrsbueg, March 2. Russian Jnfantry have started for Man churia to protect the surveyors engaged in the railway survey. Japanese Currency. Tokio, March 2. Japan has decided that the ratio between gold and silver shall be 32.3 of silver to 1 of gold. The Plague. Calcutta, March 2 The plague is decreasing m Bombay and Increasing in Poona, Thana and SaraU The Transvaal Pebtoria, March 2. The Transvaal Judges have adjonrnec the High Coort tfJusticeunt.il June to await the verdict of the people with regard to the action of the Volk^raad, Major M'liinley, Washington, March 2. Maj ir Si X nloy received an ovation at Washington.

Australian.

Press Association -By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

Mr Seddon.

Sydney, March 3 Mr SeddoH arrived to-day, and was met by tha Premier, Daring his visit to the Victorian gold mining districts he was right royally entertained. Mr Heddon has been struck during his sojourn In Australia by the paucity and poor qaalityof the news appearing ia Australian papers relating to New Zealand affairs. The Premier is makng a few enquiiies on the; subject. Methodist Union The Weeleyan Conference, by 107 to 87, voted against Methodist Union. Collision with an Iceberg. Melbourne, March 3 The steamer Nairnshire, which has arrived from London, collided with an iceberg during a foggy night, bat the engines were reversed before the impact occurred. The foreponk was filled with water. Chief Justice Way. Adelaide, March 3 Chief Justice Way leaves on the 17th Instant to take up bin duties on the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, The Wreck of the Villalta. Perth, March 3 The dr>wnir.g of the captain and an apprentice of the barqne Vi!l<lta Is con firmed. The vessel is now a total wreck.

THE INSURRECTION IN CRETE.

Mutiny of Turkish Gendarmerie.

English Naval Activity

Speech by Lord Salisbury.

Reply of Sir W. V. Harcourt.

The Powers and Greece.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. Athess, March 3 T"6 Turkiah gendarmerie at Canea mutinied owing to thsir pay being in arrears, and threatened to destroy the town. Marines from the foreign flaeta blockaded them ia their barracks. The Italian contingent fired and wounded some of the officers, the commandant receiving fatal injuries. Tha gendarmes thereupon submitted, and were placed in irons. The Cretans have o&ptared Candanos. Officers from the foreign fleets have been sent to Selino to rescue the Moslems* It; is feared the presence of Vaasos' troops will result in rendering the posi tion worse, London, March 2 The St James' Gazette states that great activity is being displayed at English navil stations. Officers' leave has been curtailed, and several warships are always keeping steam up, March 3. In the course of a speech, Lord Salis bury said the Moslems in Crete objected to union with Greece, ani there was no evidence that the Christians desired it either. The wisest course ijras to reserve liberty of action. If, later on, the Cretans desired union, the Powers were unlikely to resist. If Greece gained the territory now, the signal would be given to dis member Turkey, and that would embroif Europe. Id wag difficult to persuado the Powers to agree to the withdrawal of the Turkish troopa.

In the H >use of Commrm Sir W. V. Hareourt stated, in reply to Lord Salis bury, that It was inline to employ Turkish police, and »h*t union with Greece was the only satisfactory sjlutlon of the situation.

Mr Ourzon said the Powers would noi isten to the proposal for union.

1 Mr Balfoar said ths Powers would control thft Turkish police [Received Wakapuaka, March 4, 10.20 a.m., Guardian Office, 11,30 a.m.] The Powers have warned Greece that they will resort to coercive measures unless the (Ireek fleet and troops are withdrawn from Orete within aix days.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Th.o British Wavy.

Slavery in the New Hebrides.

Pr«SB Association—By Electric Telegraph— . Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka, March 4, 10.45 ».m., Guardian Office 11 a.m.) Londom, March 8. The Briiish Navy estimates have been submitted to the House ef Oommjns. The total amount required for the year is £21,838,000. The number of men will be increased by 6800, and a sum of £7,000,000 will be expended in the con s'ruction of new war-hips, comprising four line of battleships, three cruisers, and two oorpedo boat destroyers. The foi matiou of a trained reserve force will be commenced At present there are one hundred and eight vessels in the coarse of construction.

Mr Chamberlain stated in reply to a question that tbe Government} was un aware of the existence of slavery in the New Hebrides. When such was proved Government would take immediate action for the suppression of the practice.

THE QUEEN'S CELEBRATION.

Preeo Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

(Beceived Wakapuaka March 4,10.20 %.m. t Gtjabdian office 11.20 a.m.) Melbourne, March 4

The Governor has received a desp tfcch from Mr Chamberlain following up the cabled invitation to colonial statesmen to attend the Queen's celebrations. Mr Chamberlain siafces that it will be an addi tional satisfaction if the Premiers are accompanied by thair wives or seme lady member of their families. With regard to tbe representation of the military forces it is pointed out that cavalry form a more imposing spectacle in a procession, bat ib b not indispensable that the men should bring their own houses These can be supplied in Fngland without difficulty, ■, 1 he Imperial Government will provide barrack accommodation for the men. The Queen will receive the colonial Premiers, and also witness the march past of the colonial troops. In conclusion the de» spatoh states that should the invitation bt accepted the Premiers' presence in Lon don will afford a favorable opportunity for the discussion of many buY jeobs of the greatest interest to the Empire.

The following are the terms under which the Victorian detachment} will be sent to England:—The two offidera will receive a first-class return passage each to London, and the other members of the detachment will each receive a second-class return pas sage, Each man will be allowed a sum of £5 for outfit before starting, and the whole detachment will be brought into barracks for the purpose of drill about a fortnight before the steamer sails. When the detach ment reaches England the officers will receive a bonus of £20 each, and the non-commis sioned officers and men a bonus of £10 each. The members of the detachment will be pro vided by the English military authorities with barrack accommodation and rations from the time of their arrival until a week after the celebratiots. The total cost to the Victorian Government will be about £2500.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-r Copyright.

London, March 2 Wheat is 6d dearer forthe week. Sydney, March 3. Wheat, chick, 3a 3d ; milling, 4s Bd. Oats, New Zealand prime feeding, 2s 3d ; seed, 2a 3d to 2s 7d. Potatoes, local, £110s to £3 ; Circular Heads, £3 10a, Onions, Victorian, £6. Butter, dairy, s£d j factory, 6Jd. Cheese, plentiful, prime 3|d. Bacon, 4d to 6d. llama, New Zealand 9J.

Mblboubnb, March 3. Wheat, 4a lid to 5s Bd. Oats, Algerian, Is lid to 2s 3d, Tartarian 2a. Barley, malt ing 33 6d. Potatoes, £2 10s.

Adelaide, March 3 Wheat, dull, 5s Bd. Oats, dun 2s 9d; stout white 3a Bd. Barley, 4« 6d to 5s 3d,

Tongariro in Eruption.

About six o'clock on Tuesday morning (the Press Association telegraphs from Auck land) some considerable activity was notice able on the summit of Tougariro immediately above the Ketetahi steam hole. It ia thought by those who know the locality well that it is the red crater in eruption. It is situated at the north-western end of the top of Tougariro, and has been silent for a good many years. A dark cloud was discern ible above the density of the lower clouds which have prevailed lately. During the day the cloud lifted somewhat, and Temare could be seen very clearly indeed, as also Ketetahi, but clouds immediately above obscured the higher portions of the moun tain. The latest information is that the clouda cleared away for a short tfme only, when a volume of black smoke was clearly seen coming from the locality of the red crater, which verifies the general opinion as to the exact locality.

SPORTING.

WANGANUI RACES.

PIE PRESS ASSOCIATION. Wanoanui, March 4 The weather is fine and the attendance excellent. Results: Ftbwards' Stakes.—Loveshotl, Kanaka 2, Return 3. Five others started. Won by half a head. Time—-1.461. Dividend fill 10a.

HußrLKS.—Tangaroal, Secrecy 2, Swift; 3. Five others ran. Time~4.s. Dividend £10.

Hack Hurdles.—Headford 1, Tell Tale 2, Redberry 3. Also started, Hantonga, Heart Disease, Fireworks. The two latter fell. Won hands down. Time—2min 581 sec, Dividend-£2 13s.

TH& ASHBUftTON GtABBIAN l THUKSDAt, MAKCfi 4, 1897.



Teara. Tons. 1800 . 10,000,000 1816 ... 27,000.000 1829 .... 31,024,000 1845 ... 34,600,000 1855 ... 64,307,000 1860 ... 79,923,273 1865 ... 98,180,587

x ears. Tons. 1870 ... 110,431,192 1875 ... 131,867,105 1880 ... 146,812,622 1885 ... 159,351,418 1890 ... 181,614,288 1895 ... 189,661,362



Business Notices. LOOK OUT. G. J. NEILL —IS SELLING— Table Damask at Is per yard Twill Sheeting, 2 yards wide, white or grey, 9^d Turkish Towels, 6d each Cretonne S|d Flannelettes, 2s lid per dozen G- J. N EILL I s S ELUNG- Men's Heavy Tweed Suits at 21s 6d, wonderful value Boys Suits, 4s lid Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid BOOTS. BOOT?, Men'g Kail SHOOTIRS 7s lid. Women's SHOES is lid Men's BLUOHBBS 4s lid. Women's Lace SHOES 4a lid The Cheapest Boots in Ashburton are to be got at G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEBLANDBR'S CORNER, EAST STRIET. ANDREW 0R R. Great Opening OF NEW DRAPERY STOCK FOB AUTUMN AND WINTER. 30 CASES NEW GOODS. 30 T ADISS'JACKETS and Mantles, lovely Goods, B«lin make ;Frenoh and Bnglish JU Dress Fabrics in Great Variety. Agenfc for the celebrated ••Fearnought Serges, navy and blacks. Ladies' Corsets in all the new makes, PD, V and N, &c. LATEST NOVELTIES in Millinery, French and English Ribbons, Flowera, Feathers, and Trimmings. Beautiful Fur Trimmings just opened. LADIES' MACINTOSHES most fashionable Good, all sewn aeams ; Infanta' Dresses, Pelisses, Cloaks, and Muffs. Ladieß' Gloves in Silk, Suede, and Kid ; all prices. if Th« BEST STOCK of FLANNELETTE ever exhibited in Ashburton. BLANKETS AND FLANNELS under contract; splendid value. Ladies' and Genfea' BOOTS and SHOES, best makes. Ladies' UMBRELLAS, all guaranteed from Is lid. SUITS TO ORDER from £2 15s Od. ANDREW ORR. MELLOR'S 'ZEALANDIA' BOOT STORE IS now making a Special Christmas Diaplay of Summer Boots and Shoes. Already the Ashburton Public have pronounced it to be the CHEAPEN AND BEST ASSORTED STOOK EVER SHOW^ IN ASHBURTON. —Please Note a Few Quotations— Ladies* pretty two-strap shoes, tan and black, 7a 6d Ladies'strap shoes, 4a 9d Ladies' and Gentlemen's waterproof Canvas Shoes—Splendid value Ladies' Ootnelette Shoes from 8a 9J—Very cheap Ladies' Shoes, 6s 6d—Great bargains. THOUSANDS OF OTHBB LTNES,^ Look at windows and you will admit that it is the Best display ever made in Ashburtor A trial will at onoe convince you of the difference in price and quality from other boot-shops. Note Address — —---,^- -m m—m-%-w- -r s^-r*. JAMES MELLOR, TANCRED STREET, ASHRURTON.



MEN'S AND BOYS' HATS. HATS. HATS. p^r\ DOZEN FELT HATS ALMOST- GIVEN AWAY. A GRAND SUCCESS. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S TT^ABRIO AND PRINT SALE being such a Grand Success, we have decided to ho' FOE TWO WEEKS, A GREAT HAT SALE. p*f\ DOZEN MEN'S. KA DOZEN BOYS'. Men's Soft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 5s Boys' Soft Pelt Hats Is 6d, worth 3s 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 3s 6d f worth 6s 6d Boys' Soft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth is 9d * Men's Soft Felt Hats 4s 6d, worth 7s 6d Men's Soft Felt Hats 5s 6d s worth 8s 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 6s 6d, worth 10a 6d Men's Soft Felt Hats 8s 6d, worth 12s 6d EVERY ARTICLE in the Clothing and 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 Season's Goods arrive. Printa, Brilliants, Cambrics from 3s lid per dozen, worth double Flannelettes for Dressing Gowns and Home Blouses 4a lid dozen, half price Trimmed and untrimmed Hats, Aprons, Blouses, Veilings, Ribbons, etc., at half cost BOOTS AND SHOES—the Best value in the trade DOK'T FORGET THE GREAT HAT SALE AT MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S, THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART, RfiXX 00 J. QRR * CO., EASX STREET, AgBBURTQK,



Business Notices. Waterproof Coats N.Z.O.F. To Measure ... 35a Od Waterproof Coats N.Z.O.F. New Pattern* ... 32a 6d Waterproof Coats N.Z.C.F. ToMeaiure .„ 40a Od Waterproof Coats NZ.C.F. New Patterns ,„ 42a 6d Waterproof Coats N.Z.C.F. To Measure ... 45s Od Waterproof Coats N.Z.O.F. New Patterns ... 47s 6d Waterproof Coats N.Z.O.F. To Measure ... 50i Od NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. __ _ ____ o 2 '". H m U < 5 g |> n Sa 1 o » ft § P3 o e-a t=> o pq g pq < ' Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Aahburtou. THURSDAY—GiiIa' Friendly Society, 7 p.m. FRIUAY—M.C.L, (Associates only) meet at the Vicarage at 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. 11 a .m Morning Prayer and Holy Com munion. 3 p.m.—GREBNSTREET. 6.30 p.m.—Fvening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. MAKE no mistake. If you want a nice job made of your repairs, try Meixor, the up-to-date bootmaker. "T TALE N TINES! Valentines! Large V assortment of Comic, Fancy Boxed, Booklets, Love Cards, etc. New Books, Fancy Goods, Toys, Stationery and Musis. New lob of Foreign Stamps and packets.— Andrewes, Anderson, & Co., Stationers Ha.ll. """■■l



We have sometimes heard it remarked that Messrs Craighead and Berryman charge rather high prices for their jauits. Jr. is evident fiora the number of hands in their employ that they do by far the largest tailoring business in Ashburton, and as 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 first-c'ass workmanship in every garment, combined with good fit and best quality linings etc. Messrs Oaighead and Berryman have earned their reputation for giving satisfaction and their reduction of about 20s per suit referred to in their new advertisement ia sure to draw ft freih tmk of customers,—Aim?. 3 17 <



Sent it to 111s Moslmr in Ctarniany Mr Jacob Esbensen, who is in the employ of the Chicago Lumber Co., at Dcs Moine-, i lowa, says: ' I have, just sent some medicine back to my mother in the Old Country, that 11 know from personal use to be the best medicine in the world for rheumatism, having used it in my family for several years. It is called Chamberlain's Pain Balm. It always does tha work,' For Iftle i by Asssbubiqh Drug Co^faj-t,



Holloway's Pills.—The ills of life are increased tenfold by the mode of life 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 digestion becomes impaired and nervous systems debilitated by the pro tracted confinement and enforced depriva tion of healthy out-of-door exercise. The, factory workers may almost be said to have© diseases of their own, readily amenablee however, to treatment, if not allowed to proceed unchecked. Holloway's Pilla are the most effectual remedy ever discovered for the Hver and stomach complaints, as they act surely but gently, regulating the secretions without weakening the nerves or interfering with the daily work. From all aeo-unts Chamberlain's Cough Remedy is a godsend to the afflicted. There ! is no advertisement about this ; we feel just like saying it.—Tte D&iwrat, Carrollton, Ky. FOP 8ftl« by ASKBURTON D»UG CojJ. mn, " - . i



An Aahburtou case was heard at Wednes day's sitting in 'eunco of the Supreme Court, Christchurch. It was aa action by Thomas Quill against R. J. Whittle for £373 3s lOd, and arose out oi Ihe conditions of the lease to Quill of the Commercial Hotel, which required certain repairs and maintenance work to be done to the hotel. The lease was transferred by Quill to Whittle, who had failed to observe the covenants of the lease, and in March 1896, the trustees of the owner of the property, in consequence of the alleged default of Whittle brought an action against Quill to recover £600 damages for breach of the covenants, and recovered judgment against him for £200, with £87 Ila3d costs. These sums Quill had paid, and he now sued as above mentioned. The questions of law involved having been argued by counsel, His Honour gave judgment) for the amount claimed, with costs as per scale, finding that defendant failed to keep the premises in repair as required by the coven ants of the lea?e, which he too^ ovgr from Quill.



Synopsis of Nkw Advebtisemsnes. Andrew Orr—lJew business announcement Clucaa Bros —Lost sheep. MqDonald and MoDiarmid—l*{ew busi ness announcement. N.Z. Shipping Company—Nofeics re g.«. Ruahine. Wanted—Boy. Burgess' notice —Holiday. Loat—Gold Brooch, Lost—Tan Collie pup. W. G. Pearce—Apples for sale.



Keating's Powdkr destroys ougß, fleas, in The, beetles, and all other inseots, whilst gui c hrmlf-Bs to domestic animals. In xtenninating beetles the success of this powder is ex.raordinary. It is perfeotly j'e&n in application. See the article you purchase is Keati^g's, as imi ationa are noitoas and ineffectual, Sold in tins, 6d t || . aad2 edewb.byal flMftl