Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Vertis et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 1897. THE SHOOTING SEASON.

An unpardonable muddle has been made by the Powers that be in con nection with the opening of tne | shooting season. The usual official announcement of the opening date ought to have been gazetted weeks ago, but no Gazette notice has yet reached us. Paragraphs have from time to time appeared in the papers on the authority of Wellington correspondents, now stating that the usual date would > be adhered to, viz, Ist April, and again that the date fixed for the open ing would be April 17. Last of all, it was stated a day or two ago that the latter date had been determined upon, but before that intimation reached Canterbury numbers of sportsmen had started out for the rivers and lakes, and long before sunrise today guns could be heard in all directions. Oonee quently lots of sportsmen have rendered themselves liable to be proceeded against, but we imagine that no Bench would impose more than a minimum fine under the circumstances, seeing that most of them could plead reason able grounds for believing that they had committed no beach of the law. As to the date that should have been fixed, we believe there is good reason fur appointing a Somewhat later date than the Ist April, on the ground that there are at that time still a good many immature bird?, but all that should have been decided weeks ago, and ample notice given of the change in date of opening. As it is, the Colonial Secretary has, as before ob served, muddled the whole business, and we notice that the Timaru Herald suggests that what has occurred is an appropriate circumstance of All Fools' [Day.

A SESSION OF PARLIAMENT.

The Cabinet has done the right thing in deciding that Mr Seddon shall accept the invitation of the Imperial Secretary for the Colonies to take part in the record reign celebrations. New Zealand would have done a churlish and unwise thing had she declined to be represented on this occasion, and no pretext whatever would have been sufficient excuse for the absence of the New Zealand representative. M.r Chamberlain invited the Premiers of the colonies, and that being so, and New Zealand having a Piemier, he was the Minister to send. There are really no difficulties at all in the way of Mr Seddon going Home for the few months it will be necessary for him to be absent on this mission. In this matter he has been generously met by his political opponents. Captain Rus sell, a gentleman who has carried Her Majesty's commission as a military officer, would be ]bhe last man to be wanting in respect to the Queen, or to throw any obstacle in the way of the colony doing the fuDest honor possible to the Sovereign on an occasion unique in the annals of the empire. As re presenting the Opposition, he hns ex pressed himself as prop" red to co operate with the Government in mak ing the necessary and all reasonable arrangements for the postponement of the meeting of Parliament for the de spatch of business, and has agreed to a short session being commenced next week. At this session the visit of Mr Seddpn to London will be formally approved, and supplier for ordinary and public works expenditure will be granted. The latter is made necessary by the fact that the appropriations [ since last session only extend to June 30. But there is a slight bone of con tention in the matter of these supplies 1 between Ministers and the Opposition The former are of opinion that four months supplies should be granted so that all possible contingencies may be met. The latter fancy that two

months should 'be ample. If two mouths only are granted, sanction would be given till the end of August. If Mr Seddon tried very hard, he could be back in New Zealand by that time. But in addition to record reign cele brations, Mr Seddon will be required to see to matters of other kinds of interest to the colony. There are several questions of importance in re gard to which Mr Chamberlain has ex pressed a desire to consult the colonial Premiers and obtain their opinions. If Me Seddon were to race away from ! London immediately on the conclusion of the celebration fun otiose, he would

be precluded from attending to the intort'Sta of New Zealand on those questions Jhen, it would be well that he should make himself acquainted thoroughly with such questions as the market for our frozen meat and hosr it is supplied, and genet ally with our exports after their arrival at Home And he cannot do this and he back in New Zealand in August. Further, it i ig a sound Scriptural injunction net to muzzle the ox that treadeth out the | corn. If we have sent Mr Seddon a journey of 17,000 mile* on our busi ness^ is there anything so yery press in New Zealand tbat he cannot be

allowed to spend a month on his own account, if he so desires it, among the scenes of his boyhood?-. We fancy the whole matter will be decided by the character of the financial position Mr Seddoa will be able to disclose. He ought to be afoie with the increased taxation recently itnposed, to sljow that things are moving satisfactorily fjinan- , ftially, and that the revenue is up to the ftood mark expected. In fact the Opposition, despite their snarling, on the financial question, are quite prt>-

pared to learn that it will be'pjsrfectly uafe to vote supplies for four months,; and aj?e also prepared to accept the assurance that things are all serene, and we fancy whsii the push comes for the vote the opposition i& it being for four months will be of the weakest. Mr Seddon will ask for provision to send the proposed military contingent Home, as well aa a team of parksmjan for Bisley, and this, too, public feeling seeing to favor.

THE JEWISH SABBATH.

It seems that in London Jpws who i observe their own Sabbath on Saturday '

are also compelled to observe the Chris tian Sabbath on Sunday. A case

showing this the other day. A Jewish baker was summoned at the instance of the Bakers' Society for baking bread on Sunday. 'He was sued under a statute of George IV , which had been repealed. If proceed ings had been taken under the Lord's i Day Act of 1871, the consent of the commissioner of police and two justices would hav3 been necessary, and a section of the Factory Act permits young persons of the Hebrew persuasion to work on Sunday provided they have a holiday on Saturday, The defendant always closed on Saturday, and it was contended on his behalf that if Jewish bakers were not permitted to work on Sunday their Jewish customers would have to eat stale bread from Friday till Monday. The proceedings have the aspect of trades union JJtyranny, and Alderman Sir Joseph Dimsdale | said he sympathised with the Jews in j the matter, as it appeared to him that, so far as they were concerned, the Act was a great hardship. But defendant, though undoubtedly a respectable man, had committed an illegal act, and a fine of one shilling, with costs, was im posed. The alderman said that the Jewish community was nowhere held in greater respect than in London. Tt is evident that respect for the religious scruples of the Jews is not shared by the Society which prosecuted the baker.

Local and General.

Commercial newa will be found on the fourth page and an article entitled " Edison's Courtship " on the first page. A Dutch woman, four times married, has just died at the Cape, leaving 327 descend ants, and there would have been thirty more but for deaths. The Rev T. A. Hamilton, who is staying in Nelson, preached to large congregations on Sunday last—in the morning at All Saiuts Church and in the evening at the Cathedral. A man and wife in Prance, hearing a noise during the night s went downstairs, and bee ming separated, the husband shot Ma wife dead, mistaking her in the darkness for a burglar. Letters recently received from Western Australia state that there are hundreds ot unemployed on fche goldfields of that colony, and that at Jiajgoorlie many carpenters are starving. Dr McGregor paid the Hospital a visit of inspection on Wednesday and highly com plimented fche matron, Mrs Mackay, on the very satisfactory condition of affairs through out the institution. During the social reign of Catherine de Medicis the ladies never washed their faces. There was an idea that water injured the complexion, and the face was simply wiped over with a rag dipped in milk- The North Otagp Times hears that a crop on the i ables threshed 95 bushels of Danish oats to the acre from about 100 acres. This is the largest oat yieJLl of the season in that district. The papier Daily Ttlcgraph reports that two residents of the Spit were poisoned last week by eating fish which had been exposed to the rays of the moon. Remedies were promptly applied, and the sufferers were soon out of daDger. A correspondent of the Taranaki Herald telegraphs f^om Kawhia that a large cave has boeu discovered at Wakanul, which will rival Waiotomo. The stalactites are very fine. Human remains were found in a hole I some 20ft deep about three chains in.

Letters posted in the guard's van of rail way trains at railway flag stations or sidings where there is no post office, are not in future to pay extra postage. The words " Posted at .. — flag station or siding" must, how^verJ be written on the outside of the envelope. Ojlonel Pitt is mentioned as the com mandant ot the New Zealand military contingent for the Queen's celebrations. Tenders are invited for the transport to England of 4 officers, 71 men, and 31 Maoris, The well-known Ngatiporou chief, Tuta Nihoniho, of Poverty iJay, and Tunuiarangi, !of Gladstone, will be the leaders of the Native trpop. The timepiece presented to Ifr John Mc- Lachlan last evening was from the establish ment of MrS. Salek. I> was a fourteen-day gong striking clock, very handsome, and had birometer and thermometer attached— a hall clock that will be both highly orna mental %s well tfs largely useful in a farmer's house, being an almanac as well as a time keeper and weather prophet, Referriag to reckless cycling, a Weir Jington contemporary says:—Only a few evenings ago 'a scorcher" ran into a Jady who, accompanied by her husband, was walking slowly in the middle of a quiet street. In the fall the handlebar of the machine struck her head. Erysipelas has supervened, and consequent serious illness. The cyclist, reoovering hfa feet and the machine, rode off without tendering any assistance.

We would remind our Flemington and Waterton readers of the concert which takes place in the Flemington schoolhouse on Friday evening. It is not often that country people have the opportunity of hearing a vocalist of Buch ability aB Miss Butler, and so good an elocutionist as Miss OU'hert. The Ashburton singers who are going out are also everywhere well received. Proceeds are in aid of the funds of the Prohibition League.

The Napier Herald saya :—A gentleman, well known in Napier wfio to South Africi with Eugene, the spiritual Jiealer s cash bookmaker, master mariner, etc., etc ; about 13 months ago, has returned to Wellington in company with that prophet. Eugene h>s now discovered that he is a reincarnation of the Mesgiah, and the ex- Napier resident finds himself, in imagin ation, the reincarn <tion of John the Baptist, and now acts as Eugene?s private secretary. Eugene, by the way, has not satisfactorily explained why New Zealand was not swallowed up, as he prophesied. Active preparations are going on for the Maori Parliament at Papawai. A building whiah would be a credit to any fcown in the

colony {the Greytown Standard reports) has been built as the Parliament House, and many neat cottages are being erected for the guests who are expected to arrive in the village for the important occasion. The Parliament House will probably be the scene of a dance for the opening ceremony—a method of beginning a Parliamentary session which from its freshness and originality ought to commend itself to European legis lators.

An ingenious and useful weed eradicator, nameij " The \t7ikeham Patent," will pro bably come largely into use. Jt comprises a tabular staff (which maybe used asa walk ing stick) 36 inches long, fitted with a spike and self-acting valve. The upper part being filled with the weed killer, it is so arrdiigod that by merely stabbing the point into the plant enough liouid is released into fche tissues to destroy it/ Whep not in use the point is protected by a cover, which ! may be screwed on or off as desired. The tube holds about three quarters of a pint of liquid, and is sufficient to kill 100 weeds at

a co#t of one farthing. These implements are largely vied jn CJreat Britain for destroy ing plantains and other weeds in lawns, and are the means of securing much better &od easier kept swards. j

Mr T, P. Beattie, a former "resident of Palmerston, has come in for a slice of good luck in Western Australia. A gold bearing reef has been discovered on his claim at Norseman goldfield, which is expected to rtturn at the very least £5000 to Mr Beattie.

New telephone regulations and scale of charges are gazetted. The department now takes power to refuse to connect with ar>y place used for illegal, immoral, or improper purposes, and the new regulations provide against strangers beiog allowed the use of telephones. The rates are raised to £7 for business and £5 for private houses where an exchange is open continuously and £5 where it is only open during fixed hours. The additional charge for mileage is altered from £1 per mile or fraction thereof to 10s per quarter-mile or fraction. When any con nection is over a mile the applicant will be required to hold it for three years. For , connections over three miles subscribers will be required to pay for the erection of the additional line and £1 f< r each quarter of a mile as maintenance. H

THE PETONE MURDERS.

The condemned man, Stephen Bosher, (says the JSiew Zealand Times) appears perfectly indifferent to his impending fate, and the only feeling he expresses is one of relief at the conclusion of the trial. He , declares that if it had lasted much longer the manner in which the people stared at him would have driven him mad. Bosher is wearing light leg chains, and he is placed in the condemned cell near the main entrance to the prison. He is exercised twice a day, accompanied by a warder, and allowed to have a smoke occasionally. His diet is much better than that of an ordinary prisoner, and he is allowed certain luxuries not pet milled to ordinary convicts. On Monday Mr Wilford applied for leave to see Bosher, and had a long conversation with him. He talked over all the points in con nection with making an appeal to the Criminal Appeal Court, and there is a probability that an appeal will be made. Bosher has applied to Mr Garvey, the Governor of the Gaol, for writing material and paper, ior the purpose, it is believed, of writing an account of his life and adven tures.

Athletic Notes.

[BT SPIELEB.]

Last evening I noticed a fair number of our athletes out on the oval and track, doing steady work for the coming meeting at Easter.

Jones, Purchase and Page, put in some good work on the wheel- One of the trio narrowly escaped a severe spiil, through a black swan crossing the track, and coming in contact with his machine. This caused him to go over the guard bank, about a couple of yards from the barbed wire. Had he run into this no doubt both he and his machine would have been considerably damaged. E. Henry and I. Baigenb did 250 yards, both going well, considering the condition they are iv. W. Shearman and E. T. Matson ran 100 yards in good style ; the stout one .requires more work and the former less. A. Thomas did a half mile, showing good form, but wants to keep going the whole way instead of finishing at the pace he does. J. Birch has got over his bad foot and is again in work. Will keep an eye on them and let you hear again before the meeting comes off.

HINDS.

From Our Own Correspondent

Tb.e harvest thanksgiving services in con ne.tion with the Hinds Wesleyan Ohurcb were held on Sunday last; service being conductei in the afternoon by the Rev C. Abernethy, and in the evening by Mr Stour. The church was tastefully decorated aud appropriate hymns were sung. On Tuesday a Bocial and coffee supper was held, not only to celebrate the event, but also te say fare well to the R v Abernethy, who is about to le.ive the circuit. Solos W9re contributed by Mrs Miller, Mrs ¥oung, Mr Miller, and Mr C. Norrish ; a duet by the Muses P.at teley, recitations by Mr St'ut and Mrs Han; en, also an address from Mr A.bernethy; after which Messrs Mcl£ena;e, Young, Stout, and Chapman spoke their appreciation of Mr and Mrs Abernethy's labors amongst them, and the sorrow felt by all at their departure. Mr Norrish, iv a neat little speech, then presented Mr Abernethy on behalf of Hinds, Winsiow, and Loweliffe friends with a waterproof carriage rug, and Mrs Abernethy with a travelling rug, as tokens of the esteem in which they were held. Mr Abernetfyy very feelingly re sponded, thanking all pn 'behalf of Mrs Abornethy and himself for the kindness shown to them. After a substantial supper had been handed round, and the fruir and vegetables used for decorative purposes sold, the meeting dosed.

PRESENTATION TO MR JOHN McLACHLAN.

It had been rumored amongst a small section of the Ashburton people th»t the supporters at the last ejection of Mr John McLachan purposed presenting that gentle man with a timepiece, and that the presen tation was to take place last evening when Mr McLach'.an came through by the express, Evidently very few people knew of the pro posed fuuction, for even less than the usual mmber of those who, work and tea over, idle on the platform at express time, put in an appearanoe, Rfr MoLachlan arrived right

enough and had a cha-t with a few of his old cronies, but those who expected a "func tion '' were wofully disappointed. The pre sentation was mad", however, but in any thing but a dignified way. The bell had rung for starting, and the train was on the move, when a gentleman in uniform shot out of the refreshment rooms like a comet, carry ing in one hand a lantern, and under his sinister arm something that might have been anything, carefully done up in wrapping paper, and securely bound with ironmonger's \ twine. He reached the carriage in which the ex-member was beginning to arrange himself comfortably for the remainder of the journey, and without any fuss "presented " Mr McLachlari with hjs supporters' opinion

of him—shot it at him, in fact, as if it were a matter of life and death haste. What happened to the orators who should have been there to orate on Mr McLachlan's services and their value to the nation we do not know; perhaps the slight hair of frost in the air the night before had frozen the foundation of their oratory, or perhaps they had gone off to make camp ready for the duck shooting which should come off on All Fools' Day, but has been postponed to April 17, or perhaps drinking the ex-merabet's health they mistook the screech of the ex press for $ traption engine out on the loose, or~bub there is no need for speculation;

they were not on hand when wanted. Mr MoLaohlan, doubtless, will be made aware of what that carefully wrapped parcel means, aad will no doubt recall the old atory about a countryman of his own who, an elder of the kirk and a highly esteemed citizen, was selected by the session to present to the minister of the parish in name of the session and congregation a silver flagon. He rose solemnly when the great occasion arrived and staidly said to the clergyman—" I've [ been Beleckit tae gae ye the jag, an' there it's." The man with the lantern may or

may not LTave beeti "ssliokit" to give Mr McLichlan the ♦' wag-at-bhe-wa,'.' but if he had been, his sprint along the platform, handicapped " time" against timß, must have knocked both wind and words out of him. But let us be thankful that Mr Mcl^achlan got his clock, and, joking apart, let us add our hope that he may be long spared to hear it tiuk, and take note by it of how the world wags, remembering as he looks at it, that it earae from friends in Ash burton whose hearts beat in unison with his own.

COMMERCIAL.

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Sydney, March 31 Wheat, prime chick, 3s to 3s 3d ; mil ing, 4a 5d to 4s 6d. Chts, prime New Zealand feeding, 2s 3d ; medium, 2a to 2a 2d Barley, Cape, 3s. Peas, Prussian Vue, 4s 6d. Potatoes, local, £2 10s to £2 153;, Circular Heads, £3. Onions, Victorian, £5 53 to £5 10s ; New Zealand, £5 15s. Butter, dairy, 7d to 8d ; factory, B£d Cheese, prime 3d to 3£d. Bacon, 35<1 to 6d. M elbourne, March 31. Wheat, steady, 5s B£d to 5s 9d. Oite, Algeriau feeding Is lid to 2s lid, Beeding 2s 2d to 2s 3£d ; stout white 2s to 2s 3Jsrt Barley, Cape 2s 6d to 3s. Onions, dull, £5. Potatoes, dull, £1 10s to £2. Adelaide, March 31. Wheat, 5a 4d to 5s sd. Oars, dun 2s 9d ; Algerian, 3a 6d. Barley, Cape 3s 9d to 4a 3d.

ROAD BOARD.

Upper Ashburton,

The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held in the Board's office, West street, Ashbmton, on Monday, March 29, 1897. Present—Messrs D, McLean (chairman), Campbell, Sargent, Stitt, and Tucker. An apology was received for the absence of JJL? Harper. COBRESPONDENCE, The following correspondence was read :— From Mr William Gill stating that stones picked off the Main South road by the contractor, had been deposited near the fence of his section 26766, and it interfered with his gorse catting machine.—The Clerk stated that he had seen the contractor on the matter, and the stones would be removed back to the pit. From the Chief Surveyor, asking for a return showing how the accrued "thirds and fourths " amounting to £159 12a 3d, which had been paid to the Board during the year ending March 31, 1897, had been expended.—The Clerk was instructed to make the return as requested. From the Aahburton (jouniy Council, askingjthe Board not to discontinue taking small birds' egga and heads until the Ist of June in each year, and atatiag that it had written to the Ash burton Borough Council asking that body to tike some steps to abate this pest within the limits of the Borough. From the Com missioner of Taxes, stating that he had sent on to the Treasury a voucher for £93 15a advance on account of Bubsidy for the year 1896-97. ROLL ALTERATIONS. Mr I). Williamson wrote, stating that his term of lease of RS. 1761§ had expired, and asked that his name be taken off the roll for same. Mr D. Cunningham asked that his name be taken off the roll for lot 31, Alford Forest road, and that of Mr William Drummond inserted.—The Clerk was instructed to make the alterations, all rates being paid to date. GRAZING STOCK ON ROADS. The Clerk was instructed to see the Sergeant of Police on the matter of having a stop put to persons gracing stock on the public roads, and see what steps should be taken towards placing the matter in his department. FOOTPATH AT ALLHNTON. It was decided to do some small work to the footpath on Allan's road leading to the new school at Allenton, and the matter was left in the hands of the member of the ward to have dene what was required. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to J369 Os 9d were passed for payment and the Board adjourned.

Ashburton Hockey Club.

The snaual general meeting of cbe Ash button Hockey Club was held last evening in the Templar Hall, the President, Dr Leahy, in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, and fclie Sec etary reported as follows:— "During last season thi Club had played s^x ma'ches, two of which were won, two

drawn and two lost, as against none the previous season. The large membership had j enabled the Club to hold good practice j m itches, sometimes two a week. The con cert and Jance ao successfully held last September, wtsre chiefly inaugurated an<»l conducted by last season's popular and energetic sub-captain, Mr L. Broad. Re cently a deputation, qonsisting of Dr Leahy and Mr Uowlishaw, was appointed by your Committee to wait upon the Domain Board, with a view to coming to a satisfactory and permanent agreement with that body, which would enable us to spend all available funds in improving the hockey ground by filing up tho hollows and re-sowing with good grass, but the te»ms proposed by the Domain Board were such as to prevent the above proposals from being carried out. Since the close of last season four of our prominent members haye left the district, Messrs Cowlishaw, Broad, Mayne and Anderson, and we hope to find the promising members of last season coming forward to fill the vacancies with the same determination to uphold the reputation of the Club as was possessed by the departed members." It was decided that the subscription be 2s 6d for adults and Is for youths, and th^t six members tickets be sent to the head-; masters of the Borough and Hampatead schools for distribution to the most suitable

boys. The balance sheet showed a credit balance of £1 2s 4|d. and the roll a membership of thirty eight. The opening day was fixed for next Thursday, April 8. The officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows ; —President—Dr Leahy ; Yice-Presidents—Kev J. Blackburne and Messrs (1. A. Simmers and F. Mainwaring ; Seoretary and Treasurer—Mr W. Potter. Committee—Messrs J. M. Cambridge, H. H. Fooks, F. Clark, G. J. Neill, L. F. Andrewes, W. Mellor and F. Gale.

At the close Mr G. J. Neill, on behalf of the members, presented Dr Leahy, promoter of the Club, with a framed photograph of Wt season's team, as a email token of appreciation for thß interest and trouble he had taken in the welfare of the Club, to which the doctor suitably replied.

Harvest Home Festival.

The Ashburton Primitive Methodists have

made extensive preparations for their harvest home celebrations. The festival is to com mence on Saturday in the Orange Hall, when a first-class luncheon, consisting of ham, poultry, fruit pies, and jellies, will be served from noon until th/ree o'clock. A small stall of useful articles will also be in evidence, from which visitors may make purchases at a nominal figure. Ab three o'clock an auction sxle will take place j for this, large quantities of produce have been donated, a ftw of the lots being half a ton of grass and clover hay, sacks of wheat and oits, bags of potatoes, and oases of prime quality apples Tea will also be served for those requiring it, at the small charge of 6d. In the evening a concert of unusual excel-

lence will be given, at which Miss Birdie Butler will sing a charming song, quite new to Ashburton, entitled " Sid me to love," with violin obbligato, which will be played by Dr Morris, who is quite a genius with the violin ; Miss Tompkins has also con sented to take part, and is sure to prove an attraction, as her ability is well known and greatly appreciated* Miss Olphert has already proved her powers as an elocutionist, and her items " The Lifeboat" and Jerome

Jerome's humorous piece "Hanging a picture," will give full scope for a display of her abilities. Messrs Oiaighead and Trezise will contribute the duet " The minute gun at sea," and Mr Craighead will sing "The storm fiend." Mrs Marsden and Miss Oollisofl, always welcome on the concert platform, will also sing, and Dr Morris will play a violin so'o. The accompaniments will be played by Miss Gates and Mr Llewellyn Owen.

On Sunday afternoon the choir, assisted by friends, will render the service of song entitled "An unexpected harvest," and special services Will be conducted morning and evening. The Sunday services will be held as usual in the church.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign,

I Press Association—By Electric Telegraph ! Copyright. The Education Bill. London, March 31. In the Houso or" Lords the Educa tion Bill was read a second time by a majority of 94. Bishop Moorhouse urges that the subscription to voluntary schools ought to be equivalent to 'he relief granted the school rates. Irish Affairs. In the House of Commons Mr Blake moved that the Government remedy the grievances in Ireland on the basis of the report of the Irish Financial Commission, Sir M, Hicks-Beach re plied that financial and political Home Bule would be equally fatal, and the Government would adhere to the coin* mon taxation system and help to develop the resources ef the country if the new Gommfsfeion advised it. The Panama Canal Frauds.« Paris, March SO

Bayer, a member of the Chamber of Deputies implicated by Arton's con* fession, has been arrested, and many documents found in his possession were seized. March 31. The Senate has authorised the pro secution of Levrey. American Wool Duties. New York, March 81. The owners of Massaehusett woollen mills strongly protest against the Dingley wool duties as excessive.

Australian.

Press Association—By Vlectric Telegraph- Copyright. Alleged Misappropriation. Sydney, March 81. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Assistant-Paymaster GracU dock, of H.M 8. Katoomba, for mis appropriating funds of the Navy. Two days ago he cashed a cheque for £2400 which was intended to cover the expenses of the forthcoming cruise. He left the ship the same night and has not since returned. The whole of the proceeds of the cheque is missing. The Missing: Explorers Adelaide, March 31 A medical examination" proved the skeletons supposed to be those of the missing members of the Calvert Exploring Expedition to be the bones of aboriginals.

THE QUEEN'S CELEBRATIONS.

Simultaneous Rejoicing.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

London, March 31

The Government is being urged to arrange that the Queen shall personally give the signal for the beginning of the hymn of praise at St Paul's on the occasion of her visit to the Cathedral in connection with the Record Oele bretions, in order that simultaneous rejoicing may take place throughout the Kmpire. The Cable Companies d 1 clare the proposal to be feasible.

FEDERATION.

The Co&veatioa at Adelaide.

Presß Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Adelaide, March 31

The debate concluded early this afternoon, Mr Barton, in his reply, eulogised the noble speech of Mr Reid, and congratulated the Convention on the manner in which the debate had been conducted. He reviewed all the points that had been raised in a masterly speech occupying two hours and a half, and concluded amidst pro longed cheering.

Sir John Forrest having withdrawn his amendment urging the claims of the Commonwealth Bill, Mr Barton's resolutions were formally put and carried. The House adjourned for a short interval to permit the arranging of Sectional Committees.

THE INSURRECTION IN CRETE.

Attack on Fort Izzedin.

Cretan Aff§eal to the Powers. Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-- Copyright. Vienna, March 30. Government has prohibited the ex port of seven million cartridges, in tended for Greece.

Athens, March 31 The Cretan Central Committee has appealed to the rulers of Europe not to starve three hundred thousand Christians into accepting the scheme of autonomy The Greeks attacked Fort Izzedin, which dominates Suda Bay. Thjs Ad mirals came to the relief of the garrisqn.

which occupied the fort and shelled the Greeks. It is announced that the Powers will each send an additional six hundred men to Crete. In spite of the blockade revictualling ia extensively carried out. London, March 30. A detachment of 600 of the Welsh Fusiliers has been ordered to proceed to Crete. The British warships be longing to the Cape Station have been ordered to make ready to proceed to sea.

In the House of Commons Mr Our* zon stated that the Admirals of the allied fleet were prepared to revictual places in Crete where most required. March 31. In consequence of the orders to the Oupe squadron to prepare to proceed, to sea, Admiral Rawson, who recently commanded the operations of the •Viger expedition, returns to the Cape immediately.

In the House of Commons Mx Ourzon stated that Great Britain was supporting the proposals of the Powers with reference to the appointment of .the Governor of Crete, and the Turkish troops would withdraw as the Admiral directs. The other Powers are con sidering. Berlin, March §1 It is reported thai'a number of German military officers are joining ■Edhew £•*!»»,

THE &BJHBURTCW GOAEDIAN : THUKSDAY a APRIL 1, 1897.



Business Notices, LOOK OUT. G. J. NEILL —IS SELLING— Table Damask at la per yard Twill Sheeting, 2 yards wide, white or grey, 9Jd Turkish Towels, 6d each Cretonne. 3^d Flannelettes, 2a lid per dozen; G. J. N BILL I s S BLLING- Mea's Heavy Tweed Suits at 21s 6d, wonderful value] Boys Suits, -4s llcl Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Nail SHOOTERS 7s lid. Women's SHOES 4a lid Men's BLUCHERS 43 lid. Women's Lace SHOES 4s lid The Cheapest Boots in Ashburton are to be got at G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. AUTUMN AND WINTER SHIPMENTS—IB 97. GRAND DISPLAY. OUR PREMISES are stocked throughout with the most COMPLETE ASSORTMENT of USEFUL, SEASONABLE, AND FASHIONABLE DRAPERY To be found in South Canterbury. Splendid Stock of BLANKETS, FLANNELS, and FLANNELBTCES AT BED-ROCK PRICES. Ladies' and Children's MACKINTOSHES a Specialty—guaranteed to keep out the rain French and Eogliah MILLINERY, FLOWERS, RIBBONS, &c. Handsome CAPES, JACKETS, and MANTLES. DRESS GOODS in Endless Variety. Everything NEW and UP-TO-DATE, and the BEST VALUE IN THE TRADE. W. H. COLLIER, "THE COENE K." AUTUMN AND WINTER NOVELTIES. GRAND SPECIAL DISPLAY AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S. MANTLE'— MILLINERY— 1 11 kKTS WATERPROOFS <M O\KB ™R BOAS CAPES UNDERCLOTHING IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO LADiES,— IN PURSUANCE of our policy in keepng our Business well to the front, we have decided to add a FIRST CLASS DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT to our l^stabliahment. We have secured the services of Miss HihL, a lady of unquestioned ability, who brings with her credential* of the highest order from MESSRS W. STRANGE & CO., in whose Workrooms she has beea engaged for oveh seven yeaes. Our object ia to supply our Customers with Stylish and Well-made OOSTUMES at a Mod*bate Price, and every possible effort will be eiven to make our NEW DEPART viENT an unqualified success. We have already booked a, number of Orders, and expect a very full season. Miss Hill will be pleased to receive intending Patrons on and after FRIDAY, March 26. MITCHELL AND TURNEB, TANORED STREET.



MEN'S AND BOYS' HATS. HATS. HATS. j~r\ 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 hold it FOR TWO WEEKS, A GREAT HAT SALE. p?f\ DOZEN MEN'S. KA DOZEN BOYS|'. Men's Soft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth os Boya' Soft Felt Hats Is 6d, worth 3a 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 3s 6d, worth 6s 6d Boys' Soft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 4s 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 4s 6d, worth 7s 6d Men's Soft Felt Ha's 5s 6d, worth 8* 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 6s 6d, worth 10s 6d Men's Soft Felt Hats 8a 6d, worth 12s 6d EVERY ARIIOLE in the Clothing and Mercery Departments equally Cheap, so as to clear the shelyes for the NEW GOODS expected by the end of the month ; while the balance cf general Drapery will be still further reduced, so as to make a clean sweep before the New Sea&on's Goods arrive. Printa, Brilliants, Cambrics from 3s lid per dozen, worth double Flannelettes for Dressing Gowns and Home Blouses,4, Hd dozen, half price Trimmed and untritnmed Hats, Aprons, Blouses, Veilings, Ribbons, etc., at half cost BOOTS AND SHOES-—the Best value in the trade DON'T FORGET THE GBEAT HAT SALE AT MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S THF, CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART, NJSX.T TO J. ORR t CO., EAST STREET, ABHBURTON.



Public Notices. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. i /OPENING UP NEW GOODS EVERY WEEK. SO Empty Packing Oases For Sale, Cheap.



§* I h w » g <j £| . « Pj ro o t-» r | «3 CO Uw 2 i^ioiil Si Q 'ftp** fcl II I P THE ENCHANTED SWING-. THE GREATEST SCIENTIFIC ILLUSION OF THE AGE. THE ENCHANTED SWING has been erectfd on the site opposite the SALVATION ARMY BARRACKS, OPEN avjJEY SATURDAY AFTERNOON at 2.30. Admission—Sixpence.



The vital statistics of Aehburton for the month of March are—Births 25, marriages 6, deaths 7; for the quarter from January 1 to Maroh 31—births 58, marriages 12, deaths 16.



Only a few days more of the great glearing sale at McDonald apd MpjQiarmid's Boot J>epot. The sale depnitely' c'osea o^ April 3 iasb. Jifeanwhile, the bargains are better than ever. There neyer has been such splendid value offered, and chose who wanb foot wear of any deaoription. should not mien this I»9t u\i*Mh**-APfs! 4 9 j



j Synopsis of New Advertisements. W. T. J}oak—Lost Qheyue. Jewitt—Oysters to-night. F. Clark—New business advertisement. Oomriiissioner of Crown Lands—Laud for settlement, Albury estate. McDonald and McDiarmid —Sale now on. Wanted—A few hundredweight of gp«R



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