Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1897.

The usual statistics as to the wool j trade of 1896 have been published m j

the Bradford Ob- TIIB WOOL server. lb appears TRADE. that the Home wool clip was estimated

for 1896 at 136,286,4591 b, as compared with 135,394,8061 b and 141,509,0771 b for 1895 and 1894. The mean price of Lincoln hogg wool for last year is put at 12|d per pound, and that of wether wool at 10|d, as compared with 12|d and ll|d for 1895, and lOfd and 9|d for 1894, There had been a slow fall since October, 1895, when the ex traordinary rates, for the times, of 16|d and 13£ d were reached, to December, 1896, when the averages we.c lid and 10|d. Other descriptions than lustre wool went up much less m price, and had much less to fall. Norfolk Down hogg wool, for example, rose no higher than 12d m 1895, and averaged lO|d last month. The prices of wool for the past year are indicated m the following table, taken from figures quoted m the Times for wool delivered at Bradford:

It will be seen that there has been a considerable drop m the price of Lincoln and Yorkshire wool, while Shropshire has also fallen, the only kind which has maintained its value being Southdown.

Arbitration treaties are to be wel comed with unstinted cordiality. Any-

thing that tends to ARBITRATION, smooth the relations between different

countries, to promote the spirit of friendliness, and to decrease the bicker ing that is so rife among nations, as among individuals, and which is so apt to sour and clog the genial currentfe of the soul, is to be welcomed. But it would be a big mistake to suppose that arbitration treaties will put a stop to war. Yet that is what a good many people expected the Anglo-American treaty would do—that it would remove all danger of the two great English speaking nations ever going to war with each other. If ratified, would have done good, but the expecta tion that it would prevent war must be put aside as the deluaive creation of a sanguine imagination. As we read history, war has always arisen either from national emotion, or national interests, or the belief of a person possessed of the power to move armies that war would be beneficial either to himself or his people. The pretext for war has often been trumpery, and has almost never been the real cause for its declaration. We nearly fought Germany the other day because the people held the Emperor's telegram to President Kruger to be at once an insult and a threat. We fought Philip IT., Louis XTV , Napo leon, and Nicholas I, becauso those monarchs were dangerous, not because they did this thing or that thing con trary to international law. Napoleon, on the other hand, fought most of his wars because m his ambition he willed to fight them, and coujd induce his pe->plfl to obey his will In none of those three classes of cases would arbitration have been of the slightest use, nor will it be if either Great Britain or the United Spates should grow intent on war. If the Union m some social emergency should desire the absorption of Canada, or if she should repeat the Mason and Slidell incident, or if she should feel insulted by some speech of a British Premier or King, there will be war m spite of any Treaty of Arbitration. There is no supreme authority behind the Treaty which both parties must obey or be imprisoned, and neither party hag anything to fear from breaking it except war, which, on the hypothesis, is precisely the thing desired. Neither the pas&ions of men, nor the great interests of nations, nor the ambition of statesmen and soldiers, are got rid of by treaties of any kind, and should they ever happen to be fully stirred there will be war, as there will al§o be if one of those questions arises for which there is no settlement except the ancient principle that the strongest shall have his own way. Such questions are happily rare as between Kngland and America, but they have arisen— eg , the Right; of Search—-and they may arise again j wou'4 arise if f for example, the Union blockaded all the ports of £pnn, and England denied the reality of the blockade.

The Otago Times says :—The Colonial Secretary seems to have blundered

very badly over THK SHOOTIIG the opening of the SEASON. shooting season,

though it will possibly happen that good will result from the postponement till April* 17 The sufferers by the Colonial Secretary's action will be those who have made arrangements to get away for the Ist of April, and who cannot now make any alteration m these plans. We are disposed to regard the postpone raent of the opening as an almost unmixed blessing from a sporting point of view, for everything that impedes the destruction of game for the present is to be commended. On the Ist of April there are still many " flappers/ and a fortnight's growth makes all the difference between sport and butchery. Tt would even be a good thing if all the shooting men m the colony were to agree to forego a shootipg season, or even more; for every year it is necessary to go further afield to gain decent sport. , Though the desire of the Colonial Secretary to have the same day of opening for the whole colony may have something to recommend it, there are many reasons against *t, one of them being the great .difference m the forwardness of birds m the north and m the south. Opening the season at Easter invariably, isj absurd, seeing that the date of that^ festival varies so much year by year, i ReaUportsmen will p£t grumble at!

any restriction upon the destruction of game, but they have a right to expect some finality m the arrangements, and are entitled to courteous information as to the intentions of the department.

The experience of railway companies at Home seems to show that railway

RAILWAY FARES

fares can be much reduced with mutual advantages to the

public and the owners of the railways. Within the past year or two the South- Western, South-Eastern, and Chatham and Dover Companies revised their fares with the view of popularising the first arid second classes. The Brighton Company followed suit; and now the Great Western Company has made large concessions, which have attracted a considerable increase of business The Company reduced first-class farea from about 3d per mile to not more than 2d. The second-class was reduced from nearly 2d to 1 |d, and the third class from about IJd to Id per mile. At the half-yearly meeting last month it was shown that the second-class traffic had increased by 637,000 m numbers and £66,000 m money. From 1884 to 1895 there has been a. steady reduction m the second class passengers carried, from about 3,000,000 to 1,000,000, but the downward tendency has been checked, not because firßt class passengers now travel second class, but because of the reduction m fares. The number of first class passengers showed an increase, and the number of third class an increase also. In the last-mentioned c*se, however, a large increase (566,280) m number was coincident with a decrease of £35,847 m the receipts. The North- Eastern Company now issue first class coupons (transferable) for 1000 miles, each coupon being good for one mile. The fare under the system is about 1 |d per mile.

Local and General.

A special train passed through Ashburton last evening containing forty-four double deckers of sheep from Oamaru to Rakaia. Before Mr B. Alcorn, J.P., this morning, W. Sullivan, who has been for several days on the spree, was remanded for a week for medical treatment. A call of £°t per share is to be made on the shareholders of the Ward Farmers' As sociation, and Tuesday the 13th of April is fixed as the date for making objections. It is understood that the reason there are to benoVblunteerEncampments at Easter is the feu* of unsettled weather ; but the Defence Department intends to hold one close to each of the four centres before the end of j the y,ear. Intending passengers are reminded that the Tongariro and Ruahine (which will leave this colony on April 15 and 29 respectively) will arrive at Home m time for the Queen's celebrations. The Acclimatisation Society's annual dinner takes place at Devane's Hotel on Wednesday evening, the 14th April, and the tickets are now obtainable from the secretary and members. The sale of work m connection with the Baptist Tabernacle—which has been termed a " rummage stall " opens to-morrow after noon at 3 o'clock. The members of the well known Willowby choir lend their services for the occasion. The captain, officers and passengers of the R.M S. Tongariro preseuted Mr George Jameson with a testimonial and spirit flask, m recognition of his efforts to promote the happiness of those on board during the voyage by getting up sports, &o. The Ashburton F. L.0.L., held their usual monthly meeting m the Orange Hall on Friday evening last —the President, Sister Jones, m the chair. There was a good atten dance of members; two candidates were initiated into the order, and four proposed for membership. The Matauta Ensign complains of the action of the Prohibition party m contesting the licensing committee election at a coat of £300, which it considers wasted, as the local option poll m December clearly showed that the people did not favor prohibition principles. The people of Gore and Wynd bam have turned completely round on their sentiments as expressed by the 1894 results. The following telegram waa forwarded yesterday to the Government, (says the Press) but up to the present no answer has been received :—"Urgent. Colonial Secre tary, Wellington.— Large number people already gone to shooting ground ; impossible communicate with them, and much illegal shooting will take place. Uannot Govern ment reconsider decision and open April Ist as usual. Reply urgent.—A, Cakeick, Presi dent Canterbury Acclimatisation Society," Few people seem aware of the si^e and importance of Bombay as a city and a great centre of trade within the British Empire. Jt is, as a matter of fact, the second biggest city m the empire—ranking m between London and Glasgow—and the third biggest port. This will give m itself some idea of the great gravity not to India alone, but to the empire generally, of the devastation at present going on m Bombay. An eloquent but shortsighted Aberdonian divine, so it is stated m an Edinburgh paper, recently occupied the pulpit m a rural parish. As only one person attended the service, the minister felt called upon to apologise for the length of hia discourse, but'as the congregatipp unanimously signi fied its approval of huf preaching, the minis ter continued with renewed vigor and pro ) jfity. Jt only remains \o bq added that the solitary listener consisted of his driver, who had been engaged b,y the hour. The Premier pub up a record for rapid \ travelling on Friday and Saturday. Leaving Wellington at 1.20 p.m. he reached Palmer- j gbon North by 7.40 p.m. Here a special \ engine apd carriage awaited him, and was taken oq to tJanevirke, where he attended tha banquet to Mr Hajl, and made a long speech. At the gopelusion of the banquet he set off on the return journey by special train to Pttlmerston North, where he caught the ordinary train to Wellington, where he arrived shortly before 1 p.m., having travelled 244 miles under 24 hours. Adoiphuß Bergin, of Auckland, is claiming the bonus for an improved method of dressing fti^an'd utilising tow. He states that he has discovered a i«rspee!gi f°r treating flax cheaply and expeditiously, and claims that if the process is generally adopted there will be a revolution m the flax industry of the colony. The time for receiving applications for the bonus expires on March 31, but m deference to the wish of a number of appli cants, who say they have machines m course of preparation, the Government has decided to extend the tjme until the end of the year. Yesterday afternoon (aays the Press) Mr C. D. flardie s the head master of the Papanui school, who is leaving to take up a similar position m the Ashburton State school, wah presented with a volume of Tennyson's poems and also with a marble clock for himself and his wife. Upon a silver plate on the clock are the words—" From the teachers, pupils, and Committee of the Papanui school, March, 1897." The presen tation was made by Mr D Buntin. There were present also the Rev. H. Williams, Mr T. Wesbon and a number of parents. An apology was received for the absence of the Rev. H. Purchas. This morning, Mr Thomaß Herrick, who has been identified for many yeara with the charitable work at the City Mission Home, succumbed to an attack of hemorrhage from the lungs. The deceased had been m feeble | health for a long time and complained on Tuesday of feeling unwell, but went about his usual duties to the last. He woke his wife a few minutes before hia death, and Mrs Herrick at once summoned Dr Mickle, bub the sufferer, who will be mourned by a wide circle of friends, and by a large number |of people who'have .benefited frora his un selfiih labours, pawed away before any I WWdJll B>W&r« could be wpU,es j

The Albury Settlement, containing 14,141 acres of agricultural and 10,568 acres of I pastoral land, will be open for selection under the lease in perpetuity aud small j grazing run systems on April 12. The I agricultural land is cut up into seventy four blocks of from 25 to 990 acres each,'and , the pastoral land into four small grazing runs ranging fiom 1955 acres to 3080 acies in extent, I In connection with the Monro Memorial Fund a trust committee has been fotmed, i consisting of Messrs G. T. Booth, C. I. Jennings, T. E. Taylor, M.H.R., and the Beys Gordon Webster, W. Scorgie and L. , M. Isitt. Mr Archibald Scott has con sented to act as secretary and treasurer, and all moneys may be sent to hia address, , standard Insurance Office, Hereford street, ! Ohnstchurch. On Monday Mr R. Holderness, inspector of stock, and Mr J. J. Isbiaber, of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association, . went to Quail Island and took off three ! Shropshire Down rams, on account of Mr A. Macfarlane, Aohray, which have duly served their time in quarantine. The sheep, which were selected at Home by Mr George Jame- i son, were sent straight on to Culverden by rail. A prosecution of a serious character was abandoned at Tapanui last week under cir cumstances that were certainly unusual. A man had been arrested on a charge of assaulting a girl who was under the age of consent, and had been re manded until Friday last, but on the day before that the giri, with the approval of her parents, absolved the accu&ed most effectually by marrying him. In con nection with the case a curious illustration was afforded of the variety of characters that a person may be called upon to act in a country town. Wh6n the accused was arrested he was haled before a local solicitor, who by virtue of being Mayor of Tapanui, holds the commission of the peace, and the amount of bail was fixed at a certain sum. In ihe next stage of the proceedings, when the accused was agnn brought before the court, the solicitor in question appeared on his behalf and applied for a reduc ion of the bail, which he had himself fixed, but the bench refused to sanction the request. The third act in the drama was that in which the services of the clergy were in voked, and there, it is declared, the solici tor appeared in the guise of the wedding guest.

Synopsis of New advertisements. W. H. Collier—New business advertise-! ment. Austral Cycle Agency—Notice to wheel men. Flemington school—Concert, Friday, March 2. Primitive Methodist Harvest Festival—- Or.mge Hall, Saturday. James Tasker—Cash buyer of sage and thyme. The Tabernacle—Sale of work. For Sale—Two glasß show-cases. Ashburton Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club—Tenders.

CRICKET.

The following w ill represent the Ashbur ton Junior Second Eleven m the match against the Junior First, to be played m the Domain to-morrow at 2.30 p.m. sharp:— F. Clark, G. Gourdie, E. Minnis, W. Hosken, B. Amos, D. Stock, J. Stephens, A. Cates, E. Crisp, D. Revell, B. Barr. Emergencies—J. Stock, B. Simpson, G. Cates.

Western Maori Election.

Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph. New Plymouth, March 31 The Western Maori election inquiry m which Ropata Te Ao petitioned against the return of Henare Kaihau, opened this morning before the Chief Justice and Mr Justice Connolly. Mr Baume, of Auckland, appears for Kaihau, and Sir Robert Stout tor the petitioner. The case is likely to last some days.

The Napier Assault Case.

— -♦ • Preso Association—By Electric Telegraph Napier, March 30 A coroner's jury were engaged from 2.30 till 7 p.m. m hearing evidence ia connection ■ with the death of the man James Mclotosh, a station hand ab Temahanga, who succum bed to injuries received by being assaulted > and robbed m Munroe street on the night of the 20th inst, by two men named G. Wilson I and J. Fitzgerald. The evidence showed that deceased received a cheque for £67 from Mr Douglas, part of which he left with a Hastings hotelkeeper and came into Napier on the 20ih with about £7 i» his possession m company with the accused. L'hey had drinks at the various hotels. At about 10 p.m. Mclntoah was found by two persons who were going home, he having bees brutaily assaulted. Wilson and Fitz gerald had worked with him on the station, and when arrested blood was found on both their boots and trousers, while a boy gave evidence as to seeing the three men strugg ling about 9 o'clock that night. Mclntosh's depositions were takeu on Friday and he recognised the accused as the two men who assaulted him. The jury returned a verdict of death from failure of the heart's action, with sufficient evidence to justify further proceedings.

OOMMERCIAL

LONDON WOOL SALES.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. / London, March 29. At the wool sales the bidding was irregu lar, and the competition less brisk.

OAMARU MARKET REPORT.

The past week has not been a busy one m the markets. '1 he quantify of grain offer ing is increasing, but millers continue to hold off. Agents, however, continue to sell a few lines, and the best price we have heard of thia week was a quantity of wheat sold at a country siding at 3s lid ; otherwise prices are unaltered, and the volume of business has decreased. The following are the ruling prices : Velvet, 33 lOd ; Tuscan, 3s 93jjd ; red chaff, 3-j 9J. Barley, prime, 3s 3d to §3 £jd ; Cap .', 2s 4\to 23 51. Bran and pollard, £3 IQs. Cocksfoot, 3d to 3^. Butter, 5d to 7d. Eggs, Is.

DUNEDIN GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKET.

Messrs Donald Reid and Co,, Dunedin, report that prices ruled as under on Mon day :— _ Oats,—Our catalogue was a small one, and included tew oats suitable to the re quirements of thoae m attendance. The demand for prime milling quality is keen, and Sutherlands can be readily placed at full rates. Feed sorts are offering sparingly, and continue m fair demand at quotations. We quote : Prime milling, Is lOd to 2a ; good to best feed, Is 9d to Is lOd ; medium, Is 8d to Is 9d per bushel (sacks extra). Wheat.—We offered fowl wheat only, which sold at 3s M to 3s 7d per bushel (sacks m). Prime milling is m request, and readily saleable at late quotations. Barley.—We sold milling quality at 2s 7<i per bushel (sacks extra.) Potatoes,~A fair supply forward, and values show a slight decline. We sold best Derwents at £3 5a to £3 12s 6d ; best kid neys, £2 15s to £3 3s j medium, £2 to £2 10s per ton (sacks m). Chaff.—-The market is quite bare at pre sent. Prime old ohaff U strongly inquired for, and new chaii', ; f m good order, is readily saleable at £2 15s to £3 per ton (bags extra).

The Greymouth Case.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Hokitika, March 30 At the Supreme Court, the whole morning was occup ed with the examination of Robert Tennant, a fireman or deputy-manager m the Brunner mine. He deposed that it was= not the duty of the deputies to inspect further than the working faces, and the ait ways leading to them. He thought the ventilation of the mines might have been improved. No notice was taken of a report made by one of the men to the oversman that there was an accumulation of gas m one of the disused bords. He attribu'es the disaster to an explosion of gas, accelerated by coal dust. The examination is still proceeding.

HIGH SCHOOL.

The Board of Governors of the Ashburton High School met yesterday. Present- Messrs Andrew Orr (presiding), Matthew Stitt, and Donald Williamson. Mr W. B. Denshire sent an apology for absence. FINANCE. The chairman reported a debit balance at the bank of £60 8s lid. MEMBERSHIP. The Education Board notified the reap pointment of Messrs Orr and Williamson as Governors. , beskkve 929. Mr Thompson McKay, the tenant of reserve 929, Hinds, wrote asking for a reduction of rent. The matter was deferred till next meeting, when a fuLer attendance may be expected. THE STAFF. J Misß MaoDonnell wrote, resigning her' position after three months. The resigna tion was accepted with regret, and it was resolved to hold a special- meeting on Tues day to consider the question of re-arranging the staff. MISCELLANEOUS. A fence was ordered to be planted round the girls' school; the clerk instructed to obtain tenders for fuel; the Easter holidays to extend from Thursday before Good Friday to the Tuesday following ; and Messrs Seaiy and Orr to be Visiting Committee for the month. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £52 15s lid were passed for payment.

ASHBURTON RIFLES.

Old Ashburcon volunteers caa hardly realise that it is eighteen years since the memorable meeting was held m Shearman's sample room at which a then well-known hairdresser, who. reseated being called a barber, solemnly proposed " that a rifle corpse be formed m Ashburton." But the flight of time cannot be stayed, and the Ashburbon rifle corps has been m existence all that time, and has never at any period of its history been other than a very live body, and far indeed from corpse-like. The annual meeting of the company held last evening, bore out the above statement, and forty four men oi all ranks appeared on parade. The company is made up of a nice lot of w 11 set up young fellows, i 8 wall officered, both commissioned and non commissioned. 3he men are excellently uniformed, and armed with the Martini-Henry rifle; their discipline is fairly good, aud their drill as satisfactory/ as it is possible for drill to be that is( acquired by young fellows who parade butii OBce a week. After parade the annual! meeting was held m the orderly room,' presided over by Captain W. E. Dolman,/ who m introducing the business, expressed his pleasure at meeting them at their eighteenth annual meeting. In reviewing the work ot the year, he remarked with satisfaction that at the annual camp at Temuka the oompaoy had been well repre sented, but he could hardly say the same m regard to the local camp, which was not so well attended. In regard to the subject of camps he expressed his regret that there would be no Easter encampment this year. The capitation earned this year by the company had been £147 10a—fifty-nine men having qualified out of sixty-four ; and the present strength of the company was sixty two. He was g!ad to say that the company was m a good financial position, and unless Government forced them to buy uniforms of a different kind from that now m use, they would be able to re-clothe the company next year. He was glad to announce that the j New Zealand Clothing Factory had presented a valuable trophy to the company, to be ! competed for m a series of shooting contests. Lieutenant Hayes, treasurer of the com pany, submitted a satisfactory balance»sheet, showing a cash balance with no outstanding liabilities, which was adopted. The report of the Shooting Committee was submitted. It dealt with the condition of the battf, suggesting improvements, both i m the butts themselves, and the means of access to them. It also gratefully ac knowledged the kindneas of the tradesmen who had contributed shooting prizes. The report was adopted, and the company voted £16 to the prize fund. The folio wing were elected a Shooting Committee for the year : —Corporal Baker, Privates Hodgson, Robin son, D. Leitch, and T. Leitch. The office-bearers for the general business of the company were elected as follows ; — Secretary — Sergeant Dee ; Treasurer — Lieutenant Hayes; Auditors—Sergeant G. Hefford and Corporal J. W. Baker j Orderly Room Committee—Privates Leitoh, Robin son, O'Connor, H. Hefford, and Reynolds. Finance Committee—Sergeants Hefford and Baker; Armory Sergeanc and Caretaker— Sergeant Baker. Honoraria were voted—of £2 2a to the secretary and £1 Is to the auditors. After hearty votes of thanks had been passed to the tradesman who had given shooting prizes and to the chairman, etc., the meeting adjourned.

THE GERALDINE FIRE.

W. H. Webber was on Tuesday brought up on remand at Geraldine before Mr C. A. Wray, S.M., and Mr H. W. Moore, J.P., charged with setting fire to a certain store with iateufc to defraud. Mr White appeared for the Crown, and Mr Raymond for fche prisoner. The fresh evidence taken, apart from what had previously been given ab the Coroner's inquest, was chat given by Wilford Flockton, draper's assistant, who deposed that two weeks after commencing business m Geral dme Webber complained that the sales were not Urge enough. After the first two week« the sales decreased still further, and a fortnight before the fire accused's manner changed. He did not then grumble about the sales though they had decreased con siderably. In witness' hearing accused grumbled to the representative of Messrs Cook and Gray that a lot of the stock was damaged, and he seemed to want a discount for the damaged stock. The stock was picked over by local storekeepers, who bought a good deal of it. Witness met accused going for the brigade oa the night of the fire, and saw hi:n smoking a cigarette. After the fire accused said to witness, "I am losing a lot by this fire." Witness said; "1 don't see how you can lose, considering the price you gave for the stock," Accused then said, {l You need not tell the general public that," John James McCaskey, local agent for the Victoria Insurance Company, stated that a few days before |he fire he saw accused about a fresh proposal. Accused said his, stock was worth £1300, and witness said he would not accept a greater risk than £800 for one month. On the day of the fire accused signed a proposal for £800. Witness understood that accused represented the value of the stock according to the stock sheets. Accused told witness he had a letter which covered his stock for £1000 till March 27, 1897. If he (witness) had known that accused had given only £934 for his stock and had sold £300 or more cub of that, he would not have given him cover for £800. Accused, who reserved his defence, was committed for trial at the next sitting of the Supreme Court, at Timaru, on June 22. Bail was allowed, himself m £300, and two sureties m £150 each. Bail was forthcoming.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

I The Miliier Banquet London, March 29. Mr Asquith endorsed the views o£ Mr Ohatnberlain at the Milner banquet and regarded his speech as weighty and important.

Alleged Heresy.

The Rev. John Watson, better known as " lan MacLaren," has been cited by a clergyman to appear before the Presbyterian General Synod on a charge of heresy.

Norfolk Island.

Mr Chamberlain stated that the new rules for governing Norfolk Island applied to keeping alcohol. Under the existing law the importation of spirituous liquors, excepting for « medicinal purposes, was absolutely prohibited. There was no reason, he added, to suppose that the sale of liquor was intended under the new ! rules.

Theatrical. §

Mr Musgrove has engaged Misa Alma Stanley to tour Australia with Harry Poulton.

The Italian Elections.

Bomb, March 29 The elections give the Marquif Rudini a majority of 200.

The Alien Labour Act

Ottawa, March 29 A. facsimile copy of the Alien Labour Act which was passed by the United State Congress has been introduced by the Canadian Government as a reprisal for the harshness displayed by the United States towards Canadian workmen.

Picked up at Sea.

New Yobk, March 29. The steamer Yanario picked up a life boat belonging to the wrecked steamer Ht. Fazaire. Thirteen out of the twenty-nine, aboard the boat when she left the sinking vessel died of starvation and thirst.

Australian.

Press Association—By Kleckic Telegraph- Copyright,

Coral Reefs.

5-ydnky, March 80. In May last the British Royal Society expedition, under Professor Sollap, visited the Ellice Islands, chiefly with the objeqfc of testing the Darwinian theory of the formation of coral reefs. The expedition failed owing to the de fective boring apparatus. Mr Gardi ner, one of the member?, remained to study the coral formation, and has now returned to Sydney. The result of his researches is, on the whole, unfavour able to Darwin's theory that coral has its formation on sunken land. He sees no necessity to assume the sinking of the land. It seems more feasible that the reefs are grouped round ocean mountains, probably of volcanic origin, the tops of which were never above the sea.

Old Age Pensions.

Melbourne, March 30 The Old Age Pensions Commission at its first sitting decided to obtain all available information of old age schemes, including those practised iv New Zealand and New South Wales.

TURKISH AFFAIRS.

Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Constantinople, March 29. Serious disorder prevails m Albania, Moslems and Christians fighting m behalf of their respective religions. Hakki Pasha has been dismissed from his military" command and ar rested.

THE INSURRECTION IN CRETE.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. Athens, March 29 The Europeans, m conjunction with Turkish troops, are protecting the water supply at Oanea. The Greeks m Cyprus have boy cott d German exports m revenge for the attitude of Germany towards Crete. London, March 29 Greece is apparently unwilling to agree to the proposal for the mutual withdrawal of Turkish and Greek troojs from Crete. She requires to be allowed to administer the affairs of the island under European mandate. Received Wakapnaka, March 31, 10 a.m., Guardian office, 11 a.m. Athens, March 30. The Duke of Sparta, the Crown Prince of Greece, has arrived at Larissa, where thi» ty thousand Greek troops are assembled. Much enthu siasm prevails amongst the Greeks. A strong corps is posted at Tyrnavos, near Larissa, and at THltkala and Urta, on the north-west frontier, The Greek fleet is guarding Prevesa and Volo. London, March 30 In the House of Commons Sir G. N. Curzon said it was not true that Britain was siding with Turkey. Lord Salisbury had secured autonomy for the Cretans. : Received Wakapuaka, March 31, 9.30 a.m., Guardian office 12.50 p.m. Athens, March 30 The Admirals of the foreign fleets have applied to the Powers for rein? forcemeats m Crete. They report that Oolonel Vassos has declared open wajf against the Powers, and it will be necessary to treat fche insurgents as enemies if they persist m their attacks upon Oanea.

THE W3HBtJßd?o** GUAKDIAN : WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31, 1897.



Lincoln, Yorks're. Shrops'ro. S'mth'n. H»g. Wthr. Hog. Wthr. Hog, Wthr. Teg. Jan. .- 15 12 164 12* 11* 10} 12J Feb. ... 14i Hi 15| 11* 11* 10J 12^ March 14 11 15* 11* 11 10* 12£ April... 134 11 15 11 11 10 12} May .... 12} 10* 13} 10£ 10} 10 12 June ... 114 101 12* 10* 104 10 124 July ... 11* 10 12 10* 104 10 124 August 11 9| 12 10 10* 10 12* Sept. ... 11 10 12 10* 104 10 121 October 11* 10* 12| 104 104 10 12} Nov. ... 11* 104 12* 10i 11 lQi 12i Dec. ... 11 10* 12 10* 104 10 124



HOIXGWAY'S OiNTMBNE AND PlIiLS— Health's Defences. None save the strongest) can with impunity pass through the sudden transitions from wet to dry, from cold to muggy weather so prevalent during the autumnal and early winter montha. Influenza bronohitis, cough, sore throat, or quinsy will attack those most watchful of their health ; bub they can readily arrest any of these complaints by rubbing Hollow&y'a Ointment twice a day upon the skin over the affected parr a, and by assisting its corrective action with appropriate doses of his Pills. This well-known, safe, and easy mode of treat ment efficiently protects the invalid boih from present and future * danger without weakening or even disturbing the system m the slightest 4tgrm*



Kbatino's Powder ceatroya bugs, fleas, tnrfas, beetles, aad all other insects, whilst gui c h>nnlesa to domestic animals. Ia -xterminaiing beetles the success of this powder ia ex raordinary. It ia perfectly ilean m application. See the artiole you purobaae ia Heating's, ac imi ations are j noxious and ineffectual. Sold m tins, 6i, le and 2 U e*ob, by al ohamisU



Foa Indigestion, the best remedy Un a dojbtedly Norton's Camomile Pills. Ihey oau confidently be recommended as being mild m operation and absolutely free from njurious drugs. Acting at once as a eplen. did toniu and a gentle aperient, for nearly 100 years they have proved wwcraallec' for fndigestion, Dyspepsia, sick Headache and or Liver and Stomach complaints. Sold la hotdu Is ljbd, 2s 9d, and Us, by all Medi cine Vendors throughout the wwK. A Simple, »f« wri o«rt*ta wwy



Public Notices. NEW ZEALAND Clothing 1 Factory. I V\PENING UP NEW GOODS EVERY WEEK. SO Empty Packing Oases For Sale, Cheap. 3 *■ or 1 » on" W *~JF w 0 B TOO W «^P CO -4-» J ° i sa M g O OD «|J h*■ da r™H ® . a? (^ g H^ gig gSg pHfi iiia?is3^i 3 m^igS fig 3 111 I» gi .Ml g p ? * s F ENCHANTED SWING. THE GREATEST SCIENTIFIC ILLUSION OF THE AGE. THE ENCHANTED SWING has bean erected on the site opposite the SALVATION ARMY BARRACKS, OPEN H W«BY SATURDAY AFTERNOON at 2.30. ' Admission— Sixpence.



MEN'S AND BOYS' HATS. HATS. HATS. p*r\ DOZEN FELT HATS ALMOST GIVEN AWAY. A GRAND SUCCESS. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S TIABRIO AND PRINT SALE being such a Grand Success, we have decided to hold it FOB TWO WEEKS, A GREAT HAT SALE. ?r\ DOZEN MEN'S. gQ DOZEN BOYSI'. Men's Soft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 5s Boys' Soft Felt Hats Is 6d, worth 3s 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 3s 6d, worth 6s 6d Boys' Soft Felt Hats 2a 6d, worth 4s 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 4s 6d, worth 7s 6d Men's Soft Felt HVs 5s 6d, worth 8* 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 6s 6d, worth 10s 6d Men's Soft Felt Hats 8s Gd, worth 12s 6d EVERY AK'JIIOLB m the Clothing and Mercery Departments equally Cheap, so as to clear the shelvesjfor the KTEW GOODS expected by the end of the month ; while the balance of general Drapery will bo still further reduced, so as to make a clean sweep before the New Season's Goods arrive. Prints Brilliants Cambrics from Ss lid per dozen, worth double _ I anne!. Lafor Dressing Gowns and Home Blouses 4s lid ten, half price Trimmed and antrimmed Ilate. Aprons, Blouses, Veil fogs, Ribbons, etc., at half, cut BOOTS AND SHOES—the Best value m the trade DON'T FOBGET THE GBEAT HAT SALE AT MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART, , WOl: TO J. ORR * CO., mm STREET, ASBPURTPN,



-::.: Business Notices, LOOK OUT. G. J. NEILL —IS SELLING— Table Damask at Is per yard TwiU Sheeting, 2 yards wide, white or grey, 9fd Turkish Towels, 6d each ; Cretonne 3|d Flannelettes, 2s lid per dozen G. J. N EILL I s S ELLING- Mec's Heavy Tweed Suits at 2ls 6d, wonderful valme] Boys Suits, 4s lid Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Nail SHOOTERS 7s lid. Women's SHOES 4s lid Men's BLUCHERS 4s lid. Women's Lace SHOES 4s lid The Cheapest Boots m Ashburton are to be got at G. J. NEILL'S, fIRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAJ3T STREET. AUTUMN AND WINTER SHIPMENTS—IB 97. GRAND DISPLAY. S\VB. PREMISES are stocked throughout with the most COMPLETE ASSORTMENT U of USEFUL, SEASONABLE, AND FASHIONABLE DRAPERY To be found m South Canterbury. Splendid Stock of BLANKETS, FLANNELS, and FLANNELETTES AT BED-ROCK PRICES. Ladies' and Children^ MACKINTOSHES a Specialty—guaranteed to keep out the rain French and English MILLINERY, FLOWERS, RIBBONS, &c. Handsome CAPES, JACKETS, and MANTLES. DRESS GOODS m Endless Variety. Everything NEW and UP-TO-DATE, and the BEST VALUE IN THE TRADE. W. H. COLLIER, "THE CORNB Jtt." AUTUMN AND WINTEJX NOVELTIES. GRAND SPECIAL DISPLAY AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S. MANTrF*- MILLINERY— taiTCKTS WATERPROOFS CLOAKS FUR BOAS CAPES UNDERCLOTHING i • IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO LADiES,— IN PURSUANCE of oar policy m keeping our Business well to the iront. we have decided to add a FIRST-CLASS DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT to our Kitabliahment. We have secured the services of Miss Hill, a lady of uaquee«ou^ ability, who teiogs with her credentials of the highest order from MESSRS W. STRANGE & CO., m whose Workrooms she has beea engaged for over seven yeaks. Our object is to supply our Customers with Stylish andi Well-made COSTUMES at a Moderate Price, and every possible effort will be Kiven to make our NEW DEPARTMENT an unqualified success. We have already booked a number of Orderß, and expect a very full season. Miss Hill will be pleased to receive intending Patrons on and alter FRIDAY, March 26. MITCHELL AND URNEB, TANORBD STREET.