Mail Notices.

DDHE BRINDISI MAIL. Mails for the Australian Colonies, Tas mania, Ceylon, India, China, Japan, Straits Settlement, Continent of Europe, and the United Kingdom, via Brindisi (due in London on 16th March); also the Sandwich Islands, Vancouver, Canada, and the United States, to connect with the Miowera from Sydney, close at Christchurch, per Tekapo, on SATURDAY, January 30, at 5 p.m.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1897. THORIUM.

Most people, we believe, are under the impression that, platinum excepted, gold is the most valuable of all metals But as was shown by a paragraph in a recent issue, there are many more valuable, and of these seventeen were enumerated, viz., iridium, valued at £60 per lb troy; gallium £76; rhodium £85 ; osmium, £120; ruthenium, £200; palladium, about £216; barium, £280; didymium, £500; cerium, £525; yttrium, £630 ; strontium, £670 ; calcium, £700; glucinum, £820; lithium, £1080; zirconium, £1115; rubidium, £1400 ; vanadium, £1725. To these has to be added thorium, which, according to Sir James Hector) is worth £540 per lb troy, or £45 per oz. A. very interesting discussion on i the subject of these rare metals took place a few days ago at tbe "Wellington Philosophical Institute, in the course of which it appeared that some of them are among the mineral productions of the co'ony. For example, Sir James Hector exhibited a specimen of osmium iridium found at Parapara, Colling wood, which locality is already famous for its rich deposits of iron and other minerals, a fact which bears out Sir James' statement that the appearance of osmium-iridium always indicates country of a very high metallurgic value. Osmium-iridium, he said, was worth about three times the value of gold, and another metal, palladium—■ traces of which were to be seen in ,the specimen exhibited—was worth very much more. The only article known which was made of this metal was a small goblet in the Paris Mint. The bearings of the standard balances in the mints at Paris and London were also made of this rare melal at enormous cost. o_mium-iridium was used for the hard tips upon gold nibs, etc. Both these metals were found at Parapara, mixed with the gold re covered by the company in that locality. But what this colony should find, Sir James remarked, was thorium, which was worth £45 an ounce, and was in great demand for making the mantles used over gas burners. He added that he believed he knew where it waa to be found in New Zealand This last remark should induce mineralogists to turn their attention to searching for the valuable mineral in and renders the information given wub regard to it by Br T L. Philpson in a repeat article in Knowledge of special interest to New Zealanders. From this we make the following extract: — "Of ali the new metals which have come to light since the middle of the last century, very few have come to any extent into daily u?& Hitherto, by far the most unpromising, pi _h in this respect, has been the metal thorium, and its oxide thoria. It was found in a black, shiny mineral, re sembling black glass, sticking in the Norwegian granite rocks, and after wards in a few other stones of various colors, where its presence was thought to be accidental. It possesses no very striking properties. The oxide (thoria) is white, and forms white salts with acids; no colors are obtained with it. Thoria was first found combined with silica upon the little island of Loevan, not far from the small town of Brevig in Norway. It was discovered by a Swedish diplomatist named Esmarck, and handed to his friend, the chemist Berzelius, that he might analyse it and so find out what it was. In making this analysis Berzelius soon discovered that he wa& dealing with ac entirely new substance. Some time afterwards the same new substance was found by the late Profehsot Woehler, the celebrated chemist oi Gottingen, and a pupil of Berzelius, in a stone from the Ural Mountains called pyrochlore, which is also found in Norway; and more recently it has been m?t with in another rare mineral called monazite. Berzelius found that when this metal was hea__ fi red-hot is the air it took fire and burnt wiul ° most extraordinary brilliancy. The light emitted was even more strikingly brilliant than that produced by the combustion of magnesium, which is at present so much used by photographers and makers of fireworks. Now, this light-giving property of thorium is just bringing out this rare metal from the complete oblivion in which it has lain for nearly seventy years. It has beei? found out, indeed, that of all the metallic oxides which have been tried on the so-called ' hoods' or ' mantles' that are placed around gas flames in order to increase the light, thoria ia by far the finest ; and of recent years the manufacture of these ' mantles' for the incandescent gas burners has created a brisk demand for thoria. Tue incandescent light yielded by the ' mantles' of thoria is enabling the street gas to rival the more expensive electric light. The minerals thorite, crangite, and pyroi.hlore, which all contain a large amount of thoria, are still very rare and expensive; but monazite hae bepn found of late years in various parts of ths world, and seems more plentiful c At first the price paid for pure oxide of thorium was as high as fifty-three pounds for one pound weight avoirdu pois $ but it has since oscillated very much, and haa sometimes been as low as seven pounds per pound, according as the output is more or less plentiful." It will be noted that Dr Philpsori's quotations in the foregoing, viz, £53 clown to £7 per lb are wide as the poles asunder from Sir James Haptpr's valuation of the pure metal at £45 per oz, but the latter may have been quoting the price which obtained years ago arid! the former present values, vet even at an average seure5 eure per Ib J. ,e 's h . equal to £67,200 pT ton, the discovery of thorium in I quantity would well repay the trouble I of searching for it, |

Details have been received of a| terrible accident at Leroy, St. Louis, •'

FATAL BALLOON ACCIDENT.

wnicn Happened to an English female aeronaut known as Victoria. She and

her husband, George Hibbard, con tracted to make a number of ascents at j a country fair, and as she was a hand some, well-made woman, and p-pular on account of her daring, a crowd of fully 5000 persons assembled to witness the ascent. When an altitude of 100 ft had been gained the crowd heard a faint scream and saw Victoria daßgling by the arm which was in the loop. Then the parachute dropped without the aeronaut, and the balloon, relieved of its weight, soared higher, until it appeared but a mere speck. The husband realised the perilous situa tion in which his wife was placed, and became almost crazed with grief and wept aloud. Rushing to the dressing tent, he seized a revolver and shot at and wounded himself, but before he could take his life he was restrained. Suddenly a small body was seen to leave the balloon, and start on a down ward plunge of fully 3000 ft to the ground. As it approached it was seen to be the unfortunate woman. The body struck the top of an elm tree with tremendous force and cutting through the branches, dropped on the earth a shapeless mass. Her back struck one branch, breaking it, and the head broke another branch. The husband heard the crash, tottered to the spot where the remains of his wife were lying, and throwing himself across the body, bled to death from his self-inflicted wound.

William Levy, of Eau Claire, Wis., who recently had an X ray examina-

MADE BALD BY X RAYS.

tion ot his skull made by Professor Fred. S Jones at the physical labora-

Tory of the Minnesota State University (says the St. Paul Despatch), had an experience in consequence not generally supposed to accompany that process. Levy was shot in the head about ten years ago by an escaping bank defaul ter. The bullet has been somewhere in his head ever since, and in July he made up his mind to have it located. Accordingly he came up and sat from eight o'clock in the morning till ten at night for a Rontgen ray picture of his head. After taking a couple of nega tives they finally found about where the bullet was located. The doctors wrapped his head up in wires, which were definitely located. ■'A picture was taken through the skull from the front toward the back of the had, the tube from which the rays radiated being for this purpose placed inside his mouth. The picture thus secured showed the bullet very distinctly. A very strong current—about 100,000 volts—had be? npassed through the tube in making the exposures. The next day Mr Levy began to notice a peculiar effect on his skin wherever it had been most exposed to the rays, and the hair on the right side of his head was per fectly bald, his right ear had swollen to twice its natural size, and presented the same appearance as if very badly frozen. Sores were visible on his head, his mouth and throat were blistered so that he could not eat solid food for three weeks, and his lips were swollen, cracked, and bleeding. In fact, the long exposure to the X rays, while giving him no pain at the time, seemed to have produced very similar effects to a very severe burn. Mr Levy has recovered from the effects of his burns, but he still has half a bald head. He is a plucky man, about thirty years of age, and intends to have the investigations carried further and the bullet removed.

Interviewed at Dunedin the other day gn public matters the Premier gave

THE LEVIN STATE FARM.

the following infor mation with regard to the Levin State farm : — The Hon.

Mr McKenzie and the Minister for L-bor are going up there to-morrow. It is intended to reserve a portion of the farm—the steading—and to estab lish there a dairy school, it being the most conveniently situated place for the West Coast of the North Island. The balance of the land will be cut up and sold in 50-acre farms. Great in quiries have been made with regard to the land, and it is anticipated that at least £10 per aore will be realised. Taking what was paid for the land, the labor expended, and the improvements, this will give a very substantial profit, and prove conclusively in the long run that our first experience of a State farm has been beneficial to the colony. VviC. 'he profits from the sale of the farm other lands *rfU be taken up on the central route of the North Island Trunk Railway, beyond the Manga weka. This ii very heavily timbered land, and the bush-felling will be de ferred for the winter ; and should the contingency arise, which is somewhat remote, of there being surplus labor in the colony, the men can be put to bush-felling on .this land. I# reply to I the query: But do the Government j intend to carry on a State farm the. same as they did at Levin ? Mr Seddon said, " It is intended ultimately to put the land into cultivation, and carry it on as a State farm just in the same way. The fact is, we find that an improved farm sells or leases better than maiden bush."

Local and General.

Of military men, the photograph of Lord Roberts is most in demand. Nor far short of 900.0C0 tons of dust is collected in London during the year. It is calculated that more steel is now gsed in the manufacture of pens than in war implements. Mr Llewellyn Owen notices intending pupils that the new term commences on Monday next. The tiger's strength exceeds thab of a lion- Five men can easily hold down a lion, but nine are required to hold a tiger. 1 lis rather curious fact is disclosed by the I censUß returns that there are 103,193 wives in the colony and only 102,736 husbands. We are sorry to see that the recent grass J fre at Tinwald yards did a great deal of") amage to the belt of pine trees planted j around it. The long drought and consequent short age o£ feed is having the effect of putting increased pressure upon the Freezing Works. We ajre inforioied tj^at yesterday \vere aolem) than 6000 sheep awaiting the knife -'••—«. *iid tbe eleyep o'clpok train this I afc Ben**., *-«a do»hle«(iecfeejE's bfi morning took up somo __ ~~n *« for j ?]%SP *nd I*mb,l, WPWtwttug wen «... «vPonwife« j

I The Czarina of Russia is an expert type .' writer, and recently ordered a new machine with gold type-bars and the frame inlaid with pearls. A suit has just been finished in the Chancery Court after lasting 44 years. The judges and most of the persons concerned in i tbe case had died. Notioe is drawn to Messrs T. H. Undrili and Cos. new advertisement whioh appears ia this issue announcing fresh shipments ef linoleums etc., just to baud. The late Baron Hirech received an average of 400 begging letters a day, and never read them, though he gave away in a single year as much as £3,000,000. At the time of taking the census on 12th April last, out of a population of 703,360 persons 6989 were sick or suffering from accidents, the number sick being 5318 The Western Star says:—" Owing no doubt to the liquidation proceedings in con nection with the Colonial Bank a stump has occurred in business in Invercargill." The inmates of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, Auckland, completed an order of 30,000 strawberry boxes in the season for the Birkenhead Fruitgrower's Association. An exchange says that it is probable that an attempt will be made afc an early date to introduce tbe system of rating on unim- S roved values in the borough of Palmerston [orth. Those who have not already sent their contributions towards tbe Sunday School picnic in tbe Domain, are invited to send their provisions to St Stephen's schoolroom before 10 o'clock to-morrow (Thursday) morning. The Secretary of the Christchnrch Cale donian Society has iv his possession Tarn o' Shanter's pipe and snuff mull, the very mull from which Tarn exchanged many a pinch, no doubt, with his "ancient trusty drouthie ctonie," Souter Johnny. A new line of reef has been discovered at Garden Gully, in the Upper Blackball dis trict (reports a Greymouth paper) and is highly apoken of. Shares are firmly held, and high prices demanded for any interests. Some of the stone shown in town last week was particularly rich. A largely attended meeting of the Prim itive Methodist Christian Endeavour Society was held on Tuesday evening when an interesting paper on " The People for Christ and the Church" was given by Miss J. Addis. After the subject had been fully discussed by several members, ihe meeting closed. When two Negritos, a people of the Philippine Islands, are to be wedded the whole tribe is assembled, and the affianced pair climb two trees growing near to each other, The eiders then bend the branches, until the heads of the couple meet. Wheh the heads have thus come into contract the marriage is legally accomplished, and great rejoicings take place, a fanastic dance com pleting the ceremony. A meeting of the executive of the Ash burton County Christain Endeavour Union took place in the Primitive Methodist Church on Monday evening, the president, the Rev. J. Oipherfc presiding. It was decided to hold the half-yearly convention at the Presbyterian Church on Thursday, March 11, when four societies will be represented, each society selecting its own subjects and speakers. Mr H. W. Barrett has shown us a curiosity ia the shape of an abnormal egg laid by one of his fowls—a black Minorca. The egg is of lar^e size, weighing 2|ozs, and the shell presents a most singular appearance being covered with an extra coating of lime, rough and unglazed, which exactly resembles a wrapping of wrinkled and folded paper. This extra lime coating is just like that deposited on twigs ia, the mineral waters at Rotorua. From the Lyttelton Tinm we learn that Horatio Parkea, (now in custody in con nection with the homicide at Opawa,) ia a nephew of Sir Harry Parkes, formerly British Ambassador to China, who selected a piece of land from the plans of the Canterbury Association iv London, and sent his nephew out in on a of the first four ships, and Parkes had lived upon ib ever since. The property had been known as The Grange. Eighteen months ago the Govenment bought most of the property to form the Roimata village settlement. A new difficulty has, according to a con temporary, cropped up in the path of the ardent prohibitionist. Experienced New Zealand bushmeu declare that the juice of the matsi is highly intoxicating, and that by simply tapping the forest giants they can get a flow of beer, ready brewed to hand, on which it is possible to get ex tremely merry. Ib follows that unless the prohibitionist can get on even terms with Natare and s rye her with a writ, the dis appearance of fermented and spirituous liquors from this colony cannot possibly take place so long as a vestige of our native forest remains. Of all the strange love stories, we have never (says Home Chat) heard a more quaint and original one than this. Mdlle Adelaide De Brigesse, a poetess, wrote a letter when she was a young girl in the form of a sonnet, promising her hand to the finder. She secreted it in a secret drawer iv an old bureau, and then forgot all about her word. Years after, the poetess having reached the mature age of seventy, the bureau was bought by a romantic old colonel in the army. He found the love letter, and con sidered himself engaged to the writer. The poetess determined to be faithful to her pro mise, written when she was only seventeen, and their marriage has just taken place. The Lancet is responsible for the follow ing—At a certain London hospital a patient was recently given some extract of malt with instructions to take a teaspoonful twice a day, commencing on the following morning, and to report himself at the end of a fortnight. At the expiration of this time he returned and said to the physician, ' Please, sir, am I to go on taking them insects you gave me ? ' ' Insects, said tbe astonished physician, ' what insects ?' 'Why, them cockroaches, sir. I've taken one night and morning in a teaspoonful of the sticky stuff,' Inquiry elicited that the cockroaches had not been dispensed, but had got into the jar daring the first night of its stay in the patient's house. Last evening a meeting of vocalists was held in the School of Music for the puipose of forming a musical body on the lines of the Harmonic Unions of the Old Country, in which the membership is limited to about a score, and the work confined to madrigaia,' glees, part songs, and concerted work generally, but eschewing this complete works of the great masters, and aiming only . ab the production of suc'i selections from them as are suitable for a small chorus, and for soloists of only amateur capacity. While the members must, of oourse, all be amateurs in a district like ours, it is made a sine qua non that they are possessed of a fair knowledge of the theory and practice of music, and can read the score sufficiently well, so as not to be a hindrance and a drag in fact, the anion finds no room for musical " passengers" and " deadheads." Fourteen members joined the union, and Mr Joseph Ward, jun,, was elected secretary, the appointment of other officers being held over to give intending members who were prevented from being present at the first meeting a voice in the election. Mr Gates, who was conductor, put several pieces in practice at once aud and an hour was spent f pleasantly and profitably at this work. The meetings will be held on Tuesday eveniugs.

It is said that on the second day of the Vincent Jockey Club's races at Matakanui, fully sixty cyclists from all parts trundled their bikes through the gate, to the astonish rnenfc of the gatekeeper, meekly aocepted the colonial Roberts tendered by the. owners. A special general meeting of the Rakaia Amateur Swimming Club was held in the Library on Monday evening, about twenty five members being present. Mr Samuel Gaw was elected captain, vice J. O'Neill, (resigned) It was resolved to hold the, annual sports about 3rd March, if possible, and to include in the programme two inter c ub handicaps, viz., 50yards and 100 yards. The club's new dressing rooms are completed and members now have every convenience. Arrangements were made for practising life saving drill and water polo. Mr Wood, slater, of Laurencekirk, pur chased at a sale a bundle of five books, one of which was described by the auctioneer as Burn's Poems. The sum paid for the lot was 2d. The volumes were stowed away until lately, when Mr Wood noticed that a high price had been paid for a copy of the Kilmarnock edition of Burns, and remem- I bering that his copy was printed at Kilmar nock, he brought it under the notice of Mr Greig, banker, Laurencekirk, who pro nounced the book to be one of the original Kilmarnock editions, and further, that an inscription was probably in the bard's own handwriting. The volume was tent to Sotheby's, where a great sale of books has just been conoluded, when, for his 2d worth, Mr Wood has obtained £70.

CRICKET.

NEW SOUTH WALES v VICTORIA. Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Sydney, January 26 There was large attendance at the cricket match to-day, and the weather waa fine, exoept chat a heavy thunderstorm occurred during the afternoon. The New South Wales seoond innings resulted in heavy individual scoring, and at the close of the day's play che score stood at 404 for the loss of eight wickets. Garrett made 42, Donnon 84, Iredale 62, McKenzie 50, Noble not out 74. Nine different bowlers were tried by the Viotoriahs.

YACHTING.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Sydney, January 26. The anniversary regatta to-day was a great success. The intercolonial 22ft challenge race was won by the Queensland boat Bulletin.

The Vitriol-Throwing Case.

The police now believe thab Carroll man .ged to get ashore at New Plymouth, as the Mahinapua was not watched when she arrived. He did not come to Wellington by the express, which waa seatched, and if he took the train he got oil somewhere en route.

VOLCANIC ERUPTION AT TE MARE.

The Press Association reports from Auck land that Te Mare has again commenced activity, utthough a strong southerly breeze scatters the eruptive matter, preventing a good view being obtained of the mountain from Taupo. News from Tokaanu states that the eruption started about 4 a.m. on Monday, although it was not so heavy as previously. At Taupo a rather prolonged earthquake was felt on Monday afternoon at four o'clock, preceded by a tumbling. This probably has some connection with Te Mare.

THE PETONE MURDER.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. Weluhgton, January 26 The hearing ot the chaige of murder against Bosher oame to an end to-day. A witness deposed that the accused bad told him he received permission from Inspector Pender to carry arms, as he had been way laid ab night, and showed him a sheath knife which he carried inside his coat. Inspector Pender went into the box and denied that he had received any such appli- Cition or given permission. Council for defence urged that there was no more case against the prisoner than against Shore, and hinted that some third person might yet be arrested. The Magistrate considered that the case ought to go to a jury. A series of small matters had been proved so distinctly as to point to Bosher as a guilty person. The d. fence was reserved and the accused was committed for trial.

WEDDING.

Teschemaker—Rolleston. Many of our readers will be interested to know that Mr Thomas Teschemaker, of Otaio, was married yesterday to Miss Rolles ton, eldest daughter of the Hon. William Rolieston. The wedding took place at Win chester, the pretty little church being very tastefully decorated with ferns and flowers, and proving not nearly large enough to hold the congregation, friends assembling from far and near. The ceremony was impres sively performed by his Lordship Bishop Julius, assisted by the Rev Thomas Farley and tho Rev L. 0. Bracjy. The bride was beautifully dressed in a cream satin drqas, and the four bridesmaids were prettily attired in cream cashmere with lovely bou quets of flowers. A large ohoir rendered hymns suitable to the occasion, and Airs Scott presided ab the organ, After the ceremony was over, a brilliant assemblage met ab tbe residence of Mr A. L. Barker for bhe wedding breakfast. The happy couple I left fn bhe afternoon for the south, accom panied by heartfelt wishes for their future happiness. m ______________ a ___ mm _____ !

Pupil Teachers' Examinations.

The following local pupil teachers have passed their examinations for the respec tive years :—End of first year—Merit division—Catherine Porter, Hampstead. Pass division—F. Siloock, Ashburton; Ada Tucker, Ashburton. End of second year- Pass division—Peter Harvy, Rakaia South ; Emily Leggetb, Hampstead. End of third year—Werib division—Edith Bed, Ashbur ton j Herbert Gillman, Alford Forest. Pass division—Ronald Douglas, Ashburton. End of fourth year—Pass division—Annie Gor? man, Lauriaton; Maud Highb, Mount Somera. Claude Rapley, Methvenj Kate Rattray, Hampstead ; Percy Revell, Ash burton ; Emma Thompson, Rakaia South.

Stock Fire at Hinds.

Our local correspondent informs us that aboub 3 p.m., yesterday, a fire broke out in a group of four stacks of barley on the property of Mr G, Studholme, near Hinds township. The men had just finished stacking when bhe fire started. The stacks, which represented a good crop, were des troyed. The cause is unknown, nor is our informant able to stay whether the grain insured or not.

SPORTING.

SYDNEY TURF CLUB. Press Association—By Electrfn rTelcemphr- Copyright. Sydney, January 26 The Anniversary Handicap was won by Tom Woodford, Kallatina being second. Nineteen started. Betting: 4to 1 against Sabretache, 12 to 1 Tom Woodford. Won by a length and a half. Time—2min 39£seo. MBLBOtraNB, January 26. Alone has been'scratched for the Aus tralian Qi*l______________ :7 •

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

■ Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. Amalgamation. London, Januiry 25. The shareholders in the engineering firm of Sir Joseph Whitworth and 00. have agreed to an amalgamation with Sir W. G. Armstrong, Mitchell and Co., Limited. Lord Rosmead. January 26. Reports from Capetown state that Lord Bosmead is likely to leave the colony within two mouths. Russia and the Powers. St. Petersburg, January 25 I M, Mouravieff visits Berlin, and he is also expected to stay in Vinnea. . The Church and Education. Vienna, January 25. The Austrian Episcopacy has issued a manifesto demanding votes at the coming general elections to secure to the Ohurch control of the education system. Colonial Mails at Brindisi. Rome, January 26.. The Italian Government sire taking steps to expedite the transhipment of the colonial mails at Brindisi. Great Distress in Chicago. New York, January 28. There is great distress in Chicago. Fifty thousand people are reported to be starving. The Mayor is appealing for funds to ameliorate the distress and avert riots. A Disastrous Blizzard. A terrible blizzard passed over Kansas, lowa, Nebraska, and Minne sota. During the storm the mercury Ifell 50 degrees. The railways were blocked, and many lives were lost.

Australian.

Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph- Copyright. The Federal Elections. Sydney, January 26 Mr Brunkcr, and not Mr Want, will be the third Ministerial candidate at the Federal elections. Queensland National Bank. Brisbane, January 26 Mr Moorhead has issued a circular to the shareholders in the Queensland National Bank, stating that he is a candidate for re-election on the directo rate, which may be regarded as an in dication that the Commissioner's scheme for reconstruction has not been fully adopted. Fatal Stabbing Case. An intoxicated man named Drum mond fatally stabbed a railway clerk named King at the Semaphore i ail way station. Drummond has been arrested. Deliberate Suicide. A woman named Hammey com mitted suicide by pouring a tin of kerosene over herself, and then locking herself into a room and setting fire to her clothes.

The Transvaal.

I Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph— I Copyright. Capetown, January 25 The Gape Times, in commenting on Mr Bievwright's statement, says that if the Transvaal Government favours insidious, sneaking incitement to re bellion, it it worse than an open raid. Three Boers from the Orange .Free State were arrested while selling arms to Basutos. The Transvaal authorities deny the charge made by Sievw right. Pretoria, January 25. President Kruger states that it is necessary to encourage the construe* tion of railways in the Transvaal, as the rinderpest is destroying the pre sent means of transport.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. London, January 26 At a meeting of the Irish Party power was claimed to expel members or ask them to resign on an absolute majority. Mr Davitt moved that it Was incumbent on the public to support the policy arranged as declared by the Chairman. Mr Tim Healy moved an amendment that the pledge to eleotors was the best guarantee of cohesion. He objected to the Chairman being granted the powers mentioned. A division resulted—For tbe amendment 16, against the amendment 33. Mr Davitt's motidn was then carried, but Mr Healey intends to take no notice of the decision.

The Niger Territory.

Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Copyright. London, January 23 Beports from the Niger territory . state that the tribes under tbe Kipg of Nupe in the district between Loajojs and Bajiquo have joined the forces of the Royal Niger Company. A sharp fight occurred at Shongo, the remnant of Fulahs being ejected and the town destroyed. Mr Moor, who is returning to the 1 Niger, joined H.M.B. Theseus at Las Palmas, and proceeds to Forcados, the entry for large vessels at Benin.

THE WRECK OF A TROOPSHIP.

Details of the Disaster. Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph- Copyright. OAtOUTTA, January 25. I Later particulars of the wreck of the j troopship Warren' Hastings show tJhafc the disaster occurred during a dark stormy night. After the vessel struck the crew succeeded ia getting a rops ashore, along which those on board, who could not swim, safely passed until the ship was about to capsize. A\\ the swimmers were then ordered to jump overboard and make for thl shore. . " *' f' I The splendid discipline maintained by the troops permitted the reseat iqf allejpo«j»ttW9«>*t(?o| f

THE &BBBCKTOH GUARDIAN;-. WEDNESDAY, JANUABY 27, 1897



Busine s Notices | GOOD WASHING PRINT, 3|d. WHITE MUSLIN, 3a lid per doz AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DRESS FOR 6a lid AT G. J. NEILL'S. Flannelettes 3£d yard. The Besb Turkish TOWELS in Ashburton area'— Gr. J. JNJI_IJLJ__ fe. BOSS' Navy Blue Sailor Suits 4s lid. Men's Tweed Trousers 5s lid, Men's Heavy Colonial Tweed Suits 26e 6d, at G. J. NEILL'S. J_adie*j Lace Shoes, 4s lid. Ladies two-strap Shoes, 4s lid. AT G. J. NEILL'S. Ladles', Maids', and Children's TAN SHOES of Every Description, at Very Low Prices, AT G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET.



Business Notices. NEW ZEALAND Clothing 1 Factory, QOLB AGENTS FOR THE FAMOUS "VICTORY" SEWING MACHINE.



.h fLLLLi b> >» v _L &„ *-_ -T 1 W C_s (X. 3 -_. c_ 3 «hHh >*^ | * sgs-j o .. « 3 S^sSfl >>. rK {ft <J »W |-0 r 1 00 It 1 £ S T.-aS t*3 a H p. :. s•«•§.§ iST 1 M *. . B ?*Sf IP. ,£ ' I s!ll fi _ *__. £s__ __r <•*• *« _,J O __ S _« i <j « • <j 0 g«a . « I **«£ p S r_f)



,BOOM IN DRAPERY. CROWDS ON SATURDAY. TTQST COMING BAJCK TO SALE AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S.



— -—" IMPORTANT NOTICE. /^REAT SALE OF rtwn.wm™ tlKll LINOLEUM, LINOLEUMS. |||p|i FLOOR-CLOTH, _._,. 1 .TTIkiV 0 T_is_^_-$3 o_4i__t iii i Oi LINOLEUMS. i^m^ MATTING, RUGS, etc LINOLEUMS. IWbWr AND fpf p. FURNITURE OF ALL KINDS, i^^^^^^oh T. H. UNDRILL & Co W_ hkvd insh landed, direct from the Manufacturers, ex e.s. Rimutaka and Otaeama, • Grand Assortment of LINOLEUMS, CARPETS, FLOOR CLOTHS, Etc., a Urana Assor^ YB&Cm TO MEM! THE TIMES. INSPECTION INVITED. Note the Address— T. H. UNDRILL & CO., CABINETMAKERS & UPHOLSTERERS, TANCRED STREET (Opposite Arcade) Picture Framing a Specialty. Venetian Blinds Made to Order. Agents for Clegg's Perambulators.



Church Services. U R C H, Ashburton. Wednesday—Vestry meeting, 4.30 p.m.; Brotherhood St Andrew, 730 pm THURSDAY — Annual Sunday school i Treat. Scholars assemble at the i Church at 2 p.m. FRIDAY—Short Service 7.30 p.m. Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. 8.30.—H01y Communion. 11 am.-—Morning Prayer. 2.3o.—Distribution of Sunday School Prizes, in St Stephen's schoolroom. Parents and friends will be cordially welcomed. 3 p.m.—DROMORE—Mr W. Bowman Fox. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. Collections in aid of the Church Mission Fund of the diocese. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. WHAT do I see before my eyes? A Cheap sale of Boots at Mellor's.



OUR FIRST SALE, COMMENCING SATUEDAY, JANUARY 30 MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, THE CENTRAL CASH TRADERS, NEXT TO J. ORR'S IRONMONGERY DEPARTMENT, EAST STREET. ERUPTIONS IN THE DRAPERY TRADE.



"tTTTE have decided to Eclipse all, with the result that one cut haa been made at our new stock, which has severed the price in half. No old fifcock no out of date shelf-worn goods to palm off on a sensible public. Our Clean, New, and Stylish Stock at just half the Sinai nrice The cry is-How is it done ? Here you have it :No Bad Debts, No Credit which enable us to loose directly, a portion of whatahTcredit trades are loosing indirectly. With this difference-At Ml WKULL and BRODRIBB'S all are treated alike; a. the credit houses the good customers have to pay for the bad ones. Make no mistake. We want your money, and feel •esured that the few following sample prices will bring it. Space will not allow us to quote more than a very condensed list, but this is a sample of the bargains offered you :— 9 pieces Light Print at 3s lid per doz yards Usual Price, 7£d per yard 16 pieces Dark Print at 3s lid per doz yards Usual Price, 8d per yard 22 pieces Gingham Prints, 4s lid per doz yards Usual Price, 9d per yard 19 pieces Floral Crepona, 4s lid per doz yards Usual Price, lid per yard 17 Fancy Brilliant Cloth, 7£d per yard Usual Price, is 3d per yard 7 pieces Plain Crepon, 5s lid per doz yards Usual Price, Is per yard 11 pieces Stripe Zephyr, 6=s lid per doz yards Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 8 Plain Zephyr, 6s per doz yards Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 22 pieces Cashmere Cloth, 4s lid per doz yards Usual Price Is per yard 10 pieces Mourning Cloth at the ridiculous price of 3s per doz yards. W« assure you that at this very important sale both you and ourselves will have a spankiDg time. *ye _»»!»-_. jr wfaite Cai . co 2 _ ild _^_ doj; yards Uaual pt i<je s j d p er yar< i White Sheeting, 2 yards wide, lO^d per yard Usual price Is 6d per yard Nainsook 4£d per yard Usual price 7£d per yard White Turkish Towels 5s 6d per doz yards Usual price 9d each ; Silsiaa 6 yards for Is lid, worth double Hundreds of Cheap Drees awaiting inspection Double width Tweeds Is per yard Colored Cashmeres from Is per yard up Ladies Black Lavantine Paragon frame Umbrellas from 2s 6d, 3s lid, 4s lid, etc. Ladies' Sunshades all colors from 3s lid Black and Colored Velveteens from Is 6d per yard up Aatixed lot of children's sunshades all colors from lid each HOSIER Y-jSwfas. t value in the trade. Plain and Ribbed Cashmere Hose from Is up. Plain and Ribbed Black Cotton flTml , a rwl_f^A a iarffe7 varfiy Cheap and Good. A beautiful Kid Glove, any shade, at 2s lid. Lower lines from GLOVES f^^ Gaggety and Silk from Is 3d upwards m OTT .F . BU.Vwsßlouses.-We have sold more of these goods than any house in town. What we have on hand-About BLOUSES, t u e "e n B ' do^ B^ u be elett|?ed f r om Is lU, 2s 6d, 2s lid up ; just half price. All rous'in and fancy Aprons just. half what you will pay anywhere else. milill . „ nmvAa nffTT t ttctj-wv Milliner.--Price cut in ha f. Trinw&ed Hats from U 11a upwards. MILLIJ.ERY MU'inery rrioe Startling Bargains in the Cioth ng and Mercery Departments. A few Harvester Hats 6?d. Seamless Merino Sox, fed! Regatta Shirts, all sixes, 4s 6d. Brown cotton pants Is 6d Heavy w«r_in^ Shirts 2s 6d Men's strong Moles, 6s 6d. Tweed Trousers, special 8s 6d, Colonial 8. lid. Men's Tweed I«S 21s 6d Men'simitation Fox's' Serge. Suits, 29s 6d. Sailor Tweed Suits, 6s lid, size 1 to 7. Choicest stock of Ties and Scarfs in Ashubrtou. All our Boota and Shoes reduced Hard and Soft Felts in Mohair Boot Laces, 3J per dozen. Heavy Kaiapoj §ox, Is Kaiapoi Under Flaunels, 3s 11^. DO NOT FORGET i MITCHELL & BRG_>WEBB'S FIRST SALE. HSXT tO  OKR 4 CO, SASfI •a 8*8 ASBBUKTQN, ■



Hollo^ax^s Pills. -~Pure Blood.—When I the Blood is pure, its circulation calm and I equable, and the nerves well strung, we are well. These Pills possess a marvellous power in securing these essentials of health by purifying, regulating and strengthening the fluids and solids. Holloway's Pills can be confidently recommended to all persons sufferingfromdisordereddigestion.or worried I by nervous fancies, or neuralgic pains. They correcb acidity and heartburn, dispel ''sick headache, quicken the action of fclje liver, and act »c alteratives and gentle aperients. The weak and delicate may take them with out ie^?. Holloway's Pills are eminently serviceable to invalids of irritable consti tution, as they raise the action of every organ to its natural standard, and'univer sally exercise a calming and' sedative iuflijeno.e.



Chamberlain a Cough Remedy cures colds, croup and whooping coygh. Ib is pleasant, safe and reliable. For sale by A»tfSPBXOS