Mail Notices.

| Miils close far the following places as 1 under, subjpcb to the necessary alterations : WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 For Nonhern Ports, Samoa, Hawaiian Islands, Isorth America, West* Indies, United Kingdom and Continent of Europe (via !*an Francisco), also South America, United Kingdom, and Continent (via Rio de Janeiro) per Tongariro, from Wellington (due London May 28) per Takapuna, at 6.15 p.m. Money orders, 3 p.m.; registered le 1 tfer?, spm Due London May 19.

DEATHS.

Wilson.—At Burnett Street, on the 9th inst&n*, Elizabeth, widow of Herbert Frederick WiUon, Esq.. late of Win chester, England, aged 75 yeare. ] Hammond—At Moore Street, Ashburton, on April 10, Ann Hammond, widow of the ia'e Thomas Hammond, Christchurch. Aged 66 years. Interment m Avoaside Cemetery, Christchuien, to-day. Ohlsen.—On the 11th April, at the resi dence of her son-in-law, Mr Thomas Neill, Bushside, Mra Ohlsen, aged 60 years.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Vertis et Prævalebit. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1897.

An old Maori custom of hahunga, or the exhuming of bodies for scraping

MAORI BURIAL,

and tangling, is being interfered with by thepoliceatKaikohe,

Bay of Islands, and the natives m that district are much incensed thereat, Four natives named Pani Pahakoai, Paora, Peene, Hauhee Timi, and Harewhiai have been summoned at Kaikohe for exhuming the bones of their deceased relatives without per mission from the Colonial Secretary, under the Cemeteries Act, 1882. In reference to this the Auckland Herald I says :■— The issuing of summonses | against several Maoris at Kaikohe, Bay of Islands, for a breach of the Cemeteries Act by carrying out an ancient Maori custom, must surely be the unauthorised act of some officious constable. From the earliest times the Maoris have practised peculiar burial rites. No race exceeds them m respect for the remains of the dead. In this respecb they are far more scrupulous than any European people. When a native of any consequence died, the body was put m a sitting posture, the hair dressed with aibatross feathers, and the face was smeared with oil and red ochre. The body was wrapped m a mat. It was placed on a stage, or temporarily in terred. After some time, generally about a year or eighteen months, the remains were takes up, the bones scraped clean, and deposited m the recess of some cave. This was called the hahunga. The custom is falling into disuse, as many natives are now buried m European cemeteries, m the European fashion. But where it ia still carried on, there is surely no need to interfere with it. The clause m the Cemeteries Act under which action is now taken was passed to prevent desecration and needless interference with the remains of the dead. But with the Maoris there was nothing approaching to desecration m the cere monial of the hahunga. It was ona of the intst solemn duties of a Maori to the bodies of his relatives who had gone before to the world of spirits.

Local and General.

I A young lad brought to our office today the body of a piebald mouse. ') he white color prevails on the under side of the body and halfway across the back The Mariposa left San Francisco with the Engjissh fjiai's of the 20th March on April £rd. Th,o Mon.QW<f,i, with the colonial mails *»f MWGh ?Qsi, apriyed at tt| u francisco on - .; #6 j t - Apru w , . j Saturday pigbt~one '1 he nor -wester ou . ~*_had <*hp effect of the old-fatmoned howlei- -„ ~ wa fc of bringing down tin Rakaia rivt,.. * _„. volume on Sunday. The aheeb of water t A tended right across the riverbed, and covered up all the smaller islands. An old resident of Narrabi, ftew South Wales, named Mrs Hartley, who followed the occupation of a laundress and char woman, has been traced a3 next of kin to a Mr Hobbs, who died some years since m England, leaving £55,000. The entries received by the A.AG\ and A.C. for their annual sports on Easter Monday are the largest yet received for any previous meeting of the Club. Competitors will be present from Invercargill, Timaru, Oamaru, Temuka, Rakaia, Methven, Geral dine, Ohristchuroh s Rangiora, Oxford, etc. The entries are so numerous that several of the events will have to bo run m heats, and the officials will have a big afternoon's work m hand to get all the events off before dark. The members of the Gladstone family, as a thanksgiving for the extended years of life granted to their p&runtm, intend erecting a 1 memorial stained giafts window m If awarden parish church, a design, drawn by Hir K. Burne-Jones, representing the Nativity with the visit of the shepherd* and tho adoration of the Magi, hrn boon »<!<iopU}<l by Mr Gladstone's sons and daughter*. Persia is not a rich country, but tho Who Shah appears to have had a line capacity for piling up wealth. In his Jlong reign he accumulated £58,000,000 iv cash and £32,000,000 m real and personal property. Doubtless the amassing of thio great fortune seriously reduced the per capita weajth of Persia, for the revenues of a srrall European country would scarcely stand so great a drain as this, Mr Hammersiey, who was formerly a much respected resident m Timaru, and Captain of the local artillery, bat who has been settled for some years m British Columbia, has been m England recently on a visit. A Loadon correspondent says he seemed m excellent spirits), and said he was doing exceedingly well m his new sphere of autjon. He left England on his return to North America m February. At th« Palm Sunday services m the Catholic Church, conducted by the Rev. Father Quirk, tfce building at eleven o'clock mass was crowded m evrery part, and throughout the day's services there were large congregations. The music at midday masg and at vespers was special, and was the composition and arrangement of the orginiat of the charch und choirmaster, Mr D. J. Jones. Tho Ashburton Cycling aqd Athletic Club's Easter meeting has been smartly advertised by Mr K. Friraell with his usual clever comic illustrative cartoon. This was on view on Siturday at Messrs Shearman Bros, and at tracted a good deal of attention. The ideas suggested by the individual sketches were very funny. Of course the starter was is evidence, and a puppy trying to ride a bike probably had a significant application. The Darlington, Wib.., journal says editor ially of a popular patent medicine, "We know from experience that Chamberlain's Colic, Cholera, and Dian-pha Remedy is all j that is claimed for it, as on two occasions it stopped excruciating pains and possibly saved }js from an untimely grave. We/ would nob rest aijsy over night without it m | the house." This remedy undoubtedly saves more pain and eufferiug than any #£her medicine m the world. Every family should | keep it ip the house, for it is aure to be needed sooaer or later. For a»le by Asa-

ConstaMe John Dillon, of Methven, has j been gazetted an inspector of factories. The meeting of creditors of W. .). Frew,, VV sterfie.d, convened for this afternoon, was art journe'd until Wednesday next at 2.30 at the Courthouse. * I The Gazette announces the throwing open I for selection on and after May 7, on lease m perpetuity, of thirteen sections < f land m the Corwar survey district, ranging from 25 acres to 292 acres, and rent from 7s to ! 8s 6d per acre per annum. The nor'-wester of Saturday night blew a pile of rubbish into the culvert intersecting Cftss street at Cameron street, and there was a flood m the former street. The water from the channel bauked up on Sunday, and spreading itself over the cross roads flowed cheerfully down Ciss street m considerable volume. The flow kept on till cleared by the Borough's officer whose business" it is to attend to these matters, but the street looked aa if the Fire Brigade had had a very long and very wet practice. The London correspondent of the Auck J land Herald says that recently the various I Peace Societies of the world met to celebrate the birthday of George Washington. In London the Sooiety met at the studio of Mv Felix Mosoheles, the artist. The Agent | General for New Zealand was among those present. Mr Reeves was one of the speakers m support of the arbitration treaty with the United States, and made one of bis usual effective speeches; indeed, as he was about to sit down a general cry was raised for him to continue. Mr Reeves said: " Thank you, but as I am a lover of peace, I shall hold mice," and he promptly sat down amid cheere. The Auckland correspondent of the Otago Daily Times telegraphs s— 11 a meeting of the Auckland Ministers' Association, Dr. Wolfenden, from Melbourne, was introduced to the meeting, and gave a most interesting account of hie work m connection with his special means of treatment of the drink craving by bichloride of gold. At the close of the address several questions were asked by ministers present. A resolution was carried thanking Dr. Wolfenden for his address, and pledging the meeting to co operate m arranging a public meeting, where he will more fully explain his mode of treatment. The official averages of the prices of the three principal cereals for 1896 m Great Britain, as given m the " Annual Supple ment to Willioh's Tithe Commutation Tables," issued by Messrs Longmans, Green and Co., are 26s 2d per quarter for wheat, 22s lid for barley, and 14s 9d for oats. Compared with the averages for 1895, these figures show increases of 3s Id per quarter for wheat, Is for barley and 3d for oats. The average for wheat only twice before during the century, m 1895 and 1894, has been as low as m 1896 ; that of barley wag lower only m 1895 and 1822, and that of oats only m 1895. The Atlantic liner Etruria completed her twelfth east-bound trip during the past year within three minutes of her average time for the year, namely, 6 days 3 hours 9 mins, notwithstanding that she experienced rough weather. The<e twelve homeward passages show an aggregate distance of 37,205 knots between New York and Liver pool, performed at an average speed of 19£ knots per hour. The distance covered out wards m the same time was 33,731 knots, making a total on the twelve roand voyages of 73,936 knots, or equal to three and a quarter times the circuit of the globe at the equator, m a total steaming time of leas than five and a half months. •"•" At the Nelson Charitable Aid Board meeting on Tuesday letters from ladies resi dent at Motueka were read, m which appeals were made on behalf of a family living m that locality. It was stated that the children roamed about the place, never attending school, and that they were apparently insufficiently fed, and indeed they had been seen eating raw fish and vegetables One of the members said that the father could earn a good living, but there was neither chair nor table m their house, and only a few rag* for bedding, while the only cooking utensii wai au iron pot. He aaid he never saw such a case of destitution m his life, and he bhmed the parents for it. Dr Fricker, the Heap Physician of the Evengelical Hospital m Odessa, describes the remarkable case of a young married woman, 32 years of age. Bhe declared her resolution to commit suicide. Mie began by drinking petroleum, and a solution of car bolid acid. She swallowed needles, small buttons, and nails. These failing, she turn cd her attention, m an asylum to which she had been taken, to larger objects, hairpins, steel pens apd long nails. This being also done m vain, she swallowed, among oth-r Ihicgs, a crochet needle, pieces of glass, two tea-spoons, a fork, and a piece of iron. Oa the surgeon asking her how she could swallow these rather bulky objects, she an^werd quite calmly, " Oh, it is quite easy wiih the handle first." Many of the things remained m the body. "You will," she said "find a whole store of things m my stomach." To nrsquote an u'd saying, " Persistence thy narhe fa vrornm," HyuxwAY's Pills.— Pure Blood.—When Mte blood is pure, its circulation calm and " —«l tke nerves well Strung, we are equable. «^ —■■* marvelous power well. These Pills pose.. *** . u.^^ by m securiog these essentials oi »•» purifying, regulating, and strengthening the luids and solids. Holloway's Pills can be confidently recommended to all persons suffering from disordered digestion, or worried by nervous fancies, or neuralgic pains. They correct acidity and heartburn, dispel sick headache, quicken the action of the liver, and act as alteratives and gentle aperients, The weak and delicatemay take them without fear, Holloway's Pills are eminently serviceable to invalids of irritable constitution, as they raise the action of every organ to its natural standard, and universally exercise a calming and sedative influence.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. London, April 4. Australian butter is steady and un changed. Rabbits firm, 9Ad.

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following London market cable, dated 9th April, 1897:—' * " Sheepskins—Par to |d per ljb lower. Buyers are not operating with spirit."

THE NAVY.

Movements of Sfoadrfia®.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph, Copyright. Capetown, April 9 The Cape Argua sfcafeeia that a British squadron will occupy Invack Island, at I the entrance of Delagoa Bay, .Paris, April 9 The visit of the British Channel Squadron to Minorca, m the Mediter ranean, is causing excited comment m the French newspapers.

Hawaiian Affairs.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. London, April 10. A, report from Yokohama states that the Hawaiian authorities h&ve prohi bited the lauding of 400 immigrants from Japan. Washington, April 10. i The United States is sending war ships to Hawaii.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Press Association—By Electric I'eiegraph,

Wellington, April 9. The Council met at 11 am. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS. Replying to Mr Shrimski, Mr Walker said that 21 Chinese applied for letters of naturalisation for the period ending Septem- I ber 1896, and 12 since. Consideration of these was postponed until the pleasure of Her Majesty was received regarding the Asiatics Bi 1. Replying fco Mr 0 mond, re the President of the Bauk of New Zealand, the Minister aaid he thought it expedient, as the question of the Ward Association was sub judice, to defer giving an answer. STEAM SERVIOH. Mr Reeves moved his motion regarding a direat ateam service with Western Australia. The Minister said that no efforts would be spared if the service could be satisfactorily established. Mr McLean said the difficulty* was that nothing came back m exchange for our pro ducts. The motion was carried. BILL PASSED. The Public Revenues Act Amendment I Bill passed all its stages, as did also the Wellington Sanitation Loan Bill. At noon the Council adjourned till 2.30 p.m. The Legislative Council met at 2 30 p.m., and at 4 pttn. adjourned until 2.30 p.m. on Monday. No business of importance wan transacted.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House resumed at; 3.20 p.m. iANSWBBS TO QUESTIONS. la reply to questions, Mr McKenzie hoped to introduce the Fair Rent Bill next session; the Premier would enquire concerning a fabt Bteam service between New Zealand and Australia; the Premier said he would not commit the colony m respect of the Midland Railway Company, which was virtually non-existent, and the Government would strictly comply with the law regarding the contract with the company; Mr McKenzie said that he hoped to introduce the Beet root Sugar Bill next session ; the Premier aaid that whatever steps had been taken with respect to the Bushy Park estate hart been with the approval of the general manager of the Asset* Board ; the Defence Minister said that railway tickets would be issued to Volunteers attending shooting matches at very much reduced rates; instructions had been issued to have the ammunition on issue tested again. Mr Taylor asked if the Government, m the interest of public morality, would prosecute the directors and officials of the Colonial Bank who had been connected with the issue of fraudulent balance-sheets. The Premier replied that the matter wap one which the Supreme Court should decide, Replying to Mr Taylor, Mr Thompson said that there was nothing within his knowledge demanding inquiry into ihe police. In. reply to Mr Joyce's question as to offer ing the Bank of New Zealand m London as a going concern { the Premier said that the institution waß improving its position every day. The Government had offered the posi tion of general manager to Mr Tegetmeyer, an acknowledged financial authority m Lon don, and there was every prospect of his accepting it. The Government were also attempting to secure the services of a gentle man who had had nothing to do with either the Bank of New Zealand or the Colonial Bank for the position of one of the auditors of the bank. The Government proposed to lay on the table of the House returns re specting the realisation of estates belonging to the Bank of New Zealand, which had been satisfactory. In reply to further questions it was stated that the Government proposed to pass the Old Age Pension Bill next session, which would commemorate the Queen's record reign; that the Government favoured the gum digging industry being protected agaiust foreigners; that the Government could not consent to i educe rates for the carriage of dead meat, and provide cool cars on the railways for the encouragement of meat freezing and preserving works m country districts. THE ADDRESS TO THE QUEEN. Some discussion took place on the phraseology of the address to the Queen. Mr George Hutchison, Mr Rolleaton, and Mr Scobie Mackenzie strongly objected to it. The Premier defended it, and stated that the Joint Committee, which drew it up comprised at least five or six gentleman who had gone through their university course. The address had been passed by the Legislative Council, and he could assure the House that no matter what was their atticude, the address would go Home He believed that there was something under lying the action of the Opposition. On a division the address was affirmed by 39 to 20. At 6.25 p.m. the Premier moved that the House adjourn until 2 30 p.m. on Tuesday. The House then adjourned.

ROAD BOARD.

Longbeach.

The monthly meeting of the Longbeach Road Board was held on Saturday. Present —Messrs J. Bishop ? J. Croy, J. McQmlkiu, and A. Wilson, apology for non-atten-l --ancß was received from the Chairman, Mr John Grigg. Mr Bishop was voted to the chair. CORRESPONDENCE The B»nk of New Zealand wrote, re interest on overdraft.—Received. Mrs J. Wood wrote, requesting her name to be taken off the roll and that of Mr P. McAvoy substituted.—Alteration ordered to be made. OUTSTANDING RATES. The clerk was instructed to take pro ceedings for the recovery of outstanding rates, and advertise that all rates outstand ing after May 1 would be sued for without further notice. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting was fixed for Satur day, May 8. ELECTION. It was decided to hold the election for three members, caused by the retirement of Messrs Wilson, Croy, and Bishop, on Wed nesday, May 5. Polling places—No., 1 ward, Hall, Whea r tstone; No. 2 ward, the Factory; No. 3 ward, Old Road Board Cottage. WORKS. Ib was resolved to call for tenders for making fords on Poplar Road and Surveyor's SURNEYORb' REPORT. Deepening Drains on Boundary Road— The contractors are pushing forward this : work, and should complete it m a few days. We found, upon putting m pegs to levels for guidance of contractor, that the pipes were not placed low enough, and we had to re lay them to a lower grade. Shingling Griffith's Road.—The contractor ia proceeding with this work. Shingling Surveyor's Road.—The con traopors for this work will probably finish next week. Bridges on several roads are m disrepair, and the maintenance nian has been engaged m repairing some, and making others temporarily safe, pending the decision of the Board. The report also dealt with some minor matters. The report was adopted, and it was re solved to re-instate the bridge on Bell's road with concrete piers and timber decking. ACCOUNTS. After passing accounts amounting to £206 11s 3d, the Board adjourned.

FLEMINGTION PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

Since the R >v James Skinner b came paa tor of theFemingioa Presbyterian district new life and energy have been infused into the congregation", and there is no more "live" church m the county than the one of which Mr Skinner has the oversight. The congregations decided some time ago to build a manse for 1 heir pastor, and on Satur- j day they held a sale of work, etc,, m the Orange Hall m *»id of the building fund. The appeal thua made to the Presbyterians and friends general y of the county was well responded to, both m the matter of contri butions for the sale, and the purchase of these by private sa'e and at auction. At twelve noon, the luucheon room at the back of the hall was opened, and during the after noon a steady stream of patrons claimed the attention of the fair waiireSsos, whose tables were decorated with flowerafrom the garden of Mr Millichamp, Tinwald, and were fur nished m the lavish way which is the custom of the ladies of the Ashton, Waterton, and Flemington country when catering for any thing m connection with the church. At five o'clock tea was laid, and it was past seven before the ladies m the supper room were allowed anything like a rest. At two o'clock Mr Reginald F. Curtis began the auction sale. If the sale of graia may be taken as a criterion of the outside market it ought to be god. Sound wheat was sold at lit a bag, and one Hoe of seconds was swept m at lls 6cl, while oats fetched Is lOd a bushel. The produce yard contained a varied assortment, and comprised grain, potatoes, flour, ptgo, poultry, a pet lamb, etc., and all sold well. The yard cleared, Mr Curtis es sayed the stock m the hs.ll, and did good work m disposing of a large proportion of it. la the evening a promenade concert was given, at which Miss Hilda Kidd, Miss Anderson, Miss Meharry, Miss Donaldson, and Miss Prebble were the lady solo voca lists, and Miss Anderson and Miss Boyle duettiots, Messrs Craighead and Mackay being the gentlemen soloists. Miss Kidd and Miss Cullen played a piano duct, and the accompaniments were supplied by Mrs Gordon, and Misses Boyle, Anderson, Hen derson, and Meharry. The supply of e*t ables had been so abundant that the pro vidores were not able to dispose of their whole contract and a supper for sixpence came into play and made a large hole m the surplus 'She usual vote of thanks closed a most successful effort ou the part of the Flemington people to aid the manse fund, the result to which was eminently satisfac tory.

TECHNICAL EDUCATION.

In response to the advertisement tt the above, a number of gentlemen fiom the various parts of the county met afc the borough school on Saturday last, Mr W. J. Silcock, the chairman of the school commit tee, took the chair, and called upon Mr W. Drakie, the hon. secretary, to read the report of what had been done since last meeting. secretary's report. The secretary reported that he had been instructed while m Wellington to wait on the Hou W. C. Walker, Minister for Edu cation, Rev W. J. Habene, Inspector- General, and the Hon A. J. Cadman, Minis ter for Railways; also to visit the Wellington technical schools. As an outcome of the interviews with the Hon iV. 0. Walker and Rev W J. Habens, a letter was read stating that tie Minister for Education would grant a " subsidy of £1 for every £1 locally raised towards the expenses of setting up the technical classes, providing apparatus, etc., up to £53 for £50." The question of pay ing the fare of a teacher for the cookery class will be considered when the prepara tions are sufficiently advanced. The Hon Minister for Railways had expressed reget at being unable to alter his decision pre viously eominunicited by letter, viz., that bis department could not grant a pass to the teacher of the cookery olaas. In conversa tion the Inspector-General had mentioned that m Europe and elsewhere the prevailing practice w.re to make S VI, or being 13 years of age the necessary qualification to join similar classes, and he expressed a hope that this Committee wou'd fall into lina. There was a long range allowed, viz., not under thirteen years or over twenty years, but Standard VI. under thirteen years would be allowable. The Secretary wished to record his thanks to the director of the Wellington Technical Schools, J Kiley, Esq., for much valuable information. After considerable discussion, it was unanimously resolved to make an effort to start the cookery class, and to add others, as their need was proved by a sufficient uumbers of pupils coming forward. The qualification required by the pupils was now made to be i—Having -passed into Standard VI., or being no less than thirteen and not more than twenty years of age. Pupils m chis way will be drawn principally from chose who have left school. PRELIMINARY STEPS. Those present undertook, to ascertain the names of all m their own neighborhood whe are likely to become scholars, and report at next meeting. The Chairman was asked to visit the School of Domestic Instruction when he is m Christchurch, and ascertain what appli ances are needed. He also promised to canvass the town for subscriptions towards the above. It was resolved to advertise m the local papers for names of intending scholars to be sent m to the Chairman or Secretary on or before Saturday, April 27. CANDIDATE FOR THE EDUCATION BOARD. Toe matter of nominating a candidate for the Education Board, to fiil the vacancy caused by the resignation of Jf. W. Sawle, J5.-q., was considered, and was left over till the next meeting to be held on April 24, when it is proposed to take a billot, and then ask all the schools m the county to support the gentleman so selected. Con- j siderable dissatisfaction wss expressed at the fact that not a sitting member of the j Board resides m the county, or has any practical connection or acquaintance with j the particular seeds of the forty-two schools within ite boundaries.

FATAL MINE ACCIDENT.

Preso Association—By Electric Telegraph,

Auckland, April 12 A shocking accident occurred at the Woodstock Company's mine, Paeroa, on Saturday, with the result; thab Patrick Walsh, twenty years of age, was killed. Deceased, with others, was employed blast ing, q,nd having fired the fuses they retired till the explosion should come off, Walsh's fuse did not explode with the rest, so deceased, thinking he had not spitted the ! charge effectively, wenfc over to it, but on reaching the place the explosion took place. He received fehe full force of it m his face and chest* Qne eye was blown out, and both armjLwere reduced to a pulp. A stone entered Ins chest and passed into his left lung. Medical aid was summoned, but de3e<sed died two houts later. At the inquest to-day a verdict of accidental death was returned, no blame attachable to any one.

Draughts Tournament.

Fress Association—By Electric Telegraph,

pAS^A^p, April 12 The following en tries have been received for fcheOhampiomhip Draughts Tournament: —Messrs Sounnessj Hannah, Mulvey, and "cott — Invennrgill; Gibson — Manaia; Blair, Murray, Burnett, and Anderson— Wanganui; Jas Borcham, Jacob Boreham, Hilpin, and Crook—Oamaru; Lee, Sim, and Butterfield—Temuka; Hales—Wellington ; an^l Beck — Timaru. Post entries will probably bring the tptal up to 2§.

MAYFIELD.

From Our Own Correspondent

PRBSBVTKBIAN AKKITERSAKY,

The anniversary of the Pmbyterian Church was celebrated m the school on Fri day evening last, by a tea and public meet ing. The tea wan given by ihe ladies of the congregation, which was an excellent spread, Everything that could be wished for waa there, and to suit all tastes; and after a very large gathering had sat down to a good square meal, and had gone away quite Batia fied, plenty of good things were packed up and taken home. After the tea was over, the tables were cleared away, and the public meeting commenced. The Rev G. B. Inglis, of Ashbsirton, took the chair, and speeches were delivered by ministers and others. The Rev B. J. Westbrooke, of Springburn, was the first gentleman called on, and be gave a very interesting and instructive address on church work. The next was the Rev Harold Purchas, of Mount Somere, who also gave an excellent address on the unity of Christiana, which, if not forgotten, will be a good lesson to all Christians who beard it. The next was an address from our old friend Mr Gavin, a resident of Aahburton m the early days, and we were glad to see that he has not forgotten us, though he hat left the district. Mr G&vin'g address was on the progress of the district, both temporally and spiritually, and he o osed by giving a splen* did song very appropriate for the occasion. The next was an address by oar own pastor, Mr Barton, who submitted a report of the work done, and waiting to be done, m our district. The last, but not the least, was a a very interesting address from Rev G. B. Ingliu on the history of the Protestant Bible, which was listened to with great interest by all present. Songs were rendered by Mist Anderson, of Tinwald, and Mr Craighead, of Ashburton, the Misses MoLauohlao (2), and Mr MoLauohlan of Ruapuna, assisted by Mr Barton and Mr J. Bellow; and a long by Miss Oree, of Ruapuua. The prooMaY of the tea were £10 odd. Our school is now being enlarged, as addition of 10ft. being put on the end, and the big chimney taken down and put out* side, which makes the school about 12|ft, , larger. Had it not beep for that we would not have been able to accommodate muoh more than half the people. We wish to thank the workmen at the school for the I trouble they went to, to let us have the use |of the building for Friday night. I may alto mention that the contract for building the manse has been let to Mr W. Dellow, so we expect to see our minister m his own home m about two months. The ladies of the dis trict hare made good headway with the sub scription lists, and the proceeds of the tea on Friday night also go to that fund, so the manse will be nearly clear of debt when it ia built.

3-Mile Provincial Champion ship—Easter Monday.

HINDS TEWIS CLUB.

Concert and Dance.

From Our Own Correspondent. Tennis seems to have come to stay m the Ashburton county, and the latest attack of the fever is at Hinda, where a club haa been formed and is likely to turn out players of the right sort, as the people of Hinds have not a superabundance of attractions to occupy their spare time. The members of the Club mean genuine business. No half heartedness about them. A clay court may do as a makeshift, but real scientific play can only be carried on when the court is as ib should be, and the ideal court is one laid down m asphalt. The members of the club decided to have a court of this kind, and to raise funds for the purpose, Mr Sheldon, the looal schoolmaster, and Mr D. Miller, store keeper, arranged for a concert and dance, which came off on Friday evening. Aah* I burton people who remember Mr Miller's spirited rendering of *' Bunthorne" m I " Patience," when the amateurs gave that; clever creation of Gilbert and 3uiiivan, as well as his finished pourtrayal of " Ecclea " m "Caste," will readily understand that anything he puts hia hand to m the shape of a show is bound to pan out right. With Mr (Sheldon for his right hand man, stepa I were taken to arrange a programme that : would be an attraction m itself, and the two impressari secured some of the be&fc Ash burton talent, There was a good audi ence, and the performers comprised—Mist Birdie Butler,the clever Auckland eaatatrice, who is now on avisit to this district and whose singing of "Bid me to love," which has be so popular m Ashburton, gained further laurels at Hinda, and was encored, the "Bohemian Girl" morceatt, with violin obbligato by Dr Morris being given m response; on another appearance she scored with "Dear heart"; Miss Barratt'a rich and well-modulated contralto voice was well suited to the songs she chose, and hearty encores rewarded h«r efforts; Mr R. D. Wilson, who sang m his usual effective style; a quartet party composed of j Mesdames Sheldon and Gorton and Messrs Millar and Orr, who g%ve part songs with | effect, and careful attention to the expres sion ; Mr A. Qrr, whose song, " The mighty' deep," was commendable and much appre ciated effort; Mrs Sheldon, whose song, "Summer showers," wfcg an acceptable item ; Mr Millar, who hatKthe humorous element m hand and managed tt;~ei 4 course, well; Dr Morri«, who gave a pianoforte solo with grace and finish ; Messrs Wilson and Tucker, who played a waltz for banjo and mandoline; and Miss Bird who played a piano solo very well The dance that followed was a most enjoyable one, and dancing was engaged m till the small hour*, abundance of refreshments having been provided by the ladies of the district

Bioyele Bases- Domain—Easter Monday.

the instthhection m CRETE.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

The Delay m the Blockade.

Turkey and Greece.

Tlje Firsf KiKOun(ei :

Athens, April 10 The delay m enforcing the decision of the Powers to blockade Greece is being caused owing to the chief burden falling upon the English fleet. The British Government is willing to bear, an equal share with the other powers'. The first conflict between the Turkish and Greek forces eoricentrateci on the Turko Grecian frontier toot place yesterday. , Fifteen hundreej Greek irregaiars crossed the frontier at Krania, near Greverja. The Turks surrounded and attacked them, Tjjg 6ghting lasted the entire day, fh« latest reports state that if Greek regulars come to the support of the irregulars Edhem Pasha, the Turkish commander, will order a general advance. Whilst British and Austrian war ships were rescuing Moslem re%gee<s at Kissamos the Oretap insurgent)) fired upon the boats. The warships responded by firing eighty shells. London, April 9 Arrangements have been made by the House of Commons to discuss Sir W. V. Harcourt's motion urging the non-employment of force against Greece a,n<f Crete gn SfoneSav, ■ V ■ > i 'ApriUO. ' Reports from Constantinople state that the war party at Ttldiz Palace if gaining strength,

ME W9HBORTON GUABDIAN j MONDAY, APitxL 12, 1897.



Annapoli-s, Md., April 16, 1894.—1 have used Chamberlain's Pain Balm for rheuma ttm and found ib to be all that is claimed for it. I believe it to be the best preparation for rheumatism and deep seated muscular pains on the market and cheerfully recom mend it to the public Jno. G. Brooks, I dealer m boots, shoes, etc., No. 18 Main St. ALSO READ THIS. Meohanisvimms, St. Mary County, Me.—l gold a bott«le of Ohamber,lain's Pain Balm to a man who had been suffering with rheuma tism for several years. It made him a well man. A. J. McGiiJj, For sale by Ashbub



To the Deaf and those troubled with i Noises m the Head or other Aural Troubles. Dr Nicholson, of London, the world famed aural specialist and Inventor of artificial ear drums, has just issued the 100 th edition of hia illustrated and descriptive book on Deaf ness and Aural Troubles, This book may be had from Mr Colin Campbell, 160, Adelai c isoad, Wellington, N.Z. Mr Campbell was cured of his deafness by Dr Nicholson's system, and t>keo pleasure m spreading the news of the great specialist m New Zealand. A little book on the cure of Rheumatism, Corpulence, Lumbago, and Indigestion by the same author, may be had front Mr Campbell, ajie free, 5 71



Don't Cough. — Relief o m be obtained Immediately. Use 'KEATING'S COUGH LDZ KNGES '—well known'as the utterly unrivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly re commended by many eminent physicians. They at dnce check the cough and remove the cause wi'hout any after iffect; the most #L?ligato can therefore can take them. One Lozenge fcione gives ease—one or two at bedtime ensures reefc. Sold everywhere m tn tslide»eh.



LOOK OUT. I 0F GHEAT INTEREST G. J.TEILL T0 LADIES —IS SELLING— FOR THE COMING WINTER. Table Pain ask at Is per yard — Twill Sheeting, 2 yards wide, white 1 or; grey,J9Jd Turkish Towels, ed each. ruisr QWTmrc AT Cretonne BJd CAN SEOUtthj AX Flannelettes, 2s lid per dozenj -■- ~—l THE Js TEW ZEALAND GT T^MLh TS CELLING— • O. n m Clothing Factory Met's Heavy Tweed Suits at 21s 6d, wonderful value Boys Suits, 4s lid Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid A GENUINE WATERPROOF —— CLOAK, TAILOR MADE, Guaran- BOOTS. BOOTS. teed Sewn Seams. Men's Kail SHOOTERS 7s lid. Women's SHOES 4s lid Men's BLUCHERS 4s lid. Women's. Lace SHOES 4a lid q^ Grftnd RaQge rf The Cheapest Boots m Ashburton are to be got at Pattern* G. J. NMLL », HALLENSTEIN BROS. FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. _, ALEX. HENDRY, -«^? VICTORIAN JVlanager, STEAM CARRIAGE FACTORY, ft/timl^ ~~ '" 'C*SL_lsll? shoeing forge. -^Wasftwr^ •§ « bH F. AND H. STEEL j \ a g BEG to announce to the inhabitants of Ashburton and surrounding dist"°fc that th«y g g g \~J have taken over the Business so long carried on by J. R. STEEL, and hope by co Pk -^ Strict Attention to .Busings, Good Workmanship, aud Moderate Chatges, to merit a fair „- £ O •hare of Patronage. £ , S g HM Coachbuilding Department— £ g S g This Department will have our personal supervision and to aU who require a new .2 H H _? . WPS Vehicle of Zy?Z^Zn t oy thoiv old ole re V ,i^ t , W c,n gmvmtee s.U^non d they *.ggO |Qg place their order with us. . PjJ W go g a r^^ Painting and Trimming- „ 3 i g - 1 I °S M S ° 111 t jS is the very best. | | 3 g jj X? " Ironwork Department— O B 2 sS§ 8 tf § We »re prepared to quote prices for all kinds of ironwork, and to supply or &_, g sfc | r^J^ repair Agricultural Implements of every description. J, fgg O| „• p Hi g Shoeing Department— M ||g |^| I Ph| In this ai to »« »U>« P« tB °[ »™ b™'1"1" »• w';l sjv. »Uil™tion "> our aS « «-g g •- 1^ a .„.,„„,,„? »ad if you wut jour'bor.e shod by practical >od »k,lkd »ork, MD , .end it [V] gj a> 3 S, '!j 3 •lODg Tl CTOB IA N SHOEING FOB GE. g g" ||« | g* F. AND H. STEEL, i §|| g i fi| PROPRIETORS, WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 234 J .^ « « g __„ — S g -8^ W gaff AUTUMN AND WINTER NOVELTIES. m » I I "^ GRAND SPECIAL DISPLAY Il\ \ % MITCHELL & TURNER'S. t, V % MANTLE?— MILLINERY— £* T. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, JACKETS WATERPROOFS ! JS Ashburton. CLOAKS FUR BOAS \ CAPES UNDERCLOTHING * **QL¥ WEEiJ A^» RAgTERTIDE, 1897 "" — .. nnn , r . I Short apices, MONDA\,Api. *- ! 7.M p.tn, TUESDAY, April 13 * #«wF. . IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 10 LADiBS,- ihu^TCh'^^.,.,.o .*» IN PURSUANCE of oar policy m keeping our Business well to the the Easter Communion. All communi front, we have decided to add a FIRST-CLASS DRESSMAKING cants are earnestly invited to attend. DEPARTMENT to our Kstablishment. We have secured the services GOOD FRIDAY —11 a.m., Litany and of Miss Hill, a lady of unquestioned ability, who wrings with her Address. 3 p.m , Children's service, credentials of the highest order from MKSSRS W. bTRANGE & CO., 7.30 p.m—Evening service. The offer in whose Workrooms she has been engaged for over seven yeaks Uur tories win be iven to St# Mary's Home, object ia to supply our Customers with btylish and Well made Chrietchurch. COSTUMES at a Moderate Price, and every posuble effort will be PASTFR SUNDAY RTO Holy Com giveo to make our NEW DEPARTMENT an unqualified .ooohb. We m^on 11 0-M^S Prayer «d have already booked a number of Orders, and expect a very full teaaon. Holy Communion 6^30-EveningPrayer Miss Hill will be pleased to receive intending Patrons on and; after iioiyoommunion^o.6U eveningrrayer FRIDAY, March 26. The Annuftl Pafi ; h Meeting wiU be h? , d _,„____._ ,_ T _. ,ii rr n\i n n »» Stephen's Schoolroom on WEDNES MITCHELL AND TURNEB, day, April 28, at 7.30 P .m. TANORBD STREET. TIT* ANTED Known—Nothing but up to TT date Goods are juid at Mellob'at prices that defy competition. mm goods. new goods. AUTUMN AND WINTER. PEICES OUT £0 SUIT THE KEEN WEATHPJR AND KEENER TIMES. LOOK OUT. LOOK OUT. THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY AND CLGTHLNG MART. NEXT TO J. ORR AND CO, EAST STREET. MITCHELL AND BRODRIBB GIVE THE BEST VALUE IN THE TRADE. EVEBYTHING NEW, EVERYTHING GOOD, EVERYTHING STYLISH, And of Course EVERYTHING CHEAP. T)AY Cash and Save 25 per cent. Grand assortment bought at Special Rates to enable ua to sustain our reputation, yet giving the ; * w™^!/D^foMhe Winter, 8s 9J, worth 12s 6d. Good strong plain Homespun 4s lid dress. Beautiful Tweeds, grand Heavy Iwill ""■■«£ ™ nr A fl full ' ( ] rBBB> A ll the latest Trimmings m Furs, Gimps, Braids, Velvets, eta ,at prices never vaue, newest «had| L ' A a^ B N B E 9 L d E SI 3 CALICOS, SHEETINGS-you'll' wonder at the prices. No bad debts do it before J«' d w^' /JannSelteß 4a lid per doz- Alt wool Flannels, wide width, 104 d per yard. All our goods Bold at pnees to bring Grand dark Ioto^S« ft ,h? winter SsPsd per do Z ; cheaper lines at from 23 6d per del Double White Shewing IOJd, cheap at Is 3d. you b*%lf>\ o 2s™^^™lr6^ Blankets. Blankets. White Blankets, Blue Blankets, Brown and Grey Kaiapoi EUnßk e t7?s Jr cent cheaper SaSny other House m New Zealand. A grand* heavy Blanket at 8- lid. Art Mnslms, Cretonnes Blankctß LOWEST—the reasons are—We Buy Cheap; we Sell for Cash Look here ! Look here! Ctaruiu. Ws ami Brown's at Is lid pair" ONLY MITCHELL AND BRODRIBB HAVK Sf2M d° ywU ' »i?Lr The newest style T^ LADIES' SHOWERPROOF CLOAKS at prices 50 per cent, below anything heard of heavy footer boots 9s lid, grand line of light Ba }^ n\\^,^Xv^V^A^Ai^\aiiwp <ipes, m all patterns-We are de- Men* White Kid Gloves and Evening Bows, etc. <. MWV KOBGBD THB CENTRAL CASH TRACERS, WHO ARE, AND MEAN W BRING DOWN PRICES. ■ MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, IMB fEO 4, OBR % GQ>, BAST STREET, ASHSy^XON. !