Mail Notices.

THE BRINDISI MAIL. \ Mails for the Australian Colonies, Tas- i mania, Ceylon, India, China, Japan, Straits Settlement, Continent of Europe, and the United Kingdom, via Briudisi (doe in London on 16th March); also the Sandwich Islands, Vancouver, Canada, md 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. THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1897.

It is a somewhat singular circumstance (says the Argus) that Australians should devote them A COLONIAL selves so assiduously MAGAZINE RIFLE, to the invention of weapons of war. The latest is the Ash ton magazine rifle, which has been, shown us by the in ventor. The magazine in this rifle is a fixture to the right of the lock, and just behind the breach, and when the weapon is inclined slightly to the right the cartridges are led in by gravitation, and without a hitch, while from its position the balance of the weapon is not affected. It has a bolt action, as with the Lee-Metford, and themechan icism is so simple and perfect that a man who has never handled a rifle be fore can, after one lessson, load, fire, and eject the shells with rapidity and accuracy. There are no springs, as with the present British service magazine, and on this account a greater rapidity of fire by 50 per cent is claimed by the inventor. It has also one or two points not found in any of the modern magazine rifles. Once the bolt is shut do wn it cannot be released, again, except by firing, but as in aome cases I this would be undesirable, a needle head, or hammer, can be cocked with the thumb, as in the ordinary hammer gun, and the rifle thus used for single fire. There is a saving in weight, too, the new rifle weighing 81b 2oz 3 which can easily be reduced to 81b, as against 91b lOoz for the Lee-Metford. The weapon is being brought under the notice of the military authorities, and will shortly be subject to a thorough trial.

A. phenomenon in the shape of a white man who was originally black, held a private reception of A WHITE medical men and NEGRO. press representa tives at Melbourne a few days ago. The name of this freak of nature is Simfbn Gabriel, and he was born at Mauritius forty-two years ago, both bis parents being ac cording to his story of pure negro blood. About ten years ago he was cook at the Adelaide Hospital, and had up to that time shown no signs of changing colour. He subsequently went to Mildura as cook to one of the Oh»ffey Bros, and it was at the irriga tion settlement that his skin first began to grow white. The process was gra dual. It started with a white spot on his forehead, and spread gradually over his face. Meanwhile the other parts of his body were beginning to show evidences of a lighter hue, and bef re a year bad passed, much to the astonish ment of his wife, he was of as light; a tint as any white man i,i Jhe settle ment. When he returned * Awn, time ;igo as a patient to the Adelaide Hos pital, to be treated for rheumatism, he was at once recognised by his former fellow-servants as " Simon, the Black Cook." The change from black to white was not the result of any skin disease. Gabriel to-day is as healthy and as perfect a white man as may be found anywhere in Melbourne. He is well supplied with certificates and photographs, which establish his iden tity beyond doubt,

After an absence of four years, Sandow is in England again, display ing a more startling THE MODERN command over his SAMSOJV. muscular system than ever. Here are a few of his wonderful feats :—- Turning a somersault from the knees to a standing position ; holding 561b in each hand; lifting with one finger 7501b dead weight from the ground ; compelling his biceps to dance with 901b attached to each; resisting the dropping of 901b attached to a chain from each hand; arms extended, weight doubling at the drop of each foot; holding out at arm's length a mounted bicyclist in each hand j rest ing only on the neck and heels and holding four men on his body; sup porting a platform of great weight and an entire company of thirty people on his shoulders, the weight in all being 50001b! and—greatest feat "the monarch of muscle" has ever per formed in England—supporting on his chssb a bridge weighing 8001b, over which a horgej a Roman chariot and two persons pass, Sandow's chest measurement is 48in, expanded it is 62in, an expansion of 14in. It is said that the greatest expansion known in cla§sicfl,l times was only Gin. Such is the evident Ejupariority of our modern gladiator oyer toe greatly vaunted gymnasts and acrobats of ancient Greece and Roma.

Local and General.

The land covered by new houses in Greater London every year ia 1163 acres. Mrs i\ Makeigj, music teacher, Cameron street, notifies that the tew term commences on Monday next. The Council of the Canterbury Art Sooiety has fixed the opening of the annual (xhibition for March 17. Last week a young girl named Trower died iv Nelson Hospital as the result of sunstroke. The vacancy in the pastorate of the Auck land Tabernacle will be filled by the Rev Joseph Clark, of Nottingham. Incandescent electric lights are being used by a well-known London animal-stuffer to illuminate the eyes of mounted animals bears, tigers, and lions. Afc the Hospital Board meeting in Christ church yesterday the resident surgeon, Dr Fox, w as permitted to withdraw his resigna tion. The Chairman explained that the trouble had arisen between a member of the medical staff and the resident surgeon. It was ppb a matter that had! a"y bearing eitfeer' pp $he esjeient working of I l]*6 Hospital or on bh£; safety <p c(?rnfort of any I patent, but was entirely a personal matter 1 I usfcween the doctors alluded to,' Theft Chairman's explanation waß considered by 1 1 the J?OMd to be entir«]y iatj*f»otory, J,

An eel sft Ion;; and weighing 261b wu ] caught in the Temuka river on Monday ' evening. . It is proposed to give Mr Ben Tiilet a free I pasi over the railways when he reaches New Zealand. This is in recognition of his services in the cause of labour. The other day at Greymouth a man who was the worse f c r liquor was robbed of £130. He had drawn the amount from the bank with the intention of going to Ooolgardie. A shrewd confectioner out West has taught hid parrot to say •• pretty creature " to every lady who enters hia shop, and his business ia rapid'y increasing. Over a ton of dynamite was fired in one shot at the Cape Foulwind quarries last week, and 40,000 tons of stone were dis placed. Mr C. W. Wagstaff, of the firm of Rhind and Wagstaff, produce agents, Lyttelton, dropped dead about 9.30 p.m. yesterdajE. The cause of death is supposed to be heart disease. The Rev Harold Anson, M.A., rector of Whitton, in the diocese of Norwich, has accepted the curacy of Hawera. It is not quite certain when he will arrive in the colony. Cashier: "Don't think I can cash this draft, miss; I don't know you." Miss: "Here, don't be silly ; give me the money. Who cares if you don't know me ? I don't know you, either." A Christ church telegram says -.—Another instance of horse killing occurred on Tuesday uight, a valuable horse belonging to Mr W. White at New Brighton having its throat out. A farmer writing to the Advocate draws attention to the spread of the Californkn thistle and predicts that five years hence there will not be a farm in the Taieri clear of this pest of pests. Mr W. W. Collins, ex-M.H.R. for Christ church City has been presented -with a cheque for £178 4s 6d (the amount of sub scriptions received less expenses) as a token of appreciation of his public services. A useful charity called the London Spec tacle Mission provides spectacles for needle women and other deserving persons depen dent on their eyesight for a living, Last year 726 applicants were provided with spectacles. Iv the bar of a London hotel recently a man fell asleep, and when he awoke he discovered that his watch had gone. Two dayf after a man stopped him in the street and offered to sell him the stolen watch, and was given in charge forthwith. Since the Crimean war, the charges of powder in guns, according to Sir Benjamin Baker have increased from 161b to 900)b, the weight of projectiles from 631b to 18001b, and the energies developed from 1100 foot tons to 62,000 foot tons. The juice of the plant known aa wartwort is said to have proved efficacious as a cure for cancer. This plant, we think, is identic J with a garden weed commonly known as milkwort. Possibly some of our readers can assure us on that point The Armenians claim to be the most ancient nation on the earth, and are doubt less, like other Ayrian races, of the line of Japhet. '1 hey have often been compared with the Jews, and they exhibit Semitic characteristics. The monthly consecration meeting of the Wesleyan Christian Endeavour Society was held on Wednesday evening. The Rev. T. G. Brooke gave an interesting discourse on " Our Church.' After the subject had been fully ventilated the meeting concluded. We observe that at a special meetiug of the St A 1 bans School Committee held on Wednesday evening Mr J. B. Mayue was unanimously recommended to the Board of Education for appointment to the position of headmaster of the St Albans school. A Press Association telegram says : —Mr W. R Haselden, barrister, Wellington, has received and accepted appointment as a Stipendiary Magistrate. He will not, how ever, be stationed in Wellington. He may possibly take Wairarapa and District Judge Kettle come to Wellington. In the West ladies a lemon bath is almost a daily luxury. Three or four limes oi lemons are sliced into the water and allowed to lie for half an hour, in order that the juice may be extracted. A remarkable seuse of freshness and cleanliness is given to the skin. A new way of paying off a church debt has been thought out in an Otago rural dis trict. The local barber went for a length ened holiday, and in his absence a zealous church warden undertook to cut the hair oi as many customers aa chose to drop a shilling into the collection bag. Old Country Lady (as she hear* the suu-set gim are at a seaport town): Gracious me, whatever was that ? Coast-guard: Sun-set, mum. Old Lady : Sunset ! Dear ! Who would ever think that the sun goes down with such a bang as that in these parts ? It goes down quietly enough at home. The income of the Emperor of Russia for one day is £5000; Sultan of Turkey, £3600; tmperor of Austria, £2000; German Emperor, £1600; King of Italy, £1300; Queen Victoria, £1300; King of Belguim, £1300; President of France, £1000; President of the United States, £25. In St. Jame's Park London, a seagull was recently seen to seize a sparrow which it quickly took to the water. The bird then deliberately drowned the sparrow, dipping it over and over again, till the poor little body hung limply down, with every vestige of life fled, and then with one gulp, it was swallowed. An Auckland telegram states that the Crown Landa Board having withdrawn, on the suggestion of the Surveyor-General, 2475 acres in East Taupo in connection with Mr J. O. Firth's proposed scheme for utilising the Haka Falls to drive the Thames gold fMds battery by electricity, Government contemplate making the Haka Falls block a reeerve. At the Highland Society's show at Perth two farmers, on their way from the refresh ment tent, diseased the horseless carriage. One thought it a good idea, but the other said :-—" A.' doot, Duncan, it'll ne'er sit you nor me, fur mony a nicht, gaun hame frae them rket we i-ced horses that ken the way.' 11 Richt," said farmer No 1, "dod, man, I'd nae mud," and they piesed in. A religious newßpaper tells the story of a missionary captured, by cannibals. They proceeded to examine him, pinching his flesh in different p*rts of the body to test its fitness for a bake. He cooly took his penknife from his pocket, reached down, and cutting a large piece out of the calf of his leg, p&sged it round w a sample. The savages'tested it, and, finding it tough and tasteless concluded hot to eat hjm. The leg was made of cork. The following pleasing evidence of appreciation of the serviceg of the Fire Brigade on the occasion of the recent fire in Moore Street has been received ?—•• The Stcretary Fire Brigade, Aihbupton. Dear Sir,—lt affords me pleasure in handing your Captain a ch< que for two guineas, being a special donation from the South British Jnsurauce Company for the Brigade's skill and energy displayed in suppressing j;he recent fire at Mr Miury?a on Wednesday ait, 20th inst. Had they not been co prompt, I am quite sure it would have been a total loss. Yours truly—T. Bullock." A terrible tragedy is reported from Novara, in Sicily. A young girl who had been abandoned by her betrayer lay in wait for him upon the high road. She was accompanied by her mother, and both were disguised as men. Hearing a man's foot steps they sprang out, dagger in hand, and stabbed him to deajbh before they discovered that their victim was the brother of the man they had intended to kill. At this i moment the latter came up, and seeing what had occurred, strangled'the mother on the spot. The girl fled and drowned her self in the lake, and her lover, in despair then cut bis own throat so seriously that he is not expected to surviv#. It will be seen by a new advertisement in another column that Messrs Craighead and t^-.,,™*" *r« probably now showing the Partook ot-nCT «««*«? !» WJSJM. tailoring goods ever exhibited .~ ■**nDU?'- ton. This speaks mli far th?ir enterprj«e t And loo»I iPdMtry. ' ' * "*|

j An interesting and amasing book (says the Hawke's Bay Herald) could be written on "How the women voted at the last elections." Hera ia one short story of many —An old lady was seen to come out of a polling booth, and wiping the perspiration tram her face, remarked, " Thank good nets that's over. There are only tiwo more." She had already voted at eight different booths ! The Star of tbe Eaat Lodge, No. 62, T.O G.T., met in the Templar Hall on Wednesday evening, when there was a good attendance. The following officers were elected—O.T., Bro 0. Andrews; V.T., Sister L. Page; S., Bro Tilley; F,S , Bro Amos; 1.G., Bro J. Stephens; 0.G., Bro J. Stocks; M. BroO. Sando; D. M., Bister Til ley ; Bro A. Andrews, A,C,T>, presided. The codlin moth is making sad havoc in the orohards in Taranaki. It is asserted on good authority that the beautiful orchard at Mimi, formerly owned by Mr Chapman, but now owned by Mr Oliver, which was renowned for its abundant crops of applet, is absolutely ruined through tha ravages of the moth. It is also stated that the moth is very destructive all through the Taranaki district. At Mr Oliver's orchard, under the apple trees the ground is covered with apples, which look tempting to the eye, but on cutting the fruit it is found to be completely bored through by the moth. Usually in the centre of the fruit ia found a maggot. The Taieri Advocate complains of the depredations of ferrets among the poultry in that district. It says Mr J Shore, of Meadow Bank, informs us that recently no less than 44 hens were killed by ferrets in one night. Thirty-six hens disappeared and eight were left with their throats out. Thirty-two were pure brown and white Leghorns, the rest being silver-spangled Hamburgs. About three months ago Mr Shore lost 14 brown and 4 white Leghorns. By setting a trap for the ferrets he captured both of the unwelcome visitors. It is very disheartening to farmers to find numbers of their fowls silled in the morning. What with the rabbits and small birds, the ordinary farmer has enough to fight against without having another pest with which to contend. Holloway's Pills.—Pure Blood.—When the Blood is pure, its circulation calm and 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 suffering from disordered digeali n, 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 delicate may take them with out tear. Holloway's Pills ate 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 influence.

COMMERCIAL.

THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Press» Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

London, January 26 Mr Twopeny intends to visit Manchester and Liverpool, ia order to inspect; the methods of business adopted by the Argen tine meat importers.

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS.

Sydney, January 27 Wheat, chick, prime, 4s ; milling, local, 4s 9d to 4s lOd. Oats, prime feeding 2s 4d, medium 2s 3d, seeding 2s 6d to 2a Bd, Barley, Cape, 2s to 2s 3d, P^as, Fryman Blue, 4a 9d- Potatoes, local £1 10a to £2 7a 6d, Circular Heads £3 10a to £3 15s. Onions £5 10s to £5 15s. Butter, dairy 6d to 6Jd, factory 7d to 7sd. Chee?«, New Zealand 4d to 4£d, Bacon 5d to 6d. Hums, New Zealand Sd. Melbourne, January 27 Wheat, quiet, s<i B^d to 5s 9J. Oats, large supply, market weaker; Algerian, 2s l£d to 2s 3d ; milling, 2* 4£d ; seeding and new, 2s 61 to 2s 7J,d ; new stout white, 2a 9d. Barley, Gape. 3s 3^d. Potatoes, £4, Onions, 5s to £5 10*. Adelaide, January 27 Wheat, firm, 5s 9J. Oats, stout white, 3s 63.

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON-THURSDAY,

(Before Mr 0. A. Wray, SM ) Maintenance.—A. S. Gray vW. Gray. The Court ordered a balance of arrears to be paid forthwith on pain of imprisonment. Affiliation—Minnie Meynellv Gallagher. This case was adjourned from last Court to-day for argument on the point as to cb feudaut being a compellable witness. Mr Wilding said he had considered the question and though he found there had been several decisionsmakingsuch defendants compellable witnessess personally he was not convinced, but would bow to his Worship's decision. The defendant, on being called did not appear, and Mr Cress well asked for the issue of a warrant for his arrest The propriety of this was argued by Mr WiMing, who contended that a subpoena was sufficient. Mr Creßswell was ready to issue a subpoena as a matter of torm, but held that His Worship had power to issue a warrant, and Mr Cresswell was within his rights in asking for its iseije. It was decided that a subpwna be issued, and the case was adjourned for an hour. Qn resuming the case defendant was put in the box, and his evidence was a flat denial of the whole charge. The Court was occupied the whole of the afternoon with affiliation business, and was still sitting whpn we went to p.ress. Civil Cases.-AiTriedlander Bros, v W. Roltitfc, £69, 15a 9d. Mr Purnell for plain tiffa. Judgment for plaintiffs by default. H. P. Madden v F. Clayton—judgment summons—ordered to pay 10s a month till the amount was paid, in default defendant to go to prison fir a term. Craighead and Berry man v J imes Allen, £5 £>s 6d. Mr Cuhbertson for plaintiffs, Mr Wilding for defendant. The debt was for goods sup plied to one Phillips, and it was claimed by the plaintiffs that Allen had undertaken to pay the debt provided Phillip* were Dot sued. The defence was that Phillips waa perfectly willing to pay if he were allowed time, but there was no written undertaking on the part of Allen to pay Phillips' debt. After hearing the evidence, his Worship deoided that Allen had made no contract to pay the debt owed by Phillip-', and nonsuited the plaintiffs.—Same v F. S. Jeffries, £1 4a— judgment for plaintiffs by default. Same t R. Luscombe, £2 19s 6d. Mr Cuthbertson for plaintiffs, Mr Purnell for defendant. The claim was for goods supplied {,o Mrs Luscomb'e, and 'the defence was that the husband was not liable for such debts, hav ing always allowed his wife sufficient money to purchase drapery for herself and family, and had forbidden her to go into debt for drapery goods. He had never'received any account for the money claimed, and the ffrat fje |new of the all^gec] debt was from the summons Burred cm him. The wife had authority to get what ahe liked at certain grocers' shops, but at these places defendant had contra accounts. Mr Cuthbertaoa held that special notice should have been given to the drapers that Mrs Ljusoombe had no authority to pledge her husband's credit for | drapery. Bis Worship said it had been made perfectly clear that the husband had not authorised the wife to p'cdge his oredic for drapery, and the plaintiffs ought to have made themselves aware of the fact. He would non-suit the plaintiffs.—A fencing I' case—Peacue v. Cameron —was adjourned I' for a week. I'

CRICKET.

NB>V SOUTH WALES v VICTORIA.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright. Sydney, January 27. '< The New South Waiea second innings closed for 570. Noble, not out 153, Mc- Kibbin 37. Howell 48. Noble gave an al most faultless display of cricket. Howell made some great drives, and MeK bbin showed excellent form in spite of a badly injured hand. Carlton took one wicket for 87, Roche 2 for 123, Worrall 2 for 33, Irumble 2 for 99, Trots 1 for 83. Two men were run out. In their second innings the Victorians have lost 4 wickets for 94. McLeod 38, Worrall 51.

The Council Appointments.

16 is do secret (says the Oamaru Mail) that the Ministry contemplate making certain calls to the Legislative Council to fill the vacancies that have arisen since the last appointments were made. That and the names of the proposed appointees have al ready been settled upon, and all that it now awaited is the concurrence of his Ex cellency the Governor, who is considering the matter. In this connection we may say that we have good reason to believe that there is no foundation for the statement that Lord Glasgow has decided to follow the precedent of his predecessor, aud leave the question of the Council appointments over for the consideration of his successor, and that the Premier has acquiesced in that course.

NEW BUILDING.

Mr David Thomas 1 K'ew Store-

The farmers of the Aahburton county have long ago ceased to put all their eggs in one basket. For years they devoted their attention solely to wheat, and as long as that market held out they did well. But wheo, with American and Indian competi tion added to the solid phalanx of com petitors composed of Russia, Egypt, and other European, Asiatic and African wheat growers, the bottom began to fall out of the wheat basket, and wheat growing aloDe was found to be, if nob a losing game, at least a non-paying one, our farmers had to take a wider view of things and look round for other sources of income. The establish ment of the frozen meat industry sent a large cumber of farmers into grazing sheep. The dairying industry offered attrac tions to others, but both industries meant that pasture instead of crop would have to be attended to, and before you can have pasture you must have grass seed. For years, too, it was found impossible to raise clover and cowgrass seed in Canterbury. Somehow the Canterbury grow n seed, when any was yielded, strenuously refused to germinate, and something else had to be done. The introduction of the humble and Ligutiao bees changed things in this direc tion, and we found our clovers fertilised, -ill these matters are matters of history, and we need not occupy space further with historical details. Now we find ourselves able to grow healthy grass and clover seed, of a sample that the Home growers cannot surpass for quality. To supply seed for the enormous pasture area required to feed the three-quarters of a million of sheep that the Canterbury-Kaikoura sheep district annually carries, means no small labor in the saving of seed, and in cleaning it ready for sowiog. The grain nterohants, of course, had to fall into line with the farmers and add the seed business to their grain and wool trade, and sq we find that every metropolitan gntia merchant makes some pretence at keeping a seed cleaning plant, but not many of them have launched put in the trade as have our merchants in Ashburton. For some yeara, in fact since 1888, the firm of Friedlander Bros, have carried on extensive operations in seed cleaning, and have imported special machinery from America for ihe work. In their large store they had plenty of room for such machinery, and the arrangements permitted of its use for that purpose. Mr Thomas was differently situated, and finding the requirements of his seed trade increasing daily upon his hands, he decided to meet them by building a new store for his seed cleaning machinery, and to have that store fitted with a quite new plant. Acting oh thia decision, he entrusted Mr T. E. Kilworth with the architecture of the building, the site for which was the vacant, space in rear of Mr Thomas' large grain store. To Mr J. L. Brown was entrusted the work of building the store, which is now within an aoe of completion. The building fronts Burnett Street, from which it stands back about twenty feet or more, and is 33 feet wide, rising on a 22 feet stud to about 35 feet to the ridge. It is 100 feet long, and the workmen have finished the excavation of a tram liut>, in continuation of the one that runs through the main store. This continuation will enable trucks to b*e brought right in front of the shed, and while there they wilt be under a covered way that will protect them from the weather. From this tramway sacks will be hoisted to the upper floor, the power being supplied by a f our teen-horse power O^ogas engine, built in a 12ft x 2^ft lean-to at the rear of the building—at the rear certainly, but attached to the southern corner. The hoist is carried along the ridge of the building on pulleys, and the arrangements are such that trans ference of the bags bo, any part of the build ing is a matter of ease. On the ground floor are three machines, specially constructed by Mr Kilworth, for the cleaning of grass seed —thit is, the winnowing of it from all impurities, and the removal from it of all foreign seeds. The first makes ryegrass its specialty. It has four riddles, but to each pair is attached a special sieve for the extraction of that curse of the pasture— sorrel—and there is also a specially in an attachment fa? getting rid of goose grass. The sieves are all tilted, so that when at work the good seed gravitates naturally to the lower end, and if the crop worked on will admit of it, an extra tilt can he given to hurry on the work, or the sieves can be kept with only the merest hint of an incline if the condition of the stuff being operated on is such that it dem»nd| a greater amount of level riddling. There is no limit to the machine's capacity, and the hopper over it wiil carry forty bats of ryegrass. There are two other machines beside s this one—both ryegrass cleaners, only one has an extra specialty forcocksfoot, but the three together ought to be able to get through an enormous < amount of work. Shortly will b.e added machinery specially constructed for clover. Near by is the site of alarge corn crusher, etc, and all of the work j described with several other though minor operations will be carried o$ in this store. In front of the grass cleaning machines is a large grain hopper, from which the corn grading machines upstairs will be fed, and when everything is in fair working order the "factory" will be &•? complete and con venient a thing of its kind as any merchant couid wish to have. The cleaning of grain will also be a speciality, so that when a really good sample comes to hand, it will be put into the hopper and run through for seed wheat, with the result that the buyer will receivej for Beed purposes, wheat and wheat oily. The same with oats and barley. In the matter of grain cleaning in will be possible for a farmer to briog in hi *ced wheat for cleaning, and by the time he has started to unload his second dray, the wheat of the first load will be cleaned and 'ready to be loaded up again. The building is very subsfcan tiftl, the pillars on which the roof beams test being of 12in x 12in. kauri, and everything else about the place is solid in proportion. The foundation is C9ncrete, carried to a toot deep, and all the drainage channelling, of which a good length has been laid down by Messrs Crum, is also concrete. The whole of the machinery was made by Mr Kilworth at hie Bridge Works, and it is pleasing to note that work so satisfactory as this is, and machinery of thia kind, can be turned out in our own town. We congratulate Mr Thomas, Mr Kilworth, and all connected with the production of the store and He furniture, on the excellent addition that has been made to the industrial buildings: of the tpliofe /

From Palace to Prison.

A Blackmailer's Extraordinary Career.

London Dispatch Special. An extraordinary number of blackmailing cases have recently occupied the attention of oar courts The public appear to be gaining freeh courage ia dealing with Shese pests of society, and it is to be hoped that the severity of the sentences meted out to these scoundrels Will do something to check an offence which hat assumed alarming pro portions the last few years. Only recently a man named Houghton, who described him self as a "journalist," was convicted at the Old Bailey of attempting to extort money by threats of libel, and sentenced to eigh teen months' hard labor. The career of this man has been of the mast extraordinary description, and as one method of black mailing pursued by him is becoming daily more frequent, it is a duty owed to the public to plaoe them on their guard against it. OPERATIONS IK ABYSSINIA. It was in 1876 that Honghton first sprang into notoriety. He went to Egypt daring that year when the diplomatic relations which existed between that country and the King of Abyssinia, were very much strained. His companion waa one Major Barlow, an officer in a Yorkshire Yeomanry regiment. They had made their way to Abyssinia, jand by dint of braggadocio of the flimsiest possible kind established themselves in the good graces of King John, In a very short time they were taken into hia service, he exhibiting considerable anxiety to hare an English officer at the head of his army. When once Major Barlow had won the good graces of hit Majesty, he began immediately to pave the way for hia companion Houghton. King John was not slow to avail himself of the services of the "clever politician" (Houghton), for ettch he was described to the King, and in the end he was appointed political adviser, practically becoming Prime Minister of Abyssinia. Major Barlow, ar* rayed in glorious attire, had been formerly known at Cowes, where he assumed the title of General. Hia position under King John was Commander-in-chief of the Abyssinian Forces. To his credit it is Said that he set about certain reforms with the ardent nature of a military man. COMMANDER OF Tliß ABYSSINIAK ARMY. He not only increased the. army in effi ciency, but was able in a very short period to plaoe it in a superior fighting condition. He had under his command from 70,000 to 80,000 warriors, including the famous Ama zonian Brigade, in which both these men took special interest. Houghton and Bar low were quick to discover that in order to retain their position, to impress the native* with their importance, and to make their offices secure, they must go through what ever barbaric ceremony was necessary. Ac cordingiy a long and weird ceremony, inter spersed with war dances and feasting, in which the whole of the army took part and which lasted & week was gone through. Bedecked in paint, beads and feathers, with portions of an Engliah officer's army uni forms, Houghton and Barlow, ever seated left and right of the king, patronised the ceremony. They soon grew wealthy—this lucky pair—and finding it to their interest, they promptly began to stir up the ill-feeling which existed between King John and the Egyptian Government. Their conduct be came so outrageous, the advice gives so dar» ing, that the attention of the House of Com mons was drawn to it, and they were the subject of many debates in that historic Chamber. CHIEF OF AMAZOVIAN WARRIORS. Once in power both Houghton and Barlow began to mould the king into their own Bhape, and something like consternation was felt in the ranks of the dusky warriors when Houghton ordered a death sentence to be passed on a relative of the king's. Thi» sentence Major B.rlow carried out—he waa not then called Major Barlow, but a long, unpronounceable, and equally " unsellable"» name, which meant " honesty," They were carried in State chairs by the Amazonian warriors, and assisted themselves to what ever goods and chattels or gold dust anyone save the king had. They told picturesque and lengthy storiea of what a gre»t power Abyssinia would be if the king and hi. chiefs were guided by them. Kach of them estab lished a well-stocked harem, and vied with eaoh other in selecting the youngest and prettiest of Abyssinia's daughters. They dined apart from the king, teaching a wily old Abyssinian cook the mysteries attendant upon the preparation ot an English dinner. It is said that in one thing only they failed, and that was to possess themselves of an enormous ruby, which King John wore in an armlet. They complained of his want of faith in them in not allowing them to convey it SB a simple present to Queen Victoria, who would then " blow the Egyptians into dust." As a matter of fact, they did manage to win the old King over to giving them a quantity of gold-dust, which they promptly got rid of by sending it to Berlin. EGYPT'S GOVERNMENT ALARMED. Ultimately an expedition was seat out by the Egyptian Government to capture these two English adventurers, who were making matters particularly lively. They were takeu prisoners by Oaman P M ha, who headed the expedition, and with a great flourish of trumpets, they were removed to O^iro. Here they were treated moat kindly, and aome kind of trial took place, which finally ended in a sentence of banishment. Bat low, however, forged a number of letters. and by a system of very artful intriguing he obtained permission to take with him a quantity of gunpowder, saying he would travel East and exchange it for ivory. The permission granted set put the quantity he wae to have, but he bribed the officials and sent out many tons of Egyptian ammunition to the Abyssinians. Hs was, however, de tected aDd fled. He joined King John, and it is now a matter of history that he was 1 killed during the mutiny which his martinet like conduct had caused in King John's forces. It was suspected that Hough ton had played an important part in the act of bribery, but the Egyptian Government were loth to punish him, and he was accordingly banished from Egypt. CHEATING T«B PARISIANS. Oa board the vessel whioh conveyed him to France he made overtures to the captain to become nothing less thaa a pirate, build ing up an ingenious scheme.whereby in the short space of two months they would become exceedingly wealthy. The captain listened to these Utopian dreams, but at the earliest possible opportunity he got rid of Houghton by landing him on the shores of France. With a great deal of Oriental dis play Houghton engaged swell apartments in Paris, posing as the accredited representa tive of the Abyssinian king. His plausible stories, artfully concocted, brought him mmy dupes, and for some time he lived in affluence, swimming on top of the social milkpot and feasting on all the cream. Then followed his acquaintance with the queen of the demimonde- They spent money freely and lived moat expensively, but the gloaming came on quickly, and the darkness Boon turned to night. The gullible Frenchmen began to lose faith in the Oriental cum- Eoglish potentate, and this adventurous pair soon shook the dust of Pat is from their feet. [ NEW BLACKMAILING- SCHEMfc. ■ ; We now reach the year 1886, and Houghton still with his "qneenie," found "fresh fields and pastures new" in Boulogne. The man's fertile brain was not slow in discovering a new system of black mailing. It was wicked, nay diabolical, in its character. It injured its victims beyond recovery and ruined them in the good opinion of those who were mare?t and dearest to them. The announcements that appeared under the column headed Births, Deaths and Marriages contained often' the names and! addresses of those who sought happiness id the tie of the nuptial knot, and others whose unions had been blessed by the birth of a little babe. To these addresses a letter was sent. Its contents we pass over, but its. purport was so skilfully concealed that it unthinkingly drew forth a reply. This letter was then forwarded to the English con. federates of this scoundrel, who played the role of the blackmailer par excellence. NOW " NO. —, 01? WOBMWOOD 3CEHJBBS." cotland Yard was not long in " getting an" to this fraud; but it was difficult to lral with, as the offenders were living on f reach ml The French police, however.

THE ABHBOKTOB GUAEDIAN: THURSDAY, JANUAKY 28, 1897



Busine s Notices I GOOD WASHING PRINT, 3|d. WHITE MUSLIN, 3a lid per doz AT G. J. NEILL'S. A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DRESS FOR 6* lid AT G. J. NEILL'S, Flannelettes 3jd yard. Ihe Best Turkish TOWELS in Aahburlon are at— G. J. NEILL'S. BO W Navy Blue Sailor Suits 4a lid, Men'a Tweed Trousers 5s lid, Men*. Heavy Culonial Tweed Suits 25s 6d, at G. J. NEILL'S. I*diea L»o« Shoei, 4s lid. Ladies two-strap Shoes, 4s lid, AX G. J. NEILL'S. JL*di«t', Mftidn'.wsd Children's TAN SHOES of Every Description, at Very Low Prices, AT G. J. NEILL'S, FRIBDLANDER'S CORKER, EAST STREET.



Busi-ness Notices. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, QOLE AGENTS FOR THE FAMOUS "VICTORY" i SEWING MACHINE. I ... ; _ < I 9 Hfe g S 3*34 « « « gag, Qj o 1 i «i '3 & I T 111! S ° 111! PQ Church Services. tT S TEPHEN'S CHURCH, Aahburton. THURSDAY —Annual Sunday school Treat. Soholara assemble afc the Church at 2 p.m. FRIDAY—Short Service 7.30 p.m. . Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. 8.30.—H01y Communion. 11 a m.—Morning Prayer. 2.3o.—Distribution of Sunday School Prize?, in Sfc Stephen's schoolroom. Parents and friends will be cordially welcomed. 3 p.m.—DROMOKE-Mr W. Bowman Fox. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. Collections in aid of the Church Miaaioa Fund of the diocese. RgV. T. A. HAMILTON. WANTED Known—Tb.e Economic Kid Glove, four buttons, Is gd per pair, ia the Glove for every day wear.— W. H. Collier.



iBOOM IN DRAPERY. CROWDS ON SATURDAY. TTOST COMING BA'O;K TO SALB AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S.



—^T ZjZT" IMPORTANT NOTICE. i^pT LINOLEUMS. «L MATTING, RUGS, etc |||gfc " U " §^^£ FURNITURE OF ALL KINDS, TH- UN DRILL & Co "We hava iast landed, direct from the Manufacturers, ex a.s. Rimutaka and Oxabama, » Grand Assortment of LINOLEUM^, CARPETS, FLOOR CLOTHS, Etc., * W*n° to be Sold at PRICES TO MEKI' THE TIMES. INSPECTION INVITED, Nota the Addresß— T. H. UNDRILL & CO., CABINETMAKERS & UPHOLSTERERS, TANORKD STREET (Opposite Arcade) Picture Framing a Specialty. Venetian Blinds Made to Order. Agents for Olegg's Perambulators.



OUR FIRST SALE, COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUARY 30 MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, THE CENTRAL CASH TRADERS, NEXT TO J. ORR & COS IRONMONGERY DEPARTMENT, EAST STREET. ERUPTIONS IN THE DRAPERY TRADE. TTTE have decided to eclipsa all, with the result that one cut has been made at our new stock, which has severed the price in halt. m old Stock, no oat of date shelf-worn goods to palm off on a sensible public. Our Clean, New, and Stylish Stock at just half the «a»l Mice The cry is-How is it done ? Here you have it : No Bad Debts, No Credit which enable us to lose directly, a portion of wha Pthe ;redi trade 8 a?e losing indirectly. With this difference-At MITCHiiLL and BRODRIBB'B all are treated ahke ;at the Sedit homes the good customers have to pay for the bad ones. Make no mistake. We want your money, and feel assured that the few following sample prices will bring it. Space will npt 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 33 lid per doa yards Usual Price, 8d per yard 22 pieces Gingham Prints, 4s lid per doz yards Usual Price, 9J per yard 19 pieces Flonl Crepons, 4s lid per do?, yards Usual Price, lid per yard 17 Fancy Brilliant Cloth, 7£d per yard Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 7 pieces Plain Crepon, 5t lid per doz yards Usual Price, Is per yard Si pieces Ktripe Zephyr, 6-j lid per doz yards Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 8 Plain Zephyr, 6a per doz yards Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 22 piece* Cashmere Cloth, 4a lid per don yards Usual Price Is per yard 10 pieces Mourning Cloth at the ridiculous price of 3s per doz yarda. We assure you that at this very important e&ls both you and ourselves will have a spauking time. j White Calico 2n lid per doa yard® Usual ptice s£d per yard White Sheeting, 2 yards wide, iO£d per yard Usual price Is 6d per yard Nainsook 4£d per yard Usual price 7£-d per yard White Turkish Towels 6s 6d per doz Usual price 9d each Hildas 6 yarda for Is lid, worth double Hundreds of Cheap Drees awaiting inspection Double width Tweeds Is per yard Black and Colored Cashmeres from Is per yard up * Lfidies Black Lavantine Paragon frame Umbrellas from 2s 6fl, 3s lid, 4s IJLd, eta. jbadieu' Sunshades all colors from 3s lid Black and Colored Velveteens from Is 6d per yard up A mixed lot of children's sunshadns all colors from lid each HOSIER Y-^l6 hmt val «*0 *a the tiade" Plam and Ri°hed Cashmere Hose from Is up. Plain and Ribbed Black Cotton nTnvw a rf*'*^-A !ar«e vamfcy Cheap and Good. A beautifal Kid Glove, any shade, at 2a lid. Lower lines from UMJVU3 |'JYnnu**nl». Oashipew #loy.B 4Jd, 6d, 9d, and Is per pair. Gaggety and Silk, from Is 3d upwards. KTmraiM ralw Bk»tt'«- W« l)av* B^ld wore of the9e Booda thau aay houße in town* 7 hafcwe haJ e f oa hand—About BLUUSb-S, 2x t ee n dO Mn wilY .He el*aped from BWf 2s 6(3> 2a^d UJ? 5 usfc hftlf Price- AU mwm md fau°y APronß J usfc ha'f what you will pay Vy*lo*™ ehe. MILLINERY MM^J^ caU. jujn D^i m^ A few Harvester forking blurts 2* 6.1. Men's strong *£.*> B ni™ &»6d. tiiili Tweed Suita, 6a lid, size Ito 7. Tweed Suit., 21e 6J. Men- imitation iox'a  g Oo ts a nd Shoes reduced. Hard and Soft Felts h. Choicsst stock of Ties and Scarfa in Ashburton. "•/■ •&."»' ir.iunni TTnrlnr FUonnla •ndless variety. Mohair Boot Laces, 3J per dozen. Heavj iaP Ol feoi- U Kaltt P Ol m^ *la"nels. 3s lld« DO NOT FORGET MITCHELL & BRODIUBBS FIRST BALE. HJSXT VQ J. OBR & CO, JJAST STBEJST ASHByiiXON, j



Synopsis oj? New advertisements. Upper Aehburton Road Board—Notice ire birds eggs and heads. T. Bullock—Shop to Jot. Charitable Aid Board—Tenders,



One Box of Clarke's 6 41 Fills warran bad to cure all discharges from the Urinary Organs, in either sex (acquired or cons i tutiorial), Gravel and Pains in the Back Guarranteed free from Mercury, Sold in Soxes 4s 6d each, by all Ohomista and Patent modioine Vendors throughout fche Work "—m-iatorii; The Likooln and Midland i 1; ' —.QDmuaOoMyAfl?, linqjlßi K»«:l»o4i