Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1898.

An engineer oa board the Imperieuse has sent a letter to his father at Exeter respecting the THE " TREASURE stories of treasure ISLAND " STORY, on Oocos Islend, from which it seems that there is more truth m the rumors than recently appeared probable. " This island (says the engineer) was a great resort for bucaneers, and during the war between Mexico and Spain, when the Mexicans threw off the Spanish rule, they sent away a good part of their treasure m a ship, whicb . was captured by a pirate and the treasure buried at Cocos Island. The pirates wpre at last all killed off but one, who left a pbart to some relation of his, showing where the treasure was hidden. A man named Hacford, a de scendant of this pirate, hag now the chart, and has been hunting for the gold on the island for some time, and at last found the place, but as he had no ship to take it away and thei c are four or five other people alt huntipg £or the treasure, he came up to Victoria (3..0 ) to. get up an expedition, which he couldn't manage, fie was introduced to the Admiral, who offerea to go down there after the Guatemala revolution was over, and so we brought this man down with us from Esquimalfcj We left San Jose on the 11th, and reached Gocpt Island on the 14th. We landed a party and began to dig; though they found the landmarks the water from a waterfall nearly filled up the hole during fche night, and it would have been, impossible to dig the treasure, out m less than a month. As the Admiral could only wait a couple of days, we had to leaye it, but beforr going we blew down a good part of the. cliff with guncotton over fche hole, t0 that it will take the people on t) c island about three months to dig it up, Harford intends to go back. The gold bars alone are said to be worth 30,000,000d01., or about £6,000,000, and there are diamonds and other treiwurea also h^4?ft }p Afferent parts oftbeiilwKl." {

Local and General.

The annual dinner of the Aehburton Fire rigade takes place to-morrow. The usual monthly meeting of the Ashbnr in High School Board is called for Friday iternoon, at 3 o'c'ock. The Hospital Board invite tenders fo r ippliea for the County Hospital during th e Lirrent year. At the sale m London, " a tattooed Maor end, with a curious smell, brought seven teen guineas." It iB not stated hove much f this was for the head, and how much for he curious smell ; but no doubt the latter ac its value m a museum. It is certainly lvtays there. Aud perhaps m this case the urious smell haa an anthropologioal value. The following paragraph from the Daily Iraphic, of December 4, explains satiefac orily, saya the Dunedin Star, the cook-and- 1 mil story telegraphed recently from Wei- | ington as to the publication of the Navy i List being suspended on account of posßible trouble with Russia : — " Yesterday it was iuaounoed from the War Office that, new < arrangements baviog been made for printing the Navy and Army Lists, it is necessary to suspend the issues for the present month and £or January." The Wellington correspondent of the Auckland Star is responsible for the state ment) that the Government have received a communication from the Secretary of State for the Colonies intimating that ft proposal for a uuiversal postage rate of twopence within the Empire is favored by some colonies, and that the Imperial Government have agreed to set up a commission to con sider the question. New Zealand is invited to appoint a representative. It is understood, says the Otago Daily Times, that the liquidators of the Colonial Bank will, under all cironmstanoes, have sufficient funds at their command to meet all liabilities without having to make a ball upon the shareholders, and that there may be a dividend, but much depends, both as to that and as to the termination of the liqui dation proceedings, upon the teault of the cases of Brookß and Co. v the Bank and Connell and Co. v the Bank, which were heard m the Supreme Court immediately before the vacation. Ib appearß that the forest plantations i of Victoria now cover an area of about 1900 acres. In view of the success which has at tended the formation of similar reserves m South Australia, which has a more arid climate, it is said that there is clearly no reason why this area should nob be largely increased. The largest plantations at You Yangs and Creswiek contain over 820,000 trees, and some 30,000 seedlings were added to these two reserves last winter. There are extensive tracts of land m Victoria which are absolutely unfit for cultivation, and of but little use for grazing purposes* Ouch areas might be profitably utilised for the growth, not only of indigenous eucalypti and wattles, but also of timber trees of exotic origin. The Auckland Charitable Aid Board have Bix or seven Maoris on their list of recipients of aid, and fear there will soon be more. Mr Lennox thought it was understood that the Government which dealt with the natives' lands waß bound to provide for those natives who became destitute or who were m need of medical attendance. Mr Bollard told the members that the sum of £7000 was placed on the Estimates each year for this purpose, but although the Government had -been asked, it had given no explanation of how it had been disbuised. The Board decided to discontinue relieving the Maoris at the end of the pre cat month ; to notify them and the Government cf the fact ; and to draw the Government's attention to the sum planed on the general oharges for the relief of natives. A good many people will probably sympathise with Mr Holland, M.P , on rhe great " bathing drawers " question Hitherto the London County Counail has observed a benevolenb neutrality as regards the irreducible minimum of the attire of the men and boys who bathe m its waters. At a lale meeting, however, it was sought to pass a by-law making drawers compulsory. Lhis Mr Holland opposed as an "un democratic step," and on the ground that some might find it difficult to purchase the required garment. He found a supporter m Me Dickinson, who trusted the Council would keep to its ''old ideas." But these speakers hart evidently not reckoned on the apt illustrations on the other side of Colonel Kofcton. " How," exclaimed this gallant gentleman, " would you like to walk down Regent stteei; naked?" This was a poser, and we cannot gather from ihe reports that any reply was even attempted. The colonel and his friends had their way ; bathers m the public ponds m future must cover i heir nakedness, and, looking at the question all round, It is, perhaps, just as well. A correspondent of the Pioneer telegraphs from Burma an interesting aocount of the attack on the compound at Mandalay. Justice was not done m the earlier accouuts to the nerve and gallantry of Mrs Dobbie, the wife of Major Dobbie, of the 4th Burma bittaliou. The major hearing a noise left his quarters, and saw errering the compound a band of armed Burmans. He at once rushed baok for his revolver, an eight chambered one, and went out to meet the intruders, who m the meantime had attacked -iud slashed with swords horribly Private Maclean (one of whose arms was cut off) and Mrs Wilson, widow of a soldier. As soon as the major appeared the Burmans attaoked him, and he fired oa them until all his cartridges had been exhausted. Mrs Dobbie, who had been by her husband's side, then gallantly rushed back into the house and brought out a fresh supply of ammunition, and her husband used the cartridges with such effect that he killed the fanatical leader of the Burmans and three others of the enemy, and wounded three more, all of them seriously. The rest of the enemy then made off just m the guard turned out and closed the gates* In an article Ruegested by the recent bush fires, the Ifawkc's Bay Herald says: — "Throughout scores of miles, m what was once known as the Seventy-mile and the Ninety-mile Bush, between Masterton m the Wellington district and Hampden on the Ruataniwha plain, bush has been de stroyed where the timber was of ten times greater value than the land on which it grew. In order to comply with the depart mental conditions of residence settlers have been forced to destroy all their bush, no nutter whether good or bad, and the conse quence is that even m the bush district itself at the present rate, there will be no timber either for local or district wants m the course of a dozen years. No other portion of New Zealand possessed such valuable kinds of timber as were to be found m Hawke's Bay, and those who can remem ber the totara forests of Panevirke and Makotuku must feel how terrible haa beep the waste oaused by fires which m two many instances have been Bet alight to fulfil what may almost be termed the savage conditions of departmental misrule and ignorance.'' . The importance of the wine industry m Victoria has been frequently noted ; but m no speech has it been more comprehensively reviewed than by the chairman of the Vic torian Vignerons' Conference recently. In 1895 96, said the chairman, there were 30 275 aores m vines. Wine was made to the extent of 2,223,000 gallon?, of which 318,000 were exported/.' the home consump tion being a little over \\ gallon par head; There were 20,000 people depending on the industry, and the oapital invested m vine yard plant, buildings, etc., amounted to nearly £3,000,000, besides the value of the (and and the homesteads of the people. Some haJf-BfljlUqn gallons were converted into Qs;B9oj{3jftMpß of spirits of wine. With reiaji-WJ^ifctoulttlrB 1 m New gealan.o), it :w.aFil>e remembered that Signo* Bragato, the Italian expert, who was through this colony a year or bo ago, gave it as his opinion that many parts of both islands were admirably adapted to growing vines, and the manufacture of wlnS and raisins, Even that so-oalted desert, Central Qtogo, Slgnor Bragato pointed out was suited for vine crowing, and the laud not worth £1 p^re Sw g wpuld be wor.hj32o to £3.0 it deyoted to this industry, which, as far as this ooiony is ponoernedj has, jyith scientific and praotioal treatment, a great future be-

miscellaneous items appear on our nrsb page to-day; the four;h page contains a Berieß of articles on current topics. (The following are the vital statistics of Aphburtou for the month of January : — Births, 22 ; marriage?, 1 ; deaths, 9. ■ The Midland Railway Company have paid up £13,000 due to the Government for work oa the line, on whioh there are now 170 men engaged. The rainfall m the hills district during January is thus reported by our corres pondent: — Alford Forest, 2.62 inches, Alford Station, 1,55 inch. The New Zealand Shipping Company hive reoeived the- following cable, dated London, 28th January : — " Mataura — Everybody saved ; part cargo is expected to be saved. 1 ' The Wanganui Herald says circulars have been sent to the police and detective force intimating thab m future the information to Press representatives must be greatly restricted. The Government have been applied to for a grant of £400 out of the vote 3615,000 passed by tbe House last session for technical school purposes for tbe eatablihment of a technical aohool m Hawera. We are glad to observe by latest reports that the Minister of Lands has completely recovered from the effects of the work of the session. He is expeoted to be m Wellington towards the end of the present week. In dismiss ng two informations at Grey mouth, Mr Stratford, S.M , said that m his opinion all boxing oontests were nothing more nor less than fights, and gave the men to understand that if they were brought before him again he would have them sent for trial. A gale from the south-west has been blowing the greater part of the day, and at about one o'clock had reached its maximum foroe, making things particularly lively. A Fall m the thermometer accompanied the blow, whioh followed a fairly heavy shower of rain m the morning. The Lyttelton Times says that Mrs Jesson, of the Harewood Road, has sent to Mr J. A. Frostick, president of the Industrial Asso ciation, through Mr JEL B. Kirk, a very interesting sample of silk produced by worms grown by her. She has some 5000 worms, and the quality of the silk is admirable, Notice appears m the Gazette that Isaac W. Turner has been appointed postmaster and telegraphist at Hinds, and John Young, postmaßter and telegraphist at Methven. Appointments of postmaßters have been made as follows : — Patrick Hannipan, Westerfield; and Clement Knight, Alford Forest. While some of the newspapers have been busy of late m killing Mr Cecil Rhodes, we find from the Cape papers that Mr Rhodes has selected bis burial place. It is m the Matoppo Hills, m the neighborhood of his farm, that Mr Rhodes desires— "in the fulness of time," we may add — to be buried m the solid rock. Mr C. R. Reakes, Government veterinary surgeon, is testing cows at Hawera with tuberculin, and as a result three out of eight were one day condemned and destroyed/ A large number of farmers and others interested m stock were present at the last tcene, when &2>os( mortem examination was held, and settlers were shown the various stages of the growth of the disease. A number of children were playing to gether at Kutnara, when one of them got hold of an axe and ordered a boy named Stenhouse, nine years of age, to move his foot from where he had got it at the time, or he would chop it off. suiting the action to the word he brought the axe down, severing three of the boy's toes, the big one being completely cut off. When F. H. ScLoeneberg (once well known m Ashburton) was before the Wel lington Courb the other day it was stated that he had been committed to the Asylum. He escaped later on, however, bub was not recaptured. According to a rule m force under the Lunacy Act, if a pxtient was not oaptured within fourteen days he was at liberty, and had to be recommitted. A curious encounter was witnessed m Hastings the other morning, says the local paper. A resident heard a screeching noise at his back door, and on going out he dis covered a kitteu m combat with a minah bird. The encounter, which lasted several minutes, was a desperate one, but eventually the kitten got the best of the job, and marched off with the bird to a secluded spot, where it made a very dainty breakfast. A conference of Ministers of Agriculture, at which the colonies of S >uth Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales will be represented, will be opened m Melbourne on February 3 The subjects to b » discussed thereat (says the Wellington Post) will be the prevention of the spread of the tick pest, the export of produce to Oreat Britain, a uniform system of branding, and other matters of interest to the producing interest. A special meeting of the Borough Counoil was held yesterday afternoon, to consider what steps should be taken to entertain his Excellenoy the Governor, who will arrive m Ashburton on Monday next, at 10.55 a. m, and leave at 12 55 p.m. It was unanimously decided that an addres* of welcome should be presented on his Excellency's arrival, that he be entertained at a luncheon, and th*t at far as time would permit he be shown the prinoipal features of the town and suburbs. A young girl, a domestic servant, who appeared m the dock crying bitterly, was oharged this morning at the Police Court before Hon. Major Steward and J. Scaly, Esq., J's P., with stealing from her mistress a gold ring, value 30a. She admitted the offence. Mr Purnell, who appeared for the prosecutor, eaid that the ring had been returned although nob till after the charge had been laid, aud he did nob wish to press the case. The Bench pointed out to the accused the sad position m which she had placed herself by giving way to the tempta tion to appropriate what was not her own and counselled her as to her future conduct. They would, however, on this occasion give her a chance to redeem her character. Case dismissed. Those who feel an interest m the pro motion of good music, and elevating the musical taste of the community, will be pleased to know that an effort is now being made by the amalgamation of the Orchestra and the Harmonic Societies, to form one strong musical union, with the object of undertaking some of the most pleasing of the Bbandard works, which may be available by hire or purchase from the societies m the ' larger centres, The combined societies meet this evening at the School of Music at eight o'clock, to inaugurate the movement, when all interested will be welcomed. The desire, of pome at least, js to introduce the system which obtains m the larger centres, whereby the Society is supported by honorary mem bers, and the concert audiences restricted to members and their friends. There is no reason m the world why Aahburtou should be so behind hand ip the way of high class music The individual talent will oompare favorably with other places even larger, and all that is neoeaaary is a combined effort such as this to achieve success. All lovers of music should lend their aid. Just m Time fob Christmas. — In order to keep " up-to-date " with our steadily increasing business we have decided to eftecb considerable alterations to our premises and to make room for the builders we have resolved to greatly reduce our stock before Christmas. We have therefore culled a large quantity of our Tweeds and Worsteds, etc, to dear at the following reductions:— Men's suits to measure, usual prioe 90s. now 70s ; Men's trousers, usual price 258, now 15s 6d ; etc. We have also pleasure m notifying that we have just been appointed agents for tjho famous "British Lion' and" '* Waver ley"' Bicycles (both gents' and ladies'), which we are now selling with all the " up-to-date " improvements at the lowest 1 cash pripes, or on the most liberal tirmß to ' suib the convenience of our 3ustbmers. (Every machine guaranteed).— JRAIGHKAD AND BEBBYBfAN. the leadlDg tailor? and Outfitters.

CRICKET.

FOURTH TEST MATCH. MONDAY 1 * PLAY. RANJIT'S VERDICT. Presß Association — By Electric Telegraph — Copyright. Melbourne, January 31 The weather was terrib y hot with a thick smoky atmosphere. The heat made an ippreoiable difference to the attendance. Sill only added six runs to his Saturday's score when Sfcoddart accepted a oitch m the jlipa off Hearne, thus ending a brilliant innings characterised by only one chance, (Phioh was a technical one Jones partnered Kelly, who so far had nob displayed his hitting powers of Saturday. The Adelaide bowler opened his career with four singles m succession, then the Sydney wicket-keeper got away from Saturday's score by a couple of late outs to the boundary. Jones' double figures sent the third century up, amid sheering, 5 hourß 22 minutes being taken to reach it. Briggs relieved Richardson and with the first ball of the over Storer dis missed Kelly. Howell was last man. Jones was hitting with fine clean strokes, and both Australian bowlers treated Briggs severely. Jones then mishit one from Hearne to Hay ward, and the inninga closed. After the wioket had been rolled tfoLaren and Wainwright appeared at eight minutes past 1 o'olook to do battle for England against the bowling of Howell and Xrott, The Lanoashireman made a couple, when he gave what appeared to be a clean chanoe to Kelly, who failed to secure the leather, but when McLaren had added another half dozen Howell bowled him off his pads. After lunoh Ranjitsinghi joined Wainwright, bat the latter sent one of Trott's to Howell who caughc him low down at point. Hay ward filled the vaoanoy, and opened with a drive for a couple. Kelly appealed for a catch off Kanjitsinghi behind the sticks, but ifc was disallowed. The prince expressed his gratitude by making a magnificent drive to the boundary. Ranjit&ioghi and Hayward were playing the bowling with great ease, making splendid boundary drives. Although Howell was bowling splendidly runs came treely and equally to both batsmen. 7 rott relin quished the ball to Noble, Trumble taking Howell's place. With his fifth ball Ranjit- Binghi lifted one to Iredale, and the Indian retired amid tremendous cheers. Druce succeeded him, but only to see Gregory brilliantly catch his partner off Noble. Storer came next. Noble puzzled the bats men considerably, and the Derbyshireman only scored a couple when he drove Trumble back to the bowler. Mason, whose previous ill-success was said to be due m some measure to his going m first man, filled the vacancy. Druce, who had reached double figures, was batting Btylibhly. Jones re lieved Noble. Mason then got into double figures, bringing up the century after an hour and three-quarter's work. Druoe al most immediately got his leg before to Jones. Stodd&rt followed and commenced sneaking runs, which nearly proved fatal to Mason, Jonea being within an ace of throwing him out. After the tea adjournment a cool breeze came up bringing with it clouds of emoke from the bush fires, and the ground was enveloped m haz\ Shortly after resum ing Stoddart hit out at Jones and played the leather into Darling's hands at third man. Briggs, who followed, opened his innings with one of his acrobatic strokes which he did not seem to know anything about. The alteration of ihe rota was un doubtedly of service- to Mason, who by good cricket hit himself in;o premier position among the batsmen. Briggs by lively hitt ing got into double figures m a few minutes, Howell then replaced Trumble. At 142 Jones sent'down a beauty to the Kentish* man which he failed to negotiate, and he retired to the pavilion with 30 to his credit. Hearne came next, but the second ball from Jones he Eent to Trott without altering the score. Richardson was last man, and hard hitting on his part soon saw double figures to bis credit. Trott replaced Jones at 170 and bowled the Surrey bowler m his eeoond over, the innings closing for 174. The Australians' fielding was superb, and the fact that not a single extra was recorded speaks volumes m itself. Being m a minority of 149 the Englishmen had to follow on, and when the stumps were drawn for the day had lost one wioket for 7 rune. Wainwright and Briggs commenced batting at a quarter to six o'clock to the bowling of Howell and Jones. The light was extremely bad owing to the Bmoke. Wainwright, after making a couple, was splendidly caught by McLeod. Ranjibsinhji when questioned on the sub ject ot the Englishmen's play said that he saw no excuse for the poor staud they made this time. Their play was not what it ought to be, The attendance to-day numbered 15,000, and the cash taken amounted to £678 Hill was presented by the president of the Cricket Association with a trophy. The fo lowing are the scores :— Australia. First Innings. McLeod, b Hearne ..  .. 1 Darling, c Hearne, b Richardson . . 12 Hill, o Stoddart, b Hearne . . . . 188 Gregory, b Richardson 0 Iredale, c Storer, b Hearne .. .. 0 Noble, c and b Hearne .... . . 4 Trott, c Storer, b Hearne   7 Trumble, c Mason, b Storer . . . . 46 Kelly, o Storer, b Briggs . . . . 32 Jones, c Hay ward, b Hearne .. ..20 Howell, not out . . . . . . . . 9 Extras .. 4 Total for seven wickets . . 323 Bowling Analysis— Briggs I for 38, Wain wright 0 for 11, Richardson 2 for 102, Hearne 6 for 98, Hayward 0 for 24, Stoddart 0 for 22, Storer 1 for 24. England. First Innings. MacLaren, b Howell ..  .. 8 Wainwright, o Howell, b Trott, ', .. 6 Riu,jitsiubji, c Iredale, b Trumble .. 24 Hay ward, c Gregory, b Noble .. ..22 Storer, c and b Trumble . . . . . . 2 Druce, Ibw, b Jones 24 Stoddart, o Darling, b Jones, . . . . 17 Mason, b Jones ,30 Hearne, c Trott, b Jones 0 Richardson, b Trott . . . . . . 20 Briggs, nob oub 21 Total 174 Bowling Analysis —Howell 1 for 34, Jones 4 for 56, Trumble 2 tor 30. Noble 1 for 21, Trott 2 for 33. Second Innings, Wainwright, o McLeod, b Jones .. 2 Briggs, not out ... 4 Extras 1 Total for one wioket . . . . 7 Received Wakapuaka February 1, 9.30 am., i Guardian Office 10.44 a.m. Melbourne, February 1. In yesterday *8 mat oh the smoke from the bush fires made it difficult to identify the players. The takings at the gates amounted to £678. As the result of some very bad cricket, the Englishmen are m a position which may lead eventually to their defeat. Although the wicket was a perfect one, their batting was wretched and neither the bowling nor the fielding of the Australian? was sufficiently Rood to account for the Englishmen's down fall. " I cannot understand it," said Ranji, "it is beyond explanation, and beyond excuse." Received Wakapuaka February 1, 2 5 p.m, Guardian Office, 2.28 p.m. One wicket for 25, McLaren (not out) 10, Briggs (not out) 11.

LABOR QUESTIONS.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph Copyrighb. ( Lqijdoi?, January 30 ( The federated employers, replying to '. inquiries made by Mr Barnes, Secre? I ary of the Associated Engineers, state 1 hat, if the restarting of work js s iniversal throughout the engineering radeß, all vacancies will be filled a« trly ai poifible,

ROAD BOARD.

+ Coldstream. A meeting of the Coldstreatn Road Board «as held at Hinde on Monday last. Present - Messrs E. G. Wright, D. Miller, J. Stud holme, junr., and J. MoKeage, Mr Dobion (the chairman), wrote apologising for un avoidable absence, and explaining the principal business to be considered. Mr Wright wa3 voced to the chair, and Mr Dobson was granted leave of absence for the meeting. . - BOLL ALTERATIONS. Rhode*' trustees applied for the transfer of properties which they had sold to Mtsm Kelman, B. Bulmer, and J. Studholme, junr., and the alterations were ordered to be made. Some properties disposed of by th« Waste Lauds Board were also ordered to be entered on the rolls to the purchaser* and lessees. WORKS. Tenders were ordered to be invited for forming and metalliog about eight y chains of Crowe's road, the metal to be obtained by deepening the existing ditches. Pipes were ordered to be substituted for a bridge, and another bridge taken up, and the dry ohannel filled m on the same road. An expenditure of £5 was authorised for easing the grades of cuttings into two oreeks near the Toi paddock. BATE. Notice was given of intention to strike a general rate of Jd (one farthing) m the £, »b the next meeting of the Board on February 21— the rate to be payable m one mm on March 1, 1898. ACCOUNTS. , Accounts amounting to £9 8s 4d were, Mated) and the meeting adjourned.

OBITUARY.

Alfred White Spilsbury.

There was buried yesterday, m the Ash* barton Cemetery, a young man whose death m a strange land and alone amongst Blrangera is another instance of the vicissi tudes of colonial life. His name was Alfred White Spilsbury, and he came to New Zealand about eight months ago, as the pioneer of • family who intended to make their home m New Zealand. He was m quest of a farm on whioh to settle for this purpose. Wisely he first tried to make himself acquainted with farming m New Zealand, whioh he had learned was vastly different from farming at Home. To do this he took service on a Willow by farm, and made every effort to acquire the knowledge and experience he sought. But while he was gaining thii knowledge he was not careful of his own bodily health. What may suit a strong man m the Old Country may nob suit the same man out here, and young Spilsbnry found this out to his cost. The climate was mild m comparison to what he had been accustomed to, and m his ignorance he took * liberties with it. The remit was that he caught a severe cold, but held it cheap, and went pn with hia york, long after he waa unfib to do so. He waa not used to the rougher life of colonial fanning, bat his spirit was of the sort which the pioneer* possessed if his stamina was not m keeping. Soon pleurisy supervened, and he was compelled to seek medical advice* He was at once ordered to the hospital, and there he lay for twenty-one weeks till death removed him from a scene that opened to | him with bright and hopeful prospects. He I waa the youngest B»n of Rev. William Spilsbury, of Chepstow, England, and, had h« I lived, another Wesleyan minister's family would soon have been amongst us, but it was willed otherwise. His remains were followed to the grave by many friends, and the funeral service was conducted by the looal clergymen— Revs. Taylor and Mather. The coffin was of po'iehed figured ritnu, with silver furniture, and the funer.il arrange ments were conducted by Messrs Baker Bros.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph.—- Copyright. Dock at Alexandria. Cairo, January 31 The Egyptian Government has sold to Allen and Allerson, the well-known shipping combination, steamers belong ing to the Khedival Steamship Ad- Miinistration, with the floating dock at Alexandria.

Australian.

Preaa Association — By Eleotrio Telegraph — Copyright. Proposed Reduction of Postal Rates. Brisbane, January 81. The Government has informed Mr Chamberlain that they are not favor* able to the proposed reduction m the postal rates between Great Britain and the colonies to 2d, owiDg to the loss of revenue. I. is suggested that an inter colonial postal conference discuss the question before the Imperial autho rities take action. An Experimental Farm. The Government has set aside 800 acres at Springsure for an experimental farm. 

Bush Fixes m Australia.

». — .. I Press Association-^By Electric Telegraph. Copyright. Adelaide, January 81. By a destructive bush fire m the Renraark district over 200 telegraph > poles have been burned, interfering with the intercolonial service. Melbourne;, January 31 The whole coast is hidden by smoke from bush fires. The shipping is invisible from the look-out stations. Many vessels behind time have evi dently run out to sea, or are shelter ing.

The Federal Convention.

Press Association-— By Eleotric Telegraph— Copyright. Melboubne, January 31 The whole of today's sitting waA taken up with the discussion of the judicature clauses. The minimum number of puisne judges m the High Oourt of Appeal was fixed at two, making three judges m all with the Ohief Justice. A long debate ensued an the question of a final appeal to the Privy Council. Sir George Turner thought there should be discretionary power, but Mr Reid opposed any judicial disgretjon or japrice permitting pases, being reserve^ or the. Privy Council. He supported, he clause as it at present stands. If tny alteration were needed be thought he High Court's decision shquld b,e inal for general purposes, and the Queen's prerogative would, ify fop the. eat. After spending a great deal qf ime the Committee agreed to the lause as it already exists with a slight nd unimportant amendment. Mr l*rton announced that he had received tie Finance Committee's conclusion*, ut the matter has yet to be placed m lape by the Drafting Committee.

THE ASBBUhTUP GCABDJAN : TUESDAY, FEBKUAKY 1. 1898.



Most £loQ«ioia|cii|



SyN.oj?Bifl of New Advmrtisembnts. Church service— Bb. Stephen's. Asfburbon Hospital Bofrd— Re tenders j for supplies.



Ifore ib.



Business Notices. i-H - .• o is 2 .«1 DO 131 N£ O Sag S h g r^ 111 „ 9 § !ii *a o A ill aa -h S. QQ ■ o o R Hg. 1 ft . ri*r a 5 iq i « g *tH 1 i 1 g «^ : 8 i a : . o - a^ |« Church Services T. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburbon. TURSDA Y— Teacherß' Meeting, 7 30 p.m. THURSDAY— Meeting of Parißhionera m the Schoolroom, 7.30 p.m. FRIDAY — Short Service, 7.30 p.m. ; Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVlCES.— February 6. 11 a.m. — Morning Prayer and Holy Com- munion. 3 p.m. — Greenstreet. 6.30 p.m.— Evening Prayer, REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



John Orr & Go. John Orr & Co. SUGAR. O £ TONS PURE CANE BUG *R, very 4i*J beet for jam making and ft I kinds of preserves 701 b BAGS 14S od. TEA. 200 BOXES, slb and 10b, PURE CEYLON, ako all the leading brands. FLOUR. FORTY TONS FLOUR— Rollit'a Flour, 2001ba .. 24s Od lOOlbs .. 12s 6d 50lbs .. 6s 4d  &51bs .. 3i 3d 40 Tons Bran, 3a 6d per bag j 10 Tons Sharps, 5a per bag. HAMS AND BACON. ROLLB, SIDES HAMS. Colonial Candlea .. 4dperlb. English Parafine Candles 6£d per lb per box Kerosine (150 test) . . 6a 6d per tin, 12s 9d per case Cornflour 3d per lb Essence of Lemon . . 6S Woroester Sauce, pints 9d per bottle Essence of Coffee .. 10* d Sago l£dp«lb Tobacco, Nubian squares 4s 6d per lb Oatmeal, per 25H> bag . . 2a 9d Currant 5d Elma Raisina • • . . 7d Valencia Raisins .- 7d Sultana Raisinß ••> 7<i Sicily Almonds • . Is 2d Figs 8d Muscatels Bd Jordon Almonds ... 2s 3d I Mixed Peel .. .. 8d 2£lb tins preserved fruit lOd Lemon Squash, English ls> 3d Lemon Juice, English ... Is 3d Sardines .- .. .. 4£d Fiesh Herrings 64 d per tin Herrings m Tomato sauce lOd PresßedHops, per lb ... la 4d Enoa' Fruit Salts .. 3s 3d per bottle Ground Ginger Is4dperlb Anchovy Paßte 8d per tin Citrate of Magnesia .. Is per bottle ] Sheepß Tongues, . beab .„ 10d per tin FOR THE FRUIT SEASON. Glaas Jars, 2s 6d to 3s 6d per dozen. Mason's Screw-top Porcelain Lined Jars. Pints 4s 9d, Quarts 5s 9d f . £ Gallon 7s doz Kenrick's Beßt Enamelled Maslin Kettles. 8 Quart 6b, 10 quart 7s 6d, 12 quart 8b 6d. Brass Maslin Kettles, Drop Handles. 2 Gallon 7s, 2£ gallon 11s 63, 3 gallon 13s 6d Steel Enamel Preserving Pans, 2s 6d, 3s, 3s 6d, 4s. YOU HAVE HEARD OP THE WAVERLEY BICYCLE. ! WE HAVE GOT IT AND CAN SHOW I IT TO YOU Ai ANY TIME. i Tho wise men of the East rode Oamel?, but there are far wiser men to-day, WHO HIDE WAYjbJELEYS. THE WAVERLEY WHEELS Are m tho front rank of AMERICAN HIGH GRADE MACHINES. Light, Strong, Speedy, Handsome, und thoroughly up to date. WAVERLEY - WHEELS Are " Built on Honor," and the price is right. ALL MACHINES FXTTEP WITH ENGLISH DUN LOP TYRES AND WESTWOOO STEBjL JWS. Lamp, Balls, Cycle meter*, Wrenches, Tyres, Rims, and all Bicycle Accessories kept m Stock. Repairing dme by skilled Mechanics and satisfaction guaranteed. John Orr & Co.



Business Notices SHEARMAN BROS^ GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS WINES AND SPIRITS. CROCKIRYWARL X CROCKERYWARE. WE have just landed, ex S.S. Kaikoura, some very choice lines m Dinner Fete Tea Bet», Toilet Sew. Sets of Jugs, etc , etc., which we are selling ab *£*J"J» *£2£ 100 Dr zan White and Gold China Cups and Saucers .. 6s 6d pet dozen TEAS. TEAS. TEAS. WE h»ve received direct from the Ceylon and China Garden a large w™*™*** oi diflirenbClawesof Teas. Ab we make Teaa a specialty we can offer to our Customers *nd the general public exceptional value. 2auerlb ' Highest Grade Orange Pekoe Ceylon Tea L 9d per lb FiMt Class Orange Pekoe Ceylon Tea J J 6d Eer lb Good Full Leaf fekoe Ceylon Tea £ $ p£ b Ceylon and China Blended Tea . . • • • • • • E Id Em lb Good China Tea 1b la per id SAMPLES MAY BE HAD ON APPLICATION. MkUBITIUS SUGAB. MAURITIUS STJGAB. As Mauritius Sugar contains far more Preserving ProperWes A" «V«*" ?25J ed! mtok eM t ist K ore^^^^^^^^ SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, AND WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, MARKET HOUSE, ASRBURTON. Telephone No. 55. ___—^— m^ TO RESIDENT BUILDING & FURNISHING. \TTE BEG reßpectfully to announoo that we have received, pcr k S.S. "|lonio ' and •M^taura,' very heavy B hipments for our HOUSEHOLD FURNISHING Depart" ment, viz:— SHEETINGS CURTAINS CARPET SQUARES PILLOW COTTONS QUILTS HEARTH RUGS TOWELS TOILETS OILCLOTHS T&BLUWS MUSLINS LINOLEUMS m ft,<» TTAKfJV DEPARTMENT we are showing a fine aßßortmeub of new »nd an endless variety of Black and Colored Gimps. NEW SHIPMENTS OF Dresses, titmws, Mantles. 2 Oases of Samples HOSIERY, at LANDED OOST. MITCHELL & TURNER. (Telephone— No. 80 ] iaaa 1898 S. SALE X, THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT JLargest Stock Lowest Prices FOR :NE W YE A R -1898 : : - n p pn iAL LINES at REDUCED PRICES, marked m Plain Figures. Gold 10s, 255, alao a nice selection of small and suitable articles at 2s 6d, ss, and 7s 6d. J9P£CIAL. ATTJUNTIOIN IS CALLED TO THE STOCK OF Gold Brooches and Ladies' Rings. Cheae two linea are Heavily Stocked, and are of the Newesb and Choiceat Dealgns. INSPECTION JNVITED AT S. SALEK'S JEWEL LEBY ESTABLISHMENT, EAST STREET. STOCK ANO PBIOES UNEQUALLED IN THE DISTRICT.' BARGAINS EXTRAORDINARY GREAT ANNUAL SALE of Surplus Stock of DRAPERY, CLOTHING, & BOOTS, COMMENCED ON SATURDAY, January 15. IMMENSE REDUCTIONS. ANDIEW ORR. • -.- ■ • ■ - j