The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1898. OUR GAS WORKS.

Mr William Adams, who is certainly a thinking man, and practical withal, has made once again a suggestion that has been frequently made m these columns — that the Borough should by purchase become proprietor of the loc il gas works. We should be happy to see those works m the hands of the Borough, but we fear the time is hardly ripe. Katepayers aa a rule look askanco at the man who asks them to vote for anything likely to increase their public liabilities, because increase of liability they think always hints at possible increase of ra'es. But there need be no increase of rates following the purchase of the gas works. If the business carried on by the company to whose hands has been entrusted the duty of supplying the town with gas is such as to enable a handsome or even satisfactory dividend to be paid — and this has been the case for twenty years past — there is no reason why, purchas ing the works as a going concern, the Borough Council should not be able to make thf.m pay. And making them pay means more than simply showing a balance to credit. It means the pro viding of a sinking' fund to extinguish the loan out of which the works were bought — for a loan would be necessary — m a term of years stated, and this fund would be provided out of the earnings of the works. It means very probably cheaper gas, and therefore more extensive use of it m the homes of the people ; and who that has once had his home lit by gas would ever again, if he could help it, care to go back to the useful but troublesome and rather risky kerosene ? It means also, very pro bably, better lit street?, and the more extensive use of the gas engine m our industrial life, as well as the more general use of the gas cooking stove m our domestic economy. Then there are possibilities m the future that must not be overlooked. We do not suppose that the Midland Railway, of which we have heard so much and so often for the last sixteen or eighteen years is to be allowed to remain m its unfinished state for ever. Surely there is a hope that, some time before the present generation has been borne m detail to that bourne whence no traveller returns, the railway will have been completed. And the connection once made of the East and West coasts by rail, there will be a most emphatic and welcome reduction m the price of the coal consumed m Canterbury, which as a natural consequence would affect the price of gas, though it need not necessarily affect largely the earn ings of the works. And m dealing with the possibilities pf the future we feel we are justified m reckoning with the question of irrigation. Should the schemes of irrigation now being advo cated take substantial form m the near future, who can say to what extent the population of the town may not increase. Given a marked increase m the productiveness of the soil, there follows a natural increase equally marked m the wealth of fche producers. Following those increases comes as a matter of course an increase of pros perity to the town, increase of work to do and of hands to do it, so that the beneficial effect that irrigation is expected to have, should the farmers adopt it, cannot fail to exercise its in fluence by sympathy all round, and where the population centres there the gas works would find a profitable sphere. Tn discussing the question of taking over the worka by the Council, at this juncture the question of the purchase price weed npt be

raised. It is one of the most import ant factors m the whole matter, though after all, only one of. detail ; but it will be time enough to raise it when the whole business comes — and we have no doubt it will come m the end to be seriously considered. We have said that the timo is hardly ripe yet for seriously entertaining the idea of purchasing the gas works, because there is on hand at the present moment a proposal to raise a muni cipal loan for the purpose of carrying I out certain very important and very fneaassary public works, and to raise the question of buying the gasworks, a question involving the raising of a largely increased capital sum, may have the effect of jeopardising the success of the smaller loan. We have no desire to see the smaller loan become a failure by an attempt to introduce a movement for a much larger amount for a no doubt very commendable object, and one we should certainly see attained. But the old woman's wise advice to her boy, "creep afore ye gang," has m it just as much wisdom for municipalities as it has for the toddler, and is particularly applicable m the case of Ashburton, Give us well paved and channelled streets, and an assured water supply, and the gas question may be left to itself to come up again m its own good tima.

Local and General.

" Your son is an actor, you say, Mr Maginnis ?" " Faith he is." " And what role does he p!ay ?" •« Rolls, is ib 1 Faith, he rolls up the curtain." The local Secretary for Trinity College London Musioal Examinations (Mr Horace Gates) received the certificates for the successful candidates m the examination m June last on Saturday, and distributed them to-day.

•• We must introduce a modified scheme of celibacy," was the remark which startled the Wesleyan Conference at Melbourne the other day, when that body was deliberating as to whether cortain circuits were yet able to support a married minister, or must still be content with a probationer. The speaker theught that young men training for the ministry should refrain from marriage until they had obtained a position that placed them above want, and enabled them to sup port a wife and family. If, as has been said, the litigation of a country reflects with startling truthfulness and exactness the social habits of the people, at what conclusion would the visitor to New South Wales arrive after a study of the pro ceedings m the Divorce Court for the past few weekß ? asks the Sydney Morning Herald. In the bulk of cases the parties to the suits are units m the moving mass of work ing people ; the litigant s are rarely num bered m the ranks of higher-class labour. An average of ten cases per day is disposed of, despite that Mr Justice Simpson peers with the maximum of minuteness into every suit m order to assure himself of its genuine ness.

Speaking on municipal slaughterhouses, m the course of a lecture at Wellington, Dr. Chappie said : — "We know very well that tuberculosis is prevalent m New Zealand, and the report just to hand from Napier is positively alarming. We know that this disease iB communicable to man, we know that cooking doea not destroy its infectivity — we know all this, and we know the remedy (inspection of abattoirs by a qualified medicil man), and yet we do nothing. Not only do we know the remedy, but we also know that it is simple, practicable, and effective. All that we want ia a little energy, and the infusion of a new enthusiasm into our local administration." A somewhat rare historical document came into the possession of the Auckland Musuem authorities a few days ago, having been presented to the Institution by Mr Rhodes Donald (reports the Nezv Zealand Herald). It is a debenture or 1.0. U. of the kind issued by the Wellington tradesmen m 1845, when copper money was scarce. Its denomination is threepence, and the issuer J. Lloyd, placed it on the confiding public m the following terms :— " Wellington, New /^aland, December 20, 1845. On presenta- 1 tion of 20 of these I promise to pay the owner the sum of 5s m goods or Government debentures.— J. Lloyd." The action of a Hawke's Bay Justice of the Peaoe m convicting himself of having permitted his cow to wander and then dis charging himself with a severe reprimand, has been regarded as a delightful joke by a number of people. However, it doeß not i appear to have been such a screaming farce after all. The Haivktfs Bay Herald reports that the Justice m question, Mr A. L. D. Fraaer, has received advice that the Justice Department has inquired into the circum stances of the case. The department has found that as he dismissed himself with others, m cases relating to breaches of bhe by-laws, they see no reason to interfere, but they point out such proceedings should not be repeated, deeming it very improper that a J P. should sit m judgment on his own case.

Dog stones used to be the r rage. Now* cata are coming m for their turn. J.F.T., m the Pall Mall Gazette tella a oat story well worth repetition ; — Some time ago a lady residing m the southern suburbs o[ London was interviewing her cook, when, to her surprise, the house cat brought m a sparrow which she had killed, and laid ib ab the cook's feet. On enquiry it; was ascertained that this was a regular custom ; the cook plucked the bird and returned it always, and thia had been going on for some time. Unfortunately when the tale came to my ears the cook and her mistress had parted, and I was unable to discover how the arrangement began, but I think it is a very remarkable case of co-operation. Evidently the cat found the feathers a nuisance, and had some how come to the knowledge that her human atly oould and would help her to get rid of them." If there is anything m the cynical Bayirg that life would be tolerable but for its amusements, the life of a colonial Governor may be commiserated (writes " Civia" m the Qtago paily limes). Other people can do as they like, may accepb an amusement or decline it ; nob so Her Majesty's representa tive. Ghoice has he none; m the ethical code of Government House pleasure is the Qreb of duties. As a people we are not particularly gay; yet a Puritan Governor who should go to church bub nob to races, should conduct prayer meetings bub eschew the festive dance, wouldn't suit ug at all ; public opinion would refuse to tolerate him.' Lord Ranfurly at a country township leaiing oub the phief local lady for the lancers ib merely discharging his constitutional duties ; presiding ab a meeting of the executive he is doing no more. It is a hard life, and I have never hankered after the elective .Governor scheme.

An improved apparatus for working ships, boats for life-saving purposes has been patented by Mr Samuel Jickell, City Engi neer for the Nelson Council. The advan tages of the apparatus are that the usual cumbrous and unwieldy blocks, falls and dayita are dispensed with altogether j the boats are ready to be lowered at a moment^ notice without any preliminary lifting or swinging out-board ; from commencing to lower away, both ends of the boat must go down together until it ia m the water j even should a wave strike one end of the boat whilst being lowered, both ends will go into the water together ; when the ship is rolling heavily the boats whilst being iowerpd are held rigidly away from her side, and they oauno£ be stove m against the side, however rough the "sea may be. One im portant advantage is that m ca r e of a man falling overboard the boats can be lowered safely into the water without the vessel slowing down. If foundering at sea m I ordinary weather, either after a collision or J otherwise, all the boats may be lowered m I

ten seconds. When exhibited and experi mented with m Ne'son the model worked

very satisfactorily, and several marine officers were very favorably Impressed,

have approved the new com bined telegraph form and envelope, similar to those used m Europe, and it will be put into use at once.

Government have decided that the time is too limited to allow them to take part m the R r q ater Bribain Exhibition, to bo held m

The Government has been able to obtain only nine bricklayers for the work at Parlia ment Buildings. About twenty are still wanted to enable the work to be carried on m three shifts.

Since Saturday, 19th, till Friday last, the Railway Department has conveyed to Dunedin from 12,000 to 15,000 people from north and south, the traffic from the south having been exceptionally heavy.

A bevy of young ladiea, persuaded by the glorious sunshine of one summer's day m Wellington last week, trooped down to the tarry steps of Customhouse quay, usually reserved for the bluff old watermen and their boats, and with palette and brush in dustriously worked to transfer the scenery of the harbor to canvas.

The successful designers of the new issue of stamps were:— Messrs H. W. Toung (Auckland), J. Grant (Wellington), W. R. Bock (Wellington), and E. Howard and B. T. Luke (Melbourne). In the 2Jd Btamp Lake Wakatipu has been mis-spelled "Waki tipu." The error will be corrected m the next batch, but for the present the stamp will be issued as it is.

At the Belfast Freezing Works last week a new record was established m the number of stock put through. No less than 28,416 sheep and lambs were slaughtered, [and of these 23,660 were frozen, and the balance preserved or boiled down. The heaviest day's work was Tuesday, when the tally was 5112 head slaughtered. The wages statement for the week amounted to no less than £1132.

As the Dannevirke train was running between Matamau and Firi Firi on Tuesday (saya the Napier Telegraph) it was seen that a large tree bad blown across the line. The train had to be stopped for a few minutes while the obstacle was being removed. It waa fortunate the tree was not blown down before the down train paaaed the previous night, otherwise there might have been a serious accident.

The Tutanekai experienced remarkably fine weather while laying the cable, and actually succeeded m putting down the new cable, nearly forty miles m length, m twenty-four hours— a work which was expected to take the best part of a month. This is the first time (says a Press Associa tion telegram from Wellington) that the steamer has been used for cable-laying. She was specially built for the purpose and has been found m every way suitable for the work.

An unpleasant experience occurred to Mr Walker, of Greenstreet, on Saturday last. He had just driven into Ashburton, and was stopping for a few minutes at Messrs Tucker, and Bean, West Street, when hia horse suddenly comirenced to kick and continued to do so until it had cut ita legs about a good deal, and generally made things lively. Upon investigation it was discovered that the cause of the trouble was the breaking of the swingletree, which fell against the horse's legs The Railway Department estimate a sur plus of £90,000. £162,000 has been added to the capital account m addition to the £200,000 voted, and there have been 37 miles of new line opened, representing another £270,000 of capital. The expendi ture on maintenance is the largest on record, and exceeds the vote of Parliament, so that a considerable sum will have to be charged to unauthorised expenditure. A large amount of rolling stock has been turned out during the year, but the increase m the traffic was so great that the cry for more Btill continues,

The latest device of the waiting witnesses at the Magistrate's Court at Wellington (sayß the Times) is to get temporary pos session of any bicycle which has a cyclo meter attached, and whose owner is nob m close attendance, and then to spin the wheels so as to increase considerably the distance registered on the dial. Thus they not only provide amusement for themselves, but they also furnish the owner of the machine with the moans of proving what a really astonish ing number of miles he has travelled. The usual monthly meeting of the Ohertsey School Committee was held m the school room on Saturday evening. There were present, Mr George Scarlett (m the chair), and Messrs Lewis, Campbell, J. Stewart, J. Ironside, Stringfellow and Page. The master's report, among other things, referred to the bad attendance. It was decided to ask the maßter to furnish a list of bad attendere. Some work m oonueobion with the school was left m the hands of Messrs Stewart and Campbell. It was arranger! that the *jhairman ace tb,e caretaker with regard to looking after the filter. An account of £2 12s 3d was passed for payment. Mr Spooner, the Auckland printer who was fined £120 for having printed a leaflet containing some doggerel about a local publican without putting his name to it, | represented his case to the Minister of Justice, who had the power of mitigating the excessive punishment. However, he has received a reply stating that the Minister of Justice is unable to advise his Excellency to grant any remission of the penalty. The prosecutor has now the power to send Mr Spooner to gaol for the offence, but that is a course which we should think it esoeedingly unlikely that he would take m the face of public opinion. Owing mno small measure to the active sympathy aroused of late years m behalf of that moat magnificent of British birds, the golden eagle, the ruthless destruction of the species, which once went on unchecked m sundry parts of Scotland, has gone very much out of fashion, Still, the rage for persecu ting and slaughtering our larger and rarer birds of prey m England, when opportunity occurs, knows no restraint. The latest county to be ingloriously identified with the destruction of an eagle is Suffolk, though m this instance, the bird, waich was originally described as a Golden Eagle, proved, when ia the hands of an ornithologioal expert, to ' be an immature specimen of the white-tailed species.

A couple of travellers on their way to Springburn on Sunday morning came to grief m a somewhat unexpected manner. The ho!S3 hey were driving w *a one that had hitherto borne an irreproachable character, never having been known to misconduct itself; but on this occasion ib suddenly began kicking m a most vicious fashion, and did not cease until it had almost made match wood of the trap. Almosb the first resulb of the oiroua performance was the projecting In a parabolic curve a little dog which had been between the driver's knees and the splash-board, the concussion upon the lattar caused by a violent kick being the motive power. The travellers have, we understand, reached Ashburton, but whether propelled there by one of the aforesaid vicious kicks, or whether they came m search of the dog or portions of the wreckage, our informant did not say.

In the course of his address to a crowded congregation at Sb. Stephen's on Sunday evening, the Rev. T. A. Hamilton made some very forcible remarks upon the conduct of some of those who are m the habit of hanging about doors of places of worship, which, he said, was frequently disgraoeful. Only a Bhort time ago a lady had been struck m the face on coming out of church by some missile, and generally much annoyance was caused by the proceedings of these persons who might be Bupposed to know better how to beh'aye. The remarks of the rev. gentle man are amptly justified, and there can be no doubt that) unless there is some oonsiderr able improvement m the oonducb of some of those young men frequenting church doora on Sunday evenings, the authorities will have to take steps to pub a stop to the nuisance. Ib is to be hoped that Mr Hamilton's remarks will have the desired effect.

Rev. E. Edwards, pastor of the English Baptist Church at Minersville, Pa., when suffering with rheumatism, was advised to try Chamberlain's Pain Balm. He says : " A few applications of this liniment proved of great service to me. It subdued the m? fiammation and relieved the pain. Should any sufferer profib by giving Pain Balm a trial ib will please me." For sale by the Ashburton Drag Company,

Siuofa Aw Vtnui

The entries for the ABhburton Cycling 1 Club's athletic sports are coming m freely and we may remind intending competitors that the last opportunity to enter will be to-morrow (Tuesday) up to 10 p.m. A New Zealander named James Malone won a chief prize m the art union held at Sydney last week m connection with the fair promoted by the authorities of St Mary's (Roman Catholic) Cathedral. The amount was £500.

A meeting of Stewards of the Ashburton Coursing Club was held laat Tuesday even ing, m the Commercial Hotel. Mr H. Milner was elected judge, and Mr M. Healey a9 slipper. The matter of a suitable ground for the opening meet was lefb over till next Thursday, when a selection will be made. The St. Ledger Stakes, to be run on April 21, promises to be a success. Owners are reminded that the second payment is due next Thursday evening, at 9 p.m., at the Commercial Hotel.

Dr John Brown, of Bedford, a well-known authority on everything that concerns Bun yan, gives m a new and attractive edition of "The Pilgrim's Progress" juab published by Messrs Chambers, some very interesting particulars concerning the circulation of the book. It seems that it sprang at once into fame, 100,000 copies being sold during the subsequent ten yeara of the author's life. Till the two-and-twentieth edition m 1728, it appeared m the small octavo jEorm, when it was issued m larger octavo and illustrated. Ib was also printed at Boston m New England m 1681, and a Dutoh translation was issued m Amsterdam m 1682. This last and a subsequent edition of a superior character, issued m 1685, were illusbrated by Dutch engravers, then the leaders of the arb of engraving m Europe. " The Pilgrim's Progress" was translated into Welsh. Walloon French, German, Polish and Swedish between 1688 and 1743. It may be met with m Asia m Hebrew, Arabic and other languages ; m India m Hindustani and many dialects. It has also been translated for readers m Assam, Burma, Borneo, West and Central Africa, the South Sea Islands and for some tribes of American Indians. Since then it ha? been translated into no fewer than 84 languages and dialects, the versions m Japanese and Canton vernacular being admirably illustrated by native artists who have adapted the scenery and customs to those of their own country,

Speaking at Lyttelfcon on Saturday evening, Mr Seddon made the following remarks regarding irrigation :— Though cheap money meant increased prosperity! the Government must not stop where they were ; they must move on. Take, for instance, Canterbury. Was aha to have crops on the plains or to have a shortage of wheat P It stood against the country that j she had not sufficient for consumption, much lees for shipment. Had she the proper amount of rain there would have been wheat for export. Then were they to trust to Providence or the weather, when by the hand of man the effect of a drought could be to a large extent avoided. In some parts of the colony, where there were irrigation and a favorable season, he had Been 60 to 70 bushels of wheat to the acre. Had the pre cautions of the far-seeing men been taken, land m Canterbury which now gave 6, 8 or 10 bushels would have yielded 30 to 40. It was a matter to be pondered over. In Cali fornia they had gone m for experts. It might be good for New Zealand if we went iD4 for expert evidence on this subject of irrigation. Then it would be for the Leglslasure, for those representing the people, to Bay how besb and safest this could be done. It was said it would increase the value of the land. If the owners paid the interest of the outlay what did that matter. How could any reasonable person complain if the Government followed a oourse similar to that adopted m respeob of the dairying industry, Holloway's Ointment and Pills.— | Travellers and Emigrants. — Those who cross i the seas change the climate, but they do not change the constitution. The altered conditions of life, the exigencies of travel and other causes render the traveller and emigrant peculiarly liable to diseases and accidents when far from efficient medical aid. With these associated remedies at hand they may be said to have a physician always at their call, and they may be certain that situations will be constantly arising m which they will require a ready resource m , time of need. The directions for use which accompany each box and pot of Holloway'e Pills and Ointment are written m plain and simple language, and are applicable m all cases.

SPORTING.

DUNEDIN JOCKEY CLUB.

THIRD DAY.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph n Dunedin, Maroh 26 Concluding results : — Second Eclipse; Stakes, of 500 soys ; six furlongs. -Conqueror, 7.12, 1 ; Gold Medal list, 8. 13, 2 ; Fulmen, 88, 3. Visionary, 68, also Btarted. Won by three-parts of a length. Time-1.19g. Divideads— £l is and £1 2s.

Flying Handicap, of 100 soys; one -mile. — Maremma, 7.13,1; Belle Clair, 7.10,2; Red Lancer, 7.11, 3, Won eaaily by three lengths. Time— l.46|. Dividends— £3 4a and £3 19i.

Maiden Two-Year-Old Handicap, of 75 Bova ; five furlongs — Ben Parley, 7.9, 1 ; Oircleb, 72, 2 ; La Reive, 8.0, 3. Won by three-parts of a length. Time--1.6. Divi dends—£3 16a and £3.

Auction Stakes, of 20 aova ; weight 83b ; five furlongs.— Quickahob 11. 1, Georgie Sharp 2, Wolf'a Craig 3. Dividends— £1 15a and £1 16s,

Farewell Handicap, of 70 aovs j one mile.— Hippomenes, 7.5, 1 ; Realistic, 7.0, 2 ; Double Event, 7.4, 3, Won by a length. Time-1.47g. Dividends — £15 13s and £12 43.

The hearing of a protest for inconsistency was adjourned until Monday.

THE UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE

ANOTHER VICTORY FOR OXFORD.

Press Aaeooiation — By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

Lokdon, March 26 In the Uaiversity boat race Oxford beat Cambridge by twelve lengths. The Oxford men have now won thirty-two and the Cambridge twenty-two races— the 1877 contest being a dead heat. Oxford has won eteadily each year since 1890, bub never m all those eight years m such a hollow fashion as on the preeenb occasion, when the , Dark Blues have placed a twelve lengths' victory -to their credit. The Putney- Mortlake course has been the scene of the race since 1849, and the fastest time re corded over this cour c was registered m 1893, when Oxford won by a length and 4ft m 18min 47^ec. Last year's time was 19tnin 12sec. The steady migration of all the best Eton oars to Oxford, says an authority, appears to be the only explanation for the long run of defeats experienced by Cam bridge.

Cambridge was under the disadvantage this year of being unable to secure the services of several old "Blues," while severe dissensions appear to have existed m the University Boat O!ub. At a meeting of the Club on February 10 it was stated that' two men of Trinity Hall had refueed to row against Oxford, and that the captain of the Trinity Hall Boat Club had influenced mem bers of his Club not to row for the Univer sity. This waa denied, but there seems no doubt that Cambridge rowing men this year j have not been a happy family, and frequent and important alterations m the crew were constantly being made during the early part of its training. * Received Wakapuaka March 28. 10 a.m Guardian Office 10.42 a.m. *' mk tt • - L LoNDON » March 27 The University boat race was rowed m very rough water, and before the finishing poat waa reached the Cambridge crew stopped romng exhausted. The Oxford crew, which had a sheltered course and shipped less water, scored a very easy win Time— 22mins 15seca. *

THE EASTERN SITUATION.

\ •— Sleeting of the British Cabinet. Strong War Feeling manifested by the Presjs. Salisbury's Vacillation Condemned Partition of China Attributed to the Premier's Supineness. Grave Aspect of Affairs. London Merchants Urging Prompt Action.

Preßa Association— By Eleotrie Telegraph Copyright?.

London, March 26 A hurriedly convened meeting olthe British Cabinet was held yesterday.

Reoeived Wakapuaka March 28, 9.15 a.m.; GuABDiAN Office, 9.47 a.m. London, March 26

The Times dealing with the situation m China asserts that Lord Salisbury's vacillation has assisted the rivals of Britain to effect a political and economical revolution m China, and contends that it is imperatively necessary that England should re establish her influence m Pekin, and urges that a strong naval demonstration be made by the British fleet m the Gulf ! of Pechili.

The Standard says that Britain's recital of admirable formulas will not prevent the partition of China, and asserts that members of the House of Commons regard the situation as exceedingly grave, and deplore the official reticence of Government m the matter. The paper adds that the Opposition would not oppose a vigorous policy if adopted by Government. The English journals generally com plain of Lord Salisbury's weakness m regard to the British policy.

Received Wakapuaka March 28, 9 30 a.m.. Gtubdian Office, 10.10 a.m.

London, March 26 Influential merchants m London contend that the efforts so far made by Britain m view of maintaining the independence of China have failed. They urge the occupation of the island of Chusan and the Karoloon Peninsula as necessary to safeguard British interests m the Valley of the Yangtse kiang and at Hongkong.

Pekin, March 26 Russia has agreed that Talienwan shall be opened as a port under the superintendence of Russian officials, with a tariff similar to that of the Chinese treaty ports. She undertakes to pay to China the customs revenue of the port after the expenses of collection are deducted.

Received Wakapnaka March 28, 9.30 a.m. Gtjardian Office, 10.56 a. m.

Hong Kong, March .26 It is believed that Russia and China have agreed to prevent Britain acquir ing Weihaiwei, and that Russia under takes to protect China from the British m return for concessions m Corea.

Japan will not oppose Eussia m the LiaotODg Peninsula.

The Hong Kong naval yards are working night and day. The British warships m Port are loading coal and ammunition, and preparing to leave for the sea on Tues day next.

Received Wakapuaka March 28, 11.20 ».m., Guabdian Office 11.27 a.m.

London, March 27 Viscount Gross, Lord of the Privy Seal, m a speech said that a well directed policy would settle the diffi culties m regard to China and the Niger, provided that Britain preferred to show she was not afraid of war.

THE MINING DISASTER.

I Presa Association— By Electric Telegraph.—. Copyright Sydney, March 27 t The fire m the Dudley pit If spreading. The Bealing of the mine ia proceed" ing very slowly, owing to the dens* smoke and noxious gases.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association— By Electric Telegraph.— Oopyrighb

Corea.

Washington, March 25 The Gorean Government has re leased the American adviser from his engagement. The German Navy Bill. Berlin, March 25 The Reichstag by a majority of 73 rotes passed the first clause of the Navy Bill. Cretan Affairs. 1 London, March 25 In the House of Commons Mr Ourzon stated the withdrawal of Germany and Austria would not afiect the other Powers m regard to Crete. The appointment of Priace George as Governor will remain m until Thessaly has been evacuated by the Turks.

THE "WEATHER.

ALFORD STATION. The following is the meteorological renorft for the week ending March 25, 1898 :—

THB^ ASHBPRIOfI GUABDIAR : MONDAY, MARCH 28, 1898,



Shade. „. , a , _. . High State Date. — i a o f 1 Low. High Sun weather. Saturday.. 44- 63- lioT" Fine ,~S """ Sunday .. 36* 75' 85* fi*lm Monday .. «• 80- 92- N.W Gate* Tuesday 45- 62- 98' Yhi S ' Wednesday 34- 72- 75- „ Calm ThuPßday.. 38- 78- 87- Friday  46- 73- 86-  N .w.



CHAMBERLAIN'S COUGH REMEDy This remedy is intended especially for coughs, colds, oroup, whooping cough and nfluenza. Ib has become famous for its cures of these diseases, over a large parb of the civilized world. The most flatterinc testimonials have been received, givine ac- oounts of its good works : of the aggravttina and persistent coughs ib has oured } of severe colds that have yielded promptly to it« soothing effects, and of the dangerous attacks of croup ib has cured, often saving the life of the child. The extensive nse ol lb for whooping cough has shown that it robs thjtdneaieofall dangerous conseqneooef.



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Public Notices. New Zealand CLOTHING FACTORY. THE UP TO DATE HOUSE T^OR Gents and Boy's Stylish Mercery, Ties, Hats, Caps, dollar?. Clothing, etc; We are now opening up NEW GOODS for the present season, in- cluding all the LATEST NOVEL- TIES. 1000 BOYS CAPS AT 6d EACH. HALLENSTEIN BEOS., AND dO., A. G. BARTON, Manager, ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. WEDNESDAY— G.F.S , 7 30 p.m. FRIDAY— Short Service, 7.30 p.m. ; choir practice, 8 p.m. PALM SUNDAY-(April 3). 11 a.m.— Moruing Prayer and Holy Com- munion. | 3 p.m.— Greenstreet— -Rev J. I E. Blaok- burne. 6.3o— Evening Prayer. The Services m St. Stephen's Church will be conducted by the Rev J. E. Blackburne. I . — . . i .i PHASES OP THE MOON. March. D H M Full moon  ... 8 859 pm Last quarter 15 7 18 pm New moon , 22 8 7pm First quarter 30 7 10 pm



F. FERRIMAN. i I Do nof fteDersifdifecf fo 1 6i/y&/?y o///?&//j7//af/o/?$ t j| o ffis/sf" on fiav/f}^ & 1 I (A*araredCo/</affc/Sffc£'rJlfe£fe/s) I cmoflommfprfAs MtpareDvredncfwfofesoms <% /fiejDetfmo/ieya/Hf experience cqp iii/y. la/yesfsa/eMmsfiwas/a.



FOR SALE, I HAVE FOR SALE a good second hand FARM DRAY, 1 DOUBLE-FURROW PLOUGH, and second hand DRILL. F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE, LEASE OF 600 ACRES OF LAND AT WESTERFIED. 100 acres Perpetual Lease, 999 years, equal to freehold; 500 acres under lease for 7 years, upon which are erected a four-roomed cottage, stable and chaffhouse, etc., situated m close proximity to a public school. 40 acres are sown down m English grasses, 550 are m tussock, and 10 are m fallow. Anyone m search of a good sheep farm cannot do better than give this their'atten- tion. Fulljparticularo on application. F. FEREIMAIST. TO LET, William Street, off Road. A bouse of seven rooms. TO LET, Wakanui Road, a comfortable house "of six rooms and scullery.



FOR SALE-^ WAKANUI iROAD, WITHINIA^ FEW MINUTES WALK OF POST- OFFICE. i A Comfortable Dwelling House, contain- ing 8 rooms, Bathroom and Scullery, to- gether with one acre of land, fronting on Wakanui Road and. Cambridge Streeb. The above is for absolute sale, and from ts close proximity to town should call for speoial attention from those| in^j search of good suburban residence. F. FEEEIMAN. FOR ;S A«L E. LEASE IN PERPETUITY of 10 Acres of Land at Lismore, subdivided into four paddocks, with an abundant supply of water m each. 20 acres are m English grasses, 35 m fallow, and 45 are m the native state, upon which there is good feed. Upon the property there is a comfprtable five-roomed house, a well planted gardeD, three-atalled stable, piggerios and sheep yards. As this farm ig within three miles of a Public School, anyone m search of a property at a email rental^would do well to give thi? an inspection. F. FEKRIMAN.



F. FOR SALE- A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY FOR A PERSON WITH SMALL CAPITAL. I HAVE been instructed by Mb] Y. Rouse to sell by Private Treaty his well known and Commodious BOARDING HOUSE, situated m oloße proximity to the Methven Railway Station, containing W Rooms and Scullery, together with £ acre of land. As Mr Rouse has determined to sell on account of his wife's ill-health, the above should command the attention of anyone m searoh of a profitable and increasing business m the centre of a large and rising distrioti F. FERRIMAN.



21 CASES 8. BALES. \ m. &■ t. y EX TOKAMARU, NOW OPENING. MITCHELL & TURNER. NEW GOODS, NEW GOODS, FOR ,THE COMING SEASON. NOW OPENING UP The Latest and Most Fashionable AUTUMN & WINTER DRAPERY Everything Kew AJFresli nt Lowest Oasii l?rice*. A. ?. WILLIAMSON, CASH DRAPER & CLOTHIER, TAKC^ED STREET



EXCURSION WASHER. 1,000000 HIGH CLASS TOWELS GIVEN AWAY TO PURCHfASERS OP EXCURSION WASHER, The Best Washing Powder m the World. A Large HONEYCOMB TOWEL given with; Three Packets. A TURKISH ROLLER TOWEL or a Large HAND or BATH TURKISH TOWEL giren with Twelve^ Pfckete.; SHEARMAN BROS., FAMILY GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS,^ Market house, burhett street, ashburton. Telephone No. 53. DRESS & FASHION. 7— •»»-•** f^^^^^^ ' ■■'■ " ' ANDREW ORR: TTAS Opened an immense Stock of New Goods for the Autumn and Winter. Hundreds of New Oapeß and Jackets, m all shadeß. The latest Btyles. DRSSES, COSTUME MATERIALS. SPECIALLY SELECTED. LOVELY GOODS. ISO Dozen Ladies' Corsets m all makes, including the Cycle Corset, LADIFS' GAITERS IN ALL SHADES. Millinery, . NEW SHAPES, NEW MODELS, m the.latest up to date style. Z Ladies' and Gentlemen's boots and shoas — French, }|Englißb, and Colonial. J THE BEST MAKES ONLY t KEPT IN STOCK. ALL GUARANTEED MAItYELLOUS VALUE 1 . INSPECTION IJNVITED. (x) ANDREW ORR.