The Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, JULY 10, 1890. THE GOVERNMENT LAND POLICY.

The various Land Boards are taking full advantage of the powers conferred upon them by the Government, and Crown tenants and deferred-payment settlers are reaping a plentiful har vest. The Otago Land. Board recently reduced the valuation of holdings of fourteen settlers by some thing like 50 per cent; that is, holders who took Up land at £2 and £2 10s per acre, have had the valuation re duced to £1 and £1 5s respectively,. At the time these and similar holdings were taken up on deferred-payment conditions other selectors bought for cash at the original valuations, and the latter are now complaining bitterly of the action of Government m reducing not only the valuation of their own land, but also that of their neighbour's. When the lands m ques tion were taken up there were scarcely any roads, railways, bridges, or other facilities for traffic, but now that the country has been put to enormous expense m providing these advantages —and which are supposed to enhance the value of land—the State steps m and says to its tenants " Your land has depreciated 50 per cent, notwith standing the improvements you have put upon it and the great expense we have been put to m making roads and railways and bridges to your very door," What a generous-hearted and conscientious Government we have! Happy deferred-payment selectors! But should the State not carry this extreme conscientiousness a little further, and refund to cash purchasers the overcharge valuation? Why should the State tenant not be com pelled to stick to his bargain m the same manner as the cash purchaser; and why should the State promul gate the idea that land m New Zealand is now only worth half what it was a few years back when the colony was a vast wilderness 1 No wonder, when an eccentric State policy like this is practiced, that deferred payment and perpetual lease is pre ferred to the purchase of land for cash, and no wonder that the unfortunate cash purchaser of land has to pay ad ditional taxation to carry on the Government of the colony. A bargain is a bargain all the world over, and while the State may be perfectly justi fied m making a slight concession m exceptional cases, there can be no justi fication for saying, as the Otago Land Board have virtually done, that all land m New Zealand has depreciated m value fifty per cent. It is not fair to the cash holders to say this, and it is not the fact. There may have been a vast amount of bungling and mis government m the country, but we re fuse to believe that the fertile lands of the colony are worth, under a high state of cultivation, only half what they were when m a state of nature. It would be interesting if a return were asked'for and provided, giving full par ticulars as to the reductions made m valuations to deferred-payment se lectors.

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Some of the Melbourne traiua are now lighted by electricity. Madame Normann Neruda (Lady Halle) values afc 1000 guineis the violin she uses for her public performances. The amateur sculler, Sullivan, has been presented with a purse of sovereigns at Auckland, The annual competition of the New Zea land Rifle Association will be held at Napier m February of next year. A flax mill hand named William George Skeggs was drownod near Riverton yesterday while crossing a lagoon. J Should his engagements permit, Mr J. L. Toole, the great English comedian, will probably tour New Zealand. A girl. 14 years of age,has been committed for trial at Wooiahra, JS T.S.W., on a charge of burglary. The colony lias suffered a loss of 7332 people through emigration, as compared with immigration during the past three year is. Mr Vincent Pyke publishes a long mani festo to the Mt. Ida electors, m which he announces his determination to contest that electorate against all comers. The " English Admiralty" says that the ! total abolition of masts and sails m all future lighting ships has become absolutely j necessary. There was a slight rise m the price of fat sheep at Addington yesterday, and from the telegraphic summary of the sale we learn a line of wethers from the Alford Estate fetched 245, and good halfbreds fetched up to 21s. The weather just now is undoubtedly to the mind of the farmer, but the townsman does not joy very much m the dirty streets. King Mud Sis paramount, and the best black in the market is a failure before him. There is one comfort, however —the mud does not take long to disappear when we get a glint of sunshine. While speaking m the Financial Debate, Mr Fisher said that he differed altogether from Captain Russell when he'asserted that population was not leaving the country, and pointed out that m five years the colony had | lost no less than 18,500 people ; whilst at the present moment 400 people were on board steamers m Wellington harbor leaving the colony for ever. Schoolmaster : Yes; but look here, my boy. Suppose I were to lend your father £500, let us say—without interest —but on condition that he should pay me £10 a week. How much would he still owe me m two months '! New Boy : £500, sir. School master: Tut! Tut! My boy, you don't know the first principles of arithmetic ! New Boy : You don't know my father, sir t There is a prospect of the old dispute as to the anniversary of the Colony being brought prominently forward again, I)r Pollen having given notice m the Legislative Council recently to ask the Attorney- Geno.ral whether the Government will alter the date now set apart for the celebration of the anniversary of the Colony from the 29th January to the 30th, m order that it may be m accord with facts. We wish to call the attention'of our readers to the sale of trees by Mr T. Bullock.at Mr J. Thomas' nursery, North belt, on Monday next. The apple trees are proved good sorts, as Mr Thomas has- over 200 varities m his orchard, but his experience has made him confine his nursery stock to about ol) oi these, they being found most suitable for the district for bearing properties, quality. au« value as a crop. Some of these are blight proof both, roots and branches, Mid some are long keepers and suitable for export, viz.—Lord Wolueleyj Stone, Golden, Stunner, and Allonsbury pippins ; Scarlet, Nonpanel, Majstin, and many others, both early and late varieties for kitchen and dessert use. A j number of specimen fruits from this orchard were exhibited this season m Mr I.ages windows and much admired for their color, size ami symmetry.—(Advt,)

An institute to be called the Jubilee Institute for the Blind is to be established at Auckland, The Christchurch Charitable Aid Board has decided to board out most of the inmates of the Lyttelton Orphanage. The meeting of the Presbyterian Musical and Literary Society, that was to have been held to-night, has been adjourned for a week m consequence of the wet weather. At the Blenheim Supreme Court yester day John Edward Hyde-Harris, on three charges of false pretences, was (sentenced to one year m the Terrace gaol, Wellington. He prepared a written defence. . The. pro bation officer refused to recoinriiend-.him for probation. Letters of complaint have been teceived by the New Plymouth Harbour Board from English bond-holders. The writers complain bitterly that the Board and the New Zealand (jovernment have paid only a portion of the interest. The chairman of the Board con tends that the Government are responsible for the Board's position, Mr G. J. A. Eichardson has been negotiate ing with the Bluff and Foveaux Straits Fishing and Oystering Company for the purchase of their extensive business, and has it now under offer to him at a certain figure. He will proceed to Britain next month for the purpose of floating a company to work the concern' a task m connection with which ! he does not anticipate any difficulty. Professor Robinson, an America authority, has convinced himself, by experiments that when cows are denied salt for a period of even one week they will yield from 14J to 174 per cent, less milk", and that of an in ferior quality. Such milk, he says, will on the average, turn sour m 24 hours' less time than milk drawn from the same or similar cows receiving salt, all other conditions of treatment being equal. The publicans of Melbourne 'have resolved to close their hotels on Sundays), and refuse refreshments to even Father Peter himself. Their association has even engaged in formers to set traps for selfish and unwary landlords who may for the profit infringe the terms of the resolution. The object of this " Self-denying ordinance " is to so dis gust a thirsty public with Sunday closing as to bring about a revulsion of feeling and the repeal of tho law. If the Borough Council should adopt the motion given notice of by Cr Keir—to obtain broken metal for street; purposes m the borough—a great improvement on the public Mays will take place. In one or two places about the town where raacadam was made use of some years ago, as an experi ment, the roadway lias kept m excellent con dition with but little expenditure for 'main tenance; indeed the superiority of macadam over all other road metals goes without say ing. Cr Flower, too, at the last meeting of the Council hinted at the advisableness of laying wood block crossings, but an objection co wood was raised that our climate was too wet for that material. Wood crossings, however, have been a success m countries where the rainfall is far heavier. A London paper has the following:— "Cardinal Manning has written a very important letter to Canon Murnanc on the subject of church music. The cardinal's prohibition against lady singers m the churches some years back undoubtedly had a great effect m somewhat lessening the attractiveness of the singing m Roman Catholic churches. His Eminence, however, now goes further, and says that western galleries have been the ruin of choirs. He rejoices to hear of the cannon's efforts for promoting congregational singing, and says that even where choirs can be maintained'the music ought not to'be rendered by paid per formers, but by those who take part m it for the love of divine worship. He earnestly desires to see the singing of hymn's and litanies by the whole congregation. Solos and music nobody could take part m were a 'misery and a hindrance to piety.': Con gregational singing, if generally adopted, ! would be little short of a l' revolution m I Roman Catholic worship." \•> The sale of New Zcalahd mutton is now gradually extending into the London suburbs. Almost everyone knows that this meat may be procure! m the oity, and that thcparccl post may be employed to send home pur chase;! made, bub m practice no one resorts to this. Practically, for the bulk of London out-Hide the heart of London, New Zealand mutton is available only m the form and at tho price of English mutton ! This is ■'really the case, and very provoking it is to. those who know how much the true interests of New Zealand pastoralists are sacrificed to those of suburban butchers anxious to get rich suddenly, which some of them certainly do. This first week of May a new depot has been opened at Brixton for the avowed sale of Antipodean mutton, and it is likely to be nine!', appreciated and supported by many to whom this very mutton is quite fainiliar,only under another designation, and at about one third advance on the price ! This is a sign of the times. Complaints are numerous of pipe wells m the borough having given out. Many have had to be driven a few feet further down, but the great trouble is the failure of the underground supply. Many wells, the pipes of which are down quite thirty feet, have refused to yield a quart, and others equally well into the soil are working very asthmatieally. Ten years ago the Borough Council took a vote of the ratepayers on the question of raising a loan of £15,000 for the purpose of introducing a water supply by means of a high pressure scheme. The vote was favorable to the loan, but subse quently the fire prevention supply, now m use, was adopted at a cost of as many hundreds of pounds, with the means thrown m of providing m addition ornamental waters m the Domain and generally beauti fying the people's park. By the scheme now m use a living stream flows down every street m the town, and the storm water has a speedy outlet to the river. This supply has failed during the past excessively dry summer, and advocates of high pressure were not slow to make capital out of this failure. But the failure of the underground supply —and this failure is becoming daily more pronounced—shows that neither the gravitation nor the high pressure system is proof against unusual drought; that is, assuming a high pressure supply to be obtained from the underground now. Pipe wells within a few yards of the Domain stream have failed, and indeed sd have those almost 011 the river bank.

Left at Ashburton.

THE NOVELIST'S ACCOUNT OF THE MISHAP. Mr D. Christie Murray and Mr St Maur arrived «ifc Dunedin by the express on Tuesday night. In the course of a conversation with a representative of the " Otago Daily Times," Mr Murray gave the following account of the way in which he and his companion came to be left at Ashburton :— "I know all about the charms of early rising-—in theory—and I know something of its discomforts as a matter of food. yfe tested them yesterday,' Mr St Maur and I, turning out at 6 in the morning to esteto the early train for Ashburton, where St Maur had business. We breakfasted at Henry's hotel and awaited the arrival of the express for Duntdin. In due time it came, and in due time it went away— without us. When lam travelling I trust myself unreservedly to men who know what time it is, and who can find their way through the time-table, which, is: always a no-thoroughfare for me—a sort of impenetrable jungle. I relied upon St Maur :' for lI had heard him say that in the' course of three and twenty years of travel he had never missed a' train. St Maur in turn relied upon a local gentleman who gave Ipm a time eight minutes too late. ""As we approacehd the station with our imagined five minutes in liaM,' the express started. At first we laughed at our own disappointment. The St. Maur Company was advertised to appear on Tuesday evening, say 180 miles away. That I suppose is about the dis tance from Ashburton to Dunedin. Surely, said I,; we can do that distance somehow in nine and twenty hours. How about the trains 1 No train until the morraw, and that arriving a full hour after the advertised <time of opening. A sym pathetic bystander suggested a buggy to Timaru, and the boat from Timaru to Dunedin. We grasped at that promise of relief. The sympathetic bystander went away to bargain for a buggy, and a wire was sent to Timaru to discover the hour of the boat's departure. Reply, after some delay, informed us that w& had three hours in which to make fifty miles by road. General consensus of opinion that distance could not be covered in less than eight. That hope was abandoned. Then the sympathetic bystander, who was just as interested ancl just as eager to be of service as if he had had a little fortune hanging on the enterprise, hinted at a special train. There we stood saved ! A special train by all means. We consulted the stationmaster, who figured the thing out for us. Seventy-one pounds ten was all the department asked for, but it was decided to do without the special train. Then, was it possible to drive the whole distance, changing the horses from time to time 1 We tried to figure that propo sition out, and came to the conclusion that in the dead of night we should get nobody to turn out for us to make changes, and we gave it up. Saint Maur groaned, and said the delay would spoil his season. I consoled him, and pro mised to write the funniest account of. the mishap which had ever been penned about anything. Everybody has noticed how excessively droll a mishap seems at the time of its occurrence. The spirits rise to meet it, and one laughs consumedly. But in the dayiight of next day the humorous aspect of the thing somewhat vanishes, and there seems less fun in it than one fancied. The episode fairly bubbled yesterday, and to-day it is as flat as stale soda water. "Again the sympathetic bystander came in. He formed himself into a depu tation, and on behalf of the citizens of Ashburton requested us to lecture. At this proposal the palled spirits of the actor-manager revived, and he undertook to work the show. He was ready to go round with a bell if. need were, and adver tise an event of such transcendent moments The deputation of one became clamorous. He found a fellow citizen and doubled the deputation's forces. Before a representa tion so influential &nd numerous I felt compelled to yield, as I have known bash ful politicians forced to do. I, by way of preparation for the night's work, went to bed and made up arrears of sleep, whilst the industrious entrepreneur bailed up the town, arresting men on horseback, drivers in buggies, and pedestrians with impartial vigor, and spreading the glorious news abroad. The deputa tion of two took power to add to their number and became an Executive Adver tising Committee, and the efforts of the three hours left to them produced as good an audience, in point of quality, as I have ever had the pleasure of addressing, and remarkable, all things considered, even for numbers. Of course, our luggage had all gone on by the last express, and I had to appear in lounging tweeds upon the platform. You may laugh if you will, but my public talks are so identified with my own appearance in evening dress that I was in doubt if I could- remember my lecture in another suit of clothes. That feeling lasted until I said ' ladies and gentlemen,' and then faded aAvay en tirely. The lecture wais quite a success, and so you see, for once in a way, we "gathered grapes from thorns, and figs from thistles.' " ,

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—THURSDAY. [Before Mr C. A.'Wray, R.M.] A HINDS CASE. John Logan was charged with using threating language to Thomas Holmes on 29th June, arid application was made for the defendant to be bound over to keep the peace. There was a further charge of trespass, inasmuch as Logan was alleged to have refused to leave complainant's house when ordered to do so. —Mr Wild" ing appeared for complainant and Mr Cuthbertson for defendant. Thomas Holmes, D. Terras, William Price, and Charles Boomer gave evidence m support of the charges. Mr Cuthbertson called Paul Haines for the defence, and the de fendant also gave evidence. The alleged quarrel arose out of a visit paid on a Sun day afternoon to Holmes' place by Logan and Haines which culminated m a scrim mage between the plaintiff and defendant. It was after this row that the alleged threats were made and the bad language used. Defendant denied all the charges m toto, and counsel left the case m the hands of the Bench, who considered the case proved, and ordered the defendant to find sureties for £10 to keep the peace, and to pay the costs m the case, and for the bad language fined him 10s. CIVIL CASES. H. Ward v Alexander, claim £26 13s 6d. —Adjourned for a week. Steel v McMullen, claim £I,—balance of an account for harness and horse shoeing. Judgment for plaintiff. This was all the business.

CORONERS' INQUESTS BILL.

The other day, at Oamaru, the licensee of one of the principal hotels was charged with a breach of the Licensing Act by refusing to receive upon his licensed premises a corpse found, we believe, m what is known as the Oamaru lagoon, for the purpose of an inquest being held, thereon. The charge was admitted, but it was shown that there were reasons good enough m everything else but m law for the refusal. It appeared that the body was m an advanced state of decompo sition, and therefore not only offensive, but likely to prove injurious to the health of persons brought within the range of its unpleasant influence; while, further, it has transpired that the hotelkeeper's objection to receiving it on his premises was strengthened by the circumstances that some time previously he had lost a member of his family through a similar cause. Never theless, as the law, as it stands, allows a licensed victualler no option what ever, the hotelkeeper m question was mulcted m a fine. Now, m the interest of not only innkeepers, but of the public generally, it is certainly desirable that the law should be amended by a provision being made that dead bodies shall not be taken to licensed houses if there be any suitable place for their reception within a convenient distance. When the Coroners' Act Amendment Bill was under the consideration of Parliament two or three years ago, a clause to effect this necessary amend ment of the law was inserted m the Legislative Council, but for some reason, with which we are not ac quainted, was struck out m the House J and we are glad to see that it has now been taken up by the Hon. MrShrimski, who has made it the basis of his. Coroners' Inquests Bill now before the Legislative Council. The BilJ provides that hotelkeepers shall be relieved from the obligation m this respect now imposed upon them when there is a public morgue situate within two miles of the licensed house, and that when there is no building specially set apart as a public morgue the; dead house of any hospital situate within the like distance shall be deemed a public morgue. The officer m charge of such hospital is bound to receive any dead body brought thereto, under a penalty of £5 for refusal. Then, again, it is very properly provided that no inquest shall be held on the premises of any licensed hotel if there be a Oouirthouse or Police Station m the neighborhood at which it can be conveniently so held; and further, that an inquest may be held at an hospital, if the medical officer m charge consent thereto. Altogether the Bill will effect a very desirable improve ment, and we hope that it may survive the turmoil m which things political are at present plunged.

Parliamentary Gossip.

[special telegram fkom our own correspondent. ]

Wellington, July 9. THE HONORARIUM. •In order to obviate the difficulty arising from the cost of a second session m one year, Mr Moss advocated that the honorarium for both branches of the Legislature should be made annual instead of sessional, with the usual deductions for non-attendance. He intends to press the matter further by asking Government the direct question whether they will legislate m that direction this session, HOSPITALS. Mr Buchanan's Hospitals and Charit able Institutions Act Amendment Bill provides for Lho constitution of new hospital districts at Patea, Wanganui, Wellington, Wairarapa, Ashburton, North Canterbury, Manawatu, and Waimate. The Inspector of Hospitals m his annual report states that there is steady progress m economy m nearly all hospitals of the colony, and m all of them a very keen local interest secures an almost entire absence of neglect or unkindness. ' The report concludes as follows :■— <s The Hospital system has close and intricate relations, not merely with the whole problem of Charitable. Aid,' but with the whole social life of the people as well. For instance, the great good done by friendly societies is not without some drawbacks, one of, their least noticeable effects is to increase the number of our hospitals. The lodge system is so prevalent that m nearly every community a very large proportion of even well-to-do people are members for the sake, among other objects, of getting medical attendance cheap, and several of the largest Societies admit honorary; members who join merely for the sake of getting medical attendance at lodge rates. The result is that the doctor has so few paying patients that he must either leave off or get a State subsidy. " Every effort is made accordingly to found a hospital, not because it is really wanted, but because residents cannot get a medical man to settle without some guarantee, which is thus thrdwn largely on the State. A. good many of our hospitals exist for the simple reason that, as things are, it is the only way of getting a doctor to stay. One hospital chairman was so candid as to tell me that they wanted to keep hospitals a;oing because it enabled them to have a | second doctor to call m to assist the one who was already there m certain cap.es."

Addington Live Stock Market.

Ohristohurch, July 9. At; the Addington market to-day, de spite the bad weather, there was a good deal of business done, with prompt despatch. Store Sheep,—-Only a, small entry which did not meet with a Avilling market, the lines being principally mixed asres crossbred ewes m lamb, which brought various prices up to 9s Bd. Several lines of merino wethers brought fair prices. Lambs.—There was almost a total absence of lambs, the two or three pens m bringing from 6s to 7s 6d. Pat Sheep.—Over 4000 yarded, of which there were some prime halfbred and crossbred wethers, which sold at a slight advance on previous rates. The demand at the close of the sale was still good. Some grand wethers from Alford Estate brought 245, while good halfbreds were sold at over 21s. Fat Cattle. —A rather heavy entry, comprising 181 head, caused the price of beef to decline slightly,' except m the case of prime bullocks, some of which realised up to £10 10s. Store Cattle.—The weather prevented much business being done m store and dairy pens, and the few sold were odd lots which fetched about the average rates ruling lately. Pigs.—Small entry, chiefly baconers, nd a few porkers, which sold at late rates.

In 1851 the white population of the Australian colonies was about 240,000, with an annual trade of £6,000,000; whilst at the close of 1888 the population had reached 3 678,046, and the revenue £27,240,161.

The Unearned Increment in Victoria.

In introducing the Railway Construc tion Bill to the Victorian Parliament, Mr Gillies said that m the existing Railway Construction Act provision was made by which Parliament could take at a re duction land which had been enhanced m value by the construction of a railway. In one case the reduction was made, but on an appeal bring made to the Privy Council the Judges were of ,opinion that the clause giving power to make the reduction was not sufficiently clear. In order, therefore, to put the question beyond doubt, he had made provision m the Bill by which an owner of land whose land is increased m value by the construction of a railway is entitled to pay something to the Government m consideration. The " Age " points out that Mr Gillies is adopting ths principle of a "betterment tax," which has been m operation m America for a long time. The principle has attracted considerable attention m England during the last few years, and has formed the subject of an interesting controversy m the columns of the head English journals. This tax is the special assessment of the expense, or a part of the expense, of special improvement, and on the adioining property which is specially benefitted by the improvement, and the underlying maxim of the few is that he who feels the benefit ought also to feel the burden. Mr Gillies, m effect, pro posed to asked Parliament to enact that where railway lines pass through large holdings the owners shall contribute a portion of the enhanced value of the land resulting from the construction of the railways.

CORRESPONDENCE.

[We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents.]

BEER.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Why is it that m all other de cently large towns of New Zealand half a pint of colonial beer pan be bought at any public bar for threepence, Ashburton being the only .exception, and. that, too, with six hotels m,full swing m the town ? Surely if, m Christchurch and Timaru, half a pint of beer can be sold for three pence the same thing could be done here ; but m all the Ashburton hotels the price of a beer sample, no matter how small the glass, is sixpence, and no choice of brewer either.—l am, etc. ; Malt.

The Queen's Coachman.

The Queen s State coachman, George Payne,has just retired from Her Majesty's employ after half-a-century of service. A London journalist the other day visited the old man in the cosy little cottage on the banks of the Thames to which he has retired, and had a chat with him about the sights he had seen from his point of vantage on the box of tho royal carriage —himself in his gold and scarlet uniform, one of the features- of the .numerous splendid procession, in which he has taken part. It is fifty-two years since Mr Payne, i then a lad of thirteen, was first employed in the royal stables at Windsor. Fifty two years is a long time, and, as the old man put it, when a man is getting on for seventy years his hands becomes a little shakey, and the eyes rather dim, so he thought it wiser to resign in time before an accident migh happen bo spoil his record. In all the crowds through which this veteran charioteer has steered the great ones of all countries, he never had a single mishap. "What is the greatest crowd through which you ever drove the Queen; the Jubilee, I suppose?" asked the reporter. '' No, no, no ; .not the Jubilee, by any means," was the reply, given very slowly and thoughtfully, while, with eyes fixed steadily on the ground, the old; state coachman evidently saw the pageants of many years pass before his mental eyes. " The Jubilee crowd was comparatively small, because it was dispersed along the whole route from the palace, up Consti tution Hill, along Piccadilly, and on to the Abbey. It was child's play to drive through it compared to making one's way through some crowds I have seen. The worst, I think, was when the Princess of Wales first came to England. T was not on the royal box, because that was before I was appointed Her Majesty's State coachman, though I have driven the Princess, and the Prince, tooj times without number on later occasions. But I had a good deal to do with the super vision of the procession, and I never saw the like of that crowd. At the Mansion House and Bank it was something terrible; the Volunteers who were stationed there were bodily lifted np, guns and all, right, above the crowd, and one mounted officer and his hor^e got under the' carriage of the Princess, which, for a moment, was in great danger of being upset. When the Queen opens Parliament in state the crowd is always bad, because she goes by the nearest,way, from the Palace to Westminster, and it is no joke to drive the eight cream-coloured ponies even when there is no crowd to make them nervous.". Mr Payne in dignantly denies the slanderous rumor that the cream-coloured ponies were " circus ponies," even going so far in h's indignation.-as to say that he was a circus pony^himself if they were. They were bred at Hampton Court, brought up to town when they were three years old, and kept at the Royal Mews, in Buckingham Palace road, where their chief business was "to stand and eat their heads off." As to "Monarchshe has known," there ien'b a sovereign in Europe whom he has not had in the carriage behind him, and he retains handsome mementoes of most of them in the chape of gold watches, pins, and chains, and so forth, which they have presented to him in acknowledgment of his skill. What he prizes most highly is a diamond tie pin which the Queen gave to him on the fiftieth anniversary of his entrance into the Royal service. The Queen evidently knows how to treat her servants, and the latter are not wanting in loyalty and affection to their Royal mistress.

THE POLICE STRIKE.

THE EXCITEMENtf SUBSIDING.

[per pkess association.] London, July 9. Twenty-one constables have been suspended and others sullenly proceed to duty. The dismissed constables have petitioned the Commissioiner to be reinstated. On Change, all stocks are depressed owing to the strike among the police men. , . The approaches to Bow street are guarded ,by old and tried c6nstables, and a strong detachment of mounted police patrol m the vicinity. There is an immence crowd m the streets, aud the mob is noisy and aggressive, but less criminal than yesterday. Since commencement of the strike some of the troopers have been roughly handled, j and several were injured by stones and bottles thrown from among the crowd. The police used their batons freely, and numerous arrests; were made. The constables are obedient to command, and the excitement is quieting down. To-day's work shows a complete failure of organisation on the part of the police.

The Half-holiday Question.

The adjourned meeting of employers called to consider the half-holiday move ment was held in the Arcade Chambers last evening, and Mr J. M. Cambridge was voted to the chair. A long, and at times, somewhat personal and acrimonious discussion took place. The following is a report of the proceedings :— The meeting was quite a representative one, as regards the stores and tradas in Ashburton, with the exception of the grain store proprietors in West street, who did not put in an appearance. Some discussion took place on the reason for the calling together of the employers, and it was explained that this had been done instead of a canvass of the town which had been suggested. After several present had spoken, some objecting to the way in which they had been called together, Mr C. M. Brooke proposed " That the weekly half holiday be again instituted, and continued, say, for three months, from Ist to Ist .[November." 4 Mr H. Zander seconded!this motion pro forma, but was not in favor of the pro posal. His idea was to close all business places at 6 p.m. on Saturdays, and he thought people could easily arrange to do their shopping before that time if they wished. He would also be quite prepared to observe all other holidays proclaimed by the Mayor, race days, etc. Mr R. Alcorn sympathised, with the chemists who had very long hours, but he was quite sure closing on Wednesday afternoons would be a disadvantage to country settlers. It might suit some people who could be generous at other people's expense, bitt those who employed a good deal of labor found the wages account a serious one, and there were people in the county who found Wednes day the only convenient day to come to [ town on business. He was in favor of j closing at 6 p.m., and always had been, and he took credit for having forced the early closing movement on in Ashburton. He moved an amendment, "That 6 p.m. be the hour for Saturday closing as soon as it can be arranged, working down from 8 p.m." Mr J. Orr had the complaint to make that' the Half-holiday Association had not made any effort to protect those who had kept the holiday" formerly, as some stores were open at any time during the afternoon of Wednesdays. Some plan was required to make the holiday uniform and work properly. Mr H. H. Stephens said the Early Closing Association had done all they could to keep the stores closed on the Wednesday half-holiday. The mischief had been done by those who, after agree ing to close, allowed customers in by their back doors, etc. He considered that the smaller business people who employed mostly boy or girl labor and assistants, were less able to afford the holiday than those who kept a staff of five or six hands, and did not have to work themselves. The reason given against the holiday last year was that some did not close at 6 o'clock, but now this was made the regular closing time, no further trouble should be made on this score. Mr Zander said the mistake was that the West street merchants were not asked to join in the movement. Mr H. M. Jones thought unanimity impossible in the matter, but lee those who thought it right close up by all means. In his business he had found such a loss through the holiday that he had to withdraw from the movement. He knew the half holiday was annoying to. some people, and he ebjected to be coerced into anything he did. not approve of, and he did not think closing at 6 p,m. on Saturday night would be fouud prac ticable. He would second Mr Alcorn's amendment. I Mr Salek did not think the amendment one on the motion. He thought those present had their minds made up, and a ballot should be at once taken. Mr Zander said if a vote were taken the minority should give way to the majority. He thought it would be best to refer th« matter again to the Early Closing Associa tion. Mr Brooke agreed to this, and withdrew his motion. :■■■■■. ' ;< . ; Mr Collins said West: street would have to be brought into the question, and if those stores closed, well and good— lefc the holiday be general. The employees could not expect some to close and others in the same business not to do so. Mr Stephens said it would be well for the West street stores to close with the rest, and if a vote were taken then it would decide the question at once. As for closing on Saturdays at six most of the country customers were dealt with before that hour, and if the town ones had to come shopping before six als?«, it would be found impossible for them all to be at tended to. Mr Seger said no loss occurred to busi ness when the holiday was held before in Ashburton, as so few people came to shop on Wednesday afternoon. He was cer tain of this, for, as a draper, he saw most of the people who came fco town to buy goods. Mr Zander suggested closing the stores at half-past three on Wednesdays, eight on Saturdays, and keeping all holidays proclaimed by the Mayor, but this pro posal was not favored by the meeting. Mr Collins thought the matter should be referred to the Association' again, and let them canvass the town and get the opinion o f all the traders. Mr A. Orr thought the meeting should take a vote by ballot re the half-holiday. He had suggested calling; them together in a friendly way to discuss the proposed holiday. ' Mr j. Orr said it, was no use discussing the matter unless the West street stores were represented. He suggested a canvass of all the business people in the town. Mr Zander moved that the matter be referred to the Early' Closing Association, requesting a meeting to be called for thai night week, when all business people would be represented personally or by proxy. This was seconded by Mr John Orr. • Mr Cambridge wisbed to express the opinion that ultimately all business people would fee forcedfby law to close half a day on Saturdays, and that would be very bad for people in busines in Ashburton and similar towns. The motion was agreed to: without dissent, and a vote of thanks to the chair closed the proceedings, ; '■)S'<-

THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.] ' London, July 8. The Assets Company, m connection with the Bank of New Zealand, will shortly be announced with 750,000 preference shares and 850,000 ordinary. £1,500,000 worth of debentures have been issued for the purpose of biking over the giobo assets of the Bank. The whole of the debentures have been subscribed by leading city houses, including Baring Bros. & Co., Glyn, Mills, & Co., and Schroder & Co. The Bank of New- Zealand will nominate two of the directors m the new company, and the debenture holders three. The manager of the Australian and New Zealand Mortgage [ Company will probably be appointed | manager of the Assets Company. The general feeling m the city is that as soon as this matter, is settled the Bank s troubles are over. The shareholders of the Bank of New Zealand will meet early m August. : Loxdon, July 9. • The Ri-'ht Hon. C. T. Ritchie, M.P., tell, be tho Trubtee m the Assets Com pany, and Mr D. Hean one of tllfc Directo

THB ASHBtmTON miABDIAtt, THUESDAY, JULY 10, 1800.



J IThere is now to be seen m the shop window oi Messrs J. Scaly and Co., East street, a collectio of apples showing some of the sorts grown at the nurseries, Riverbank, that will repay inspection by any one who contein lates planting fruit plants. There are upwards of fifty different kinds shown, all valuable, long keeping sorts. For size color, and general excellence they are by far the finest that have been shown m Ashburton this season (Advt. It will be m the recollection of the public that my collection of apples shown m Mr Clayton's shop m East street, being sixty-six varieties, and also those which took two first awards at the Dunedin Exhibition and ■\ arious other places, was pronounced to be the largest and best ever shown jn the Ash burton county. I would draw tJieh atten tion my advertisement elsewhere. As only work on blight-proof stocks than which no other istocks can be relied upon, the roots of my apple trees do not require to be washed before sending'out. Janies Porter, nursery f man, AUenton,—(Aclvt')



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' ECUCALPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc. —the relief is instantaneous. Thousands give the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all oVer the globe, are its patrons. Read the official reports that accompany each bottle. We have no occa sion to offer rewards m proof of the genuine ness of our references. The official reports of medical clinics and unrrersities, the ! official communication of the'Consul-General for Italy at Melbourne; the diploma awarded International Exhibition, Amsterdam—all these are authentic documents, and, as such, not open to doubt. We add here epitome of one of the various cases treated by Siegen, M.D., Professor, etc. Burning of the right hand through the explosion of a small oil stove. The epidermis on the volar and palmer side of the hand of the thirty-year old patient was completely separated and lifted up as far as the joint of the hand. The likewise lifted nails were hanging looses and half of the phalanx of the nail of the middle finger was coaled. The wounds thus contracted healed m three weeks under daily application of Eucalypti Extract dressing. The patient has retained the full use of the hand.—-(Advt.) 1 Holloways Ointment and Pills— Rheumatism and Gout—-These purifying and soothing remedies demand • the earnest attention of all persons liable to gout, sciatica, or other' painful affections of the muscles, nerves or joints. The Ointment should be applied after the affected parts have been patiently fomented with ■warm water, upon the adjacent skin, unless the friction should cause pain. Holloway's Pills should be simultaneously taken to reduce inflammation and to purify the blood. This , testnient abates the violence, and lessens the frequency of gout, rheumatism, and all spasmodic diseases, which spring from here ditary predisposition, or from any acci dental weakness of constitution. This Ointment cheeks the local mischief The Pilk restore the vital powers,



Wanted. Cask Adwrtigmenlx wider tnis heading, no exceedingly words, ONE SHILLING Addrcsxeitnuiy he left at this O'li ; • WANTED Known—l have Grass Hay for Sale.— J. Taskbr. 7 46 WANTED KNOWN—The Strong- Wear Boot for Men, Women and Children can only be had at W. H. COLLIER'S. _____ "PRESBYTERIAN Church Musicial _JL and Literary Association's meeting adjourned to next Thursday night, July 17th, in consequence bad weather.—C. Reid, Secretary. V 56 Bis6fs7iob"Tft~* r Keep your feet Dry and save Doctor's Bills. I have n splendid Stock in now. 'Try my Double-soled Shooters. Every pair Guaranteed. Robert . AHhbur ton Clothing Mart, Sauriders' Buildings. JUST opened, a few ladies 'plush' jackets, newest shapes, very clieap. —H. C. Seoers, Melford House. WANTED every man in the Comity to have s\ suit of the Ashburton Tweeds.—Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunder's Buildings. TUST Received—Over one ton English (J and Continental Confectionery. Own make as usual fresh daily.—H.G. Flower, Confectioner, East street. TT7 ANTED KNOWN.—The Chea^eTt VV House in Ashburtrn to buy Drapery, Millinery, Clothing, Boots, etc., is H. C. Segers, Melford House. Wanted known.— a lot Vt Ladies Cloth and Tweed Jackets, considerably under usual cost price.— W. H. Collier, "The Corner." i W ANTED Known —One hundred V'V and fifty Ladies' and Children's Ulsters bought a great bargain (good qualities), now selling very cheap—H. C. Segers. Melford House. WANTED > Known -^~The Cheapest Shop to buy Tinware and Gal vanised Iron goods in Ashburton, is at W. F. Hannaford's, Burnett Street. A large stock kept on hand. Tin and Iron ware goods made and repaired with dcs f patch T OST, between Royal Hotel and I J Timmo's boarding house, one chimney vent brush with rod attached, 2a 6d reward on leaving same at the "Mail" office. 7 57 :/^i HARLES BRADDBLL Licensed Landbroker and Valuator nder "The Land Transfer Act, 1885 ESTATE, HOUSE, LAND, AND GENERAL COMMISSION AGENT. Office—Burnett Street, Next to "Mail' Office. L.0.L., No. 23. THE Members of the above Lodge arc informed that the Annual Banquet in celebration of the Anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne will be held in the Orange Hall, Burnett St., on FRIDAY, July 11th, at 7.30 p.m. Visiting Brethren cordially invited. By order, JAMES COCKBURN, W.M. '* Orange Demonstration in Christchurch on 12t,1i insh, 7*44 •AITJiCUT TIHTH WITH TEETW THE CHRISTCHURCH DENTAL SURGERY, Corner of Cashol and Hi^h streets. Q TV/TYERS AND (~\O. SURGEON DENTISTS. And at Dunedin and Wcstport. WE have gained the FIRST AWARD at the Dunedin Exhibition for Artificial Dentures and Mechanical Appli ances for the Mouth, and it is with the greatest confidence that we guarantee the highest class work and perfect fit at the most moderate cost A Single Artificial Tooth, 10s. Complete Set — Upper and Lower— temporary and permanent, £10 10s. Natural, Durable, Comfort able Artificial Teeth Replaced Temporarily al most immediately after the extraction of decayed teeth or stumps without extra cc or charge. Arrangements can be made for part or monthly payments. ADMINISTERING NITROUS OXIDE JAS several times daily for the past ten years, we fearlessly assert that extraction of teeth under its influence is perfectly painless and positively safe Fee for Administration, ss. Extraction, 2s 6d. Artificial Teeth and Dentures made by other dentists repaired or remodelled at small cost. Hours of attendance—9 a.m. to 6 p.m. i N" THE Z: NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY FOR OVEBCOATS AND WATEHPEnOES. CHEAPEST and BEST HOUSE in the District. HEALTH and COMFOET FOR 3O The Celebrated Worthoin New High arm Sewing Machines on easy Time pay mentsv :oai CW H. WEBBER, TTI Manager^ JO



■ VTOTICE—AII Persons found Tress- JLN passing m pursuit of game or otherwise on the Riversdale Estate on and after this date Mill he prosecuted. J. T5.. WILLIAMS. Riversda'e, 24th May. 5 176 SEALY'S FTOTfTREES" "fNLUDING Apples, Pears, Plums, jL Cherries, Poaches, Apricots, Nectar ines, and all other fruits. The merits of all the varieties have been subjected to severe tests during the last 15 years, and the stock is now admitted to be the Largest and Choicest m Canterbury, probably m the colony, to select from, all warranted, and at your own prices. SEALY'S FOREST TREES Of all kinds,, innumerable m quantity, well-grown and hardy—all kinds, all sizes, all prices. SEALY'S ORNAMENTAL TREES, &c Choice m quality, numerous m quantity. SEALY'S MACROCARPA. Tens of thousands m number. A large quantity specially grown for fencing ar very low prices. SEALY'S ROSES. Endless m variety and choicest m quality. SEALY'S CATALOGUES Forwarded free to any address on application. Notb. —I will only be responsible for Trees ordered direct from the* Nursery or through Misuses J. Seal* akd Co. THOS." SEALY, Nurseryman, 1 Riverbank, Ashburton. JOHN ORR & Co. ARE OFFERING GRAND VALUE m the Following Leading Lines OF GENERAL IRONMONGERY, ET Ex "Rimutaka," And Other Late Arrivals. 4 Casks Saucepans, Boilers and Kettles. 4 Casks Lamps, Globes and Chimneys. 1 Case Table Knives, Forks, Spoons. 3 Casks Plough and Trace Chains. 80 Tins White Lend. 40 Tins Red Lead. 120 Drums Raw and Roiled Oil. Paints and Varnishes of all kinds. 5 Bales Wall Papers. 50 Register Grntea from 14s 6d to £5. Ranges, Stoves, at all prices. 8 Cases Wringers and Mangles. 50 Sets Fire Irons from 5s to 3Cs. 50 Fenders from 6s to ±'5. 25 Tons Bar and Sheet Iron. 1 Ton Bolts and Nuts, all sizes. Leather Portmanteaus and Trunks. Leather Belting, 1\ to 6in. Manilla and Flax Rope, 1$ to 3in. 35 Coiln Plough Lines. 2 Cases Mould Boards. 5 Casks Hornsby's Plough Shares (new pattern.) 3 Casks Ransom's Plough Shares. 3 Casks Buggy Springs and Axle*. 1 Cask Carriage Lamps. 20 Kegs Blue Stone. 10 Cases New Iron Bedsteads. 10 TONS CLOVER SEEDS. 100 Kegs Wire Nails. 20 Kegs Fencing Staples. 200 Coils Steel Fencing Wire. 80 Coils Barb Wire. 1 Bale Seaming Twine. 2 Cwt Bobit Mettle. 25 Bundles Spades and Forks. 3 Packages Screws. Locks and Hinges. 2 Cases Saws, Chisels and Planes. 10 Cases Axes and Picks. 4 Cases Gorse Knives. 10 Cases Pick Axe and Hammer Handles. 2 Cnses Hammers. 2 Baloa Door Mats. 10 Crates China and Earthenware, incliul- New Toilet Dinner, lea find Dessert Ware. Some of these are really beautiful goods. 150 Cases Oils, including Valvoline, Lubroline, Caster, Colza, Olive Lard and Neatsfoofc—this can all had m any quantity. 150 Cases KEROSENE, Light of th Age ; the very best. GROCERY DEPARTMENT WILL Always be found STOCKED with GOODS of First Class QUALITY, —Including— Indian Ceylon and China TEAS, Mauritius Sugar, Crushed Loaf Sugar, Pure Coffee, Candles, Oatmeal, Rollitt rind Go's. Flour, Butter from Mr John Gripg s Famous Dairy. JOHN ORR AND GO., IMPORTEES. ,V NDREW AER'S ZiNDiiEW KJnn s GREAT 3)5 £ ANNUAL SALE «5 lea OF > 53 j DRAPERY & ► H CLOTHING * [ AND 4 I;oors q Stt Will Commence *■ W Saturday, July sth The greatest BARGAINS & ever seen m Ashburon. »2 m SEE HANDBILLS. ? f ANDREW ORR. I, ft.?.-'- I l*S2