MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— SATURDAY', August 6. For Kaikoura, per Jane Douglas, at Q.CO pm ; lat» fee letters, expeeiss van, 6.55 p.m. For Northern Ports, per Rotor v*, at fj.£sO p.m.; l»t« fee letter*, express train, 6.55. p.Hi. WEDNESDAY, August 11. For the United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, and America and West Indies (via San Francisco), Sandwich Islands, etc., and also for Northern Ports of. New Zealand, per Takapuna, as follows:—Ordinary letters, books, and newspapers, at O.IS p.m. ; registered letters, tit 5 p.m. ; moDey orders,. 3 p.m.; late fee letters, guard's vanl, express train, 6.55 p.m. This mail will be clue m Lonilon on September I+.

DEATH.

Go jjon.—At her residence, Kyle, on August 6,: Klizabeth, relict of the late Gordon, of Kylfe. Aged 57.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 1892. THE FINANCIAL DEBATE.

We hope that the debate on the Financial Statement, which concluded last night, after having occupied prac tically the whole time of Parli&n^nt for three weeks, will long stand as a 11 record." We question whether the country is a whit the better for the volume of talk that h»s been poured forth during that tira«, and are decidedly with those who consider this great waste of time as showing one of the Worst faults of the system of party government. Our Parliamentary cor-; respondent has taken the trouble to sum up the debate into facts and figures, and really beyond these very little can be said about the debate.; The debate began on July 15, and extended over thirteen sitting days- Fifty-five speeches were clenVfered, the actual time consumed by the fifty-five speakers being 64 hours 27 minutes. Twenty-three Opposition speakers occupied 30 hours 40 minutes, and thirty-two Government supporters took 38 hours 47 minutes. The average length of the Opposition speeches was 1 hour 20 minutes, while the speeches of members on the Government side averaged seven teen minutes less m duration. The longest and shortest speeches were de livered on the same side of the House and on the same day—the last of the dabate—-the Premier's reply occupying 3 hours 10 minutes and Mr Jackson Palmer's speech 2 minutes, So much for the power of speech of New Zealand Members of Parliament. The debate on the motion of no confidence m Lord Salisbury's Ministry m the Imperial Parliament will probably not occupy half the time.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Members of the Druid's Lodge are re minded that a special meeting of the lodge will be held m the Temper Hall on Monday evening. Railway arrangements m connection with the Grand National meeting atLhistchurch, next Thursday and Saturday, are advertised. A cheap excursion will be ran on Thursday. At Chrislchuroh, Geoige Wbitfield, letter carrier, was committed for trial yesterday on a charge of stealing two letters entrusted to him for delivery. The criminal sitting will open on Monday. The poll for the Westport borough drain age loan of L4OOO, under the Loans to Local Bodies Act was taken on Friday and resulted m the proposal being carried by 78 votes. Two youths, Louis Spedding and Henry Campbell, who were arrested at Dunedin charged with stealing two bicycles the property of Christchurch residents, were committed for trial at Christchurch yester day. At a meeting of the South Rakaia Road Board called for Thursday evening, there were present Messrs Coster, Stringfellow, and Richards. After passing the pay-sheet, the meeting adjourned till Thursday, August 11 At a meeting of poultry exhibitors held at Wellington, yesterday, it wa« decided to form a New Zealand Poultry Association. Annual championship exhibitions will be held at a different centre each year. Samuel Lamer, aged fifty, manager of the Scandinavian Water Race* St Bathans Dunedin, was found drowned m the dam. It is supposed he fell off the staging. He leaves a widow and six children. The Ashburton Football Club have received an answer from the Tiniaru Club to the effect that they will be pleased to meet the Ashburton team on Saturday, August 20. A real good game should be the result of this match. There will be a meeting of the Committee this evening at eight o'clock. A deputation of unemployed waited on the Mayor of Christchurch yesterday, and stated they wanted work, as many of their num ! ber were starving, and there were 300 un employed on the books of the Labor Bureau. The Mayor promised to communicate with Minister of Labor on the matter, and see if anything can be done for them. Mr W. Cunningham Smith, manager cf the Butnside Refrigerating Works, who was fined Is and costs m connection with the non-registration of the works, telegraphed to the Hon Mr Ward on the matter, aid has received a reply to the effect that it was never intended that freezing works should come under the factory Act* and at ifc was the intention of the Government to consider the question. Three brothers, named Mataon, who are labourers by occupation, recently arrived m Melbourne with LlB6, their joint savings. On a recent Saturday they met a man who m a most plausible manner introduced the brothers to two other men, the result being that the Matsons were victimised of all their money under the representation of taking shares m a most profitable business enterprise. In the Supreme Court, Dunedin on Friday, the rule nisi calling upon the gaoler to show cause why Kennedy Wylie, who waH arrested for not paying costs m a fecent divorce case, was argued. It ap peared a second warant had been issued and Mr Justice Williams discharged the rule pointing out that if the Deputy Registrar found that the first warrant was defective, he was entitled to issue a second, because he was only oqMptytyg with the order of the court, which' fa's rto issftfJ ft V*licl warrant. Later on a "baiikruplicy prclel" y/as made, that it be referred to the Registrar to report pn supetje? for L 2500 to allow Wylie to obtain his release, During the hearing it transpired that the costs m the divorce action amounted to LBOO. Holloway's Pills.—The Great Nead.— The blood is the life, and on its parity our health as well as our existence depends. These Pills throughly cleanse the vital fluid from all contaminations, »ud by that raea«s strengthen and invigorate the whole system/healthily stimulate sluggish organs, repress over-excited apti^ and establish order of circulation andfceetfetion throughout every part of the body. The balsamic nature: of HollowayV Pills exercises n^aryellous power m giving tone to debilite*§d and nervous' Constitutions. These Pills mlffim »W obstructions; both m the bowels" anflT els4wh.er<j, ,^d are, oil £b,at a3<!ouat, much sought' afteV' M prOTfOting regu'arity of action m young; fomajk* and <?e??c^ ePP r F'l 10 a, re .jpinptyuy wi>4, pf fey? IMv smp s^w betoßJeify :

'I ht: second social gathering m connection with St Stephens Church, *jll be held )p the Church Schoolroom on evening next at 7.30 p.m. " • Mr E E. Tasker swept the board of prises for golden-pencilled Hamburgs, and took » woond prize for Bilyer pencilled at the Timaru poultry show yesterday, * Mr. Wright has given notice to move at the next meeting of the County Council—'' That the resolution passed on ' June 3 stating that all accounts bo pai'fl fco thej general account be rescinded, and that the water charges now being collected be paid to their respective district account?, and that the different balance of the water supply accountsberectified at the half-yearly balancing on Septemb r 30 next Scene—Sdleyards of well-known Ashbur ton auctioneer ;; time -midday, Saturday. Famous prohibition leetliter (Is it the proper term ?) endeavouring to convert noted Tinwuld sport, while a local' brother' is similarly engaged with farmer of the old school. A crowd admiring and amused, | surround the disputants and m various ways encourage them to ' go it,' and they do go it for the best part of an hour. Mean time, the auctioneer with a savage glare iv his eye, tries to keep the regular routine business going, and moves about from lot to lot, knocking each down to a few who follow him with a-n eye to a nibble, with a viciousness truly appalling. As the play comes to an end enthusiastic teetotaller cries, " three cheers forprohibition.V The noted sport eyes him * with scorn and growls—. " You're a pretty fellow, to hooray. Why don't you pay me the two . quid you owe me ?" " . *?2

POLITICAL.

(krom our parliamentary correspondent.)

Wellington, August 5. Sir John Hall's speech last night was just what wes expected, a practical critic ism of the Government policy. With reference to the uneasiness among Home investors Sir John made no secret of having advised his friends only to invest their money m New Zealand securities on short notice. Wellington, August 6. THK HOUSE AM) THE COUNCIL. The probability of a conflict between the Houses grows m the public mii.d. /. STATE .FARMS, i" ■ . ■ ' - Mr Tregear, of the Labor Bureau, strongly advocates the establishment of a 1000 acres state farm for the absorption and training of the nondescript unem ployed, m order to convey the surplus city populations gradually on the land. DAIRYING. Mr Shera proposes legislation to con stitute farm districts into dairy factory districts, m ordf r that farmers may levy rates for the establishment uf cheese and butter factories. Mr McKenzie's Dairy Industry Bill provides that Government may frame i-egulations for the conduct of the dairy industry, and appoint Inspectors who shall have powers under the A/lulteration Prevention Act t-\ open packages of butter or cheese fo discover whether they are falsely branded, and take samples for analysis. Every maker must register a trade mark under a penalty. The owner of n dairy, manufacturing rot less than 1500 pounds pure milk into cheese or butter shall be entitled to mark his product as "Factory" or "Creamery" made, provided his dairy pass»s a satis factory inspection. Anyone exporting butter or cheese not properly marked and graded shall be liable to a maximum penalty of £100. THE FINANCIAL DEBATE. The closi of the Financial Debate at midnight came as a pleasant relief. The Premier's reply whs probably the finest debating speech ever delivered 1 m the House.

LATEST CABLE NEWS.

HOME ANU FOREIGN.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.)

(Received August 6, 10.20 a.m.) AFG'HANISTON. Calcutta, August 5. A serious affair is imported to have occurred at Somatarah, m the Pamir, on the boundary line between Afghanistan and China. Some Afghan troops came into collision with thirty Russian soldiers belonging to one of the parties now m that district. The Afghans killed five of them and j captured sixteen, whom they hold prisoners and refuse to release. The Russians vow that m future they will neither give nor take quarter. It is reported that among the Hazara rebels who have been captured are five Russians, who have been sent m chains to Cabul.

TO-DAY'S TELEGRAMS.

(PJSU PRESo ASSOCIATION)

Alleged Vwl««t Prnlcnccn, Wellington, August 6. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Wilfred Lawson, who posed here a short time ago as a son of the well-known Sir Wilfred Lawson and delivered tern, perance lectures, ova charge of false pretences. He is accused of giving a "heque for £7, which proved to be value less.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

) rr, *? | The mom ty|f meeting of the Ashburfcou / County Council was he'd yuilerday. Present—Messrs W. 0. Walker (chair man), Cotter, McMillan, Cameron, Brown, Wriufhr, Ork-g, and Harp r. CHAIRMAN'S hT .TKMENT The Chairman made . his usual state ment si»follow«V-i-The Hampsteal Town Board has accept-d the Council's scheme for the proposed water supp'y for the Netherby district, and agrees to pay the annual charge of £7. Th,e Bpar.d ,iruFts the wo k will be proceeded with as rapidly as possible. The Wakanui River I Hoard requests t.\e Council to raise the bulwark erectel by the Council to its original level as a length of it h falling very low A letter from the .(iovermnenb will be read today m • answer "fo tile Council's communication on the subject of cost of a[>proach s to Rakaia Gorge bridge. The Committees appointed by the Council to consider the questions of debtor balances of the water supply accounts, and the intake at Wakanui mill have met and will present their reports at this meeting. Th•> Chairman of Moutit Somera Cemetery Board asks the Council to fill the vacancy pn ? the Board caused by the death of th'f! 'lj&e^f. S. Peter. * v «NGINMIl } S EEPOKT. • The .Engineer's report was read as follows:— I Plains Water Supply.—The service during July has , continued satisfactory throughout. On'| Wednesday last I ascer tained that the Wakanui Ctyek was shut off pending repairs at Cati|erbury mills, which cuts off the Wakanui flat^\ipply till Monday, This lat PBcanqlerf^y adver tisement. The Springfield fViMge Settle ment race has been completed, and Lewis' settlement race and other races at Chertsey are progressing satisfactorily. The willow planting and fencing on part of river bed near inlet to auxiliary channel Springfield are being proceeded with. Ashburton-Rangitata Water Supply.— I This service is ample at the present time. The various works of enlargement aud new race making throughout the district arc proceeding satisfactorily. < j Kace for Settlers near, Taylor'i jStream. — As instructed by the Ooiiacnl again visited this district pith a view to having the race restored which had been cutoff, hut could make no arrangements with. Mr W. tfaweett whose proposal for protective works, etc. , were of a most unreasonable {kind, and m the circumstances the other settlers in 4 terested prefer to incur som« further ex pense by opening up a small connection with an existing streamlet which -runs through adjoining sections the owners of which are willing to grant facilities for the purpose. County Bridges.— Minor repairs are being executed as required JRecently two of the main bearers m Digby's bridge gave way; these were at once replaced. County Plantations.—The plantation re- ceritly ploughed, at Valetta is now ready for sowiDg, and the ploughing of reserve 2560; has been commenced. Fenders will be' placed before you to-day for gorge grubbing,: etc. for some of the plantations, and others will follow next month. Old Filter Basin, Belmont.—The gorse grubbing, etc., required would cost £5. ! Guaging Streams.—l have completed the record for the last two months, the result showing a marked increase by reason of the recent rising of springy especially hi.the Hinds districts. Irrigation, Wakanui Flat—»l beg to ap pend a separate report on this subject. WAKANX'I CREEK. A discussion took place on the clause m the Engineer s report on the Wakanui Creek. Mr Brown strongly objected to the mill proprietors turning off theater. Mr Grigg moved a motion, Trhich was seconded by Mr Wright and carried, that the mill owners be reminded that the County Council has the controlliaij power overt ho water supply to. the Ash burton Mill, and cannot suffer the said owners to shut off the water at their pleasure without tho consent of the Council. EAKAIA VltLAfia SETTx,EMKNT. Mr Coster reported that with reference to the question of " thirds?' for the Itafcaia Village Settlement inquiries had been made at the Land Board office, and it was found that there were no " thirds " available, as this particnlar settlement did not come under the provision of the game Act, as the other village settlements. With reference to the water race required by Mr Rosendale, of the Terraces, Methven, it had been suggested that the Council should make the race if the Government would piytlie cost. Mr Coster moved th.^t, th & Council |m form the Government that the Council will make the race if Government will provide the funds!, and that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Commissioner of Crown Lands with estimate of cost and particulars. fawcett's water kaok. The paragraph m the Engineer's report re Fawcett's water race was approved. FILTER BASIX, Resolved that the work of grubbing gorse at the filter basin be carried out. WAKAJSTUI FIAT IRRIGATION. The Engineer's report on an irrigation scheme for Wakanui Flat was read as follows :— Aahburton, August 5, 1892. The Chairman Ashburton County Council. Sib,—ln accordance with the Council's instructions, I have now the honor tt> report on the question of irrigation for that port-ion of the Wakanui Riding situated between Ashburton River and Wakanui Creek, and between the Wakanui Mill Race and the sea. The total area of that district as definsd on the accompanying map ia 'about 10,000 acres. Of that area, excluding the strip of land between the river road and the river, and also the ground so much broken up by gullies near the seaboard (patches of which only could be irrigated) there would remain an easily irrigable area of about 7500 acres. Dealing first with the question of irrigat ing an area of 2500 acres, representing, m the aggregate, one-fourth of the various holdings within the said di~'ne\ I should propose a supply equa} to the maximum (Supply m Wakanui Mill race, which yields 7000 gallons a minute. This, theoretically, would with constant flow be sufficient t* cover 2500 acres to a depth of 24in. m 135 days, which /would probably be about the length of period, annually, during which irrigation would be practised. Due allow ance, however, must be made for lossei from percolation and evaporation m the mains, and further reduction would be caused by the working day during which effective dis tribution could take place, being consider ably less than twenty-four h6urs. From these causes combined, the practical result would be, that the said area, during the time mentioned could not be covered to. a greater depth than 12in. —say six water ings each equal to 2in. m depth. I should propose that the requisite supply be brought out of the river along the Waka nui Mill race, doubling its capacity for the first few chains to the Beach road, where the main would lead off, and widening the mill race 3ft. for the remaining distance'to the vicinity of the mill where a sub-main would lead off to .irrigate, the land between the Gree^k and Beach Road. The Wakanui Mill Race is shown by blue line Afy , and the proposed jjpsftidßft of main.s and sub^mains, % have indicated by red lines on map, The mains t would vary from 9to .12 fdet m width, and have an, average depth of about 20 inches. Each main b^itig of sufficient capacity for most J part, to Uke, m turn, the full volume of water proposed to be introduced. Black's gully would form the outlet for discharge both from main on Beach Road and main east side Wilson's Road, and Wil son's gully would, m a similar way, form the outlet for the area between .Wilson's Road and river road. The area south of Reserve 739 might be watered from % skipping the southern boundary of that r6seryd> ■■'» I estimate' the 1 boat as follows— v Earthwork "m 'Mains, sub-Mains and Outlets £112/) Enlarging Wakanui Mill Rage. , '&5 Fords, Flumes, SUiic^3 s^ad ' Boxes, «3tc. ... ..." -.'!. 2SO. AccoHvmodfttionßridgeß over Mains l T effc... m ■» . ••' ..., 2s!

If net iW***^ Contingencies and Preliinfitfiry Ex penses  450 Total Cost 43200 Equal to about 17s 6d per acre. The aimttal Tntcreat un .this Loan w'ou'd be ... < '£ll(h Maintenance nad Supervision . 210 ■ - *£» Equal to m anuuxl r<Ue of 2s 9u per acr« for the 2300 acres p>-opo*cd to be watered. The mams would be >• insured for the mo 4 part on the lines ot existing water races on road sides, and the foregoing estimate docs not include the cost of fencing, which I hardly anticipate would be necessary, but which would cost upwards of L7OQ it the mains had to be fenced off from the ro-id traffic. In that case it would be better to transfer the mains inside the lines of road fences, as, ,t|uiugh this would entail addi tional cost for land, it would be leiss than cost for.road fencing. <;,,,., , f , ■: ) A scheme which would provide for irriga tion of the entire area within the district similar lines would cost poineiwhat less p^r acre than the smaller scheme : die cost of, the latter havitip been shown to,be 17s Qd per acre, and'annual charge 2s odper acre, the former might be set' down at 16s pfr acre tor,construction, aud 2a 6dper acre for annual charge. In each case the additional cost of distribution would have to be under taken by the occupiers, j \' The volume of water proposed to.be sup plied is m a less.ratio per acre than that hitherto proposed[for the irrigation schema* on the Rakaia plains, but the nature of the soil and subsoil on Wakanui Flat is sucli that I am of opinion it would prove sufficient. At the same time I incline to the belief that as the nature of the soil is Such as tp retain a considerable degree of moistuess daring droughts, the beneficial effect* of irrigation would not be so marked here, as on the lighter lands on thef>lain. ' *. If necessary tUe proposed''supplies could be led out of the river on a line adjacent to the Wakanui Mill inlet, by an enlargement of the channel originally uted for the main for the existiug water races m this district, but it would be better to confine inlet opera tions to one channel. ' . The supply from the river could he taken m and kept up at small expense by low riams, and small temporary daniß across grips to suit the varying conditions of the river, samo as is done at all existing inlets on the North and South Ashburton River*. Provided these small earth banks were not raised above the general level of river bed no danger should accrue, as the river on rising would immediately assert it self, and cause these low earth dams to dis appear.' Besides, the river bank is iairly well protected by willows now. 1 understand the River Board, from a conservation point of view, are not averse i to such a supply as is now m use for* Wakanui Mill being continued, but that they object to any further quantity being taken out. Whether with some additional protection at inlet they would waive their: objection, if an irrigation scheme were ac cepted by the settlers, I am npt prepared to say,' but all the circumstances have sug gested to me the propriety of reporting on an alternative proposal for utilizing the Wakanui Creek as a source of supply, in stead of the river. The connection might either be made as shown by dotted blue line 8.C., tapping the creek below Elgin School, and running on a gradient of six feet per^mile, to join the mill race near the mill, or it might be taken by a longer route along the Wakanui Mill Road from the pre sent water race junction near Smith's Road at Ashburton. I estimate the cost of former connection as follows :— . ' Earbhwoik ... ... ... £250 Flumes and Fords ... . 50 Accommodation Bridges, etc. ... 130 Xand ... .. 100 Head Work ... 30 £560 The latter I estimate at an almost identi cal amount, but I have not allowed for fenc ing m either case. Under this arrangemeut, the above sum of L 560 would have to be added to the first estimate of L 2200, making'th>« total cost of construction for the smaller irrigation saheme L27GO. The quantity of water to, be. brought m by this connection to be the came as the present supply m Wakanui Mill Race, which is aa nearly as possible half that of the Canterbury Mill or Wakanui Creek supply. This would be sufficient for the smaller irrigation scheme, but the full volumerof the Wakanui Creek would not be" sufficient to irrigate the entire area. By an increased expenditure the whole volume of : the, creek could be taken along the route ; shown by dotted blu6 line, but it-would not be prudent to take so large a quantity as the whole of the creek by a main alongside the Mill road, as there would be considerable liability to scour m places. I might here I mention that the proportion of the Wakanui Creek supply taken up by the existing small mains for water races is about one-fifth of the usual Creek supply at outfall from Can terbury Mills, ( With reference to the question of water jpower fop chaff catting etc., a few of the 1 'settlers, m the vicinity of Black's gully and Wilson's gully, could, at reasonable ex pense, utilize the supply which would be airple for the purpose, .but I do' not think the circumstances would justify its general applicatior. ' In connection with the subject of irriga tion, it should agaiu be pointed out, that ■jthe Wakanui Creek has not hitherto been |* thorough reliable source of supply, but if a permanent connection between 'North and South branches of the Ashburton River were established the risk of failure would be lessened. No doubt exists m my mind as to the river being the cheapest source of supply for irrigation purposes for the district m ques tion, but as I have stated m previous irri gation reports, the creek might be made a valuable auxiliary for irrigation purposes for the district which abuts on it to the North. t It was decided to have the report and accompanying ru»p displayed m the office for- the benefit of settlers. THE WATI}R CHARGE. Mr Coster moved, and Mr Wright seconded that the minimum water charge for the ensuing year be reduced to 7s 6d, and that the solicitor be requested to bring the order into force for the current year if possible. An amendment to make the minimum 10a was moved by Mi- Harper, and on a vote being token the amendment was lost on the casting vote of the Chairman, and the original motion was carried, * "','. the mix race. The Committee appointed to consider the mill race question rejbofrted as follows:' The Committee^ appointed' by the Council to report upon Mr j 3r6|»n's letter and others re Wakanui fiitls kfcee* intake and overflow, beg to report that they have visited the ground, and after careful consideration find no cause for interference as requested by Mr Brown. With raference to Messrs Wilson and Corbett, who complain of overflow through obstructions m, (jh,e, towe? pai?t of the creel, the Committee recommend lhat the m\\\ owners be informed that the ob structed portion of the creek below the putfall from the Wakanui mill b© cleaned. f-W. C. Waikeb,, Chairman, E.S, I Poster, Jqjp? 6^«.ct. , ■'■:-■■-.-' ■', | The report was adopted, and further time'was granted to, the Committee to report re Mr 8. Brown's water charges. WATER RACES. '; A ford was granted tq, Mr F. Peter m lieu of bridge, and a pond service to Mr Georg^/PocoCk,,^ |£f 'ffi' application wasiheld;ove^f6r.ihe present. Messrs Tweedie add others applied for a deviation at May field, which was granted., as was alsoC.Mr Carroll's applioatiso lon the Engineer's terms. Mr Uajry's appli cation was held pym for" t^ Engineer's jreporti IMv I&k* (for| a Jbridgerwas deofined, and Mr 0, B^W's was granted, WATER SCP^Jf ACCOVNTS. | Thei.;'Qrti*vn#ti©« 1^ ;Cou,nty Council tibr ddhsider the question ofadj^stsient of the Dr. bstfanees of |hie WAter supply account* beg report; as follows :.t. ; Tij,ey accordiing to a report of a

r**"^k. *®^> tnafc thfi thtn overdraft on , October 1, 18-S6, -tfas-audea change on the general account to bo treated as a first liability against the general revenue of the county, and the cost of works, maintenance, &c, for water supply were ,to be treated as special works f ; )r which , apccial funds would have to be provided. 1 i lhe water supply accounts have bhere -1 fore been kept separate from that date m accordance with the Counties Act, 1886, and ihe Committee's recommendation. On October 2, 1891, a committee re .pori«d,««,.fcbe»€ouncH* the Dr. balance at the bank on September 30 1891, to be £6365 4* made up as

The Council decided on the recom mendation of the Committee to lake steps lo extinguish this overdraft by ifixing the rates, tp be levied ia each ridinifof the county, ; p . March 31, 1892, the Dr. balance at the bank was £4571 7s 4d, viz :— General account, Dr., £'296 6d; Ash burton-Rakaia water supply, £3466 3s 2d; Forks water supply, £2 Is 6d| Ashburton-Rangitata water supply, £794 J ldi fl^ hburton Fork« protective works i,113 U lOd ; total, £4671JU lid. Laud fund account, Cr., £95 15s lOd j S» atlUl^ rot?clive w ork8 ' ** & 9d £loo 4s 7d ; total, £4571 7s 4d. Only part of the rate* having been received the overdraft was not extinguished as wag anticipated. On August 5, 1892, the Dr. balance at the bank was £1624 19s 4d, viz:-Ash burton-Rakuia water supply account, Dr., £3194 5s lid ; Ashburton - Ran<ntata water supply, £391 8s 2d; Ashburton Forks protective district, £106 10s Bd— £3692 4s 9d. General account, Or., £1909 7s 3d; Ashburton Forks water supply, £13 4s 6d ; Wakanui protective ™k8 ' 10d; land fund, *,ib-4 las 4d. In opening separate water race accounts m accordance with the Water Supply Act, 1891, so far as possible existing financial arrangements, as be tween the general account and the water supply accounts should be maintained with che exception of the following sums, viz., Aahburton-Rakaia water supply account, Messrs Holmes' case £601 15s lOd, MrßMcLean'B.oßse£2ol6aßd, South liakaia irrigation district £115 13s 6d total £918 16s. Ashburton-Rangitati water supply, irrigation district £1, which amounts are recommended [to be taken out of lhe Ashburton-lUkaiaand /«hbur ton-Kangitata water supply accounts re spectively, and charged to the general account. By the means of the water supply. accounts paying to the general account their Dr. balances the general account can be kept m credit, and the riding accounts established and kept m strict accordance with : the provisions of the Counties Act, JLBB6. For two years water charges were hot collected, and on June 5, 1891, the Council decided, to increase the mileage rate to 9d per chain with a minimum charge of 15s for twenty chains. This rate strictly adhered to, and the mileage of racee gradually increasing, die Council's finances will be placed upon | * satisfactory footing, and the above pro ( posals of the Committee should not be m | any way disturbed until the entire over drafts of all water race accounts have been liquidated. In connection with the general question of finance, ,the Commit tee with to point out; that up till now a general rate has only been levied onoa every two years.—W. C. Walker, Huoo Ikieplandkr, John Gmgg, Jas. Bkowjj Duncan Cameron. In making the above recommendhfcions the Committee had under consideration the amount £340 expended m clearing water races., Ashburton-Rangitata watei supply district previous to 1886. : : The report was adopted. CEMETERIES. £5 were voted to the Kyle Cemetery, and Mr A. Harvey was appointed to the Mount homers Cemetery Board. HAMPSTBAD WATBR SUPM.Y The Council resjlvei that the Engineer inform the Borough Council that the County Council cannot agree to clause No J, which should be modified, so that pro portionate quantities of water of the available water supply thall be stated, and when agreed upon the Engineer to call for tenders. BUIAV'AEK, WAXANCX. • fi B 1! 1 Kiver Bowd *«>te, ask ing that the bulwark of the river be, raised to its original level. The Council de clined to do the work, having already largely contributed m the .pasc to river protection. • SLAUGHTER HOUSE LICENSE. A slaughter house license was granted to Mr Win. Stia^han, Rakaia. , ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £450 were passed for payment, and the Council ad lourned.

The Farmers' League.

i A meetiug of those ift'. favour !of forming a branch at Rakaia was held id the Town Hall oh Thursday. About seventy fawners were present, andaome thirty others, Mr D. G. Holmes apologised for tlie unavoidable absence, through illness, of Mr Lytteltbn, the convener of the meeting. On the motion of Mr Irwin, seconded by Mr Dent, Mr E, S, Coster took the chair. After reading the advertisement calling the meeting, fche chairman stated .thajtatha meeting was fob fanners willing to form a. branch of the League, but any others wish ing to address the meeting woatd, fie allowed to do so. He called on Mr John Soloes te» explain the object 1 of forming the, league* i Mr Holmes went into, the matter fuljfj, and for an hour and a quarter was .listened . to attentively. He gave numerous examples^ " showing the unfairness, "of , the , preatnt sy£t«ni of taxation. The League wi^obfe formed of Conservatives, but admitted tkose |of all shade* of polities. At' preset there were ajbawt three-quarters pf emajl formers undone-quarter of large farmejie. ' i The League would not bj» a, party organi iatioc, but really a trtyfcs union to Jbolt after the interests generally, of fanners' as a class-'^ it had no desire. #q' return te-'iKe Property Tay v As far as th«. pnoNnive tux. was <soncernedy he was penonally m favofc of it, but it should be made to apply to all classes Ulike a.n.d. no»t simply to the owners of land. I Mr T, Morland, a settler on the plains of' | some twenty-seven years, spoke a^ length 1 the injustice of the present system M! taxation, and of the benefits ,thiufc -vp»«JdP be derived if all farmors combined to alter their interests. ' Could &n\-««& say that' there was any fairness 'of Justness m, compelling a man tf» pay a tax on what h* did riot own? H^ moved, «*That the. undersiguesd resolve to form them selves i*k,t« &. branch ot tho League »»d t&Wt ilßprognunm^' 1 ",, The motinn waa aecbnded by Mr Lfupjbjfe,, who addressed the meeting, and was carried by a lasgamajority, only a lew hands,beings hold tip against the proposal. , . hi|/ ' A large number jjoinea the League, and a' committee wan fanned to oairyaut arrange menta\n.t^ djstricU .'

THE ARttTUmTON QTTAKDIAff : SATURDAY, AtTfItTST 6, 1892.



ni£ 8 d kreneral account, Dr. ... 1506 n 2 Ashbtutoi^- Rakaja wajof supply .iccnunt, D./ ...""376510 9 Abhburton-R.nsri'Mta water supply a U £ou..i,Di-. ... 1005 14 6 rorks piutecMve works go 10 in Ash burton Forks wntw ■"PP'y 16 9 4 Wakanui protective works account, Cr 21 15 6 m . 6365 4 0



TUe Onsiow Biscuit. The latest; and most delicate biscuit by Anlsebrook and Co 'TO, MAI^B- ' '; ' Nicest Scones, Nicest Pastry, Nieeet Ukw» V«e AVMSfIROOK's Self -Raiaing Flo^



The world is ever moving on towards perfection butseldom attains it. Constant improvement is being made m every branch of industry, but m Baking Powders Perfection has been reached m War burton's Can-1 B*> Beat. Keating's Cotton Lozenges cure Coughs, Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony states that no other medicine is so effectual m the cure of those dangerous, maladies. One lo»enge alone gives ea,ie, q^e or two at bedtim/egij&nrefl'fiesf. v $or i;elieying(lif£iculty of breathing they arp invariable. They contain no opium nor any violent drug, Sold by all Chemists m tins la id and 3s 9d each i The Best Tea IN THE WORLD. ;■ Bysljp'a Ceylon. NINIAN HYSLOP, and CO., Tea Importers, 138 Cashel street, Chnstchurch. Hays Healtny Children by nourishing taemWitfr Aulsohrook ajjd, Oq'g Apof root Biscuit!'r'' ' U'• '' ' The Vest Tea IN CANTERBURY for the money, and ffyfi |rotii"any excess of astringency.'



We clip the fallowing important testimo nial from the''llkwarra Mercury" (N.S.W. of the 30th Mareji. It needs no comment :— " Mr J^ijLoveclay, bf the Bulli Mountains writes tons that after suffering for four years with acute gravel, he has experienced almost complete (relief by using Sander and Sons EucalypticExtract. He says.:—"Seeingthe said Extract advertised m the 'Illawarra Mercury,' hia intense suffering induced him to obtain a bottle of the medicine from Mr Hosking, chemist, of this town, and that the use of it gave him great relief at once. He states that between 10th March inst., when he obtained the first bottle of the extract, and the 19th, the. use of that medicine continued to afford him relief, to which he had been a stranger for four years. Mr Loveday writes also that he has found c Eucalypti Extract <» cure for rheumatism as-well as gravel. He requests us to publish this information through the' Mercury.' We have much pleasure m complying with Mr Loveday s request, whose word cannot be ioubted, and who can have no object m view other than a pure desire to benefit suffering humanity."—(Advt.) 6



Wanted^ ANTED to rent, sor 10 acres with Cottage, ctoa to bell. Particulars to Alfred Harbison; 8 44 W~ EsLßYAF^hurch~ToltloEßOw, 11 a.m., Rev J. H. Gray. 6. 30 p.m. Rev S. Lawry — Subject "Grieve not the Spirit." "T7 DUNG Ladies' Journal for August j JL now m. Academy pictures, parts one to four, New Books by the mail, Imperial Federation and others.—H. M. JoNBS. . IF tliis .should meet the ey« of anyone wanting two guineas, send, m H cornundrum on Sal&k's Candle Guessin-? Competition. S^TEIGHT^HIJt^t Dunedin Beer always on tap at Butlbu's Family Hotel. 1 88 TT^EROSENE, Flonp» Tapioca, Sago, JA. Rice, etc., at Wholesale Prices.— The 'Jash Stohh, Havelock street (opposite Harrison's). 7|153 HAIR PINS—The Pyr Pointed Hair Pin, (the only invention of the century), cannot prick the head.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. WANTED to know how long the candle, now on view at S Saibk's, Watchmaker and Jeweller, will take to burn. 7*190 BS CONLAN and Miss Arnott, Costume Makers, having opened m Saunder.V Buildings, are prepared to guarantee fit, and latest P*ns fashions. Dresses made from 103 6d. ■ 7§154 WANTED Known—SAt^K's Candle Guessing Competition now opened. Eleven guineas worth of prizes given away. H*B9 USE Flower's Cough Drops and Sulphur Tablets. H. GkFLOWER Confectioner, East street. _ TrilßE I The Salvage Sale will be con- Jj tinued for Fourteen Days. All W<>©l Dress Tweeds at about H*lf price. —S. W. Alcorn & Co. SALVAGE Sale. Great reductions on pvery article. Trimmed Millinery Half price.-—S. W. Axcorn & Co. WANTED Known—Dr Scott's cele brated Electric Corsets can only be obtained m Ashburton at W. H. Collier's, "Thft Corner." WANTED KNOWN, Grand display of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prices at The CoRNfiH. SALVAGE SALE—A large quantity of Goods slightly soile i by removal during the late fire. W'll be sold nt greatly Reduced Prices.—Am drew Ork CVTANTED -Gentlemen before buying » V their Suits and Clothing of all descriptions to inspect our stock. £1000 worth must be sold regardless of cost.— H C. Segers, Melford House. ANTiJD Known.—J. Nicholas, Bootmaker, Burnett street, oppo site the Mail Office, is prepared to make Boots and Shoes to order. All repairs done promptly at lowest rates. 7*167 WANTED Known—My workshop is still m same place, East street, where all orders will be attended lo punctually and at lowcßt rates. Hot and cold water services Jaid on, estimates given, workmen sent to any part of the country.—J. W. Hardley, Plumber and Gasfitter.__ W'"~a"NTRD Known—Why corapkin about scarcity of water, while Hardley. is still making Tanks from 100 to 2000 gallons, guaranteed, at salvage prictß. A stock on hand to select from. ITTANTED Known—Pumps, Pumps W Pumps. I have on - hand tl;« largest stock m town of Pumps, Piping, Gas, Steam, and Water Fittings. Manu facturers of Galy*nized Steel Gutters, Scouting, Ridging, and Down Pipe to any strength, size or pattern. —J. W. HahoLE V, East street, ■OT^JSTEb 'Known—Time you will * » make no mistake for quality and ariety m English and Colonial Boots, and is highly reputed make by calling at J. Momon's. Durinar coming holidays dip ooutit ijr Caul). Repairs done at once. A staft of men always kept and best material and worl--ni> nship guaran'eerl. lITANTED Known—lf you want good YY value m lirst -class Drapery and Slobhing for your money go to H. C SKGERa, Melford House. Great reduc tions now on. ROSE Trees, Onions, Plough Shares, ; Flour, Chaff, Oatmeal, Mncrocarpa Fruit; Trees, Tea, Sharps, Potatoes, Chick Wheat, Carrots, Insignis, Hay, .alt, Oats, Barb Wire, and Civility. For the above articles, cheap and good for oash, try J. Thomas, opposite Army Barracks. Havelock street. rpELEGRAM to A. Orr.—Your offer J_ for 124 Pieces French Merino is accepted ; Edwards, Bennett, and Co., Christchurch. The above goods are now being sold at half price at A. Orr 8 Cheap Sale; 6§140 ALL Wool Colonial 'I'weed Suits to measure; fib and workmanship guaranteed: from 60s cash. Robert Alcorn, Ashburton Clothing Man, Saunders Buildingb. p—^l————■}■»! \-=a^^m -S5 CD W^* 1 ZZ ;■"'! C g* j& 3 •- S^ r_~___flippoi *•{



ESTABLISHED 17 YEARS. Fruit Trees. /"\NE of the Largest Stocks of all kinds m the Colony—guaranteed the best ob tainable. Forest Trees OF ALL BOUTK Ornamental Trees IN GREAT VABIMTY., Roses LAROK AND CHOICE COLLECTION. CHRYSANTHEMUMS Of Every Class, the Choicest and Best. As we are purely Nurserymen, and do not grow for exhibition ourselves, our patrons m»y rely on obtaining what is moat likely to prove satisfactory either for t xhihition or other purposes. Thos.'Sealy, NUESEEVMAN, RITfiggANK, ASHPUBTON. I



SPENOBIK'S MOJSSTER CLEAKANCS. MASK THE BXTRAOEDINAEY REDUCTIONS MADE FO* THE LAST FEW DAYS! OFtTHIS iGREAT SALE CI-OTttlW© HJEPARTHEWT. NOTE THE REDUCTIONS MEN'S SAO SUITS. Former Prices 31s Od, 37s 6d, 31s 6d, 37» 6d, 45s 0», 55s Od Sale Prices 21s Od, 26s 6d, 21s Od, 29 3 6d, 3o> 6d, 35s 6d Former Prices 49s 6d, 42s 6d, 47s 6d, 65s Od, 32s Od, 49« 6d Sale Prices 28s 6d, 29s 6d, 32s 6d, 45s Od, 21s Od, 38s 6d Fom Jpriu* 55s Od,' 45s Od, 47s 6d, 59s 6d, 62s 6d, 47s bd Sale Prices 38s 6d, 33s Od, 37s 6d, 37s 6d, 42s 6d, 86s 6d SPECIAL LINES. Colonial Saddle Tweed Suit*, 52s 6d, for 35s 6d; Black Worsted do, 59s «d, for 89s 6d> Colonial Tweed do 39s 3d, for 28s 6d ; Colonial Jw^d do, 37s 6d, for 29s 6d; K*iapoi, very heavy line, do, 50s, for 37s 6<i, Kosiyn, Very heavy line, do, 655, tor 47s 6d. MEN'S TWEED 07EBC0ATS. '■■'AW Vormer Pricei 45s Od, 25s 6d, '34s 6d, 82s 6d, 35s Od, 27s 6d, 2fc '#mK Sa«PbioeT 356d 1 2150d;2456d;22 5 6d J 23s 6d, 19s 6d, 24s «4s 6d JOB CLEARANCE. MEN S FILE TIES 6 *<*>. LADIES 1 CLOSE-FITTING THREE-QUARTER JACKETS. Former Prices 36s 6d, 19s 6d, 17s Od, 31s Od, 32s 6d S\LE PRICES Us lid, 6s lid, 6s lid, 13s lid, 8s lid Former Prices 27s 6d, 30s Od, Us 6d, 26s 6d, 31s Od SALE PRICES 13s 3d, 14s lid, 4s lid, 13s lid, 13s lid LADIES' SHORT JACKETS. former Prices 16s 6d, 12s 6d, 12s 6d, 13s 6d, 21s Od RXtM PRICES 4s lid, 4s lid, 5s 6d, 5s lid, 6s lid 5E£ w2? 2U Od,' 18s 6d', 29s 3d, 22s Od, 17s M SALE PRICES 6s 9d, 5s 9d, 5s lid, 7s 3d, 26s 6d LADIES' TWEED ULSTERS. Former Prices 8s lid, '8s lid, 9s 6d, 12s 6d, Hsfjd SALE PRICES 3s lid, 3s lid, 4s Hd, 6s lid, 5s lid Former Prices 12s 6d, 18s 6d, 82s 6d 16s 6d, 10s 9d SALE PRICES 7s lid, 6s lid, Us lid, 9s lid, 6s lid |>RE§« DEPiRTMF^I. MERINOS—BIack and Colored. fornwr Aio«8« 6d, Is 6d, 4s 6d, 3* 3d, 4s 6d, 3s 9d, 3s 3d Is lid, 2s 6d, 2s 6d Uli Pricks 2s S^d, Is 2£d, 3s sd, 2s 7d,Bs 6d, 8s Id, 2s 7d, Is 3d, llfd, ll|d |MELTON CLOTHS—Bruwn, Navy, Maroon, and Grey*, ls|9d for ll|d. '.FRENCH BEIGES—DoubIe Widtfc. 2s lid for Is 9d. m SPECIAL A few lengths of DRES.^ TWEEDS left, beautiful patterns, realiy first class Goods, at the following ASTONISHING REDUCED PRICES: Former Prices 8« 9d, 8s 6d, 3s 6ri, 3^ 6d, 3s 6d, 2s 11, 2s lid, 3s 6d, 3s 3d Se PRICES 2s sd, 2s 3d, 2s Id, Is lid, Is 10|d, Is lid, 2s Id, 2s Id, 2* 3d REMNANTS OF DRESS GOODS AT SURPRISING REDUCTIONS COLONIAL MADE BL\NKE'IS AT THE EXACT MILL PRICES, We shall not replace any lines sold out, hence the necessity of making your purchas.es early. _ _^,— ... S. SALBK, Matchmaker and Jeweller. TEMPORARY PREMISES kT W. C. DAYIS' REFRESHMENT ROOM. •Fire. Fire. Fire. MUST BE CLEABED AT AN Y PRICE. My STOCK of Electro-Plated and Silverware, Gold and Silver Jewellery, and other high-class Jewellery, has to bo S'JLD previous to going into new premises, as intend opening with an entirely new stock. Wedding Presents, Birthday Presents, and Presentailon Testimonials. These will be found goods specially suitable and at Less than COST PRICE. MTJSTJifcCLJIiAKJiU. Watchmaking and Jewellery Repairing carried on as usual H. ISAX.EK. WATCHMAKER AND JEWF.r.T,ER.



COAIi! CO AM COAL! MOUNT SOMEBS GOAL. FORS a l E COAL MERCHANTS, WHOLESALE lit 0. B. KNIGHT. Office : WEST STREET Where *re ytra going to, my pretty maid To the Stores or some Biscuits, sir! she said What kind do you get., my pretty iiuid ♦ Why Auwßßftoo^'s Oswegos, sir ! she mid.