MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to th« necessary alterations :— FRIDAY, August 5. For Northern ports and Australian colonies (except Tasmania) per Hauroto, at 6.30 a.m. 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 0.155 p.m. ; registered letters, at 5 p.m. ; moDey orders,, 3 p.m.; late fee letters, guard's van, express ■ rain, 6.55 p.m. - This mail will be due m London on September 14. Note. —On and after August 1 the rate of postage on newspapers for the Australian colonies, South Sea Islands, and United Kingdom is to be one penny for each news-1 paper irrespective of weight. i ENGLISH MAILS. HOMEWARD—DIRECT MAILS. lonic, left June 23, due London August 3. Ruapehu, left July 7, due London August 16. Tainui, left July 21, due London, August 30. HOMEWARD—SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Maripoea, left July 16, mail due London August 17 OUTWARD—DIRECT MAILS. Buahine, left London June 25, due oolony August 8. Arawa, left London July 9, due colony August 22. OUTWARD— SAN FRANCISCO MAILS. Mail per Zealandia left London July 9, due colony August 12. The letter-box will be cleared for des patch of correspondence from Ashburton Post Office to the under-mentioned places as follows:-— , ; . For a.m. p.m. p.m. Burnham and Dunsandel (daily) ... 3.15 Chertsey and Rakaia (daily) .« 8.30 3.15 6.20 Christchurch and North (daily) ... 6.30 3.15 6.20 and on Mondays, Wed. nesdays, and Fridays... 10.30 Drorrore (daily) 6.30 Eiffelton and. Willowby. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 10.30 Elgin, Wakanui, Seaview, Seafield, and Kyle, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 6.30 Flemington, Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays 3.45 Geraldine (daily)... .. 10.30 Greenstreet, Winchmore, and Forks, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 6.30 Lismore, Tuesdays and Fridays 10.30 Methven (daily) 3.15 Mt. Somers, Springburn, Bushside, and Alford Forest (daily) 4.0 Mayfield and Buapuna, Mondays and Thursdays 4^o NewJands, Tuesdays and Fridays 11.0 ---anuru, Danedin, and South (daily) 12.30 Selwyn (daily) 6.20 Temuka &. Tintaru (daily) 10.30 12.30| and on Tuesdays, Thurs days and Saturdays ... 3.15 Tinwald, Wimlow, Hinds, and Waimate (daily),.. 10 30J and on Tuesdays, Thurs days, and Saturdays ... 3.15 Wheatstone, Ashton, Waterton, and Long beach (daily) ... ... 3.45 N.B.—Letters containing anything of value should be handed to the Postmaster to be registered. Letters containing coin, if posted un registered, will becoinpultorily registered and charged double registration fee.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 1892. THE PRODUCTIONS OF NEW ZEALAND.

We have received from the office of the Agent-General a copy, m pamphlet form of a statement of the pro duction of New Zealand which Mr Perceval compiled m response to the invitation of the United Empire Trade League and read before a meeting of that body on June 23. Mr Perceval recognises that it is as a food-producing country that New Zealand is especially interesting to people m England, and shows that the rapid increase which has taken place m recent years m the ex ports of surplus food from New Zea land, a»id the great capability of in creased production which the colony Offers, point to New Zealand being found »t no distant date m the front rank of fopd-producing countries. Her fertile soil, freedom from droughts, and favorable glimate make her a country much more favorable for agricultural and pastoral pursuits than the other Australasian colonies. The statement is supported by carefully compiled figures, which show that the exports of the principal articles of colonial produce and manufacture in creased ro value from £5,762,250 m 1881 to £9,428,761 w WQ. The figures relating to frozen msat and dairy produce are really impressive, the export of the former m 1890 amounting to over one million sterling m yalu«, while the quantity of butter produced m thecolony was 16,310,0121bs m J-891, agajnst In 1881. and the dairying 1 indwtly-i» yet m its infancy. The table of import k also very interesting, and shows that out of an aggregate of £6,260,525 value for 1890, not less than £4,221,270 oame from the United Kingdom. The whole compilation was regarded at Home as reflecting much credit on the Agent- General ; and as being, ia fact, a statistical eulogy of the productive ness of New Zealand far more conl vincing than any mere address on the subject could be. The figures and facts gathered m this modest pamphlet ara indeed of great value and extreme interest, and the " Statement" affords another instance of the whole-souled manner m which Mr Perceval has set about making the importance of New Zealand known to the British public.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Mr James McGregor notifies that he is clearing off his damaged stock at any price, aa none of it will be moved into hia former premises, which are nearly ready for him. The single-core cable across Cook's Strait was repaired yesterday, and the whole of the wires connecting the two islands are now i working as before the heavy gale m May laat. Because Palmerston North now boat*} of ' ■a croasing.sweeper one of the local papers says it "is becoming more like Londonevery day." A Wanganui paper says that Mr S. Powell has been asked to accept the position of Starter to the Ashburton Racing Club. The "News" of July 29. »<ya :—Surely a wave of reformation is flowing over Napier I For four consecutive days there has been no business for transaction at the Resident Magistrates Court, In an up-country block m Hawke's Bay there are twenty-six married couples. Thirteen couples have no children. "This," said a member for the Education Board at' its last meeting, "is very unusual for a colonial experience." A Wairarapa exchange remarks:—The feeling m this district is that August 4— Arbor Day—should be devoted to fasting and prayer against the criminal neglect of the Government m permitting the destruc tion of the beautiful native bush, especially on the hilla. i The report of the Zealandia Silver Mining Company, Zeehan, which was to be pre sented to the annual meeting of shareholders last week, states that though early prospects were most encouraging further prospecting has been so disappointing that the directors recommend that she company be wound up. On Saturday Mrs Gibson's well-known farm at Wakanui, one of the best m th« district, ia to be sold m one block or sub divisions. Such a property is very seldom m the market, and intending buyers are reminded that the sale, by Messrs Fried lander Bros., will be held m the Orange Hall, at two o'clock. The " Oamaru Mail" works out from the census returns that out of a gross female population of 293,781 m the colony 15,4 per cent are bread-winners—that is to say, entirely independent, directly self-support ing, and no doubt contributing m many cases largely towards the support of the lords of creation, ' It is rumored m Wellington that several Members of the Legislative Council, who formerly posed as advocates of woman suffrage, have, changed m their views on this question, and will either endeavour to have this clause deleted from the Electoral Bill, or will make an amendment delaying the coming into operation of the clause until after the next election. The route of the Fire Brigade torchlight procession this evening will be from the Brigade Station (starting at seven o'clock), by Burnett street, William street, and Moore street to East street, along East street, and dawn Wills street to the Odd fellows' Hall. The doors of the hall will be open at halt-past seven, and the procession is due to arrive there shortly before eight. A general meeting of the Church members of St Stephens Church will be held to morrow (Friday) to consider a recommenda tion of the vestry to the effect that the next work undertaken by the Church be the building of a Church room m Hampstead. The meeting will begin at 7.30 p.m. when it is hoped that opinions for or against will be given with equal openneas. The meeting will be preceded by a vestry meeting at 6.30 p.m, The following team has been picked to represent Ashburton second against !Pun sandel second, m the football match at Dunsandelon Saturday:—Backs—Buchanan, Humphreys, Grant, Pric ( e, Peter, J. Ander son ; forwards—Speight, Maxwell, Purchase, Scott, J. Sawle, T. Sawle, Jackson, Center, Boyle, Clarke; emergencies—H. Anderson and R. Sawle. Players will travel by the 7.20 train on Saturday morning. Any of the above who are unable to play are re quested to inform Mr Clowes at once. With all their faults, politicians are men, and are capable of a good deal of human ising pleasantry even amid their party con tentions. Of this, a recent debate m the House furnished one insumuts. " The grand son of Sir John Hall," said the Minister of Lands m a prophetical mood, "will be a baronet with a rent roll of £50,000 a year." A voice : "And what will John McKenzie's grandson be ?'' The Minister: " Oh, he'll be a village settler." And the laugh went pleasantly all round the House. Messrs John MoNairn and Company, Glasgow, writing on June 23, point out that they are making for New Zealand cheese the same price as for new Scotch Dunlop and Cheddars, and from 6s to 8s more than for new States and Canadian cheeae—a most important fact and well worth pointing out. Regarding butter, the supply of colonial is now finished for the season. Irish is m plentiful supply, at various prices. There has been genial weather, sunshine and shower, and the country ia altogether looking splendid. The Ontario Assembly is one of the most sedate and most business-like of bodies, and yet (says the " Chronicle ") we are told that the closing day of its last session was such aa St. Stephen's never knew. As soon as the order paper had been cleared, an hon member startled the House by rising and giving "Auld Lang Syne" m lusty tones, the members, including Mr Speaker, join ing hands m j:ha orthodox fashion. Then another member mo.ved, ?'[J?hat thf Attorney- Genepal do sing tuj a sgng.'? The Attorney - General moved an amendment, "Tp leave out all the words after ' that, 1 and insert ' the Leader of the Opposition do favour the House.'" The Speaker duly put the amend ment—" Those that are of that opinion say 'Aye.'" And so vociferous was the re sponse that there was no need to call on the " Noes." Just at that moment some resolu tions «ame down from . the Lieutenant- Governor, and ph(i only song the House indulged jn jyas «.«(God \%vjj the Queen," sung with much enthusiasm. l A great deal of surprise has been expressed m England because of Labouchere affixing his name to the Salvation Army appeal for funds oil beUftU tf its social irovement. This is how he deals with tho?« who Jmye expressed Bppri<;e; ~"|)id I not, it is asked, criticise Qener^l ■•Bosjt^'ti bafancg-sheet ? Yes, I did. | thought tjjat ite.ms were." con fusedly jumbled up together. My criticisms, however, led to the balancersheet being made more clear. I express no opinion as to the religious side of the Army's doings, beyond that, if people can be induced, to play banjoes and pray m the open air, they are better employed than m fuddling them selves silly m a pothouse. I have closely investigated 'thb'expnditiug m regard to the material aid given to those w^R .want it. I find that the money has been honestly expended. A number of people m real want have been assisted; a number of waifs and strays have been given a chance to make a new start. I consider, therefore, that a person is performing a better action m aiding the movement with his cash than m spending ifc on himself ip the purchase of something that probably he'doe's no. t really want ( „

LOCAL OPTION.

Thb advocates of prohibition are taking very active steps to impress their views upon Parliament, with a view to obtaining legislation which will enable' them to close all the public houses m any district, should a majority of the ratepayers m such district desire it. The means by which they desiee to obtain this end are embodied m Mr John Joyce's Liquor Traffic Local Option Bill, now before the House. The preamble affirms that " Whereas the legalised sale of intoxicating liquors is a fruitful source of crime, immorality, pauperism, disease, and death, and it is expedient to confer upon the ratepayers of the licensing districts of the colony the power to prohibit such sale within such dis tricts"; and provides that "any number of ratepayers, being not less than one-tenth of the whole upon the roll ©f any licensing district pro claimed under The Licensing Act, 1881, or any other Act m force for the time being, may, at any time, give notice m writing to the Returning Officer of such district to take a poll ot the ratepayers as to whether licenses for the sale of intoxicating liquors shall be granted or renewed m such district." The poll is to be taken m the usual way, and "if the rote, when so taken shall be against ,the issue of any such license the Returning Officer shall forthwith report the same to the Licensing Committee of the district and to the Colonial 'Secretary: and it shall not be lawful for -such' Licensing Committee or Colonial Secretary thereafter to grant or renew any license for the sale of intoxicating liquors m such district, and if such license is so granted it shall be null and void." All annual licenses exist ing m any district at the time of the poll so taken shall continue m force till the expiration of the period for which they were granted; and when any poll shall have been taken under this Act no further poll shall be taken within three years thereafter. The Billj brief though it is, is not likely to pass without considerable amendment. The provision that a bare majority of the voters at a poll of this sort should have the power to pre vent the sale of liquor m their district is too drastic to receive the approval of the House. We have not seen the latest English Local Option Bills, but Sir Wilfred Lawson's Bill provided that a two-thirds majority was requis ite m order that licenses could be re fused m any district. A tvrt-thirds majority is required m New Zealand m local loan proposals, and on the question of prohibition, which affects a very large proportion of the residents, a similar majority should be stipulated for. The Bill includes m its operation railway station and the other licenses which the Colonial Secretary has under the present law power to grant, and this provision will meet strong opposi tion. Another provision, that "no penalties for the sale of intoxicating liquors without license shall be incurred till the expiration of the said licenses at the eDd of the period for which they were granted," will have to be made more definite, or sly grog selling will go on unhindered between the taking of a prohibition poll and the expiration of the licenses which are refused renewal under that poll, The passing of the Bill m an amended form will have the desirable affect of preventing the re currence of disputes and litigation as to the powers of ratepayers and licen sing committees, which are so much questioned under the present Licensing Act. The question of compensation is not touched by Mr Joyce's Bill, and w« scarcely think that Mr Lawry's Bill will proceed further, so that this question is probably dead for the present session.

The Waimate Licensing Case.

(PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Chpistchurch, August, 3. To-day Mr Justice Denniston refused, without costs, the application for a writ of certiorari quashing the decision of the Waimate Licensing Committee, renewing the license of the Empire Hotel. The ground of the application was that the licensee had not complied with the Act by, affixing notice of his application to hill door. The decision h?ld that it was m 'the Committee's power to have granted an adjournment to allow the licensee (who had received no notice of objection) to rectify the omission. It would be unfair to quash his license now that rectification has become hnpqßsible. _^

The Cable Rates.

fPER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

\ Wblmngton, August 2. With reference to the cable message from Adelaide, as to a reduction m the cable rates, the Hon. J. G. Ward states that the whole matter is premature, and he is still negotiating on the subject with the Aus tralian Governments. As far as the New Zealand Gov«rniueu£ is concerned nothing definite has been agreed to, and'Mr Ward is somewhat surprised at the information con tained m tb,e cable havivg l>-en given publicity to by the Sou Hi Australian, (jCVernment. Tne reduction mentioned m the message is a sweeping one, as the present rate from Adelaide is eleven shillings for the first teii'words, and it Is proposed to reduce this to fiv« shillings. TliG present rate from Europe to New' Zealand i§ 10s 2d or 14s 3d a word according tq the route, and the arrangements made by the South Australian Government with the Cable Company prfc vide for a reduction of Is 6d a word. :

CRICKET.

(ebk £pss.s association)

London, August 2. The return match between Notts and Surrey* at the Oval, attracted an enor mous attendance, 34,000 people being present. Great interest attached to the meeting of the two counties, as Surrey had befin beaten m the first match. The scoring was loV« Surrey befng disposed of m the first innings for I§9, and Notts making 123 for eight wickets at drawing of stumps, Shacklock took eight Surrey wickets for 59 runs. Received August 3, In the match against Surrey, Notts m the first innings scored i 2 4? tfye last two wickets falling for a sjngle run. Lock wood secured eight wfefcets for 67 runs. In the second e.»sa£ Surrey scored I|9. Notts, requiring it>s runs' t? Tf 11* started their second innings, and lost three wickets for 109.

THE MARKETS.

PER VKVSS ASSOCIATION. Sydney, Augus 3. Wheat, chick 3s 4<l, milling (very dull) 4a 6d to 4s 9d. Oats (very scarce) 2s 8d to 2s IGd. Maize, 3s lOd. Bran and pollard, In. Peas, 3s 10d,to 4s. Potatoes, New Zealand, | £2 io £2 ss; Circular Heads, £3 10s. Onions, £3 to £3 10<j. Butter, dairy Is to Is 2>l; factory, Is 3d to Is 4d. Cheese, 5d ' to 6d. Bacou, New Zealand 7jt<\ w: Bd. Mkmjourne, August 3. Whert(dull) 3s 11(1 Oals, Algerian Is BJd; feeding, 2« 2d to 2s 3:1. Adelaide, August 3. Wheat (quiet) 4s 2d. Flour, roller £9 10s to £10. Oats (arm) 3s 4d to 3s 4£d. Barley, prime malting 4* 3d to ds 6d.

Addington Stock Market.

Splendid weather attracted a large attend ance at the maiket, which was well stocked. The late arrival of the southern stock train delayed the sale considerably beyond the usual time. Store Sheep.—Good sorts of crossbred ewes m lamb fetched 14s 6d to 18s ; hoggets, 9a 4d to 11b Id ; merino ewes m lamb, 8s Id to 8s 1J d; merino wet her* 7s 6d to 8a 2d. Fat Sheep.—A large entry when the sale began, was made exceptionally so when the south stock train with an additional 4000 arrived. Fat crossbred wethers fetched 19s to 23s lOd, maiden ewes to 21s 3d, merino wethers 10s to 15s 9d. Fat Cattle.—The sale of good beef was limited m extent, and there was a sharr aale. Best stews ranged from £7 to £8 17s 6d, and heifers from £5 7s 6d to £7 10s. Stork Cattle.—There was a small entry of mixed sorts and a few head of young stock. Calves to yearlings sold at 15s to 435; two-and-a-half-year-old heifers, £3 12s 6d to £3 14s; cows, A3 10s to £5 2a 6d; dairy cows, £4 to £8 10s. Pigs. —The entry of pigs was heavy. There was a slight improvement m the tone of the market for baconers which sold from £1 7s: to £2 6s j porkers were m good demand at 4d per lb. | .

Ashburton Markets.

MESSRS MILES AND CO.

Messrs Miles and Company report on the weekly stock sale held at the Tinwald Yards on Tuesday, August 2, as follows:—The fortnightly sale at the Tinwald Yards was favored with particularly fine weather, and as a result a very extensive yarding of sheep was exhibited,, the larger proportion being breeding ewes,.together with several large lines of hoggets. The sal* throughout was wanting m the animation which has characterised stock auctions for some time past, and although the majority of the sheep changed hands, prices appeared to be m buyers' favor. For Mr E. Watkins we made the best price of the day m fat sheep, fora lire of prime quality ewes and wetheis at 19s; and we also had the pleasure of offer ing several other lines of very good quality m this class. Crossbreds m forward condi tion for turnips met with good enquiry and sold fairly well up to 15s lOd. Merino ewes m lamb of inferior descriptions, but ■comprising nothing of special quality, did not command much attention, and were somewhat harder to dispose of than of late, with the exception of one line for which we realised 10s Id. Crossbred ewes were present m large entries, but competition was i rather slack at prices up to 14s 9d. The near approach of lambing together with the extensive entries, made buyers more cautious than usual m their biddings for breeding sheep. Merino wetheis of prime quality were well represented, and met with fair trade, making up to 11s 3d for butchers' requirements. Hoggets were entered m goodly numbers, and although a little harder to sell no decided drop can be recorded; we reached the highest price for these during the sale at 12s Bd. Cattle were m fair supply, and although fat Btock seemed easier m values, those m store condition sold satis factorily. Our sales for the day comprised 15 crossbieds at lls 7d ; 70 merino wethers at lls 3d; 35 merino wethers at lls Id ;35 merino wethers at 10s 6d ; 425 lambs at 12s 8d; 310 two-tooth crosebreds at 15s lOd; 185 crossbred freezers at 19s; 309 two-tooth fat crossbreds at 18s 9d; 283 merino wethers at 10s lOd; 230 merino ewes m lamb at 10s Id.. Privately during the week we have dis posed of 600 merine ewes at 8s 9d.

MR JOHN G. RESTELL.

Mr John G. Restell, m conjunction with the Hew Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, per J. R. Bland, auctioneer, reports a fairly large entry for the sale at Tinwald saleyards on Tuesday, August 2. Upwards of 10,000 sheep were yarded, our entry comprising 3712 head, all of which, with the exception of one small line, we sold at satisfactory prices, as follows:—Merino ewes, 450 at 7s 6d, 122 at 10s Id, 276 at 9s 6d, 276 at 8b 6.1, 146 at 7s 7sd, 25 at Is 4d; merino wethers, 55 at 7s Bd, 130 at 7s 8d; crossbred ewes, 58 at 12s 9d, 199 at 16s 6d, 200 at 14s 2d, 7 at 3s 4d, 275 at 13s 3d, 902 at 9s 3d, 203 at 9s 3d, 220 at 14s sd, 123 at 14s, 150 at 138 Bd, 50 at 13s Bd, 245 at 13s 7d. Prices ens the whole were perhaps not quite so good a have of late been ruling, particularly m turnip sheep, but ewes m lamb were m good demand ana easily quitted.

The Timaru Will Came.

PER PBESS ASSOCIATION,

CttRISTCHURCH, AtlgUSt 3, This morning Mr Justice Denniston gave judgment m the case of Bailey v Ross, an action brought by the widow of the late Benjamin Bailey, of Tiraaru, to have David Mitchell Ross removed from the position of executor and trustee under the will of her husband, and to have pro* bate issued to herself m lieu of defendant, and to have a bequest of a moiety of deceased's property on an alleged secret trust to Ross revoked on the ground that it did not express the testator's intentions.' It was contended that Ross had deceived Bailey as to the contents of the document he was signing, and bad executed a secret; trust when he found he could not retain the property himself. His Honor pro nounced against the will, whu?h was dated m 1888, revoked probate thereof, and granted probate of a previous will dated m 1S?5; Costa were giysa »g»iiwt. de fendant, j

POLITICAL.

(FRQM QUR P4RLIAMBNIARY CqRRESEONI>ENI.) .

WELUMGioy, August S - The wearisome financial debate proceeds. List night the speeches of Messrs Buckland and Valentine were exasperating. The "N.Z. Times" this morning nays:—"The debate last night was the most unjustifiable waste of time m the parliamentary records. Messrs Buckland and Valentine oon*umed four hours 0) the u^bl^c tjp^ with the most utterly useless ana' unnecessary drivel ever uttered m the House. The inane ferocity of Mr Buckland emptied the House, and Mr Valentine's stupia reiteration of what had been far better said before by previous speakers, and replied to fully, kept it thin The united performance Was the most signal case of absolutely deliberate obstruction this session. We compliment the QpposjiioH oji, the absence of the bulk of their party from both exhibitions. They were not responsi ble for them, and they refused to countenance them by their presence. Mr Fish en couragsd their, with hiß naußeous interrup tions."''.' .' .' ibei;e nothing'in the two speeches but disgrace to' the parliamen tary reputation'of New Zealand."

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do nM hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expieued by our conwnxmdwitc.

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS' AND COUNTRY SETTLERS' LEAGUE.

TO THE KDriYtR. Sir -Grant me a little spue to reply .« bnefly «. P o*>ild«,toMr jSaBtJJK otter m your issue of the 30th ult, which other en^ements havo prevent me from answering before. . f?hl ß n rrO n "TEK™ tlm ' w convener f the mwtinsf held the other day, I only mv.ted persons to .trend who well avorable to the formation of an Ash burton branch of the »boy« Lew. I hay. only to »y that I adopted the course which is usualjy flowed m these cases. [t people wisti tv 6t ait a new Association of an> kind, they do not invitofoSr opponents to come and throw obstacles^ their way; they convene a meeting of sympathisers with their vie«s for the purpose of forming the Association, supposing, for example, the traders of this nourishing town determined to found an Aahburton Chamber of Commerce, the promoters of the scheme would not invite all and sundry to gather together to dis cuss the pros and cons of the matter: they would invite those interested, and who would be likely to help them m carrying out the project. to meet them for the purpose of founding a Chamber Mr Brown seems to hare a strong objection 0 the Farmers' League ; anJlati anre that if he does not want te join it we shall not press him to do so; but why should he object to other country settlers combining for the protection of their own interests {. ■ *****?"* I «•<*«, considers that it is right for a farmer to pay a higher rat* of taxation than persons engaged m different occupations. Seeing that Mr Brown is a farmer himself, that is a rery liberal concession on his part; but other farmers,! fancy, will view the matter m a different light. Mr Brown's argument seems to be that farmers ought to pay a higher rate of taxation than residents m the towns because their lands have been increased m value by the construction of railways, roads, and school buildings. But have not the towns eqaaily benefited by the expenditure of loan money ? What were Chrutchuroh or Dunedin before the adjacent country was opened up by means of railways and roads ? The construction of railways alone hat augmented the populatonof those cities fourfold: the value of property there has been enormously enhanced ; small businesses have grown into Urge ones, and generally the people m Christchurch and Dunedin have benefitted by the public works ex penditure quite as much, if not more proportionately, than the people m the rural districts. The country roads, we all know, are chiefly maintained out of local rates, and as to expeuditure .m the building of schoolhoaees, more money has been spent upon school buildings m Chrutchurch than m the whole county of Ashburton. Mr Brown however, after arguing that it is just and right that the landowner should pay more than the townsman, next proceeds to assert that the new system will not make any difference m taxation as between town and country. Mr Browns denial will not however, alter tJ& that Buoh diffOT»w» will exist. 1 shall not repeat my remarks upon this subject at the meeting; but will refer your readers for further illustrations of the unjust distinction made by the new taxation an against the country to the petition recently forwarded by certain Canterbury farmers to the House of Representatives, and the text of which was printed m the "Frew" a few day* ago. Mr Brown, m dealing with one of the illustrations which I gave, Is very uncandid, and endeavours to mystify your readers. He snyr "it would be very unwise to tax Mr Pur-' nfiU'a man with £6000 except by an in come tax on the fruits of hi*j investment. This ta what the present law will do, for £1000, ana Is m the £ on an ineoma above £1000." Now any person wlhohed not read the Act would suppese, from these remarks, that the investor m ques tion would pay income tax upon the which he derived from the £6000, whereas he will only be taxed upon his income above £300, 90 that if he put his money on deposit at the bank at 5 per cent interest, he would not be required to pay ene penny of direct taxation, whereas the man who invested £6000 m land would pay a heavy land tax, even if I his investment turned out unprofitable. Where is the equality of sacrifice m this 1 LityF* of <"sProvioK "»y proposition that the proposed new system violates one of the canons of a sound system of taxa tion, viz., that every man should pay m proportion to his means, whatever may bertieaatureofhis property. Mr Brow* refers to India, where he says £28,000.000 a year is raised by means of a land tax and also to the Victorian land tax. Ido not see how either of these oases bean upon the question; and the illustrations are rather unfortunate. India is a con quered country, and ita people hare to pay whatever taxes their rujew »£ jj t £ impose, be they just or unjust; moreover what Mr Brown calls a " land tax " knot at« at all 5 it really obnsista of rente paid by the cultivators to the Government for the use of the soil, as every body pos sessing a very moderate knowledge of Indian affairs is aware. As to the Vic torian land tax, I am not going to discuti Victorian politics; but it w news to me to learn that this tax is considered a model of just taxation. I have always understood that it was imposed with the objeottf bunting up large estates, and certainly the present condition of Victoria, both m town and country, v a tolerably strong proof fcnat a heavy land tax does hot en sure prosperity. Even here, however, Mr Brown strives to mislead your readers, for hespeaksof th,e tpaduated iMfofo^ewhtji of a penny ijj the Pftund, which the large landholders of Mew Zealand will have lo pay. Noif, eJP3£°f*d grjtduitefi tax' ranges frojn one-Mghth of a penjjy to pnp penny three farthings m the pound. Then Mr Brown, again misleading your readers, affirms that I hare advocated "that the old soldier m the Old Men's Heme—be with the wooden leg and blind of one eye—should be deprived of ' his righc as a oitizen for being the first m try. 1 I hate oertaply not advocajferajty thing of the sore; but what | did say tne other day was, and I now repeat, thatHt is a gross injustice that the inmate of a charitable institution m Christchurch should be able to rote for three candi dates t%p an election, whereas a farniet or other resident ftt> 4»l»hurton,'is reafripred to voting fdtfoni ca^^idate. however,Va I have already occupied morV of your space than I intended I shall not en large upon this topic, more particularly as* I should imagine (hat jJ>e tentir* popula tion of tka. •ountty-eiobntinglfr Brofij -was of opinion, that m Tthis respect at least, the electoral law iranf^d ajteh^tjo^. —I am, etfj.." »...■< ohas. w. tymife

THE AfITJBTTRTOy OTTARftIAJy ; THTTHSDAY, ATTfIITST 4, 189 S.



' Oracknkll and Digestive Biscuits for invalids are unsurpasfiod. Made by AtJLSKBROOK AND Co. The Beal Tea IN CANTERBURY for «*• money., w$ free from any exoeM of utti^guuif. COUINfTESS 2s f 4»* YQfD» QROOIJtI



:!Cu!cC woU* tWf.yoHj Wtwe using Aulsebrook's Arrowroot Biscuiib. __** have made me so strong. —[A»VTt Kkating's Couoh Lozenges cure Coughs, Asthma, Bronchitis. Medical testimony ! sr*|«s tjjaj no other medicine is so effectual m the cure of those dangerous maladies. One lozenge alone gives ease, one or two at bedtime ensures rest. For relieving difficulty of breathing they are invaluable. They contain no opium nor any violent drug. Sold by all Chemists m tins Is Jd and % W each Have Healthy Children by nourishing S# on? v»fcl». Auhebrook and. Go's Arrow root WBfiu,jtfl '



The BE»y Remedy fob Indigkstion - Norton's Camomile Eilla are confidenty recommended as a simple remedy for Indigestion, which is the cause of nearly all the diseases to which we are subject* Norton's Pills, with justice called the 'Natural Rtrengthener of the Human Stomach," act as a powerful tonic and gentle perient, are mild m their operation, and safe under any circumstances. Sold m bottle*, at la lid, 2s 9d, Us, by all tiMioine < vaadors throughout the wwrld, I



The best medicine known is SANDER and SONS' EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. Test its eminent powerful effects m coughs, colds, influenza, etc, —the relief is instantaneous, Thousands giye the most gratifying testi mony. His Majesty the King of Italy, and medical syndicates all ov»»? fche globs ajre its patrons, head the official reports that accom pany each bottle. Mosler, M.D., Professor Griefswald, reports : — The Eucalypti Extract proved magnificently suc cessful m very severe contusions, bruises, spiains, wounds, scaldings, brokert ribs, and limbs. .(I? Mgdjgal Journal," Nov., 1881). In diseases fiitfog $<?&??!.» ?^W aet*ve &>n gestion or suppression," (urqan>|&) qj? ajbumi ;:""<*• dropsy, lithargy, nothing will equal m 'its action S^WEEot^ ot' P ose »> five to six drops. Mosler, 2!; P.. Professor j University, Grieswald, reports:.—Diph bhe ria. Tonsils continually coherent presenting ulcers with whij;e pendants. Cured m four t«en days. Surgical CHnic qt ProX M'lntyre. College of Physicians and Surgeons, St- Louia—Scirrhus of Bceast-^-Kxcision Euca lypti Extract employed. No swelling, heat or discoloration. Cured m fourteen days.



Hollow ay's PiLLS.~The Great Need.— The blood is the life, and on its purity our health as well as our existence depends. These Pills thoroughly cleanse the vital fluid from all contaminations, and by that means strengthen and invigorate the whole system, healthily stimulate sluggish organs, repress over-excited action, _ and establish ordjer U .oirculation and secretion throughout eyery p£rt pi the body. The balsamic natan 9* ?*W<W;S .P## P?ercises marvell6uS &™ » &*"s $ n« to a i wiitotßd ariu PWVOUB co»stitufcions. Thei^^ldfslodge all i both m the bowels and elsewhere, and a"C, ofl that account, much sought after for promoting regularity of action m young females and delicate persons who are naturally weak, or have fron> some cause become so. Where are you going to, my pretty maid To the Stores or some Biscuits, sir! she said What kind do you get, my pretty maid ? Why Aulsebrook's Owegos, sir! she said. J TO MAKE kicert Scones, Nicest Pastry, Nicest Cakes 'Tie'AWWfWK 3el'Rawing Flour.



■■■ ■: ■ <l **' *■ "yy 1 -— -' GENiRAL~MEETI>G of the Ash burton Prohibition League will be held m the Templar Hall, on Friday Night, at 7.30 p.m Members and in tending members are requested to attend. -R. E, Dowlb, Hon. Sec. 8 33 NOW is the time to buy a lot of Music at very low prices ; call at once to secure a pood collection, 4s 6d dozen up wards.—H. M. Jones. \ I r ANTED—Comfortable Board and *'V Residence with quiet family. Terms liberal. Apply m confidence. Box 42. 8 25 r"^HEAP Music, Cheap Music. Over \J 1000 pieces to choose from ; 4s 6d dozen upwards, for a fortnight only.— H. M. Jones. __ _ ÜBE Fiowbr's Cough Drops and Sulphur Tablets. H. G. Flower Confectioner, East street. IF this should meet th« eye of anyone wanting two guineas, send m a cornundrum on Salek's Candle Guessing Competition. 7J191 SPEIGHT'S best Dunedin Beer always on tap at Bctlbr's Family Hotel. 88 T7~EROSENE, Flour, Tapioca, Sago, Jl\_ Rice, etc., at Wholesale Prices.— The Cash Storis, Havelock street (opposite Harrison's). _ 7J!153 HAIR PINS—The Pyr Pointed Hair Pin, (the only invention of the century), cannot prick the head. -• H. C. Segers, Mcl ford House. WANTED to know how long the candle, now on view at S Salex's, Watchmaker and Jeweller, will take to burn. 7*l9* MRS CONLAN and Miss Arnott. . Costume Makers, having opened m Saundera' Buildings, are prepared to guarantee perfect fit, and latest Pan* Fashions. Dresses made from 10s 6d. . 7§134 WANTED Known—Salbk's Candle Guessing Competition now opened. Eleven guineas worth of prizes given away. 7|189 FIRE 1 The Salvage Sale will be con tinued for Fourteen Days. All Woel Dress Tweeds at about Half price. —S. W. Alcorn & Co. ALVAGE Sale. Great reductions on pvery article. Trimmed Millinery Half price.—S. W. Alcorn & Co, WANTED Known—Dr Scott's cele brated Electric Corsets can only be obtained m Ashburton at W. H. Collier's, "The Corner." OXANTED KNOWN, Grand display » * of new Millinery, Ulsters, and Jackets, at most reasonable prises at The Cornbh. SALVAGE SALE—A large quantity 0 of Goods slightly soile i by removal during the late fire. WUI be sold »t greatly Reduced Prices.—Andrew Orr CVTANTED—Gentlemen before buying *' their Suits and Clothing of at! descriptions to inspect our stock. £1000 worth must be sold regardless of cost. — H C. Seoers, Melford House. WANTED 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 'ANTED Known—That 7™ make no mistake for quality and ariety m English and Colonial Boots, and is highly reputed make by calling at J. \f oison's. During coming holidays dis sounfc for Cash. Repairs done at onco. A staft of men always kept* and best material and workm> tmhip guaranteed. WANTED Known—lf you want good value m first-class Drapery and Slothing for your money go to H. C- SeoERS, Melford House. Great reduc tions now on. ROSE Trees, Onions, Plough Shares, Flour, Chaff, Oatmeal, Macrocarpa Fruit Trees, Tea, Sharps, Potatoes, Chick Wheat, Oarrots, Insignia, Hay, alfc, Oats, Barb Wire, and Civility. For the above articles, cheap and good for oash, try J. Thomas, opposite Army xfcrracka, Havelock street. pKLEGRA?.! to A- Orr.—"Sour offer 1 for 124 Pieces French Merino is accepted ; Edwards, Bennett, and Co., Christchurch. The above goods are now being sold %t half price at A. Orr s Cheap B>le. JB§HO ALL Woo) Colonial Tweed Suits tc measure; fit and workmanship 3U»ranceed: from 60s cash. Koberi Axcork, Ashburton Clothing Mart Saundere Buildings. . WANTED Known.—l have a large stock of Tin and Ironware Goods to selfct from. Register Grates, Stoves, portable Boilers, Spouting and Ridging kep*; m stw>k.--J W- Hardlet, East street^ 612^2 \TOW SELLING at Groatly Reduced iM Prices (for cash), Hundreds of Books on History, Science, Religion, Fiction, Ac. Photo Albums and Frames, Pictures, Games, Musical Instruments, Music. A large Btock slightly soiled at lert fclwm half price. Stationery and Account Books,—L. F. Aicdrewes awd Co. ■ I 1 5 | ff 12 w c_ [ i S as * S J=^ § 39 Fp g = i a -* 5 « n •*s? f^"*^ 3 a? 3: S5 as ® w >—-<



COAL! COAL! COAL! MOUNT SOMERS COAL. For Sale BY AIJ^ COAL MERCHANTS, WHOLESALE by , C. B. KNIGHT. a i Office ; WKST STREET wmmmmmmmmmmm—mmmammmm—mmmmj Sci'port Local Industry. —The Lozenges, Jujubes, Comfits and London Mixtures manufactured by Aulsebrook and Co. are equal to best Imported. '



SPENTOER'S MOJSSTER CLEARANCE. MARK THE EXTRAORDINARY REDUCTIONS MADE FOR HIE )i LAST FEW DAYS OF THIS GREAT SALE. CIiOTHIMCt DEPARTMENT. NOTE THB REDUCTIONS— MEN'S SAC SUITS. Former Price. 31. Od, 37. 6d, 31. 6d, 37. M, 45. Oj, 55. Od ssirgaa aagag ag a g § sM&aaagagagagSS Sale Prices 38. W, 33. Od, 37. 6d, 37. 6d, 42. 6d, M. bd BPIOIAL LINES. OolonUl Saddle Tweed Suite, 52. 6d, for 35. 6d j Black Wonted do, 69. 6d,forß* 6dj OoM-l Twe«l do, 39. Sd, fot-28.Uj OolomdTweed do, 37. td, for 29. 6dj Kaiapoi, very heavy line, do, 50», fox 37. 6d, Rwlyn, tery heary line, do, 65., tor 47. 6d. MEN'S TWEED OVEKCOATS. Former Prioe. 45. Od, 25. 6d, 34. 6d, 82. 6d, 35. Od, 27. 6d, 29. «d, 45. Sale Pwom 32. 6d, 21. Od, 24. 6d, 22. 6d, 23. 6d, 19. 6d, 24. 6d, 34. 6d JOB CLEARANCE. MEN'S PILK TIES ... 8 **>• LADIES' CLOSE-FITTING THREE-QUARTER JACKETS. Former Price. 36. 6d, 19. 6d, 17. Od, 31. Od, 32. 6d SALE PRICES 14. lid, 6. lid, 6. lid, 13* lid, 8s lid Former Price. 27. 6d, 30. Od, 14. 6d, 26s 6d, 31. Od SALE PRICES 13. 3d, 14. lid, 4. lid, 13s lid, 13. Ud LADIES' SHORT JACKETS. former Pri«- 16. 6d, 12. 6d, 12. 6d, 13. 6d, 21. Od SALE PRICES 4. lid, 4. lid, 5. 6d, 5. lid, 6 slid Former Price. 21. od, 18. 6d, 29. 3d, 22. Od, 17. 6d SALE PRICES 6. 9d. 5. 9d, 5. lid, 7. 3d, ;6s 6d LADIES' TWEED ULSTERS. SS^Sk tiii 511} 2.g .?»g rH ]»]|BSB DEFARTMEII. MBRIKO8—Bl«ok and Colored. MELTON CLOTHS—Brown, Navy, Maroon, and Grey., U 9d for ll^d, FRENCH BEIGES—DoubIe Widtk. 2. Ud for Is 9d. SPEOIAL A few lengths of DRESS TWEEDS left, beautiful pattern., really first elan Goods, at the following ASTONISHING REDUCED PRICES: REMKANTO OF DRESS GOODS SURPRISING REDUCTIONS, | COLONIAL MADE BLANKEIS AT THE EXACT j MILL PRICES. We .hall not replace any line, wld out, hence the necewity of making yonr pnrchahe. early. „__. —_^ /■ . • - S. SALEK, Watchmaker and Jeweller. TEMPOR\RT PREMISES *T WJ3JDAVIS' REFRESHMENT ROOM. Fire. Fire. Fire. MUST BE CLEABED AT AUTY PRICE. Hr y BTOCK of Electro-Plated Mid Silverware, Gold and SiWer Jewellery, and othw M Sh^la^^ JewZry, has to beSuLD pretiou. to going into new premise., a. intend opening with an entirely new stock. Weddlnr Presents, Birthday Presents, Wm«S Presentation Testimonials. The* Will be fonnd I^-J^-^L E OS^T "** ""* Watchmaking and Jewfllery Repairing carried on as usual », SALEK, WATCHMAKER AND JEWF.LT.ER.



JOB PRINTING. POSTERS, Dodgers, Billheads, Programmes, Memorandum Forms, Wedding Cards, Memoriam Cards, In vitation Cards, Order Bkcks, Threshing Machine Books, Receipt and Delivery Books, Banquet Menus, and Ticket* of all kinds, THE ABHBCRTON Plilfflfi CO. LIMITED, Having a supply of Superior Jobbing Type, Fancy Cards, and Special Lines of Paper, can execute every description of Printing on the shortest notice, m the befit btyle, and at reasonable rates. CoUSMAXC AND So* EITCALYPTE El tract is the only genuine m the market, and was a warded medals and diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating all competitors. For all affections of the Chest and Luntp, Consumption, Asthma, Coughs, Colds, Gravel, and Kidney Com* plaints, U h«s no equal. Agents— IsHWRTOx Data Comiahy.