MAIL NOTICES.

Mails cloae for the following places as under, subject to the necasßary alte ations :— SATURDAY, January 14. For Northern Porte, per Penguin, at «.£SO p.m.; late fee letters, van c*- ] ipress train, 6.55 p.m. ,

BIRTH.

ScHSF/u>EU,--At Tin wale', on January 13, the wife of F. Schneider, of a daughter. Both doing well.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 1893. MOTHERS' UNION.

i It is a good sign "when* Colonial Governors evince an active interest in : the concerns of those over whom they are set to exercise vice-regal authority, and it is a still more pleasing, circum stance when the wife of a Governor takes a leading part in promoting the social well-being of the colonists 'With whom she is for the time being brought into contact. Lady Glasgow hassearcely been long enough amongst us to enable her to discover for herself the weak nesses of colonial domestic life, and it is probable that the reports of previous visitors to the colonies have directed her attention to what is one of the first things that strike visitors from the Old Country—the'want of parental control among the children, especially those of the humbler classes. This evil is recognised by colonists as well as visitors as, if it continue unchecked, one of the greatest dangers which the community has to fear. Lady Glasgow has not been content to sit down and deplore the evil, but has taken steps to introduce here an institution which has been the means of doing great good at Home, and which it is hoped will here.lead to beneficial results.. The Home institu tion which has been taken as a model is the West of Scotland Mothers' Union, of which Lady Glasgow was an active member and office holder. Her Ladyship has asked and received the cooperation of the clergy of all denominations in Wellington, and at a meeting there a few days ago a com mittee of ladies was formed to take the prdliiniqay'steps to form a iSfew Zealand Mothers' Union. The object of the pro posed Union (<Js to awaken in uiothersa sense of their great responsibility, as mothers, in the training of their boys and girls, who will be the future fathers and mothers of Z^ew Zealand ; and to organise in every place a band of mothers who will unite in prayer, and seek by their owo exarjp'e to lead their families in purity and holiness of life. Mothers of all ranks of life who are enrolled in the Mothers' Union are members, and all are asked to help for ward in every way they can the work of th« union. No subscription is asked from members, but those ladies who subscribe not less than one shil ling a year to the expenses of the union &re subscribing members. The following are the rules :-• ---" Remembering that my children' are dedicated to God in Biptism, and that my duty ia to traiu them for His service, I promise to try, by. God's help " 1, To make them obedient, pure, and gentle. < " 2, To watch over their words, and pre vent evil speaking, slander, and rough words •'3. To guard them from bad or doubtful companions, and immoral or irreligious read ing "4. To teach them habits of sehScontrol, and if possible toi avoid giving them beer, wine, or spirits without the doctor's orders. " 3. To pray for them daily, and to teach them to pray and to observe the Lord's day. " 6. To learn whatever may best tit me to fulfil my part as a loving wife and mother, " 7. To remember the sacredness of marri age, and that on the holy association of home much of my children's spiritual w<j'.l» being in after life will defend." We sincerely trust Lady Glasgow will be successful in her*benevolent purpose, and that a branch of the Motheri' Union will before long be at work in every town in New Zealand.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The " Gazette " notifies t^af; the income tax musf be paid in one sum on T-uesday ; 31st January. The entries for the Wellington ram fair are expected to number about two thousand, being double the number at last year's fair. Mr R; H. Glyn, President of the Bank of New Zealand, has arrived in London, via Australia, on a visit of inspection to the bank of the colony. Mr Newman Andersen, Government butter expert, has resigned, having accepted the appointment of general manager of the Can terbury Central Co-operative Dairy Factory Company. Since the colony was declared free of scab in she ap, several breeders Have been busily engaged purchasing rams in the Wellington district, with a view of sending them to Australia Although the Commission of the | Peace js popularly supposed to be given as a j^Uical faypr, not a single man in the electorate of the Eon John Eullpncc was included in the Jast batch of Justices.—'-' Wairarapa Star.' It is notified in the '•'Gazette" that ex hibits cpnsignp4 for shipment to the Agent- General of s?e» Zealand, g.nd marked for ex hibftjon &t the Imperial institute, j,ondonj will be earjej free of charge on the New Zealand railways. ..., In the conr3e of ThuV^iy night somf person on robbery intent paid a visit to the bedrooms of the Panama Boarding-house. S.evefj bedrooms were ramsacked, and several .gums of mpuey ta^en from the clothes, etc., 0f the ocgupanfa while dip Ja^er slept, The n>a|Liar js ti>e hands of the police.. " The tianipebtfry Frozen Meat Company have entered into an e*.tendgd i},Fj,'aiigernent with the New Zealand Shipping Company *nd the Shaw, Savill Company, whereby a reduction of charges is secured to shippers equal to $d pep lb on mutton, and ifd on Jamb. AH freights are to be paid in .London. A man about forty years of age, named Arthur Jennings, of Kaikoura, was found dead on Thursday morning behind a packing case at the rear of Messrs Beith and Co.'s, dr^pere, premises, Cushel street", Clirist chJ»rc^ marji's of a struggle or violence were on ihc Kody! rf he incjjest was opened in the evening, and w«s acl|Vuroe4 t^ll Mon day. A post mortem ejfaminalion showed | th:ik deith had reeulted tvom apctple^y. The Wood vile correspondent of t|in Welliugton "Post" says:--" Mr Syms i» jiW-it }.c fake prooucdings against the Press Associaijo'ij' fo^ ; he?,vy damages for alleged transmission by 'its'agen,;. at Woodvillc of garbled reports bf evidence givin j*jb VVood vile in the Davcnport-Symß ease." ii it, also stated that a number of melical men !ja,ve ia^en the init.iitivc in instituting pro ceedings reg<tt\iU?i{' certain evidence given at the recent trial.' KEATING'S , PCWDEfe " d^treye BJJG3, FLEAS, MOTHS, BEETLES, aid afl otKep ipsccts, whilst quite harmless to domestic annuals. In exterminating Beetle* the success of this powder is extraordinary, jt is perfectly cleaii in application. §cc the article you purchase is ." KEATING'S,' as imitatiops a,re noxious and ineffectual. Sold 3 W Tins, fid, U, »n4 ?B 94 each, by all

T?:.U;,^ ■ : . Akout "fifteen years ago Mr G. M Reed, | then editor of an Auckland newspaper wrote au exceedingly clever " Bkit ' purporting to narrate the discovery of Noah's ark pre served in ice on Mount Ararat. Many people of a literal turn of mind accepted it as true, and it was even cyopied into one or two religious journals. Recently the article was re-published in an English paper, and a Mr E. L. Garbeit solemnly proposed to raise a subscription for the removal of the , ark in pieces to England ! i At a mooting of the Canterbury Fruit I Growers 1 Association at Chriatchmch, oil Thursday evening, specimeus of apples im ported iv the Talun". last week from Sydney, badly infected wirti codlin moth, were pro duced, and it was resolved that the Govern- . ment's attention be drawn to the fact that the Customs authorities had passed them, and to urge the Government to prevent a recurrence of such importation. It was alao decided to procure all the cases in which the apples Were 6old, and have them des troyed or disinfected. The " Pahiatua Star" says :—One of the most popular creatioi sof tlmsiy grogseller is I made as follows. Of course the operator is j quite untrammelled aa to his quantities. The first item is boiling water, then add spirits of wine, a chunk of President tobacco —any other will do so long as it is not sheep wash tobacco-Perry Davis Pain Killer to taste, with a flourish of white sugar, mix well with an axe handle, strain, bottie, and use in forty-eight hours. This is a powerful is'tiiimlant capable of burning the bowels out of a cast iron dog. A return published in the "Gazette" shows that last month the arrivals in the colony numbered 3409, and the departures 1302, leaving a balance of 1906 in favour of the colony. Of the arrivals 359 were from the United Kingdom; 1505.fr0m New South Wales, and 1174 from Victoria; and of the departures 62 were for the United Kingdom, 753 for New South Wales, and 508 for Vic toria. Taking the principal ports, 953 persons landed at Auckland, 1020 at Wel lington, and 1388 at the Bluff, 590 persons made Auckland their port of departure, 231 Wellington, and 636 the Bluff. Tb» arrivals of Chinese numbered 14-, and there were no departures. letter to the "Lyttelton Times" says:.—" Travellers by the up express dur ing the present north-westerly weather can verify the fact that the top of Mount Cook is visible from the plains by noticing, just after the express passes Dromore station, tlic ; northern peak appear round the northern slope of Mount Peel or Hen M'Lsod range where that rauge dips into Forest creek. The southern peak also soon comes into sight, and though both are hidden sometimes behind the front ranges, yet they are not finally lost sight of until within a mile or so of the Bakaia. I saw it clearly oa Tuesday evmiing, and called tke attention of an old colonist to it, who clearly recognised the Bhap?. I have only ■ seen it twice before. I might add that very little more than the bare tips and the saddle between them are visible from here, though, of course, further south between Timaru and St Andrews, a con siderable portion of Mount Cook is nearly always plainly visible over the Mackenzie pass. On Thursday the committee of the Can terbury Agricultural and Factorial Associa tion, on the''motion of Sir John Hall, unanimously passed the following resolu tion :—" That tho president be respectfully requested to enquire from the Minister of Education whether any, and if so what, steps have been taken for making scholar ships gained in primary schools available for Lincoln College, if desired by the pupils gaining such scholarships; that the Minister's attcn'ion be called to a resolu tion on the subject passed by the delegates of the Agricultural Societies assembled at (jhristchurch in May last, and recommended to the consideration of the Education Department by the Stock Committee of the House of Representatives." Sir Jojin Hall stated that the Minister of Education had iufcrtnad him that scholarships gained in primary schools would be a-vailable for Lincoln College, proviJed that^the institu tion were opened to inspection by the Inspeetor»General 'of Schools, but that the Board of Governors hud declined to agree to such inspection. That, however, was only a private conversation, and he (Sir John Hall) moved the resolution to allow of an explanation being m ide offie ally.

SUDDEN DEATH.

Mr Charles Feltham, of Newtown, Wel- H.i^ton, oue of the delegates to rhe Primitive Methodist Oonfereuce, died very suddenly this morning. Mr Feltham, who was staying at the house of ivlr W. C. DavU, North Bdlt. rose from the brtwkfas*; table and went to his room, After reaching the apartment those in the hous/3 heard him fall, and Me Davis on going to the room found Mr Feltham lyinsj across the door way with blood streaming from his mouth* Dr Trevor wa.s hastily summoned, but a • death resulted in a few seconds after the attack, the doctor could do nothing for him. It appears that for some time Mr Feltham had been suffering from disease of the lungs, but had felt batter of late, and was taking a strong interest and active part in the work of the Conference | when he was thus cut down- Mr Felbham was a in in ,of over forty years of age, married, and had a family of eight chil dren, He was in business as a diaper in Newtown, and enjoyed the respect a-?d confidence ot his fellow citizens, among , wh mhe numbered many friends, while in thj Primitive Connexion he was wc'l knovn, truuted ant? beloved. At. the Conference he represented those having the administration of the important Jubilee fund, and was generally a valued worker in tie cause. He was a successful local preacher, and generally a good Christian and sterling man. His loss is a bereavement to the Church as well as to his wife and family who will have the entire sympathy of the wholo cause as well as of Hie people of Ashburton, oyer whom the sad incident h!*s cast q'iit« a deep gloom. Dr Trevor had no difficulty in giving the usual certificate, and' it js understood the members of the COll7 ferenca will send the remains to the Jyorth iyv burial b,y the deceased's people". In consequence of the sudden death' of their colleague the '"morning sitting of' the Conference was adjourned.

The Railway Reyenue.

PER PKBSS ASSOCIATION.;} WuLtisoTON, January 12. TJ'e railway revenue from April 1 to December ljtf'^ months) is £765,248, as against £711,621, ior the same period lasj; year. T'je expenditure for tlje period tliis year ji £^12,533, as against £478,795 last year, ''fliers q.re also subsianrifil increases in the number q( passengers and the quantity of goods, etc., carried.

PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.

Annual Conterence. The twenty-first Annual Conference of the Primitive Methodist Church in /New Zealand, was opened in the Ashburton Primitive Methodist Church yesterday. In the absence of the, Piesident, Mr James Bellringer, Mayor of Few Piy- j mouth, the vico President, Rev W. Laycock, of Westporr, opened the Con ferenca at 2.30 p.m. There were present the following representatives : -V'elling ton, Rev C. E. Ward and Messrs i.onden, Luke, Feltham and Taylor ; Auckland, Revs J. Guy. W. S. Potter, Mi-ssre' Herbert,Goldie, Booth, Maynard, Walkin son, aud Meadames Kerr and Mayn&rd ; Christchurch, N«v J.Dawson, and Messrs Knott and Hull ; lnvercargill, Rev J. Sharp, Messrs Field and Hughes; 1 imaiu, Rev W. C. Woodward, and Me Hiiton; Thames, „ Rev .J. Olphert, Messrs Lange and, Davis; Groendale, Rev G. Clements and Mr Jepsim ; Ash burton, Rev J. Cocker, Messrs Watkiua and Lill; Manawatu, Rev J. H. Lyon, Messrs Linton and Gould; Geraldine, T\ov W. Woollass* Messrs Sherratt and Fletchor ; Dune Jin, Rev P. W. Jones, , Messrs Roberts and King ; Foxton, Rev M. Raine and-Mr Gib3on ; Stratford, Mr Burgess ; Wnimate, Rev VV. Harris and Mr Fow ; New Plymouth, Messrs Bell ringer and Ward ; Westport, Rev W Laycock. A few other members of the Conference had not yet arrived, RETIRING PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS. I gieet you all in the nama of our Lord Jesus Christ, though unable to be present in person I am with you in spirit. THE TAST >£AX. It seems but a few days since we wpre together at the last Conference in the Cathedral City, and yet since then one more year has gone into the vast eternity that lies behind us. Another year of faith and hope and love, of joy and peace, with its minglings of sorrow and trial, its alternations of victory and defeat. . It has held for us, praise God, in all its I varying experiences much of successful effort and of s lid progress- God has been more to us than all our hopes and fears. The Lord has been with us, and has abundantly blessed our work in the year that has gone. The thought of souls saved, of believers, quickened, of new fields occupied in the Master's name, and of increased laborers in his vineyard must nil our hearts with unspeakable joy and gratitude. THE FORWARD MOVEMENT. The successes which have attended the " forward movement" upon which our church entered some years ago amply attest the wisdom of Mn cuirse then taken, and should encoui.,,^ j us to bold ness of operations in the immediate future. As showing the rapid advances of late years, I might state that we have within the last five years called fourteen men to the work of the ministry, or about an equal number to those who came out during the previous forty years. Strat ford, Weslport, Denniston, Foxton, and Hunterville all witness that the laud is for those who will go up and possess ih, HOME MISSIONS. And here it may not be out of place to refer to the increased interest evinced in the raising of funds forour Home Missions. It is very gratifying to find that the efforts put forth by the Executive in the re orginua'ion of this department have met with ready recognition, and have resulted in a fair increase of contributions. I have no doubt that what has been done will tend to brirg home to our people more fully the responsibility resting upon them regarding the provision to be made for our mission work. I have long held very decided views against receiving money frore Uo*ne to carry on miss'on work here. Iv the early days, no doubt, such was indispensable to the.success ful prosecution of the woik, but I am inclined to think that we have been content lo lean on Home support too long, and that it would have been better fur us if this prop had been knocked away long ago. Itrustthat the hopeexpr^ssed by the retiring President last year will be rea lised, and that our jubilee will find us independent and relying on our own resources for providing the necessary funds for Horn? Mission work. If the policy of past years is to be fol lowed up, and I cannot believe for one moment that you would tolerate any re trogade step—the expenditure for Home Mission work must largely increase. It is apparent that the present rapid exten sion of settlement, especially in the North Island, will bring addiiional claims upon us. Speaking only of my own district I am confident that in a few years we could advantageously place at least three minis ters on new fields, and no doubt other districts will have similar demands on us. To supply the wants of districts such as these, the funds will need to be consider ably augmented, but with the returning commercial prosperity, there ought to be vo insurmountable difficulty in meeting all requirements. The prospect of a con siderable extension of our operations brings home the fact, that if increased funds will be required, so also shall we require more men for pur ministry. We have still to lament that so few colonial young men offer themselves as candidates. That colonial bred men are more intimate with the varying conditions of colonial life and are therefore better prepared to i adapt themselves to its circumstances cannot be denied. It can hardly be ex pected that those who have been brought up at Home under entirely dissimilar con ditions shoul i have the succesa of those who can at once enter into the life of the people amongst whom they may be called to labor. The desirability, nay the abso lute need, for more of ou y^mjj'pedp'e consecrating themselves to .ii oik of Christ being thus impressju on ut>, it behoves us to oarefuljly consider ho\y wo may create an enthusiasm for the work of tin ministry amongst nur youth. Reflet - pg ou this subject I have gijreri some con sideration toi;lie methods of other sec tions of the Church of Christ in this direction. I -have come to the conclusion i that none succeed so weir in inducing their members < 9 give themselves up to the ministry c t i Uie Word the Salvation Army You will all n* doubt h^ve noticed the persistency wilh which the Army calls upon its followers to surrender themselves to its work. It has occurred to me tjiatif the claims of Christ and the Church ' were offceiiej;- and mqre persist ently urged from our pulpits in ourchuroh gatherings, and through our periodical <£ mijch more satisfactory response to the (kll might b,e obtained/.' It is not un likely that there may be tq-day some in pur churches who only require to have die urgency $f the need impressed upon thpm to respond with loyal hearts. i,QCAi, pnEAciqEiia. Whilst dealing with the suhjects which in the past hive caused pareful considera tion I cannot refrain from referring to another subject, which to many is a very p-rinful one. I refsr to the alleged de cadence of thp power and influence of our local preafcJieHS. tt in very qifcen sai4 and no dqubt with some Vriith'lhat there, in a growing disinclination $mongst our con* giegation'to listen tq any btyt'an o/dajnscj "readier. Considering th§ sacrifices made byouriocHl!:r*lhtaii ili <M work they undertake, ]they have an undoubted c!«im to a hearty and witling acceptance of the J services so ungrudgingly rendered. How is it then that we find this relucUnce to attend service conducted by, the looal, preachers'? As a layman and a deep sympathiser with our local pre.icher,«, 1 niighh b(? allowed to suggest th'it while there may ho'often a lack of avm pa thy and ap.preciaTion iv the congfegatibri, something may also be said on other side. As jar m my exporieuce serves me I h&vq

"almost invariably found that where the > local preacher bestowea earnest prayer and preparation on his work, and preac'ies the simple Gospel of, Jesus Christ, neither appreciation nor nieces* is wantinsr. Another point that appears to me to be a growing source of we ikness in our services is the' teaduney to exalt the sermon to the highest possible place to tho detriment of the devotional part of the service, and in th;s direction many local preachers err far more; than the ordained ministers. The finest sermon will utterly fail if the devotional exercises which precede it are jjone through peifanctorily. The remedy I think is with ourselves as l&yman. If we show our appreciation of the service of our brethren, and .seek by our presence and influence to uphold and encouiage them we shall not have so many com plaints o? small congregations and wane of sympathy when the pulpit is occupied by a lay thaw, MKIHOIHST US lON. I now come to the most important sub ject which will be brought before this meeting—the question of Union. As a stedfast opponent of the proposed Union of 188!, 1 have at the outset te state, that the views I then held 1 hold now. ISo far from seeing any reason to change lhe» opinions ,1 then held I am, if that be possible; more fully con vinced that Union is undesirable, and would not conduce to the advancement of Christ's Kingdom in New Zealand. A« many of you are aware the last Conference appointed <a committee to confer with the Union Methodist bodies as to the practicability of Union with theirs. The Committee did not meet during last year, but laso week a meeting was very hurriedly called for Wellington to discuss the subject. As I only received notice of the meeting on the day before the eve an which I would have to leave home in order to. be present, it was quite im possible for me to attend, and I can therefore say nothing of what transpired. Partly no doubt as an outcome of our action last year I received a letter from the President of the Weslejan Conference inviting us to discuss the question of Union with them.' The executive de clined to do so, and the matter' will be biought before the present meeting. The visit of the liev. W. F. James, President of the Bible Christian. Conference of South Australia, to this colony, and the circulation of a pinir.hiet of his, written in the interests of Union, also served tc to brii'g the subject of union prominently forward. Personally I had hoped that this question. had been relegated to the , background for some time to come and bearing in mind, the evil effects of the last attempt it would have been well if it , had. I fear that even the preliminary discussion which has already taken place will cause unrest and disquietude in our congregations. Our pecu.iar feature of the Union movement in the past has been ■that the agitation has always begun with the ministers. Would it uot be much wiser for the ministers to have waited until their people had asked for Union. As far as I can learn not a single meeting representative of our people have asked for Union, and the initiative has bean taken by ministers almost solely on their own responsibility. If Union menas any thing I have always held it to consist of the uniting not only of ministers and officials but of the members and adherents of the different denominations ; in order, to effect this there must be a general desire on the part of the people for Union, arid had this desire existed it would certainly have found clear and unmistakable expression. In a report of an interview with the Jlev. W. F. James, which appears in the Methodise, he complains somewhat that our officials adopted a stand off attitude in regard to this question, but holding the views I do I for one cannot see any other course open to me. There is also in the same report au admission by the rev. gentleman of the greatest possible importance. In speak ing of Union he is repotted to have eaid, ;t there is certainly a want of enthusiasm with regard to it; among the rank and file." lam inclined to think that the army which neglected its rank and file would suffer sorely in the day of battle Brethren, who are the rank and file in our Churches, but its very backbone, from them are derived the necet>sary fund*, they form our congregations, in fact with oift them we must cease to exist. Surely it is premature to talk abut Union when they have no enthusiasm for the subject' I charge you to deliberate well before taking action which may check the pro gress we are now making. The success of pass years has fully justified the action of those who oppooed Union, fearlessly and unflinchingly in 1881, The present state of affairs in Victoria should act as a strong deterrent against hasty action.: Iv connection with this matter I .have with the deepest pain to refer to the utterances of leading ministers of another Church. Tho disparaging statements mads con cerning the Methodist laity are such as I tru*t will never be repeated. It is quite 1 evident that the Union contemplated by them i 3 that so tersely described by- the President of the last Home Conference as ''the union of the whale and Jonah." Their -views of the rights and privileges of laymen are s,uchas no Primitive Methodist could submit to, and serve to render any attempt at Union impossible. ■TBNI'JBKANCE. Another matter that demands our closest attention is the best methods of advancing the cause of temperance. There is no greater curae within .our fair Colony, no feuch prolific parent of vice and sin, as the liquor traffic ; it is by far the greatest hindrance to tho cause of Christ that we have to contend with. Speaking at Mew Plymouth a few weeks ago, Mr Dawson King paid a high tribut j to tho zeal and energy of 6ur ministers, at Home in combatting this terrible foe; stating that lie had never met a Primi tive Methodist minister who was not a total abstainer. 1 believe the same can n: s^id of eyery minister of pur Church in JNew Zealand. If the signs of the times can be relied on we sfyall soqn bo engaged in the deadliest struggle with the liquor traffic this land has ever witnessed. What position shall we take in the fray. Brethren it may ac well to pass resolu tions \n Conference, but more tjian this is required. Shall it be that any will stand idly by while the battle' rages. Nay, as servants of Christ we must quit ourselves like men. There must be no temporizing, ho half measures in dealing with an evil | like this. The issuo of thousands qf. the 4' Prohibition j.fc" every fortnight from one end of ttie colony' to the' other has had a very' considerable influence on public opinion. The e^tonsjpn of thg franchise to women whiph mup!; take place in the near future wijl bring a new i and important force against liquordom, and we ar@ called upon in. the name of Christ to join hands *ith every ageqey ! available for the complete overthrow of I this gigantic evil. If we are to fulfil our 1 migson as a church of the people we can* i not afford to hesitate we dare net hold back. I trust that there will go forth no uncertain sound concerning our attitude, ; and that every member of the church will, 1 by prayer and yorfc do something to bring thisxrjring eviftto an end. ' ,: I ' syN»Ay schools I feel sure you will all join with mo in expressing satisfaction with the action of tho Executive in arranging for a visit from Brother Sweet, of Melbourne, in oonneo ! tion with our Sunday school?. Too much cannot b.e done to make the Sunday school initi'estjng and. attractive, and I pray'that Bro; Sweet's visit niay result in giving a groat impetus to 'all our schools. " !T CDSfNBXIONAI. EVANGELIST. A desire has been expressed that' w« should hare » conheipnal evangelist Juboring ia our clumped for the coming

J ——————— l I year. The greatest difficulty Uto spar* a man for the work. I hardly thbk we should be justified in reducing the ministers on permanent stations to re* lease a minister for this work, very < desirable as it may be. I KBW MINIStISKS. We have had the joy of receiving two young brethren inro the , work from Home, the Revs Hayward and Barrett, who have been stationed temporarily at i Auckland and Wellington. You will all join with me in giving them a very hearty welcome to New Zealand, and 01 r united prayer .will be that they may have - , abundant success in winning houls. OBITVAHr. 1 Death chimed a number, cf our mew ' I bers List year. 'rhe lttv Joseph Lonflv who labored .-;» «y years here and iv Australia has paused away to his rest. . Those of us who knew him in the days of his active ministry will ever hold hi* memory in reverence. His was a nature SHnctified by grace, full'of love and sympathy. X gracious and sweet in fluence ever pervaded his ministrations, and all who were brought into contact with him were fair to confess hisuncerity and worth. He is now with ttbe Christ he loved and served so faithfully. ' The friends at Foxton nave had very severe bereavement in the: deaths of Bros Honore and McLean. They have oar deepest sympathy in tfwir trial. God buries his workman but carries on his work. • ,■ ■ . . All Evangelical Christendom has had to lament the losi of its greatest preacher. The year 1892 will be rendered memorable in the annals of evangelicalism as the year in which CharlesH addenSpurgeonfinished his work here, and paused away to the service of heaven. His influence and teaching remain with us. These cannot die. * CONCLUSION. And now, brethren, in resigning the 'joeition with which you honored me last year, I wish you a very happy and profitable meeting. I trust that you will be Divinely guided, and that your deli berations will tend to the'advancement of the cause of Christ in this Colony, and the enlargement of the borders of our beloved Church. That this something may be accomplished to hasten on the (glorious day, when Christ shall have universal dominion, and the whole earth be full of the glory of the Lord. After devotional services the officers for the year were elected. President, Key J. Guy; Vice-Presi dent, Mr J. Booth, of Auckland; Secretaries, Rev W. Woollass and BCr C. E. Bellringw; Readers, Rsv W. tt. Potter, and MrD. Goldie; Letter writers, «cv J. Sharp and W. Harris ; Auditor*, Messrs Burgess and Gibson ; Doorkeeper, Mr Watkins; Time keeper, who shall call upon dome member of the Conference to ei>gage in prayer for God's guidance every hour, M*—— STATIONING COMMITUB. The Stationing Committee was ap pointed who were to lay before the' Co nference the first draft of the stations of ministers. This important committee were Rev* Jones, Sharp, Potter and the President, with Messrs Taylor, Jield, Linton and Goldie. The Allocation Com mittee was also appointed: Revs Sharp, Jones, and the Preident, and Messrs Taylor, Field, linton and Goldie. SESSIONS. The hours of the sessions oi Conference were fixed from 9.30 aim. to 12.30 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. PRESIDENT SLECT President Guy gave a short address thanking the Conference for the confi dence and the honor given him, in the . course of which he expressed h;n hearty sympathy in the question of Methodist union for New Zealand. At the same time he felt a strong attachment to the liberal polity and church of his choke which was the choice of his father, which •■ he rejoio.d to know was doingaod would continue to do good work for Chrits ivod our fellow mea in this colony* He , thought that in consequence of the whancs* of front in Australia that Methodist tsmm could' not take place. Mr Guy, after: making a few graceful references r& Asfr-" burton and the district, concluded by re- ' questing Mr C. E.. Bellrincw in the absence of his father, Mr JV Bellringer,, the late President, to retd that gentle* man's retiring address. , WJSLCOME. The Rev S. La*r/ and the Trustees of the Ash burton Wegleyan Church offered the Conference the use of their ehurcb. The kindly offer was accepted for Tuesday ! afternoon, when an open R€S3iott«f the Conference will be held, and "for the. public meeting on Tuesday evening. ■-' ': " The following letter was read:—: " Ashburtoq, January 12, 1893.—T0 the President and memben of the Primitive Methodist Conference.—Dear Sirs,—The ministers of the Christian churches of Ashburron desire to wait on you at some convenient time during your sessions to present to you a few words of fraterasl greeting, if you will be good enough to name the day and hour. 1 will pom municate with the other ministers, esd arrange our visit to suityour arrangements.. —Yours faithfully, SaSkjel La way.'* V similar letter was received /torn the Chrietchurch Ministers* Associa'ion, sitt ing that they tad appointed a deputation ta convey their fraternal greetings to the Conference.  ' It w»s decided to receive the Christ church deputation on Fridty at 2.30p.m.l and th 9 deputation of the Ashburto«: ministers on Mouday morning at 10 o'clock, • ; < FUNDS. . . ' The Revs C. K. Ward, W. C. Wood ward, with Mr GoKie were appointed tb^'; receive counexiooal funds. The Conference adjourned at 5 30.

PUBLIC RECEPTION.

In the evening the usual public serriar was he}d in the Church, which rw Tertr largely attended. Previqus to the mA yice a short meeting wa* held presided " over by the president elects-Rev Jamtt Ouy. Thera were also present Tl» Mayor of Ashburton, Mr Richard Bfed, and Councillors Orr, Paul, Jones, Dun can, and Cuthqertson, and '„ Major Steward. After devotional exercises, hearty addresses of welcome were given by each of the above named gentlemen, and on the, motion of Mr J. Taylor, seconded by Rev O. K. Ward, a hearty vote of thanks passed to these geut|g* men and the citizens of Ashburton for their kindly welcome. The public service then proceeded. conduced by Rev W, Laycock. ' At its r close the ordinance ol the Lord's supper was celebrated, FJHST DRAFT OP STATIOKB. "*^ At the public service the following first draft from the Stationing Committee was read: — New Plymouth, J. Nixon ; Wellington. C. E. Ward, F. W. Boys, John Dumbell, Super.. W. J. Dmn, Super,; Auckland, James Guy, D. H. Hay ward ; InvercargiU, Joseph Sharp ; Bluff branch, Henry Wil. liams; Timaru, S. Barnett y Thames, J. , Olphert; Greendale, T. H. tyon j Christ, ■ church, jJohnnawsonj Ashburton, IV, C. Woodward ; Manawatu, J*m« Cocker, Q, Carr and H, Curran L.P. ; Geraldine* George Clement; Duntdin, P«ter W, Jones; Auckland, W. S.Poiter; Foiton, W. Woollass, ; : MISSIONS. * : South Invercargill, George Qrindler: Stratford, J. Clover, and W. C. Wckkl ; Waiwate and Oamaru, Walter Hacris,; i CM. j- WeatportandiHnnittoh, Wl tlaji '° cock nnd Robert fiaine, < , V?-;\

•tHE ASBtBtJBfcOr Gl/ARfciAtf: FRIDAY JANtAJLIY 13, 1891



FUR THE HOLIDAY* ' ii. J. NEILL and GO's SPECIAL PRICES FOR THIS MONTH Ladies' Cashmeretie Hose, double knee, lOjd Ladies' Cashmere Hose, Is . j n -- n New Fashionable Dress Ooocfc, 3aiUd a dozen Wonderful Value in Summer Dr^a Tweed bja VJue from u4d Black Cashmeres and French Morinos, all prices to 5s 6d per yard All Woo Flannel, 7H per yard ; Flannelettes at 3s 6J per <»P»>n Good Heavy Twilled at pi<l , leather Shirting, Swansdown Back, at 7»a per y»«i Washing Prints, 3s lid per *•»» k^c^ CLOTHING. Men's Colonial Tweed Suta, 23s 6d Men's Serge Suits, 22*6 d Men'b Tweed Trousers from 5s lid Boys' Tweed Suits in endless variety , Men's Bibbed Cotton Pants, J* ™ Men's Colonial Ruit Wool Socks>. lljd per |>aw Man's Regatta Shirts, 2s lid . Men's Strong Braces, 9d per pair . Boya* Strong Bwoes, 4d per pair. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. UNRIISTAKEABLB VALUE. Ladies' and Children's Tan Show, a specialty Brown Canvas Shoes, all sizes Men's Bluchers, 5a 3d _. ■ aim at very low prices. G. J. NBILL and CO: FRIEDLANDER'S BUILDINGS, CORNER OF EAST k MOORB STBBETS. HARDLEY BROS. ELEGfrAWT AND USEFUL «OO»8 At Low Prices. EVERY ARTICLE OF OUR NEW STOCK WARRANTED. TN Oallinff Special Attention to the T jar «e List of DR 4PEEY, OLOTH Wtt I and NOVtoiES^i MILLINERY, described from time to time in these Columns, we wish to Impress ON ALL the following : -Ist -Every Article is Wwrnnted to givo SATHFAOTIOBT, and if ever a JitTMrim anything that don't suit, they can return it to be exchanged, or Keyam have the money returned if they so desire. o a ah ♦!,* floods will be FIRST-CLASS of the Newest and Most Desir- Jfis*£ 2?S*- « *•* t«™ *- Moh artiol<H can elßeiTl"'re be obtained for. 3rd-We deal in NO SHODDY GOOD 3 whatever, and all who Order of US may be SURE that they will receive the BJSS-1. 4th We are satisfied witb a Small Profit, and as Our Business is of such 4tn.--We w«JT h . b _ iftJ . our Gjols oil the Manufacturers in Large P"g^? \Ttg2^ we are enabled to SELL our Goods for LESS SBffittSSl^ our Customers the advantage. & Those who want GOODS should iend to US and Save Money. /ttlt Arrived-A Splendid Assortment of Men's and Boy/ SUITS. SPECIALLY FOR CHRISTMAS WEEK. HARTLEY BSOB., ARCADE HOUSE, # BURNETT STREET, ASHBU R T 0 N. __ SALEK'S NEW JEWELLERY ESTAHLISHMENT. m«i? MAr»VTKTPFNT HIGH-CLAS3 STOCK IS NOW OPENED UP. S T??LEK S S anJ?!£. atfentfcm of the Publrc to the fact that having SALl.lv Deira to ur» showinu a Stock which for ■ .f^^^^.^^^^i hmWf withanyinChrisfcchurch. gahty. price, and^ newest de«gnH co P nta the Ashburton Dißtrict in 2 6«? Set 6f%pewelle% Trade, and I lowing a Larger Stock than has ever Uforf been umqU e Stock specially suitable for ™.« pp W wkts^wedding p&nts, Whday presents, and XMAB PRESENTS, ATIOIS TESTIMONIALS. - nn\A *nA Silver Jewellery ot every description.  THE WA^«^™ BKPAIRINO i i.- l n i»« ftrraneements, and additional assistance having been 4S."S£i^rW on •h.vi-g their work don. pron.pt ly .nd atiflfaetorily S. SALEK, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER. Wew Zealand Clothingr Factory. FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON. WE are now Showing the Larg^TTnl Best Aborted Stock ot MENS MKROKRY and HATS in Ashburton. UentfTennisand Cricketing Oento Term s •nd^ieketing Sh« s gg gh Oenta' Tennis and Cncketim? »acnes awou-q AND ROOTS BOOTS AND SHOES. SHOfcs AND tfUOIS. -  ™ • =„, a LrfwUcV Button and Lace Shoes CLOTHING DFPARTMENT. wish to buy a handsome Christmas Present, get one of the Wortheim Sewing ■ ' ' Machines, ice oiw in our window. HALLENSTKIN BROS. " ALfiX HENDRY, Manner COLBKANB AMD So.r JfiCCALYPTI! Xx j rpj O^n/ T7^// TRACT is the only genuine in the market, j JL llv JLJtjoV JL.Kj\a> and was a warded medal* and diplomas at IN THE WORLD Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, beating aU competitors. For all affectionsi of fie ilvalon*- C^OVlOn. Gouxhs Coldc Gravel, and Kidney Cam- NISIAN HYSLOP, anj) CO., DIJnU, i* has no equal. Ag«uts— Tea Importers,



I Wanted "ORIMITIVK Methodiot Conference 1. Convention to-night, 7-30. Im portant subjects to be discussed. Come in crowds and .hear. 1 52 I \I7ANTKD, two respectable Boarders, I W who would be willing to share paire room ; every comfort. Apply office of this paper. _^ 4 lOST— Brass Cap, from wheel of licjht •-1 trap. Finder kindly leave at Mail Office^ 5_5? BICYCuF. for Sale, in perfect, order and condition. Cheap for cash — W, M. Lewis, Tailored street. 151 I REVIEW of Reviews, Welduu't \\ Journal. Other Magazines and ; New Books by the mail -H. M. JoXK*. T~~HB Misses Adams' low Refreshment- Rooms now open. Tea, CofLe, Cocoa, Lemon Squash, Soda and Milk and all the new summer drinks ready at all times. Coleman's Buildings, l-ast Street. lANOS and Organs sold on easy time payments ; extended terms to suit purchaser*, ~H: M. Jones. ADGER'SN.Z. Statutes, Government Acts supplied, Diaries, Account Books, plain and faucy Stationery.—H. M. Joaks. , tiHRISTMAS FAIR now open, every * thing new and cheap. Come and see for yourselves.—The New Shop's, Coleman's Buildings. 12 771 WANTED Known—loe Creams, Ice Creams, for the hot weather, always ready at H. G. Flower's, Confec tioner, East Street. SOMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest, the largest, tha best, and the cheap ast. Small Goods a specialty. Full weights guaranteed. A trial solicited. —'V. J. Siloouk. *™ WANTED— Purchaser tor Bargains in Summer Dresses, Prints, and Delaines, Sunshades, &c. at S. W. Alcobn and Go's Sale. \\>ANTtGD Known—Wo are still VV giving tickets for presents to all puichasers of one shilling and upwards.— H. C. SegehjS, Melford ftouse. Vj JELLING OFF Bocks, Stationery, O and Account Books, Fancy Goods, Music, "Violins, Accordeons, etc, Fire Screens and Stove Ornaments, all nt Reduced Prices.—li, F. Andkswbs & Go. WANTED Known—New Flannelettes at extraordinary prices; 3s lid »nd *s lid doa. Thirty per cent under price.—W. H. Collier. WANTED the Public to know that S. W. Alcorn and Co's Summer Sale is now on. Great Bargains in Millinery, Underclothing etc. W ANTED Known.—High class Dresa Gooda, latest patterns, now selling under wholesale prices. Special line of double width stuff Gd and Is, less than half price.-H. C. Segbhs, Melford Hou3e_. . WANTED Known—We are now giving awny Beautiful Presents to every purchaser of 5s and upwards, Upme and see our b.irgains in Drapery, &C.—H. C. Sbgbbs, Melford House. t\7HY not Bake your own Bread when »»' you can gee 50ibs of the Best Roller Flour for nvb: ■shUlings cash or five shillings and sixpence booked at Robert alcokn's, Saunders' Buildings.^ 11 *^1 DON'T let the rain water destroy your buildings. Get Spouting fixed at 4d per foot and buy a tank, complete with Up, tested before leaving workshop, for 30d, at J. W.JJARPgy's- WANTED Known that S. Salek, Watchmaker and Jeweler, has removed to new shop near New Zealand Clothins Factory. ■!<> 213. VXTaNTED Known—Dr Scott's cele ' » brated Electric Corsets can only \w obtainefl in Ashburton at AY. H. OoiiiOiK's, "Tho Corner." B""EAR in mind that J.~W. Hasdlby, Plumber and Ga§fitter, East Street, has the largest Stock in town of Pumps. Pipes, and' Fittings, and that he is selling j them cheaper than ever at prices hitherto unheard of in Ashburton. Now v» the chance for a cheap Pump ; improved No. 4. Price, 16s. Larger svaes in proportion, /^HRISTMAS Suits. Boys, three \J garment long Tcouser Suits at Ids. Boys, Coiorial-mad^ Knicker Suits from 10s. Men's nicely made Colonial Tweed Suits 30s. Colonial Tweed Suits to measure from 50a.—Ashburton Clothing Mart, Saunders' Buildings. Robbkt AtcoEir- ' . .■'■ ON'T Forget tbe goro^gh Bye-Laws re Can? age Lamps, and that Haedlb. as large Stock on hand, also a large afisortmenfc of Tinware and Iron mongery, Scythes, Reaping Hooks, Hay Knivee, Forks, etc., of best quality, and »U at lowest possible prices. J. W. _tARDLBY, East Street, Ashburton. N~~'EW YEAU'S GIFTS,*-Card, Book lets New Games in great variety. Beaut fullotof Vases, Fancy Glassware, and Fairy Lamps. Boys' and Girls' Annuals, and other new Volumes. Prfee Books at reduced prices. New Birthday Reward and Wedding Cards,-U F. ANDREWES jr. 00., Stationers' Hall. ___^ « jtTANTED Known—That J. Moisojt VV keeps the best stock of Boots in Ashburton, for this reason that he pays j cash and is not under or bound to any j one firm like many in the trade, winch enables him to procure and supply the public with the Best Colonial and English makes ; and his well-known make needs no recommendation. Always on hand Best Sole Leather, used for repairs and done at once.—J. Moison, Impermeable Bootmaker, Town Hall, East Street, next Court House.



Stop .DrlnJciujr. '.' I qan't" are two little words seldom used by a wan -x/ho drinks ; to use them he thinks is un evident o| weakness, and so we wonder why, when fee { uits, he doesn't stay quiv If we knew aa, oar wonder would be, with that terrible ewinjz at hi-s vitals, ho is able to resist even for 4 *hort time-a craving on which will-power, moral evasion, tho pledge aelf-respect, have no etfe^t yhatever, and which until recently has been in ;nsur moantnh\o bar to reform in tbousaiuls upoo thottttands of cases. But the time has . wj^cn that craving can be stopped 1! Sure. Jyrt M suio as it is pamihle to cure a cold- pc M)fi.3tif;e can he destroyed j the man plaxjed bacfe, eeftr t for as drinking is concerned, just where hts was before he a,e(jfcir£d the habit, Tho mre does not destroy the will but the appetite. £0 he will have to |eafn to drink all ovgr tt^ajin, and the effort will be so great that if he i* vorth aavjng he won't make it. R. T, Bwth's golden Remedy No. 1 destroys the drink appe£ij£ It. T. Booth's Golden Remedy No. 2 a the best brain an<J nerve to»ic on thi§ earth. At ail chemjst# and storekeepers -(APVT). W



Messrs Cole.mane aud Sjons' Eucalypt Extract (manufactured at Mi^tagong and G'ootamunflra, New South Wales) has attained a reputation as a specific for affec tions of the chest, lungs, consumptions asthma, diphtheria, aud a variety of other complaints. It numbers among its patrons Earl Jersey, the present, and Lord Carring ity, )a,t!3,. of New South Wales, wlijlo jni Great' (Britain d-uihig the influenza epsditrjie scarcely a house qr'bffice was witli -0111 it. Mesars Qoleniaije aijd ■'Sons? whole sale depot is iu'Cihrfctohupch, Sjja'fland aud Co, are whol^sa'e agsnts for the North Island.



Ihf, Bkst Remedy for Indigkstion- j ' Jj'ortgn'g Camomile Pills aro confidently recomiuenSed a« • sjijifle remedy fot [ndigestion, which Is the cause of nearly all bhe diseases to which We' are subjects Norton's Pills, with justice ' called the 'Natural Strengthcner of the Human Stomach,'/ act as a powerful tonic and gentle : pericnt,' are mild in their operation, and '. gife under any circumstances. Sold in ' bottles, at 1* ljd, 2s 9d, 11s, by all medicine 1 y^ndrra thrnuehnnti th« I The Qnslow Biscuit. Thd latest and t most' delicate biscuit nymufpotured by 1 Aulsebrovk>Qd Co .



Crackncll and Digestive Himrita far Invalids we unmifpsattd, Uifc W n .Ji