Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1893. DESTRUCTION MADE EASY.

The terrible catastrophe which has just laid the town of Santander in ruins, and the outlines of which have reached us by cable, give a more correct idea of the tremendous power of dyna mite than has been generally enter tained. We had beard of buildings beiug wrecked, of ships blown up, and of rocks broken to fragments. But the event just recorded puts all former performances of this mighty force into the shade. A seaport instantaneously destroyed, and a thriving city as large as Christehurch reduced to a heap of ruins in a moment of time, are astound ing results of man's handiwork. It is almost impossible for us to realise at this distance the vastness of this calamity, or to conceive the effect of its awful suddenness. Thousands of tho inhabitants were watching the pro. gress of the flames on a burning ship. " They were quite unaware thsre was any dynamite on board/ the cablegram says, which suggests that the quantity was only a small portion of the cargo ; and " when the explosion came it blew the quay on which they were standing into the air." One moment, these thousands of human beings were look ing at a spectacle that probably excited only an ordinary amount of interest or curiosity ; the next—all that was left of them was a mass of bleeding humanity—of men, women and chil dren dead, dying, maimed and mangled, while the burning steamer and all in its vicinity had disappeared as though they had never been. Hitherto we have only seen destruction on such a scale as this resulting from the opera lion of natural forces. The upheav il of a continent or the rending of a moun tain may have slain tens of thousands of our fellow creatures. But although such evidences of terrible energy may move us to awe and wonder, they re veal nothing new, and offer no indica tions to the resthss mini of man by which he can discover some of nature's mysteries. The Santander disaster, however, has a more important bearing upon human affairs than any local con vulsion on the surface of this planet. It points to possibilities almost too dreadful to contemplate if war is to be, as heretofore, the arbiter of the disputes of nations. What, for example, would be the result if half a dozen ships loaded with dynamite were exploded in the port of London? How many ships would be destroyed—how many thousands of people would be hurried into eternity—and how many millions sterling would be required to repair the damage done ? When we consider the vast sums expended in equipping fleets and armies to carry on war be tween two countries at variance, the time lost 'm the operations, and the inj'iry to the frade oi evej.} the victor in the strife, under the ordinary condi tions of modern warfare, we cannot doubt that the Santander episode will brjng abouit a change in the art of war. We think th^t the revelation of the fearful destpuetiveness o£ dynamite will lead to its being much more extensively employed in the destruction of human life than has hitherto been the case. A torpedo boat might sink a large ship. But we now see that an innocent look ing st@#'i&er carried into a port could in a momeiifc cause ro^re damage to life and property than fifty tei»pec£oe§, op a week's bombardment. A. similar vessel passing quietly through the midst of a fleet of warships could cause most of them to be blown to atoms, T^ege are amongst the possibilities of the future if the amazinsf power of dynamite should be employed in the direction of v/h ioh the recent catastrophe in Europe is a startling indication.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Lynch Bellringers to-night, and at Rakaia on Wednesday. Matter of interest will be found on our fourth page. ? Mr E. G. Wright speaks at Tinwald to *ight Me G. 0. Waby addresses the Ashburtcn eleciois in the Chertaey Schoolroom to moirow evening at eight o'clock. At the R. M. Court thi3 morning—before hi 9 Worship the Mayor—a first offender was convicted of drunkenness and discharged. The Colonial Office considers the seizure of the New South Wales mineral exhibits in Chicago is a grave breach of international law. Mr R. M, Cubhbertson addressed a meet ing of Rangitata electors at Hinds on Mon day evening, and after his address was accorded a hearty vote of thanks on the motion of Mr T. Holmes, seconded by Mr J. Sawle. Mr J. Keays occupied the chair. The Right Hon. Sir Clare Ford, British Ambassador in Constantinople, has been removed to Rome to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Lord Vivian. He will be succeeded by Sir Drummond Wolff now Ambassador in Madrid. The Victorian Government has decided to send two delegates to Canada to attend the Conference respecting reciprocal trade re lations with the several Australasian colonies, and intend to ask other Governments to participate. A garden party in connection with the Wesleyan Church is to be held at Mr John Orr's, Alford Forest Road, to-morrow after noon. The grounds are very attractive and conveniently situated. A good attendance may therefore be looked for. At the sale of thoroughbreds held at Ric carton racecourse yesterday, the greater part of the entry was passed in. The following sales were effected :—Br g Guardsman, by Vanguard—Titania, 30gs; b c Aldershot, by Foulshot—Anterina, 250gs; b f Lada by Castor —Welcome Kate, 35gs ; b c by Apre mont—Miss Russley, 40gs ; br h Van Buren, by Vanguard- Wild Rose, 47gs ; br g Libe rator, by Betrayer—Diana, 500gs ; bl c Jos. Sedley, by Guy Fawkws— Vanity Fair, 20gs. Mr A. E G. Rhodes addressed the electors | of Pctreora at Temukaon Monday evening. From 500 to 600 people were present. He spoke chiefly on finance, and the liquor con trol questions. On these points he occupied an hour. An amendment to a vote of confi dence was proposed by two women, on the ground that Mr Rhodes opposed the fran* chise and was satisfied with the liquor law. The amendment was carr.ed by two to one on a small show of hands. Temuka is the stronghold of the local Prohibition party. At the iaquest afc Mercer on Dean, the platelayer killed by a goods train while riding on a jigger eight miles above Mercer, the evidence of the train officials showed that the accident occurred at a sharp curve. It was raining heavily, and the smoke blowing in front of the engine made it difficult to see ahead. A verdict was returned to the effect that death was accidental, and no blame was attachab'e to the engineer. The cause of death was concussion of the brain. Women's suffrage seems to be carried out quite to its logical conclusion in Wellington. At Mr Macdonald's meeting, we learn from the " Post," an excited female elector caused considerable diversion and a stoppage of the speech by haranguing the multil ude from benca'h the dress circle, gesticulating wildly at the same time. What she said was inaudable amid criea of "Platform," varb«i by "Chuck her out," and as she declined tc cease or budge, she was afforded further evidence of her political equality with mar by being summarily ejected by the custodian. Russian geologists are considerably excited just now by tin discovery of a "mammoth corpse " on the banks of the River Anabara, in an inhospital region between Yenisei and Lena, The dead mammoth is "complete in ekin, flesh, hair and bones," thus resembling the celebrated specimen unearthed duting the last century, which was unfortunately des troyed before Pallas could examine it. As soon as intelligence of the new "find" reached St Petersburg a party was de-patched from the Academy of Sciences to investigate it, the leader being the well-known Siberian explorer, Baron Toll. The following are the handicaps foi swimming races on Wednesday evening at 5.30 p.m. Swimmers are reminded that these events count points in the trophy kindly presented by G. A. M. Buckley, Esq., for the swimmer scoring most points in all swimming races during the season :—75 yards. Seniors—R Upton, scr; T* Grubb, 1 sec ; H. Curtis, 4 sec ; Gifford-Williams, (j sec; E Purchase, Q sec ; W. Burns, 7 sec ; F. Smith, 10 sec; H- Hoult, 14 sec; R. Tasker, 15 see. Juniors. 50 yards-—F. Williams, scr; A. Wilkie, scr ;G. Gourdie, 7 sec; J. Kempthorne, 10 sec ; A Kelly, 12 sec ; H Page, 18 sec; L. Kempthorne, 13 sec. Mr E. G. Wright addresstd a well at tended meeting of electors (including a number of ladies) at Flemington last even ing. Mr John Dunn took the chair and briefly introduced Mr Wright, who apolo gised for the short notice which he had been compelled to give on aqcount of the Govern ment having fixej the polling so much earlier than they had intended. Mr Wright then spoke at some length, being frequently applauded in the course of a very orderly aud attentive meeting, and at the close after a few questions were asked and answered, on the the motion of Mr Gil-nour seconded by Mr Thos. Taylor, a unanimous vote of thanks and confidence was accorded him. At a general meeting of the Ashburton Liberal Association held on Monday evening, correspondence was read from the Women's Liberal Association intimating their willing ness tp work for the s-ime candidate as had been selected by the Liberal Association, A letter was a.so read fr,pm the Canterbury Progressive Liberal Association exchanging grsetingß, and enclosing a copy of their rules and platform. Resolutions were carried— That the Association confirms its choice of Mr Waby as candidate, and will do its utmost to secure his return; tint the Prenrier be written to informing him that Mr Waby was the candidate selected for Ashburton, and ,Mr M* sUft f°r fchp Rangitata seat; that Mr i Waby be asked to gj,ve asdressps a£ H&mp stead and AshViurton at an early date. Mr George Hunter one of the candidates for the Waipawa seat, addressed a meeting of electors »t Pourergre under novel circum stances It had been intended, 'says the "Hawke'sß y Herald," to hold the meeting in the woolshed, but as the night was hot and the air oppressive, and the fragrance of the golden fleece very much in evidence, it was decided to have the gathering on the tennis lawc, JJere Mr J. Flanders, the gardener, by arranging iam^s afc convenient distances in the shrubbery, succeeded in making quite a little fairyland far the nonce, arid it is quite certain that no candidate in New £e;*land ever before addressed an audience tinder more charui^jg conditions of scene and surroundings; The pavilion was lit ujj by a number of lamps, and one end of it wik reserved for ladies, several of whom were

THE GENERAL ELECTION.

IHE RANGITATA SEAT

MR MASLIN AT TINWALD

Mr W. S. Maslin, a candidate for the Rangitata seat, addressed the electors in the Templar Hall, Tinwald, last night. There were one hundred and fifty people present, and th<» audience included a number ot ladies. Mr Redm;iyne occupied the chair and introduced the speaker. He expressed his pleasure at seeing so many ladies present and asked for the speaker the same fair hearing which had been accorded to ihe two candidates who had previously addressed them, Mr Mis in, who was applauded on rising, said—As I am a total stranger to most of you, it may be necessary for me to say a few words concerning niyself. There is little need for me to inform y« v chat in politics I am a liberal, but, liberal ism is no new thing with me. I challenge anyone to say that I have ever been any thing else but a Liberal, for I have always supported Liberalism and worked for the Liberal cause ever since I have had the privilege of recording a vote. In the early days Liberalism incurred some little odium to those who supported it, but now that the cause ia on the up grade everybody is flocking forward for the Liberal side. Candidates are crop ping up everywhere, and I take it as a good omen of the success of the Liberal cause in the future. womek's franchise. Permit me to congratulate you for the first time in having the privilege of attending meetings of this kind as elec tors. I have always been in its favor and have r.ever heard a good argument against woman's franchise. I have been pietsed to note the hearty congratulation accorded to the leader in this movement, but am sorry to notice that the meed of praise that the present Liberal Govern ment have deservedly won for their share in instituting the reform has nofc been ac corded. I recognise fully what £ir John Hall and other leaders have done for the woman's franchise causa, but unless the Government had taken the measure up and forced it through the House the ladies would have been without the franchise to-night, This was not the only electoral reform that was given effect to during the last session. It has often been noted and referred to as against the Liberal Government that in by-elections they have generally been the losers. This resulted from tne property holders being able to register in as many dis tricts as they held property. This has been done away with—a very desirable thing, indeed, I think. Under the present electoral law we have not only the one man-one-vote, but also the ONE-MAN-ONE-BOLL, and so in future in by-elections there can be no rushing of a crowd from other parts to carry an election against the wieh of the people in that district. I myself should like to see this reform carried still further. I did't think there is any need for a property qualification. I should like to see one qualification only and that » residential one. It would simplify matters considerably and I believe if the Liberal party return to power this ad ditional reform will be carried at an early date. Though I don't agree with all their measures, I stand here as a supporter of the PRESENT GOVERNMENTS When the present Government came into power the Opposition did all in their power to biiug the Lii>er*l party into dis credit. Many of you know how the Op positionists stumped through the country -saying that we wore going to have a large letioit in revenue, money would be scarce *nd trade brought to a state of stagna tion. The wish was fathtr to the thought, ao doubt, but in some instances they did not care what their thoughts were. Time has falsified all their predictions, and in stead of phe Liberal Government having * deficit in their revenue, and trade being paralysed, what do we find 1 Why, thai they had a largo surplus, with jut addi tional taxation, and the revenue of the countrj h.is become more buoyant, Be sides this, the Government have been able co vote a large sum of money out of revenue to carry on public works without further borrowing, a thing which no other Government in JSevr Zealand have done. Regarding the mattsr of money leaving our shores, I say money to within the last six months Wis never more plentiful, and post offices and savings banki had to reduce their rate of interest on deposits on account of the flow of money. (A. voice—They have raised it again.) fea, that is so, but only during the last few months, and that ia due to influences outside the colony. Un account of the crisis which the Australian banks have just passed through, their Government have legalised a papar issue for a few months, and t\e banks here have sent money over in case of any emergency that may rise during the time. THE SUCCESS OF THE LIBEKAL GOVEBJNMENT is unprecedented. In respect to their financial arrangements their whole course has been one of success. It has been one triumphant success all along the line, and you cannot point to a Government that has done so mv ila for the farming com munity and the people of the colony as the Government of the day, and I believe that they will be returned again with a larger majority than ever. But what v their success to be attribute! to 1 The Conservative says the success is dua to the Government following in the footsteps of their predecessors and adopting their financial policy. They've made one of the most radipal changes ever made. The Conservative policy was a Cinserva: tive Property Tax th^ttaxed everything that a man had, even to his ©x and his ass. This tax was very unjust, and was against the development of industries. For instance, £2600 capital was supplied by people in my district for getting up a dairy industry. Although the industry never paid a dividend, as soon as they subscribed the money, down cime the property tax upon them. I do not say ♦hat the property tax killed the dairy in dustry %t Geraldine, bub Ido say that it crippled industry to a large extent. What has the present Government done 1 They have abolished the Property Tax and given us a L>ND AND INpOMJS TaX. When firat introduced this Bill ex empled improvements to the extent of £3000 on land, and also exempted sneep and cattls. This was felt by the farming community and the public generally to be a large measure of relief. But this was not all. The Government has abolished taxation on improvements altogether, and the success of their measure is the result. Industries c^n now s'art and flourish, and are not called upon to eofttrjbut©' one penny direct taxation until such time as they make sufficient profits to come under the control of the Income Tax ; until the money is earned £her§ is no taxation. This shou'd lift the country up, and I believe that much of the buoyancy of the finances of the country to-day is attri butable in no smpll degree to the en lightened measures passed by our Liberal Government. There was a gmt hue and cry made against the Government because for thfi first time in the history of the colony men were called upon to contribute to direct taxation according to their means. J. refer to the ■ r GRADUATED TAX I I consider this tax to ba sound in principle" If a man possesses much land in estates he has a rigjht to contribute to the revenue of the colonty ; especially as he has grown 'jcJrbyttw borrowed millions expended.

by the Guvernment on roads and railways. The people paid a tolalsam of £297,000 tax under the Land Tax. But we must remember thab our railways are paying about 3 per cent., and still do not pay, as £200,000 U chargeable to the consolidated revenue ot the colony for paying interest on their construction. Jf we deduct this £2X),000 from the £297,000 taxation paid by these large land-holders there is a very small proportion of fcsx tion agiinst them. Under these circumstances I see no cause for complaint from the large land-owner f, if any people have cause to complain i is the people who receive tho smallest ! benefit and contribute largely to the revenue of the colony. We must aleo remember that the higher grades under the graduated taxatioa system is only pa:d by a few. Only 1500 persons pay graduated taxation at all. There are 809 parsons out of the 1500 who only pay an average of £3 11s graduated taxation. Then there are 387 who pay on from £10,000 to £20,000. On the higher grade eight persona pay on £90,000; five pay on £110,000; three pay on £130,000 ; six pay on £150,000 ; two pay on £170,000 ; one pays on £190,000 ; and three pay on £210,000 and over. So you see that the higher grade of the graduated tax falls on a few who are very near millionaires, and ib ia right and proper that thesj men, who have grown immensely rich af the country's expense, should be called upon to pay their fair share of taxation. To show you lha relief that has been given by the Liberal Government's system of taxation to the bona fide worker on the land. There are 9028 persons who have been relieved from direct taxation through the proposals of the present Government. 3000 bona fide tillers of the soil have been relieved of taxation. This is encouraging to settlers all over the colony. Another matter brought promi nently before the country lately was the GOVERNMENT RAILWAYS BILL. No doubt this matter wili find a promi nent place at the coming election. It has already been brought before you in a speech delivered in tbe House, Some of you may not be familiar with the circum stances under which the present Commis sioners were appointed. A cry of indig nation arose against the raising of the grain rates, and the Government wanted to be relieved of the responsibilities of management and adjustment of the rail way tariffs, and they thought the best way ouc of the difficulty was to obtain a competent expert and place the manage ment of the railways in his hand. After the Bill was passed they said it was impossible to get a railway expert at the salary estimated. What did they do then 1 They placed Mr McKerrow (who may be a good enough surveyor) as Chief Commissioner, and Mr Maxwell, who had been general manager and did not give unmixed satisfaction, was placed second, and Mr Hannay was placed third. And thus the Government handed over to these three men over £15,000,000 worth of public property. In the present Government Bill some object to the Mini ster havkg the right of veto, but I would point out that the chief Commissioner at present has absolute power to do as he pleases, and the other two Commissioners are powerless under him. I will read clause 3of the Bill; "If the chief Com missioner differs from the other two Commissioners with respect to any master bef ire the Commissioners fur their deci sion and determination, such matter &hall be deferred for not less than twenty-four hours, when it shall again be brought forward ; and in the event of the chiel Commissioner again differing from the o;her two Commissioners, such nutter of difference shall be determined according to the deliberate judgment of the chief Commissioner, irrespective of the opinion of the other two Commissioners ; and he nhall in all .such ca^es enter Upon the muiUtes of the px-oeeedings of the Ccm uri*sionois, his reasons, at length, for deciding such matter in opposiaon to the other two Commissioners, and shall for ward to the Minister a true copy of such minute." What can be plainer than this autocratic clause which gives the chiet Comiuisfcio'ner absolute power ? No doubt Mr McKerrow is an upright, straight forward man, but he m not the only "one in the country. I believe there are many quite as honest and straight-for ward as Mr McKerrow. But when the Govern ment try to exercise control over the Jommi sioners we are told it would never do, the Government must not have any power or veto ia the matter. To show that the Commissioners are not giving unmixed satisfaction, I will quote a gentleman who has come forward as their defender, viz , Mr E. G. Wright. He says : " The present Commissioners, how ever, have not done justice to Canter' bury. They luve followed the lead of many Governments and treated Canter bury as the milch cow of New Zealand and we have been steadily drained ever since by an overcharge for the carriage of our grain. The Ash burton settlers have thus been drained to the extent of £45,000 and interest under an unjust grain tariff." These are the words of Mr Wright, and it is time some change took place by which evils of the nature described can find remedy. Then again, in his speech which he circulated in this district, Mr Wright says :—" And, in reference to the grain rates, I would like to a&k honorable members whether it is fair »nd reasonable that the grain-growers of Canterbury—and when I speak of Canterbury it must be borne in mind that about three-fourths of the grain carried over the railways is producsd in Canter bury—whether that should ba charged, for a fifty-uJle stage, 8s per ton, while the road-metal used chiefly for the benefit of the roads in the North Island is carried a similar distance at 5i 4d per ton, and timber for the benefit cf the saw-millers is carried a similar dis tance ' at about 5s 4d per ton." We don't want our railways worked I merely to. produce revenue ; but tq develop the resources of the country and to serve the people. As long as they do this they will do good service by relieving the roads of unnecessary traffic and diverting the traffic to its proper course—the railways. Say a large Joint Stock Company elected directors, and these directors handed over th9ir function to tha general manager under » special agreement which could not be broken for five years. What Wi uld the shareholders in that company say ? Would they allow those directors to remain in office ? The shareholders would get rid of the directors and appoint better men. We want & Government £o bring our public affairs in touch with the people thajt they might have control and find redress for their grievances. That Government has come into power and the Bill introduced by Mr Seddon would have been a remedy but it was rejected by the Upper House. The Upper House though^ they had done a smart thing, no doubt, but they were outwitted, for their rejec tion of the Bill left the country without a measure, and thus furthered the inten tions of the Government tq a greater degree than if the Bill had passed. Ido not favor bringing every detail |n regard to the management of the railways before the House for discussion, but I think tint an expenditure of three quarters of a million of money should have a more detailed explanation than that given by the committees. Why should such pafcron age be given to one man '? However good a man may be wHi £700,000 to deal with, he may fall into many mistakes unless he has some check upon him. I feel that tho chetslf: proposed by tlie Government Bill was all that* was desired. There way no desire to take full:control over tho railways, but only that the Government might be supplied with further detail. The Minister of {Public Works would be on the committee and. would have aVofce j

and who could decide in ca-e3 of diptitel better clan a nun elccxd by the people 11 I now come to another matter, I THE CO-OPEB.VIIVE WORKS SYSTEM, J This system was introduced by the pre- \ sent (;overnmertt, and a hue and a cry was raised against it. There are some thing like 20.0 persons engaged on bhe-( wot'ka throughout the colony. It is a great pi"}' this system was not in forct long ago, as much public money would hive been saved. The cry was raised against this system because some few good woikmen earned a very high rate of wage. I admit that some did ; bufc is lint a»y argument against the system? I\n Gov ernment take every care to provide that they will get a go. d return for the money expended. Competent engineers estimate the vaiue of all work done, and if really good navvies get piece-work we know they will strain every nerve and do con siderably more than at day work. It is these gocd gangs of men that are earning high wages, and other men again art darning a very low wage. If the present I system ht§ proved aryJhing Ifc is 1 hat heaps of money must have been put into ihe hands of Government contractors iv the past, made out of the bone and sinew of the people. As an example of wage earning, take the case of the shearer. One man will earn 3Us per day, where another man will only earn 13s per day, and who would say the pries of shearing is too high '( Again, under the co-opera tive system the engineers say that the work is done in a first-class manner, and equal to any under the old sys'em. If returned I should always support the Co operative system, provided the Govern ment got (air value for their money- There is another subject I wioh to touch upon. It is the policy among candidates to do a lot of trimming on this subject, but I wish to give a plain statement of what I believe and intend to pursue, whether it pleases or displeases, i speak on the subject of EDUCATION. In respect to this subject I fully recog nise the importance of religious education for the young, for youth is the impres sionable time of life. But the question arises, Where should that instruction be given 1 In Cbristchurch there has been a great agitation amongst the clergy for the introduction of the Bible into public schools. I believe it is the best of books, but I do not believe in its introduction to our day schools to be read as a task with out any degree of religious education. The mere reading of a chapter of the Bible is not religious education, and is not calculated to help the children for ward in that important subject. There are so many diversities of opinion that 1 should not like a teacher to impart religious instruction to my children un less I was sure that the teacher held the book in reverence. I say, leave oui schools alone. We have an inestimable boon in our present system of free educa tion, and I would be very careful how we tampered with and infringed oa it lest we should lose so precious a gift. It it very important that our children should receive a sound education. But the fact of the clergymen showing so much sympathy abouc real practical teaching before school hours shows that the Bible in public schools is not wanted, and the cry exists only in words, ani not in actions. I believe there is something else behind it all. You see the surface but dc not see the the force beneath. That furcc is the introducing of denominationalism as opposed to our national schools, 1, foi one, while I fully recognise the dis advantages under which some labor, can not see my way to support any grant tc denomina<i>nal schools. I make onlj plain statements, and will ttll you why, They say " It will only apply to schools in (he large centres," but wo know that there are a number of denominations that would jump at the chance, and what would be i'ha results 1 You draw off the attendaace from our largo nitioual schools, and oui country schools would have to close. 1 do not say anything I do not believe in, and I siy on the grounds i have stated I will not support denominational grants, (Applause). Another reason for not supporting the measure is that it is ex ceeding the duty of any Government tc foster religious differences, and granting aid to deuomiirational schools would dc chat. What I like to see is people gettina closer together ,- rubbing oif our narrow sectarian differences, and working together for the common good, 'lhis seems to be the tendency of the age, I would sooner see the children brought together on a common ground, than like sheep in pen& and subject to all the animosities oi sectarianism. Another matter engaging public attentions at the present time is what is called the direct veto, or, as I prefer to call it, THE DIRECT VOTE, With regard to this question the greatest misconception is- that the direct vote means prohibition straight out. What the direct vote does mean iv this : that if you want public-houses and if you don't want them in the direct vote you have a voice on either side. What is the theory of licensing ? It is that public-houses exist not for the purposes of the licensee, but to supply the public wants, and as long as the public want drink they can have it, and if they at any time don't want it they have in the direct vote power to auolish from their mid3t the retail sale of liquor. It; is not as some people gay, attempting to say what you shah eat or drink, it is mertly saying whether the sale of liquor shall be legalised or not, This is a sound Liberal measure. lam nob in favor of running to the extreme in any way, but 1 believe, as a true Liberal, in giving the people power to please themselves. This is no new thing with me, I have been in its favor nearly all my life and a total abstainer, so that it is not a catch vote with me. I have been asked why I support the present Government who opposed this Hill, but; I say " who will judge a man by one act in his life," 1 look to the Liberal party to carry this reform and they will do so j the Conser vatives certainly will not. hir Robert Stout's amendments were opposed mainly by the Conservatives. There is also another matter that will engage the attention of the new House wh«m it meets —the reform of THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, I have been surprised to see the action of soma professed Liberals, who when they were appointed for a term of years to the Upper House became as confirmed as the Conservatives in their opposition of Government measures. We ought to have the members of the Upper House elected, but on a different basis than the members of the Lower Etouse. I would be in favor pf provincial electorates for the Upper House. Let the members be elected for fivp or six years, and then they would have to give an account of them selves to the electors, and the provincial districts, I am sure, could find capable men who would act as a check against lasty legislation in the Lower House. ARBITRATION AtfD CONCILIATION BILL Speaking en the Arbitration and Conciliation Bill which had been rejected by the Upper House, We Maslin said that is his hearers knew it was directed against the evils of strikes. He did not say that it was perfect but it was in the right direction. Some means was re quired to adjust the dioerences between labor and capital and if returned he would heartily support eucli a measure. .SHOP HOURS BILL. Iv tho Southern districts where he came from this Bill was ( nob needed as the half-holiday was religiously observed, bub he - Considered that with the long hours which shop employees had to work, a half-holiday was necessary and be was therefore In favor of, the measure, Re-r ! forringtethG

lAN^ *OK SETTLEMENT Bit". air Maahn said :—The Government have tried hard to acquire lands for settlement, I "bw B°t v, ry Halo. The land w«a 'f ' "Muitable. or the prico a.ked wa* m ,;„ i , menfc should have power t f-th q v In mdrnd boitftb!e for settlement ab a exd^e GUVr> givin? °ther la"d ud all thfi fr,»7 c loaßee bouphr J^T- -for stead. «> as to prac^^ • *<*£ block of country from settlement P Are to hay nght toX^r ,S S asto cut itup for the benefio of MS people? It is time some measure *£ passed to get access to these lands. Ie is only of late years that the people h%f c had a voice in law making, and th« laws previously were made in the interest of land-holders, They could buy where they liked and how they liked, so they bought up land in their own interest, blocking settlement and preserving to themselves power of access to back country for all time. And because wrong laws allowed wrong acts to take place, are we not to try and remedy these laws 1 Because mistakes existed in, the past are we going to perpetuate chese mistakes? i think the measure introduced by the Government was the right measure' and one in the interest of the settlement of this country. The opponents of the measure said the intention of the Govern naent was to take the farmers' land, and they made long speeches in the House on this question. They said the Govern ment will take one farmer's land and give l* £ aether farmer. The Hon. Mr Mc&enzie, however, made it clear that it was the intention of the Government to touch no lands bufc those which were a barrier to settlement, so that settlement might go on unhindered. I am in favor of the limit being placad at 5000 acres. Where I live, several years ago a block of 600 acres was put up for sale and a person bought a small piece like the letter L and now nearly 600 acres are locked up, and though the Government have reduced the price they cannot sell it. It is to prevent this kind of thing that the present Go vernment are legislating. Another im portant question is the changing of taxa tion in respect to CUSTOMS DUTIES, The Colonial Treasurer, in referring to thi* matter, said it was impossible to undertake it this session, recognising of course the necessity of considerable reform in this direction. I have no doubt that one of the first works of the next Parlia ment will be the proper revision and ad justment of our cumins tariff. We find the greatest anomalies existing in the tariff. Take an article such as sugar. On this there is an ad valorem duty of 25 per cent., while on silks and satins there is only the same duty. Then there is m item, viz., tea, which carries a duty equal to 100 per cent ad valorem on qualities of tea drank by the masses. There are a few with delicate palates who go in for a higher class of tea, but the better the quality the less ad valorem duty you pay. Where is there any protection in a tariff like that I ask ? The way I would propose to aessist local industries would be to ex empo them from pajing taxation on moneys they earn until they are in a position to pay 5 per cent dividend to iheir shareholders. This would encourage .small industries and induce men. to invest heir money for industrial purpoees. CONCLUSION, la his concluding remarks Mr Maslin *aid he believed most of his audience thought that the present Government was the best Government for them, and that it would be returned to power and that even more general prosperity would be promoted. Ac the last election the Liberal votes for that district had been split up and Mr Wright had gob in, and ihat gentleman evidently thought the same thing would happen again, bufc he was mistaken. Without any disrespect to Mr Graham he had no chance, and as for Mr Cuthbertson he would ask than to louk at his policy delivered the other night and ask them if that was a policy to command the Liberal vote. Mr Cuth bertson said he wss independent, but the man who followed no party was not likely co have much influence in Parliament for his constituents. The Conservatives were united, and would vote for one man, and he hoped they would not split their votes, bufc give a bkck vote in favor of the present Government in the interests of their families and the district at large. At the conclusion of the speech the Chairman intimated Mr Maslin'a willing ness to answer questions, In answer to questions, Mr Maslin said he scarcely thought that party govern ment should be abolished. It had several advantages, one being that ib prevented a healthy rivalry and criticism and prevented any hole and corner work But he thought that party Govern* ment should be that only the broad lines of policy should ba made party questions, and that with others members should have more latitude in voting. He believed in the area of licensing districts being as small as possible, saying that it wouli be unfair for the people of Geral* dine, through being in the same licensing diotrict, to be able to close the Tjnwald hotel. He would be in favor of women being entitled to a seat in the House when they wore the breeks. -In case of a split of the Libeial party would Mr Maslin follow Sir R. Stout or Mr Seddon ?— He did not think there was any likelihood of such a split taking place, but at pressnt they were both candidates for Parliament, and in any case he would follow the leader of the Liberal party whoever he might be. He defined Liberalism as that yhiph secured the maximum amount of good for the greatest number with t^e minimumof injustice to the few, After a few other unimportant questions had been asked and answered, Mr Stone moved a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Maslin for the very clear nunner in which he had laid his views before them. Ihe motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The usual vote of thanks to the chair closed the meeting.

The Ashburton Seat.

MR PURNELL AT WAKANUI.

Mr Purnell addressed a crowded meeting of the Ashburton electors at the Wakauui s'choolhouse. yesterday evening. Wr Pgtov Stewart, of Seaview, occupied the chair. Mr Furnell received an excellent hearing, and at the close of his speech answered a a number of questions. He said that, if elected, and any practicable measure were introduced into the House for enabling persons to obtain loans at low rates of interest, it would receive his most cordial and hearty support. At the same time, he looked upon the "cheap money" scheme just propounded by the Government, as merely an election dodge. Mr Bonifant moved and Mr Cavill seconded, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Purnell for his address, and confidence in him as their future repre sentative. Mr Leadley suggested that it might be better to limit the resolution to a vote of thanks, as such a resolution would be carried unanimously. This suggestion was adopted, and the vote of thanks put and carried unanimously. The proceeding! terminated with the usual compliment to the gbair, .

Tflß A9BStJM'O« (M ABDIAIJ : gUigHDAi?, KOTEMBEK 14, 1898.



QWIBO 10 DCLNESS OF THE SEASON G. J. NEtLL and Co ARE SELLING- Women s Strong Corsets at 2< 61 Women's Hats of every description at vary low puoes White Muslin 4%3 per yard Good Washina Print 3|d New Dress G>)ods 4|i „, . nIJ Double Bel White Twill Sheeting 9-|d Children's Sunshades Is each CLOTHING- CLOTHING KJ^oISmaIIwe/d sum, obababtud all WuOL, 2ls Boys Suits 4s lid Men's and Boys' Straw Hats fronvbi Boys' Felt Hats la 3d Men's Felt Hats 2s 6d BOOTS- BOOTS. BOOTS. In BOOTS we DBF* COMPETITION formality and Price. Men's Bluchers 53 Men's Nailed Shooters 8s 61. Women's Strong Boots 6a 9J ta Mte and Oanvs, Shoe, (J. /Vf/IZ. <« GO.'S. FUIEDLANDER-S BUILDINGS, EAST STREET. CASH.-SMALL PROFITS AND QUICK BETUBSS. TIHIS SPACE is RESERVED for particulars of NEW GOODS, comprising GOLD AND SILVER JEWELLERY —AND HIGH CLASS SILVER * E.P. WARE For the CHRISTMAS TRADE, to be opened »p by S. SALEK, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER.



Wanted BOARD and Residence, for two gentle men, Mrs Thomas Totty, Waka nui Road, house lately occupied by Mr Gh.trhb Baker. ll ™ TI J ANTED.— Marning Governess for VV three children till end of January. Address, Box *3^ snburCon- U j? • MEETING of the Friends and sup A. roiters of Mil McLachlan will be held at the Oranire Hall, on Wednesday, the 15th inst. at~B p.m. -Gideon Scott Secretary. _JL J FOWL%2T&\ per pair. Strawbery ar,d Gooseberry J*m, MurmaUde, Oranges, Ban mna. Lemons Smoked fish, Plants, etc, at Wh TnsoT w'a- OOKS in grean variety to suit all classea of readers, at the Railway 1 oo * St all . " W* BV!L\VTt"Bo7k~Stall.~A very Urge and choice lot- of books to seinoj WA.NTE 3 Known—That A. J. VValkbb repairs Bi-yule", Sewing •Ivebines, Lawn Mowew, Medical Coils, nd all descriptions of light machinery .__ '^OTTCHVIKNS Farmer's Diary, New 1 J Zealand Uiaries, Aim nacs for 1H94 now in. Book keeping simplified for Farmers. -~H M. Jones NEW Stock in Glassware, Ornaments, Panto Frames, Albums, Leather Writin? Caso% Work Boxes, De&ks, Basket ware.-H. M- , DTARiES for 1894—L. F. Anpkrwe^ and Co. 11JL6 CHR'STVIAS Caids for your ftiends in the OIJ Country at L F, Andrbwes —- --— WANTED Known—Spectacles, eye protectors. Goggles, Folders, and everythins; ia tlu optio*l iine at S Salek'«, Optician. WANTED. -Everyone to know that we have too a.uch Stock, »nd too ittie monry.—Mitcbblt. and Tubnek. DONT Forgec to send your Bicycles along to ihe Old Kindergarten to W) repaired, at moderate rates. S*~TWJER^ET Meat Mart. Ihe oldest the largest, tha best, and the cheap »?t. Small Goods a specialty. Ful irei«hr« miaranteed. A trial solicited. -W, J. Siloock. 4tlß£ WANTED— Buyers of drapery and clothing, to see the value we are arft otfiring.—Mitchkll & J'rR^EK. £F jot: w»nt fiist class fruifc go to A»*jis' for Fiji, Tahiti, Auckland and Sydney Oranges, Citrons, Lemons, e*c. TH'fl Best Kickel VVatch in the Market for 15s. Usually sold by Jewellers m from 20s to 25s each. Specially made In England to our order —John Ore and Co. y 192 pililCKE^and Lawn Tennis Material Vy just unpacked at reduced pr ces. New Books, Games and Fancy Goods. All goods reduced in price for cash this month. —L. F. Andrbweb and Co, Station Rrs' Hall. "ANTED— MoiIt.MH of Jfiiiulies to know that wo cannot be btafcen for value in Drapery and Clothing.— MIICHELL & TaKNEit. WANTED Known-For good value in tirac cittsw Drapt-ry, Millinery, Bo )ts, Clothing, etc., go to Mblfokd tL<tVsE. Beautiful presents now giving »w»y to all purchase! s. SEED. SEED. SEED. J~ HAVE a i-pcciiiiy sckctcd stuck of • Oockstoofc, Bed Clova-, Cow Grass, Rape Seed, G.T.Y.A. luiuip, P.T.Y.A, Turnip, J. ';- *Jlobo, tost Uybird, Devon <Grey, Mammoth, etc. John g. uestell, J0835 West Street.



"DRESENTS— Beautiful Presents now \^ being given away to all purchasers uf Drapery, M illinery, Boots, Clothing j etc. — tx. C. Segees, Melford House. FOR Bread. Scones, Pastry, etc., you ; will find Jumbo Baking Powder j unsurpaased. I VTTANTED Known—" The Corner "is | * » showing a magnificent New Stock ;of Drapery and Clothing. — W. H COI/ÜBR. _. S^dTtS to measure, during tho sale, 49s 555, 60s, 70s, and 755. Fit and workmanship guaranteed.—R. Alcobn, j Saund«rs' Buildings. UJ ANTED Known—Some wonderful job lines n Drapery, etc., now • oeingsold; also presents to all purchasers. I H C. Segebs, Melford House. i —_„ W~ ANTBID Known—W. H. Coloer's noted four clasp Kid Gloves, 2s 6d, have just arrived in all 8W63. WHO is your Plumber 1 Why W . Habdley, who is <* Manufacturer of Sp>uting, Ridging, Steal Gutters, Baths, Sinks, Tanks, etc., a >d who has on hanl the largeat stock of Pumps and ■ Pipe in to^": ' /"COFFEE as a Beverage is more pala i v>/ table and wholesome than Tea. j Use Oriental Coffee. _______ \1 T ANTED Known.—To make room W for Spring Boots I will give ten per cent for cash. Repairs done at once cheaper than ever to stay bad times over at J. Moison, Premier Bootmaker. 8 18 > : : ' S fARTKNTAL Coflfee is the blend of j\y the Choicest Ceylon and Mocha. Try it. MEDIOAL Coils made and repaired on the shortest notice at easy prices at A. J. Walker's, Old Kinder garten. ~ERBAL Beer, Ginger Beer, Rasp berryade, home made .Jams and Marmalade, and all fresh fruit in season. T Hoult, East Street, Ash burton. 10 18 BOOKS in good order and complete bought or taken in exchange. New Stock arriving every week. Circulating Library.—J. Maksden, Newsagent. BANGT~Bang! Baiig I Guns I Guns ! Guns ! by the besfc makers and Stted with all the latest improvements Potrder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, *nd Cases at J. W. Hardley's, East Street. Guns repaired. f ITHEKEdo you g«e your Xronmon- YY g©ry? At Hakdusy sof course, where we get the beat value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Lockn, Hinges, Plough Chains, Rope, Wire Knotting, Gorse Knives, Spades and Forks, Lamps, Fender au«* Fire Iroo«i, and anything you reqiiirr _ A CARD] i MR H. 0. OHBELi, . SOLICITOR, ASHBURTON. o«tioe : Montgomery's Buildings, Corner East and Burnett Sfreets. I 8+127 I PIANOS PIANOS. PAINOS. OBGANS. ORGANS. OBGANS TjIROM £1 PEfl MONTH. DRESDEN PIASO COM PAN JT, Schot 1 of Music, &juM»d<grs' Buildings. HOJ&AOU! A. fiiAIES, ( 10t125 Agent a.nd Manager. FCR SAiL/E —2 sec:ions well situated i in C!)irk Street, Allenton, being lots 23 and 28, containing 2 roods (S perches, \



[ NEW ZEALAND CjLOTHinrct Factoby SPECIAL DISPLAY OF NEW GOODS FOR THIS WEEK. BOOTS I HATS NEW PATTKRNSi BCOTS in Men's Boys'* HAIS BOOTS Youths' Suits. HAIS BOOTS HATS BOOTS Tennis Shirts Cricket Shirts HATS BOOTS Cycling ghirtß HATg BOOTS —" HATS All New Goods. HATS BOOTS — HATS BOOTS White Shirts Regatta Shirts HATS BOOTS Oxford Shirte HATg BOOTS The largest stock HATS BOOTS *n Aahburton. HATS BOOTS HATS BOOTS TIES- TIES- TIES HATS BOOTS ®cc our Special Dis play in Windows. HATS \ [BOOTS HALT.ENSTEIN BROS. ALEXi HENDRY, Manager*



KBATING'SPOWDER destroys Bu^, t'leas.A^c.ths Beetles, and all other insect", whilst qnite harmless to domestic animals. In exterminating Beetles the uc"css of this Powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly lei f; applicatio-i. See the article you purchase is KEATINGWas iK'tations are noxious and ineltectual d n XinTfid, t.'&d.SE fid^oU, by all chemists. TllK' »KST kKMKWY FOII iNoWES't/ON-Nortoil Camomile Pills »ro contideutly rpoommtoiM • M v, simplo remedy for Indigestion, which Is the cause of , ».c-iriv sJI the diseases to wliich we arc snbjcct. Xomn'ii'm wLteb ''Justice "called the " Natural ! Strengthendrof «fi?ttuiwrt act asa power ful tonie'enfi gentle "aperient, a f o mdd iij their opera tion, and sale 1 nr it any cfrcumstauces. s^jK bottles, at is ljd 2^ia, By'ttil" meafcins Vendor hugivghoijt % wojld.



The Hessian fly fia's again made Us sp pearance amon^ the wheat crop 3 m Masterton district. Th Onslow Biscuit. The latest and iv «Jelj FLte Btscujt manufactured ty Aulsebrtok fiw W