MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations:— FRIDAY, July 14. For Northern Ports, per Tarawora, at 10-30 a.m.

DEATH.

Silcock.—At Allenton, Ashlurton, on July 26, 1893, Clara Gertrude, yaunpfst daughtor of W. .1. Silcock. Aged five years and five months. " To be for ever with the Lord." Nelson papers pleaso copy.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, JULY 17, 1893. FREE EDUCATION.

Niw Zjealanders are justly pp.oud of their national system of education, and rejoice in being able to call it free. There are some who hanker very much after the ability to call it also compulsory. Secular it un doubtedly is already, as our Catholic friends keep telling us, adding also that it is * godless." Compulsory it will be, just a3 soon as Mr W. P. Reeves can get his Compulsory Educa tion Bill into force. But in the elementary schools cf England and Wales the word " free," as applied to them, is far more comprehensive than it is as applied to the state schools of this colony. In May last, the Com mittee of Council on Education issued a memorandum as to free education, and the London "Times" was good enough to print the text of it in its issue of June 6, for the benefit of its readers. Such documents are not readily available in these colonies, and our readers may perhaps be pleased to read a summary of the somewhat lengthy paper, showing, as it does, that the Mother Country has gone even a step farther in the matter of " free" education than has her little daughter in the far off southern sea. The memorandum starts off by stating that under the Education Ar.t of 1891 the greater number of the elementary schools in England and Wales are now free ; but as there are districts in which all the " school places" are not free, an explanation of the right of all parents to free education is necassary, as well as how free education for their children may be abtained. The memorandum then states that "every father and mother in England and Wales has a right to free educa tion, without payment or charge of any kind, for his or her children between the age of three and fifteen. The right to free education is not a concession to poverty, but is common to all classes alike." Instructions are then given to such as have not got free eduoation to write to the Educatien Department and claim it, either alone or in combination with others. A form is supplied for the making of this claim, and then " what free education means "is explained. After a some what lengthy explanation of what free education is not, the kernel of the thing is found in this sentence—" It must be wholly free, without any charge for books, slates, or anything else, and it must be at a school within a reason able distance of the child's home." De tails are then given as to how free education is provided, and the para graph closes, with a remark that "in

districts where^there is no school board, if free places required are not provided in the voluntary schools, a school board is provided and directed to provide them." Parents who have claimed free education, but have not yet obtained it, must go on sending their children to school, even if paying fees is in volved by so doing, until free places have been provided. And then comes a clause which contains a very essen tial difference between the system in force in England and Wales, and the system under which we work in New Zealand. This clause provides that the managers of all schools, whether t»iey are free schools or not, are bound to provide a proper supply of books, slater and other school apparatus, and cannot compel a parent to provide books, either by periodical payment or by purchase ; nor can they refuse ad mission to a child whose parent re fuses to provide them. But if a parent prefere to buy school booka out right, so that they may remain the property of the child, there is nothing to prevent his buying them from the managers, or the managers gelling them to him, as a purely voluntary arrange ment and a matter of mutual con venience. Truly a moßt remarkable change has come over the face of things educational in Great Britain .ataee most of our older colonists left the Old Land, but it is a change they will all hail with delight, and the result of it will be that the disgrace of not being able to read or write—a disability too often found among the lower classes of the English people—will be totally wiped out in the next generation, and for ever after.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

The Governor h*s become patron of the New Zealand Football Association. On Wednesday the Committee of Wel come, including several consuls, heads of public bodies, and leading citizens, waited upon Captain Villaamil, of the Spanish train ing chip Nautilus, and welcomed him and his officers to Lyttelton. Mr Scobie Mackenzie informed the Hou&o on Friday evening that a man who was and still is engaged upon co-operative Govern ment works :bad recently jn his possession in Bunedin drafts amounting to £2000, which he intended to invest in property. There was a fair attendance at the Ameri can salesman's entertainment last wight, which consisted of comic singing; com peti tions, musical and other, by members of the audience; and the programme gone through appeared to give satisfaction to those present. We (" Oamaru Mail') are informed that Mr Davidson, of the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, intends to cut up and dispose of the Levels estate (near Timaru) on behalf ot the compan}-, and that it is not improbable that the Totara and other estates will afterwards be treated similarly as opportunity offers. At the Chr stchurch Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday proceedings were taken against Mr Eden George, mayor, as the peraon having control of the Tuam Street Hall, for having allowed the building to be used for the purpose of a public meeting on Sunday. There was a similar case against the trustee of the Oddfellows' Hall, and the Bench reserved decision in both oases. A conference of representatives of the Mid and South Canterbury County Councils wilj be held at the Council's Chambers on Mon. day next at noon to consider the question of the small birds nuisance. The delegates ex pected to be present are—Ashburton County Council—Mr John Grigg; Geraldine—Mr W Balfour; Waimate—Mr E. Elworthy; McKenzie County—Mr J, T. Milne; Selwyu ~Mr», McMillan,

Aawei, th< ' Taori evangelist, who was for ' some time connected wi'h the Salvation Army in Ashburton, and has since his sever ance from that body been engaged in successful evangelistic work in the south, will conduct an evangelistic service ia the Oddfellows' Hall on Sunday evening, and deliver a lecture on Monday evening in the j sare place. Portion-are are given elsewhere, j

Tim sixth of the scries of country people's popular concerts took place in the Eiffel ton Schoolroom on Wednesday evening. Owing to the inclemency of the weather there were a few vacant seats, but those who were there enjoyed the fun immensely. 3h9 plnm padding competition was won by Master Luscombe, who seemed to have trained hard for ihe event. Songs were snnij by Misses Barratt, Vessey, Rickman, Banger, Grubb, and Primmer j Messrs Broad, F. Rickman, Dowle, Begg, Hardley, Stratforde, Cullen, and Burns. Recitations were given by Messrs Stratforde and Hardley. Misses Barratt and Ranger played the accompani ments. Mr Stratforde exhibited his magio lantern views, which were very much en joyed.

At a meetiog of the Chriatchurch Liberal Association, held on Wednesday evening, to protest against the sale of any portion of the Cheviot estate, resolutions were passed as follow:—(1) This me«ting gratefully recog nises the action of tho Government in re purchasing the Cheviot estate ; but considers it] undesirable, on the grounds of public policy, that the property should be dealt with on any system of sale or lease which will deprive the State of its future increas ing value from settlement and public works. (2) That in the opinion of this meeting the estate should be so subdivided as to secuie settlement upon it tor the largest number possible; and this meeting protests against any portion being laid off in 5000 acre blocks orsimilariargeareas. (3) That the pro posal to sell the Cheviot mansion together with a large block of the surrounding country U opposed to the public policy and platform of the Liberal Association, and this meeting urges upon Government to apply the msnsion to some public purpose—either as a home for deaf mutes or such other object as may be deemed desirable.

Ashburton Cricket Club.

The annual meeting of the Ashburton Cricket Club was held last evening. There was a good attendance of members and Mr Purnell occupied the chair. A letter was read from the Temuka Cricket Club in which that Club stated its opinion that the recently formed WaltaV i Association was of little benefit to South Canterbury owing to Its headquarters being at Oamaru and the district being too large for its proper management. The Temuka Club had passed a resolu tion to the effect that it ia desirable to form a South Canterbury Association, to include clubs from Ashburton to Timaru, the principal function of such association being the arrangement of all inter-club matches. Tho club wished the A.0.0- if they fell in with their views, to appoint a delegate, and to assist in arranging a meeting of delegates to discuss the matter. J After some discussion the secretary was instructed to write to the Temuka Club pointing out that the Club bolongs to the Waitaki Cricket Association, and tho A.CO. does not fee 1 disposed to take any action in the matter until they ascertain if the Waitaki Association intends dis banding ordWding itself into two separate Associations. Several new members having been elected the election of officers was pro ceeded with and resulted as follows :— -P/tisidenl, MrPurmll; Vice-Presidents, Messrs Wilding, Thomas, Harrison, J, 0. •N. Grieg, Denshire, Rev T. A. Hamilton, Major Steward, I*r Tweed; Treasurer, Mr- Mitchell; Secretary, Mr JkUinwaring ; assitant Secretary, Mr X Andrews; Committee:■— Messrs Cromie, Black, Jackson, W. Simpson, Cathbertson, Lane, aiid Alington. A deputation was appointed to inter view the Domain Board with a view to improving tho ground. A vote of thanks to tho outgoing com? mittee and especially to Messrs Andrewes and Mainwaring, la:e secretary and trea surer respectively, and a vote of thanks to the chair closed tha meeting.

LOSS OF H.M.S. VICTORIA.

tpsnoN, July 25. Captain (I. Noel, of the Temerarire, eaid Admiral Tryon'a manoeuvres were frequently obscure, but never dangerous. He thought the Camperdown and Victoria ought to have used the assistance of their ecrews when it was seen a collision was likely to happen. Captain Noel said he signalled to the Victoria to repeat the signal, believing the evolution ordered was impossible. He hoped to the lasb Admit al Markham would disobey the order. Most of the other captainjß in the fleet concurred that the manoeuvre would, bo dangerous unless the Victoria intended to girgilt) outside the Camperdown. The captain of the Phaston said Admiral Try on had made a similar mistake before.

Parliamentary Notes.

(FBOM OUR OWX CORRESPONDENT.)

Wbllinoton, July 26. Just before the House rose for the dinner adjournment 'hte afternoon, a repetition was threatened of" thp incident of 1891, which culminated in Mr Bry/?e'# expulsion from Parliament. The trouble arose in this way. In speaking in defence of the Labor Bureau the Hon. W. P. Beeves referred to a letter containing some statement with respect to the member for CJntha, which the latter characterised as uatroo, T/ha Minister for Labor appealed to the Speaker &* to whether this was a Parliamentary tx- Ere&sion, upon which Mr T. Mckenzie aatedly observed, "If you,»restrain yourself, and behave with more .decency." —The Premier immediately rose, and moved that these words be taken down by the clerk. It was precisely half past five, and irir John Hall, having called attention to the clock, Mr Speaker Steward saft chaf he could not vacate the chair while such an imppjftanf; matter was pending. Mr Bollesto^ urged tfoe mem ber for Clutha to withdrawn his remarks, but on being appealed to by Mr Speaker he declined. Things were beginning to wear an uglj aspect when Major Steward felt called on to ask Mr Mckenzie whether he wished to make any state ment before being requested to with draw from the Chamber. The member r for Olutha then explained that the Hon. Mr Beeves had been quoting from a letter which stated that he had requested that five men should be employed by the \ Labor Department. His interjection I that this was untrue was not intended to mean that the Minister was stating an untruth, but* had reference to the assertion in the letter. Some interrup ti m had occurred at this point, and as he considered that Mr Reeves was stone walling in order to prevent him from replying to the question under con sideration he had been impelled to use the words •' Jf you restrain yourself, and behave with moro decency, I »hntt tejl you all about it." He nosr regretted having used those words to the Minister for Labor, and he begged to withdrawn them. Tho House thereupon immediately rose for the dinner adjournment, a feeljng of relief being apparent that the pro? mised oonflict with tht ohair had been averted.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, July 26 The Council met at 2.30 p m. Ma Montgomery. Sir Patrick Buckley announced that Mr Montgomery had accepted a scat on'the Execuuve without Portfolio. SECOND READINGS. The Phaimacy Bill wad read a second timo, and referred to ft *elccfc committee. The Carriage and Sulo of Poisons Bill was read a sec<"-n'l lime, despite the opposition of Mr Kelly, who pointed out that the Bill if passed would prevent photographers and printers from freely purchasing drugs necessary for their trades. IN COMMUTER. Th« Journalists' Institute Bill was committed, progress being reported en clause 9. The Council then adjourned.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30 p m. THE ** AI/TERBD" PUBLIC WOKKS Si-ATB MENT. The Premier laid on the table the explanation of Mr Blow, Under-Secretary for Public Worke, respecting the altera tion in the Public Works Statement last session. Mr Blow'a explanation was to the effest that he alone wag responsible for the mistake chat occurred in the State ment, and that Mr Seddon was in no way to blame for it. f The Premier moved that Mr Blows explanation be referred to the Public Accounts Committee. Mr Rolleston seconded the motion. In J doing so he said that he hoped the charge i he had made against the Premier would also be gone into by the Committee. That charge was that the Premier pro ceeded to argue on incorrect figures contained in the Public Works Statement, and that although the figures were altered no alteration was made to the public in the remarks made by the Minister for Public Works before the figures were corrected. The motion was agreed to. . labor. Mr McKenzle (Clutha) moved the adjournment of the House on the ques tion he asked with regard to the unem ployed at Catlin's river. A long discussion ensued on the unem ployed question and the co-operative system of labor. A large number of members took part in the discussion, which was interrupted by the 5.30 ad journment. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. THB FINANCIAL DIBATB.

Mr Sandford resumed the debate on the Financial Statement. He thought Mr Ward would prove a worthy successor to his late lamented chief. He defended the Government finance and resented the assertions that because the members of the Government parly criticised the Statement, it: showed a falUng off in their allegiance. They could not conceal the fact that the unemployed difficulty existed, but it had been grossly exagge rated for interested reasons. Ihls seriously interfered with the Government in dealing with it. Mr Rhodes congratulated Mr Sandford on the tempeiate tone of his sp ech. He complimented Mr Ward on being the first native born Colonial Treasurer, but he could cot congratulate h'm en his Budg-fc, a<3 it was not hia work. Re ferring to the financial position of the colony, he warned the Government that unless the public works expenditure was reduced, they would, if a f&H occurred in tho revenue, find themselves without any money ac the end of the year. He ob jected to the taxation proposals, one ground being that they pressed unduly heavily on tha country as compared with the town ; but lie supported the exemption . of improvements. Mr 0. H. Mills referred to the lamented dpath of the Pi-eiaier, and said that tha colony could ill »fford to lose the services of such financiers as Sir Harry- Atkinson and Mr Balla?.:ce. Dr New mm protested against the plat form speeches of Ministers, and depre cated the manner in which the Premier Had spoken of Sir Harry Atkinson, end slandered him He lidiculed the state ment that the Government was a non borrowing Government. After a few words by Mr Kelly, fljr Shera moved the adjournment of the de bate.

The House rose at 1 20 a.m.

The French In Siam.

-♦— — Paius, July 25. It \a understood that the powers will not recognise the blockade of Bangkok until ttu? Q|f mbsr declares The Siamese Government has invited a fuller statement respecting the boun dary claim based on the possession by the French of Annam and Cambodia. It haa consented to pilot the gunboats out of the i river | A section of the French Press deolare I that Lord Dufferin has shown unrois takeable signs of supporting Siam, an* is meeting the French Government with I insulting demandß, if not absolute vilifica -1 WThe /.'#Qu.riUki 4es Debats " recognises that | it would b> better t? confme the claim to the territory .along the middle rod lower Mekong, and avoid difficulty with China and Admiral Humann haa sailed fr.om Saigon for the Meiaam. He will blockade the river with eight vessels. Pavie, the French Minister, and three gunboats have left the city. The French gunboats are furnished with seven hundred melinite shells. Foreign gunboats are landing parties of mcc ia $<» city to prevent the dangerous classes piilagiog it, f The French press sharply .c^Uowsj the policy of the blockade and urgi* more decisive action, July 26. The blockading squadron includes »n ironclad, a cruiser, and five gun- Matters ar^ afc present peaceful. The Siamese Government £o n<}.t aßtfW to realise their critical position.

Siam (says the " Sfc. James' Budget") is shut in by Pegu, -which belongs to us, on the west, aud Annam, which is under French protection, on the east. Ifc is crossed from north to south by rivers which rise in the Shan country, or even further to the north. Beyond the Shan country to the north is the Chinese province of Yunnan, ftow Yunnan ip, in the more or less well founded opiniofaß of various persons, a species of Eldorado. Hitherto iii has only been attainable by the Yang-tze-Kiang, which is a long river voyage. It is believed that a better and shorter route could be found by a Government which was strong enough to .thoroughly occupy the valleys of the rivers that run -jthrouatt Si»«i to their sources and to build a railway or railways along them The making of the railways would be easy enough as mere engineering. Of fches* Siatngae rivers the most easterly is the Mekong, which runs parallel with the Annamite Hills. Hither^ it haa been be r lieved that the Siamese frontier ran along the crest of thes< hilja, and therefore that the valley of the river is wholly *he property of Siam. The French have discovered that this is a mistake, and that as a matter of fact thefrontier line is not the watershed but the river itself Practically what this i means ia that the French propose to annex ! the whole left bank of the river Mekong. The object is to secure the control of the road into China. That the French would do more with the river, if they had it, than thy have done Vijbh their other colonial pos sessions is not to j)e supported; but that, after all, is not the question. What does concern us is this-^t'-at, Siam being a good neighbour aud, moreover, a frontier State ft) us, we really cannot allow it bo fall under » French protectorate, or even jto pc dominated mainly by French M>guease.

COMMERCIAL.

Sydney, Ju'y 26. Wheat, chick, 3s 3d ; milling, 3* Gd Oats quiet, but pri< c* firm ; bright heavy feed, 2s lOd; Tartar inn, seed, 3% Barley, Cvpe 3s. Bran B£d. Pollard B^d. 'Prnsmn blue peas 4s 2d. Potatoes, New Zealand, *S 10s; i Circular Heads, £6 to £6 ss. Onions £5 of. Butter, dairy made, lOd ; fac'ory, Is. Cheese 3£d to 4d« Eicon, 4d t0.6^1; hams, ■ colonial, 5d to 8d ; New Zealand, Is. Melbourne, July 26 Wheat, Is 9tl to 2s IJA; milling, 3s; flour, stone makes, £0 5s to £6 15a; roller brands, £6 17s 6d to £7 7s 6d. ■ Om, Algerian, Is 7^(l to 23 Id ; Danish, Is Ud ; short, 2a 2d to 2s Bran B£d. Butter from iOd down. Cheese, New Zealand, 5d lo sid. . Adelaide, July 2b. I Wheat, 3s o.|d ; four, £7 7a 6d to £7 17s 6d. Oats, 3s 3d to 33 sd. Barley, Cape, 2s 6ito 33 Id. Bran B£i to 9d. Pollard B£d to 93.

ALDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

Theie was a good attendance, and the entry of sheep was smaller than usual* only between 5000 and 6000 yarded, but the entry of cattle showed an increase. Fat Sheep—The supply showed a great falling off when compared with la»t week's market. The quality also exhibiting a decline. Hali fat crossbred* were an un usually heavy supply, but merinos showed a great falling ofi, and all lines of really prime quality came in for improved enquiry. Other sorts were dull of sale, numbees failing to reach owe era' reserves. Heavy weight crossbred wethers made 17s 6d, 18s 9d, and up to 20s; ewes from 14s 6d to 17* Id; merinos from 8s 6d to 13s 6d. Stoke Sheep.—Rather more than 1500 sheep, mostly hoggets and breeding ewes, were in the store pens' Competition was brisk, a line of crossbred ewes close to lambing fetching 17s 3d, and hoggets from 10a to 123. Fat Cattle—This department was repre sented by one of the best entries that have been received for some months. Several lines of well grazed steers helped to swell the yarding and improved the quality. The sale opened well, buyers showing firm ( competition, and nearly every pen sold at prices which could not but be satisfactoay to vendors. Prime beef may be quoted at 23s to 24s 6d per lOOlbs, and second rate from 20a 6d to 22a. Bullocks averaged £10 10s; heifers, £7 7s; cows from £6 to £8. Stork Cattle.— A fair proportion of this entry consisted of young steers and heifers, i but they were all wanting in condition.! Several haad of useful store cows wera penned, tha remainder of the entry consist ing of odd lots, which were not in great, demand. Young cattle came in for a fair amount of attention, prices remaining firm at late quotation*. Dairy Cows.—A large entry, including some very good sorts, which sold at from £8 to £8 12s ; inferior sorts were dull of sale. Pigs.—A'medium entry came to hand, and business was on a par with last week's.

LIVE STOCK MARKET.

Mossra Milf s and Co., Limited (Mr E. W, j flanmer, auctioneer) report on the weekly stock sale held at the Tiuwald yards on Tuesday, July 25. A furious nor'-wester made business at the yards very unpleasant for all concerned. Following upon last week's limited entry, and the improved tone of that market, the entries at Tinwald for thiß week's supply showed considerable in crease, the totals being 4812 sheep, 7 head cattle, 21 pigs. Ths quality generally was above the average, but throughout the sale comoetition lacked Bpirit, and teveral lines were withdrawn during the day. The yarding in te batchers'pens was occupied I by over 400 sheep, of wh'eh a clearance was I m*de ultimately at fair rates, We made : the top pi ice in 23. 31 for an exceptionally prime crossbred, oth°r qualities selling at 19?, 18i 61, and 16a to 133 9J ; merino wethers formed the bulk of this entry, and sold at 7» 7d up to 11s. Buyers for freezing were all represented, but showed vary lirt!e inclination to procu c supplies. No further improvement was apparent in prices realised for store sheep, which made from 14s 4d to 13s for crossbreds, and 4s 5d to 6a lid for merino wethers. Ewes in lamb of all-sorts were yarded, and realised corresponding prices in S3 2d to los 3d for cossbred ewds, and for marines, 53 to 7s 91. The few pens of kmb3 marketed met with dull sale at 9a 3d for stores, freezing sorts being passed at auction We sold 21 crossbreds ac 15.3 3a, 224 crossbred two-tooth wethers at 13a Bd, 151 crossbred ewes in lamb at 153 31, 4 head cittle at £5 s<i each. We have also sold privately 149 merino ewes ia lamb at 83 6d, 160 crossbred wethers at 153 9d, and 30 pig at £2 3* each. At the Hinds sale held on Monday last, we disposed of 125 good cross bred lambs af ll». Our fortnightly skin sale waa held in Ashburton on Friday last, when a large entry was disposed of at figures decidedly Mtisfactory to vendou.

Mr D. Thomas reports upon tin live stock market in the. Ashbu/toa district for the week ending July 27, 1893, as follows :—At Tinwald on Tuesday the usual weekly stock sale was held, at which there was a large attendance of farmers and others interested, and a f*ir size catalogue submitted. The day was one of the most boisterous ex nmenqtd in the county since 1879, and to see the way the auctioneers wgre blown off the rails was an experience not easily to be forgotten. The feather weights amongst them did not dare to get up again after being once down Thg. totals yarded for the day comprised 5106 she^p, 8 head of pattle, and 21 pigs, of which my entry con r sisted of 2826 sheep, 1 heifer, and 15 _pigs. Owing to the weather, bgsiness was inter rupted, and sever il lines of rheep had to be turned out unsold, which would otherwise not have been the case. I succeeded in selling 126 fit merino wethers, lls; 3 fat crossbreds, 19a; 621 fat merinos, 93 6d; 32, JLOs |84 good stores, 7s 7d; 40, 7s 6d ; 88 Itore merino w/jthfirs, 4s 5d ; 96 crossbred failingm6u|h ewes, 12s; 44, 14,3 Id; 100 very old crossbred ewe*, $s '3d.; .280 cross bre4 two.-tooth wethers, 13s 3d; 182 cross bred twortoo|ih ewes, \Qi 6d; 250 merino ewee, Bs6d{ 100 meri»o wethers, 6s lid; 138 crossbred two-tooth wethers, 14s 4d. I sold fat heifer £6, and pigs at from 18s to 31s« Very few private sale* have gone through during the week. , Hinds Sale.^-On Monday, July 28, the; u=ual monthly sale at the Hinds took place. Theye was a fairly large yarding of sheep, and although Uw l*'^3 iyoro affected at. auction many lots were eofd"privately at very satisfactory prices. Skin, 4c, Sale.—On Friday tot jI hold my usual fortnightly sale of the skins, etc. My total entry comprised 178 skins, IS hides, and 8 bags of fat. My quotations are ap follows i—Best crossbred, 3s 6d to 4s 8J; inferior, 2s to' 3s 6d; best merino, Gs Gd to 3s 8d ; inferior, la Qd to 2s 3d", no change in the quotations of hides and fat. Horse Market -—On Saturday last I held my usual weekly horse sa'fl. The market was dull, but out of my entry of 20, I dis posed of 11 at prices satisfactory to vendors.

CRICKET.

[per press association.

The weather was fih'e today, and the wicket, whteh had srecovtrea from tha effects of the rain, played excellently. Trumble increased his score to 35, and Blackham made 10. Gregory was in for thre,e hours and never gave a chance till he waa caugiit at mid-oii. Turner played a spirited inninga nd punished Heart)e's, fast bowling mercilessly. Once Hearne was collared the rest of the bowlers became helpless, |ho absence of JNepean and Stdddart' being severely In their second innings the coupfcy made an excellent start. Douglas and Ford scored freely, and put on 68 for the first wicket, and after then Scott hit well for a time, but the rest collapsed, and the total only reached 136. The Australians thus won by 390 runs. Douglas made 23, Ford 38, and Scott 20.

Mr. Dovedale's Half Sovereign.

Mr. Dovedale was seated in his armchair over the fire after dinner one evening reading the newspaper, while his wife doted placidly in her armchair opposite to him* when the servant entered and said^ " Please, sir, the Rev. Mr. Cadger would ' like to speak to you." " Who V exclaimed , Mr. Dovedale, vaguely. " Where have you lefthim, Maria 1" inquired Mrs. Dovedale, alert and vigilant in an instant. " Please, ma'am, in the hall, ma'am." " Josiab, go out directly. Don't leave him alone with the umbrellas. Go and see what he wants," exclaimed Mrs. Dovedale, briskly; "and, Josiah, whateveryou do, don't let him come in here !" •«*£■ '"< Mr. Dovedale, a little flustered and nervous, hurried from the room, and found a stout, flabby, red-faced individual in seedy clerical attire standing inside the hall door, with a hat in one hand and an umbrella in the other, bowing obsequiously and smiling an unctuous smile. "Mr. Dovedale ?" said the visitor, in a confiden tial tone. "Yes,sir. Your name is—", "The Rev. Mr. Cadger," said the visitor, advancing in a friendly way, and speaking with an educated accent; v may Itm* the favour of a few minutes' conversation! , « Will you step in here, please T said Mr. Dovedale, leading the way to the draw ing-room and striking a match m n<r entered. . ,"'4 "Not a pleasant evening, Mr. Dovedale, for walking about, but duty must be per- f formed at any personal inconvenience." said Mr. Cadger in sonorous tones, while Mr. Dovedale proceeded to light the gas. " I have been making calls in the neigh bourhood, and I ventured to—— What a charming house you have, Mr. Dovedale, perfectly charming." " May I inquire—■ began Mr. Dovedale, nervously- " I want to interest you, sir," said Mr. Cadger, gently, Mm an excellent work which I am carrying on in the poor and populous neighbourhood of Islington. Religion* and intellectual Sunday evenings for the poor, Mr. Dovedale. We have a hall, and we find magic-lanterns and dissolving views a great attraction. You have heard of the good work perhaps, »ir." " I can't say that I have," said Mr. Dovedale, look ing doubtfully at the sleek red-faced gentleman, who sat smilingly on his chair. " Dear me ? It is well known, however,"' said the Rev. Mr. Cadger, quite unabashed. "We attract considerable congregations, and our influence is spreading. But the work is expensive—very expensive. It absorbs a deal of money, Mr. Dovedale.» "No doubt," said Mr. Dovedale, uneasily. " Aye, and it is not easy to get. We have to seek for it, Mr. Dovedale—to seek for it —by waiting upon the wealthy and the benevolent. lam sure, Bir, that you will assist us," said the reverend gentleman, with a persuasive smile. All this while Mr. Dovedale, foreseeing what was coming, had been steeling his heart to give a negative answer. He was not too well off, and he had many calls upon his purse. Moreover, the manners and appearance of the Rev. Mr. Cadger, did not impress him favourably. As he sat there, with his sleek, expectant smile, his dirty white tie, his vast fiery counten ance, and his genera lly disreputable aspect, he looked the personification of a beggiqg impostor. Nevertheless, Mr. Dovedale could not summon up courage to act upon his con victions, He was one of those weak minded, good-natured, easy-going persons who can never preserve their firmness and their temper at the same time. Jn order to resist successfully Mr. Cadger's appeal it would have been necessary for Mr, Dovedale to put himself in a passion, and to work up his feelings to a pitch of virtuous indignation. For a.few momenti Mr. Dovedale was inclined to do this, but the easy assurance of his visitor rather bewildered him. He took the crumpled, soiled prospectus which the Rev. Mr. Cadger handed to him with a flourish, and commenced nervously to read it, while his visitor kept up a pleasant flow of conver sation about the weather, the state of the crops, and other common-place subjects. As, Mr. Cadger talked, Mr. Dovedale's icjeas feebly resolved themselves into $ calculation of what was the smaUe.st "sum that-he could decently offer in onder to get rid of his importunate visitor, and in the end, much against his conscience^ he volunteered a donation of half a sovereign, - « The Rev. Mr. Cadger thanked him with exuberent effusion, and called down blessings upon his head, which, to Mr. poyedale.'g 'uneasy mind, sounded impious. Having escorted his yisitqr, who tp the last overflowed with conversation, to. thf hall door, Mr. Dovedale returned to the dining-room, feeling subdued and down cast, for the suspicion that the Rev. Mr. Cadger was not a worthy object of charity had been strengthened by the discovery at the moment of parting from him, that a distinctly spirituous flavour was percep tible in the immediate vicinity of the.' eyrie's person. . * '" Doyed^e found his wife siting wifj upright in her*chair when he rejoined lfer. and m the'chimney corner he perceivecf the whole collection of family umbrellas and waiking-sftoks, which had e'vfteptly been removed frpm the hall during hfjf absence by his thqughtfuj helpmaiff. These signs made Mr. Dovedale feel moil ill at ease than ever, and he sought th» refuge of his easy chair and newspaper with a hangdog expression. "Has he gone?" inquired Mrs. Dovedale, eyeing her husband sharply. "Yes," replied Mr. Dovedale, endeavouring to appear off kand. ti '■''•)" Josiah, that man is an impostor," said the : excellent 'lady? v with"- debistofe. £Dire<%l heard his voice, admiriog t% house and addressing you byimme/anaso ep, I fetched the um^las frpm%ehalW "Did you, my dearf 1 said Mr. Dovedaty turning his newspaper inside out with a, great boise. " Josiah. you didn't give hk| anything?" said Mr& Dovedale, in a peremptory tone. "My dear, I—• ? w nat, you did, Josiah ! r> exclaimed Mrs.' DpveaiA.9, with a^ran^p^rjeniaflTe^tation of surprise, which was extremely Irritating. " I gavfr him half a sovereign for his work/'j said Mr. Dovedale, hurriedly. " What!" ejaculated Mrs. Dovedale; "half a ■ ■■ No, you didn't really, Josiah 1 Tou are joking," « Yes, 1 did," said Mr. DpTedaie. Mtiiig annpyed.' «I didn't know hpW pise to get rid pf him. . Never saw suon' a fellow for talking. Besides, I daresay ho is doing a rreat deal of good." "NorV sense, Josiah; you don't care a pin for his,work. You gave the money because you were too weak and silly to refuse. You know you did," said Mrs. Dovedale, warming to her subject. "That isn't charity, Josiah ; it is downright wicked ness and wastefulness." " I don't expect that tho lieeording AngeJ wiji place jblig item'to my eredifc," said Mr. D'ovedat*; with a faint laugh. "Half a sovereign! you actually gave that man half a sove reign ! And here have I been wanting half a sovereign for our maternity fund for ever co long, and haven't liked to ask ypu. pecause I knew thik is such an expeusive

MASHONALAND.

Capetown, July 26. News received here reports that the MaUbfile Jrapi (Warriors) are prosing the Umf uli river and advancing on Fort Salisbury. The police are preparing to arrest their progress. July 26. The Transvaal is willing to assist the settlers in Ma&honalan.d against the Matabeie*; ■* -

THE ASHBURTOK GUARDIAN : THURSDAY, JULY 27,1898.



Colemasb and Son bßccaltpmc Extract is tha OBly genuine in the market, and was awarded medali and diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. beating all competitors. For all affection* lof tha Chest and Lungs, Consumption, Asthma* Cottfhs, Qrarcl, and Kidney CompWnto, it. h«CtM •¥«■]<



Tub best EWeql I?ob iHßltf«iStiO|J-Sorton'u CanlmM M & *coD'flden%'rec"<3mmenda -«■' . feimW^iremeiJy for Indigestion,' whichis theefcuseof nearly all the diseases to which we are subject. Norton's Pills, which " Justice" called the "Natural Strengthener of tbe Human Stomach, act as a power ful tonic end gentle aperient aromild in their opera tion, auii sate under any circumstances. Bold in bottles, at lie IJd, Jp W, Ul by «U yeoden



THE ESTABLISHMENT PAB EXOELLENOE FOR FIRST-OLASS I WATOH AND OLOOK REPAIRING. S. Salek, Watchmaker, MANUFACTURING JEWELLER, AND OCULIST OPTIUIAN'3 AGENT. (For Lazarus' Spectacles.) mHE Watchmaking and Jewellery Repairing Department i» ™w very Complete I in its arrangements. The utmost care is taken over all Jobs, and work is turned oS Sfr EX Koughly reliable manner." The Charges are as low as can ■"""!SOUND*AND RELIABLE WORKMANSHIP. design), will be found well worthy of Inspection, especially by those desirous of "akIIIB WEDDING PRESENT, BIRTHDAY PRESENT, PRESENTATION. S. S A~L EX. /PATOHMAKER AND JEWELLER.



THESE FACTS ABE M.OHUMENTS OF TKUTH. -AT— G.J. NKILL & CO.'S YOU CAN GET 4» 61 Silk Plush for Is 3.1, Dress Goo*a 7=s 6d reduced to 3* a dozen All Wool Dre-a Goods 12a 6J, roducod to 6s 6d Unbleached Calico Is lid a doz;n Scoured Grey Calic > 3a lid a dozen Yard Wide Foi for s|d Double Bed Trilled Sheeting, white andlunbleacbed," id Men's Tweed Suits 16s 8d Men's Colonial Heavy Tweed Suita 37»:6d>r;25a 61 Men's Tweed Trousers 5s lid Boys' Tweed Suits is lid Men's Woollen Sox9jd ' Women's Colonial made Shoes 4s lid Men's Colonial made Bluchers 5s Men's Colonial made Shooters, nailed, 11s 6d for 8s 6d .•■ ■ ■ -at ■; > -- ■; ■ ■■ G. I NEILL d CO.'S. FRIEDLANBER'S CORNER, EAST STREET.



•Wanted. \THE Good Samaritan, lor the imme' X diate relief of pain.— Light's Cash Store. L 3 A GREAT Clearing Sale of F«?cy Goods, to make room for New Stock. Everything at cost price. -Mr« Adams, Saunders Buildings. \Jtr ANTED Known. — Seasonable * » Got->ds. Cashmere Gloves, 6d pair j 3ash Mitts 6d pair ; Fur Collars, 2s lid ; Ladies' Skirto, 2a lid ; Roslyn Wool, 3a per lb ; Wool Shawls at half price, at Akdrkw Orr's. PRESENTS— Beautiful Presents now being given away to all purchasers of Drapery, Millinery, Boots, Clothing, etc.—Jbt. C. Sbobrs, Melford House. / 1 O to Hardlkt Bros, for Bargains \ T in Blankets, 49 pairs of large white, suitable for double bods only, 16a 6d worth 255. Extra large Grey, only 10s 6d worth 18s 6d. Selliug rapidJy.- Hardlet Bros, Arcade. BANG 1 Bang 1 Bang 1 Guns 1 Guns ! Guns! by the best makers and ittod with all the latest improvements. Powder, Shot, Caps, Cartridges, Wads, and Oases at J. W. Hakdlby's, East Street. Guns repaired. WHO is your PI umber 1 Why, J. W. Hardlby, who ia <♦ Manufacturer of Spouting, Ridging, Steel Gutters, Baths, Sinks, Tanks, etc., and who has on hand the largest stock of Pumps aud ipe in town. - .. - ■_ ;\ "'_ SUITS to measure, during th« sale, 4«Js, 555, 60s, 70s, and 75*. Fit and workmanship guaranteed.—R. Alcorn, Saunders' Buildings. WANTEDKnown— ColoniaHhree ply Fingering 3s.—Mitchell aid j rPRXBR. _ TADIES' Jackets, Mantles, Superior J Drcus Goods further roduceo, »s cash must be had. Compulsory Sale at 8. VV. ArcOßir's. WANTED Known-For good value in first class Drapery, Millinery, Boots, Clothing, etc., go to Mjelford House. Beautiful present* now giving away to all purchasers. t U7ONDERFUL Satisfaction.— W The sp£cial nickel watch made for S. Salek, sold at 22s 6d and 25a is the : best.—Obtainable only from S. SaleK, Jeweller^ ■ ,,.',7.,, 63 ANTED Known—Women's Black Cashmere Hoso from Is, Boys' all Wool Knicker Hose from Is 4i. MrrcnsLL & Tcrker. ! ■ BERLIN WOOL, all Colors, 4d Skein, Oil Cloths, two yards wide, 2s ; one yard wide, Is.—Mitchell &Tcjkhb:f. WHERE do you get your Ironmon gery 1 At Hakdlxy sof course, where we gat the best value in Sheet Lead, Nails, Locks, Hinges, Plough Chains, Rope, Wire Knetting, Gorse Knive*, Spades and Forks, .Lamps, Fender ano Fire Iron?, and anything you require. Public Notice. THE JNEW ZEALAND Clothing Jaoto^t Are prepared to take Measures for MEN'S, YOUTHS', & BOYS' CLOTHING j at the following LOW PRICES. j FIT AND STYLEJUARANTEED. MEN'S TROUSERS 179 6d, Moft&iel Tweed, ! MEN'S TROUSERS 20*, Kaiar oi Tweed. MEN'S SAO SUITS 69s fd. HUNDREDS OF PATTERNS TO CHOOSE FROM. * .MEN'S SAC SUITS 635. The beat of ' trimmings BOYS' AND YOUTHS' CLOTHING IQUALL! LOW PRICES. Waterproof Tweed Coats to measure from 428M6d. BOOTS. BOOTS. BOOTS. A Single Pair at wholesale price. See our Special Dioplay of BOOTS in Window for this wjek. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY ALEX. HENDRY, Manage .



IMPORTANT SALE —OF A— WHOLESALE WAREHOUSEMAN'S STOCK. —OF— tITOMKNS 1 AND CHILDREN'S ULSTRRS. WATRRPBOOF CLOAKS, a beautiful lot. rURLINKD OIOAK^ Extra good quality. TORKE QUARTER CAPES FEATHER BOAS. FUE COLLABKTTKB. WCOL SHAWLS. CARDIGAN JACKETS. — Also — A Larg. *d ttrit4 feieek cl WCMBW UNDERCLOTHING. Hardley Bros,, Will Submit the abore Lwge Purchase to their Customem on SATURDAY MORNING AT REMARKABLE PRICES WHOLBBAIB OOST. ■ —• BAIE, BATOBDAT AND FOLLOWING DAYS HAKDLEY BROS.; ARCADE.



" Wanted «VTANTED to hire for a term, light W Waggonette or Dogcart. Apply Hike, Mail Office, 7 169 WANTED, everyone to try us for Iron and Wood Bedsteads, Spring Mattresses, and Bedding of all *<**rzk H. Ukdbiu. A Co. J x™ ANTED orders for making or repairing Venetian Blmd-J, l.ook- JngGlwes, Picture Frames Ac.-T- A. Gatbs, East street, oppcsite K»lw»y Station. 7 J7l H -i . -i | ANTED, everyone to inspect; the Ashburton Furniture Warehouse. No cno pressed to buy.—T. H. yirD^iii A Co, (late Pickford and Undnll), Tancred street, next Building Society* Office. 7 144 ANDARIN, Tahiti, and Sydney Oranges in any.quantity. Lemons, Apples, Onions, etc., at Mks Whitting toiiV, oppositeMAiiofiice,BurMtfcstreet. WANTED, everyone to have their pictures Framed at T. H. Un dsiia & Co.'s. Splendid assortment of mouldings to choose from. P^" Framing a specialty. J 146 W"" ANTED Known-Some wonderfa job lines in Drapery, etc., now being sold; also presents to all purchasers. H. 0. Sbgibs, Melford House. WANTED Known—W. H. Coiukk's noted four clasp Kid Glovjb, 2s 6d, have just arrived in all sines. RAILW^i~Bo~kStaTl.-A very Urge and choice lot of books to select. Irom. I_}™ ANTE P~^nown.—for Drawing Room, Dining Room, and B*d Room Furniture g? to T. U. tßDßiti akd Co- . Xil VFANTED Known—"The Corner "is » » showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing. — W. H. CotUMt. ; BOOKS in good ordfr »nd complete taken in txchango New etock. arriving every week. Circulating library. Jour Maksde.n, News Agent. 7 106 ANTED Known, —AU k'nds cf Furniture m-»de on the t-hortest notice by first clas-« workmen, at T. fl. Ukdrill and Oo's Furniture Warthoa^p, Tancred Street, Ashburton. 7 151 ANTKD Known.—For Tables, Chairs, Couches, Was-hstandi", Toilet Glasses, Toilet Ware, etc., you jannot beat T. H. Undbill and Co. 7 152 *\1 / ANTED Known-That the Under- j VV signed are cash purchasers of Prime Oataheaf Chaff, in large or small quantities — BOBtKsoH Bros., opposite Matson's Horse Bazaar, Chtistchurch. 7 101 BOOKS in great variety to suit all c'wses of readers, at the Railway BookStall 7102 ASTE PaTkR for sale. Apply J office of Ashburton Publishing j Company, Limited. I TTBE H, G. Fwwxr's Sulphur Tablets. l_J Cough and Eucalyptus I'rops, and top cooghing. ■ '''KATHERS Clpaned, Dyerl, anc ! Jj Uurlod. Lndies' *nd Gentlemen'ti Gloves Cleaned. — Missks Hitchcock, Staflbrd street, Timaru. ______ SOMERSET Meat Mart. The oldest the largest,, ths boat, and the cheap asfe. Small »?oods a specialty. Ful weights guarantA«d. A trial solioited. -W. J. Snnooc *tl8? YiIINGERING^ooI Bd,~2o6yds Cotton JJ Reels. ljd, 400 yds 31. Enormous •tock of Ladie*' and Children's Hose urther reduced at S. W. Aicorj* & Co.'s •ale. WANTED Known—T. Houlx has fresh Pork Sausages daily, hot Pica, also a good assortment of Jams, lickles, Sauoes, etc. WANTED Known.—Special ship went of Linen Goods, dirsct from Belfast. Splendid value. See window at Akduw Orr's. TtXNE Ladies Journals, New Games, fj new supply of the Zither Harpt and Autoharps, New Books, Stationery, and Fancy Goods. Sub fcrihars wanted for our Circulating library, L. F. Andxkwes and Co, tationera' Hall. The annual report of the Wellington Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club shows a trong financial position. The Committee consider the Club ahouli be adequately tapreaented at th« Australian championship meeting in November. The Best Tea IN CANTERBURY for the money, and rwe from any excess of autringency. COUNTESS 2s. ai it» o ooim