Ashburton Guardian MAGNA EST VERITAS ET PRÆVALEBIT. SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 2, 1893. PETTICOATSIN POLITICS.

We presume it may be taken for granted that women will take part in the General Election of 1893. What part, will depend apparently oni the women themselves—or upon those who can influence them, because all through the Electoral Bill the term person is to include woman. A woman therefore is to have just the same electoral rights as a man according to the recent deci sion of the New Zealand Parliament. There are some who will remind us of an old saw about there being " many a slip " and so on ; but unless something very unexpected should occur the much vexed question is settled so far as this colony is concerned- It may not be out of place now to ask what difference this will make, politically and socially, to the people of New Zealand? We are assured by those who have pressed on tho movement that women can now exercise their right to have an equal voice with men in making the laws, which of course implies that they have hitherto had little or none. This proposition has always been regarded with amusement by those who have some experience of the many and varied ways in which the subtle influence of the so-called weaker sex makes itself felfe. Indeed it is not too much to say that party government itself has often been dominated by petticoat government. There have been several instances in the history I of Constitutional Government in Aus tralasia v, hen a strong party leader ' has owed his reputation to the " power

behind the throne ' in the shape of a wife. No illustrations of this condi tion of things need be offered since every day life supplies evidence enough to convince any one that such things are continually occurring in all classes of humanity. This being so, it is idle to say women have hitherto had no voice in making the laws. Their influence was none the less effectual! because it did not operate on the surface. The question then is : How : much more power will the women have now that they can go themselves to the ballot box? Let us suppose only men being allowed to vote at the coming General Election, and that] A votes for Mr Purneli and B for Mr McLachlan, and the process goes on until one candidate has a distinct majority, resulting in his election to Parliament. On the other hand— women voting—we may almost take it for granted that the wives and eligible women folk of A and B would vote respectively as those two would ; and so with all the rest j the result being as before, only the majority would be greater. We have said that the wives and women folk would probably vote with the male persons of each family, and we are sure the majority of our readers will not only agree with us, but will admit that where the voting would be in opposite directions it would indicate an unpleasant as well as an unnatural condition of things. Besides this it would mean the dis 'franchißement of both parties. This aspect of the question should by no means be lost sight of, although the loudest advocates of women's franchise have attempted to hide behind the contention that hitherto widows, deserted wives and unmarried girls over twenty-one have been unrepre sented in any way in the govern ment of the country. But these do not form a large proportion of the , population, and we doubt whether they would materially influence the result of elections except in case of a close contest. We incline to the opinion therefore that the change will not have so great an effect politically as many people expect. Looked at from one stand point only, one might hope that the appearance of women in the political arena would raise the standard jof political morality and so forth. Let as hope that it will. But it does not seem improbable that under the new regime the young, pert, and unfledged I politician may occasionally be preferred to the statesman, whose ability and experience would, under other circum stances, have ensured his election. We are quite in accord with the pro position that women are entitled to all the political and social privilege* enjoyed by men. But we think the question whether they should vote at Parliamentary elections should have been fairly submitted to themselves before the principle was embodied in the laws of the land. This has certainly not been done, and we are convinced that if the women of New

Zealand were to celebrate their first public political appearance in deciding whether they should be called upon to vote at the ballot box for representa tives in Parliament, there would be a decided majority against it. It has been urged that women are not com pelled to go to the poll. But we would point out that this is a delusion. For it is self evident to any observer of human nature that the possession of a certain voting power by bath parties in a contest will practically compel both to make use of it. So that once on the roll, women will be dragged to the poll if only to save their own

friends from defeat. While therefore we would not deprive women of a single privilege which they may be entitled to, and may desire to have, we have seen nothing to convince us that they really wanted the franchise, in the face of the remarkable fact that auongst the women one meets every day, at least three to one are opposed to having such a function thrust upon them.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

It will be no'ued that Messrß Hardley Bros, are clearing out remnants and odd ments of their winter stock at bargains. j Letters from places beyond the colony addressed as under were received at the Ashburton Post Office during the month of June and are still unclaimed—Jane Parker. Some prize poultry arrived from Christ church by train on Friday, consisting of one trio of Minorcas and two trios of Silver Wyandottee for a gentleman at Mayfield, and a pair of Partridge Cochins for an Ash burtoa breeder. Forest fires did great damage iv the States of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota ij» the middle of June. In Minnesota the IHme extended fifty miles, surrounding eight mining towns, four of which were destroyed. Many small towns were burned in the tract of country along the shore of Lake Superior, between Michigan and Minnesota, a distance of ninety-six miles, the flames embracing nearly 8000 square miles. An extraordinary memorandum of agree ment between a farmer and labor r in Wilt shire was brought brfore the House of Com mons by a question to the Home Secretary. By this agreement the aervant agrees to serve in the capacity of cowman for a whole year, but he promises also to do any work that is required of him. Hp engages to be at the beck and call of his master aj) all hours, " to milk not less than ten cows at* milking, and more if required," and to comport him self as a model of decorum. For these services the laborer receives the magnificent sum of 7s per week for the first six months, and then &s per week. If the laborer is very good indeed his master agrees to give him 35s over and above his wages. If the laborer partially milks any cosy he is fined 2s 6d. If he absents himself he is fined 2d for each quarter of an hour of his absence, If the laborer is prevented by sickness or j accident from milking his cows or perform ing the rest of his drudgery, what does the reader suppose happens ? Does he receive I medicine or assistance? No; "an amount j equivalent to the time he is to incapacitated ! shall be. deducted, from bis wages," '

Following are the vital statistics for Ash- j burton for the month of August: —Births, \ 23 ; deaths, 10; marriage*, 2. At the meeting of the Board of Education on Thursday Mr John Orr, of Ashburton, wrote asking if the Board's teachers were permitted to connect themselves with any other occupation. He wrote in consequence of a certain schoolmaster having opened a tea shop in Ashburton on Saturdays. He encloEed a written copy of the schoolmaster's tea circular, which contained the customary attractive statements The Board decided that they could not interfere with the teachers taking up other occupations, so long as they did not injudiciously affect the duties due to to the Board. From our adverting columns it will be seen that during the race week we are to be favored with three performances by Pollard's LiliputUn Opera Company, the company of juvenile operatic singers that has been de lighting audiences both north and south during a very successful tour. The season opens on Tuesday next with Gilbert and Sullivan's "Gondoliers" followed by Audran's "LaMascotte" on Wednesday, and on Thursday by " The Pirate 3 of Pens! ance"—a card that ought to suit every body and attract crowded houses. Ihe young people are really wonderfully trained, as indeed must perforce be the ca»e with a drill like Tom Pollard as cUrge d'affaires. A meeting of the Albion Cricket Club was held on Thursday evening in the Templar Hall. There was a fair attendance and Mr Davis, captain, occupied the chair. A letter was read from the Domain Board re the rental ot the ground, but was not discussed, as the club intended to jom the proposed association, and Mes«rs Davis and Heffbrd were again appointed delegates to the Association. The annual election of officers was proceeded with and resulted as follows ;_President-Dr Trevor; Vice presidents-Father O'Donnel, Rev 1. A. Hamilton, and Messrs T> Bullock, G. A. M. Buckley, and D. Mac Lean; Secretary -E. Davis; Treasurer-G. Jesson; Committee —Messrs Dunlop, Craighead, Constable Pauling, Conter and W. Davis. Messrs F. Tucker and W. Page were elected new members, and a hearty vote of thanks to the outgoing committee and to the chairman closed the meeting. A confetence ot delegates from the athletic clubs of the town met a deputation from the Domain Board last evening for the purpose of considering the proposal of the Ashburton Athletic Association to take over the control of the Domain sports ground. The following clubs were represented :- Ashburton Cricket Club, Albion Cricket Club Ariel Bicycle Club, Amateur Bicycle Club Ashburton Football Club, Ashburton Swimming Club. The following were present from the Domain Board-.-The Mayor and Messrs Scaly, Jones, Flower and Andtrson^ Mr C Rsid tor-Mary of the Caledonian Society, was also present, but not as a delegate, as his society had not held a meeting lately. Mr Thomas waa voted to the chair. The deputation, after hearing and discussing with the meeting tha pro posals of the Association withdrew, stating that they would endeavour to meet reason able proposals ftom the Association con sistent with their duty as custodians of public property. On Mr Zanders motion, it was then decided to offer the Board an annual charge of £25 for the control of the sports ground, the association to p*y all maintenance costs. Considerable discussion then took place aa to the division of costs amongst the various clubs and the maetiug adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsible tor me opinions expiessed t>v our correspondents.)

BY SIXPENCE A DAY

TO THE KDITOB.

Sir —Kindly allow me a small space in your columns to show the amount of money the men draw from the Council. In reading of the men getting six shillings and sixpence per day, I and mnny others bought they wero paid wee and dry, but it is xU bo. For fine weather alone are they paid. Even a portion of a day wet, Christmas Day, or Good Friday ■» not paid for. lam told by one of the men that his pay sin^e January last only averaged thirty shillings per week. 1 really cannot think that our councillors c^uld have given this matter their serious consideration. By the time rent is paid I am sure there is not to much to rear a family on and appear respectable. As a ratepayer I am anxious to know the reason of this reduction of about eighteen shillings pet week out of hard earned wages Is it a necessity or only a fancy. It the former, it will do little towards paying off the bank overdraft; if the latter, the sooner it is done away with the better.—l am etc., Ratepayer,

ASHBURTON LIBERAL ASSOCIA TION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —I have always noticed that when one of the parties to a newspaper corres* pondence is getting the wor.t of it ho refers to the production ot h« opponent as an " effusion." I take the remarks of our mutual friend "Liberal Elector' thorpforo in a complimentary sense, ib L reX Wnd of him. I cheerfully accpfc his statement that he is not a maker or retailer of beer. Why on earth does ha argue so much like them then He com plains of my want of originality, whilst h£ own arguments (if they are worthy.of he nlme)are actually bine mouldy with all He inflicted three-quarters of a column ot your valuable space upon us, into which he managed to crowd more venerable chestnuts to the square yard than I have noticed before but that is in itself somewh»t original. If bomg of opinion th»t the control of the licensing business ought to be completely id the hands of the adult residents in the licensing districts-to increase, decrease, or abolish, as a majority of them may decide-is to be a prohibitionist, then I am one. lam prepared to defend the position against all comers as being en tirely consistent with the P.nnciples of democracy, four correspondent hints in a dark kind of way that my statements in my first letter may perhaps be untrue. If he is game to challenge them I am ready will mple evidence to prove «vwy onTof Hiem. '** POttclu»ion, % have only one oi . »»"'< absurd posjtjon^f your to point out the «•» * {^g be *al/not • correspondent in urgit^ **•.»; ™ *g, , to split; the votes, while all ... -1* wants i 3 that they shall support John MeLichlan. Would ifc not save the splitting of the votes equally well if the liberals vote for G. 0. Waby Or doea your correspondent think Mr McLachkn has a sort of pre-emptive right to the seat, by reason of his former defeats or of hiving first announced himself ?—I am, etc., IUDI0A&.

SUPREME COURT.

Wellington, September 1. The jury in the woman McGovern's case still disagreed, after being locked up all night, and a now trial has been ordered for next Wednesday.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

—♦ ■■ — ■■ — The monthly "meeting of the Ashburton County Council was held yesterday. Present—Messrs Hugo Friedlander (Pre siding), James Brown, James Johustone, Duncan Cameron, C. J, Harper, and E. | Richards. chairman's statement. The Chairman's Statement was read as follows:— Mr Wright has forwarded copies of the Rating Bill and each Councillor has been furnished with a copy of the same. This j Bill will come up for discussion at to-days meeting. The Government informs the' Council tlttt the proposed alterations of clauses as to electoral rolls for countieß suggested by the Conference of County Council Chairman will be noted for con sideration should a County Council Amendment Bill be introduced this session. The Commissioner of Taxes notifies payment of subsidies on account of Longbeach and South Rakaift Road Boards. This completes tho subsidies due to the Council. The Mount Hufcb Hoad Board writes stating that having been informed that tho Council undertook to maintain the fence on the cuttings leading to the Rakata Gorge Bridge, the Board asks the Council to put the fence in order. The work at Pudding Hill bridge having been completed, the Mount Hutfc Road Board have been* equested ro remit the amount promised towards the cost of that work. That Board also asks the Council to allot Me McFarlano'H thirds on his perpetual leaa* sections for work required to be done on the road leading to these section*. The Committee ap pointed by the Council have met tho settlers through whose land an oaHemenfc for perpetual water supply north and south Aahburton is required, and will re port the result of the conference to-day. The Hinds Cemetery Trustee* apply fora grant to put the site in order, so that the Trustees may keep the site afterwards in that condition. This reserve ha« only recently been reserved as a cemetery site, and has not had any vote expended on it. The Town Clerk notifies that a deputation of the Domain Board proposes to wait on the Council to-day with reference to a grant in aid of the Ashburton Domain, and also that the Borough Council agrees to the proposal of this Council of Jd of the usual supply of water in the initial portion of Borough Maiii being diverted in the new race for the proposed Hamp ! stead water supply. engineer's beport. The Engineer's report was read as follows :— Ashburton Kangitata Water Supply.— The service in this district was fairly well kept up during the month of August,' any slight stoppages which occurred having been due almost entirely to the blockages by debris thrown into the races by the recent high gales. The fords in the upper portion of the district have now been overhauled, and, tenders should be invited for next meeting for the maintenance of headworks, mains, fords, etc., in that district, including ranger ship of ordinary races,—all as arranged by council some months ago. The season is now at hand during which the conservation of the supplies must be guarded as fully as possible. A few fords in the lower portion of the district have still to be repaired, but these will be attended to during the next fortnight. The extension of P race in Low cliff district is in progress, and the race for reserve 2592 will bs commenced in a few dayfi. The race for Mr Keaya, Hind 9, is also finished, Ashburton-R ikaia Water Supply.—The succession of high winds last month caused considerable trouble, and a few stoppages, which Mere, however, of short duration. A fair supply is at present circulating through out the district, though it will not be practicable to get all the races thoroughly clear of the silt, etc., till next half-yearly clearing. I have also taken levels for the straightening and improvement of some sections of the race at Oorwar, which will be carried out at owner's expense. The outfall drain in connection with weir at auxiliary channel has been finished. The Dromoie township raca is on the point of completion. Tenders are called for to.day for small branch race for Mr Cromie and others, South Rxkaia The race sanctioned for Messrs Oakley, Hood, and others, is in hand. You will oV serve that the ranger again reports on Mr Kinley's continued negligence in allowing the race through land ia his occupitiou to become blocked from time to time with dead sheep. I have written to Mr Kinley re peatedly on this subject, without any re sponse, and he should now be dealt with sun*-narily. Kyle Irrigation Scheme.—l understand the Council were to consider thp subject to day, in connection with any representations which might be made by the settlers within the proposed district. As another meeting has yet to be held, I presume the Council" will not be iv possession of very full infor mation to-day, but present indications would go to show that little or nothing will be done towards carrying out the proposal till some minor scheme of a tentative nature is introduced. If any practical result, even on a small scale, is to be attained tbis sea son, it is quite time that preparations were being made. Allenton and Jfetherby Water Supply.— Should the Council wish tenders to be called for that portion of the work extending from the borough main to the railway, I will arrange accordingly. County Plantations.—The fencing and ploughing of that portion of reserve at Hinds township to be sown with gums have been completed. The fencing of a block of 40 acres of reserve 2460 is finished, as is a!so a block of 60 acres near Dromore. The planting contractors have made good the plantations executed in May lasfc, and are now entitled to their second instalment of 30 per cent. It appears Mr Bell's sheep in jured about 500 of the young treeß on reserve 2560, and he Bhould therefore be called upon to make good the loss. The Upper Ashburton Road Board require about 100 saplings for fencing some of the gravel pita adjacent to the South road, and they inquire whether they could obtain these by thinnings from the gum plantations in tk? vicinity. Pudding Hi'l Stream.—The diversion on the upper side of the bridge approach was carried out as arranged, but a heavy freshet has since made a breach near the north end, which is being secured. Poisoned Grain.—As requested by the Council, I have had nearly a ton of this grain distributed along the roads and reserves within the county, which ha? resulted, I understand, in a large destruc tion of birds- Guaging Streams.—l have again com pleted the record in the Ashburton-Rangi tata district. JfSTHERBY WATER SUPPLY. The Borough Council wrote, stating that they had decided to agree to th^ clause suggested by the County Engineer in his report of February 13, 1892, by which the water diverted into the new race shall be fixed at one-fourth of the usual supply in the initial portion of the Borough main, tha same proportion to 11^14 good in the case of a short supply from the river. On Mr Brown's root^on jt was decided that the Engineer he instructed .fco carry QUk wW W9 V}£ as soon a? possible, subject —t'««ibatjott§ §9 aireed .upon being re tO COu... '* k ceived. TENDERS. It was resolved that tenders be called for the maintenance of head works, mains, fords, etc., and also for the appointment of a ranger to be sent in by next meeting. TOISONED WHEAT. Messrs Brown and Harper reported the good efLeb of the poisoned grain laid down by the Council. An application from the Mount Somers Road Board for a refund of £1014s 7d, expended on poisoned grain, was granted, with the reminder that such expenditure must first be sanctioned by the Council. ASHBURTON RACING CLUB. Permission waa granted to the Afshbur ton Racing Club to take sufficient water out ot the water race on the north side of the race course, reserve No. 1318, to make a water jump for the steeplechase on September 6 and. 7.

MOUNT BOJIEBS TAMWAY. In connection with the Mount Somers tramway, it .was decided that the com mittee sea to clause 14 of tha lease with Mr Wright, ant) that the matter of col- i lecting the rent due on August 26 be placed in the hands of the Council's solicitor. The Clerk to the Mount Somers Road Board wrote, urging on the Council the necessity of re-letting the tramway as soon as possible, as the traffic from the coal pit to the railway station is cutting up tne roads badly. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £500 were passed for payment. •THIRDS. The Minister of Lands wrote acknow ledging the Council's letter of August 16, relative to the non-payment of thirds due *.o the county—and stating that he would communicate with the Commissioner of Crown Lands on the subject, as the Land Board had full power to deal with all ap plications for thirds. Mr Harper said it was quite time some thing definite was done in the matter as there was a considerable amount due to the Council, and on his motion a deputa tion consisting of Messrs Friedlander, Cameron and the mover was appointed to interview the Commissioner of Crown Lands on the subject. The Clerk to the Mount Hutfc Road Board applied to the Council for the thirds paid by .). McFarlane to be applied to necessary work on the roads leading to his sections. It was decided to reply that when the thirds came to hand the application would be granted. WAKANUI OKKEK. Mr John Oorbett wrote offering certain proposals to assist the settlement of the Wakatiui Creek question, and its was re solved that the letter be referred to the Engineer for the purpose of consulting with Mr Corbetfc m to terms, and get Mr Oorbett, to state accurately in writing hie i requirements. amuri corscix. I The Amuri County Council wrote desir ing to obtain the opinion of the Ashbur ton County Engineer before proceeding with some proposed new headworks for the Waiau Plains water race, It was de cided to inform the Amuri County Council that Mr Baxter's services are urgently re quired daily in the summer time, and that the Council regrets it cannot space him. HINDS CEMETERY. The Trustees of the Hinds cemetery wrote asking the Council, as they had no funds for the work to survey the ground, also erect gates, etc.. and level and put the ground into proper order, the trustees agreeing to maintain it after wards. Mr Brown thought the Council should not grant ■ the land for these cemeteries without giving them a fair start. The Engineer was instructed to report as to the particulars %nd cost. HINDS WATER SUPPLY. An application was received from village settlers from the Hinds for a water supply, they guaranteeing to pay the balance required to supplement the Government grant for that purpose. Their proposed mode of payment was to be a rate of so much per acre. On Mr Harpers motion, seconded by Mr Cameron, it was decided tint when the settlers pay the share of (heir contri bution, and the Government their £40. I and arrangements have been completed i with Mr Sfcudholme, junior, re the out fall, the work will be taken in hand. IRIUGATION SCHEMA Mr W. L. Allan, Acton, waited on the Council with regard to the Doiio irriga tion scheme. His proposal was to bring fche water over his own and the company's laad at their own cost, if the Counci would proclaim it an irrigation district- - that was, failing the other settlers agree ing to it. If the settlers wished they could participate in the scheme and pay their ownshare. The Chairman stated that by granting I Sir Allan thi? concession they would forfeit £27 10 j per year, the amount of i rates no* collected in that district, but they would hive done with the expenses. Mr Allan stated that though he would nob pay water rates, he would be quite willing to pay his share of the interest on the original co^t. He did n.ot wish any definite reply at once, as there was to be another meeting of settlers at Pendarves shortly. His proposed scheme would cost £350, Mr Brown spoke favoring Mr Allan's proposal. Mr Harper thought that this would be the initiation of a scheme which would extend in a few years all over the country, and he thought that the proposal from Mr Allan, who was a recent convert to irrigation, should be hailed with satis faction as a sign that at last an efficient scheme of irrigation would be brought about. On his motion a Committee — consisting of Messrs Richards, Brown, Friedlander, and the mover—was ap pointed to consider this matter after the date of the meeting of settlers at Pendarves, and report to the Committee at next meeting. It was also decided that Mr Lambie, as chairman of the Kyle irrigation scheme, ' be informed that unless the meeting at Pendarves decide on some definite action, the Committee will proceed to deal with Mr Alhn's application. THE DOMAIN. Mr Paul, as a member of a deputation from the Domain Board, waited on the Council asking them for a grant towards the maintenance of the Domain, He abated that previously the Domain had been under a Domain Board, distinct from the Council, and until the Borough Council had taken it over, very little improvement had been done to the Domain ; but since thai time considerable money and labor had been expended on it, until it was now equal to any in the colony. Mr Brown pointed out that tne Domain was used by the county as a whole, and he thought the request was a just one. He moved that the sum of £25 be granted to the Domain Board. Mr Harper seconded the motion pro forma, but advocated caution in dealing with the matter, as such action might possibly ba an undesirable precedent. Messrs Johnatone and Cameron spoke against the motion, as they did not think the funds warranted such a precedent. Eventually Mr Brown withdrew his motion ta allow the exact position of the Council in. the matter beina: ascertained. WATER gr/PPiiES. ' An application from Mr Qulnn, Methven, fot a water supply for hi* son's land was referred to the Engineer' td re port at next meeting. ' The Upper Ashbur ton Road Board wro,te, stating that complaints had been made ot the obstruction of fche ford across the north branch of the Ashbwrton* river, ca»aed by bags being placed 'across the . stream, to divert the water into the mill race. Th*y ftlaQ drew^ fcha gounpil's attention po the growth ot gorSd afc reserve l§o3,"W*nch.mora road, '" • -~.«i«red fcnat fche Ifagfoe.pj? &*w Ie was i.v,~-- '" —~«wiators to the attention of the mm piv,- _ • the bags, and also to inform the Boaa Batkrd that the Council is not responsible for gorse on the roada at the reserves. An application for the deviation of a race in South Rakaia was granted to Mr James Copland. Mr T. A. Hickman s application for a water supply at Westerfield was deferred, pending the Engineer's report. An application, from Mr Cameron for exemption from pa) ment of certain water rates, on the ground that he a 1 lowed the water race to be laid through his hnd for the benefit of other settlers was refused. An application from John Williams for a loop race in R.Sv 26717 was granted A water supply was also granted, to

Mawson Bros. The spplication of Mr eJhutt and others for a water supply was deferred pending the Engineer's report. A pond service was granted to Mr Hanks. An application from Mr J. Daly to divert a race was postponed pending the Engineer's report. RAKAIA GORGE BRIDGE. The Mount Ilutt Road Board wrote requesting the Council to repair fences at S? aJ?P roacl110 the Rakaia Gorge bridge. J-he Clerk was instructed to reply that the Council had not undertaken the main tenance of the fences of the approach. ROLLS. Mr George Loader's name was substi tuted for that of Mr C. L. Hart; and Mr •T. O Kane's for that cf Mr A. Hardy on the roll. * RESERVES. Mr Andrew Topping wrote, offering £1 per year, and to keep land clear of gone, for a portion of tramway reserve, Spring burn. The request was granted. T. Roberts' ofier of one shilling per acre rent for sections 2779 and 2778, plantation reserves, was accepted. WAKANUI WAMB DISTRICT. A special order agreeing to the Wakanui water district was approved of—Mr Brown dissenting. TENDERS. The tender of Messrs Todhunter and Dawding of £15 was accepted for work on reserves 2243, and Mr J. Downie's tender of £4 10s was accepted for Messrs Oromia and others' race. The Council then adjourned.

COMMERCIAL.

PIE FBBSB AffHOCIATIOZr. London, August 31. "Dombusch's List" estimates that th« world's wheat exports will exosed require mentu by 1,900,000 quarters* ' Washington, August 31. Congress has postponed dealing with the tariff until next year, and meanwhile a Com mittee will take evidence. Senator Sherman contends that it is fear of tariff revision which has caused the de pression. (Received September 1, 7.30 p.m.) The weekly returns of the Bank of England published to-day show the total reserve to be £16,060,000. The proportion of reserves to liabilities is 48.26. New Zealand 4 per cent inscribed Htook, 104f; 3£ per cents, 95£. Three months' bills are discounted at 3§ per cent. New Zealand long-berried wheat, ex warehouse, is fiat at 28s 3d ; South Austra lian wheat, ex warehouse, also flat at 29a ; Victorian, weaker, 28s 6d. Colonial oats, fine quality, 23s 6d ; common, 245: beans, 34s 6d. Frozen mutton, first quality, 3gd per 1b; second quality, 3d 5-6ths. Beef has revived, and improved prices are expected in January ,|

SPORTING.

CANTERBURY CUP.

Chbistohctrch, September 1, *' The following nominations have been received for the Canterbury Cup, to be run at Spring Meetinar of the C.J.C. : — St. Bippo, Stanmoor, Pegasus, Skirmisher, St. Anthony, Tussock, Stepniak, Alder shot, Magazine, Loyalty, Clanranald, Westmere, Merganser, Saracen, Prim* Warden, HJppomenes, Gitano, Outpost.

An Amusing Incident.

SPLENDIDLY DRESSED "STRANGERS."

(Special to the "Star.")

Wellington, September 1. About midnight, while Mr Carroll was speaking on the Native Land Bill, some commotion was caused in the House of Representatives by the sight of two splendidly dressed "strangers" in the gallery. The attention of the Speaker was called to their presence, whereupon ' he ''strangers " disappeared. Not many minutes afterwards, however, on the bell ring'ng to form a quorum, one of the dis* tinguished visitors, arrayed as a Mexican nobleman, walked into the House, e»fc down a moment, then bowed profoundly to the Speaker, and walked out again. Members then realised that the "stranger" was none other than Mr George Hutchtßon, who had been attending a fancy dress ball at Government House in honor to the " coming out" of Lady Augusta Boyle. His companion in the gallery was Mr James Mills, who wore the robes of a Dublin Doctor of Law, Several other members of the House, including Messrs Reures, Valentine and Wilson, were a* the carnival, but did not visit the chambd ie costume. It is supposed that Mr Hutchison's appearance in fancy garb was the result of a wager.

"THE HOLY CITY."

There was a large attendance at Baring Square Church last evening to hear the performance by the Wesleyan Choral Society of Gaul's cantata "The Holy City." The cantata had not been prepared for renderiug in its entirety, but the excisions were very few and judiciously made, and even had the excised numbers been retained, the cantata would hardly have been long enough to make up a full evening's concert. So that the numbers of the work were supplemented by several from other sources, wh h formed the first part. These comprised the "Gloria" and "£yrie" from Mozut's Twelfth which were very well given indeed, and several sacred songs. Mr and Mrs La Brun's number, Mendelssohn's duet" "reet ng " was a refreshing contribution, and Mica Ethel Alcorn'B " Eteraalßest" (Piccolomini) was carefully sung. Miss Steel, who bean the heaviest portion of the solo work in the Society, sang Jude's " Better Land " with her usual success, and was followed by Mr J. A. Orr, an Aahburton boy, but now of Timaru, who sang Gounod's sweet but diffi cult and trying song "Nazareth." Mr Orr has a grand voice, rich and deep in tone and fine in quality. Its training has not been neglected and the singer uses it with artistic regard to expression« With the maturing influence of a year or two Timaru will have on its list of amateurs a bass of whom more will no doubt yet be heard. The soloists in " The Holy City " were Mrs Flower, Miss Steel, Mr Le Brun, and Mr Orr, and the rendering of the several numbers apportioned to them was a source of much enjoyment tt a thoroughly appreciative audience. The choruses had been carefully practised, and went steadily and [tunefully throughputs sd X well iadeea that ojiiy a hyp§rcrjti<s would he a fault finder, Wisdpm WW displayed in having a small but efficient orchestra, an 4 the work done by M* Wood, violinist;. M,jf Gates, double bass ; and Miss Murray at the piano was all that could be desired. Several of the choruses are effeqttye pieces of scoring, notably" "The eheriibic host,?? a prelude 'Si the baiss solp Jsung by M^Orr) "Atf4 J heard the voice o* !iarper«,' the con pluming number f' Great and Marvellous '< The instrumental piep&s " Contemplation'" ana i 4dofation'? wece admirably managed §nd both highly reliphtja. Mr GamblL was gQndugtojf, and the ajmo§t perfec'time Wftßt, m well »b tb§ imjnedi^te i?eppensej t« his unobtru^;: : Mld*UC6 ia expression, were proof both 01 ins u^..^ and his fans taking training, The' doxo] logy was sung as a finale to an excellent eacred concert.

MB AQT.TtnBT.)T» QOARDIAN: SATPBDAY. SEPTEMBER 2, 1893.



THIS WEEK G. J. NEILL and Co. * E F, * B E L L I N G- Berlin Wool Is lid wvar a Beautiful Dress Uooda 3d per yard Splendid Plush I*3J per y*rd White Calico 2s lid per d* z SSSm"oKma.ee«in g9 ja BoeX DBe?Onbl6,.ol.cd Twill Shoetiog 9il Heavy Flannelette 3M Gotlon Shirting 4*d Men's Tweed Suits 17s od Boys Tweed Suits 4$ lid •BOOTS- « BOOTS. BOOTS. WE STAND tiHptfVALLEjp.. BSSBSttSs . AT :Q, J. NEILL & GO.'S. FRIBDLANDER'S CORNER, -EAST STREET TERMS'CASH. NO DISCOUNT.



Wanted KSbilANOhttroh, Baring Square. Evangelistic Mission begms lo morrow, and costinuoa through the week All invited. v "• T ADIES 1 Bicycle tor Sale ; splendid li machme; brand new; ******\ tyre». Price £22. Lvboral t«""9--j X V.7.., MAii^ffice^ 9 » j TOUNG Ladies' Journal for Septem ber n>w in ; The Same Lord, by G. 0. Grubb ; The Terrible Cz«, Tolstoi. —11, M. Jones. _____ IF yoti want fi*st class fruifc go to ADAMB' for Fiji, Tahiti, Auckland and Sydney Oranges, Citrons, Lemons, etc. XPRUIT—A fresh and large supply to Jj hand. To be sold very cheap. Come and ask prices and prove for your •elves. Poultry, etc.-MRS Whiitmjoton, opposite Mail Office- OYS' Own plperToirls' Own Paper, Young Men of Great Bntan, Merry Boys, Dick's English Library, Family Novelist, etc.—H. M. Jones. NEW Books. Queen of the Black Hand, The Refugees, A Pair of Blue Eyes, Liits and Lyrics of ft c w Zealand, by Marie R. Randle.—H. M. 3 Gsia.



Wanted _________ WANTED Known—W. H. Collmr's noted four clasp Kid Gloves, 2s Bd, have just arrived in all sir.es. SUITS to measure, during the sale, 495, 555, 60s, 70a, and 755. Fit and workmanship guaranteed.—R. a.LOOR», Saunders' Buildings. T ADIES' Jackets, Mantles, Superior JLj Dress Goods further reduced, as cash must be had. Compulsory Sale at S. W. Alcorn's. AILWAY Book Stall.—A very large and choice lot of books to select from. 7_*s? BOOKS in great variety to suit all classes of readers, at the Railway Book Stall 7 10a \\J ANTED Known. — Special ship- V V roent of Linen Goods, diract from Belfast. Splendid value. See window at Andrew Orb's. j._« v 0 it a % O I Oh « m a o N •t



WANTED— All Cyclists to know that all kinds of Cycle Extras can Ü bought at Chriatchurcb piiues from H. M. Josis._____ WANTED Known-T. Hoult has fresh Poik Sausages daily, hot Pies, also a good assortment of Jams, Tickles, Sauces, etc. W" ANTED Known—That A. J. Walker repairs IHi-yclep, Sewing Machines, Lawn Mowers, Medic*! Cv>ila, and all descriptions of light machinery. ONT Forgec lo send youc bicycles along to the Old Kindergarten to be repaired, at moderate latos. _ MEDIOAL C« ila made and ropairfd on the shortest notice at easy pricos at A. J. Walkbk's, Old X nder garten. BOOK^ln good order and c mplite bouaht or taken in ixcba» ge. JS'c w Stock arriving every week. Circulating Library.—J. Maksdss, Newsagent. SOMHRSET Meat Mart. The oldest the largest, tha best, and the cheap Mt. Small "loods a specialty. Ful weishta cuaranteed. A trial solicited. "SKI ANTED Known— Some wonderful W job lines v Drapery, etc., now being sold; also presents to all purchasers. H. 0. Segebs, Melford House.



CVTANTED Known.—Gents, Summer » » Merino Sock B|d, Cotton Drawers la lid.—Mitchell and 'J uhnfr. ANTED Known.—Jubt opened Tenr:i4 and Summer Hats, Print Shirts, etc.—Mitchell and Turner. XPINGERING Wool 3d, 200 yds Cotton JD Reel* l^d, 400yda 33. Enormous stock of Ladies' and Children's Hose further reduced at S. W. Aicokn & Co.'* sale. WANTED Known—For good value in first class; Drapery, Millinery, Bocfc<, Uiothinar, etc., go to Melpukv Bouse. Beautiful presents now giving »way to all purchasers. ANTED, All to see Mitchell and Ttmmsii's Print Window. IX7 ANTED Known. — Seasonablt •» Qtftids. Cashmere Gloves, 6d pair ; Oash Mitt* 6d pair; Fnr Collar?, 2i lid ; indies' Skirts, 2s lid ; Roelyn Wool, 3^ per 1b ; Wool Shawls at half price, at Axdbew Oru's.



To The Ladies of Ashburton and Dis TEICT, A WORD WITH YOU, PLEASE IF Thinking of getting married try MADDENS for your Bride Cake—almond iced, i required. If you like a quiet afternoon cup ot tea* ! send along to I MADDENS 'or your Cakes and Pastry. j School Committees, when giving their ; children a treat, try a fifty shillings cate- ■ I ■>£ \ SJADDE N'S Vesor'ed Goods. Ball Committees, save yourselves a deal »f anxiety by entrusting your orders to MAD D E X "or Snppere, &c. The beat South Can erbury ppreads to bo refarred to. In '"act anything in the line can bo supplied you (wily send the money out of the dis crict) at the OLD ESTABLISHED SHOP, Ea^t Street. FUR S*LTb7~~~ PvESIIUBLE PRIVATE RESI \_J DENCHJ, well situated on the Vakanui road. -Exceptionally easy terms •f payment, and only six per cent per ntium charged on the unpaid portion of ho purchase money. For full particulars ,pply to T. BOLLOCK.



WONDERFUL Satisfaction.- The special nickel wntch made for S. .Salek, sold at 22s Gd and 25.* i« thf best.—Obtainable only from S. SaleK. Jeweller. ___L? 3 W" ANTED Known—" The Corner "ie showing a magnificent New Stoci o( Drapery and Clothing. — W. H Coixikh. PRESENTS --Beautiful Presents now being given away to all purchaser* of Drapery, iMillinery, Booty, Olothing to.—H. 0. Sjsgebs, Melford Houso. WANTED Known.--To make rooiu for Spring Boots I will give ten per cent for ca«h. Repairß done at one cheap** than ever to stay bad times ove' •t J. Mokon, Premier Bootmaktr. 8 18



YOUNG Ladias' Journals (August) "Review of Reviews,'' Weidon'i Journals, Ca sells' Royal Academy lic tures, Beys of Erglaud, (New Volame) Hew Games includiMß TiddWy Wiuka Is New Books and Fancy Gi>o:ls, Boxe Notepaper and Envelopes, etc.—L, J iHDKRWESASD Co, Stationers' Hall. AGTSNTS WANTED. WANTBO Ag<nti for a GOOD SELLING LINE. Either sex and earn goo 1 income. Apply early at only a limited numlwi- is required. NOVftLTY 1 WP< RTING 00., Box *T« -fi P <•« Hdn«y, N.SV



TO LfcT—Dwelling House of Six Rooms, well bituated in Charles street. Ulenten, and near the Woollen Factory. T. BULLOCK. TOWN^SECIIONS FOR SALE at easonable prices, viz :—7OS well situated n Wills street, 812 and Pl 3 Aitken street, 857 Grey street, t56 Mo re street, 243 Kermode stre. t, 792 and 793 Cox street, 1046 and 1047 Peter street west, 1001 !ox street west, 1050 curuer of Walker md Peter street?, 994 and 995 Walker rreefc west, 807 Cox street east, 846 and 347 Aitken street. 820 William ' street, 797 Cox street. 711 Wills street, KlB j \itken street, 689 Cameron street, 842 Oass street.



KEATINGS COUGH LIZENGSS cure Coiighs Asthma, Bronchitis. Midical testimony states the no otter medicine is so effectual in the cure of tues langetoua maladies. Oie Lo/.ooge alone givc3oasn >ne or two at bedtime ensures rot. For roHevhif? of breathing they are invaluable. They con joia no opinm nor any rivlent dm?. Sold by all



"S ew Jewellery. ITew Jewellery. Hew Jewellery. "TUST OPENED UP—A consignment O from Home of the very latest style and newest designs in Gold and Silver Jewellery, Silver and E.P. Ware, etc. Inspection invited of the very choice and High-class Stock, which will be found equal to any in Christchurch and AT LOWER PRICES. A Splendid Selection of GOODS, SPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR PRESENTS. S. SALBK, WATCHMAKER, Manufacturing Jeweller, -: akd :- OCULIST—OPTICIAN. East Street, Ashburton. The Establishment for first class Watch and Clock repair ing. Charges as low as is consistent with SOUND $ RELIABLE W ORKMANBHIP



Fob a Fjew jOays -yyr c are CLEARING. OUT THE REMNANTS AND ODDMENTS OF ©UR WINTER STOCK AT A GREAT SACRIFICE. Soecial Value in BOCTS md SHOES. Jnf tntV Boots from 9J B(?ys' Boots 4=» 6d Men's Boots 4s 9J Women's 3s lid Hardley Bros., AROADK, 9*14 NAIL. NOTICES, Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations :— WEDNESDAY, September 6. San Francisco mail. Due London Oct. 11 *



Comsmanb and Son kEucaiattio Extract is the only genuine in the markot, and was awarded medals md diplomas at Sydney, Melbourne, nnd Adelaide beating all competitors. For all affections of the Chest and Lungs, Consumption, Asthma, Coughs Gravel, and Kidney Complaints, it has] UO equal AgWfcH-ASUBCKKW DttTO COMFANYJ



HOLLOW AY'S PILLS.-Teaohing of Experionw, —The unitel testimony qf thousands, exbendiug ove* forty years, must strongly recommend tlieoe p Us as ihe best purifiers, the mildest aperients, and the s irest re storatives They never prove delusive, or gire merely temporary relief, but attack all ailments of the stomach, lungs, heart and bowels in the only safe and legitimate way, by depurating the biood, and so eradicating tuoso impurities which are tho source and constituents qt almost every disease. Their medicinal efficacy is wonderful in renovating enfeebled constitutions. Their action embraces all that is desirable in a household medicince. They espel every uskious and efiete matter aml that the^ Strength Us nutured and the energies