a very large amount of succet^ion duty reoeived last year, and which it *0l»d be unwise to expect thia year. With re gard to the customs duties I may say that I have thought it prudent to considerably reduce the estimated revenue for the year so as to keep on the strong side with our nuance. I have, therefore, set down our estimate at H,620,000. There is a small Increase of railway revenue over the amounb aetua 1y reoeived fast year, Hu there seenn no roAsou to aniicipati thaf the figure* submitted by ihe ■Oomtai sioners will nob he reached. The iniscei lan<-oiK revenue is increa»»« jd owing Lo the ad«liti<in».l interest received from the lochl bodies for money granted co them under ihe Government Loans to Local Bodies Acts, 1886 and 1891, and by an increased profit .receivable from the post offices consequent upon the lower rate of interest allowed to Savings Bank deposi tors. The other items of revenue call for no comment. Jt'siiMATJBD Results at thr Close or tbe Yb«. I have now placed before you an esti mate of both sides of our financial account and had better suumariae the figures. Ihe expenditure ia estimated to reach 14,409.371, and the revenue L 4.639.700, or L 130,329 in excess of the ordinary re quirements Of the Consolidated Fund. To this we have to add the balance of L 283,789 at the close of last year, making an estimated surplus of L 414.109 on the 31st March next, subject ef course, to the requirements of the usual Supplementary Estimates, Native Reserves, The legislation by which thia Parlia ment during laßt # session dealt with the long-standing disputes and difficulties between the settlers and native owners of the West Co*st settlement reserves, and by which there can be no doubt these difficulties^ wM be arranged in such a manner »*to satisfy all parties, and pro mote the happiness and prosperity of both races, merits, perhaps, more than the reference to which I must necessarily restrict myself in this Statement. In the West Coast Settlement Reserves Act, 1892, we have a measure which has tended to solve one of the greatest of our native difficulties, a problem of which hardly two years ago the solution of seemed impos sible. To the compromise which the Act haa authorised both the Natives and settlers had been reconciled, and since November 1 last, when the Ace came into operation, the feeling of the natives has been one of a growing reliance that the administration of their lands would be just and satisfac I >ry. Of those natives whose determined hostility to settlement i had so long been insurmountable, few can now be said to be even distrustful. Of the unoccupied land upwards of 12,000 acres have been leased under this Act), and the remainder will be offered as soon as the necessary surveys can be completed. Bent moetings between the natives and the lessees who have applied for new in place of old leases are proceeding a« expeditiously as economy will permit. Land and Income Tax Results. I have pleasure in informing the Com mittee that the estimate of revenue from the land and income tax has been ex ceeded. The results ar§—lncome tax, L 67.658 j land tax, L 297.275 ; which in total from land and income taxes is L 364,933. In addition to this the arrears dudes thegraduated land tax, L 67.056, and absentee graduated land tax, L 621. The of property tax collected amounted to L 15,446. The results of the land and income tax syjtem made up to June 30 are as follows : —Land tax, including tax paid, L 199,198; outstanding, L 2082 ; total, L 301,280. Income tax paid, L 71,258; outstanding, L 261 9; total, 1-73,877. This gives a grand total of L 375,157, as the total assessed value of the system for one year aa far as ascertained. The estimate of revenue, taken inte account in last; year's Financial Statement, w*s L350,i300, there thus being an exces3 of L 25,155 over the estimate. Settlement op Land. A colony with such a range of climate, and with so wide a field for agricultural, pastoral, and horticultural industries, can be much more densely peopled without danger of over-population for many years to come. To increase our producers the Government have endeavoured to make New Zealand noted throughout the world ( for offering exceptional advantages to j country settlers. The Land Act of 1892 has only been in force about five months, yet the transactions under it have already proved that the people appreciate its, liberal term*, and that the attention of would-be settlers from the Mother Country and the neighbouring colonies is being drawn to New Zealand. During the last year the demand for land has been very great and the means at the disposal of the Government have "been taxed tp the uttermost to keep pace with [t. During the year just ended the separate selections under the various systems of disposal in force were 3071, and the total area disposed of was 1,663,687 acres ; being au excess over the pievious year of 210,609 acres ; while the number of selectors was greater than that of the previous year by 558. The transac tionscf the year included theleasing of 119 runs of an area of 1,104,324 acres under perpetual lease with the right of pur chase ; 385 selectors acquired an area of 122,557 acres under the system of occupation with right of purchase; 161 selectors acquired an area of 54,271 acres. The area of land leased in per petuity without the right of purchase amounts to 55,320 acres, taken up by 12# selectors j the area of land taken up by associations without the right of purchase was 376,670 acres, the number of selectors beiag 1874. Of this area 157,381 acres have bean surveyed, and the sections ballotted for among 838 selectors, leaving 25 blocks which still require to be surveyed, and some of which are now in course of being sur yeyed The land disposed of on deferred payment was 21 474 acres; the number of selectors bei g 198. Land was sold for cash to 475 settlers and 152 towns people, the area purchased being 36,853 acres and the cash received Lf9,735. This includes 1,28,992 ot perpetual leasehold s converted into freeholds. Those perpetual leasehold^ so converted ace occupied by 108 selectors arid amount to 33,381 acres. These figures show what very satisfactory progress has been made during tbe year. It will also be noted that more selectors have acquired land than in any previous period for years. Details will be found in th Crown Lands departmental report fo r the year when it is laid on the table oj the House. Kvery care has been taken to prevent evasions of the Land Act by thf adoption of stringent measures vhw* a breach of the land law could be proved, and myhon colleague, the Minister of Lands, and the Government, are satisfied that if'these measures are adhered to and the same care taken in the future, evasions of the land law known as J'dummyiam?' wiil soqri be a thing of pa's?, 'livw 1 will be stainpea out the mpst pernicious sysfcam' of land speculation.. • r I^Np fqs Set-element The efforts of the Government under the Bill of last session to obtain a sum eient quantioy of land, have not been altogether successful. The only transac tions completed up to the present have been the acquisition of three lots of a total area of 1027 acres, particulars of - l -'" *•-■l-:'1 "" **"» *»M« of the which win uo it*ii* «-»* "— -■•--• Hoqse, Negotiations have been entered into tor the purchase of tiro other blocks of small areai A large dumber of pro perties have been offered to the Govern ment; under the Act in various parts oj the colony, but in some cases the land 7*9 Writable, 9 r fjtuatpd i» f l<?c*l|ty

j where J*hc' waa nob required: and in ' other ca'-ea the price demanded was so high ihit the Boari of Commissioners could not see ->\\ir way to recommend purchase. It U the intention of the Government to give vhe Act a fair trial, but if land cannot be obtained under it, in portions of the col' ny where sett'enem is most required, it will be the duty of the Government to ask the House to so amend the Land lur Settlement Act as to provide for land being taken at its fair v lue where absolutely required for settle ment. The Cheviot Estate. I have now to a^k the atuiuion of the Committee to the taking over of the Cheviot estate. This properly, which formerly belonged to the estate of the Hon. W. Robinson has an area of 84,222 acres. It was assessed at a value of L 304 826, the improvements being valued at L 54.300, with an unimproved value of L 250.526. It was rsturned by the owners at L 260.220. They objected to the assessed value, and the Commissioner of Taxes disallowed the objection and re ferred it to the Board of Reviewers who upheld the assessor's value. On October 10 the Commissioner received from the trustees in the estate a letter calling upon him to reduce the valuation to the owners' value L 260.220, or else to take the land in terms of the Land and Income Assess ment Act at that price. The Commis sioner declined to make any reduction, and recommended that the land be acquired by the Government. After a special valuation had been mide, and' submitted for the consideration of the Government, it was determined to acquire the property, and, on December 29,1892, an Order-in-Council was passed giving effect to the same. The transaction was completed on April 19, when the convey ance was signed and payment made, there being paid in cash L6O 220, the balance of L 200.000 being paid by cheque ; but on the understanding, which was carried out, that the trustees should purchase Treasury bills to the amount of £200,000, having a currency of six months, and bearing interest at the rate of 4£ per cent per annum. The estate then became vested in the Crown, and was placed under the administration of the Lands and Survey Department. After full consideration it was determined that the agricultural portion of the estate, some 85,600 acres, should be disposed of in October next, and the right of grazing over this area until that date was let for L 2030. The grazing rights over the re maining portion of the estate, 45 700 acres, that is over the pastoral and agricultural land, were let for a total of L 4043, possession to be resumed in April next. Arrangements were also made for letting the homestead, and somo of the surrounding ground at the rate of L 414 a year. Surveyors are now engaged on the property, and road and other works are being executed. Further information as to what is being done and the manner in which it is intended to dispose of the pro perty, will be furnished by my colleague, I the Minister of Lands, when he submits for your consideration the Cheviot Estate Disposition Bill, under which the pro perty will be dealt with. lam able to inform the Committee that it is beyond question that the estate is fully worth the value a*i which it was assessed, and 1 understand that there would not have been any difficulty in disposing of tha property in one or several large lots for a sum equal to the assessed value, but suoh a mode of selling the land could not for a moment be entertained, and it was, as you are aware, determined to subdivide the property and settle as many people as could judiciously be placed upon ic. I don't hesitate to assert that the revenue to be derived from the estate will give a hand some return on the purchase money, and in addition to this the settlement of per sons on the proper'y will help yerjr mate rially to promote the prosperity of that part of the colony. Banking Business of the Government. Among the financial changes effected by my predecessor, the new agreementwith the Bank of New Zealand for the oonduct of Government business must be reckoned of great importance. Copies of the agree ment have been laid before you, and with the view of showing as clearly as possible the alteration made by the new agree ment, I have had » copy of the old agree ment reprinted-in erasure type, so that you will have no difficulty in ascertaining ! the points of divergence. The principle feature in the new agreement is that the charge for the remittance of public moneys within the colony by course of post *s done away with. This concession saves the Government upwards of L3OOO per annum. On our London banking account we gain an advantage of If per cent on our daily balance. With regard to the rate of interest chargeable upon advances made by the bank we have ob tained a concession of 1 per cent upon advances made in London, and l£ per cent upon advances made in the colony. I have appended to the new articles of agreement a copy of the existing agree ment between the Government of South Australia and the Associated Banks Thus the action of the late Colonial Trea surer is to be credited with obtaining terms more favorable than any other colony possesses for the conduct of the banking business of the Government of New Zealand. Subsidies to Local Bodies. It was intimated in the last Financial Statement that the local authorities ought to be prepared during the current year to give up one-half of the amount of the present subsidy, and that during the following year the remainder would dis appear. I foe Government have, however, given this matter their very serious con sideration, and have come to the conclu sion that in view of the large amount of land settlement going on the time is not opp rtnne for such alteration to be made. The construction of roads to give access to lands is of the utmost importance, and ' while so much of this work is going on it would not be good policy to cripple the resources of the local bodies, who have so much of this class of expenditure cast upon them. Defence. Membera are aware that the Comman dant was appointed in January, 189,2. On his arrival he requested that he should not be asked tq accept full responsibility until such time as he had had an oppor tunity of personally inspecting the Per manent and Volunteer Forces, and de fence works in all parts of the colony. This was acceded to, and the inspection has taken place, the results of which have been placed upon the table of the House. The firat portion of the report is of such a nature that it can be made public property, but in addition to this there is a conßdential report] which more par ticularly affects the defence works and armaments/ It necessarily follows that this part must remain confidential. There are also two reports, that on the West land, Nelson, and Marlborough districts and on the Easter encampment, and thp other on the South Panterbury district. There is»large expenditure recommended for the completion of armaments, sub marine defences, tpTp,'edqeq, tyxit slieds, magazines, purchase' of small arms a,nd ammunition,. A considerable portion of the yearhavingelapsed.it p only fair to the Volunteer forces not to m»ke any alteration until Parliament hag decided on the matter. Hence the General Estimates dealing with this portion of the defence of the colony, are almost on the same I lines »s Iwrt yw# Proposals of the Government Taxation oh Nativb Lands, The Goverunent' has had under its earnest consideration a question to which attention was called la Tst year—that or subjecting the native lands to the taxation j to the present lands of eolowtf

are liable. In ord>r that native lands may be made to contribute what nu'y in all fairness be expected, ihei r propottu> of th<» expenditure, which is go r«»s d y increasing their value, an amendment of the Ratine; Act will be in*reduced with a view of initiating this proposal in respect to native lands in more settled districts. One proposal is that the lands to be re served for the use and residence of anc? cultivation by the natms themse'vt* may be occupied unier leases with out tender at assessed rentals, and in other respects on the same terms and conditions in regard to rates and other wise as the leases to European settlers. The natives who may thus become the lessees of land* comprised in their own reserves would not necessarily pay rtnt, for it would come back to them as reserve owners, but the assessment A the rental would operate when « native leaseholder may not own the leasehold or when owr. ing the reserve he may in order to obtain means to pay rates or to secure income from the rent, desire to sell a portion of the leasehold. This proposal, in short, is to enable every native family to obtain a separate property, to secure to every such family the fruits of its own labor and eco nomy, and to thus supply an incentive to individual industry, a proposal which, when carried into law, will, it is believed, be thoroughly appreciated by the natives as satisfying a want which has long been felt by them, and which will open to them a course by which they can overcome that great impediment to therr progress—th« occupation of lands in common. Native Reserves. The Government consider that it is time some attempt was made to utilise both for the beneficiaries and the colony the vase areas of native land set apart for reserves, and with that object in view a measure will be introduced to give effect to this opinion. Sttbplcs Lands for Settlement. . The demand for land for settlement having exceeded the most sanguine ex >ectations, it is now proposed to supple ment the Land Purchase Act of 1892 with an additional measure to facilitate settle ment, by offering the natives an alterna tive proposal, thereby enabling them through the Government to throw open their surplus lands for settlement unler the laws if the colony.

CABLE SUMMARY.

— ♦——. The Tasmanian revenue for six months of the financial year has decreased by £53,000. The German Emperor is considering the best means of re-organising and strengthen ing the German navy. AUred Dampier, the well-known theatri cal manager, is bankrupt. His liabilities amount to £6500. The Queensland re enue fpr the quarter ending June 30 shows a decrease of £5600 as compared with the corresponding period of last year. The London coal owners have notified a twenty-five per cent reduction iv conse quence of the proposal for a joint conference failing. The Belfast Convention denounces the application of the closure to the Home Rule Bill a? an unwarrantable interference with the liberty of discussion. The Bank of Australasia is issuing the Napier Harbor Board loan of £200,000 at five ptr cent with a minimum of 98. Tenders will be received up to July 10. Mr Gladstone, while paying a visit to the Earl of Dysart at Petersham, fell dowi stairs. He sprained his ankle and sustained a shaking, but it was not serious. The Union iron and steel mills at Washington are closing owing to the men refusing to submit to a reduction in wages. Thi ty-five thousand hands will be thrown out of work. News from the Islands reports the wreck of the Auckland schooner Goldfinch, with all hands, at Aitutake, Hervey Group, towards the end of April. Two other native schooners were lost at the same time. The West Wallsend colliery in New Pouth Wales hts been shut down, throwing 256 men out of work. It is expected that owing to the probable further reductions in the price of ooal other mines will follow the example. The idea of annexation was excluded by the Transvaal Convention prohibiting the building of a" railway to the coast. The Europeans in Swaziland were admitted to full burghersbip. A second Convention is contemplated for the purpose of considering , the admission of the Transvaal to the Customs Union. Mr Justice b Williams has provisionally sanctioned the reconstruction scheme of the English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank, but defers the final order to the Re ceiver to hand over the assets until satisfied of the constitution of the Bank, as to articles of association and corporate existence. Guinness and several other creditors strongly oppose the scheme. It is believed that mines are laid in the river at Bankok. It is alleged that French colonists in further India have grossly misled the Government, and the dispute could be easily settled. Sir E. Grey, Under secretary for Foreign Affairs, replying to a question in the House of Commons, said a warship was stationed at Bangkok to pro tect British interests and others were being got ready to proceed there.

INTERPROVINCIAL.

Napier, July 3. Information has been received here of the murder of a Maori woman named Taroa by Peni Neri, at Tehauki. > oon after he had committed the crime the murderer dropped dead. The cause is unknown. An oH resident named Thorwald Alters, aged 57, dropped down dead while at work to-day. The supposed cause is ! heart disease. At a meeting of shop assistants this evening the following resolu tions were adopted with reference to the | Shop Hours Bill now before Parliament— 1. That in the opinion of this meeting, any legislation which does not enforce a 'uniform day of closing for all shops throughout the colony will be unsatis factory. 2. That in the opinion of this meeting the words " in a city borough or town district" in clause 3 and the whole of clause 8 should be expunged from the Bill- , , „ Wejxjngton, July 3. At a meeting qf the douncil oi the N.Z. Institute of Journalists, Mr Robt. Price, editor of the Napier "Telegraph," who shortly severs his connection with journal ism, was elected an honorary member. A. Bill to incorporate the Institute for mally was adopted, and the Colonial Secretary will be asked to introduce it into Parliament. The resolution of the Christchurch branch, protesting agampt appointments from civil servants to the "Hansard" staff of shorthand writers who are not trained reporters, was endorsed. It was Resolved to again approach the Government urging that in the interest of the newspaper press of the colony a determined effort should be made to pass the Libel Bill into law this sessiqn/ The Smnish training ship Nautilus arriy.ed this afternoon from Newcastle, N.S.W., a^nd was towed into, harbour by the steam tug Ducko, Qn. earning to the anchorage she fired a salute of twenty-one guns to the British fl»g," which was returned by a detachment, of the Per manent Artillery men, under Major Mtssenger, from the Thorndon saluting battery. _______ _

THE ASHBtmTOtf (HJAftttAtf,WEDNESDAY, Jtft* 5, 1593.



it. 11.a .victoria* , : London, 3vh> i The survivors of the warship Vic toria consider that the Irave end of Admiral Tryon largely condoned his error. The naval officers at Portsmouth declare that the hesitation of the officers of the Camperdown to obey the signal probably produced the collision. The officers of the squadron state that they are unable to understand why Rear-Admiral Markhara, realising the danger, obeyed the signal at all. Some of the Victoria's officers con sider that Admiral Tryon wassuffering from physical exhaustion. It is stated that Captain Bourke's hair turned white during the collision. Mr T. Bullock. SATURDAY, JULY 8, DESIRABLE PROPERTY, TL> TWALD 2j4 ACRES,. 2*4 Together with Dwelling and other Buildings. MR T. BULLOCK has received instructions from Mr EL Hop«rood to sell by Public Auction at the Arcade on the above date, fc 1/, ACRES 2'/, Situated between Hwland and tjuove Streets, being sections numbered 499,500,501,502,503, 510, 611, 512, 513, 514, on which are erected a four-roomed dwelling house, wash house with copper, stable and other buildings all in go< d order. The pioperty is conveniently situated, suitable for a family man . being close to a school. Those desirous of purchasing are in vited to inspect. Liberal terms. Sale at 11.30 am. T. BULLOCK, 7 9 Auctioneer. SATURDAY, JULY 8. ~~ Section and Cottage well situated in Moore Street. MR T. BULLOCK has received in structions from Mr R. Thompson to sell by Public Auction at the Arcaae on the above date h's propel ty in Moore Street, being — T.S. 334, containing J-aore on which is erected a cottage of four rooms with scullery, sable, shed etc. It is well situated, fronting the main thoroughfare leading to Wakanui, <md not far from the business centre of the town. Pi st cJass land for garden pur poses. Easy terms of payment. Note time of Sale, 11.30. T. BULLOCK, 7 10 Auctioneer. SaTUKDAY, JULY £ To Farmers, Dealers, and Others. AN , IMPROVED FARM OF 123 ACRB s 123 Well Situated Hinds District. MR T. BULLOCK has received in structions from the a client to Soil by Public Auction, at the Arcade, on the above date AM IMPROVE*) FPJBEHOLD FARM of 123 acres, fronting the Main Road, 4| miles from the Hinds Railway Station, close to Mwonan Homestead, being R.S. numbered 27518. It is divided into paddocks, with well grown live fences, and mostly in English grasses. There is a comfortable Pwelling-house of five rooms, with verandah, an orchard of well grown fruit trees, garden, etc. Also, four-stalitd stable, with lof c over head, cart shod, cow shed, etc, all surrounded with well grown plantations ; plentiful supply of water. Inspection invited. Terms at Sale. Sale at 11.30. T. BULLOCK, 7t4_ Auctioneer. ~FViedlander Bros. SATURDAY, JULY 8, M SPECIAL ENTRY. At the Arcade, Ashburton. Sale at 1.30 p.m. WE ARE instructed TO SELL the following, as above — 5 Draught HORSES, all good workers 1 4-year-old Spring Cart HORSE 1 Express WAGON 1 6-horse WAGON. FRIEDLANDER BROS. R. FRIEDLANDER, 7+35 Auctioneer. _ "~ Mr D. Tftornas BULLOCK'S ARCADE. SATURDAY, JULY 8. T WILL OFFER at the above fixture— On account of Mr R. Stoddart, Willowby. The well-known six-year-old gelding, "Dexter," broken to saddle and harness, with a trial. D. THOMAS, 7§36 Ashburton. ASH^bRTON LIBERAL ASSOCIATION A GENERAL MEETING of Members will be held in the Templar Hall on FRIDAY, July 7, at 3 p.m. Business— The confirmation of the platform, and the consideration of the selection of a Candidate in the Liberal interest. Every member is requested to attend. 7 34 A. CARSON, Secretary, ASHBURTON INIJUSTIIIAirBUILDING SOOIETY. THE FIRST APPROPRIATION by Ballot will take place in the Orange Hall on TUESDAY,'JULY 11, at 7.30 p.m. Members must be clear on Books on or before the pay night of MONDAY, 10th inst, to entitle them to participate in such Appropriation. New members joining by MONDAY, 10th inst, and paying all fees due, will participate in above Appropriation. J. C, DUNCAN, 7 20 Secretary. ~ longbleach roajlj district. -VfOTICE is hereby given that ALL JJN GOR&E must b,g Reared of the Roads m the above District before OOTOB&R 3lj 1893. Any gorse that may lie left on the roads on November 1, 1893, will be cleared <ff by the Board, a,nd the expenses, &c., incurred, will be charged te the Occupiers. By Order. C. E. FOOKS & SON., 6*187 Gte¥ta tQ the #>«*<},



Entertain merits 7\ DDF'IL'L OW a' H ALL MRS LONGSHORE POTTS, M.D. (Graduate of the Woman's Medical College, Philadelphia), will lecture on . HEALTH & DISEASE, To Women only as follows :— MONDAY July 10, and 11, 13, 14, at 2,30 p.m. —FIRST, LECTURE FREE.— Illustrated with Coloured Stereopticon Views, including many of Art and Scenery. - Two hundred views each lecture. FRIDAY, JUIFu, at 8 o'clock, | Famous lecture on HEARTS & HOMFS, Or, " Is Marriage a Failure ?" TO BOTH SEXES. " Moral, instructive, and very amusing." —" London Truth." 7 33 Admission Is. / \DDFE~LLOWS' TT ALL. J CHARLES HARRISON, M.D, THE FAMOUS TPAVELLEB AND SPECIALIST, Graduate of two leading Universities of the United States, WILL LECTURE TO MEN ONLY, as follows: MONDAY NKFHT, JULY 10, at 8 o'clock. Admiesion Free. TUESDAY NIGHT, JULY 11, at 8 o'clock. Admission Is. When Dr J. C. Harrison lectured last night the theatre was crowded in all parts, and a great number of people had to return to their homes. . . . The lecture was illustrated by a vast number of beautiful stereopticon views. . . . He is a clear, fluent and forcible speaker. . . . The address was plain, straightforward, and humorous. Delicate subjects were not indelicately treated, and the whole tone of the lecture was wholesome and manly.—•'DailyTimes," Dunedin, May 23. Both lectures illustrated with magnifi cent stereopfcican views in colors, covering 1000 cquare feet of canvas ; 200 views at each lecture. Positively the mobt beauti ful views in the world. 7 31 Tenders. TO CONTACTORS. ~ RENDERS are required for excavating 1_ drains on Coldstream Estate, about 53 chains. Particulars may be seen at our office, where tenders are to be tent in not later than 4 p.m., on SATURDAY, July 8. 7§16 C. E. FOOKS & SON. fc«f—M———«^——————< NOTICE. G. H. Bryant BEGS to announce to his Customers aud the Public generally, of Ash burton and District, thac he has SOLD THE BUSINESS carried on by him, in East Street, as Baker and Confectioner, to H. P. MADDEN, and trusts for the continuation of the support so liberally accorded him ,in the past to his successor. H.P. Madden BEGS to announce having secured the above business from Mr Bryant, and, being a Practical Tradesman, with nearly th'.rty years Colonial experience, nothing will be wanting on his part to merit a continuance of the support accorded his predecessor in the past. Only the best material and ingredeints will be used in the manufacture of Bread, Biscuits, Confectionery etc. Balls, Suppers, Wedding Breakfasts, Picnic Parties, Socials, School Treats catered for, in a Superior Style, and at Reasonable Rates. 7§5 Spectacles! Spectacles! "LTAVE Your Sight Tested, and use only PROPERLY FITTING SPEC TACLES 8. iiLEK, JEWELLER, Is Sole Agent for Ashburton for N- LAZARUS & CO., OCULIST - OPTICIANS, OF SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, AND CALCUTTA. A very complete set of trial lenses and frames for testing—ensuring perfect vision and comfort. N.B, — Do not rhh spoiling your eyesight hy wearing badly fitting Spectacles. A large Stock of Double Eye Protectors. Smoked Glasses of various shades with straight or curled sides. Gold Spectacles, Gold Folders and our Gold Astigmatic Folder Clip. 'S. SAL.EX. OCtfUST-QPTiCIiW AGENT.



Holloway's Ointment and Pills.—Counsel fo the delicate.—Those to whom seasons of changeable temperatures are protracted periods of trial should seek the aarliest opportunity of removing all obstacles to <"-«' wu- cool t ng ointment, perseverthgjy ?übbed"upontbeskiu,isthe most jp^Ua re«<^ fqr «»rvWatth,: and bronchitis, usually prevailing a* this Son, may be arrested as sooil as discovered, and eyo y sYmptom banished by HbUoway's simple. &nd eftectivo treatment. This ointment aM pfljs toe highly repom £Sl for ehe facility 1 md they successfully Snqueiirifluenssaj'they aflay in an morodfbly short time tv £«(iwsiß» f«v«f «>4 wu«b,.



■: Crossbred Wheats. :■ ::i MESSRS JAMES CARTER & CO , of London, in 1882 commenced a course of experiment* in the orow-fortilip*. tion of WHEATS of various kinds. It is well known that almo t at?y variation of quality, chiracter, foim and colour caafttv developed in Flowers and-Vegetables by cross breeding, and fixed permanently by selection. Also in tha shape of Turnips ati 3 ■ Carrots and other roots, including in tbe case of Wheat, square or pointed ears, large or small grain, long or short straw, or almost"2r^ special quality that may be desired. With well selected parents cross-breeding impart* increased vigor in plants as well as in •nitna? and Wheat, being a self-fertilizing plant which is bred in-and-in year after year for generations, as is the case with most of our Wh«ai£4 Crossing should have the effect of producing more vigorous and productive varieties. This seems to have been confii mcd by Mswil Carter's experiments, who, after several years careful selections of the strains produced by crossing were successful in fixm*^2 characteristics of not less than 11 varieties of new Wheats, which they distributed in 1889 at necessarily kncy prices. The Farmers of this district may be congratulated on the fact that they can now obtain some of the best of these varieties from the) undersigned. A full selection of the eleven sorts were obtained in 1190 by them and given to MR T. SEALY of Biverbank tl experiment with. The following year another district was chosen, and after vary oarefnl observation, discarded six out of UualawS as unpro6table. They then last year distributed the remaining five selections among farmers in different parts of this- Coontviaasr were rewarded by excellent yields, this in the face of the very trying season they had to contend with. As may be supposed tfcsr ■ varieties differ greatly in length and colour oi Btraw, shape'of ears, colour and size ot grain, period of ripening, etc For instanos i*£ Selection F is the earliest ripening Wheat in cultivation, and should prove a great acquisition in the district towards the Hills "and'sa^ the South, where an early wheat is indispensable. Another variety, Skuotiov O, produces straw of a short, stout description* wUsm cannot be laid by rain or wind. This should be invaluable for sowing on moist land, which in the ordinary varieties of Wheat Drod>ss long straw, likel> to be damaged by wind And rain. Other sorts, as Sjxbotion I, is practically unassailable by Birds, so tbatshoul '*■ these sorts come largely into cultivation our feathered tribes will not be able to levy their usual toll on the fanners' orons Sama Jliiff i has said there can be no best Wheat for all districts, but only for particular situations, soils, and climates, which the various sottJem Wheat are naturally adapted to. We would recommend our friends to obtain a sufiotent quantity of seed of these Hybrid Wheats. aM-' test the capabilities of them on their own land. This would undoubtedly lead to far-reaching results by bringing into general caltfoatinsk ';' varieties of Wheat euited to the various soils of the district, of high quality, hardy, sad robust in constitution 'and a prolifio ohaiaat^^ •■ The following will describe the five varieties we have to offer :— SELECTION I—A bearded wheat, prolifio. It seems of the variety to sow late and harvest early. Straw, medium length, well ■~~~~~~~"1~~~"" headed. Valuable for late Spring sowing. , , n ''■ SELECTION F—Anearly ripening Wheat, even when sown late. Straw, medium length ; very long headed; a valuable Wheat The chaff is furnished with stiff awns which seem to keep off birds and protect it also from wind. Bird aik Wind-proof Wheat. -: S? .. SELECTION G»—Straw, short and strong, not likely to be laid by wind or rain; heavy-headed and very prolific. Should prftf " invaluable on lands which produce in the ordinary sorts straw so long as to be damaged by bad weather This * is the" Tom Thumb" of the wheat family. *" # :* SELECTION P.—Straw, medium length, strong, half drooping habit; very weU headed; very productive, and likely to prove a : valuable Wheat for general purposes. " SELECTION B.—Straw, very long, strong, and white; ear a fair length, thick set; a very productive Wheat. For Further Particulars, Apply to FRIEDLANDER BROS.



Prepare for a Rainy Day. 11 AVfNG PURCHASED a ohuioe lot of Manufacturer's Samples of Water proo ■-*■ Coats, very much beloir the regular prices, we have decided to give our Customers the benefit of our / BARCAINS. Men's Tweed Waterproof Overcoats, sewn throughout, usual price 38a, reduced to 263. Men's Tweed Waterproof Overcoats, sewn throughout, usual price 455, reduced to 32s 6d. Men's Tweed Waterproof Overcoats, sewn throughout, usual price 60s reduced to 455. Men's Tweed Waterproof Overcoats, aewn throughout, usual price 655, reduced to 48i. Men's Tweed Waterproof Overcoat?, sewn throughout, usual prioe 70s reduced to 52s 6d Men's Tweed Waterproof Overcoats, sewn throughout, usual price 80s, reduced to 65a. OBSERVE. JE3P We are now making MRN'S SUITS to measure, in our well-known style FIT and WORKMANSHIP, from 15s to 20 i LESS than Christchurch advertised prices for same Quality. Largest Sto;Jc of Tailoring Goods in the District to select from. GENTS' POOTo and SHOES of the Best Quality. HArs, SHIRTS, TI*S, and every description of seasonable MERCERY, etc., at LOWEST PRICES. craigheadT berryman, THE LEADING TAILORS AND OUTFITTERS, <- ____ ASHBURTON. WILLIAM SPaKKOWT" Tailor and Outfitter. HIGH-CLASS WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED. J^ N ESTABLISHED REPUTATION FOR PERFECT FIT AND STYLE -A LARGE ASSORTMENT OF TWEEDS AND COATINGS ?> SERGES, r MELTONS, And FANCY TROUSERINGS, OVERCOATINGS, &c. WATERPROOF OOATS IN STOOK AND MADE TO ORDER MENiS UNDERCLOTHING OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. ALL THE NEWEST STtLtiS IN HATS AND SCABTES WILLIAM BPARKOW, EA S T STB EE T, Next to J. SEALY & CO., Seed Merchants. UNPARALLELED CHEAP SAL E. HIGH CLASS DRAPERY, CLOTHING, AND BOOTS. —COMMENCING— Saturday, June 24* Astounding Bargains.



THE NEW ZEALAND SHIPPING COMPANY'S LINK. REDUCED FARES FROM LON DON TO NEW ZEALAND. ARRANGEMENTS can be made with the Agent-General in London to procure pas«Hge« by the above line afa the following greatly reduced rates :— Second saloon „. ... >.. #!28 0| Intermediate £18 lf|| l Third Class £13 fa Frr further particulars apply at office! ' MILES * CO., Limited, Ashburton <*nd Rakaia. ';; MONKf. 4? J ] and £400, two special sums, o*w/ J'_J tv lend< en good froehoM . security.- T. BULLOCK. THE GENERAL~ELECTION. REGISTER! REGISTER!! P'ORMS of CLAIM, to VOTE can be obtained at the office of tbe Mail and Guardian. Fruit Trees, OAVINO dSdED to sire up I I NURSERY GARDENING, and attend entirely to my business of PRO DCCE DEALING, I offer my large stock of Apple and other Trees at LOW PRICES. They are all of the best aorta obtainable, and having grafted them myself can guarantee thej are true to name. ""'■ ALSO,— A Grand Lot of ORARI POTATOES— CHEAP. 2001ba Sack Best Stone FLOUR 14b 6d. BRAN, SHARIS, ROLLER FLOUR, and all kinds of FARM PRODUCE, A Splendid Line of ONIONS. J. THOMAS, HAVELOCK STREET. OFFERS are invited for T.S. 626 Peter Street, containing \ acre., T. BULLOCK. T3EOPLE about to marry and furnish XT their houses, are invited to oall on Plcfcfora A UndrflJ, AT IB! 9 ' - - ' ASHBDRTON FURNITURE "VyARBHOUSB TANCRED STREET, Next Building Bnoiety. —NOW ON VIEW— Dining-room Suites in Kimu, Bedroom Suites in Rimu, Iron and Brass Bedsteads, Chests Drawers, Withstands, Spring Mattresses, English and Colonial Peram* bulators, Horse Hair, Kapoo and Flock Mattresses, Duchesse and Fancy Tables, Floor Cloths and Linoleums, Carpets, Heartnßugs, and Mats. Furniture Repaired, Restuffed, and- Repolished on the Premise*. —Note the addrese— TANORED STREET, Next Building Sodety. THE LONGBEACU DESTROYEK The only guaranteed effectual means of ooping with the SMALL BIRDS PEST. THE Longbeach Estate ba been for the last two yearn kep freer from Birds than ever before, at a merely nomi- - - nal cost, and to Mr Grigg entire satis-v faction. Longbeach is ntw freer from s Birds than any similar property *to New ", Zealand. Testimonials from all parts of New Zea ,-' land %nd Australia. Supplier may be obtained from FREDERIC POWELL, Care of John Grigg, Esq., 6*153 , « Longbeach Llewellyn Owe** PIANOFORTE, BINGINO AKB HARMONY. ARCADE "OHAMBSRS. (Dauo«a»o< attended.) 4U 9 "