Ashburton Guardian. Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13. 1894. THE RAILWAY BRIDGES

The Jjyttelton Times some months ago very greatly alarmed many people who have to do a good deal of railway travelling by giving publicity to a statement that many of the railway bridges m the South Island were m a condition dangerous to the safety of passengers. The charges against the bridges were made with a great air of confidence, as though the accuser of the department knew full well what he was saying, and timid readers doubtless fancied he could lay/ his hand upon every rotten plank and sprung nail— every worthless or insecure pier, faulty girder, and worn out brace. Such a charge as this could hardly be made 1 promiscuous.' No man dare make such a chargewithout beingprepared to makeitgood. Andtheruinorhad caused such a sensation throughout the colony that something had to be done to substantiate the charges or prove them false, for the public confidence m the permanent way was greatly shaken, A petition was presented to parlia ment asking that steps might be taken to ensure the safety of the travelling public, prefacing the prayer of the petition with a statement that ' many of the railway bridges on the Murunui- Bluff section of the New Zealand Railways are m such a condition as to require immediate repair and m many instances renewal.' The petition was referred to the Railways Committee to investigate, and an exhaustive enquiry was made and much evidence taken. It appears from the report that the chief petitioner was Mr E. Norton Taylor, a commercial traveller, but who apparently made his charges against the safety of the bridges ontheaufchorifcy of Mr Thomas McGarva, foreman of works on the Dnnedin section. This McGarva was m February, 1893, trans ferred to the Dunedin section from Christchurch, and felt aggrieved m consequence. The report says that from the date of taking up his duties on that section, he adopted a hyper critical attitude towards the Railway Department, especially regarding the bridges. This may be perfectly true, or perfectly otherwise, but though the Committee thus try to discredit Mc- Garva's evidence by as good as saying' jijes was a man with a grievance, they have fco confess "that when McGarva' was transferred t.g> the Dunedin section j sime of the bridges wers Jjelow that! complete standard of efficiency which it is desirable should be maintained." '^h# report then telis us that the depararnvw .promptly entered upon the work of strength e#i;rig and improving the bridges, and the WQrk jias re gularly and steadily progressed ever; since, and is still being proceeded with.! ¥p evidence was offered to the Oom jßflitfcee if) prove that any request made i?y SfcGarya for either labor or jpaterial for raising fen* standard of i the efficiency .of the bridges und/ar his ! control wasWer refused by the iWparfc ment. What follows issds us /to the belief that McGarva had btien tbe source of the disquieting rumoJrs, and thai; when foe ssw the effect oft these I ■ /

I rumors on the people of the colony, his [ heart sank within him. At anyrate, m the report tve are told that " Mc- Garva denied having supplied the in formation to the petitioner Taylor, on which the statements m the petition i were based, but Taylor categorically [ declared that McGarva had not only supplied the information verbally, but had also placed at his disposal certain railway papers of an official character, copies oi which he produced to the Committee. McGrarWs evidence must therefore be considerably discredited by his having falsely informed the Committee that he had not supplied the information to Taylor, on which the petitioner's statements were based." And so, according to the report, the whole of the fright given to travellers by the railways was caused by the growlings and coakings of a dis appointed railway servant, who fancied he had not been treated by the Department as his merits deserved. Still, out of all the agitation there will come good results Nothing has been laid before the Committee to warrant the sweeping charges that were made as to the dangerous condition of the bridges. Those charges led many people to believe that the bridges here and there were so bad that at any moment a terrible disaster may happen, and many lives be lost, and that as the excursion times drew near, and the bridges were taxed with heavy trains, something dreadful might be looked for. But that fear has been allayed, and the Committee recommend, what will doubtless become the rule. The Committee is of opinion that the I system of bridge inspection on the | Dunedin section was not properly carried out, and that the whole system of bridge inspection m the colony should be so arranged that each officer's work should be sufficiently checked by his superior.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Beading matter on fourth page. An earthquake shock was distinctly felt at Dunedin at 8 25 a.m. yesterday. Miss Fraser and the three lads at pre sent m the hospital suffering from injuries received m the switchback railway acci dent on Saturday night are progressing very well. One of Mr John Newmans horses ruptured a blood vessel on Thursday and died. This is the third horae Mr Fewman has had the bad luck to lose this winter. The Jewish Fe*st of Tabernacles began at Sunset to-day, and will continue throughout next week. Next Sunday and Monday are to be specially observed as days ot " solemn assemblies," as are also the Sunday and Monday following. Mr Nicholas Fitzgerald's farm at Sea view was sold by Messrs Friedlander Bros at the Orange Hall to-day to Mr John Small, at £16 15s per acre. Part of the farm is m grass. The Orange Hall was full of farmers. We learn that an excellent musical prc gramme has been arranged for fcho Pres byterian social to be held on Wednesday evening next. In addition to other inte resting item>i Mm W, Bowman Fox has kindly consented to give her services, and alas Mrs BtOuke, and with such additional talent those who attend may expecb a decided miisical treat. Among the proposed appropriations iin the Public Works Estimates are the following Canterbury items : - Main road, Hokitika - Christchurch, £7000; Waipara-Cheviot, £200; Pen insula road, Akaroa, £1 for £1, £75; Akaroa Heads Lighthouse road, £100; roads to co-operative dairy factories, Akaroa, £300 ; Library for Law Society, Ohristchnrch, £1000"; Police Station, Sydenham, £1000 ; Post and Telpgraph Office, Cheviot, £600 ; Sunnysiie Asylum, £5600; Village Settlement, Canterbury, £200 ; roads and bridges, Pukaki to Mount Cook, £600 ; Cliff road, £200; contribution t^waids erection of Pakaki Bridge, £1 for £1. £500 ; JB'airlie to Pukaki, £300 ; Pukaki to Ornarai'a, £300 ; Oxford Bush icad extension, £300 ; TengawaJ, £1 for £1, £100; SaehacemoMa^ £150; mis cellaneous and engineering,, £400. Ten members were invited by the Pre mier to confer with him on the Licensing Bill, but the meeting on Thursday after noon was only attended by Messrs Crowther, McNab. R. McKenzie, G. j. Smith, Collins, and Meredith. Messrs Duthie and Lawry wrote declining the Conference. Mr Seddon said he had called the Conference m order to try and devise some means to facilitate the passing of the measure this session. If members would agree to pass the Bill he was satis fied the Council would put it through m a couple of days. Mr R. McKeneie objected to upwards ot 100 amendments \o( which Mr McNab had given notice. Mr McNab replied that he was willing to withdraw a number of minor aotices, but Mr McKenzie would not accept this, and said he would stonewall every amend ment proposed by the temperance party. As it was plainly seen no understanding could be arrived at the Conference broke up. John McNamara, licen*ee of the City Hotel, Christchurch, was yesterday fined £5 and costs for haviug kept a barmaid behind the bar after eleven o'alock on September 23, and for having exposed liquor for sale after prohibited hours. The license was ordered to be endorsed but as the license was not produced m Court, the endorsement will probably not be made. In regard to this c»se the " Star " of last night say& : —Mr McNa mara has been fked and his license en dorsed for doing what is allowed to be done m almost every licensed house m Chrisichuroh night after niiht without let or hindrance, It is plainly stated that the descent made upon the City Ho'el was an act of revenge, and this has again and again been repeated. Why was the City Hotel singled out, and why are other I hotels allowed any night and every n»ght to break the law, not only by serving liquor, bat by keeping the barmaids at work behind the bars ? No one blames the police for doing their duty—that is what the citizens are anxious they should do j but what |.s very properly objected to is that they aljow the most flagrant abuses of the law to go unpunished m some quar ters, and coma down heavily upon those who are not so much m favor. Let the police mend their ways and the publicans will subscribe to the law ; and, above all, let every man be treated alike: It is matter for regret to a great number of townsmen t£at Mr McNamara, who keeps his house well, should have had an en dorsement made on his license, and noth ing will prevent the public from believing that the action of the police was prompted m the present instance by another and a very different feeling from that of desir ing to do their duty.

The Parnellite parky is reviying. Twenty-two thousand members have been enrolled, and a fund of £10,000, is being raised. They expect to obtain £2000 I from Australia.

During Mrs Annie Besant's stay jn Auckhnd she breakfasted with Bishop Cowie at the episcopal residence, the Bishop's son driving her here. Mrs Besant was shown over the library of B'shop Selwyn, for whom Mrs Bisint had a high respect.

The opening match of che cricket season — old and new members — was played on the Domain on Wednesday last and resulted, after an enjoyable game, m a win for the new blood by 37 runs. The ground was m good order, though a trifle fling bumpy at times. The old members, who were not represented by their full strength, made a poor stard against the bowling of Pnuling, who was fairly on the spot. Several of the new members showed promising form, especially Fulton and Davis. The scores were—New members, 69 ; old members, 32. A match represent ing teams chosen by the the Captain and Secretary will be played oh Wednesday next.

A railway accident occurred to-•Jay at the crossing at Morningside, near Auckland. Mr Levy, a settler of Wai kimuti, and Mrs Dickscm and child, had a narrow escape of losing their lives. Levy was driving home from Auckland m his trap, and saw the Helensville train approaching, but thought he had ample time to get over the siding. The engine, however, though the driver shut off" steam, and the breaks were put down, on noticing the danger of collision, struck the hind part of the trap and partly smashed- ifc. The occupants were thrown out upon the roadway. Levy got his shoulder injured and was cut about his temples. Mrs Dickson and child escaped with a severe shaking. The usual monthly meeting of the South Rakaia School Commitee was held at Mr Oxley's office. Present—Messrs Hardy (chairman), Dixon, Liddy, Oxlex, Bryant, | and Saunders. The master's report waa read and considered ; the attendance had been good considering the unsettled weather. The Chairman's action m putting on a man to clean up fences, etc., was approved. The Board had forwarded the usual amount for salaries and £14 lla 6d for incidentals; also forwarded the new scale of teachers' salaries which barely touched this Jjchool. Mr Dixon tendered his resignation as a member ; he J regretted having to do so, but he was leaving the locality. The same ,was ac cepted with regret, all the members con curring (hat the school w >uld loose one who had always taken a great interest m it. It was decided to ask Mr W. Shannon to fill the vacancy. A number of works were authorised to be done, and after passing accounts the meeting closed. The anniversary tea meeting m connec tion with St. Andrew's Church, Rakaia, was held m the Town Hall on Thursday evening, and was well attended. The tables were tastefully arranged, and the tempting viands displayed thereon duly appreciated. They were presided over by Mrs McLean, assisted by Miss M. Gardiner, and Miss McMillan; Mrs Murray, assisted by Mrs Hood ; and Mrs Copland, assisted by the Misses i)oig and Copland. The bachelors' table was at tended by Misses Kruce, Campbell and Thompson. At the after meeting Mr R. Oakley presided. The Rev W. • Grant read a letter from the Minister, Rev P. J. Riddle, who waa regrettably absent through ill health. Interesting addresses were delivered by Rev Messrs Wright. McGregor, and Maxwell, and a good musical programme was gone through comprising —an instrumental selection by Miss Thompson and Messrs Austin and Halliday ; songs by Mi ss Burns, and Messrs Lane, Austin and Shepherd ; a duet by Mrs Midgley and Mr Austin ; a trio by Misses Thompson and Ansky and Mr R. Sharp, and a glee by th& choir. The Committee are to be congratulated upon the success of this annual fixture and special praise is due to Mr J. Malcolm the indefatigable secretary. Thera is every probability that the Flemington Dairy Factorj% which has so long stood idle, will be set to work again about the beginning of November. Mr W. U. Bond his purchased the p-operty and intends prosecuting the cheese in dustry at the factory, commencing about the date mentioned, and we hope the district will do its best to keep him sup plied with the raw material. Mr Bond has been m communication with the Government and has secured Mr Wayt, a Government expert, for a lecture on Tuesday evening m Flemington school, i Doubtless many farmers and farmers' | wives and daughters fancy they have not much to learn m the way of handling milk, and the possibilities m connection ! with the production of butter and cheese, but the dairy industry, like maoy otherp, has been made the subject of mach research during the last twenty years, and sciencehas so penetrated intothechemistry of the thing that now there are many things about milk, cream, butter, and cheese that were not dreamt of m the philosophy of our fathers. Farmers and their women folks m the Flemington district would do well, then, to attend Mr Wayfc'a lectura, and lend all the aid they can to resuscitate an industry m their m'dat which was a) one time a valuable one to them—-and with all the advantages of direct staaai service, cool storage, and virtually the London market brought nearer to them by about six weeks— should be valuable again.

THE COREAN WAR

Shanghai, October 11. The Japanese are trying to lure the Chinese into a second naval engage ment by persistently cruising off" Port Arthur. October 12. The Japanese occupied Wizu on the Bth, dislodging a small body of the enemy and killing one hundred Chinese. The latter occupy the north bank of the Yalu river with batteries, and are building strong earthwork defences, which are garrisoned by a large force. A Corean deputation proceeds to Japan requesting the establishment of a protectorate. Japan occupies Corea until reforms are effected, upon the precedent of the British occupation of Egypt, Japan gives a pledge not to annex the Penin sula, and refuses to yield any portion of it to a European Power. It is also intended to insist on an indemnity, with a guarantee that China will not interfere m Oorea. , The repairs to the Chinese fleet will occupy another ten days. The arsenal at Canton is supplying the fleet with large supplies of shot and shell. Sydney, October 13 The Crescent, with relief crews for j the Australian station, was intercepted at Colombo and ordered to China via Singapore.

PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT

The Hon. R. J. Seddon read his Public Works Statement on Thursday night Li the House of Representatives. It was un unusually voluminous document of eight columns long. The following are extracts: — ROABING (JItOWN LANDS AND PURCHASING NATIVE LANDS. The necessity for increased expenditure m connection with improving and roading I the lands of the Crown and for the pur ch^sß of Native lands and roading the same will be conceded by every true colonist. If this necessity is not met with it will be impossible to keep pace with the demands of those who desire to settle upon our landa, and the sons of our farmt.rs will leave our shores and seek homes else where. By settling the people on the lands permanent prosperity will also be assured, and the loss of population effec tually prevented. Making provision for purposes hereinbefore enumerated has had the effect of swelling the proposed expen diture of the year to considerably more than was appropriated last year. On re ference, however, to parb 1 it will be seen that the amount asked for under that part of the fund is only £564.960, being less by £43,880 than was appropriated last year. The difference is principally ac counted for by a reduction of nearly £100,000 m the votes for roads and an in crease of nearly £40,000 In the 7vote for the development of goldfields and about £10,000 m the vote for public buildings. The total increase m appropriations under all heads will be £229,703, made up as follows:—Land improvement account, £150,000 ; Native land purchase account, £150,000—£300,000—decrease under part 1, £43,880; decrease under part 2, £26,417—£70,297—increase, £229,703. PROVISION FOR ROAD WORKS GENERALLY. An increased expenditure is proposed under the head of main roads amounting to £16,961. The principal portion of this is owing to the necessity for provision being made for the main roads north of Auckland, the maintenance of roads gener ally, and especially the roads from Nelson to Westland and Hokitika to Christ church. The local authorities are abso lutely unable to maintain these roads. In some of the districts mentioned there has been no other public works expendi ture. They have no railways, and whilst there are vast areas of Crown and Native lands there is very little rateable property. The keeping open of these roads is of colo nial as well as local importance, more particularly m regard to the tourist traffic. Another cause which has necessitated an increased expenditure this year is the ex ceptionally bad harvest, low prices, and the inability of the owners of property from various causes to make improve ments, thus throwing ouo of employment a very large number of very deserving colonists. Thedistres3 during the winter, more particularly m large centres, has baen exceedingly great, and it devolved upon the Government to meet this un foreseen difficulty, and to make provision to alleviate as far as possible the wants and requirements of those who, through no fault of their own, were thrown out of work. The Government has, however, rigidly adhered to the policy that it wastbe duty of the State to find employment only on reproductive works and on improving land the property of the Crown. The other works undertaken have beep bush felling and other improvements on Crown lands, and by this nuans also settlement has been promoted. The colony will lose nothing m connection with this claas of expenditure, for the amount expended will be added to the capital value of the land. Those employed m doing work will, m many cases, become settlers and and ba located on the land they have been employed to improve, and they will sub sequently pay interest on the moneys which have been expeaded m making im provements. By thpse means the men become accustomed to a country life and a large percentage of them will never again trouble either the Government or the local authorities as unemployed. That the General Assembly should have to perform the functions of a general board of works cannot be said to be satis factory ; bufc. as matters stand, it is a necessity. The Government has already stated its intention of introducing next session amended proposals with regard to local government. Pending the necessary legislation being passed and the necessary funds being; thus provided. Parliament is asked to follow the usual course and make due provision for several works enumer ated m the Estimates. The amounts re quired for road works are m excess of those ssked for during the last three years, but this excess is largely due ta the pur chase of Native lands and to the amount required for roading the lands purchased. A large amount is also required for land improvements and main road mainte nance. In respect to the latter, as pre viously stated, the condition of the finances of local authorities is such that it is impossible for them to bear the ex pense of these roads. ROAD AND EAIIAVAY EXPENDITURE, A pleasing feature will be found m the fact that whilst there has been a large increase m expenditure on roads which are a great and absolnte necessity, m fact the Jife blood of settlement, there has been a considerable decrease m expendi ture on railways. The appropriations asked for for railways this year also show a decrease on last year's votes, and the decrease would have been still more marked had it aot been for the fact that a much larger sum is asked for by the Rail way Commissioners for additions to open lines this year than was voted last year. Last year the amount voted was £18,978, this year £40,000 is required, and on going carefully into the matter the Government have come to the conclu sion that the Commissioners have not been unreasonable m their demands. The outlay during the last two years has been the most advantageous that has taken place for a considerable period, for the finishing of partly constructed lines and bringing them to remunerative points was considered to be of the first import ance. In another part of the Statement will bo found a comparative return show ing the appropriations for and expendi ture on railways and roads respectively for the years 1890 91, 1891-92,1892-1893, end 1893-94, from which it will be seen that there has been a gradual reduction m I the expenditure on railways, and a I largely increased expenditure upon roads. ! The construction of district roads and the ' maintenance of main roads m settled districts is, owing to our defective system of local Government, to some extent defendable as a charge upon the Consoli dated Fund, but m regard to railways, which remain for the benefit of posterity, it is a reasonable contention that this olase of work should be constructed out of funds which the present generation should not be asked wholly to provide. So long, however, as we have partly constructed lines and judicious expendi ture will bring them to a payable point and make the past expenditure remunera tive, then a grant from the consolidated revenue for such works is warranted, leaving the further extension and com pletion of such railways to be dealt with jn the future, TQTAL VfAYB AND SJEANS AVAILABLE. The Colonial Treasurer has already mentioned In the Financial Statement the proposal to again transfer a sum of £250,000 from the Consolidated Fund for general Public Works purposes. An amount of £54,681 will also be available from released sinking funds under our loan conversion operations. A further sum of £250,000 will be available for roa3a and, bridges, and the preparation, of

!and3 for settlement, and for assistance to settlers to enable tham to make im provements under the Lands Improve* raent and Native Lands Acquisition A«ifc« and a further similar sum for the purchases and roading of Native lands under the same Act The gross total appropriations proposed ia £940,163. Tuis will leave an unappropriated balance of £7453 under tho Public Works Fund to be can led forward to next year, beside £100,000 each on the lands improvement) and the Native lands purchase accounts or a total unappropriated balance of £207,453. The votes proposed under part 2 nearly absorb the balance of the ways and means standing to the credit of that part of the fund, which means that on their expenditure the one million specially raised for the North Island main trunk railway will be practically ex hausted. Hon. members will doubtless desire to know hew this amount has been expended. The figures are as follows :— Survey and construction of North Island Main Trunk railway, £548,911; purchase of Native lands, £220,000 ; roads to give access to railway, £164 095; charges and expenses of raisins; loan, £ol 788; De partmental expenditure, £18.772; balance unappropriated, £4014; total, £1,0 '7,580. This expenditure has given, or will give, us 59 milea of finished railway, 12£ miles additional on which the formation works wiU b« completed, and the rails m pro cess of being laid, 9 miles on, which the formation worka will be m an advanced condition, 70 miles of lines permanently surveyed, and 65 miles of preliminary survey. It will also give us goud coach roads, affording access to the railway at both end«, and leading through the centre of tho North Island. It has also provided us with an estate of 1,127,477 acres of freehold, and 129,148 acres of leasehold land, besides other large areas which have been partially acquired. TOTAL EXPENDITURE TO THE END OF 1893 94. The expenditure on all works and services throughout the colony out of the Public Works Fund up to March 31 last, including the value of the provincial and the purchase prices of the district rail* ways, has amounted to a total sum of £29,293,451. The principal items are as follows :—Railways, £15,806,308 ; toads, £3,855,455: immigration, £2,146,552; buildings, £1,890,711; purchase of Native lands, £1,297,517 ; lighthouses, harbour works and harbour defences, £906,958; telegraph extension, £679,793; develop ment of goldfields, £572,441; defence works—general. £429,719 ; departmental expenditure, £376,162; cost of and dis count on raising loans, £1,026,828. WORKING RAILWAYS. The Mangaonoho section of the North Island main trunk railway, and the Moki hinui extension of the Westport-Ngakawau railway were handed over ro the Railway Commissioners for working m the early part of last financial year. In addition to these lines, the section of the Rotorua railway between Putaruru and Tarukenga, 23 miles 5 chains m length ; the Blenheim to Omaka section of the Picton- iwatere railway, 2 miles 43 chains m length ; and the Greymouth-Hokitika railway, 24 milts 37 chains m length, were also handed over to the Commissioners during the latter part of the year. Since the close of the financial year the Hikurangi extension of fche WhangareiKamo railway, eight miles m length, and the Middlemarch-Hyde section of the Otago Central railway, 16 miles 20 chains m length, have also been handed over, and the last section of the line to Rotorua, 8£ miles m lengthy will, it is hoped, be ready for handing over on December 1 next, For the current year the Commissioners ask tor L4b',910, of which L 22.175 is for rolline stock and 16000 for the extension and improvement of the railway wharf at Port Chalmers. A vote for L 40,000 has been provided on the Estimates. A pleasing feature m connec tion with the increased amount asked for under this vote is the demand for trucks sfeciilly fitted for bringing dairy produce to port for shipment, also an additional supply of trucks specially designed for carrying f roz an meat. The* results of last year's working were not equal to those of the previous year. The total receipts during 1892 93 amounted to L 1,181,521, against L 1,172,792 for 1893 94, and the net profit, after deducting* * working expenses, amounted to L 437.434 m the latter year, against L 449.380 m the former, a deficiency of L 11,946. This m the face of an increased capital expenditure of over L 400,000, and an increase of sixty one miles m the length of line worked cannot be regarded as a very satisfactory result. The percentage return on the total capital invested m the railways also declined from £3 Is per cent to £217s Pd per cent. The shortage m the receipts was doubtless due to the poor harvest, which had the effect of diminishing the tonnage of the graiu carried as compared with the previous year by 112,446 tons. STATE CONTROL OF RAILWAYS. During the late, general election the question of the control of the railways en gaged public attention from one end of the colony to the other, the majority of the electors being m favor of the Govern ment having sole control. A large sec tion favored reconstruction of the Board to provide for a Minister acting with the Commissioners, whilst a few favored the continuance of the control of the" railways by the Railway Commissioners. The de mand for a change m the railway admini stration being so general, the Govern ment considered it advisable to have an infusion of new Wood on the Board, and on.the engagement of Messrs Maxwell and Hannay expiring, Messra Ronayne and Scott were appointed to take their places. These appointments were made for a period of nine months only, leaving Parliament untrammelled to decide as to the future management of the railways. In the re-appointment of Mr McKerrow j as Chief Commissioner a break m the con- I fcinuity of the control was avoided. In not re-appointine Messrs Maxwell and Hannay we wish it to be clearly under stood thai no reflection was intended m regard to their competency as railway experts. The refusal to re-appoint them was owing to the fact that the policy which had been pursued m regard to the man agement of the railway* did not meet with general approval, and a change m the 2iersonnel of fche Commissioners was con sidered avisable. The law under which they were appointed contemplated that at the end of the engagement of the Com missioners the Government of the day and Parliament should be able to review the position, *he non-political control of the railway system beiug purely experimen tal. The course adopted nas proved bene ficial. As will be seen by reterenco to the Estimates, a substantial reduction m the cost of working has been made. The rail ways are being worked efficiently; the general public is satisfied ; a slight chanjje m policy has been effected, and a better feeling exists on the part of the railway employees. The passing of the Govern ment Railway Bill of this session will however, restore the railways to popular control, and the result will, I feel sure fully justify the change. The lesson taught m the past must be borne m mind and those who have worked to restore to the people the control of the railways should not forget what fed to the Railways Act of 18P7 being passed, and under which for mx years the Parliament and the people have been subordinated to three irresponsible Commissioners. Firmness m resisting unreasonable demands for re ductions m the tariff will be essential* and fairness and tact m dealing with the employees imperative. It has been ur»ed that concessions can be made m respect to promoting local industries and m th« carriage of lime and manures, so as t« increase the natural products, and. that (hi

THE ASHBtJK'IOJN GUARDIAN : SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1894.



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! WAR —Greac Sacrifices as " Gods muac be sold cheaper than ever, to make room for oilier goods to arrive shortly. Books and Magazines, Writing Papers and Envelopes, Pocket Books, Purses, Writing Cages, Ink stands, Pictures, Music, Accordebns from 7s 9d, Concertinas, Violins^ Banjos, Zither Harps, Photo Frames and Albums, Scrap and Postage Stamp Albums, Indoor Games, School Bags, and a great variety of goods too numerous to mention; all at greatly a-iuced prices for cash this month at L, F. Andrewes and Co.'s, Cheap Sale.



Wanted BANG ! Bang i Bang '« My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Cluo Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hartley's, Gun Emporium. IARGE Purchase Embroideries ab •J Edwards, Bennett's Sale; over ninety pieces fo choose from. Ladies' Trousseaux made on short notice. Orna ments, Fancy Goods, and Dolls' Prams at Mrs Alvorn's new shop, Havelock Street pIRCULATING Library.—Any one v^ 1 bringing or buying a Yellow Back or Cloth Book can exchange the same by paying 4d for each exchange. New books are constantly added to the library. and Scrap Albums, Text, Birthday, "Christmas, and New Years Cards Cheap, and m <^reat variety j Picture Books, Scraps, Band of Hope Reciters, and Dialogues, Fancy, PlHin and Mourning Stationery. Book Stali and Shop,—J. Makseen.



IF you want good prime Cheese and Bacon, try Taylor, Eaat Street Bakery. 6 109 OYSTERS, Fried Floundera, »nd Whitebait every night afc Jewitt's, Deep Sea Fishing Company, opposite Mail office. 9 168 EARLY POTATOES. — Beauty of Bath, Early Rose, Snowflake, and other Kidneys—by the sack and m small lo'.s. Customers may rely on the seed being true to name.—A. VV. Randell, Ashburton. and Allentop. 8+57 IF you wish your poctals and parties to be successful, buy your cake, pastry, etc , at Taylok's. Eist Street Bakery. Parties supplied on the shortest notice. 6111 OQPIUYis selling Firewood 25s • O per cord, delivered. Coal from (is per quarter. Good heart fencing material very cheap. Opposite Mercantile Store, West Street. PRIME Christchurch smoked and Lewis' pale cured Bacon Kama, best Akaroa and local-made Cheeses from sd, at Taylor's, East Street Bakery. 6110 |^D WARDS, Bennett's Sale. Grandlot *~* new and fashionable Furs and Mantles ; half price. Come and take your pick at Mns Adams DQLLaJI CIGARETTES 3d~peJr~pache.t C\ WEEPING Reductions. —Is Books ] O for 9d, Is 6d Books for Is, 2s Books for is ©d* §i 6d Books for 2s, and all others at equ&| r#*:ft of reduction, at L. F. Andkewbs ano CVvV.., fcJggJS jSale. 618 f^\ UNS ! Guns ! Guns ! My w sfcqok l \s&' °^ Gunsj ust to hand direct from ,j ! the Bjß.n#facturera. Double and Single Barrel Braegfr Leaders, Rifles, etc. In spection invited. £fy? old stock to select from at J. W". H^^/^sy's Sporting Repository ROBERT ALCORN haa opened m Baker's Buildings, next the Court hosjse, with a stock of Clothing, etc., bougfet at Edwards, Bennett's and the Kaiapoi S^lfis^ itfce .cheapest lob of goods ever brought; to Apbbar^ojj, Also an assortment of Boots. *iJANTKD Known —That ijf you are m V V want of a iirso class atticie 117. sum mer 80-ts and Shoes, you cannot, do ' bcttef than call at J. Moison's ; you will ' get tho erf bast at reduced prices. As for his own ns&b«, they are well known to the delight of ihe waaeoiTj, throughout the \us'ralasian colonies. Repsiro well done Mnd af" once Premier Boot Maker, Town ! j Hail Biot Store, East street, Aehburton.



, "Warned, n.KAND M.\bK BALL. — Dominos and Masfe.s to be had m all colours at lowest possible pjices, at Andrew Oers. iq§72 PRIMITIVE Methodist Church, To morrow— Preacher?, Morning. Mr Allan ; Evening, Rev J,imes Cocker, subject: '' Intolerance, Onesidedness and Neutrality. 10 78 \X7"AJNTED, one or two Boarders, terms 15s per week. -Apply Guardian Office. 10 74 I OsT —Gold Chain Bracelet, initials -LJ G.W.W.S. on padlock. Finder suitably rewarded on leaving same at "Mail "Office. • 10 67 DRESSMAKING. — Miss Murphy, Dressmaker, has recommenced busi ness m the old Kindergai ten, .Wast street, ■ where she will be pleased to see old friends and new. Terms very moderate. WE Hold a Large Stook of the Latest Novelties m Materials for Blouses and Walking Dresses. Juat opened, ex Pakeha and lonic, Dress Goods of choice selection, Sunshades and Umbrellas.—Mitchsll and Tdrner. ». - ■' ... vi. I j WANTED Known —Spectacles, Jiye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and 1 everything m the optical i»e at S. Silek's, Optician. WANTED Known— The Cheapest House m town for First-class Millinery and Drapery is H. C. Sjegeks, Melford House. WANTED Known—Special line of Gents' Regatta Shirts, all sizes, j with or without collars, 2s 6d.—W. H» Collier. ] WANTED Known—The Corner Is showing a magnificent New eJtock of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. Collier. fVTANTED Known-Before buying VV your Hats come and see our Stock. Greatest variety to choose from m Ashburton. All marked very Cheap. —H, C. Seoers, Melford House. 'FlO LADlES.—Spring Cleaning.—We -*■ have just received Three Cases of Curtains and Liberty Muslins, together with new Patterns m Carpets, Oilcloths, and Linoleums. Ohina Matting from B£d per yard.—Mitchell and Turner. TUST Opened, a splendid line of fashion *^ able Dress Stuffs, m Cardinals, Maroons, Navies, Browns and Blacks. To be sold under wholesale price.—H, 0. Segers, Melford House. DL A N KE T S bought at Edwards ■-* Bennet's Sale, a special line of Double Blankets at 7s 9d. Ex*ra large and heavy 15s 6d and 16a .6d.—Robert Alcorn, Baker's Buildings. O ECENTArrivals —Ladied'andGentle"- ----■-•' men's Summer Boots and Shoes, Cricketing and Tennis Shirts. Unlimited selection of Summer Ties and Hats.— Mitchell and Tukner. WANTED Everyone to try Peerless Tea, 31b for ss. 61b for 9s lid. Dessicated Cocoaiut 8i per lb; Wire I Nstting, lyd wide, 2-} i per yd by the coil. Note address—Fletcher Bros, Cash Supply Stores, East street. Ash burton, Next Bank ot New Zealand. TSTANTED Known-That owing to the * " success of the Sale now being held up at Saunders' Buildings, opposite Rail way Station, it will be continued for another twenty-eight days, I am not advertising a few cheap lines, but the whole of the stock. Don't lose the oppor tunity of securing genuine bargain* —A Lawbie. * 7 166 NOTICE 1 Notice Sport for all Guns let out on hire cr sold on time payments. H&VIIV4 a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns or any description. Gun I fittings m stock. Prices low.—J, W Hardley, Ironmonger, etc. OWN Make m Ladies'and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, iluslms, Flannelettes, Tnrutilings, etc., at Mes Alcorn's new shop, Biker's Buildings v HAKATERE.-The Somerset Meat Mart has long held ** tha cake" as the best and cheapest shop m town for caeh purchasers. The old reputation will be maintained. Mutton 2d per lb, Saus ages 4d per 3b. All other lines reduced. For Cash only.—W. J. Silcock. 852



TINWALD.—Ior bale on easy terms, T.S.s CO, 51, and 52, thr^e-qoarters of an aore, corner o£ McMurdo and James .streets. Owner particuhirly wishes to, i $i»pose of them at once. ' ' T. BULLOCK. I i ___ ■ TO LBT.-~Cfttjta.ge Centrally situated m JfJurnett Street. T. JJULLOCK. NO m-jre Indigestion ; no more ac ; vusaes^ from indulging m _ i much tea drinking, for those who drink ' Health Tea. Ous trial will convince you. H ENitv Zani»kh. Anthorised Agent I urk Blood is the Pecrkt of Hkaltii Gordon's Blood Pills cleanse the_ eyateni iA all impute blood, cure iudigestioa^n atipatioD, liver complaint, pains m back aiwi j sirlca, bilionßno33, aick headache; remove nimples, scrofula, scurvy, ate. Large box 6s i wo boxe-, IDs, poGßiree. J. iV. Clayton bux '2.">4 Danedin "dolTlr oigawkitk-s — *'. no holders or photos —^jisuy Z^imi, Who c-



ARC IDE HOUSE. Spring Goods. Spring Goods. W- W. SPENCER & CO a E.E now showing feoiue beautiful NEW and FASHION ABLE SPRING FABRICS, being especially selected for the Ashburton District. We have also a nice Selection of STRAWS, LACKS, FLOWERS, FEATHERS, GLOVES, FRILLING, and OBEFFONS. BOOTS- BOOT* BOOTS NEW BOOTS cand SHOES for the summer weather. Men*?, Boys', Ladies', and Children's of all descriptions. CIiOTHIie. CLOTHITO. CE.OTSII*©. MEN'S TWEED SUITS, TROUSERS, COATS, VESTS, &c. SHIRTS, COLLARS, TIES, 4c. SPENCEB and CO, ARCADE HOUSE.



Business KoV.ce . IP YOU WAjST GOOD VALUE FOE YOUJR MONEY GO TO— G. J. NEIL US WHERE THEY ARE SELLING AT LE^S THAN COST PRICE. H4KJD DP.3TfIAKD UP MUST HAV£' IMLoNIfIY. NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED FOR ANY ARTICLE IN THE SHOP. DRESS GOODS 2*d DRESS GOODS 3}d Double width Dress Tweeds la lid Heavy Shirting Is 6d—Reduced to 9id Reduced to Is Tfnion Shirting Is lid—Reduced to 7£d TOWELS 2U KM Gloves, four clasps Is 9a Double Bed-twMl Sheeting, unbleached Flannelettes, yard wide 7id— Reduced and White 9id to 4£d White and Grey Calico Is lid doz Dr Warner's Coralme Corsets, 8s bd All Wool Jt lamiel 7Jd Reduced to 5s lid MILLiNfRY 9i PNi) PIJNI)ER-OLOTHmG AT YOTJR OWN PRICE CLOTHING CLOTHING' Boys' Suits 3s lid Men'e Tweed Trousers 6s lid Boys' Suits 4 8 lid Men's Wocllen Socks 7Jd # Boys' Caps 6d • Men's Tweed Overcoats, with capes Men's Tweed Suits 13s 6d 17s 6d Mett'a Heavy All Wool Suits 35s 6d Men's Tweed Macintoshes, with capes Reduced to 22a 6d 39s 6d—Reduced to 23s 6d MEN'S SHIRTS, TIES, HATS, CAPS, etc., AT ANY PRICE. BLANKETS. ~~ BLANKETS. IN EVERY CONCEIVABLE MAX*?, COLONIAL AND ENGLISH, AT ANY " PRICE-FROM OS ©d PER PAIR. * NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED. BOOTS. BOOTS. CHEAPER THAN EVER, WE CANNOT HELP IT AS WE WANT THE MONEY Women's Shoes 4s lid Women's Leather Lace Boots, all sizes 5a lid THESE ARE SIMPLY GIVEN AWAY. Men's Blucher9 4s lid Boys' Nailad Shooters, Strong, 5s 6d Men's Nailed "Shooters 7s lid and 5a 9d Men's Heavy Watertights, pegged, Ladies' French Shoes 11s 9d—Reduced 15a 6d—Reduced to 11s 6d to 8s 6d CHILDREN'S TAN SHOES AND SLIPPERS AT YOUR OWN PRICE AT G J, «£IL L'B. J«"RIEDLANDER'S CORNER, ;. EAST STREET, ASHBURTONj Cash. We Want CASH.



TO LET.—House and ."wall quantify of land at. Allenton, now m the ucc«.pation of Mr Buckley. T. BULLOCK, i CHEAP SECTION —T.S. 50, Kermode , Btreet, west. Offers are invited for this ;'> very low price will be accepted. T. BULLOCK. £100—Cottage of four rooms witli ' Soulteiy. |- *c;u secrion of firsfc-ckss land. tf.tr S&le hi ihe above prico on very liberal ' emm ; T. V>ULLOrK. Oi_)Ol> aherauon, Mrs Smith. JNot ■ttebiig well 1 Have a cup of l£ft»lth Tea.! Nothing so invigorating wnd strong!iifciiing.: My word, Mrs Brown, this is bt;n)jiy iuvoly. VVho'esale and retail af Zandbii's. Kheimatism.—Ur E. Gordoo'-s remed NKVJJK FAILS m permanently curing nhputna ti«n>, lur»'b-!gf>, sciatica, gout, etc, one .boftU gives relief. .Price .Qs, post free. 3. W. gUjtos, F.O, 80^234, Danedm



SEWING MACHINES. THE VYOKLD'S CHAMPION. The Davis Vertical Feed, '■ N a contest with all the best, machines m tho v orld, at the Paris Exhibition, 1889, ■■- obtained the highest award—GOLD MKDAL. THE DAVIS "YEKTICAL FEED. First Award Dunedin Fxhibition ... ... ISS9 &90 Melbourne «»0 & 8y Adelaide ■■ J88 1 Sydney ISB° GOLD JMLJKiI>A.J-j. Highest award at tho World's Columbian Exposition, CHICAGO. Unequalled for Embroidery and An Work. 1m chief recommendftHon is that it GIVES ENTIKK SATISFACTION TO ALL WHO USE IT, A WOTCIty.—THE NEW~DEOP CABNET MACHINE. FREK TRIAL. FREE LESSONS. Payments arrangad to suit purclwers. i SOLli AGENT— \ UIIJIT.VOM CO., 220 COLOMBO STREET, CHEISTCHUKCfI. AGENTS iQt Griswold's Knitting Machines, Sewing Machines o£ all kinds repaired by skilled workmen. 10 78