Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 1894. CATTLE BRANDING.

We in this county, and indeed in this island, raise but a small number of cattfe compared with the number raised in the North Island, but still we are not careful enough to make the most that can be made of what we do raise. From the letters read at the Agricultural Conference, written to that body by the leading tanners and curriers of the colony, we learn that careless and injudicious branding of cattle is accountable for serious loss to this colony in the matter of its hide export, and to this fault also has to be attributed the necessity that our large bootmaking firms are under, of importing certain classes of leather from other countries. Stockmen when fire-branding cattle are in the habit of dabbing their brands upon any part of the beast that presents itself, and in most cases that part of the animal's body which is covered by the really best portion of the hide receiv«s the brand, and the whole hide is thus seriously depreciated in value for leather making purposes. The tanners suggest that as far as can possibly be done, all brands should be burned in on the neck or shoulder, as this leaves the main body of the skin intact and allows the tanner to produce a sheet of leather showing no burnt holes, and from which the shoemaker can gut anywhere without having to discard any piece for the fire fault complained of. JBowron Bros., in their letter to Mr H, Overton, put the case very clearly. They said—"Fire-branding cattle as at present conducted is pro ductive of great waste in the cutting up of the leather in boot factories and all leather-working establishments, and occurs, too, in the very best, and there fore what ought to be the aiost expen sive part of the hide. Then we are debarred by this disfigurement from making furniture leather, and the supply for this purpose has to come from America, imported under the name Buffalo. But it is on what has been up till now our principal trade— the exporting of split hides to the Home country that the greatest loss in this respect is shown. These splits go for japanning and enamelling : our out put has averaged between 12,000 to 15,000 per annum, and at the present time we have on stock in Londor about 6000, which we are unable to sell, even at 12s each, whereas, if they h&d not been branded, we would have had no difficulty in selling them at about 22s per hide, without accumulating stock! at all. The damage on this score we put down at full 7s to 8s per hide. The result, of course, is that this part of the business is almost closed up.

The best place for branding purposes, in our opinion, is on the neck, and the saving to the country by the adoption of this plan would be, as you can see, very considerable." A letter was also read from Messrs .Mchaelis, Hallen stein, and Farquhar, of Dunedin, and from it we quote a few remarks that farmers may read with both interest and profit, They say in regard to fire branding—This is a great drawback to value of hide, and in our experience seems to be a growing evil, The first owner places his brand upon the beast, usually two or three letters of consider able size; the second adds his brand mostly on the most valuable portion of hide, sometimes both sides aro treated, and the injury is very serious, because for many purposes the hide becomes useless. If branding must be done tho neck would be the least objectionable part on which to place the marks. Barbed wire scratches are a growing difficulty to the tanner, they are much more serious than is generally supposed; even after the wound is completely healed up it is always a weak part in the leather, breaking away when sub jected to any strain. When not healed up at time of slaughter a slight-looking scratch -will hate cut completely through the grain and nearly half through the total thickness of hide; every scratch, whether healed or other wise, shows on the finished leather, and injures the sale more or less of that side. These scratches are difficult to see when the hair is long and grown over them, not showing up until the hair is removed in preparation for tanning. I oannot propose any means of dealing with or preventing this mis chief except the disuse of barbed wire, which, I am afraid, is at present not likely to meet with much favor from the breederand growerof cattle. The Wool ston Tannery Company wrote in the same straw, but said the evil was not so prevalent in Canterbury as in the North Island and Australia, the latter country being a sad offender. As the letters spoke for themselves, there was but little oratory wasted over them by members of Conference, who unani mously passed a resolution which we have no doubt all stockowners will lay to heart—"Thatstockowners be advised to fire-brand all stock on the least valu able part of the hide, instead of the sides and rump,"

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

At the Domain Board meeting last night, Mr W. W. Smith was appointed custodian of the Domain. William Priest, a cattle dealer, was drowned on a flooded road near Little River on Saturday, A brood mare, valued at £30, belonging to Mr D. Judd, fanner in the Hatt Valley, was shot dead by some one last week. i Complaints have been frequent of late about the weighc of the butter sold retail, and it would be well if the good wives and others upon whom the duty falls of making up the pound pats would be careful to see that" these pats are full pound weight. A conviction for selling light weight butter is no more pleasant than a conviction for sell ing light bread, and the law is as stringent in the one case as in the oth»r. The Presbyterian missionaries from Ata brym leave Wellington at once for Ohrist church to consult the committee whiuh manage the mission as to future operations. They have experienced exceptional ill luck as it is only just over a year ago that a 9 cyclone stript them of everything. By the fire, Dr Lamb lost his medical works and surgical instruments^ and a large stock of drugs and clothing. It was caused by rats gnawing matches. Mr M'Donald, chief engineer of the Star of England, has been awarded Lloyd's medal for meritorious services in connection wish the serioufl breakdown of the vessel's refrigerating machinery in the Wanganui roadstead on her last voyage to the colony. The presentation will be made by the deputy-chaiiman of Lloyd's Company on the vessel's return to London. M 'Donald also received a bonus of fifty guineas from the company. St Albans would be all the better for the election to its mayoralty of an apostle of " No O«D." like an ex-mayor of Ashburtonwe could name. Councillor Penteney's soul has been stirred within him on the overdraft question, and at Monday night's meeting of the Council he said to his fellow Conncillors —lf At the rate you are going, in a few years you will have to sack everybody but the collector." About four years ago (saya the ' Tuapeka Times') a man named Back, while shearing on Earnscleugh. Station, lest a four-year-old mare, and on Sunday last, accompanied by the Roxburgh constable, he went to the house of Mr William Bain, who lives at Coal Creek, to make enquiries about the animal. Bain stated he had bought a mare similar to the one lost about four years ago for £10, and that she was then runniag out in the direction of Campbells. The owner and the police subsequently discovered the animal lying dead in a gorge near Dumbarton Rock, having been stabbed over the heart and cut about the breast. Bain, who was arrested and subsequently admitted to bail, himself in £200 and two sureties in £100 each, will be brought before the S.M. at Roxburgh The " Mataura Ensign " states that Ranger Campbell on Wednesday destroyed several chains of the Croydon Bush tramway. When the New Zealand Pine Company abandoned the bush about a year ago the right to use the tramway was purchased by a man named Biggar, who owned a section in the bush through which the tramway passed. For the alleged offence of illegally cutting timber Biggar was fined by Ranger Camp bell, and as there was no appeal it was paid j under protest. Biggar received intimation that the two and a-half miles of tramway must be removed within ten days, but as he found he could not do so within the time, he wrote to the Crown Lands Commissioner for an extension. Ranger Oampbell, after visiting the place, decided that sufficient progress was not being made, and on Wednesday he, with a gang of men, com menced the work of demolition. Not content with lifting the rails, the ranger ordered them to be chopped in two, cut the stringers of the bridges, and generally destroyed the line thoroughly, rendering the track into the bush quite impassable. This was a wanton waste of valuable property— £loo worth at the lowest computation. The destruction spells ruin to Biggar, who has been making a living for himself and a family of eight, and besides throws out of work three other mimed wen.

Mr J. P. Maxwell, the ex-Railway Cora- ( missioner, in a letter in the 'Post' con demns the recent changes in the railway staff, and states that the alleged saving of £4000 might have been effected without lowering the position or curtailing the powers of old and loyal officers, as he has done, and without breaking up the organisation. He contends that there $ nothing on the facs of the jjniormatioa given but a harsh, ill considered reduction of status and pay, and abandonment of proper local control. No man had more reason to feel grateful for loyal service than the present chief commis sioner, and Mr Maxwell doubts if in the annals of New Zealand there is any record of loyalty being so recompensed, or a good and well-proved organisation being more readily cast aside. The commissioners' action, he considers, is retrogressive. A year or two it will show it involves increased expenses, increased risk from accident, and less reliable services. «Mercutio' in the 'Auckland Herald 1 tells j the Btory of a Moari during the Tarawera eruption. 'Xhe native and Joshua Morgan (a survey guide) were the only occupants of a survey camp on the Galatea Plains on that eveatful night. When the eruption com menced the Maori and Joshua were aroused out of their sleep, The native had never seen an eruption, and could not comprehend it, (further than that the atua (god) «f Tarawera was angry, and manifested his displeasure most emphatically. After trying the Pai Marire incantations to appease the god of the mountain unsuccessfully, the Maori said he would try the karakia of the pakeha, and appeal to his atua to see if matters would quieten down, and the belch ings and thunderings cease. This was the petition he put up, '0 Lord, keep me and Morgan safe till the morning, and I will give you a pound ; and Morgan can stop it out of my wages \ ' There ia something straight :and square about the proposal— ' Morgan can stop it out of my wages,' We have received a most valuable little book from the Proprietors of Mellin's Food, entitled, " How to Feed Badies and Inva lids," and it is one we can cordially recomend every mother to get, especially as it may be had free, The highest honours at the Chicago Exhibition, viz., the Gold Medal and Diploma have been awarded to this food.

An Inhospitable Host.

Wellington, June 5. W. H. Saunders, licensee of a hotel at Johnsonville, was charged to-day with refusing to give a bed to a man who asked for lodging and offered payment. Mr J. 0 Martin, S.M., deferred judgment till Saturday. He intimated that in his opinion a refusal to receive people who could pay was one of the most serious offences a publican oould be guilty of. He intended to take care that rooma were not kept for show and hotels run as mere drinking shops. He also hinted that if his judgment was adverse, the suburban committee would probably take away the license.

Ashburton Finance and Agency Company.

An extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Ashburton Finance and Agency Company was held in the Company's offices yesterday afternoon. Tisere was a good attendance, constituting a majority of the shareholders, and Mr Hugo Friedlander occupied the chair, The chairman stated that the meeting was called in accordance with a resolution of the previous general meeting, wi'h re gard to fcbe future working of the Com pany. He was pleased to assure them that the Company was in a thoroughly sound position, as a glance at the balance sheet would show. The called-up cipital vrm £1700, the liabilities £592, the assets £2941. There was a total available surplus, provided all the assets came in, of £598 14s lid. The moneys owing, as a whole, were absolute'y safe. The reason for fhe calling of the meeting was simply that the Company could not make satisfactory arrangements with the bank for the carry ing o»i of its business. He therefore moved that the Ashburton Finance and Agency Company be wound up volun tarily. In answer to Mr Purnell, the chairman said the ba'ance referred to could be paid to the shareholders over and above their shares, and that the assets were thoroughly covered by the securities, Mr Purnell seconded the resolution, which was then pat and carried. It was decided that notice be given of another extraordinary general meeting at which the above resolution should be confirmed and for the appointment of liquidator or liquidators.

SUPREME COURT.

Wellington, June 4. James Edmonds, charged with forging and uttering a cheque, purporting to be signed by James Brennan, hotelkeeper, Wanganui, was discharged by the direc tion of the Chief Justice, without the case going to the jury, on the ground that there was no evidence that accused manufactured the cheque or knew ifc to be forged. Edmonds asked that his ex penses be paid back to Napier, where he was arrested, but the Judge said he had no power to order that, bat thought the police might do something for him. Martha Tahianui, ayoung Maori woman, with several alias, pleaded guilty to forg ng Wi Parata'a name to a cheque, fwhich she said she did whila under the influence if drink. The case was adjourned for evidence as to character. The Grand Jury found true bills in the whole twenty-nine indictments, with the exception of two cases. One of the latter was that of Arthur McKee, proprietor md publisher of the newspaper *• Fair Play," who was charged with a c-iminal libel on David Gain, and the other was ♦he charge of larceny against Samuel Trnflareon, who recently escaped from gaol in the Wairarapa district, and is still at large. In b^th these cases the Grand Jury threw out the indictments. In Trudgeon's case, only the constable be longins? to the district; was present, and on his honor being consulted, the latter said it was distinctly wrong for the con stable to have taken upon himself to inform witnesses that they would not be required to attend. Under the circum stances his Honor suggested the Grown prosecutor should withdraw the indict ment from the Grand Jury, and this conrsa was adopted. Henry D voy, an elderly man, was sen tenced to three years for horse stealing. Prisoner admitted he has been three times convicted of horse stealing, four times for forgery, and once for larceny, having spent about twenty-eight years of his life in prison. His last sentence was for a term of fourteen years, Martha Tahianui,a young Maori wcitin, was sentenced to six months for forging and uttering a cheque. She had once (when about fifteen years of age) been convicted of house breaking and three times of larcsny. Her downfall is stated j to be due to Intemperance. She came from the Kaiapoi district, John Oakley, found guilty of forgery, was remanded for sentence. Cjjristchukch, June 4. I At the Supreme Court, Margaret Isles i and W. T. 0, Isles were sentenced to twelve months' imprisonment each for larceny from the person.

The Blind Students.

We would gladly have seen a larger audience in the Oddfellows' Hall last night to welcome the Blind Students. The attend ance was fair, bub the Hall could have held a good many more. As has already been said the blind students are five in number, two ladies and three gentlemen, and when it is known that they are wholly blind— stone blind as one would say colloquially— the entertainment they treat their patrons to ia truly woridertul. Two of them are ex cellent violinists, the flautist is a superior performer indeed, and we have seldom heard the saxhorn played better than it was by Mr Irwin, and we believe last night was the first occasion on which an Ashburton audi ence has been treat ed to it as a solo instrument. He played the "Lost Chord" as a solo to the saxhorn, and played it so well th§t by way of encore he was enabled to give the Scotch air, "The. Mower o' Dunblane." I Miss Wotton and Miss Mulvogue both sine, well, while the former plays the violin un commonly well* Miss Mulvogue's "Nighitin ! gale's Trill," the flute obbligato to whoh was played by Mr Bartlett, was a most taking number, and afforded the lady an oppor tunity of showing what training can do for a vocalist. The flute player gave full evidence that he was complete master of the technicalities of an instrument that too many " tootle" on, but few can play well. This lady nlso sang the popular ballad "After the ball," and took part in the humorous trios and quartets, in which the students showed themselves^ quite as much at home as in the more serious work that had been set them. Miss Wotton, the lady violinist, has a pleasing voice, and her songs were very welcome numbers and highly appreciated. Both Mr Bland and Mr Irwin sing well, while Mr Bartlett, the flautist already mentioned, is an excellent baritone, and in the humorous work isakoit in himself. The latter took part in the duet " The moon hath raised her lamp " with Mr Bland, which was very wall interpreted, but it was in the "Gipsies' Laughing Trio," the " tickling" part song, and the last quartet that he snowed to best advantage, his quiet j fun keeping the audience greatly amused. His song " Simon the cellarer," was really a clever performance. At the close of the first part of the concert all the students took part in an exhibition of the Braille system of reading, writing, and arithmetic for the blind. Miss Wotton on the stag* had a copy before her of the Gospels of SS. Mark and Luke in Braille type. A copy of the New Testament in ordinary print was given to one of the audience, who was asked to select a chapter for Miss Wotton to read. He chose [St. Luke, chapter 24. The lady turned the leaves of the large tome rapidly, and read the chapter. Ifc was not spelled out laboriously or with any effort at all, but wai read with an effeot that would have done honor to a D.D; The "blind slate" was then produced,! and a local bank manager was askad to set for Misa Wotton a sum in long division. He did so, and the lady rapidly filled the honey bombing of the slate with the leaden conn ters (which, by the way, much resemble printers' type). The sum was quickly figured out, and the answer given correctly. The Braille system of writing was shown, by Miss Mulrogne and the gentlemen of the company taking seats among the audience, and to the dictation of any wbo wished wrote questions for Miss Wotton to read. The slips of paper were passed up to her, and the written words were read easily and fluently. One of the sentences was that " Friedlander Bros will hold a great clearing sale at Selma on Friday next." Ano fher Was about " Health Tea," while the others were about places the company had visited. The blind students play again to-night, and we can assure our readers that the entertain ment given by them is one they wiil regret very much to have missed.

The Story of "Charley's Aunt."

I One of the most, if not the most, success ful ventures of the last few years has been the production of "Charley's Aunt." Mr Frank Thornton and Mr Charles Arnold, who have acquired the Australian rights of this female Midas, have been playing the hilarious comedy to splendid business in Dunedin, and the piece is proving a veritable Mascotte and bonanza for these two young managers in these colonies. According to a Sydney paper, Mr Charles Arnold was present at a little supper in Chambers at Lincoln's Inn nearly eighteen months ago, which may now be regarded as of historic interest. It waa to oelebrate the approach ing introduction to English play-goers of a newly written farcical comedy which, in the coarse of the evening, waß named " Charley's Aunt." Mr Brandon Thomas (the author) and his wife and Mr W. E. Penley and his company formed the party, and the conver sation turned upon the new piece, which all declared was so comical at rehearsal that it "went with a bangr," even in a theatre swathed in holland and green baize. The next day the company started upon a tour of the small towns on the Thames. Windsor, Richmond, and various suburban theatres were visited, and everywhere the same results were obtained—much laughter from sir fill audiences. However, the time was not wholly lost, as during the tour the author constantly attended performances and built up the piece from a playing time of 1} hours t« 2£ hours. Finally their faith, in the piece in no way diminished by its ill success, author and actor joined in persuad ing a financier to back them with £1000, and "Charley's Aunt" waa staged *t the Royalty Theatre. This tomb-like little playhouse, where so many dramatic failures had been buried during the year, at once became fashionable. The piece was then transferred to another theatrical morgue, the Globe Theatre, which it peopled in turn; and after twelve nights' run in its new quarters Mr Penley was able to announce to the London press that he had banked £6000 for "advancebooking." When Mr Arnold left London in August, the dullest period of the year, all available seats were booked for two months in advance, It is pleasant to learn that several people con nected with " Charley's Aunt" have made fortunes by it: The city financier was called upon to advance £400, and his half-share of the net profits has averaged £600 a week ever since, Mr Penley has also drawn £600 a week throughout 1893, out of which he has paid the author £160 a week. He has also retained the provincial (tour companies) rights, the American (nix companies), and the Australian rights, some idea of the value of which many be gained from the fact that Messrs Thornton and Arnold have paid Mr Penley from £200 to £260 per week for his share in Melbourne, aydney, and Adelaide. Altogether it is estimated that Mr Penley has already realised £100.000 by " Charley's Aunt," and the author is richer than he was on the occasion of the little supper at Lin- | coin's Inn by £55,000. Mr Frank Thornton, whose name is in separably connected with "The Private Secretary " will make a welcome re-appear ance as " Charley's Aunt" on Friday of this week. The company, with one or two ex ceptions, supporting the talented comedian, are all new to local play-goers, and were specially engaged in London for a complete production of the famous comedy. The season is positively limited to one night, as the company are announced to appear in Christchurch on the following evening. The box plan is now on view at Mr H. M. Jones', and as it is well within the limit of proba bility that applicants for seats will be con siderably in excess of the accommodation, intending patrons will do well to book their seats early.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The ordinary meeting of tha Ashburton Borough Council was hold on Monday. Present-Hia Worship the Mayor (in the chair) and Councillors David Thomas, W. H. Colling, Richard Bird, Joseph Scaly, E. J. Paul, R. M. Outhbertson and H. ; M. Jones. FXNANCa. The Mayor reported the debit balance at the bauic to bo £1264 11s. Th« le i ceipts from all sources since Jasc meeting , were-Rates, 1893. £8 19s : 1892, £416* j rents, resarves, £26 10a ; Domain account, £1 03 8.1 ; licenses, registry office, 10d j earth sold, 17s ; library account, £1 3j. BV-IAWS. The Paymaster-General" notified the placing to credit of the Borough, amounts due from fines under the by-laws. The Timaru Borough Council wrote, asking information from the Council with respect to its by-laws dealing with hawkers; also with regard to the inspec tion of meat and milk for sal* in the borough ; and whether the Council in tended makingfany provision with respect to insuring Council workmen. The clerk was instructed to forward the desired, information, HIRE BRIGADE. The gecretary of the Fire Brigade wrote, requesting the payment of the half yearlf subsidy, also" forwarding the name of W. MoTeague for approval as ft member of the Brigade. It was decided to forward the subsidy and to approve of the proposed new member. EK9ERVB9. An extension of lease was granted to Mr A. Spioer. Messrs Friedlaader Bros, wiote re questing the Council to giva them a Glas- ' gow lease of the reserve lately leaned by Mr J: G. Restell. Mr Hugo Fciedlander waited on the Council, and he was in formed that the Council had no power to give a Glasgow lease without again calling for tenders. The matter was referred to the Reserves Committee to report at next meeting. THE RECENT FIRB. A deputation consistingof Messrs Henry Zander and Graves waited upon the Council stating that the fire on Saturday night had emphasised the fact that there was In the neighborhood of the fire »n old wooden building which might at anytime be ignited by a swagger, thus being a source of danjrer to the sur rounding shops. The fireblock as at pre sent did nob include these buildings, and the deputation suggested its extension. Cr Thomas eaid that he knew of an office within the fire block which was even a greater source of danger than the build ing alluded to. The Mayor paid that the Council would consider the suggestion and the deputa tion withdrew. Cr Paul said that a clause of the Act gave the Council power to order the re moval of a building which was a nuisance. The matter was referred to the Works' Committee. The fire brigade captain reported tha fire which occurred on Saturday night. Cr. Scaly said chat he Jiad heard that th« engine had been compelled to stop while on its way to the fire, and that the bearings were red hot. The Mayor thought that the fire engine was placed too close to Collier's buildings. Had the verandah baen of wood it might have been a serious matter. Cr. Cuthbertson pointed out that some time fgo a resolution had been passed for the erection of two additional standpipea in East street, and had one of these stand* ~ points been erected the engine would have been placed at.one of them and not at Collier's buildings. The matter ww referred to the Fire Brigade Committee. BOLL. The name of F. H. Steel was snbsH. tuted for that of T. Kiely for reserve 1218. ENGINEERS' REPORT. The Engineers' report was read as fol lows :— Labour Gang.—The men have been ensued during the past two weeks in forming parts of Kermode street, Dobson street, and William street, grubbing gorse off footpaths and broom off streets, erecting screen at public urinal, fanning' new entrance to domain at caretaker's cottage, West street, repairing footbridges and culverts, attending to the water sup ply and general maintenance work, Fire Alarm—Mr Murray has for warded * model and letter of explanation of apparatus for adjusting fire alarm in connection with the bell of the town i clock. ' SANITATION, Cr. Jones asked if there were any supervision by this Council of the meat and slaughterhouses of the borough. He did nob know whether the County Council dealt with the matter, but in any^eaw some body should look after the sanitary condition of the pepple. Cr Thomas said the people were eating any amount of meat not fit for food. Cr Scaly moved that the Council appoint delegates to confer with the County Council as to the advisableness ofdoinif away with all existing licenses, and hav ing one central slaughterhouse for Ashburton and subnrbs. Cr Jones seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Cr Cuthbertson moved that the Council appoint Constable Watt as inspector under the Adulteration of Pood Act. Meat would come under this provision. The Council had nothing to pay for making the appointment and they would collect the fines. MBRARY. Cr Paul was appointed chairman pro tern of the Library Committee in the absence of Cr Flower. NUISANCES. The inspector of nuisances forwarded a report dnaling with matters of detail. On Cr Thomas' motion it was decided that the inspector of nuisances b« in* fltructed to inspect the back of buildings from Messrs Collier's to fFriedlander a corner. • UCENKK. A Registry Office license was granted to W. C. Davis. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £118 were passed, for payment and the Council adjourned. DOMAIN BOARD. The numbers then sat as a Domain Board. Twenty- two applications were received for the position of caretaker of the Domain, and it was decided that W. W. Smith be appointed to the position.

COMMERCIAL.

London, June 4. ' Western Australia has issued a 4 per cent loan ot £540.000, with a Tmnimara o! 102, Tenders to b8 opened on 12fch inst.

BULGARIA.

Sofia, Tune 3 It is reported that M. Stambouloff 1 has been arrested. i M. Starabouloff is alleged to have been concerned in a plot to banish Prince Ferdinand and place on the throne Count Hartenan, a child of four years of age, a gon of Prince Alexander of Bulgaria, with himself as Regent.

THJfI ASiIBURTQJS GUABJPIAN: TUESDAY^ JUNE 5, 1894,



. Easiness Notices i AWING TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES G. J. NEILL IS COMPELLED TO REALISE Being practically a new beginner in business, 1 have not TOO MUCH MONEf. In anticipation of doing a BIG BUSINESS this Winter, I kid in a very LARGE STQOK. Hopes have not been realiaed, consequently I am ia a corner, for the WANT OF CASH. To meet my engagements with Pressing Creditors, lam compelled to realise. THIS 18 A CHANCE:NOT TOjBE LOST SIGHT OF. Everything NEW. No Old Stock. A GREAT FORCED SALE OF Drapery, Clothing, & Boots. R«member this is only to realise sufficient to meet pressing engagements. As soon as that amount haa been reached the REDUCTIONS OEASE, No one can possibly afford to sell for less than cost all the year round j at least I cannot. • I have no option at present, as I must have Money, and have only a short time to get it, and possessing no friends rioh enough to lend, am thrown on my own resource?. In order to induce large purchasers to Buy, and at once, I will give every person, spending £6 in a month, a Beautiful Tea-Set of 40 Pieces. This is a most; Valuable present, and equal to a 30 per cent reduction. Don t Miss the Opportunity. Come at once. The most Genuine Sale ever held ia the annala of the Drapery Trade of the Colony. Don't mistake the Address: GT W^ill FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, • J • l\ O.LII, Bast Street, Aahburton, CASH I CASH II



LOOK? F]our 9 Flour, Flour. CO EDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF FINEST ROLLER FLOUR. ■' Jl\i 25lbs 2s lid Split Peas lfd per lb. 71b a Is 501 bs 3i lid pearl Barley 2^d per lb, 51b a Is lOOlbs 7rt 7id ne ail<* Coarse Salt 53 per cwt. SOOlbsuJd Whitniogldperlb,l2ll)forlod 251 h Moir'a Oatmeal 2s 6d Vinegar 5d per bottle, la 6d per gallon 160 test Kerosene (water white) 6* Baking Soda 3d per lb per tin, 12s per case 1000 Vestas oM per box (full cnant) FineMi IVUuritus Sa^r 2|d per lb 100 doßfen tins Sheep Tongues, 10|d per Finest New (cleaned) Currants 3f per lb , tin ■,■■■ finest .New Sultanas 4|d per lb Essence of Ooftee 7*d and Is Id per Oream Tartar (pure) Is 2d per lb. bottle _ - Plaid Wsbws 4Vd per di zou, 12 dozen Neave s Food lid per tin for 4s M " 2 ounce bottles or Essence of Jbemon, E'fcmc'Cnndles 543 per lb—l2lb for fi* Almonds, and Vanilla 6|d per " bottle FifleVhi'-e Sy.go l|d per lb, 71b a'ls Bryant's and May's Safety Matches 7|d Tapioc» l^d p«r lb, 71b » la V*f doz m J'ie t J-pm Bice 2^d pot ?b, Bib als Brown's Com Hour, 3£d per lb i-EEMEMBBB PATRONISB THE ONE WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE PRICES. ALL GOODS DELIVERED. ■ ; " Fletcher bros., CASH SUPPLY STORES, FAST STREET, NEXT THE BANK 01* NEW ZEALAND. And 107, and 109 Lower High Street, Ohristeburoh. AGENTS for tho following Brands of TEAS— Tiger, Matchless, Nabob, Arab, Oounbeaa, Monarch, Nelson and Moatee, Jameson and Anderson's, Mogul, etc. Also for the following goods- Sunlight So<*p, etc. Complete Plica Lifts to be reaiy shortly, and will be delivered to anyone on application. Special Prices to large consumers.



BLANKE.") ILUffISM BLASKBTSJ ISfcAISSiE'B'S. fI^NNKLS BLAKKKTSJ W4HMIUI r lWtr[lT^ FLANNJtLS . ™:::i Messrs S- L Beath & Co- fuannels BLANKETS TANGRED STREET, , FLANNELS . T>TAVir ,,^ FLANNELS ,« RK No?.- s}»owing a Large 1 btocK ot FLANNELS ! BLAI\KKTH -;v^ BU»SK^ B A X T H.4SHEM BL4NKEIS L H t b rambm in the BEST Makes. FLANNELS BLA!NKEIS FLANNELS BLANKETS . ■ FLANMELS bluets COLONIAL AND EN&LISH ■ BLANKETS ' " ' ' from 6s lid to 32a 6d per pair. FLANNELS BLANKETS —— FLANNELS BLANKETS . BLANKETS ' Alt WOftl Fiaßliel* FLANNELS BLANKETS Roslyn, Kaiapoi and Mosgiel. FLANNELS FLANNELS BLA"KK«T.S —— FLANNELS BLANKRTS ALL WOOL WELLINGTON PLANiSEL. FLANNELS BLANKETS ' _— BLAKKBTS WHITE Qi/A SHKTL4.ND BLANKETS PINK Q ORKNEY FLANNELS BLANKETS . " _.-,. m FLANNELS ,LOKE,S 0, L- BEATH & CO,, FLANNELS , BLANKETS TAN3REI) STB SET. FLANNELS FLANNELS BLANKETS j J



Wanted. WANTED Known—That R. Young is doing tirst-class Shoeing; hacks, 53 ; draughts, 6*; Wakanui road. 619 TGWND, a Goid~Brooeh. Appiy~~to •*- Robert Murray, Watchmaker and Jeweller, East Street. 6 15 fpO LET,-Largo, Well-lighted Room, J suitable for dressmaker. Upstairs Old Town Hall. Apply, BaKitett Beds. 6 26 rVO LET,— Large Building, suitable for *-' Storage. WelMighted, dry, central. Apply, Bakrett Bros, East strett. 6 25 %,— ■ ■ ■ , l I - 1157 ANTED Known—Accounts not paid * * by June 4 will be sued for. Messrs S. G. Hoare or R. G. Shearman will settle all accounts for us,—Strphbss Bros. 6|9 WANTED Known.-The Celebrated Yarmouth Oilskin Clothing now arrived.—Mitchell & Turner. /"CHOICE Ornaments, Folding Screens, \_y Own make in Ladies' and Children's I Underclothing, Aprons, aad Pinafores.— Mrs Alcobn, Saanders' Buildings. A FACT.—Anyone drinking Health -£*- Tea and discarding all other brands, will certainly add ten years to his life. Just your try it. To be had from all Grocers. W" A~N T E"D"KnownT—No~more wet clothes and bronchitis, Yarmouth Oilskin to hand,—Mitchell & Turner. WANTED Known—Special line of Gents' Regatta Shirts, all sices with or without collars, 2s 6d,—W. H. Collier. 1 WANTED Known.—All genuine Oil skins, Leggings, Sou 1-Westers marked Yarmouth—Mitchell & Turner. J WANTED Known—All accounts due in the Estate of RoßEitt Alcorn must be paid at once. Office hours: 10 to 1 and 2 to 4, Saunders' Buildings. ALL Claims against the Estate of Robert Alcorn should be sent in at once,—Saunders Buildings, May 22. ANTED Known.-31bs of our noted 2a Tea for 5s Id. For other quotations see Price List on Page 3 John Orb & Co. 5J97 WANTED Known —The Cheapest House in town for First-class Millinery and Drapery is H. C. Segeks, Melford House. NO Stimulant has given so much favor with the Natives as Health Tea It must be good. Ask your Grocer for it MRS ALCOJ&N has on sale for he Holidays a varied assortment of Toys, Dolls, jprams, Fancy Goods, and Christmas Presents—Saundera Buildings. LOST, May 12, Chestnut Hack mare, height 15.2, star on forehead, scar on inside hind leg in line just above hooks. When lost was shod with bar shoes on* front feet aad had on cover. Information rewarded. H. C. Segers, Melford House. f IT ANTED Known—Before baying VV your Hats come and see our ( Stock. Greatest variety to choose from In Afihburton. All marked veiy Cheap. — H. C. Seders, Melford House. *TIHERE are two qualities of Health ■*• Tea, both unsurpassed for strength, purify and lovely flavor. Prices, 2s 6d and 2s per Ik Ask your grocer for Health Tea, and see that you get it. Wholesale at Zander's. WANTED Known — Spectacles, lye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optical me at S. S&LEK's, Optician, fXTANTiSD Known—All goods in Show » * Room to He slaughtered at any price.— Arcade Bouse. 4 28 ORAISGE3— New Season—very cheap. Please lea?a orders for Marmalade Fruit to arrive shortly.—MiiS Adams, launders' Building- ANTED Known-L W Pants 3s lid, Flannel Shirts 3s 9d, Worsted Socks 6d per patr.~ Arcade House 425 8~ ALE now on—White Calico 2illd per dozen, Towela 2s 6d per dozen, Lace, Curtains-, from la lid per pair, at Arcade House. 4 27 WANTED Known.— Mrs Hooper, Monthly Nurse, Alford Forest Road, will be pleased to receive patients. Terms moderate. 5 112 WANTED Known—The whole of the stock to bo sacrificed by order of the Purchaser, Arcade House. 4 26 OYSTERS and Fresh Fish of all sorts' arrive evenitig per express at Deep Sea Fishing Co.'s Shop, Burnett street Ashburton. 2 62 "TTi ANTED "Known—The Corner Is W showing a magnificent New Stock nf Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. Collier. a^ UNS ! Guns ! Guns !My new stock of Gunsj ust to hand direct from the manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech Leaders, Rifles, etc. In spection invited. No old stock to select from at J. W. Hardley's Sporting Repository TS/ ANTED Known— «just received a * Large Winter Stock of Boots. Liberal discount for cash, As usual, we { do the best work. Repaira done at once. A a*. aff of men always ready at J. Moison's, the Premier Bootmaker, Town Hall Boob Store, Bast Street, Ashburton. 5 153 WANTED Known — Men's strong Tweed Suits from 16s 6d ; shirts from 2s 6nL— Arcade House. 4 24 /"^RUSHED Oats, oi per sack. Al \J kinds of Farm and Mill Produce cheap for cash.—J. Thomas, Havelock ; Street. ISIT the Sale. Trimmed Millinery going; at any price Ladies' Under < lothing reduced to 20 per cent, below coat. —Arcade House. 4 64 WATCHES, Clocks, etc., (all guaran teed) at wholesale cost for one inont-h only. Now's your time.—Lums den's. 3 219 WANTED Known. — Men s Tweed Suits 153 6d, Men's Tweed Trousers 7s lid, Mena' Strong Flannellette Shirts 2a 6d, Mens' and Boys' Boots and Shoes greatly reduced.—Arcade House. 465 W' A^TED Known. — Embroideries from Id a yard, Corsets 3s lid, ladies' Ulsters from4s lid, Ladies' Gk-ves four pair for Is, Kid Gloves four buttons Is 6d.™ Arcade Houst. 63 ivj EW Indoor Games Accordeons from CM 8s 6d, Autoharps and Zithers, Photo Albums tnd Frames, Opals for painting on, Oil. and Water colors, and Artists Requisites, new Books and new Editions, cheap reading; all at reduced prices for Cash.— L, F. AbtdreWes & Co tationars' 2UU.



business notices. I^SMnFATCHMAKW ANNOUNCEMENT 8. Salek, PRACTICAL WATCHMAKER and MANUFACTURING JEWELLER, OI6S to announce the arrival of a LARGE STOCK OF ROTHERHAM'S MATERIALS for Watch Repairs. Every Single Part (ready finished) of a Rotherham'a Watch kept; also a Large Stock of Finished Parts for all other Watches. —— Where repairs through Breakages are needed, time and expense is thus saved in finishing which means^Money. S- SALEK therefore announces what most prove a Great Consideration these Hard Times. A BIG REDUCTION IN THE COST OF WATCH REPAIRS. Repairs entrusted to S. SALEK meanß RELIABLE WORKMANSHIP, SATIS FACTION & LOWEST CHARGES. Jewellery Repairs receive Special attention. SIGHT TESTING by Lazarus' System. SPECTACLES to suit all sights. -NJT~iTw TW Jfi "A L a"IT*D Clothing- Factory SPEOIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. WE WISH to draw your attention to the Specially LOW PRICES of High-class Goods, Mens All Wool Tweed Suits, our own make, 28a 9d . Men's All Wool Tweed Trousers, our own make, 9s 6d . Men's All Wool Tweed Overcoats, bur own make, 29s 6d Boots, Boots, Boots, TRY US FOR A PAIR. THE LEADINgThOUSE FOR GENTLEMEN'S MERCERY. We keep all the leading lines. New Shapes in Hard Hats. The latest in Soft and Frame Hats. Boys' Caps from 6d """ DOH'T PASS"THIS BY. Men s Trousers to measure from 14s 6d Colonial Tweed. WATERPROOF GOODS. Men's, Youths', and Ladies' The number we have sold this season is a guarantee that we keep the genuine article. ■ The " BISMARK " Sewing Machine is now to be had ab the New Zealand Cloth ing Factory. The Cheapest and Best Machine in tho World. On time pay ments—2s 6d per week. HALLTCNSTEIN BROS. ALEX. HENDRY, ; Manager 1*



T ATEST Telegram.-The Governor ol -*-* Victoria has ordered that none bui Health Tea shall be used in Government House!



Holloway's Pills and Ointment.— Rheumatism and Neuralgia—Though the former disease remorselessly attacks persons of all ages, and the latter ruthlessly selects its victims from the weak and delicate, the preserving use of these remedies will infal ibly cure both complaints. After the affected parts have been diligently fermented with hot brine, and the skin thoroughly dried, Holloway's Oinment must be rubbed in firmly and evenly for ten minutes twioe a day. and ! his Bills taken according to the printed dir ections wrapped round each box of his medsi cine. Both Ointment and Pills are accompanied by instructions designed for the public at large, and do invalid, who attent ively reads those, can now be at any loss how to doctor himself successfully. DOLLAR OIGAPETTES — 3d. No holders or photos. —Hkkby Zanbek, Whole sale agoat



Pure Blood is the Secret op Health Gordon's Blood Pills cleanse the system ! of all impure blood, cure iudigestion,c<m-. i stipation, liver complaint, pains in back and |sides, biliousneas, sick headache; remove pimples, scrofula, scurvy, etc. Lar«e box. l Box 334, Danedujg *