MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to tue necessary altera tions :— TUESDAY, AUGUST 6. For Northern Ports, per Coiinna, at 6.30 p.m. THURSDAY, AUGUST 8. For Northeen ports and Australian Colonies, per Haurotp, at jfj.JJQ a in. The uext parcel mail for tbp United Kipgdom, Europe, etc., will close about August i-^ud, per Tainui. Due London October 2ud. The Letter Box will be cleared for the despatch of correspondence from Ashburton far the undermentioned places as follows :— Burnhatn Sfid }?unaandel, daily . .- ... 3,10pm Chertsey and Rakaia, daily 630 am 315 pm 6 30 pm Christchurch and north, daily 6 30 am -315pm jind 6 30 ptn and on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays ... ... at 10 30 am Dromore and Selwyn, daily b" 30 am Eiffelton, Willowby, daily ... 10 30 a in Lismore, Tuesday, Thurs day, and Saturday ... 10 30 am Elgin, Wakanui, and River side, daily ... ... 6 30 am Seaview, Seafield, Kyle, and Newlands, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday ...6 30 am Greenstreet, Winchmore, and Forks, Tuesday, Thurs day, Saturday ... .6 30 am Wheatstone, Waterton, Ash ton, Longbeach, and jnemington, daily ... 3 45j.m Mount $oiners ? Springburn, Buthsme, Alford j/oyeaij, Staveley; daily ' ... -ijnn Mefchvon, daily ... .. Si-Tpm (Jcraldinc, and Orari, daily,. l*j 3y p (u Qiittiwu, Jjancdui, Woiwiite, m\ 51'i'tbj iuty ... \ li ad m

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1895. LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Cable news on fourth page- Rev W. Booth, of Oarterton, has nude a contribution «f £1000 towards the Wellington Cathedral fund. The Maori woman Parati, assaulted by her husband on Friday night at Patea, died inth<s Ho^pitalonSaturday. Atthe Inquest a verdict of wilful nauder against the husband was returned. I'he huaband was arrested at Waitotar* last night. A photographic camera for taking full length life-size portraits has been imde and used with much sue ess by a Dublin firm. The camera takes a pUte seven feet high and five feet wide. | The Christchuroh Magistrates Court adjourned on Monday as a mark of respect to the late Justice Richmond. Justice ' Dennistun left for Wellington to attend the funeral. At a meeting in Wellington of delegateß from the shipping companies and the principal freezing companies in the colony a resolution was passed affirming the de sirability of regu'ating shipments of frozen meat, and increasing the storage space in the colony whera necessary, All who are interested and wish to halp in the celebration of Arbor day at New lands, are desired to be present at the school grounds on Thursday next. Opera* tioDs will commence at nine o'clock, as a large number of trees are to be planted, and refreshments will be provided for those who assist in the work. At a meeting of the Christchurch In* dustrial Association last night, the v President regretted that the new tariff would have an injurious effect upon several industries. It was resolved to hold open meetings at which representatives of the industries affected should be invited to be prestmt to consider the question. At Kaiapoi on Monday Henry Smith, licensee of the Belfast hotel, was fined £5 and costs, and his licanse endorsed, on a charge of supplying Hugh Henry, a pro hibited peeson, with liquor. Henry was recently brought before the Kaiapoi court and fined for drunketinass and the same afternoen {died while ths dislocation of one of his shoulders was being reduced. Members of the Ambulance Society who have attended the required rumber of lectures, are reminded that the ex aminations will t*ke place next Saturday and Monday for ladies and gentlemen respectively, at the Borough School Those who have not yet sent in their names to the Secretary are requested to forward same by Thursday next at latest. Since the death at Napier of Gerald Dowling, a prohibited person, from nlcoholic coma, the Napier police have made strenuous efforts to find out how he obtained drink. At last, through her own indiscretion, the inmate of a dis orderly hou-se, Mary Millar Scott, was arrested and fined £4 and costs, and under the Vagrant Act was sent to gaol for three months. Though no united action has been taken by drapers in reference to the proposed alteration in customs tariff, individual \ representations have been made to members of Parliament, especially with regard to the duty on thnnelette. It has been pointed out that placing a heavy import on thia article will so seriously effect the shirt mak'm? industry of the colony that some hundreds of women will bo thrown out of employment;. Another split has been caused in the body known as the "Students of Truth" ty the marriage on Siturdny of the teacher—A. B. VVorthington. When Worthington announced his intention to marry, a number of students seceded, and held the first < f their meet'njs on Sunday night. According to correspondence published in the newspapers, the Rev, W. Birch declined to conduct the service, and VVorthington was married at the Regia trai 'b office. Tne Registrar of Patents dolivered a decision on Monday afternoon in a case in which the Cussells Gold Extracting G< mpany requested him to fix a date for hearing an application to amend specifica tions for letters patent granted to Forrest and McArthur. The application was opposed by the Attorney-General. The Registrar held that his powers as to the proposed amendment were suspended by the proceeJings for revocation of patent, and cc uld only be revived by an order of the Supreme Court. The following players have been selected to represent sh* Ashburton Football Club in their match ag.*inat Tfn^ru oh Arbor day :—Dart, ful!~back ; J. Wilson (captain). A* Stewart, H. Curtis, three quarters ; R. Upton, five*ei»hths { J. McTeagua, half-back j forwards, Healy, Baird, Oromie, Williams, A. Wilson, Burns, J. Dorm, Thompson, Hafford. Emergencies—Smith, Henry, Kennedy, Dobbin, Hepburn. Much interest has centred in this imtch, as it will probably be the most keenly contested match yet played for the championship. Tho council of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce passed the following resolu tions : —That in the opinion of this Council the uncertainty as to the establish ment of any trade at all with Canada, beneficial to this colony, fs such as to render it inadvisable to pledge the colony feo pay any gabsidy to. any l|ne of steamers trading with Yancouyer. unless in a"re arrangement of the mail contracts, such a course would result in the reduction of the amount of subsidy paid by the colony for the eirriage of mails to England, fie reciprocal duties—That this Council re asserts th^ views on this subject expressed in last annual report. The report in question stated that free interchange of p eductions between the various colonies would, in the council's opinion, be a most desirable arrangement. The Council, however, disapproved of the treaty with South Australia. One of thfl best concerts yet given in Elgin took place on Friday evening, when a splendid programme was carried out to th« evident appreciation of a crowded house. Mr J, Coehrane, Chair man pf the School Committee, preside!. Miss Dickenson was enthusiastically re called for her srtoljn sq}q, and received a ike compliment for a duet 1 with Miss McOwen. It is seldom that the country folks have an opportunity of listening to such a goo i violinist. Mrs Brooke was also recalled for her songs, •' Twickenham Ferry " seeming to take the fancy of the audience most. Mrs Jones was raosb duc ce'ss'fulin '.'^Vo'scompany," having to re spond i another song fey the sjme lady was accompanied by herself on fche slither. Miss Henry's "Kathleen Mavoumeen'"! was very popular, and "Robin Adair" was given fur an encore. Miss Berg's song was also yery well received. Messrs Uptod, Brooking, Lane, |?iower and Henry were all recalled, the latter two contributing the comic element The children, und&f Mj^s Howes' care, gave several items, the " Chinfcy §o?}g " by the boys being the best. Miss Henry acd Mr Walker gave a duefc, which waa very welJ received, and Mra and Master Brooke rendered & pianoforte duet. A word of praise is due to fche acoompanjits, Miss Corbett, Miss Protheroe and Mr Walker. Mr Frizz si's recitation (encored) con cluded the programme, A motim of thanks to those who had so ably assisted was proposed by Mr A. Protheroe, and was heartily cacried, and then the visitors wer<j feutertained to supper before leaving. A most oujoyablj? 4an.vO .concluded the ontejetainraeht, Messrs Walter and Gallon jiving Y»toWe gfwiit»»9i tity tui tyjp}s I

Dunedin oa Monday the Health Officer and Sanitary Inspector raided I Chinese opium dens, A fho king state (f things was reveal d, and some houses were condemned. The cccupants will probably ba prosecuted. At a meeting of members of the Dunedin Stock Exchange, a resolution was passed strongly protesting against the proposed new clauses in the Mining Companies Act Amendment Bill, as being an unwarrantable interference with the HSerty of the subject, and a gross infiingsment of thefr rights as citizens. The Council ot the Wellington Chamber of Commerce yesterday pasbed the follow ing resolutf n : -*Th*t in the opinion of this Council Wellington is the natural and ! most convenient port of arrival and departure for the Chatham Islands mail service, and that the Government be msked to rna&o atfcsMtions in the mail con tract accordingly. The Council has strong reason to believe that, both* he extractors for the service and the shippers from the ChVihama are anxious for the chuige."

The Bvough Engineer desires us to warn people of the d»ng«rous condition of the ice on the Domain, water. The staff hive had to shut off the water for some eight or ten hours, and this with tbe thaw that has set in leaves the ice in a very 'dicky' state for either ska'ers or did era. Parents would do well to be very strict with their children in the matter of going on the ice just now, as ie would ba a pity if any accident should happen, and there is nothing more treacherous than ice on the thaw. An adjourned meeting of the Tinwald Hookey Clab wan held in the Tinwald Hall on Monday August 6 at 7 30 p.m., the tlev. J. Blackburn in the chair. The ! following office bearers were elected— President, Mr G. A. Mi. Buckley ; Vice-! Presidents, Messrs W. Houston sanr. and J. Blackburn ; Secretary, C. OJark ; Treasurer, Mr J. Clark j Committee, Messrs J. Stephens, T. Hickman, M. Lagan, W. Houston jnr., C. F. Clark. Cobra blue and white sash. About 40 members were enrolled. A scratch match will be played on Thursday next, the game to be played under the association rules.

The Guards Band of the Salvation Army arrived by the express this afternoon and a considerable crowd of people thronged the platform to see ths arrival. The band fell in at tho cross roads near the Post Offic, and paraded East Street, playing as they m&rched. They then went to lunch, and at half patt two began their open-air concert) in Baring Square. A temporary extension of the platform had been made for them, and a Urge crowd assembled to listen to their music. The collection taken was In aid of th« Winter Work Fund, and the concert in the square to-morrow will be for the benefit of ihe Hospital. To-nigjht the band giv« a concert in the Oddfellow's hall. There is on view in the shop of Mr S. Salek jeweller excellent specimens of photography taken by Mr H. Zander. There are two groapß of the members of TeKorero, who played *My Lard in Livery ' recently. Mr H. Zander takes an enthu riaatic interest in photography, and has all the latest appliances for grati fying his taste in that respect. The two groups taken by him are creditable speci mens of the photographic art. One of the photographs has baen taken by what is known as the ' JSikko ' process, and is one that amateurs are as a rule not; very successful with, bub evidently Mr Zmder has succeeded in m istering its difficulties.

An inquest was held at Lagmhor this morning—Before Mr Alfred Harrison, J.P.. acting-Coroner and a jury of six- touching the death of Neil K*y, who died unexpectedly yesterday morning. He had been ailing for a couple of days previously, but would not have the doctor sent for. However, he got worse, and Dr Grea.iw)od was sent for, but when he arrived the man was dying. From the evidence ie appeared that de cftiaeJ had suffered at: intervals over a number of years from pains in the stomich, and had no doubt mffjred fiom periodical ongesion of the bowel-*. The verdict given was that deceassd's death was due to inflammation of the bowels Dt cased was about fifry five years of age, well known and respited, having been employed on Lsgmhor for tlu last six teen years as waggoner.

The usual monthly meeting of the Ashburton Presbyterian Band of Hope on Monday evening, being of a special character, was very largely attended, both by young people and adults. Rev. G. B Inglis presided, and addressed the children on the subject of gambling His address was short, bat pithy, and sui ed to the intellectual cipacity of hifa hearers. Rev. John Olphert spoke on Abstinence v Moderation, and although his address was suitable enough for grown people, it was by far too long, and his reference to the Premier's alleged ability to honor twenty toas's at a banquet and come up fit fur parliamentary duties next day, could very well be omitted, as also the references to men who fall off wharves &nd platforms in consequences of their inability to prac the moderation they preach. A small but efficient orchestra contributed a march, with the organ, and aided the choir of girl singers in their glees- Song and recitation filled In (he time at intervals, with a few conunndrums put by one of the leaders of the band, at»d the usual tote of thanks cosed the meeting.

Hampstead Town Board.

The monthly meeting of the Hannstead Town Board was held laet evening. PreHent~Messrs Andrews (chairman), fttoitae, Hendry, Rickman, Truckle, Patten ar.d Berryman. CORBES^ONBENUE. From the Charitable Aid Board and a cirgular from the Gold Mining League wei?e received. SUB3ID¥, The Commissioner of Taxes advised payment of subsidy on rates to credit of the Board on July 22.—The Cletk stated j it had nob yet been recei cd. S.B. BELT. The Ash barton Borough Council for warded an application from a resident to have the foothpath on the Borough side of the belt forme 1. — The Clerk was directed to reply that, under the mutuil arrangement that had existed for yea's between the two bodies, this work should be undertaken by the Borough Oounril. The path on Jtf »mp3fcead side is* in fair order ? and necessary work on ifc will be undertaken by the Town Board as re quired. Bill DOB STUBS'*. Application wa3 made for forming the footpath past the end of Princess street, and it was decided to continue the work to the East Belt, and to give Mr S. Crum notice to at once remove his fence from the road reserve.

WOK Kfcf C OMMITT& J2. This Committee furnished fa general report on Works executed during the month, *i^i stat L d that some pipes had been put in to keep surface water eff scorns sept iong at Treyerton. j <:,O%$>ERT{4. The Ranger was n\ fcructed to enforce the putt jag in of cu'yerts at all ga;eways qsefl for horse traffic. AppOUN^. Accounts amounting to £2q KJj 3d were passed, and the B,oard s^t as a, jpARD OF HEALTH. The drsjjjige of the slaughter yards was Stated to be in a very bad condition Several members endorsed this view, and it was decided to inform ths occupiers that, if the premises are not properly drained at t-nce, the Board will take steps to prevent tbe renewal of the licenses.

COOLGARDIE.

Interesting" I>«tt*r from au Old £ sliburton Hot.

Through the kindness of the gentleman to whom the letter was sent, we are able to place before our readers some interesting ex tracts from Mr J. Paterson'a chatty and even racy epistle to his friend. We omit the description of the voyaging—not because it is of no interest; it is very interesting in deed, and remarkably well written; but because it would make the article too long, and the ground has been covered before by other writers. Mr Paterson tells the hole story of his voyage from Wellington to Cool gardie, and we pick up the thread of his tory at Fremantle, THK GOLDEN WEST. We called at Albany and iwo other ports en route and duly arrived at Fremantle, just three weeks and a day from the time I left Aahburton This, I think should end chapter I, and the " Golden West M would be a fitting heading for No. 2. I did not spend more than an hour or two in Fre mantle, whish is rather a poor sort of a port, being merely an open roadstead, though | great things are expected of it by and by. A journey of twelve miles by rail took me to Perth, the " Hub " of Western Australia, and about one of the first people 1 met was a fellow I used to board with in Wanganui, so it seemed like old times again. I dare say you may have heard that my arrangement with fell through. I found a letter waitiDg for me announcing that fact; but as I had never seriously expected much in that direction, I was not greatly surprised or dis appointed, and it was jusfc as well that I got the news at the outset. No, had i not been disgusted with the Bank of New Zealand service, I would not have thrown up my billet on such au off chance. Is it true that the staff has lately had to accept a reduction of 10 per cent on their salaries 1 I saw some thing to that effect in a New Zealand paper lately. If so, it is haid lines for those who have given the best part of their life to the service of the institution.

Well, to resume my narrative, I spent a week or two in Perth, which is rather a nice little town, prettily situated on the Swan river. Until the last year or two it has been rather a sleepy hundrum sort of place I tancy; but the influence of " tother eiders " (au the people from the eastern colonies are dubbed) has caused a change, and it is now a busy and thriving place. The first of June was the 66th anniversary of the foundation of the colony, bo you see it is quite an old settlement, but for a good many years it was practically a convict station. In an old building in Perth, lam told there are some interesting relics of the olden times in the shape of thumb screws, stocks, and similar little nick nacks, and up to a comparatively recent period, I believe it was the custom to ring a bell at ten o'clock every night, and anyone found on the street after that hour was liable to be " run in." lam afraid this regulation would have proved hard on you if you had been a citizen of Perth. I trust you are keeping better hours now than you used to do at the Commercial, as it used to be a source of great anxiety to me, Having got so far, I thought I might as well come on to the El Dorado of the west; so, after seeing all that was to be seen in Perth, I packed up my traps and started for Coolgardie. There is an old Oimaru chum of mine down near Albany, and during my stay in Perth I got a very cordial invitation from him to go down and make a prolonged stay at his ranch, and help him to split logs. , But though he is a real good fellow, and I I would have liked to see him again, yet I thought; the prospect was not sufficiently alluring. He used to be a teacher in one of the Qamaru schools, and is an ex-University man; but he writes me that he HkfeS the bush life better than any other.

Two hundred and torty miles by rail takes one to Southern Cross, the present terminus of the line, and known to tame as being the place where the renowned Deeming was run to earth. My impression of Sonthern Cross .gave me the idea that it was a happy release *'or the gentleman of cement notoriety. From Southern Cross to Coalgardie is a distance of 120 miles, and as the coach fate waa ruinously high, and I had nothing particular to hurry me, I decided to came along by team. Christmas Day we spent on the road, and I dined sumptuously off " tinned dog" (local name for tinned meat), and plum pudding alamo c. We were seven days on the way, and anived in Cool gardie on December 30, so you see I made a fair start with the New Year in a new country.

The town was given over to holiday making, and on New Year's XXiy the first gathering of the Coolgardie Caledonian Society was held, and was voted a great success. Of course no gathering of such a Socie y would be complete without a piper, of which there were two representatives. I noticed little variation in the old tune, or in the martial strut of the performers; and that " drouthiness" which is also a characteristic of players upon the pipes. In passing, I may just mention that "mountain dew " posts }s per dram in this part of the country, and they don't put the bottle on the counter either, s»> you see we are not yet qui;e civilised. But no doubt a better state of things will prevail when we get the rail way through., which should be within six months. To return to the subject of the Caledon|an sports, I missed the most in teresting and novel item on the progamme, that was t\\e camel race, and quite a new feature $t such a gathering 1 heard the race was great fun, One camel had proved himself a " flyer," and vyaa winning easily, when the rider of the second camel shouted out H Hooshtah " {which means **lie down" in the language of the Asiatic riders), upon which the leader promptly •• Hooshtahed," thus allowing the seoond animal to win. I did not hear if a meeting of the stewards was called to consider whether the second " hoss " should be disqualified or not, but it was rather a clever dodge. About four months ago I went into the office (perhaps laboratory is a better word) of one of the leading assayers here, and I an) still with him, so you see I am stilt handling the precious metal, but in its raw state now instead of the coin as formerly. In time I hope to acquire many shekels of the " dross called gold." Meantime, I find the work interesting, and not unprofitable; and if I (lecide t>o remain ih'this country, the experi ence thus gained will be of considerable service tome. \^ei'l, I suppose you will expect to act my impressions of the gold field as it is at present, and to hear what I thjnk of its future. This opens up a very wide'subject, about wh.ieh there ia cqaaider able diversity of opinion. At the outset 1 may say that reports which appear in the New Zealand papers are generally mislead ing, and do not give a fair indication of the actual state of affairs. A spirit of exaggeia tion seems to possess the people, and the good or bad points of the held are usually magnified, according as the individual has been fortunate or the reverse. At the same time it is not easy to form a correct estimate.

Coolgardie is at present in a transition state, in more respects than one. Hitherto it Has been a happy hunting ground for the miping adventurer au(J company promoter, and njany "wild tut' 1 mines have been floated in London, from whence we got most of our capital. At the same time there are many genuinely vgood propeities; but in most cases tip post of getting up raining machinery, and in fact the high price of everything, has prevented much developing work being done, We expect the railway to be carried through before the end of the year, and thea I think the capabilities of the goldfield will be tested, as a very great amount of mining machinery will be erected, as there are undoubtedly a great many good battery claims, which cannot be profitably worked under the existing state of things. Qver capitalisation is* a" prominent feature in a great many' of the companies*, however, but the Londonderry case has opened people's eyes in that respect I imagine. I daresay yon have read something about the farfamed nyne, -is it tyas been rather prominent in the newspapers of late. It still seerrn tq be a good average property, but not the " jeweller's shop" it was at first made cjut to be. J)oubts have been ex pressed that gold would not be found at a considerably depth here j but it would seem $1 if there is not muqh cause for anxiety on t!iat score, ag righ quart? has lately been struck at the 350 ft, level i« JJayley's Reward, aad at varying depths in other mines. The water question is rather a serious one, but I th'nk that difficulty will be overcome, as water lias been struck in many of the shafts. Of course it is all, mere or less, salt. Though there baa baou several rich finds of alluvia!, s,ua there i$ any iffiomjfc oi pouufcry pr»ytj r

oally unexplored, it is to the reefs that w« must look for success Briefly, then, I may say that the opinion I have formed of the country is net au un favorable one, though perhaps I have not had enough experience of it yet to make my views of much value. It is taid, I believe, th it agriculture is the backbone of any country; but I am afraid thai the greater part of this coleny is unsuitable for the growing of grain. Fruit ought, however, to be grown in great quantities, and I think that in time Western Australia will come to the front in that respect. The o;d identities of Western Australia are a very conservative lot and resent the intrusion of the "tothersiders," who are apt to ridicule the somewhat old fashioned ways and ideas of the old hands. But they will hive to move with the tide, or the tide will move them. I am afraid I cannot give you an adequate idea of this town, which is quite unlike anything I have been accustomed to. It bus increased in size and improved wonder* fully within the last six months (since I came), and now has quite a civilised appear ance. Calico and hessian are still very much in evidence of course; but we have also en<ered upon the era of wood and utone, bricks and mortar, and some of the buildings now being put up would do credit to a much older town. Needless to say, hotels are prominent, and some of those recently erected are very good buildings, and are fitted up in a quite up-to-date manner. We have a very energetic Mayor and Council, under whose rule the sanitary state of the place has been greatly improved, bat there is still much to do in that respect. It does seem absurd that in a country like this, where there are millions of acres unoccupied people should be crowded together the way they are here. When Igo into Parliament I must see to it. I soon got i ired of the "stuffiness" of the town, and moved outside the boundary, and I am now located in the aristocratic suburb known as Toorak, a name satirically applied in the first ie stance, I dare say, but which has stuck to it. T read in a paper the other day that there is now only one policeman stationed in the Melbourne suburb of that name, as there was so little cash there it was not necessary to have more than one guardian of the peace. We have not even one here, which speaks volumes for the respectability of our suburban retreat. In the way of amusements we are well supplied. Cricket, football, and cycling all have numerous supporters, and there are musical and dramatic societies, literary and debating clubs, and so ok ; also a theatre, which has been occupied by a company from Perth during the last fortnight, and I believe they have done good business. Dances are also common, at some of which there is a good deal of starch and tall collar, and "side" ; but as I have not made my debut in a Coolgardie ball-room yet, I can not speak from experience. I left all my dancing gear in the box which you kindly offered to look after, and I don't think I will send for it at present. Rinkinij is tihe latest form of amusement, and I believe it has quite "caught on.' A series of concerts have been held lately, similar to the popular concerts of New Zealand, and have been fairly successful, as we have several capable performers ; but perhaps these concerts are as yet rather ahead of Coolgardie. There are also two brass bands here, exclusive of the ever present Salvation Army, By the by, there is a violinist living close to me here. Just my luck ! He practices very diligently, and in time I trust he may become a player, but at present it is rather hard on my nervous system. There w an old saying " That we never miss the water till the well runs dry." Similarly I never appreciated your playing as I now do when listeuing to the discordant sounds emanating from my neighbour's camp. There t lam sorry i wrote that last sentence, as I see that quite a wrong construction may be put upon it, but I am not going to re-write the whole of the street, as you know what I mean. We had another form of entertainment; here ju«t lately, and what do you think it was? Why, ihe American salesman and his variety show ! He did splendid business the first night, but the next evening the people who had been " taken in " rolled up in strong force, and gave him a lively time and rather spoiled his trade. Some very pointed remarks were being made, and the opportunity being a favorable one I passed round the question "What price leggins, Charley"?' The crowd of course did not know what that meant, but the genial salesman did. He seeiaed annoyed. As a set-off ag unst all these dissipations t mast tell you that we have also four churches —English, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and Roman Catholic, all of which have good congregations. The Presbyterians are rather a strong body, and have juat erected a new church, at a cost of something over £600, and which is to be opene I next Sunday. A minister has just lately come over from Victoria. He has a good. Scotch name— Burns—and J think will suit the place very well, as he can preach a really good practical sermon, and is an excellent speaker. All the qhurches have musical instruments, but as yet the choirs are not very efficient. Sunday fortnight was " Hospital Sunday," the collections at the various churches going to the funds of that institution. Within the last week or two nearly £1000 has been raised in aid of the hospital, which is well supported here. People, I think, recognise the good work it is doing, and pot their hands in their pockets pretty freely There are several private hospitals in addition to the public one, but last summer they were all full. You may think it is rather like a fairy tale when I say that at one particu ar time during the summer over thirty sick men had applied for the first vacancies at the Government) hospital; but it is true I have reason to believe. Rather too much like booking one's seat at the theatre or by the coach. And yet, taking the population into consideration, and the rough life which so many have to lead, the rate of mortality is not high. lam thankful to say that I have had excellent health silice coming over, even during the hottest weather, but in this respect I am more fortunate ;han most New Zealanders, as it was a matter of pubiic comment that theclimate seemed particularly hard on them. I think there will be much less sickness here next summer, as the sani tary arrangement* of the town will be much better; and also when we get the railway i along we can get more wholesome foocj, fruit, and so on. ' '' Poor Walter Cox went 0$ very suddenly. ' Having known him in Ashburron very wali, it was a melancholy satisfaction to me ro be able to do something for him oyer in this out-of-the-way place. During bfs illness h$ required cpngtant attendance, so | took g, turn in sitting up with him, and was up at the hospital the night before he died, and when I left he seemed fairly cheerful and strong, so that it was quite a shook to me when I heard that he had passed away. No fault couU be found with the attendance, as the nurses seemed to me to be both capable and attentive.

Tenders for the extension of the railway from Southern Cro3s to Coolgardie have just been accepted, the successful tenderers being New Zealanders (Wilkie Bros, of the West pdbst), and work has already been commenced. They expect to lay the line at the rate of a mi!e per day, which is an. object lesson in energy for sorn,e of th,e slqw eaaches of Western Australia. Of course there are no engineering difficulties ia thp Wy, for though Ooelgardie is about 17Q0 fee« above sea level, the ascent is very gradual. Wi'.kie Bros' tender was a very low ooe, only about £550 per mile, or rather under k>Jf the amount of the Government estimate, and at the figure they must lose money oa the contract; but no doubt their intention is to push on the. work as quickly as possible, and then run the trains on their own account, as they are allowed over a year to complete the work in. Ar the traffic will be ve>y heavy, no doubt they will make a lot of money in tfyia way. #hat the | effect of the railway on Coolaiardie will he Jb ! ia rather hard to say, but I notice that % great many shrewd business men are putting big sums qf money into land and buildings m the town j so they seem to have a sood deal of faith ia its future, At the same time one must not lose sight of the fa 3 fc thab many of them are not operating on their <w* capital, which may make a difference Our main streets often present an interest, ing picture for the student of human nature All sorts and conditions of mea, of about every rationality under the sun. Afchana are numerous, being emp'oyed in looking alter the camels, of which there are some hundreds about here.

The Afghans celebrated their New Year recently, and I strolled down to their eamn durmg the evaning, and fouad quite r lwrg« atienblf ge of &wpe»a» ? wfee iwim4 fa gab

THE ASHBUETON GtJIRDIAft s TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 1896.



Busir»9ss Notice •» >' G. J. Neill's CLEARING SALE IB NOW ON j AT FRIEBLANDER'S CORNER. EVERYTHING MUST BE SOLD, NOW IS YOUR TIME. Ladies' Jackets, this season's goods, Grey Calico Is lid doz 21s—Keduced to 12s 6d "White Calico Is 9d doz (lorsets 3s lid—-Reduced to 2s 6d ' Men's Colonial Tweed Suits 80s—Re- Oorsots 4s lid—Reduced to 2a lid duced to 22s 6d Heavy Dress Tweed, double width, 2s 6d Men's All Wool Suits 19s 6d -Reduced to 9|d, this season's Boya' Suits 3s lid goods Men's Tweed Overcoats, with capes, Double Bed Sheeting Bsd 18 6d Colonial Flannel, all wool, Is—Re- Men's Macintoshes, with capes, and duced to 8d sewn seams 22s 8d Blankets 5s lid per pair BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Nailed Shooters 7s lid Boys' Nail Shooters 4s Ud Men's Bluchers 4s 9d Women's Strong Leathergßoots^s^lld Meas Watertight, Heavy, 10s 6d Women's] Shoes 4s 6d EVEEY LINE MUST^CLEABED^^ COMPARE OUR PRICKS^ Q. J. NEiLL F h BDLAKDBR'S CORNER, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. GASH CASH Heeds. Seeds, Seeds, — JUST ARRIVED — New Season Flower & Vegetable Seeds FLETCBER BROS HAVE <*reat pleasure in intimafciug that they have just received their New Season Stock of NIMLMO & BLAIR'S Celebrated Flower and Vegetable Seeds in the following order :— ID Per Packet FLOWER SEEDS. 1» Per Packet Alyssum, Sweet Mignonette Lobelia speciosa Antirrhinum, fiine mixed Nasturtium, Torn Thumb Marvel of Peru Balsam, fine mixed Nemaphila maculata Nasturtium, tall Candytuft, mixed Petunia, fine mixed Neinophila insignis Canterbury Bells, mixed Stock, German, ten-week Pansy, mixed Chrysanthemum tricolor, Aster, German Poppy, ' The Shirley ' mixed Aster,Bstteridge'squilled Pea, sweet, mixed Columbine, mixed Candytuft, dark crimson Phlox Drummondii Convolvulus, mixed Carnation Stock, Virginian, mixed Dahlia, mixed Clarkia elegans Sunflower, tall Everlastings, mixed Convolvulus major Wallflower, mixed (lodetia, The Bride Oyanus minor Portulaca, mixed jacobtci, mixed Delphinium, mixed Sweet William Linum, grandifl-irurti Forget-me-not, blue Verbena, mixed rubrum Indian Pink Zinnia, elegans, double, Marigold, African Larkspur, mixed mixed 3l> Per Packet VEGETABLE SEEDS. 3d Per Packet PB\B. Stockwood Ridge Champion Scarlet-runner American Wonder Cress—Extra Curled B°a t n r> r> „ Little Com Large MusselburghLeeks (j\HsA.ijih. Stratagem Triple Curled Parsley Drumhead Veltchis Perfection Hollow Crown Parsnips Early York Wm Hurst Radish—Three Varieties Enfield Market Yorkshire Hero, etc Turnips-Four Varieties London Market, Etc. Bret, Blood Red BEANS. Dumhead Savoy Borecole—Dwarf Green Broad, Harhngton OAKK )l. Curled Windsor Karly Short Horn Brussels Sprout— Green Windsor James Intermediate Scymacr's Giant Eirly Long Pod LETTUCE. CAULIFLOWER. French or Kidney— Drumhead Early London Canadian Wonder Neapolitan Walcheren, etc Pale Dun Giant White Cole's Crystal White Mammoth Negro Long ONION. Celery Pod Brown Globe OUC CM BE Ft. Early Goldon Butter Brown Spannish, Etc. Long Prkkley or Wax Tomato — Large Red Please remember that these are all Fresh and Reliable Seeds and that you <*et as much Vegetable Seed for 3d as is usually given for Cd, and as much Flower Seed for Id as is usually given for 3d. The increase of Nimrao and Blair's packet trade has been phenominal and 'this year it is expectedjto.total * Quarter of a Million. <3pr NOTE ADDRESS, FLETCHER BROS, oisH ■ supply sjtor;es, .ASHBURTON k CHRISTCHUROH. mo OWNEUS OF NEWLY ERECTED MANSIONS, vILLAS, AND "I" ' COTTAGES, GRAND OPPORTUNITY. Linoleums and Floorcloths direct from the Mills to our Warehouse. THti LARGEST STOCK outsido of Cliristchurcli. No Intermediate Handling. , ONE LARGE PROFIT SAVED, Latest rgitcrns, per s.k, louiu, io liaiid. Beautiful Designs Lovely Shades. MITCHELL AND TURNER. IANOUIiD SIIUMT.



Wanted i LI OOKEY on Thursday next. Every- ] LJL one invitei. The Old Sports ; Ground. Bring" your sticks. 842 \\ 7 ANTED Known —Arthur Yates *V and Co's new reason's reliable Vegetable and Flower Seeds to hand — A. Lawrte&Co 8 16 10 TU R E Mouldings —Few and artistic designs just landed ex lonic Best value ever imported in this disi riV,. —W. H, Collins and ' o. 7188 TjILOSSARD'S Cigars- 25 for 2<. JJ Three C stle Cigarettes 50 for 2-?, I Cleopatra s 3d, Bay Rum I°. Piesse and Lubin s Scents Is 6 i.~McGtREGOR's WANTED Known — Twenty dozen Boys Polo L;nen Collors, 12 and 12^ in-h, 2s per dozen instead of 6 •■.—A Uhr's Cheap Sale.



Wanted. ] LP. ANDRE WES & CO.—Sale now j • on of Surplus Stock of Fancy Goods, Toys, Books, Stationery and Account Books, and all at greatly reduced prices for cash, at L F. Andkrwks&Co , WANTED Known — Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and I everything in the optical line at S. Svlek'h, Optician -, i AN TED KNOWN. -The celebrated '" * Yarmouth Oilskins can ba ob ained at W. H Coiier, "The Corner." CHOICE New Season Fruit. Grapes, Poaches, Pines, Plums, Bananas, Apples, Apricots, and Tomatoes ; the b*>st I in town.— abams, Sounders' Buildings



.^TOCKTAKII*© Sale- Mrs Alcorn will give large reductions of Millinery, Jackets and Mantles, Children's Ptlisses, Dress Material, Glassware and Farcy Goods, for one month previous to stock taking. — Next Courthouse, Havelock street A~jN T E D~i¥"(Jwlfr^~Fr^ Jeffries, leading Confectioner and Fruiterer, of East Street, next the Corner. Hot Pies at any hour and Tea and Coffee alao. U.B. Lady Attendant. Fruit of every description. Ladies 1 Room a speclalt 7. 1*153 WANTED Known-That I am hold ing a Sale at Reduced Prices for One Month. Come for Bargains. I have tha advantage over many in the trade for the simple rtason that I have no partners to pay dividends to, or interest on loan to carry on big concerns. Bat I bay and sell none but the best, no trash to draw the unwary. Repairs as usaal, done at Once. —J. Moison, Boot Store East street, Ashbnrton. 5 138 CHEAP Wool makes cheap Blankets, cheap Flannels, cheap Clothing. I have got in a nice assortment of this season's Blankets, men's and boys colonial Tweed Saits and Overcoats, cheaper than ever they have been in New Zeaiand. Men's colonial Tweed Kaiapoi Suits for 27a 63, a marvel at the price; Kaiapoi Knicker Suits from 7s 6d. -Robert Alcorn, Clothing and Boot Warehouse, Havelock street.



POIATOE-'. Potatoes.—Mind yon jL get your Potatoes at Fletcher Beos. The quality of our Potatoes is first-class, and have taken the First Prize at the Timaru Show four years in succession. Don't forget address— Fletchek Bros., East Street, Ashburfcon. WANTED Known—Small Profits and Quick Returns.—Mbllok's Zealandia Boot Shore. TtrANTED KNOWN—The Ladies VV are invited to call and inspect new designs in Linoleums, etc. Will be landed in a few days.—Mitchell ano TURNER. jVT EEDHAM Organ, ten stopj, twenty IN four payments cf £1 Is 2d per month. Good Piano by Haake. Twenty four monthly payments of £1 13a Bd.— H. M. Joness.^_ _________ t /^HO-CEFKUITS.—Peaches, bananas, V> oranges, lemons and tomatoes, at H. A. Flower, Fruiter and Confectioner, East street ANTED Known-Ulsters 4< lid, For Collarettes 3s 3d, Kid Gloves 2s 6d, Plushes 2s 6d, Towels Ud, Flannels B*d. -The Corner, W. H Collier -TT7 ANTED KNOWN—A few lots of YV Remnants left over from sale to ba cleared,—Mitchell and Turner



WANTED Known—The Largest and Best shop for Evening Shoes in Ashburton.—Melior's Zealandia Boot Store, WANTED Known—Bargains to be had every day at Mellor'a Zea a&dia Boob Store. i | INDL'3 Hair Curlers 6d, Birch's f'l Watch Keys 6d, other Watch Keys 3d, Afghan Silver Watch Chains 1-! 6d.— McGregor's. V ANTED Known—Ladies Lasting Slippers only 2s 1 Id—Usual price, 4* 6d —Mellor's Zaalandia Boot Store WANTED KNOWN—Our best quality Men's Waterproof Coats, usual price 653 6d, to be cleared at 49d 6d.-— Mitchell anj> Turner /LARSON AND GO'S Stocktaking Sale JSow on. Groceries, Ironmongery, Bru-shware, Glasis and China, at very low prices for cash. 5 129 OTANTED Known—Men's Suits 17s '* 61, Kiiapoi Tweed Trousers 9i lid, Knick^r Suits is Ud, Caps 63.- Ihe Coiner. W. H. Collier OTANTED, Everybody to try a pair of * * Elouse Slippers, only Is. Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. FTP TO OATH] SALK—IS) P*ire Girls 1 U Boots 2s 6?, 120 Pairs Maids' Boots 3 61, 117 Pairs Maids' fbest) Boots 4s 6d, Lvlics 1 Shoes 5s lid, Genta' Boots 4s 6J All siz)B guaranteed for one week. - A C!rr's Cheap Sale. 6 221 \,ITaNTED Known—Mothers, be wis-3 ♦ and buy your school boots at Mellor'b Z ;a]aidia Boot Store. SdLAVLNU .Sticks — Pears' Juvenia, Wil i.m's Amrrxar Is. Eagle Ink Pencils 61, Stationery Boxes 6.1, InkfU per drz n bottles.—McGregor's



VaNTiUU Known —I have good Bluchers, only 4^ lid.—Mellor's Z .alandia B »ot Store. JVVN Makoia ladi-jV and Ul.ildren's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Fhnnelettee, Trimmings, etc., a 1; Mrs aloorm's new shop, Baker's i Buildings. JjVf ARSDEN, Junr., Bjok-jeiler, • Sia'.ioner, News Agent, Etc School Book-3 and all ether School Requiaitgs .411 goods at lowest possible orices. Jl^ote—"The Little Shop," tfast Street. I kf ANTED Known—Great Purchase W of Dress Stuff*. Lot No. 3 extra quality, Nun's Veilings all shades, Navy md Biack Diagon*! Serges all at Is 3d, , iisuil price 2* 3i. —H. C, bEGBRS, Mel -1 ford House. WANTED Known—Ten per cent under Christ church prices at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. B SLOWER SKKDS, Id per packet; Vegetable Seeds, 31 per packet. All New Suasnn'H ?oeds from the well known fir.n of Nimmo and Blair, Ordtr your Seeds «arly, because an the season advances some of the varieties are sold ■)ut. and iti the past years we have not been able to replace tlum.—Fletcher Bros , Ashburtor«.



WANTED Known — Mellor'a Zea landia B jot Store is the Cheapest for Boots and Shoes. fTTANTHD Known—6o Ladies' Black * * and Colored Wool Jerseys at 2* 6J, formerly 10s 61; 100 P,iirs of White Ulaukets at 10d 61, Ladj.!«' Muffs 3s 6d. (j mhre "V s Is lid, Corsets 2, 9J, 6 and 6J fourl.uVton Kit Gloves 6d .Gents Silk I'i^ 6 leach, Urge "^ Hearth Ttajs (is (id each.—Andrew Glut's Said. GA^ TT A.NT'ED Everyone to call at \V Mellok's and get his price. No , one asked to buy. OCTANTED Known—Football Boots, '* sure goal kickers; they never | fail—Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. \VTAJSrKD Known — Mrs Hooper • » (monthly nurse) is open to accept (ingagements. Apply, by letter, to Mrs Hooper, Alford Forest Road, Ashburton, 1*134 \% ? ANTED Known —Great Purchase W of Dress Stuffs. Lot No. 1 great variety, double width Shd. Most of those goods were Is 3|d wholesale. Melford TlouscSals. Eroiything reduced.—H. C. Secehs.



WEDDING PRESENTS WEDDING PRESENTS WEDDIHG PRESENTS mHE Largest and Choicest Stock of X New Goods suitable for Wedding Presents is to be found at the JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT OF S. S AJL E X- All Goods marked in plain figures at lowest prices. S. SALEK, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER, WAST STREET. The noted place for sound and reliable workmanship in watch repairs.



WANTED Known—Great Purchase of Dress Stuffn for Mcl ford House Sale. Lot No. 2 great varieiy, double width at Is. Some of these were Is 9(3 wholesale. Everything reduced.—H. C Seokks,



ijRAYER and Hymn Books; Photo, L Scrap and Stamp Albums ; Parlour Games (a great variety); School Bag* from 6d each; Notepaper from (? 1 a packet of 5 quires { EuvelopeN 100 for f)d ; Photo Frames, aj^d Albums, Vases, Fancy Tea Pote, Toys of various kinds all at greatly reduced pi icos for Casii at L. F. AMDiiuwjiS AJNU OVs K*pir»tioii of Leaso



HALF-YEARLY STOCK TAKING. NEW r/EAL\ND EW ZJKALAND HLOTHIFG TIIACTORY ULOTHING X 1 ACTORY W9 find that-we are Overstocked in many lines. We will, until the end of this month, mark goods at price* that will ensure a Re a 1y Sale. Men's Overcoats, with capes, 23s 6d Boy's Overcoats, with c»pes, 8i 6d Men's Suits 18s 6d Boys'Ashburton Tweed Suits from 8s 6d Boys' Tweed Sailor Suits 89 6d Boys' Odd Knickers all sizes Men's Heavy Mosgiel Pants 4s 9d Men's Working Shirts ... Is 61 Boys' Tweed Hats ... la Od Girls' and Boys' School Boots from 4s 6d Men s Boots at prices fchafc will Sell them It will be to your advantage to give j U3 a call for your next pair of BOOTS, | KEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOKY. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager.



4to Vtnm To&me-rrlat&i Smcm