TO CORRESPONDENTS.

D.T.T —The letter ia libelou*, and we decline tc interfere in the quarrel at all.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY. APRIL 9, 1805. RAILWAY FRETGHTS.

In a recent issue of the Jew Zealand 'limes, the Government paper pub lished in Wellington, who ought to be able to speak with authority, it was stated that after due inquiry and con sideration, the Government have re solved t» carry their revision of the railway tariff a stage further by making a reduction equal to 20 per cent, in the rates for the carriage of firewood, posts and rails, lime for agricultural purposes, limestone, animal manures, and scrap iron, It is stated, however, by the same journal that the reduced charges have not yet been gazetted and brought into operation, au the Government are desirous first of all of making arrangements with the manu facturers of agricultural lime, so as to secure for the farmers the full and direct benefit of .the proposed reduction. We are pleased to learn that the Government means to help the pro ducers of firewood, post and rails, and lime, manure?, and scrap iron. Ke ductions of the freights of all these will doubtless to some extent benefit the farmers, who use posts and rails, lime, etc., and to some extent also benefit say the people of Ashburton who would perhaps be able to obtain firewood from the bush at a cheaper rate than they are now able to purchase it. The railway department are doing what they can to popularise the line?, and cultivate a habit of using them by the public, but the reductions mentioned by our c^ntprnporary as contemplated by Government are but trifles compared with what ought to be made on the fplight of wool. Our farmers do not object to pay for the railage of their wool, but they do ob ject to have pay a higher rate for that railage than their neighbors do. Mr E, G. Wright some issues ago pointed out in our columns the difference that existed between wool freights from Fpringtield or Coalgate to Lyttellon, and those charged from Bakaia, Ashburton, and Hinds to the port. He argued, and with good reason on the face of his argument, that if 8s per bate from Springfield to Ly ttelton, a distance of 50 miles, wiJJ pay the railway surely the Bakaia farmers, 42 miles from Lyttelton have done nothing to deserve an impost of 4s per bale. And what offence have £he Ashburton farmers committed that, with only nine miles more to travel their wool should be charged 2s 3d per bale more than tlje Springfield wool, while a Hinds farmer only 2Q mile 3 further off, has to pay 5s \l& per bale. Those are the pieces of injustice that give settlers reason a]id grounds for cavil at our railway management. The Springfield people can very easily, if they so choose, run their wool to Ohristchurch by traction engine, and be independent of the railway. They could even save money by doing so; but the Ashburton ana Wakanui farmers cannot do this. The Bakaia railway bridge is not open to traction engine traffic, and the only means of using tractions for this pur pose would be by way of the Bakaia Gorge bridge. This route could very well be utilised by the farmers along the hills, and some of them may per. bups try that route for next clip, if tbp

rates are not brought down on this side the Rakaia to something like an equality with those, northward where traction engine competition is possible. At any rate our Government ought to be just before they are generous, and while reducing freights on firewood, posts and rails, and lime, turn their attention to the case of the f irmers in this county, whose wool is taxed in this most unfair manner.

LOCAL AND GENRAL.

_ ♦ _____ Lost wat»*h ('a^y's) advertised for It is stated th»»t £10 000 has been offered for the Auckland syndic ite's Mararoa Mine at Ooolgardie The nece^s^ry !rg*] docu ments for the completing of rhe sale go by the outgoing mail. Accordingtoa Wellington Press Associa tion telegram, it is stated that the Mi Hand Railway Company has set aside £50,0' 0 to meet the expense in connection with the arbitration case. Yesterday afternoon, Charles Nicholson was committed for trial at Wellington on a charge of murdering Anne Friend. The depositions taken at the inquest last week were read over to the witnesses and accepted as evldenc ', thus saving the necessity for another long preliminary inquiry. The appeal case of Harrold against the decision of the Justices at Rakaia some weeks ago, when he was fined for cruelty to a horse, came oh far hearing yesterday in the Supreme Court, Chrlstchurcb, before Mr Justice Dennis ton. Mr Wild ing appeared for the appellant Harrold, and Mr Cress well foi the Justices. After a lengthy argument on the technical points of the case. His Honor refused the appli cation of appellant with £& costs. The Southland limes states that Mr McKay (Government Geologist) and fci issiatant (Mr Li nek) have received instruc tions to proceed to Fiord County for the purpose of making a thorough geological exploration of the district. It is under stood they will go over the country to the head of Chalky Inlet, thence making their way through the new lake system to the west aim of Manapouri, by way of the valley of the Seafarth and Spey rivers. At an inquest held in the jury room of rhe Wellington Sup cmc Court a quantity of disinfasLant had been used to mitigate (he smo'l fm matin? from some of the ' ex hibits.' It was found nectary, how ever, says the New Zealand Times, to get rid in some way of the odour of the disinfectant, and smrk<ng was resorted to. Several pipes and cigarettes were soon lit and throughout the remainder of the enquiry the fumes of the disinft ctant hid n > chanca whatever against the clouds of tobacco smoke which rose in the room i In accoicUnce with Ions; established custom, the Primitive Methodist Sunday School «ill celebrate its Anniversary on faster Sunday and Monday ; and those interested are actively engaged in the endt avour to make it the btsb yet held Rw. J. Olphert, will preach the sermons for the dty; choice selections, both instrumental and vocal will be a feature of the gathering, and the church is to be specialty decorated for the festive occasion. A. good programme is being arranged .'or the Monday evening, and altogether the wff.ir is likely to be of special interest. Afire breke out at seven o'clock last nitjht in the southern portion of Christ en urch by wl ich four- buildings were totally destroyed—viz, Clayton'" boot factory, Hislop's pai iter's shop, Burns' «vldlery, and By kin's boarding?house. Mrs Bump, who had only been confined a few days, was got out saf.ly, but » two md a-half year old child perished, and it is thought that another child his been hurtied. A string s uth-weat wind wag blowing, and the biijfade had grea k diffi culty in saving the surrounding property. On Saturday afternoon a girl named Elizibeth Dufftil, aged thirteen, theeldi-st child of William Dufftil, farmer, Ashley lost her life in a peculiar and distressing manner. It appears that Mrs Duffail,wa< washing up the dinner thingo, and had in her band a carving knife which wAs sharp and worn with us ? to a tapering point. The girl in attempting to pass her mother carr.e into contact wi h the knife, which entered her left tide, penetrating the heart, and causing death within three or four minutes The handle of the knife being forced against the mother's breast gave the blade penetrating power, and it entered to a depth of four or rive inches. At the in quest a verdfeb of accidental death was returned. An Auckland press Association telegram stages that the thoroughfares in Newton were crowded on Saturday night with thou sands of sightsteers to witness the demon stration on opening the shops again on Sa urday evening. Q icen street was prac tically deserted for a tinn. Mr Ferguso , the Inspector under the Shop Hoars Act, went round and took the names of all who opened on trie strength of the Mayor's pro clamation, and he awaits instructions from Wellington. At the doors of the open shops members of the Farly Closing Association distributed copies of the Hon. W P. Keeves, telegram stating that the shop-keepers were acting contrary to the l*w. At the Police Court thia morning ~ bofore Mr A. Harrison J.P.—Join Mawdesley waacinrged with drunkem ees. Sergeant Moiler said there were continued complaints about Mawdsley.and although to an ordinary observer there did not appear to me much the matter with the man, he was really mad from tha effects of drii k, and was constantly annoying his wife, who had been ill in bed for a fort night, worrying her for money, and threatening to throw furniture through the window. A nurse attending Mrs Maudeoley gave similar evidence, and on the suggestion of the Sergeant, accused was remanded for a week for medical treatment, as the only chance of getting him off the dri«k. The following are the contractors for the several mail services in thi ounty as gazetted on April 3:~Alford Forest, Buahside, Springburn post office, and Springburnstation • daily, Cr.E. Goldsmith —£2210 a. Ashburton, Greenstrjet. Ash burton Forka, and Winchmore; thrice weekly, Joseph Edwards—£3o. Ash burton, Elgin, Wakanui, Riverside ; daily; same, with Seaview, Kyle, Seafield, and Newlands ; thrice weekly, Jane Bright £92. Ashburton, Wheatstone, Ashton. Waterton and Longbeach ; daily. J. C. N. Grrigij—£so. Flemington atid Longbeach r;oad ; daily. H. Henderson—£ls. Binds and Lowcliff) and Hinds and Liemore ; thrice weekly, W. T, Norrish— £25 fach route. Mount SomerP, Ashburton Gorge ; twice weekly, T. R Jx—£4o Rakaia, Barhl 1 and Rakaia and Doric ; thrica weekly. W. Shannon—£22 10a each route. Yaletta railway station, Mayfield, and Buapuna ; fpur times waekly and twice weekly ; W DaUow-£4O. Wnslow, Willowby and EtTelton; daily, W. T. Lill--£33. The following services are included in the salary payments of the postmasters under taking them i—Lauris'xm jpst office and railway station 5 daily, W Buehan. Pen darves post cflije and Chertsey railway station; twica weekly, E. Smith. The subsidies quoted are annual. One Box of Clarke's B 41 Pij^s is warm ted ro cure all discharges from the Urinary Organs, in either sex (acquired or consti, tutional), Gravel and Fains in the Back. Guarranteed free from Mercury, Sold in Boxes 4s 6d each, by all Chemists and Paten. Medicine Vendors thronghoufc the World Proprietors : The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Compady, Lincoln, England RHjstifATJs^f.— Dr E. Gordon's remedy xeveb FAULB in permanently curing rheuma tißm, lumbago, sciatica, go-it, etc, one bottle givei relief. Price 10a, pott free, J. W. CifjtoD, P,Q, Bot 234, Dw>«d^,

RECESS SPEECH.

MVt MAIiIK Af lIVWALD Mr W. S M*slin, M.H.R., for Raugitata, addressed the elector* at Tinwald last even ing, in the Templar Hall. There was a fairly good attendance, including several ladies. M ■ Edward Gates, chairman of the Town Board was chairman of the meet ng, and in troduced the speaker, bespeaking a patient, hearing for him. Mr Masiin, who wi»b well received, alluded to this as his first appearance before his oon stituenta here *ince the election, and thanked the electors ior the honor they confeired upon him. He fe't honorel by their con fidence and hoped his ac ions would merit a continuance of their trust; He referred to ' th? presen 1 Parliament of New Zealand as unique, in being the only one elected on a franchise which placed women on th^ same footing as men in voting power. Prior to the election the Conservative Pre-s confi dently pradicced that the extension of the franchise would work in the Censervative interest, that the Liberal party would be utterly annihilated by the female vote. Aa usual the Conaeivative prophets were false prophets ; the election produced a complete rout of the Conservative party. He was rather sorry that it was so complete a rout, as a little opposition sometimes does good, I keeps members to their pledges, and creates a healthy rivalry on political questions. Thpri after the election the Conservative Press as confidently predicted the break np of he Liberal party into petty factions under rival leaders, and again they proved to be false prophets. No party had ever ' been more united when any question of im portance was raised. Yet while they were ; so united to meet any attack by their foes, the members of the Liberal party always '< exercised a spirit of independence and freely criticised the Government measures, to an > extent that had probably never been seen in the House before, and in many instances , voted against details of Government measures ! He had on several occasions done so himself, , when he thought these details were not in accord with truj Liberalism. Sometimes he thought the members showed a truer ap preciation of the principles of Liberalism than the Ministers, and he would refer to some of these instances presently. PARTY GOVERNMENT. The question of Party Government had been brought to the front by a Bill intro duced by Major Steward, the Elective Ex ecutive Bill. It was felt that the people's representatives have not at present sufficient voice in the selection of the people who are to compose the Ministry, but he did not think an elective ..Executive the proper remedy. There should, however, be some reform in what is called Party Government. While he was convinced that there could be no progressive legislation without Party Government, he believed that Party Govern ment should be Government by the whole of that side of the House, nat merely by the few membets of it constituting the Ministry. Ministers should take members into their ' confidence, and discuss their proposals with them in caucus meetings. LAND BJLL. i There was only one caucus meeting held ■ —over the Land Bill—and he did not thiuk it redounded much to the credit of some of those who attended it, who backed down on their election pledges, to stand out for re valuation of Crown leases. The Minister of Lands said that if they retained the principle of periodical adjustment of rents, it would be an excuse for the Upper House to throw out the Bill, and he did not want to risk this. For his own part he thought the Upper House should cot be considerel in such matters. They should uphold their princ'p'es in the Lower House, and if the Upper House rejected their me isurea there was a remedy. To lay down the rule that no measures must be passed by the Lower House that the Upper House might throw out, would prevent progressive legislation altogether. On this ground he voted against the Government on this revaluation of eternal lease?, THE SERGEANT-AT ABIUS AtFAIR. Mr iMaslin next spoke of the Sergeont-at- Arms sff vir. He denied that there waj any thing scand ilous about it, and would not hive referred to it at all, but for the im pottancc given to it by the Conservative Press, and by Sir Robert Stout. The duties of the office were by no means arduous, yet oae would think that, moat momentous istues depended upon it. luleed it re dounded to the c edit of the Government ihttsomuch had to be made of this little thing A Disqualification Act was passed, to check a practice of members of the House using the influence of their position %c members to procure good appointments for themselves, or the promise of appointmen * But this law did not really appty to Co'onel Fraser at all. He ceased to be a member of Parliament by effluxion of time. Colonel F:ascr becswe a cand'date at the last elec tion, and then magnanimously withdrew so that the seat should not be lost to the Liberals by two Liberal candidates contest ing the seat, and his withdiawal allowed Mr l^elly to get in. It had been stated that he withdrew because he was promised the ap pointment if he did so. Bub there was then no prospect of an appointment being neces s try, no one looked for the early decease of of the gentleman then holding the appoint ment, and as a matter of fact Colonel de Quincey did not die till son)} months later. Then, no doubt, it oocurred to the Govern ment that Colonel Fraser was well fitted for the position. There was, however, the barrier in the way that he had not ceased to be a member of the House for twelve months, and the Government wisely resolved that they would make no appointment. Mr Masiin described the adverse motions on the subject, and condemned Sir R. Stout's as an insult to the Ministry, proposing as it did to ignore them and go direct to the Governor ; and condemned Ctptain Russell's as wanting in that refinement and gentlemanly tone which usually characterised the member for Hawke's Bay. Finally, the question was settled on a motion by the Premier that no appointment be made until December, 1894, and that in the meantime Colonel Fraser be eHo wed to perform the duties without re muneration. If there was any moral wrong done by that, it was a wrong to Colonel Fraser, in asking him to perform duties without remuneration. The taxpayers had saved about £100 by it. He had very cire fully considered this matter since, and if the question could come up again, he would again vote as he did for the motion that was brought in by the Premier. ' CLAUSE 21, Anqthcr thing he mu< t refer to was " clause 21 " of the Alcoholic L:quor Sale Control Acr, Before going to Wellington he was under the impression lint this clause was inserted in the Bill iv some underhand way, but inquiry showed that there had been nothing underhand about it at all. Mr Masiin gave a sketch of the proceedings showing that the clause was introduced in the ordinary way to provide for special circum stances at a place called Ohingaiti. He asked several staunch Temperance members how the clause got into the Bill and they said it got in quite in the ordinary way. It did not signify who drafted the clause, or who introduced it; the responsibility rested wish those who passed it, and in this case that was the whole House, as there was no division. He voted against a Committee of Inquiry into the history pf that clause, and he believed that anyone who thought it over would agree that he voted rightly. LABOUB BILLS. Dealing next with the clans of Labour Bills, the speaker said there was not much discussion upon these, except the Shop Hours Bill, and he showed how the Govern ment supporters got the definition of "shop" widened so as to give the half-holiday to thp.se who work such long hours in hotel bars As sent to the Upper Hou^e the Bill was much wider in its' scope than is the ' psesent Act, but .some of the Councillors set to work to mutilate it, and Mr Ormoad made it almost unworkable by introducing a clause makiDg it imperative that offices shall close on Saturday afternoons, no matter i what afternoon is selected for closing other business plapes. This clause is found utterly ' inoperative, and is generally negleo ted. Ini reference to the Act generally, he believed that it would be amended in certain po'nts ' and that it would be of great benefit to the shop employees of large towns in giving \ them opportunities for recreation that they would noc otherwise get. Ihe great diffi culty was to get such Acts on the Statute Book at all; once there they were easily amended, He considered the definition of a factory in the factories' Aot wu too wide, »nd that it •houjd not iaoludl a Uttlfl room

where two siscen or friends did a littlel dressmaking and small bhioge of that sort, so as to bring them undei' the stringent pro vision of the Factories Act The definition should be restricted. The claute3 relating to ehearers' ac.ommodatioa we,e too vague, as there was no hint liven as to what ia to be considered tufficienfc acorn .odation. It is left, co the inspector, and one might be satisfied with th* ioughest and another de mind quie unnecessary accommodation.'; Major Steward's Bill provided for this, but the Minister of Labour declined to take up this Bill, because he was not consulted about its introduction ; he paid he would deal with it in l.is own way. Seeing that Major Steward had introduced his Bill several ' times before, he might have been excused 1 tor not consulting the Minister. However, Mi Beeves declined to have anything to do with it, and the result was that satisfaction was given to no one. TARIFF RKVI-lON. During the last election there was a good deal said about tariff revision, in the direc tion of relieving the heavy taxation on the necessaries of life, and also to remove anoma lies from the tariff A committee was ap pointed to consider the nutter, and then at the la^t moment the matter was shelved for the session by the appointment of a Royal Commission to gather evidence during the recess. Mr Maslin condemned this Com mission as unnecessary, there being more evidence on the subject now than one could wade through iv a year ; and he condemned its method of taking evidence in private. He voted against this Commission being set up, and so did Mr Hall-Jones and two other members of the Tariff Committee. LAND FOR SETTLEMENTS BILL. Going on to speak of the Land for Settle* ments Bill, Mr Maslin pointed out that this Bill recognises the important principle that the Stale has a right to take land for settle ment compulsorily when tha interests of the State demand that it should be done. The interests of owners are well safeguarded, aud he explained the nature of these safe guards, and that whenever land id taken compulsorily the owner will get more for it than if he offered to Bell to the Government. There was considerable difference of opinion among Government supporters afcout the details of the Bill. One objection was that it was hardly in keeping with Liberal princi ples to cut up land acquired under the Act in such large areas as 640 acres. He con sidered the powers given should be used to obtain land near the farming centres, and to relieve the too populous towns Mr Me- Kenzie's argument was that it was necessaiy to acquire knd for farmers' sons. He (Mr Maslin) thought that farmers' sons who could take up 610 acres would generally have cash enough to buy land. He and others wanted to cut down the area con siderably, but were unable to do so. Of course smaller lots would be provided, bat i they thought greater prominence should be given to the provision of land in email lots. A difference of opinion also arose over the absence of revaluation of rents; the 999 years lease without revaluation was as bad as the old purchasing syßtem, and the Opposition accepted it and voted for it as equivalent to purchase. He instanced a case known to them, where the lessee of a small grazing run who had taken it at too high a rental, cc.ull not get the rent adjusted, had to throw up the lease, and then obtained it again at a reduced rent; and meantime the Government had lost six months' reat altogether. NATIVE LAND AC*. . . , He praised the Native Land Act, which precludes the natives from selling land to anyone but the Government, and the counter part of this was the Act giving power to the Government to raise £250,000 a year for the Krchase and improvement of native lands, ere could not be more beneficial legislation than this, and he hoped to see more of it. ADVANCES TO SETTLERS Ad. An amendment of the Government Life Insurance Act, increasing the amounts al lowed to be lent in any one mortgage, was referred to, and then the Advances to Settlers Act was spoken of at some length. The principle of this measure was heartily endorsed by all shades of poliicians, but he was sure some of the details of the Bill had not been very carefully considered by the Treasurer before he introduced it. Many of the details, as well as the principle were excellent, but other detai's chal lenged objection, such as asking for meney for advances for three years, when, if the scheme was successful, they could vote money each year. They succeeded in cutting down the total amount for three ye'tn faoro 4£ lo 3 millions, and the smaller number seemed to be enough, for there had been no such rush for money as was ex pected. There had not been a million applied for yet. The original Bill also pro posed to lend on town and subnrban pro perties, and this he objected to Btrongly, as it would permit the whole of the money to be absorbed by these properties, and there would be none let for settlers. The town members were too strong and retained that grovision, but fortunately the Legislative ouncil did good work there and struck it out. He referred to these things chiefly to explain why he on certain occasions voted against* the Government. Another detail he objected to was the high maximum loan, £5000. It was hardly con sonant with the principles of Liberalism to bolster up men who own so much land that they could borrow £3000 on a farm of 640 acres. A ma" must have £10,000 worth of improvements before he could get that maximum loan. One such loan would swamp a great many applicants for email sums. The Government would not cut down the amount, but the Upper House came to the help of Liberalism again by re ducing it, and finally the maximum stands, at £2500. Then they provided for lending nothing less than £50, but the minimum had also been reduced, and now any settler who has £50 worth of improvements can borrow up to £25. CONSOLS ACT. The speaker then explained the Consols Act, as an extension of the Post Office Sav ings Bank. At present there are about three millions of deposits in the Savings : Bank at call, on which the Government j ate paying interest and therefore must be j used in some way to earn interest; The Government devised these Consols as a per manent and safe form of investment to re lieve the Savings Bank, while giving the depositor the same security as before and assured interest at 4 pel cen'. He praised the Act nighty, while describing as highly objectionable two of the clauses in the original Bill. 22 supporters of the Government sent "Ministers a round robin faying they would vote against the second reading unless these objectionable clauses were struck out. $he Premier thep said there must be sqine mis? understanding by the draftsman, that the Bill did not express the desire of the Govern-, ment j it should be altered, and there would be no necessity to debate the points. A de bate was, however, raised, the Opposition joined in and claimed credit for forcing the Government to make the alterations which Government supporters had insisted upon and had already secured. Originally the money obtained for Consols was to be paid iato the consolidated revenue; as amended' the funds are to be disposed of through the Public Trust Office, and are not available as revenue at all. FOREIGN IXSURAXCit COMPANIK* ACT. The Fo.eign Insurance Compuii6» Apt was dessrib.ecl, and great credit given to the Government for their foresight in producing this measure to secure insurers by obtaining a guarantee of soun Ineis from foreign com panies. ,i BORROWING. ■ , He referred to the charges of reckless i wild-cat borrowing n>ade against the Govern-' ment, and describing at length the Bank of ( New Zealand Guarantee, the funds to be raised to repurchase lands for settlement, j and ih 3 Consols Acts. He claimed that these were 'not borrowing measures in the old i sense of the word, as taxpayers would have nothing to pay in respect to these sums. The only borrowing measure was one to raise a quarter of a milliou to make roads; and bridges for the improvement of land, The Opposition, who professed to be so strongly adverse to borrowing, voted with the Government for this, the only real bit of , borrowing that could cost the taxpayers anything. THE RAILWAYS* Mr Maslin congratulated his constituents on the resumption of the railways by the Ministry, as the Commissioners had got into a rut and could not get ont of it. He antioi pated very great improvements under the new management-, and they had seen aotne improvement already, SLAUaHTKBHOUBEB ACT- B* itfutfd to tbo Sltugotorhoutoi 4^ll

a meMure of local importance, and as a good and necessary meainre in the interest* of ' the public health, and to check thefts of stock. But it was spoiled and rendered useless by Giauae 51, whch exempts farmers from the operation of the Act. under favcr of the Ajt a farmer could kill any diseased animals or stolen animals, and there is so - inspection or check That clause ought to he' struck out There were many other subjects that he ought to touch upon but he bad kept them lorg enough. CONCLUSION. In conclusion he claimed that it was most creditable to the Government that in a time of almost unprecedented depression they had carried on the work of the country without any increase in taxation ; and tint in the course of a few years, in spite ol the depression, the public burden* hai been lightened conside ably. If they had a Con servative Government at the head of affairs they would almost certainly have demanded extra taxation, aa thai was the Conservative meth dof settling all difficulties. He was far from saying that the Government was pc feet, but with all its faults it was the best Government on the whole that had ever oc cupied the Ministerial benches, and he trusted would long continue t» occupy them. At the conclusion of Mr Martin's address, in answer to questions he said that a Bill intended to remedy -some defeots in the law nnder which town districts existed bad passed the second reading, but bad been dropped in view of the Premier's intended local government legislation. He had voted in the Advances to Settlers legislation with a view to aiding small settlers, Provision already existed for men requiring large loan* obtaining them from such Government de vernment departments as the insurance and public trust. He regretted the delay la <he purchase of land, under the Land for Settle ments Act, but preferred to sea caution exercised rather than.» rush to buy bad land. Government ought not to buy any but good land, as poor .land was of no nse to the small settler. He could n»t say what I land had been recommended for purchase. < , A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Maslin I for his address, and a similar compliment to , the chairman and the meeting dispersed.

The Reciprocity Treaty

Mklboubnc, April 6 The Age says that the bitter episto lary war which has arisen between the Premiers of Victoria and South Aus tralia over the New Zealand treaty is certainly not of a character to re* establish friendly relations between Victoria and South Australia. It con siders the Premier of this colony had great provocation for his warm reply to Mr Kingston's outbreak of wild, inconsequential, undiplomatic wrath, wherein he took the opportunity to let loose the whole budget of forty years' grievances, but'at the same time the Premier of Victoria should remember the proverb about answering a certain class of people according to their folly. April 8 The Argus says there is a good deal of empty pretence in the Federal spirit displayed in the letters which have passed between Messrs Turner and Kingston over the New Zealand and South Australian reciprocal tteaty. It is simply federation «raade farcical. The positions oE both Premiers are in defensible, and it is not statesmanship but petty schoolboy warfare. Mr Kingston is entitled to enter into such treaty, pending federation, but he is playing the fool, and that a mischievous one, when he proposes that New Zea land and South Australia should agree to prohibit dealings between the re spective peoples they represent and colonies which have not been asked to treat with them. The Kingston-Ward agreement is boycotting, or exclusive dealing of an offensive aud irritating kiod, and is a gross interference with the cause of friendly and fraternal trade. Mr Kingston has only to plead selfishness in justification of the treaty, and can dad plenty of illustration to sanction it in Mr Turner's attempts at smart writing.

SPRINGBURN

FromE°ur corrwpondent Since las*- writing to you, we have been favoured with a cheap exouraion to rirasru, and as you hare already pub libhed full particulars in your columns, it is unnecessary for me to forward a report of the trip, but a lev amusing incidents took place io connection with it. For weeks before it was the topic of con versa* tion especially amongst the rising genera tion, many cf whom had never seen the sea. With few exceptions nearly every family went, and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. One family, living abuut a couple of miles away from the railway station awoke early m the morning, and to their consternation found the dock had stopped. They had no idea of the time, it was pitch park, but they Imagined it was fully time they made tracks for the ■ rain, and without waiting for breakfast hastily dresued themselves, put the horse in the trap and tore off to the railway station only to find when they got there they had a little wait of two hours to en* dure before the train left. However, they enjoyed themselves, and I think they deserved to do so. I suppose it is now too late in the season for many more excursions, but I would suggest to those who may at any future tiiu9 desire to give the little ones an outing, to have a trip to ?"pringburn, and give them a bush picnic, hey will receive a hearty welooma, and the knowledge they will acquire, even In one day's outing in the bush, will be of benefit to them in their schoolwork. A pleasant little incident took place on Saturday evening l%st. A number of gentlemen met at the Manse, when Mr Charles Morrison, in a neat little speeoh, made a presentation to the Rev Mr and lira Wefltbrooke of a light gig and har> ness. He said th« present was from a number of friends, m«ny of whom are not connected with the Presbyterian church. That the present was. indeed, altogether outside church relationship. Expressions of good feeling were made by those pre* sent. Mr Weetbrooke suitably replied on behalf of himself and Mrs Westbreoke, thanking both present and absent friends. A hearty vote of thanks was nfco pissed to Mr H. Sh rplin for the trouble he H\ taken In the mtticr. I', nnv ba added ' ha* the splendid m*r«. M* WWfe#r> o lie rides, together with saddiu and bri 4le. was given by a f«w members tridfrie jj shortly after the rev gentleman's lidue tion to the p*rit>h. ' .■' '■ ' It U to ba hoped tbat the. new rai'way rites will infuse more lifein^o the timber trade, as it has nqt been so busy of ate. Owing chiefly to the energy of Mr \. Penny, schoolmaster, a mutual Literary and Debating Society hag been formed here, and has every promise of saccewi. The weekly meetings have been Wrl* well and have passed off very suaoessfally. Several gentlemen have promised to assist by giving leotoreson various subjects, and as a most attractive programme has been drawn up for the aewon, there is no doubt of its ultimate success Mr W. S. Maslln, M.H.R., addßssss 'the electors In our new town hall on Ouesdsy next, a report of which will ap. pear in your columns.

fm ASttBtJBTOtt GUAKDIAti: ftJESMY, APRIL 9, 189$.



iNiiW GUODS. G. J. NEILL I ACE Curtains Is lid pur Table Damask Is 3d Heavy Winter Dresses Ladies' Jackets and Dlsters at the very lowest possible price Blankets of all descriptions from 7a lid pair All Wool Flannel B^, Shetland, Grey, «nd White Men's Tweed Suits, 14s 61 Men's Tweed Trouaere 6s lid Boys' Tweed Suits 3a Hi Tweed Caps 6d BOOTS. BOOTS. Women's Shoes, 4i lid Men's Boot*, 7s 6d ALL BOOTS COST PRICE at, .. . ,: : ■;■ \\r Q. J. NEILL'S FBIBDLAKDBR'S CORNER, EAST STREET. FLETCBER BROS. A RK JUST LANDING THE FOLLOWING GOODS FDR COMING SEASON, 100 OASE^ WHITE ROSE KERO- 50 CASES" LIGHT OF THE AGE" SENE, 150 per cent Test. KEEOSENS, 150 per cent Test. These two brands of Kerosene are the Safest and Best Light-giving Oils Procurable. 5 Tons Moir's New Oatmeal 5 Cwt Oatina or Rollei Oats in Packets 5 Owt Gernaina and Bags £ Ton Golden Syrup in 561b tins ■} Ton Black Treacle in 561b tins 5 Cases,, „ „ 281b „ 4 Cases „ .., „ 281b „ 3 „ v „ „ Hlb „ 2;,, „ „ „ Hib „ 5 „ „  •* 7lb , 5 „ „ „ >» 7ib ,* M 5 „ „   41b ,- o „ „ „ „ «b „ 5,. „  i. 21b „ 5 „ „ „ „ 21b „ 1 Ton Wheatraeal ; SUG4R. SUGAR. SUGAR. Wt, have just made a contract with the Auckland Sugar Refining Com pany to be supplied with their finest No 1 Su^ar at a greyly Reduced Kate. Enquire our price before going elsewhere Dairy Salt Dairy Salt We have just received a Consignonnt of the Finest Refilled Dairy Salt. S Tons Fine Salt in lewt bags 2 To-.s Fine Salt in 5S!b bags 2?r „ .„• 14lb „ 2 „ „  71b „ JtTST ARRIVED—A Splendid Line of Hudson's Water Biscuits in 41b tins, to be cleared at Is 7d per tin. 1 ins Free. FLETCHER BROS., f C \SH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBURTON AND OHRISTOBXROB. . \ \r X -: IT N G E M B N T. MA<:CH 23, 1805 BO^sCHT MU'-R V, iv.hburton, takes this opportunity to tender hu ,' tlunk-- his frfrmU url the pnblio gnnenUy, for the Lil>eral Pat.-onage , ,-; r i ... v.'  du'MK/ fche Fifteen Ytars he has been in business in shbufon -I'ifl fu«-hpr besfs-to announce that he his this Hay taken into partnership' his son, WILLIAM OBOIt .B MURRAY »d tl,*t in fjtaw the business will be conducted under the style and title of R. MURRAY AND S')N.  . :" '■ Tn connection with th"n above announcement, R. MURRAY & SON solicit a 'continuance of the patronage hitherto extended to Mb H., Muerat, and hope, by strict attention and courtesy to customers, .by the keeping cf only First-class Goods, and the employment of none but careful and w perienced workmen, to uphold the high reputation hitherto held by this establishment, B. MURRAY AND SON, PRACTICAL WATCH AND CLOCK MAKEJKS, GOLDSMITHS AND OPTICIANS, JEAST STREET, ASHBURTON,



Wanted. Ira anil facrrd fonc-r , K«»twr n<in. ay, Otltlfullfiwa Hall V\TANTED. -Young Lady Boarder in * • a private family. Two minuter walk from centre of town. Apply X Mail Office. - - - 4g2 LOST, betwaen Dr Leahy'H house and Racecourse, one Stirrup Leather and Irjii. Please leave at Mail Office. ■4 56 WANTKD Knowsi—To Let, large, well-lighted and central prunisea, B'iitabla for storage; low rental — Bakxett Bros , Drapers, East Street. 4 35 f|\O LKT—Shop, without residence. I Suitable for dressmaker, etc. Apply, J. Maksben, Bookseller, Tancred street, 4 67 rpO Let or for Salo—Seven-rcomed t- House, with half acre of land, planted with Fruit Trees, and Tennis Lawn; in the most healthy part of the town, close to the Domain. Terms very easy. Apply Robert Aicokn. 436 /"I OOD Piano by Haake ; walnut case, VJX full trichord, over strung, brass wreat plank, good tone. Cash or easy terms.—H. M. Jones. 3 185 IMPORTANT To Men! Mitchell and Turner Outfitting Specialists. Style, Fit, and Good Value in all cases. AUTUMN DRESSES, Splendid Variety, Lowest Prices. See windows. G, L. Bkath asd Co., Tan cred Street. 2 202 CHOICE New Season Fruit. Grapes, Peaches, Pinea, Plums, Bananas, Apples, Apricots, and Tomatoes ; the best in town.—a»Aßis, Suinderh' Buildings. F. ANDREWES & CO.—SslTnow • on of Surplus Stock of Fancy Goods, Toys, Books, Stationery and Account Books, and all a*; greatly reduced prices for cash, at L. F. Andrewbs & Co. OWN Make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings etc., at Mrs Alcobn's new shop, Baker's Buildings. BOY'S and Girls Own Annual, British Workman and Workwoman, Infant's Magazine,-The Prize, Child's Companion, Ohi dren's Friend, Little Dot, Family Friend, Band of Hope, Young England, and oth^er New Books at Lowest Prices.— L. F. AndREWES AND Co. 11 98 WAN'IKD Known — The MrssES Ukquhabt have started Dret-s ---nuking, and having a thor »v »h knowledge of the business, combined with moderate chutes, lnpe 'o receive a share of trie oublic pifcronige. Address: Tancred 5 reel, next to E. W. JSall, Herbalist. WANTED Known —Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optica line at S. Silek's, Optician, B\N*.-t ! Bang i r>s»ng.i My new sea son's stock of Ammunition to hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Oiuu Cartridges Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Cases and aU sporting materials of the first qnalitj nt J. W. Habi>lby'«. Gun Emporium / 1 UNS ! Guns ! Guns ! My new stock '- jj of Gansj asfc to hand direct from the manufacturers. Double and Single Barrel Breech L aders. Rifles, etc In •^pection invited. No old stock to selec' from at J. W. Hardley's Sportiny Repository ROBERT ALCORN has opnmd in Baker's Buildings, next the. Court house, with a stock of Clothing, efc . bought at Edwards, Bennett's and the Kaiapoi S*les, the cheapest lot of goods ever brought to Ashbnrton, Also an assortment of Boots. W- ■ ANTE *J- Every Lady to try Madam Balcombe's I'atent Ex panning Belt Corset (ivgister*-d), ja;mran ie«*d wbalehoue ih "Ughuut Orders lefr it Mr E. Hill's, Herbalist, Ashburtnn will receive promp 1; attention. 10 86 \ lIKIS M\S Presen h. ; Choice Orna *\ V ments, Zifhers and Jew's H% p;, Balia ar^l DalJs for everybody from 11 each ; Jointed Dolls for 6!, Sleeping Beauties It*. Chinese Conqaerow 61, Russian T^mbW.es Is, W»lking Men, Talking Dolls, Scotch Greys, and Ennis killon Dragoons all wonderfully cheap at Mrs Alcorns Ladies-' Underclothing and Fancy Bazaar, Havelock street. _ VT OTICE ! Notice Sport for al! ' \ Guns let out on hire or sold on tim? payments H&ving a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns ot any description, Gun fittings in stock. Prices low.—J. W Haudley, Ironmonger, etc 1 WANTED Known—We are reducing the whole of our Drapery, Bjo^s, Clothing, etc, For Cash. New Dresses, New Jackets, New Hats, etc , will all be reduced.—H. 0. Segkiw, Melford House. WANTED Known.~We are daily reeeiying additions to our large "Good Value" Stocjj—Mitchell and TcjRNEB, Drapers and Clothitn's, Tancred Street. "Tin ANTED Known—The Corner U YV showing a magnificent New Stock of Drapery and Clothing.—W, H. Collier. WANTED Known —Great Bargains are now baing given for Ca h in all departments, Rafcre laying out your money for Drapery, Boots, etc . give us a call.— H. C. Skgekh, Meif rd House. \TJANTFD Known.—That our New V? Autumn Goods are now on view. Novelties in all Departments. Landing < x Tongariro 4 casts Flanelletes.— MjT CHELL AND OH.WKR. \V ANTED Known — Mrs Hooper ■ * (monßhly nur^e) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter, to Mrs Hooper, Alford Forest tio^d, Ashburton 11*134 JtaiiliMt C liar* Ii A " nJvir.ary Tea, II »«it«T Ittoitda.r ANTED KNOWN. —f. S. Jeffries, leading Confectioner and Fruiterer of Ashburton, East Street, nexb the Corner. Ice Cream?, Fresh Fruits, Confectionery, Summer drinks of every d«scrip'ljn. Ice at. reasonable rates Ladies Room a specialty. 1*153 WANTED Known—Special line of Cents' Regatta Shirts, all sizes, with or without collars, 2a 6d.—W. H. Collier. l pA.SH.CASH. Drapery, Boots, Cloth ! V-' ing, e'c. New Goods just,opened. Everything reduced for Cash. —H. C B©&ERB, Melford House. WANTED Known -That if you are in want of a first class article in sum mer Bo^ts and Shoes, you cannot do better than call at J. MoisoN's;you will get tho very bast at reduced prices. As for his own make, they are well known to the delight of the wearers, throughout the Vustrahsian cobniea. Repairs well done and at once Piemier Boot Maker, Town EUU BjQb Store, Evtstreet, Abhburtpn



1 1 Soap, Titan Soap. No robbing I. required by using Titan So*p Free samples supplied on applying at our Stores,—Fletcher Bbos., Ashburton. /"CHOICE FKUI To.—Peaches, bananas, aran^eri, lemons and tomtioes. at Tf A. Flower, Fruirer and Coufrcioner, East street Business Notiv;« . P. BALBE WATCHMAKER & MANUFACTURING JEWELLER. H^HE liPgest and Enast stock in ths i_ District to select fro.ll. It is also the newest and cheapest. Watch and Jewellery repairs receive careful and prompt attention Watches cleaned and guaranteed for twelve months 6s. Sole Agent for Lazarus' patented system of sight testing and " Speciality' spectacles. SSALEK. EAST STREET. NEW GOODS. NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY TIHE Largest and best assorted! Stock of Men's Mercery in the District. New Shapes M ~, HARD AND SOFT FELT &{ q ? AT?» ■"■.. t*i Q NEW TIES. O : _ CAL^. AND INSPECT [OUR O w fNEVV GOODS. C 3* - 2 NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, ALEX. HENDBT, Maoager.



KEATING S POWDER destroys Bogi Fl«m, Moths, Beetles and *U other ineeeti, whilst quite harmless to dowertio aniatls, In exterminating Beetles the success of this Powder is extraordinary. It is perfectly 5 clean in application. See the artide you purchase is KEATING'S, as imitetiow art ooTttom and ineffectual. Tins,, fldaadls . a with the sinatar* Thomas Tmilsjot '