MAIL NOTICES.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary altera tions : — SATURDAY, AUGUST 3. For Northern Ports per "Penguin at 6.30 i p m j WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7. For United Kingdom, Continents of Europe and America, and West Indie* (via San Francisco), Hawaiian Islands, and Samoa, and also for Northern Poit of New Zealand, per Takapnna, as follows :— Ordinary letters, bocks and newspapers, 6 15 p.m. ; money order?, 3 p m.«, registered lettets, 5 p.m. Due a London, September 11.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 1895. MONOPOLY OF IMPORTATION.

It has been a cry among liberal politicians both out of and in parlia ment that the people should be settled on the land, and legislation has been passed with the object of facilitating settlement. Legislation has of late been abundant, too, in the direction of ameliorating the condition of the working people, but there does not appear to be any movement in the direction of doing anything for the small shopkeeper, or the shop assistant in the way of helping the one in his business and the other to a business of his own. The shop and factory legis lation is rather against the small merchant than in his favor, and the same legislation, while it shortens the hours of the assistants' work, has a 'pronounced tendency to shorten also the number of them in regular employ. A good many shopkeepers in the larger towns have got rid of their assistants so as to keep out of range of the shop and factory measures. We do not see that struggling shopkeepers, whether em ployers or employed, have any less claim on the consideration of Govern ment than the men who want to be planted on the land. But evidently the Colonial Treasurer either does not recognise their claims, or the necessity of his Exchequer is so great as in his eyes to override all considerations of helping them. The tariff he has just passed will operate in such a way as to preclude the possibility of any but a man of large capital importing goods to this colony. We are more par ticularly referring now to drapery, a line of merchandise the retail of which employs a very large number of men, and in which very many merchants with small capital engage. Taxes have been so piled on this direction, as well as on boots and shoes, which usually form a part of the ordinary draper's stock that the small man dare not think of importing for himself, and must therefore buy his wares from the wholesale dealer in the colony. With twenty and twenty-five per cent, imposts on all he brings into the colony, suppose he buys £1000 worth at Home. He can obtain favorable terms in his purchase from the English house, and is able perhaps to manage the freight andforwardingcharges.but before hecan lay hands on a single case of the goods after being landed, he must find in

hard cash some £250 for 'customs duties. This is a heavy handicap, and only the man with a substantial capital account can face it, so that almost the whole of the direct importation into this colony is in the hands, of the middlemen known as wholesale ware housemen. "We pointed out in a previous article that tlm new tariff bled the working man copiously on the humbler clothing fabrics f_iat he wears, but it has never been pointed out that by piling on customs duty on such articles, or in fact of any article that go*, largely into consumption among the masses, the tariff is simply giviug the large houses and large individual capitalists a monopoly of importation. We can readily understand why Mr Ward, to raise revenue, should tax the working people's cheap goods. A man whose clothing is obtained frqp. Home tailors pays perhaps £20 or £30 a year for his suits, But he is one man in a thousand, It is the groat crowd of mci} whose suits run to only £5 a year or less who make up revenue by their many, if small, con tributions to it, and it was them that the Tariff Commission proposed to lighten, in the matter of cotton piepe goods by LI. 5,000 a year, by letting such goods come in free. Thjs recom mendation, however, has not been adopted, and not only has the old exemption up to 7hd a yard in value not been retained, but the whole cotton category has been included in the new twenty per cent' impost. Doubtless the working man will grin and bear it, seeing that Mr Ward knows best in what direction taxation should be imposed, but we regret that the mqnoply in importation should be perpetuated by the increase of customs on the commodities most extensively Used by the masses.

(All sorts of rumors have been current during the week as to the safety of JVfr

SNOWED UP.

Fred, Duncan, the well known Ashburton pros pector, and some of those

rumors were of the most alarming character. Mr Duncan has been in many " tight places " in his time in tbe ranges when on prospecting tours, and knows just about as well as any man how to take care of himself in the mountains in times of danger and diffi culty. For some time Mr Duncan has been shepherding for Mr Digby in country beyond Whitcombe's Pass on the western slope of the ranges.' The land lies on the Rakaia saddle, and Mr Duncan's occupation was about as j lonely a one m oi^e could well wish. I But he has always had the pro^pect^n;? fever burning within him, and the prospector prefers to work by himself, so the sol^tarin|S§s pf. his Ijfe in the njountains was but a small thing to _f> Pftnean. _£r Duncan's hut is situ ated on this side ®f tho mountain, and in the absence of deep snow was of easy access ; comparatively only as the camp is so far away from 'any settle ment it was necessary, not only for convenience and the saving of frequent journeys to jiower; country,, as well an to be prepared for contingencies— such as the shutting up of the country by snow—to have always an abundant stock of provisions. T»iese had to be "packed" up jn good weather whenj the country was free an,d open. Natu-J r»l!y towards tb. approach .f wiufcr"

! the stock would be heavy, and towards r the close of June Mr Duncan was } known to have aburdance in his hut. I Since June 20, the snow has fallen not i only frequently but heavily, and com-' munication with Mr Duncan'scampwas j almost if not altogether impossible. But that is no reason why the worst should be feared for the safety of a moun taineer with the hardihood and pluck of Fred Duncan. With a substantial hut to winter in, plenty of clothing and food, and, one would have reason to as&ume, phnty of fuel, Mr Duncan would !>e able to make himself comfort able for a lengthened period, although his lif. would be dreary in the extreme, and barring accidents and illness, we see no great reason for alarm. But alarm was taken, and alarmist rumours have been circulated. Tt was right I and proper that steps should be taken to relieve Mr Duncan from his snow ! exile, ard as far as these could be taken the police took them. Constables Bade and Morgan essayed the task of penetrating Mr Duncan's country, but after forcing their way into the snow as far as they possibly could, found that it was just as impossible for them to get in as it was for Mr Duncan to get out, and there the matter rests. Knowing Mr Duncan as we do. we do not feel at all uneasy about him— barring, as we have said, accidents and illness—and if his stock of provisions holds out we trust to see him down again in Ashburton at the first thaw, and to hear him tell the story of his experiences Meanwhile any rumour as to his safety or otherwise must be taken with a grain of salt, as until a thaw sets in communication with his camp on the mountain side is im possible. Since writing the above infor mation tohand leadsua to theconclusion that the idea that Duncan is missing is altogether a fallacy, as he intended to winter on the spot, with a view to prospecting for minerals. He is pro vided with three months' provisions in a strong slab hut, thatched and cob lined. The hut is on a flat on the east side of the pass, about a couple of chains from bush, a spot that is per fectly secure from avalanches or snow slips. Moreover., he has 300 sheep out on the flat, and failing mutton there is plenty of wild beef to be had for the shooting.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Reading matter on fourth page. Railway arrangements, excursion fares, etc., for the Grand National Steeplechase Meeting are advertised in this issue. The Salvation Army will hold valedic tory meetings to-morrow, the rccasion being the removal of the chief officer to another sphere Rev T. Bray, of Greeodale, well known in Ashburton some years ago, will conduct anniversary services at the Baptise church to-morrow morning, afternoon, and evening. The distribution of prizes in connection with St: Stephen's and Hampstead Sun day Schools will take place on Sunday afternoon in S:. Stephen's School at 2 15 p.m. Old scholars, parents, and friends are invited. The services at the Prin i ive Methodist church to-morrow will be conducted by the Rev J. Olphert. Tn the evening the subj ct of address will be ' Tired of horn .' The first cf a special series of addresses toyoun; men and women under the title of ' Pictures of a prodig .I.'

By a laud slip at Pigeon Ray on Friday morning the house of Mr Kundson was swept away, and the road to the wharf c inpletely blocked. No lives were lost as Mr _£undson had removed his furniture and family about three weeks ago, when fissures appeared in the hi'l side abqve his place. The friends of Mr Jimes Paterson, of Coo'gardie, and formerly located in Ash burton, will be pleased to learn that Mr H. Mackay has received from him a long and interesting letter indicating that he ia doing well and pnjoyhir good health. Kxtracts ftorn this letter, giving valuable information in respect to CoolgarJie, will appear In an early issue. The Dunedin Fanciers Club's annual exhibition of poultry, pigeons and dogs, opened on Thursday. There are over a thousand exhibits, some of our local poultry fancieri being amends, the suc cessful exhibitors, Mr E. J, Cox securing two firsts, Mr G, Anderson one first and one second, Mr Willis one first and three seconds, The services at the Wesleyan church to-morrow will be conducted by the Rev T. G, Brooke. At the evening f-ervice the series of monthly addresses to young people will be continued, and the special subject will be 'A wrecked life, or mind ' whom you marry.' Young men and women are cordially invited to be present, A very enjoyable social was held in connection with the l.uapuna Kingsley Club on Wednesiay evening. Songs, games and dances were indulged in, the latter being kept up till the small hours. Refreshments were kindly provided by the ladies, and (jhe gathering separate after singing " Auld Lang Syne. During rhe evening regret waa expressed at the prospective departure of Mr G. Whitelaw, the secretary, from the district. Afc a meeting of timber workers held In Auckland on Friday, the following resolu tion was passed unanimously—That this meeting of timber workers views with alarm the proposal of Government to allow Canadian timber and joinery to be Imported into the colony free, believing that it means the c jppling of the industry and throwing numbers out of employment. It was also resolved to circulate a petition to the House of Represt natives amongst the fern _c relatives of timber workers, to enter their protest. A meeting of those Interested in the revival of hockey was held at Tinwald on August 3, the Rev. J. Blackburn in the chair. There was a fair attendance although very little notice had been given. A discussion took pkee as to the amount of support likely to be met with, and it was ascertained that not less than thirty members were likely to enrol themselves at once. It was unanimously resolved that a Chib ba formed under the name of the Tinwald Hockey Club. Messrs Huston and J. Clark were appointed secretaries pro tern and the meeting was adjourned to Monday, August 5, at 7 30 p m , for the purpose of electing officers and general j business. j

Northern papers speak very highly of the Salvationist ?(Guards' Band," and the peiprmances pf the members of it have earned some high ene .mlums from some of the best musical critics in the f colony. The band is making a j tour of New Zealand, and will reach Ash burton on Tuesday by the northern ex press. An open air performance will be given in Baring Square in aid of the winter work fund, the means to be adopted to raise the needful being the venerable one of passing round the hat, so that eyeryone within hearing may have an opportunity of"' helping ' the" fund, ac cording to their ability and willingness to assist. A special concert by ihe band will be given in the Oddfellows" Hall the same evening, wfyen some of the baud'a specialties yijj be pn ,lM f

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The following completes our report of! yesterday's meeting :— COUNCIL MEETINGS. The Chairman, with ihe permission o' he <J- uncil, altered his motion to change the Council's day of meeting to read Saturday instead Tuesday, and put the motion as altered. Mr Harper seconded it, although it misht r>ot suit the town members. Messrs Gh iggand Cameron would not object to Saturday Mr Williamson would object sfcron .ly to Saturday, It was as inconvenient for him as Tuesdays for f .rmeru If Satur day was carried he could not attend, and .should resign. They might alter their I day to the second Friday instead of the first in the month. The Chairman paid as Saturday was so inconvenient for one member, and there was no strong feeling in favor of Satur day, perhaps they had better let the d*y remain as it is—Friday—and asked leave to withdraw his rao'ion, which was granted.

PAYMENTS. . Payments amounting to £707 14a Id were passed. winter work. Notice was ordered to be sent to certain local bodies of money available for relief work. Mr Williamson thought the Borough and Hampstead fund was nearly ex hausted in these places, and the distress as great as ever. Money not required by the Road Boards could be well applied in the places named. Messrs McFarlane and Grigg thoufht the money would soon be used up for re lief by the Road Boards. Ihe Chairman of tho Hampstead Town Board wrote, thanking the Council for their grant, and stating that it had been expended on relief worka. DOG REGISTRATION. The Clerk to the Council was formally appointed registrar of dogs. STOCK IN RIVERBEDS. A petition from land owners was re ceived, requesting the Council to authorise the Mount Hutt ranger to im pound stray stock from the Ashburton river-bed—Granted!. DEFENCE. A letter wag received from Mr Alex i Jojce, enclosing a newspaper article on District Defence—Received. MOUNT SOMERS TRAMWAY. Mr Joh a Hood wrote on belu'f of the tramway rarepayers, asking if the Council will agree to hand over the management of the tramway to a local board, to be appointed by the tramway ratepayers, if an enabling bill can be passed. Resolved that the Council will not objtcl-, provided the overdraft is paid off, and the Council relieved of all responsi bility.

COUNTY SALE YARDS. The secretary advised the Council that the Company had made additions to the caretaker's house, costing £7 7s 9J. RABBITS. Correspondence on this subject, which had been considered by the rabbit con ference, was laid on the table. RESERVES. Reserve 175 was let to Mr Goodwin, and Mr Milne's application tot use of part of the tramway reserve waa granted as recommended hy Mr Peache. LOCAL GOVERNMRNT BILL. The secretary of the New Zealand Counties Association ad°ised that cheir annual meeting had been altered to August 9, to allow time for the circula tion of the Lccil Government Bill. TRACTION ENGINES The Longbeach Road Board wrote, re questing the Council to tike steps to prevent drivers of entities putting gii;>s or shoes on the wheels, on account of damage done to fords and road . Several members of the Council said great darra»e was done. Consideration of this matter was lift till nexl" meeting.

FORDS. The Longbeach Road Board applied that the fords over water races In their district be made good. Mr Williamson m ved and Mr Origg seconded "That all the fords in the water races throughout the county be put into proper order, and, where nccassary, reformed to prevent the water being dammed back above the roads. M\BIyRY_ BBIDOE. The Engineer's report on this subjact was approved. PLANTATION COMMITTEE.

The Plantation Committee's report re commended the fencing of reserve 25fl where fencing waa required, and its planting with larch and birch—tenders to be invited far next meeting for the nrpessary trees, and the planting of them by digging holes 5 that Mr W. H. Locket's offer of £1 for burnt trees be accepted 5 that the following tenders for seed be Eqjepted—Blue gum—Mr NToo nan ; stringy bark and silver wattle—Mr G G. Stead ; iron bark—Messrs Nimtno and Blair, IUUDGES. Mr P. Peter interviewed the Council in referrenee to putting a bridge over a water race below Cavendish, as when the land was fenced he could not get his j sheep on to some of his country. His late father had waived all objections to the route of the water races on the under standing that the Council would put bridges over them where re-illy necessary for his convenience. He also suggested thab the Council should con sult their tenants before planting any of the leased plantation reserves. In his case no notice had been given. Mr Wright, as Chairman of the Planta tion Committee, said the reserve held by Mr Peter had been dealt with in the usual way by the Engineer, and no notice was required by the lease. Mr Peter had been in commanicnion with the engineer at the time, and knew what was being done. Mr Harper moved, and Mr Mc_arlane seconded, a motion'that one bridge be granted south of Cavendish station—Carried, WATER BADE . QB.OS The South Rakaia Road Board wrote complaining of a ford—To be reported on at next meeting. Applications for water services or Iterations were granted to Messrs James Lemon and Hampton. W. Hampton, W. Craighead, and J. Wilkinson. VALUATION 110 LL A transfer of ownership of part R.S. 18582 from Will'am Moses to Hugh Donal Icon was ordered to be made on the roll. tUIAVEL PIT Mr James Brown applied for leave to open 1 gru'pl pit near Mayfield —Left In Mr Harper!s hands to deal with.

1< ALLEST TREES Mr T. A. Saunders was granted leave to remove fallen trees from % planta'ion, under the ranger's supervision. c. jups. Mr Qordon Homes acknow'edged re ceipt of the Fns,ineer!s memo in refer once to supply from this race, arid trusted the Council did not intend the supply to be only intermittent, A long discussion took place over the letter, and it was thought that this was all the supply E race would admit of. Mr McFarlane thought there was an oid creek, and Mr Holmes' case should have consideration and the sluice gate be altered. The Chairman said hitherto Mr Holmes ha J had all he asked for, but the; -aid E race would not hearths dsainon i_ ' Mr Cameron supported Mr McF»rJ»«#'a vj^w. " ' . I

The Engineer said this could not be done. Ha had suggested an alternative ! line of ma Mr Grigg moved ih*t a further letter t.f explanation ba s.nt to Mr Holmes, *t-a'ing that the Council on'y intended to gran, the us» (f curplus water from W race and offering him tho alternative line. This waa seconded by Mr Johnstone and curitd WAKAVn CREEK A letter waa read iro.n the Council's solicitor on the subject of encroachment by Mr MUhoney, Mt <4iigg moved that the case of interfering with the bed of the creek be submitted to Mr Purneli, with a view to taking lmmedi *te proceedings to obtain an injuticti'Hi agiinst Mr Mahoney. This was eeoojded by Mr Harper, and carried untnimously, and a copy of the r .solution was ordered to be sent to Mc M.honey. FORD 3 AGAIN A petition was received from residents at Ashton, asking to have the water race fords improved. Thia had been dealt witti under the general resolution as to fords. SPECIAL ORDER. Resolved, that the Council meet after next meeting, to adopt a special order affecting the Ashburton Forks protective works district. RAKAIA GORGE RESERVE. It was resolvea that Mr Bouehlei be called upon to pay full rent, or fresh terders for leasing thia reserve would bo called for next meeting. CALirORNIAN THISTLE. The Chairman brought under the I notice of the Council the existence of patches of Californian thistle in the county.

Mr Williamson moved that the members of Parliament for the County be requested to endeavor to have a clause inserted In the Local Bjdies, or other convenient Bill, in the direction of exterminating Californian thistle. This waa ieconded by Mr Stittand carried. TKNDKas ACCEPTED. No I—Raserve 2501, Gr. A. Locke j No 2—Reserve 2501, J. McFarlane j planting—T. Scaly; Standards—Collins and «o. and H. Zander; ploughing, Rua puna—John Johnston ; fencing—W. Fagaa and T. Lowe ; ploughing, Hinds — T. Bradley. The C uncil then adjourned.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, August 2 The Council met at 2 30 p,m. BILLS I'ASSEn. The Native Townships Bill was put through its final stages. The New Zealand Institute of Journal* ists Bill was put through its final stages. BILL THROWN OUT. Mr McGregor moved the second read ing of the deceased Husband's Brother Marriage Bill (which had passed the Lower House In charge of Mr L awry). Mr Bowen moved that the Bill be read a second time six months hence. After _ dsbate in which Mr McCullough, Mr Rigg, Mr Pharazyn and Dr Pollen supported the Bill, and Sir George Whitmore, Mr Kerr, Mr Walker, Mr Bonar, Mr Peacock, and Mr Acland spoke against the Bill, the Amendment was carried by 18 to 14. and the Bill thrown out. The Council rose at 4.30 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, August 2 The House met at 2.30 p.m. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, it was stated that: it would depend on the progress of business whether the House wodd ad journ for a few days to enable members to be present at the opening; of the Christ church Industrial Exhibition; that Government had decided to appoint officers to fxamine the condition of New Zialaud produce and meat on arrival in London ; that Government could cqt undertake to make provi |on for a legal half-holiday to domestic servants in the Bill which was to be brought down to amend the Shops and Shop Assistants Act, aa it might possibly jeopardise the the measure in the Upper House ; it waa (•he intention of Government to make the Bill as little complicated as possible ; that no money was available for the extension of Wellington-Te Aro railway line to Newtown j that seeds of the fodder plant "sacaline," whiqh is valuable in seasons •A drought were being obtained by the agricultural department from Eastern Asia j that Government saw no reason to make the Commissioner of Life In surance and the Public Trustee parlia mentary officers removable only by resolution of both Houses j that Govern , men 6 would favorably consider a proposal to call the House together two months earlier than at present • that the Shops and Shop Assistants Bill would be cir culated in a few days j that the loss to the revenue would be so great «hat Govern ment would not permit newspapars pub* lished in the colony to be sent abroad free cf postage; that it was not a fact that the Lending Board und _* rhe Ad vances to Settlers Acf^ refused in every case to lend on unimproved land—every application was considered on its merits ; that it was contrary to the f pirtt of the Education Act to levy special fees for pen?, ink, and other school requisite *} that the Fair Rent Bill would be circu lated nex. week.

Discus ions, consequent upon a mo 1 ion for the adjournment of the House lasted until the 5 30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7-30 p.m. ANIMALS PROTECTION. The Animals Protection Act Amend ment Bill was committed. Clause 7 was altered to provide that the penalty for the introduction of rep tiles, etc., should no. exceed £s€». ' 1 The 811 was reported, read a ttfird time and passed, ADOBTION OE CHILDREN. The amendments road* by the Legis* lative Council in the Adoption of Children Bill were agreed to. THE LICENSING BILL. The Premier moved the second reading of the A'cohollc Liquors Sale Control Act Amendment Bill. He was pleased ia placing the views of the Government hefore the House so soon after the second rea.'iiar of Mr McNab's Bill. There was a great necessi'y for dealing with th rs vexed question during the present session, and they fhculd approach tha matter with Mio carne«t. desire to deal with ii; so that it should not be a disturbing element session aft/r sess:on. The world w»s ma^e up of compromises, and they should legislate so that their legislation would mpet with the approval of the great m*j miy of the people of the colony. The present Rill provided for |our Issues, namely, whether the number of licenses in a district is to continue, whether they are to be reduced, and whether they are to be !;eenses or no licenses. It might be said chat this would complicate the question, but this would be a reflection on the men and women of the colony. The Bill contained a proposal for colonial prohibition, ard he raid that there might be many who would vote for a reduction, but would go against local or national prohibition. He, therefore, thought it fgir to eive every elector four Issues to vote upon. It might be oljected that while the Bill provided for •» bare majority in the case of a reducVon, it allowed a three fif'hs majority for local or nationa] prohibition, but'he held that if a great reform like prohibition were to. be effective, it must be carried by more than » bwe majority. He grmlf believed _>*| if the fojony were polled to«morroir f jfe

THE ASHBUKTON GtJABDIAN i SADUKDAY, AUGUST 3, 1896.



Busir»Oßs Notice. -- - . G. J. Nei IPs CLEARING SALE IB NOW ON AT FEIEDL ANDEII'S CORN Ell, EVERYTHING MUST BE SOLD, NOW IS YOUR TIME. Ladies' Jackets, this season's goods, Grey Calico Is lid doz 21s—Reduced to 12s 6d White Oalico Is 9d doz Corsets 3s lid—Reduced to 2s 6d Men's Colonial Tweed Suits 80s—Re- Corsets 4s lid—Reduced to 2s lid duced to 22? 6d Heavy Dress Tweed, double width, 2a 6d Men's All Wool Suits 19s 6d -Reduced to 9M. this season's Boys' Suits 33 lid „ 00 d8 Men's Tweed Overcoats, with capes, Dou .le Bed Sheeting B_d 18 6d Colonial Flannel, all wool, la—Re- Men's Macintoshes, with capes, and daced to Sd sewn seams 22s 6d Blankets 5s lid per pair BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Nailed Shooters 7s lld Roys' Nail Shooters 4a Ud Men's Bluchers 4s 9d Women 9 Strong Leather.Boots.ss.lld Mens Watertights, Heavy, 10a 6d Women's] Shoes 4s 6d FVBRY LINE MUST BE CLEARED COMPARE OUR PRICES COME AND SEE Q. J- NEI L L Ph OLAKDH'S CORNER* EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. CASH ÜbU Seeds, Seeds. Seeds, .-JUST ARRIVED — New Season Mower & Vegetable Seeds FLETCHER BROS HAVE great pleasure in intimating that they have just received their New Season Stock of NIMMO & BLAIR'S Celebrated Flower and Vegetable Seeds in the following order :-— 1» Per Packet FLOWER SEEDS. 11l Per Packet Alyssum, Sweet Mignonette Lobelia speciosa, Antirrhinum, nine mixed Nasturtium, Tom Thumb Marvel of Peru Balsam, fine mixed Nercophila macukta Nasturtium^ tall _ Candytuft, mixed Petunia, fine mixed Neinophila insignia Canterbury Bells, mixed Stock, German, ten-week Pansy, mixed _ Chrysanthemum tricolor, Aster, German Poppy, ' The Shirley m \ xe & Aster, Batteridge's quilled Pea, sweet, mixed Columbine, mixed Candytuft, dark crimson Pnlo_ Drunimondii _ Convolvulus, mixed Carnation Stock, Virginian, mixed Dihlia mixed Clarkia elegans Sunflower, tali Everlastings, mixed Oonvol/ulus m»jor Wallflower, m.xed Godetia, The Bride Oyanua minor Portulaca mixed J_oobiß»,mixed Delphinium, mixed Sweet Wnliam Linum, grandiilorum Forget-me-not, blue Verbena, m.xed ru \ irU m I^ian Pink Zinnia, elegans, double, Mangold, African Larkspur, mixed mixed 3D Per Packet VEGETABLE SEEDS. 3d Per Puck .t PEAS. Stock wood Ridge Champion Scarlet-runner American Wonder Cross-Extra Curled B^T_ __.n_ Little Gem Large Musselburgh Leeks CALBAGE. Stratagem Triple Curled Parsley Drumhpad Veitch's Perfection Hollow Crown Parsnips Early York Wm Hurst Radish—Three Varieties Enfield Market Yorkshire Hero, etc Turaips -Four Varieties London Market, Etc. Beet, Blood Red BB U Al*?- Borecole-Dwarf Green Broad, Harhngton _..„ L Curled Windsor Parly Short Horn Brussels Sprouts- Creen Windsor James Intermediate Fcrymger's Giant Early Long Pod L_.L_U.__. CAULIFLOWER. French or Kidney- Drumhead Early London Canadian Wonder £eapohtan WalJheren, etc Pale Dun Giant White Cole's Crystal White Mammoth _ egro Long OMO_. Celery Pod Brown Globe OUCPMBE it Early Goldon liutter Brown Spannisli, Etc. Long Prickly or Wax Tomato - Large Red Please remember that these are all Fresh and Reliable Seeds and that you get as much Vegetable Seed for 3i as is usually given for Od and as much Flower Seed for Id' as is usually given for 3d. The increase of Nirnmo and Blair's packet trade has been pl.e lorainal and ;this year it is expectedjto.total a Quarter of a Million. <gr NOTE ADDRESS, FLETCHER BROS., OJ_.SH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBURTON & CHRISTCHURCH. TO OWNERS OF fIEWLY ERECIKO MANSIONS, .II LAS, AND v uww__*e ur COTTAGES. GBAND OPPORTUNITY. Linoleums and Floorcloths direct from, the Mills to our Warehouse. ■ IH\ LABGEST SIXXJK outside of Clu-istchurcli. ; Ko Intermediate Handling. ONE LARGE PROFIT SAVED, Latest l'aMcrns, pur s.s. lonic, to hand. Beautiful Designs Lovely Shades. MITCHELL AND TURNER. TANOIUSD STREET.



Wanted 1 \i/ ANTED—Lad for milking aid VV genera! _oik Apply to Mr John Orr, Tuesday, \ e-wcen 2 and 3 p.m 833 1 1, ANTED,—A Dozen Brocdy Hens, ] *. good price given. App'yl •< Fancier " Mail Office. 8 12 11/ ANTED Known — Arthur Yafce* . y a°d Co. . new reason's reliable Ve_e*ahie and Flower Seecs to h_nd — \ Law rie & Co. 8 16 I DE. ORANSES. Best bar none. • Veiy cheap.—Adam-j, Saunders' Buildings. 8 32 API'IST Uhurjh. — Sunday .choo' Anniversary Services u-marrow. Rev. T. Bbay, of Gre. ndale, will preach at 11 a.m. and 6 30 p,m , and give an address to young people at 3p m Special hymns by the children. 8 27



Wanted. j v .fc _.&_.EYaN Chuich, To-raonow — ** Preacher for the day, Ke-. T. G. Brooke Monthly sermon to young people »t tveiling s :rvice. ' A wrecked life, or mind whom you i_nrry,' will be (he subject tScrangerf, (specially young men *nd women, c<udi*l!y invited. 828 | F. AN DRE WES & CO.—Sale now *-■*• on of Surplus Stock of Fancy ! Goods, Toys, Books, Stationery and Account Books, and all a*; greatly reduced pricfß for cash, fit L F. Andrew.* «_ Co .i/ANTED Known — .paetacles, Eye ?Y Protectors, Goggles, Polders, and everything in the optical H»e at S. S ____'_. Optician * AN TED KNOWN. - The celebrated s> Yarmouth Oilskins can be ob ained at W. H Codier, "The Corner." % \< ANTED Known—Small Profits VV and Quick Returns.—Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED, Everybody to try a pair of House Slippers, only Is. Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Known—Ten per cent under Christchurch prices at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. W" ANTED" KN 0 WN. —F. "S. i Jeffries, leading Confectioner and Fruiterer, of East Street, next the Corner. Hot Pies at any hour and Tea and Coffee also. N.B. Lady Attendant. Fruit of every description. Ladies' Room a speoialtv. 1*153 OWN Make in Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs A_core's new shop, Baker's Buildings.



PRIMITIVE Meih_di.t Chursh.— Bey J. Olphert will preach morning and evening. Morning subject— 4An obj ct lesson for indolent and indifferent; Christians,' Evening subject —* Tired of home.' First of special seri6s on ' Pictures of a prodigal.' 8 31 FIG TUE En_ouldings —New and artistic designs just landed ex lonic Best value ever imported in this district. —VV. H. Collins and Co. 7188 nll_3s_A_lD'S Cigara -~2 5 for 2_ JP Three C stle Cigarettes 50 for 2s, „ leopatra s 3d, Say Rum 1». Piesse and Luhin s Scents Is 6d.—McGregor . WANTED Known — Twenty dozen Boys Polo Linen Gollors, 12 and 12| inch, 2s per dozen instead of 6..—A Ore's Cheap Sale. POTATOES Potatoes.-Mind you get your Potatoes at Fletcher Bros. Ihe quality of our Potatoes is first-class, and have taken the First Prizs at the Timaru Show four years in socc>ssion. Don't forget address — Fletcher Bros., East Street, Ashburton.



WANTED Known —We are com-1 pelled to realise on a very large portion of our Stock. To do this we are prepared to take cost price for all our new Winter Goods, and almost any price older stock.—Mitchell and Turner. ANTED Known—l have good Bluchers, only 4. lid.—Mellor's Zealandia Biot Store. WANTED Known—Great Purchase of Drees Stufl_ for Melford House Sale. Lot No. 2 great variety, double width at Is. Some of these were Is 9d wholesale. Everything reduced.—H. C Segers.



NEEDHaM Organ, ten stop., twenty four payments cf £1 Is 2d per month. Good Piano by Haake. Twenty four monthly payments of £1 13s Bd.— H. M. Jones. CHO ICE FRUITS, —Peaches, bananas, ©ranges, lemons and tomatoes, at H. A. Flower, Fruiter and Confectioner, East street W"~~~^NTJ']D Known-Ulsters 4 s lid, For Collarettes 3s 3d, Kid Gloves 2. 6d, Plushes 2s 6d, Towels 4£d, Flannels BM. —The Corner, W. H Collier WANTED Known—The Largest and Best shop for Evening Shoes in Ashburton.—Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store, WANTED Known—Bargains to be had every d-»y at Mellor's Zea asdia Boot Store. i c INDL'S Hair Curlers 6d, Birch's M_ Watch Keys 6i, other Watch Keys 3d, Afghan Silver Watch Chains l< 6d.— McGregor's. i i JAN TED Known —Ladies Lasting W Slippers only 2s lid—Uaual price, 4 s 6d —Mellor's Zealandia Boot .tore. WANTED Known—Men's Suits 17s 61, Kaiapoi Tweed Trousers 9j lid, Knick.-r Suits 4* lid, Cap* 6d.— Ihe Comar. W. H. Collier UP TO DAT « SAL*!—ls") Pairs Girls Bo<»r_ 2s 61, 120 Pairs Maid.. Boot. 3, 61, 117 Pairs MairLs 5 fbest) Boots4_6d, Ladits' Shoes §s lid, Gents' Boots 4s 6i anl 5, 61. All sizss guaranteed for one wook, —-A. Orr's Cheap Sale. 6 221 f\7" ANTED Known—Mothers, be wis3 * and buy your school boots at Mellor's Zsalandia Boot Store. WANTED Known—A cordial reception and free inspection through the whole of our extensive Premises Every article sold a. advertised prices—Mitchell & Turner Q dAVKNG Sticks — i\_r_ Juvenia, O Wil inn's Amer'car Is. Eigle Ink Pencils 61, Stationery Boxes 61, Ink6i per d< _ n battles —McGregor's J VI AR3DI.N, Junr., Bjokieiler, • "■■'-fi- Si a ioner, News Agent, Etc School Book, and all other .chool Requisites \ll goods at lowest possible prices. Note—"The Little Shop," .ast Street. 11 / ANTED Known—Great Purchase W of Dress Stuff . Lot No. 3 extra qua'ity, Nun's Veilings all shades, Navy and Black Diagon il Serges alt at Is 3d, usu*l price 2i 31 —H. C. _egers, Mel ford House. VITANTED Known—Grand results, VV our c_sh sales on Saturday last were the largest in our 25 year, experi end*. Practical evidence that our efforts are appreciated—Mitchell & Turner. .4/ANTED Known-Mens and Boys W Clothing and Underclothing, Boots and Shoes, Rugs and Blankets, at parti cularly low rates—Mitchell & Turner. iJTLOWER SEKDS, Id per packet; * Vegetable Seeds, 31 per packet. All New Season's Seeds from the well known firxi of Nimmo and Blair, Order your Seeds early, because as the season advances some of the varieties are sold out, and in the past years we have not been able to replace them.—Fletcher Bros., Ashburton.



PRAYER and Hymn Books' Photo, _ Scrap and Stamp Albums ; Parlour Games (a great varietj); School Bags from 6d each ; Notepaper from 61 a packet of 5 quires ; Envelope* 100 for 6d ; Photo Frames, and Albums, Vases, Fancy Tea Pots, Toys of various kinds all at greatly reduced prices for Cash at L. F. Andrewes and Co.'s Expiration of Lease Sale. 7 123



It \J ANTED Known — Mellor's Zea- W landia Bjot Store Is the Cheapest Store for Boots and Shoes. OkTANTED Known—6o Ladies' Black V V and Colored Wool Jerseys at 2o 61, formerly 10s 61; 100 Pairs of White Blankets at 10s 61, Ladi _i' Muffs 3s 6d, Umbrellas Is lid, Corsets 2, 9J, 6 and 6£ 'our button Kid Gloves 6d, _ ents Silk Tins 61 each. Large Wool Hearth Rugs 6s 6d each.—Andrew Orr's Sale. 6 220 _-—^2£jj-L E ver y on e to call at *<V MgifcOß'.. and get his price. No one asked to L>uy. fir ANTED Known--Football Bootp, VV S u f e goal kickers; _l<«y never fail—Mellor's ZeaUndia Boot Store. WANTED Known — Mrs Hooi'EK (monthly nurse) is open to accepr engagement... Apply, by letter, to Mrs Hooper, Alford Forest Road, Ashburton. 1*134 W r ANTED Known—Great Purchase of Dress Stuffs. Lot No. 1 great' variety, double width B§d. Most of these j •roods were is 3{ f d wholesale. Melford j Ifousc Sale. Everything reduced.—H. C. SrceEtt f, STOCKTAKING Sale-MRS Alcorn will give large reductions of Millinery, Jackets aud Mantles, Children's Piloses, Dres« Material, Glassware and Farcy Goods, for one month previous to stock-1 taking, --- Next Courthouse, Havelock street L) PKCIAL NOTICE.—Suits and Single IT. Garments made to measure. Fit and style with prices to suit the times Large purchase Heavy Kikpoi Trousers .and Knit Underclothing.—Mitchell and T»RNER. _ d .ARSON AND GO'S Stocktaking Sale Now on. Groceries, ironmongery, j Brush ware, O law and China, at very low j j>ric#. f. re. e!». 5 l2^ i



WANTED Known—That lam hold ing a Sale at Reduced Prices for One Month. Come for Bargains. I have the advantage over many in the trade for the simple reason that I have no partners to pay dividends to, or interest on loan to carry on big concerns. But I buy and sell none but the best, no trash to draw the unwary. Repairs as usual, done at Once.—J. Moison, Boot Store East street, Ashburton. 5 138



( .HEAP Wool makes cheap Blankets, cheap Fiannels, cheap Clothing. I have g»t in a nice assortment of this season's Blanket, men's and boys colonial Tweed Suits and Overcoats, cheaper than ever they have been in New Zeai*nd Men's colonial Tweed K.iapoi Sui'S for 27s 61, a marvel at the price; K.iapoi Knicker Suits from 7s 6d.—Robert Alcorn, Clothing and Boot Warehouse, Havelock street,



WEDDING PRESENTS WEDDING PRESENTS WEDDING PRESENTS THE Largest and Choicest Stock of 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 pnecs. S- SALEK, WATCHMAKER AND JEWELLER, EAST STREET. The noted place for sound and reliable workmanship in watch repairs.



* HALF-YEARLY STOCK- I TAKING. it ■VTEW r/EALAND iN EW ZEALAND CLOTHING Til AOT 0R V LOTH ING X 1 AOTOIiY k t We find that we are Overstocked in 3 many lines. We will, until the end of • this month, mark goods at prices that I will ensure a Reaiy Sale. i ) ' Men's Overcoats, with capes, 23s di Boy'n Overcoats, with c-»pes, 8i 6i } Men's Sao Suits 183 61 Boys'Ashburtoit Tweed Suits from 83 6d r Bojrs' Tweed Sailor Suits 83 6d Boys? Qid Knickers all sizes Meti'd Heavy Mosgicl Pants 4s !)d t Men's Workii.g Shirts ... la <Jt r Boys' Tweed Hats ... Is Od 5 Gii'lu' and Boys' School Boots from ... f .- ••• 4s 6d Men s Boots a - prices that gejl them I It will bo to your advantage to give I us a c*H for ypMir jipjt pv> of BOOTS. KEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTO KY, ALEX. HENDRY, Manager. FIRE ALARMS Alienton .- ... .~ ... .. one toll Borough, north of railway .„ two tolls Borough, south of railway ... three tolls Hampatcat} «. »• ►« ** .« four bolls