Ashburton Guardian. Manga est Veritas et Prævalebit WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1895.

At the meeting of the Central and Associated Chambers of Agriculture on March 4, reports on agriculture the condition of agricul- AT home, ture in their respective districts were presented by forty-four Chambers and Farmers' Clubs, representing twenty-five Eng lish counties. All but one or two of them mentioned decreases of rent, ranging generally from 20 to 50 per cent, but with extremes of 5 to 75 per cent. In Cheshire there appears to have been no permanent reductions of rent generally, but only temporary remissions in specially bad seasons. The general tenor of the report was to the effect that the profits of farming have been reduced pretty well or quite to the vanishing point, and that most farmers have lost 30 to 50 per cent of their capital. Labourers' wages in some districts have fallen Is to 2s a week, but in many counties no reduc tion has yet been made. Fewer men than formerly are everywhere em" ployed. A large area of arable land in all counties has been laid down to grass. The agricultural returns show that the area of permanent pasture has increased in the United Kingdom by 4,214,000 acres since 1873. During the same period the area under corn crops has decreased by 2,057,000 acres. The Statistical Committee of the Chambers of Agriculture present a table showing tho money returns of wheat, barley, and oats in certain groups of years, and in 1894. The averages per annum of the totals are as follows ;— ■ 1870-75 ... 70,264,000 1888-93 ... 38,190,000 1876-S1 ... 54,755,000 1894 ... 30,893,000 1882-87 ... 41,855,000 The decrease since 1870 75 is not far short of £40,000,000 per annum—a nice little loss of takings for three crops alone. It appears that not enough allowance has been made for corn used onfarms, includingseed and grain given to horses and other stock, which, of course, does not affect the money re ceipts of farmers as a body, but the loss is an enormous sum still. Some of it is due to the contraction of the corn acreage, but more to the fall in prices. In the six years ending with 1875 the average prices of wheat, barley, and oats were 53s 4d, 80s 6d, and 25s 7d a quarter. In the first eight weeks of the present year the averages were 20a 4d, 21s Bd,and 133 9d, showing de creases of 30s on whe%t, 17s lOd on bur ley, and jLls lOd on oats. Meat, wool, cheesis, and butter have also fallen in value, The remedies pro posed by the several Chambers are very numerous and some of those re commended by two or three are ill considered. But a large number ask for a reduction of the burdens on land, including rates, tithes, and land tax, .y/h.iphj with the death duties and in come iaat, tp over 30 per cent, of the gross annual value o| land in Eng land. High and preference rates op. railways are also complained of by most of the Chambers, Seventeen of them aek for suqlj a revision of the beer duty as \

will discourage the use of malt and hop substitutes in brewing. At present there is an advantage in using sugar instead of malt. Duties on imports are advocated by fifteen of the Chambers, though some ask for only a little bit of protection, such as a duty on flour. Fifteen reports recommend currency reform — either the adoption of bi-metallism, or it 3 immediate co-ordination by the Government. Bi-metallism is making very rapid progress ia Britain, especially amung the agricultural classes. The prevention of the sale of frozen meat as British, a more effec tive administration of the laws against food adulteration, the suppression of the system of gambling in the price of wheat under the " option " system, the construction of light railways, and a few other remedies are also enumerated in some of the reports.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

An Oregon man has hewn a thirteen foot boat out of a cedar log, in which he proposes voyaging from San Francisco to Europe.

Mrs Priddy, for 30 years an inmate of an almshouse at Droitwich, haa celebrated her 100 th birthday. ?ive generations of her family are now living.

Twelve tons of Canadian butter have been brought to the English market under the arrangement by which the Dominion Government make advances to dairymen.

Dr Salmon, of Cowbridge, has just attained his 105 th year. Ha ia the oldest Freemason in the world, and was a surgeon in the army of George 111.

An operator fell into a trough of sulphuric acid in Alsace, and was entirely dissolved, the only trace of the nnlucky man being the accidental discovery cf his trousers buttons.

When his Presidental term expires Mr Cleveland will start for a yachting tour round the world A large yacht is being constructed to carry the President's family and friends. Their first stopping-place will be England.

A Bill before the Missouri Legislature proposes to tax bachalors on an ascending scale, from £2 a year for bachelors be tween the ages of 30 and 35, to 95 per cent, upon the property owned by bachelors over 60 years of age.

Miss Gould, who has just been married in New York to a French count, has a dowry of three millions sterling. Her bridal dress was of ivory satin, the sleeves being attached by strings of pearls, the corsage was smothered with pearls, and her diadem was of emeralds, pearls and rubies.

The services rendered by the police who carried out the unpleasant and arduous duties or finding the bodies after the wreck of the Wairarapa, have been rewarded by the Department by a sub stantial bonus being made to each, Ser geant Gamble receiving £10, Constables Mac Donald, Stonyar, Bailey, Oliphant, and MacConnachle £5 each, and Constable Jones £2 10s.

A meeting of residents was held in the Buapuna schoolroom last Friday evening to consider the practicability of starting a public library. There was a large atrend ance, Mr F. S. Cordeux occupying the chair. After some discussion it was resolved to form a library, and to procure a number of books forth with, which would be kept ia a cupboard in the school in the meantime. Quite a number gave in their names as subscribers. The meeting then terminated.

Some gentlemen had a curious expe rience the other afternoon, says the Manawatu Standard A lady well dressed and pretty entered their smoking carriage at Masterton, gaped haughtily at them, and quietly took a cigar cisc from her pocket, cut the end of a cigar, and then lit it with the utmost gracefulness She then opened the paper, and read and puffed, like one accustomed from child hood to the situation, all the way to Wellington.

The Temperance Standard says that the Bill prepared by Mr A. S. Adams for sub mission next session as the embodiment of the proposals of the Temperance party has been endorsed by Sir R. Stout, Mr H. D Bell and Mr A. S. Atkinson, besides by most of the temperance conferences that have sat in the cities. Therefore, it may be accepted as the manifesto of the legislative proposals of the political Temperance party of New Zealand, and the only measure that will be acceptable to the temperance sentiment of the country.

The usual monthly meeting of No. 25, South Rakaia, L.0.L., was held on Satur day evening. There was a iair attendance, The W.M. Bro. Oromie, occupied the chair. After the routine business, it was resolved that the next meeting be a sum moned one to discuss the twelfth of July celebration and to initiate a large number of candidates. A special vote of thanks was passed to the Secretary, for the very able manner in which he had arranged for the last A,P. meeting. Four candidates ware proposed for membership. The lodge was then closed by the W.M. in due form.

There was a fair gathering at the rink last night, one of the chief attractions bains; the skating of two Maori girls, and very fair skaters they are too. This week the hall floor will be graced by one or two more Maori ladies, who were unable to come north in time for Tuesday's session. There was a half-mile handi cap spin for a pair of nickel silver skates (255) for which six skaters entered. Mr E Hcaley, with a handicap of 1£ laps was the winner—Time 3 minutes. A novice costume race, for $ season ticket, caused a good deal of fun, and ths Maori ladies had a race for a brooch, which wa< won by the younger.

The Land Board met at fnvercargill yes terday to hear a complaint made by Adam Becker ag»instj Mr Young, the Inspector of State Farm Settlements, who, the com plainant alleged, hatl expelled him from the settlement at Waikawa without just causa. Two solicitors appeared for Becker but the Board would not allow thtm to interrogate witnesses, and upheld the action of Inspector Yonng, althongh of opinion th*t he should in future consult the Commissioner before taking the extreme step of expulsion from the settle ments. It was alleged that the orgin of the trouble was Becker's refusal to work on Christmas Day, owing to religious scru pies, Counsel will carry the matter to the Supreme Courb.

Ifc will be noticed tint the Ashburton Model Yaoht Club has convened a general meeting, the chief business of which will, we believe, be to amend the rules to suit the special requirements of the club. It may not be gsneralJ^ understood that the objects of ttie Club** are'not confined to having §, pleasant and interesting pastime which can be enjoyed by persons gf both sexes, and of all ages. The promoters hoped toinduce members "totake aspecial interest in naval architecture and nnrine mttters generally, is well as to give all possible encouragement to the designing constructing, fitting, and sailing of models of all kinds " as is set forth in the pre liminary paragraphs of the proposed rules. This being so, it is to be hoped the Club wilf meet jyitji general support—not only from those inclined to join j but from tlie outside public 1 whose interest it is to J foster legitimate mi bwltby »in.iwewent«, J

A man set out from San Francisco to walk round the world in twelve months for a^heavy wager. After visiting Ireland and Scotland, he took sfeamer at Liverpool recently to begin his Continental por tion of the tour.

The Oamaru Mail cf Monday says:— There ate now 148 names on the books of the Labor Bureau. Seventy-six men offered themselves to proceed to Gahtea, norch of Rotorua, to work there, in res ponse to a call for five. The North Otago Times of Tuesday says :— Seventy-eight men had given in their names as willing to go to Galafra, and yesterday for'y turned np for the final selection. Five were selected.

At the Gisborne Magistrates" Court yes terday, thß case against Dunlop, a shop keeper, for failing to close on Saturday afternoon was dismissed, the Magistrate holding that there was no evidence before him that seven days' notice was given of the Council meeting at which the special resolution was passed. The cases against Adair and Lewis were then taken, and the Inspector proceeded to show that seven days' notice was given, but the information was found to be technically faulty, and was dismissed, A fresh information will be laid

A private letter which has been re oeived in Wellington from Transvaal by a former Johannesburg resident, gives the following particulars of the capture of some gold thieves:—'Detectives hive found two Americans living near Heil brona road, who have been plundering the gold sent by train from Barberton and Pilgrims' Best for the last two years. They were formerly guards on the Cape railway, but leaving thin employ settled down as farmers ostensibly, but really as gold robbers. They carried off the safe from Parry's O.F.S , and the spoor was traced for miles to the farm where they lived. Ultimately it was found in a mealle field, about four hundred yards from the house, with the mealie stalks growing over it. One of the parties in the chase happened to pull a mealie stalk and it came away at once. Suspicion was raised, and on scratching the soil the safe was found, and scrip of the face value of £200,000, but much more really. Jewel lery of the value of £10,000 was also found and over a df zen bars of melted gold were found under the safe. Altogether it is one cf the finest captures ever made in South Africa."

The weekly meeting of the Ruapuna Young Men's Mutual Improvement and Social Club was held in the schoolroom last Friday evening, Mr G. Whitelaw occupying the chair. There was a good attendance. A number of rules were passed. It was resolved to call the Club the Ruapuna Kingsley Club. The debate on "Which is the better fence for the farmer—a gorse fence or a wiro one % " was opened by Mr W. G Doyle, supported by Mr R. Bennett, in favor of live fences. Mr John Allan and Mr S. Tr®theway championed the wire fences. Other speakers were Messrs Cree, James Doyle, Emerson, Howard, G. and J» G. Whitelaw. The vote was in favour of gorse fences by eight votes to six. It

was resolved that next evening be an open night, for ladies and non-members to attend, Mr Doyle (senior) and Mr John Alan to affirm "That prohibition is desirable"; Mr G. Whitelaw and Mr James Doyle contra. After the debate, coffee and light refreshments were handed round, and a jovial hour was spent sing ing songs, etc, The proceedings closed with the national anthem.

The following telegram was despatched by the Invercargill Committee of the Chamber of Commerce yesterday to the Hon the Premier;—" This Chamber re spectfully protests against the wholosale inspection of tradesmen's books by sub ordinate accountants such as, it is under stood, is in progress, and feels confident thafc Parliament, when giving the Com missioner power to make tradesmen produce their books when there is any reason to doubt the accuracy of the returns, never intended that a wholesale inspection of the bo:k^ of Ihe trading community thoull be ma^e; and the Chamber feels that such a course is i- flic ing a needless and exasperating indigni y on traders. The Chamber further re soeotfully urges the Commissioner of Taxes to permit traders and others to make the return of their incomes in a similar form to last year, as it is practi cally impossible for the great majority to furnish the analysed details demanded in •he new returns, which, moreover, it is felt, involve a more complete exposure of the private working of a trader's busi nesses than the Government is warranted in demanding."

A social gathering under the auspices of the Rakaia Amateur Swimming Club waa held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Rakaia, on Monday night, when the members met for the purpose of presenting Mr A. ' Rowntree a token of the esteem in which 'he is held by the Club. Mr Rowntree has held the position of captain for three years, and during that time has been in defatigable in his efforts to promote the interests of the Club. Messrs Hardy and Thompson (vice-presidents) bore testi mony to the many good qualities possessed by Mr Rowntree, which so admirably fit him, for tie position \\e occupies. Mrs James Thompson, in a few well chosen and eulogistic remarks, then made the presentation which consisted of a hand some silver cake basket (suitably in scribed by the lady members), after which the .'Captain's health was drunk with musical honors. Mr Rowntree ex pressed his surprise and pleasure at receiving such a recognition of his services, when he considered he hjsd. been doing only his duty to. the Club. The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing, music, and song. Special thanks are due to the ladies who managed the refreshments.

Five fresh arrests were made on Tues day night in Newton and the men were brought before Mr NorthcroJEt, S..M. Ernest West (24), pharged' with being drunk, in Karangahape road, pleaded ♦♦ Guilty." He said he had arrived there only four days ago from Taranaki, and was intending to leave again by *he first sfceamer for Taranaki, Mr Northcroft said in that; case he would give him till Saturday to leave the city ; if the police found him thera at) the end of that time he would havß to go to Mount Eden. Norman Dodds (21), charged with having used threatening language to constable Lowther while the latter was executing his duty, pleaded "Nob Guilty." Con stable Lowther and plain clothes Constable Keefe and Emerson gave evi dence, stating the circumstanoes under whiqh the arrest was effected. The accused siid he had fallen in with some of his friends during the last few days, and had been drinking. He was also recently from Taranaki, where he had been work ing, but his home was Auckland. Mr Northcroft addressed the accused, im pressing upon him the necessity for trying to respect law and order, and giving his opinion of men oi accused's class—You think," said Me Northcrcfc, " that wfyen you get together you can do as you like, but you are only a lot of cowards. A man who would say that sort of thing, that he would do for the con stable because there were three of his gang and only one constable, is only a our, and is considered a cur by anyone who has a spark of courage in him." The accused was sentenced to one month's imprisonment wMi hard labor t

Ptjkb Blood is the Secret ojp Health Gordon's B:«od Pills cleanse the system of all impure blood, cure iudigestion,con stipation, liver complaint, pains; In back and sides, biliousness, sick headache; remove pimples, 1 scrofula, scurvy, efco. Larg/ bo 6s; two boxes, iOs. port.frw, J, W. Clayton 120j234 DancdjpJ ;

SCHOOL COMMITTEE

HAMPSTEAD

The monthly meeting of the Hampstead School Committee was held last evening. Present—Messrs Crooks (chairman), Orr, Andrews, Lawrie, Patten, Hendry, and Berrym»n. An apology was received from Mr Sage. CORRESPONDENCE. Correspondence was read from the Board of Education advising payment of £4 2s to credit of the Committee as re fun 4, of expenditure on th« absorption pit: also confirming Miss A- G Orr's appoint ment as pupil ceacher ; also stating that " the Inspector's report (as below) is very satisfactory and reflects much credit on the management of the school." INSPECTORS REPORT. Time-tablee.—-With some modifications which were suggested, the time-tables will be quite suitable- Organisation and Instruction.—This school is well organised, and in every department bears all the indications of capable manage ment. Throughout the standard classes teaching is earnest and effective, and the methods are sutibf+ctory. During inspec tion, any features of the work which aeemed open to criticism, were discussed with the teachers and the headmaster. The infant department continues to be conducted in a cheerfully energetic manner; the pupils re ceive good training, and are making satisfac tory progress in the work prescribed. Other matters.—ln respect to order and discipline, supervision, condition of build ings, cleanliness, ventilation and warming, and other details of inspection, the school is in a very satisfactory condition. Thos. Ritchie, Inspector. master's report. This report showed the number on roll to be 390, and the average attendance for the month 315, the smallness of the latter being attributed to the prevalenoe of whooping cough. HOLIDAYS. It was resolved that the winter holidays extend from May 23 to June 3, and that a blackboard required by the master be applied for. MANAGEMENT OF OANTERBURY COLLEGE, The Committee appointed by the con ference of delegates in December list forwarded 'copies of resolutions on the above subject, with a request that they be vcted on in the form submitted, without amendment, and number two resolution as below was unanimously adopted:—"That the members of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College be elected in the manner following: —Six members by the householders resident within a radius of five miles of Christ church, six members by the graduates of the Canterbury College,.twelve members by the School Committees located within I the provincial district of Canterbury." I ATTENDANCE RETURNS. These returns for the educational district of .North Canterbury, for the quarter ending March 31, 1895, were laid on the table. OFFICERS. All the old officers of the Committee were re-appointed at the original salaries. VISITING COMMITTEE. Messrs Hendry and Sage were appointed for the month, and requested to have the drain under one of the school rooms cleared out, and*a small matter at the master's house attended to. .FUEL. Ifc was resolved to advertise for tenders for the supply of fuel for the year, CLOCKS. Mr Murray's contract for keeping the school clocks in order was renewed. ACCOUNTS. Accounts, amountine to £5 4s 6d, were passed for payment;, and the Committee adjourned.

A Peculiar Case

JSapiek, May 7 A woman has been arras ted at Sydney under peculiar circumstances. Her hus band, E. 0, Laws, is a mechanical en gineer, well respected. He had saved some money, and was alscn secretary and treasurer of tho Rechabite Lodge, having about £800 of its funds in band. He gave hia wife deposit notes on both accounts to relodge the deposits in the B.»nk of New Zealand. Some time afterwards she said that she was going to nurse a friend at Tomoan», and went against the remon strances of her husband who was left with eight young children. As she did not return he made enquiries and found that she had never been at Tomoana, but had gone on to Wellington and taken steamer for Sydney eh route to England. Her husband then instituted further enquiries discovering that she had forged his name, withdrawing all his money and that of the Rech»bites,and had forged deposit receipts with the name of the manager of the bank. She was arrested before she could start for England.

The Gourlay and Stokes Company.

This company which has enjoyed a large share of popularity throughout; New Zealand of late, opens in the Oddfellows' Hall on Tuesday next for a short season. The principal artistes —Mr William and Miss Amy Gourlay—are the youngest children of the late Mr William Gourlay, the celebrated Scotch actor who played a season in ]New Zealand some twenty years ago, while their brother, Mr John GourlayVas with us about eighteen months ago in " Skipped, by the Light of the Moon." These young artistes are worthily upholding the tradi tions of che family name, and the press throughout the colony speaks in terms of the highest praise of their excellent per formances. As a comedian Mr William Gourlay is of the highest class, while he possesses a fine barjtpae voice, and is accounted the beat dancer in Australasia Miss Amy Gourlay is a aoubrette seoon-i I to none, and as a singer of topical sonc§ and a most graoeful tkirt dancer she can hold her own with the best. They are supported by an ex ceptionally strong company (specially including Mr Leonard Preston, a clever character actor not long oat from Eng land, where he had been touring with Wilson Barrett's and Willard's companies) and the public can rely on seeing thoroughly artistic and up-to-date per formances. The pieces to be played are "Revels," "Scotch Law," and '"That Awful Girl." When playing in Welling- I ton the company, by vies regal connnanc', gave & perforuvanoa at Government House bef^e His Excellency tho Governor, the Countess of Glasgow, and some 400 of their guests. His Excellency and Lady Glasgow were so pleased with the per formance that, accompanied by a large party, they again patronised the per formance of the GourJay and Stokes com pany. Before leaving Wellington Mr Stoke 3 received from Mr Campbell Preston, A.D.C., a irost complimentary letter, statin a; how pleased his Excellency s»ncl Lady Glasgow were with the per formances of the company, and wishing them the success on their tour that they deserved.

HoLLowAy's Pills, and Ointment — Bilious affections, with all their concomitant annoyances induced by atmospheric changes, or too liberal diet, should be checked at once, or serious consequences may ensue. When any one finds his ideas less clear than usual, his eyesight dimmed, and his head dizzy, accompanied by a disinclination for all exertion, physical or mental, he may be quite sure that he is in immediate need of some alterative medicine. Let him at once send for a box of Holloway's Pills, a mild couvse of which will remove the symptoms, and speedily renew his usual healthful feeling. If the bowels be irritable Hollo. -ray's Ointment should be diligently rubbed orer the ■fcomaoh and liver $ve,ry night and

European and Other Foreign Items

London, May 6 The Marquis of. Ripon is pressing Pir Henry Loch to reconsider his re fusal to accept the Governorship of New South Wales.

Lord Hopetoun declines to discuss the Victorian politics until his full term of office has expired. >

Vienna, May 7 Count Kalnoky, at the request of the Emperor, has decided to retain office. Count Kalnoky, in a private letter now published, denounced the Papal Nuncio in the strongest terms. M, Banffy, the Hungarian Premier, declares that he always will maintain that the Vatican has no right to interfere with the internal affairs of Austria. The Emperor asked both Count Kalnoky and M. Banffy to withdraw their resignations, and the former replied that his position was untenable.

JABEZ BALFOUR

London, May 6 He was charged with fraudulent misuse of £20,000, trust money, be longing to the House and Land Invest* ment and Trust Company, also moneys of building securities of the Company and conspiring with Hobbsand Wright, contractors, to defraud the Company.

Armenian Atrocities.

London, May 6 Mr Gladstone, in a letter, declares that the conduct of the Sultan with regard to Armenia is worse than the treatment of Bulgaria in 1876, when the insurrection in the latter country was suppressed with great cruelty, and declares that the nation will support Lord Rosebery in energetic action being taken to prevent a repetition of the atrocities by the Turkish soldiery in Armenia.

May 7. News received state that atrocities by Turkish soldiery on Christians con tinue in Armenia, but on a smaller scale than formerly, and the Daily Chronicle urges firm and immediate action being taken by the Imperial Government to stop them.

The Ringarooma Court - Martlal.

Svdnby, May 7 In the Legislative Assembly the Premier, in reply to a question, said the Government had no right to inter fere in the H.M.B. Ringarooma Court- Martial, and he did nojb intend to transgress his'proper official province. Representations were being made to the Imperial authorities in a proper way, and, the matter would probably be dealt with in the House of Com mons shortly.

Fatal Accident.

Sydxkt, May 8 Two men named John Miller and Benjamin Bunyan have been suffocated at Munro's Boiling Down Works, at Alexandra. The bodies were found in a receptacle used for steam escaping from the digester. It is supposed tint Miller, who was the engineer, was in side repairing it when he was overcome by foul gas, and that Benjamin Bunyan in attempting to effect a rescue wag also overcdme.

ANOTHER OF DOOLEY'S VICTIMS

Melbourne, May 7 Neale, the lodger who was struck down by Dooley when the former attempted to prevent the murder of Mrs Dooley and her mother-in-law, has succumed to his injuries, never having recovered consciousness.

ANOTHER SEWER FATALITY

Melbourne, May 7 Another sewer accident has hap pened at Port Melbourne in a section of the works where the shaft was down fifty feet. Three men, named William Young, James Phillips and James Conroy, were driving the shaft in the sand when the ground collapsed. Young just barely escaped, Phillips was crushed to death, but Oonroy was entombed and only rescued after three hours' work. He was badly injured.

THE OYANIDE PATENT.

Adklaidb, May 7 Mr Provis, of the Kapunia School of Mines, has completed an interesting series of experiments with a solution of potassium cyanide and seaweed, for purposes of gold extraction. Ninety per cent assay value of the ores is ex tracted, and Mr Provis is confident that the use of seaweed solutions with a combination of cyanide will ulti mately considerably reduce the cost of the treatment of low grade ores by the cyanide.

Aatktßage—lkeNao Venus Tobacco

THE ASHBURTON GUARDIAN: WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1895.



t-'vsiness Notices % ~bXd^~time& monet. no money. TT is almost impossible lo give things away, but never mind, come and try G. J. NEILL FOR, DR4PERY, CIiOTtfUHTG, & BOOTS. Make no error ; he ia cheaper than any other in Canterbury. Dress Goods 4^i Double Width Dress Goods Is 6d now la White Calico, Is ltd dram Double Bed white Twill Sheeting, 9|d Flannellettsa 2* lid dozen . Plaids, B|i and 6£d Tow«ls, 2id each Oretonne Shd Blankets, Blankets. Double Bed Colonial All Wcol Flannel, white, grey, and pink, Blankets 25a 6d, reduced to 18s 6d B|d Ladies'and Children's Ulsters and Jackets Corsets, Corsets Millnery at your own price Ladies Stockings 6d cloThTng. Men's Tweed Suit, 18a 6d Colonial Heavy tweed Suite, 32s 6d, re- Men's Saddle Tweed Trousers, (all wool) duced to 21s 6d. 13s 6d Men's Tweed Trousers, 6s lid Men's Tweed Overcoats with C»pes, 18s 6d Boys' Suits, 3a lid Boys Caps, 6d each Socks, Shirts, and Hats, at your own price boots7""boots. The maker of our Boots guarantees satisfaction, or he will replaoe them. NEILL'S FOR BOOTS. Men's Bluchers, 4a lid Men's Balmorals, 7<i 6d Children's Strong Leather Boots from Women's Strong Leather Boots, 03 lid 3s lid, this is no rubbish Women's Strap Shoes from 4a lid Women's Carpet Slippers, Is 3d. a j~neTll PRIEDLAKDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. Agent for Yarmouth Oil Skins. FLETCHER BROS. A RE JUST LANDING THE FOLLOWING GOODS FOR COMING SEASON, 100 CASES WHITE ROSE KERO- 50 CASES « LIGHT OF THE AGE " SENE, 150 per cent Test. KEROSENE, 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 Rolled Oats in Packets 5 Cwt Germina and Bags | Ton Golden Syrup in 561b tins f Ton Black Treacle in 561b tins B Cases „ „ „ 281b „ 1 Oases „ „ „ 28ib „ 3 „ „ „ „ 141b s „ 2 „ „ „ „ Hlb „ 5 „ „ „ » 71b  5 „ „ „ „ 71b „ 5 „ i,  j, 41b , 5 „ „  „ 41b „ 5 „ „  „ 21b „ 5 „ „ „ „ 21b „ I Ton Wheatinea! SUGAR. SUGAR. SUGAR. We have just made a contract with the Auckland Sugar Refining Com pany to be supplied with their finest No 1 Sugar at a greatly Reduced Rate, Enquire our price before going elsewhere, Dairy Salt. Dairy Salt, We have just received a Consignment of the Finest Refined Dairy Salt. 5 Tons Fine Salt in lewt bags 2 Tons Fine Salt in 561b bigs i „ „■ „ Ulb „ 2 „ „ „ 71b „ # JUST ARRIVED—A Splendid Line of Hudson's Wator Biscuits in 41b tins, to be cleared at Is 7d per tin. lins Free. FLETCHER BROS., C&SH SUPPLY STORES, ASHBURTON AND CHRISTOHXRCH. PRELIMINARY NOTICE. ON Account of the Distress of Trade, we hare decided to go out of business Con sequently we shall offer the whole of Our Stock of fcIKiPKKY, Cli©T£lliU€* A BOOTH, ON Saturday Next, April 27, AND FOLLOWING DAYS. j WE must realise, as we are losing money every day, and we think the first less the besb. Our Creditors are clamoring for theic money, and to pay them we must sacrifice our Stock. We don't intend to make a bogus sale jwo want money, and to get it we know we must make a considerable reduotion|in our prices, to command a ready sale. We close on THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, APRIL 25 and 20, in order to mark down the Stock. DON'T FOBGET SATURDAY NEXT. Brit)" your money, and for every pound your spend you will save at least ten shillings. W, W . SPENCER & CO. ARCADE HOUSE- j BURNETT STREET, !



_Wanted MINK, —Challenge Race between a Maori and European lady To-Mor row Evening, (Thursday). Skating in the afternoon at 2.30, 5 77 "pINWALD.~6d Concert by Ashbutton -*- friends To-morrow Night (Thursday) for Tinwald Wesleyan Sunday School fund. 5 70 WANTED, an Assistant Steward for the Ashburton Club, where schedule of duties may be seen. Appli cations, by letter only, will be received up to and including Wednesday, 15th inst. 5 45 FOOTBALLS and Linings, all sizes Accordeons from 7s 6d. Gameo for winter evenings. Special value in boxed Stationery.—H. M.Jones. 564 i'O LET.—A Comfortable Four- Roomed Cottage with wash house etc. Rent moderate. Apply James Tasker, Beach Road, Hampsiead- 552 "TAPS and Chinkies.—Most excraordi t) nary Cheap Sale of Books is still going on at J. Marsden's, Tancred street. LEAVE IT TO MB "-HIAIT »4 WANTED to Sell—A few loads of Good Oaten Straw, also a few tons of Oat Straw Chaff. Apply J. Harris, Allenton. * 5 42 'TITANTED Known, that the crockery * and earthenware business of the late W. J. Haippton, East street, will be carried on by Mrs Hampton in Burnett street, opposite the Club. 5 24 7\ LL persons owing Accounts to the t\ l&te W. J. Hampton, furniture dealer of East street, are requested to pay same at once to Mrs Hampton, Burnett street. 5 25 BICYCLES.— Ord«rs now being booked for our next shipment Cushions, £10; 95 Dunlop Tyres, £16.—Carson and Co. 5 4 j riHOICE New Season Fruit. Grapes, Peaches, Pines, Plums, Bananas, Apples, Apricots, and Tomatoes ; the best in town.— Adams, Saunders' Buildings. WANTED Known—We are reducing the whole of our Drapery, Boots, Clothing, etc, For Cash. New Dresses, New Jackets, New Hats, etc., will all be reduced.—H. C. Segers, Melford House. 4 * / ANTED KNOWN.-The celebrated vv Yarmouth Oilskins can be ob« tamed at W. H Collier, "The Corner." WANTED Known —Great Bargains are now baing given for Cash in all departments. Before laying out your money for Drapery, Boots, etc , give us a call.—H. C. Segers, Melford House, WANTED Known.—Lowest possible prices for Men's Knit Under clothing, Shirts, and Heavy Boots.— Mitchell and Turner. OWN Make In Ladies' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, ttluslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings etc., at Mrs Alcorn's new shop, Baker's Buildings. /CHOICE FKUlTS.—Peaches, banana, v-' ©ranges, lemons and tomatoes, at H. A. Flower, Fruiter and Confectioner, East street, WA NTKD- Everyone to visit our Large Show Room now replete wihh new styles for theseason.—Mitchell and Turner. WANTED KNOWN.-Warm carpec slippers for Winter wear, cirls 9d, Is, women's Is 93.— W. H. Collier, " The Corner." Sharps. Bran, Bran. If you are requiring either of the above for your Pigs or Cattle enquire our Pnce before buying elsewhere. Special quota tions for ton lots. Flour at Mill Price.— Fletcher Bros , Ashbnrton. QPECIAL NOTICE.—Suits aad Single O Garments made to measure. Fit and style with prices to suit the times. Largß purchase Heavy Kaiapoi Trousers and Knit Underclothing.—Mitchell and Turnek. WANTED.— 1000 Men to look at the Cheap Drapery from Australia, at Melbourne prises. " The Blue House " is the place to get ir, at the Corner of Arcade, and don't you forget it. 4 240 WANTED Knowu —Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and everything in the optical line at S. Saxek's, Optician, (^.SH.CASH. Drapery, Boots, Oloth- J ing, etc. New Goods just opened. Everything reduced for Cash.—-H. C. Segers, Melford flouse. BACON, Bacon, Baaon. —Best Grain Fed Bacon from the Waterton District. Sidea 6d per lb ; Trimming Slices, sd; Best Cuts, 6|d. Cheese, Cheese, Oheeae.—Best Local Dairies and Akaroa s|d and 61 per lb. Look at our window. —Taylor, East street, English Vinegar, 6d per bottle, Worcestershire Sauce 4^H. LF. ANDREWES & CO.—Sale now • 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 WANTED Known — Mrs Hooper , (monthly nurse) is open to accept engagements. Apply, by letter, to Mrs Hooper, Alford Forest Road, Ashburton. 11*134 . WANTED Known — The Misses Uuquhakt have started Dress making, and having a thorough knowledge of the business, combined with moderate charges, hope to receive a snare of the rjublic patronage. Address: Tancred Street, nexfc to E. W. Hall. Berbalist. BOY'S and Girla Owa Annual, British Workman and Workwoman, Infant's Magazine, Thje Pripe, Child's Companion, Children's Friend. Little Dot, Family Friend, Band of Hop.c, ¥"<>»#? England, and other New Books at Lowsst Prices.— L. F. Andrewes and Co. 11 08 OTIceI Notice Sport for all Guns let out on hire or sold on time payments. H&ving a professional Gunsmith on the premises, I undertake to repair Guns of any description. Gun fittings in stock. Prices low.—J. W HARDi-Ey, Iroiiinaoiiffer, etc' BANG ! Bang i Bang ! My npw se» son'a stock of Aj»munit£on to- hand Eley's, Kynock's and, Cluu Cartridges, Powder, Shot, Caps, Wads, Oasea and all sporting materials of the first quality at J. W. Hardley's, Gun Emporium . — — ——— ■ f 1 UNS ! Guns ! Guns I My new stock \J( of Gunsj ust to hand direct from the wftnyiacturers. Double and Single Barrel ©reeiefc L°aders' Rifles, etc. In spection invited. I'o ,a} 4 stock to select from at J. W. Haedlb.v?j» gpprting Rprtonitory „___ ÜBERT "aLCORN has opened in Baker's Buildings, next the Court house, a stock of Clothing, etc., bought wfc E4»rards, Bannett's and the Kaiapoi Sales, t?he lot of goods ever brought to Ashburl;gjß, Also an , aatiyrkinent of £got«.



Wanted. / CHRISTMAS Presents, Choice Oma \_J ments, Zithers and Jew's Harps, Balis and Dolls for everybody from Id each; Jointed Dolls for 6d, Sleepiujj; Beauties Is. Chinese Conquerors 6d, Russian Embassies Is, Walking Men, Talking Dolls, Scotch Greys, and Bnnis killen Dragoons all wonderfully cheap at Mrs Alcorn's Ladies-' Underclothing and Fancy Bazaar, Havelock street. WANTED Known -That if you are in want of a first) class article in sum mer Boots and .Shoes, you cannot do better than call at J. Moison s ; you , will get the very best at reduced prices. As for his own make, they are well known to the delight of the wearers, throughout the Australasian colonies. Repairs well done and at once Premier Boot Maker, Town Ha 1 Boot Store Evt street, Ashburton POTATOES. Potatoes —Just arrived a Consignment of the Finest Blue Derwent Potatoes, from the best pofcatoe growing district in North Canterbury, to be sold at a very low price. Special quotation for ton lots. — Flbtchkb Bros , Cash Supply Stores, East Street, Ash burton. WANTED KNOWN. —F. S, Jeffries, leading Confectioner and Fruiterer of Ashburton, East Street, next the Corner. Ice Creams, Fresh Fruits, Confectionery, Summer drinks of every description. Ice at reasonable rates. Ladies Room a specialty. 1*153 WINTER. 152 Men's, Boys' and Youths' Tweed Overcoats, with Cape, to be cleared this season at 20 par cent under ordinary prices 69 Boys' and Youths Macfarlane Over coats, new shape, to be Sold at 12£ per cent lower than last season 28 ttoys* Double-breasted Reefers from 10s 9d WATERPROOF COATS. Our Coats are to be seen all over the Country. SPECIAL. Ladies' Waterproof Cloaks made to measure ; all Sewn Seams. A SHBURTON T3LANKETS, Large Double Bed Size, WINTER BOOTS. It will pay you to Buy your BOOTS from the HEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ALEX. HENDRY, Manager.



AVER'S Sarsaparilla. IS THE GREAT Blood-Purifier, NERVE TONIC, —AND— STRENGTH-BUILDER. ,^ It attacks y^UW^JV and breaks mi /OxT^TX every humor, /C/ fkyEftfrVZ\ f«»es skinerup- I i \^ltl<ms, restores I•I "^ MM^ I I exn&uste<l vital- I l^lfll^l " l ity ' aud drives u*«sßte»3**J.%*JLfout everyele- V XW?APAR\N>!AC>/ merit of disease. Vfts^T^>TOr S^erers from X^s«ft*rNwr indigestion,gen- SI \Jr eral debility, or any other ail ment arising from impure blood, should take Ayer's Sarsaparilla. It gives strength to the weak, and builds np the system gener ally. By its use food ia made nourisMng, sleep refreshing, and life enjoyable. Ayer's Sarsaparilla HIGHEST AWABDB AT THE f World's Great Expositions. Made byDr.J.CAyerACo., Lowell,M»st.,rJS.Av lor*Bew»re of cheap Iraitattontk Tfte name