Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1896. The Currency Question in the States.

Most of our readeia are aware that the election of the President of the United States which takes place on Tuesday next is creat ing unparalleled excitement in the States and a great deal of interest throughout the rest of the world. But we find that very few have more than a very hazy idea of the reason for such unusual interest being manifested in the event referred to. The election has acquired a special importance owing to its connection with the currency' question in America, which has been gradu. ally assuming national importance owing to the accumulation of silver in the hands of the Government. This accumulation has come about through the operation of certain economic laws which are but little under- stood by the masses in any country, namely the relation between gold and silver as media of exchange, It is impossible to give a full explanation # within the limits of an article of a subject so intricate as the currency question. But it may be briefly stated that the chief cause of the trouble in America is the depreciation of silver owing to the increased production of this metal in America itself as well as in other par's of the world. To remedy this, various Acts of- Oongress have been passed tince 1878, hav ing for their object thg forcing of the state to buy large quantities of silver at short regular intervals, and pledging the Govern ment to accept silver dollars as redeemable iu gold so as to keep both metals in circula tion. But notwithstanding all legislative efforts to far made, silver continues to accumulate in the Treasury vaults in Washington whepe several millions worth of silver are at preserijb stored. To realise this bullion at present prices gi silver would pause enormous loss on the purchase value. Dealing with this question the Dailv Qtaphic points out that this condition of things has by a natural law resulted in the inferior metal displacing the superior. Gold has thus been leaving the States, and the Government — beiog pledged as already stated, to keep gold, silver, and paper money at equal and anchangeab'e values — have been constantly obliged to; import gold from Europe by the ordinary methods of international exchange. The absurdity (says the Daily Grtipfa) of this arrangement of making the. Government the •ole depository of gold in the country, and thus in effect adding to the' national debt whenever the trade balances happen tempo rarily to be against the country, has become so well recognised that all the best and soundest opinions of the United States'are in favour of such modification of the currency laws as will permit of the banks holding gold against the issue of notes, and of taking the banking business out of the hands of the (government, and thus relieving them of duties undertaken by ro other State. There are, however,' important interests in the United States which still regard the maintenance of the price of silver as of vital importance, and their representatives demand (hat anyone shall haye the right of takin'g BJlyer to the Tieasury and have it converted into dollars, exchangeable for gold dollars. The owners, of the silyep mines in the West^many of which have been dosed by the low price of the white metal, are deeply interested in this policy. But this js but one of the many industries which have of late years been languishing in spite of high protective tariffs. Agriculture, especially in thj Southern and Western States, is, tor-instance, in a very unsatisfactory condition. Owing to the competition of Argentina, Ruse a', and other countries, American wheat it being steadily driven out of European markets, and a recent official report/ atatea that " the grow* ing of wheat in California as a staple cereal product for export is an industry of the past, Wages of farm hands have thus deolincdt and a similar pressure is being felt l-y working men in other industries^' The above is an outline of the policy of what is called the "Silver Party" in the United States, and it has been adopted as a p'ank in the platform of the Democrats, of whom Mr Bpyan is the chosen representative. And although he is also to some extent an advanced Bad i.cal, $ nob a Socialist 1 , there, can be no doubt that his $leption or defeat tO'day will be mor/3 influenced 'by the currency question than by any other, because the bulk of the propertied classes in the States is ranged against the adoption of the Silver Party's programme,

It will be seen by a new advertisement m another column that Messrs Craighead and Berryman are probably now showing the largest stock of new tweeds and fashionable tailoring goods ever exhibited in Ashbur jbon. This speaks well for their enterprise and local industry. Fob Indigestion, the ty&p remedy is un doubtedly Norton's Oamomu<e Pills. They oar confidently be recommended aa being ! mild in operation and absolutely free from i injurious drugs. Acting at once as a splen« : did tonia and a gentle aperient. For nearly 100 years they hare proved uxequallec* for Indigestion, Dyspepsia, sick Headache and for jjiv.er and Stomach oomplaints. Sold in bottles Is l'sd, % !& 9d, a&d lla. by all Medi < ine Vendor* throughout tnp wot)', A J fnplq, *«f« M»d PCftoJn remedy

Local and General.

Reading matter wi 1 be found on first and lourth pages.

Feilding has produced a broDze turkey weighing 421b.

The bot fly is causing great trouble to horseownerß in and around Masterton.

Sparrows have taken to eating the pea and bean crops on the west coast of the North IsUnd.

It was reported in the North Canterbury district ou Monday that the purchase of Glenmark for settlement had been completed.

The many admirers of Madame Trebelli will be glad to learn that she intends payiDg a flying visit to New Zealand prior to leaving for England.

Bishop Yerdon, of Dunedin, will pass through Abhbuiton by the express to-night, enroute for Auckland, where he will assist at the conseoi'aiion of Bishop Lenihan.

A prohibition meeting will be held in the schoolroom at Dromore this evening at 8 o'clock. Addresses will be given by Rev J. Olphert and Messrs G. Leadley and J. Hayman.

Mrs Rudolph Friedlander was kind enough to provide afternoon tea for the players in the cricket match Ashburton v. Methven in the Domain on Saturday afternoon, an act that was highly appreciated by the players.

The polioe would like to communicate with the person who bought a single rein bridle from Mrs Knight on Friday last early in the' forenoon. The purchaser would do well to communicate with Sergeant Barlow at the j earnest opportunity. The train arrangements for the Christ- 1 ohurch Show are adverfciaedln this issue. It will be noted that the fares are at the excursion rates of 26 and Id a mile, the minimum being 4a and 2s, for first and second class respectively, the tickets being avail ible until November 24. A oandid friend drops into poetry in the Bulletin anent the Premier. Here is a verse : — Strong in the people's confidence, Tactful o'er friend and foe to rule, Combining with his honest sense The "noble firmness ot the mule."

The Pleione, Captain Sargent, from London, arrived- at Ne'son yesterday, after a passage of ninety-five days. On October 3 a Beaman named- G. Smith fell from aloft, breaking his leg in two places, and also one arm, besides sustaining in'ernal in juries. He died next morning, and was buried at sea.

The Chinese send three invitations to the guests that they desire to see at their great feasts. The first is despatched two days before the feast, the second on the day itself in order to rsmind those they have invited of their engagement, and the third just before the hour has arrived so as to Bhow how impatient they are to see their friends arrive. Aaaitia nf afrhtm frntn flia minoval Vhnlf:

Assays of store from the mineral belt, near the city ot Nelson, continue to show that the oopper ore found contains gold in fair quantities. From one load the assays averaged bix pennyweights of gold, while others go up to ten pennyweights of gold, be ides the copper. Additional men are being put on to prospect for further lodes, and to open the copper ones.

A Press Association telegram from Dane'

din states that Thursday next has been -fixed for the hearing of the argument in the application of a sammoni to remove Mr W. B. Yigere from his position as one of the liquidators bf the Colonial Bmk, also a summonß to show cause why an order should not be made for the public examination of certain Directors and offioera of the Colonial Bank.

A very pleasant . gathering was held at Christ church on Saturday afternoon to wish Mr Thomas MacKenzie b n zoyage. Mr Henderson occupied the chair. Mr Overton proposed the toast of the day, " Good Luck to Mr MacKenzie." Mr W. Boag spoke in support- , and Mr- MacKenzie replied. The other toasts propose.! were " Commercial Interests," responded to by Mr E. G. Ftaveley, and "The Agricultural and Pas toral Interests," proposed by Mr Haydon, and responded to by Mr W. Boag.

Most old residents of Christchuroh will learn with regret of the death of Mr W. G. Walker, for many years clerk of the Court Christohurob, whioh occurred at Auckland yesterday aa he was returning home from Sydney, where he had been on Bick leave. Mr Walker's .thorough acquaintance with his official duties gained for him the high esteem pf all who transacted business in his office. Mr Walker was the father of coursing in Canterbury, and was one of the first to import high-class greyhounds into the province. He alao acted as the first editor of The Coursing Calendar. In poultry and pigeon flying Mr Walker was an enthusiast, and those who 'remember the old shows will

also" remember his many successes in the prize list. Asa judge of pigeons he had few equals, and his services in this respect were in constant requisition at the ljoal shows., The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and ten ohildren.

TJie usual monthly meeting of the Chertsey School GommUtfle was held on October 31, all the me'mbera present. The master re ported the attendance for the month average 58, on the roll t§": It was deoided to get thp water jug and chemioala asked for, The Jospectpr's reporta were received for this main and side schools, and were considered very satisfactory, The committee wished to congratulate the teachers on such ati excellent report. .The sum of £4 10s 5d had been collected from the sale of books. The small accounts amounting to £1 I6s were passed for payment. It was decided to hold the annual treat on November 26, in the Chertsey Bohool ground.

The gupbqard system of English railway travelling is doomed, but djes hard. Qne great bompany after another is using vesti bule and corridor oars with, its expresses ; but there is an enormous amount of the old rolling stock still to be worked off, and the majority of English travellers still find themselves locked up in boxes— in company with perhaps pnly one feljow-ocotfpant, whp may be a manjao, a murderer or a ruffian. The opcaslopal results were exhibited in jbhe shopking outrage gommi^ted upon a poop woman on tbe'Brighton line. She was alone in a carriage with a murderous scoundrel, who assaulted her, robbed her, and nearly killed her. It would be unreasonable to require that all the old closed compartment carriages should be condemned out of hand, but what we (St James 1 Gazette) might expect is that "no ne'w ones should be constructed The Board'of Trade might very Veil ask for an undertaking to that effect from the rail' Dfay companies, and if they deoline it, legislative power to prohibit any addition to the number of thtae locomotive rabbit* h^tobei aould be obtained from Parliament,

THE AUCKLAND GOLD FIELDS.

Important Interview.

As the Auckland mining district has recently come very prominently undei' the notice of the general public— in the North Island more especially, where large fortunes have been made — we have pleasure in placing before our readers the results of an interview with Mr H. A. Mackay, of this town. As he has personally been over a large portion of the ground, and aasured himself of the bona fides of the northern mining country including all the Coro mandel Peninsula, we feel sure the information supplied will be read with interest

We regret that pressure on our apace will only allow us to give a brief summaiy of the news supplied to our representative upon the bright prospects of the goldmining industry in the north.

THE BOOM,

Auckland city, Mr Mackay states, has become the principal centre of all negotia tions in connection with mining work, and at the present time men of air grades in connection with gold mining have been attracted there from all parts of the world, more especially from England, Scotland, France, Germany, America, South Africa, and also all parts of Australia, who are flocking to Zew Zealand on account of the immense mining wealth of the Coromandel Peninsula, and the exceptionally favorable circumstances for working and developing the mines, the country being well supplied with timber, water, and other necessaries for this work. These advantages, considered with, a grand climate, hold out wonderful prospectß for the future of the mining in dustry.

THE CYANIDE PROCESS.

In reply to our inquiry as to. what first started the excitement, we were answered that the enormous returns from the Waihi mine were the means of primarily attract ing the attention of the Home and foreign public, and when it is shown that last month's returns from this one mine alone reached a total of over £12,000, it will be admitted that good reasons were given for the attention of outside capitalists. Another special feature is undoubtedly the intro duction of extraction of the precious metal by the means of the cyanide process. Under the older methods of treatment, only 40 per cent of the gold could be extracted ; whereas now, under the recent cyanide process, about 95 per cent of gold is obtained. In ihe W»ihi mine, where thia new system was first tried, the whole of the old tailings remaining from former sinkings and shaft ings had been saved, and they have now been separately treated by cyanide after, being dealt with under the old method. Numerous other reduction processes more recent still, are now being inaugurated, which it i» ex pected will create a further revolution in the treatment of auriferous stone, and will < be even more extensive and complete in their , scope, as they are applicable to all descrip tions of ores. From information supplied to our Legislative Council, which enquired into one special process, it was stated that a company in Western Australia had pur chased the patent rights for Western Australia for 120,000 ordinary shares, 600 deferred shares, and £30,000 cash, and they considered they .had made a good bargain ; and there were other companies willing to give half a million for poncesaion for Aus tralia West. They had treated stone from South Africa, "West Australia, Guiana, India, Mexico, and no matter how hard the stone, it yielded to the process in times varying from twenty minutes to half an hour. Under the old processes the cost of systems of treatment ranged from 9s to 30s, whereas under the newest patent spokm of in the House, which- required the simplest possible machinery, costing only a few pounds, the stone can be made into powder at a coat, so far as Western Australia is concerned, of the marvellously small sum of 6d per ton, in addition to whatever royalty might be payable to the patentees. This figure may seem absurdly low, but at any rate the House has applied for information of the scheme, with a view to secure patent rights, if they satisfy themselves as to. the dona fides of it. 1 waihi. Returning to our heading of the Auckland gold fields, and taking first Waihi, Mr Mao kay states that lo reach that district there are steamers running daily to Paeroa, [a six hours passage through charming water and land scenes, and in addition a railway line is aIBO completed to that town from Auckland, trains running daily. Most of the traffic, however, goes by steamer, and from Paeroa frequent coaches are running daily to Waihi, whilst there are any number of waggons and traps of all classes crowding the roads daily. In Paeroa itself .it is reckoned there are about 400 horses stabled nightly, which are being used in carrying on the traffic to the various mines along the route via Mackay town, Karangahake, Owharoa, and on to Waihi and Waitekauri.

Dealing first with the celebrated Waihi, Air Maokay was conducted over this mine, in which at present 20,0 men are employed underground, in addition to a large staff employed at the batteries and works on the surface, where operations are carried on by shifts night and day. He was taken through the various workings, including the cele brated Martha reef, from which tremendous returns have been obtained. The stone taken from the various drives is conveyed to the adjacent batteries in small trucks, and is first placed in immense kilns, with alternate layers of firewood between, and after being burnt and softened for iour or five days, is then put through an ordinary stone crusher, to further reduoe the lumps, after which it is taken to the usual stampers, a hundred of which are at work pounding the stone into fine dust or powder. This dust is then treated by the cyanide process mentioned, but the actual particulars of the method are too lengthy to particularise. As proof of the sige and duration of the reefs in the Waihi, and the wonderful re sources of this apparently ezhaustless property, the directors of the Company are now spending enormous sums of money in establishing another large battery,- a dis tanoe of about seven miles away, on the road to Karangahake, where an additional 130 stampers will be erected to deal with the assured increase in the output of rich stone to be conveyed from the mine upon a tram way line. rABANGAHAKE. . Karangahake'is a regular nest of high hills where extensive operations are also carried out by large and wealthy pompaniep. The Karan gahake district is very mountainous, and as a consequence a great saying in work is gained, aa instead of sinking shafts the proprietors meantime simply bore tunnels thrpugh the hills, where exceptionally good returns are obtained, as evidenced by the results of present operations at Buoh mines as the Crown, Woodstock, Talisman, etc. Alto gether, a large amount of work is being done at Karangahake, as in addition to the various properties purchased by English syndicates, numerous mines are being worked by local companies. The heavy traffic in conveyance of milling machinery, stores, and passengers during the wet season has cut' up all the roads on the Coromandel peninsula terribly, and this oause has also impeded the advancement of the mining industry ; bat with the advent of settled weather great activity is again being dis-" ilayed all round in opening up good proper ties and creating reduction mining plants, etc.

THE THAMB3.

Returning to Paeroa, which as a town has made marvellous progress during the last twelve months, and before which a grand future seems assured, a coaoh conveys passengers daily to the Thames, and a steamer also sails Jjy river to within a few miles of this letter toup. The Thames country itself is very well known as one of the oldest and best districts in the peninsula, from which, vast returns are now being realised. Mines, and batteries are operating night and day, and until the tfiines iu outside surrounding districts hare erected crushing plants, large quantities of outside stone are being brought to the Thames batteries for treatment. A leading feature in the town itself is the Thames School of Mines, which is crowded with students from all parts, and here it is that samples of stone are treated and reported upon by special' everts at Jhejr business, who are quite oelebrated over the provinoe. General business at the Thames in miDing matters is, to say the least of it, astoulshing, and a great future appears to lie before this place, at is proved to the fact that 250 mines have, •Jrflisybteoflo»to4 fcflpiWMtfen with tb»

Thames and Upper Thames districts. The ' various propertied which have ulready been proved as extremely valuable woild require more space to descant upun than we liuve available, and we pass on, more especially as ike Thames has already made a reputation. ' COMMUNICATION. S' earners ply daiy and often twice daily to nnd from Auckland, which is a lovely sail of six hours. The Northern Steam hip Co. have now a steamer ou the way from Britain which is to underb.ke the journey in four hours. This company is more than fully employed in conveying pa-sengers, machi nery, and goods to the various mining ports, and the operations already -further arranged for by English aud other syndicates will take some years to carry out. The Northern Co. has at present tweoty steamers employed, and most y so in trading to tluse mining ports, and they are also arranging for further vesßols for the trade. Opposition has also been started to several harbors in the peninsula. It may be added that two boats which were formerly employed between Lyttelton and Akaroa bays— namely, the Akarua and J>he Banks Peninsula — are now running in the Auckland and Coromandel peninsula trade.

COBOMANDEL.

Coming next to the Coromandel town itself, which is another very important mining centre, steamers also ply there daily, the passage from Auckland ocoupying four hourß, through most beautiful scenery. Picturesque islands dot the passage almost all the way, and the township is pleasantly Bituated The mining industry all round the township is advancing with great strides, and houses are - going up- in all directions, but quite failing to accommodate the influx during the last twelve months. C6romandel has had many " ups and downs" in life ; but the fullest confidence is now being shown in the district, as proved by the fact that English and foreigu syndicates are buying largely into the local mines. The town now extends back a considerable distance up the valley forming the old and new town, and several prominent building in connection with mining and public works are in course of construction as fast as men can be obtained to build them. The Hauraki, Kapanga, Bunker's Hill, Four-in , hand, etc., are in full work, mostly con trolled by English owners. The stone for treatment is in some caaea taken to the Thames, . but the Hauraki Co. has erected a small battery near the wharf at the entrance to the town. Altogether forty companies have been floated and are quoted on the Exchange in connection with mines in the Coromandel and surrounding claims. The gold in these parts i8 very rich in quality, and although the reefs generally are smaller than those discovered and worked in the Waihi, they still yield ex ceptional returns wherever they have been sufficiently and properly developed. In the Kapanga mine the shaft has now been sunk over 1000 feet and is said to be the lowest sinking in the colony, and where good gold h%s been found — a highly important dis covery."Before striking the reef at this | depth,. soo feet had been previously bored without any result, which shows the pluck and energy displayed by the owner of ■ this mine. Cabbage Bay and Kennedy's Bay, . adjacent to Coromandel, are ooming largely to the front in mining matters, and great stir is apparent all through this part of the Peninsula in developing the discoveries already brought to light. THE OUTLOOK.

To Bum up, a total of 300 odd companies^ with large capital, have already been formed in Auckland Province, and the proprietors are pushing ahead all they can the necessary works of development. A few of the knowing people in Auckland city estimate that the population there will reach 150,000 people within the next three years, and it will be admitted that by. present indications they are justified in their impressions. Building goes on fast all round, and outside capitalists are buying up largely in town and suburban properties—even the -great Roths child being represented as one of the opera tors in this respeot, and in a large measure. Miners, carpenters, bricklayers, and engi neers can readily find employment at high rates of wages, and for some time to come miners of experience will be hard to obtain, although good men are being imported daily and arriving from other fields. ■■ After his trip round the various fields, gaining personal information at reliable sources, Mr Mackay informs us on his return to AucklaocTne was requested by^a powerful syndicate in that city to proceed sou'h win . promoters' shares in three mines, eitua*ed in most favorite localities in the Coromandel Peninsula, and which are Burrounded by mines which are proved successes. These three mines were specially selected by the syndicate out of a host of propei ties carefully inspected by their own experts, the others being discarded as too risky purchases. Mr Mackay gives very full details, and shows most satisfactory reports, together with plans showing the properties under sale, and in which already, in but a few days 16,000 shares have been applied for, and he adds' that as he has shortly to return to Auckland, early application is necessary by applicants who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity of investing. An ad vertisement appears in our columns giving particulars as to where Bhares may be applied for. Jb should be added, as a very important factor, that these promoters* shares are purchasable under the non-liability clause, which for investors at this distance is a very safe precaution for the local public.

REV. HASKETT SMITH, M. A.

The great Eastern traveller, whose lec tures, illustrated by limelight views of Egypt and the Holy Land, were so much appteciated on a previous visit, will give the first of two lectures in the Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday evening. His subject will be " Constantinople, the Sublime j" or the crisis in the Turkish Empire'. 4 ' The subject of Armenia and the Armenians is one at present largely affecting' European politics, and the atrooities perpetrated upon the uufortunate people have raised a storm of indignation throughout the civilised world; Rev Haakett Smith is in a position to throw much light upon this question from >ODg personal, knowledge and residence in the East, and he can rather open the eyeß of his hearers as to the character of both Turk and Armenian. The Mayor will be chairman at the first lecture, and John Lambie, Esq., ot Kyle, will preside at the second.

SPORTING.

(SEB PBESS ASSOCIATION— COPYBIQHT.)

THE MELBOURNE CUP.

M»|Jbouene, November 3 Finer weather than prevails could not be wished for Cup dsfy and the attendance promises to be '%% large aa. ever,

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsib e for the opinions expressed by our correspondents

THE PROPOSED POLLING PLACES.

TO THE EDITOB.

Sib, — 1 Bhould imagine from the pub'ished list of proposed polling places for Aehburton electorate, that the party \srho compiled the list did so from the old map of Ashburton electorate, as I note there is not any polling place mentioned for any par j; of the Cold stream road district, the whole of which is now included in the Ashburton electorate. - I am, etc.,

Ne\v Chuj^.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual meeting of the Ashbarton Borough Goaaoil was held on Monday even ing. Present — His Worship the Mayor (presiding), and Cra Collins, Raid, Paul, Baker, Bird, Brooke, and Orr. ' FINANCE. The Mayor reported the debit balance at the bank as standing at £1723 7s sd, and the income received since last meeting had been £160 ss. THB HOSPITAL. The County Council wrote, asking lot payment of £10, the borough's contribution to hospital maintenance^ the County Council having passed a sum of £60. The amount was ordered to be paid. . WILLOWS IN THB BIVEBBED. The County Council wrote, agreeing to clear the willows from the riverbed, opposite such portion as the borough chose to operate on. The' County Engineer would meet the Borough Engineer on the maf tar.— Received.. THB OUTFALL DBAIN BESEBVE. The County Council wrote to say that they had written to the Land Board regard* ing the reserve in question. — Received. ■ besebvjb 772. Mr 0. P. Cox wrote, applying for a lease of reserve 772. The matter'was referred to the Reserves Committee; CHABITABLB AID BOABD. The Secretary, Charitable Aid Board, wrote regarding the annual election of members.— Received. WATER 'SUPPLY. Messrs Mtiller anel ; Jackson wrote, asking for a supply of watijr for their property in Short street. The water was required for drainage purposes. — Referred to Works .Obmmiftea ; * -"*"■ ' - inca'ndbscbht lamps. A circular from -the Incandescent Light Company was referred to the Lighiug Com mittee. -'■■ ■ SHOP. .". Mr J. B, Kirk wrote, regarding renting the borough's shop in East street as 12a 6d» week. The Mayor said the Works Committee had examined the shop, and had thought that certain work was required, but he was averse to spending too much money on this shop. •as every new tenant wanted alterations and I repairs.

Some discussion took place on the applica tion, but ultimately it was decided to adopt the Committee'- recommendation of repairs, but Mr Kirk would have to make any further alterations at his own expense.

BRACKEN "TESTiMONIAL. A circular from the Bracken Testimonial Fund was received, and ordered to lie on the table.

WATER SUPPLY. ' The secretary, to thtf^ire Brigade wrote stating th*t the Brigade could not take over the control of the water supply and provide turncocks, with the annual subsidy increased by only £10 a year. They preferred in these circumstances that the Conneil should retain the control of the water supply.— The matter was held over till the chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee was present, he having been understood at last meeting * to accept the terms offered by the Counofi on behalf of the Brigade.

engineers' bepobt. The Engineers' report was read as follows : —

The Works Committee met on the 29th ult., to consider the work in hand and in prospect, and in view of the amount of the overdraft, and that there was no pressing work at the present time," resolved to re commend the Council to suspend tempor* arily all work except repairs and mainten ance absolutely required and to discharge all the hands except the foreman and water ranger.

Your Commiljbee also recommend that a plan of the Borough be prepared for a record, showing the formation levels of all the streets and water channels and that the Engineer be asked to famish an Estimate of the cost.

Ib is also recommended tbat the erection of the new offices and also the Btable be deferred for the present. - Labor gang.— The men have been engaged during the past two .weeks in forming Burnett street east, ploughing grass off Moore Btreet and carting to sections, metall ing and rolling streets,-? watering -streets, repairing and fixing channel gates at'corners of streets, repairing the ducking of the traffic bridge, cleaning side channels, attend* ing to water supply and maintenance work. The report was adopted.

LEAVE OP ABSENCE. Leave of absence was granted to Mr Fooki sen., for one month, in order to recruit hia health.

WCENSBS.

Licenses were granted as under :— Petro. leum— Messrs Carson, Collins and Co., John Orr and Co., John McKeague, D. William son, A. Lawrie, and R. McCallum. Carriage — W. Smith, J. Lloyd (2), A. Dalley (2), W. Lindsay Carriers- W. Smith (2). Drivers ,7^ L loyd, E cleaver > J- McKinnon, . J. Dalley, H. Dalley, W. Lindsay,

ACCOCNTS. Accounts to the amount of £74 wore passed for payment, and the Council resolved itself into a

}tseu into a DOMAIN BO AHD. The use of the Domain for Anniversary Day wae granted to the Ashbuiton Fire Brigade, with the right to charge for admission to their proposed demonstration. The Curator reported the reoeipfc of donations of seeda and plants as under— from Mr Fred Duncan, seeda of alpine plants ; Mr W. St George Douglas, parcel of mkau palms ; Mr jr. K Collins, taokfal of dahlia bulbs } Mr W. W. White, parcel of tfpine plants. The latter gentleman wenb to considerable trouble in bringing the plants from the mountains with balls of earth at the roots, and landed them in fine condition. The report suggested that in future it would be advisable to hold any public demonstra tions in the upper sports ground. It would also be advisable that such should enter the Domain by the Park street gate. The report was adopted. The other business was unimportant.

CABLE NEWS. HOME and Foreign.

(PER PBESS ASSOCIATION.— COPYRIGHT.)

Glasgow University. London, November 1 Mr Chamberlain, by a large majority defested Mr Birreil, J^.P., f o ' r the Rectorship of the Glasgow University. The attitude of the students was of a riotous character. ,;Brtt^liuSoiitl| Africa Company. | Tbe^Britiaf 806th Africa Q>mpany propose 4b yfaiset another ; million of capital,

Floods in France. Paris, November 2. Severe flodds are experienced in Lyons, rand the mines are flooded in Avignon, The Beine is rising at Paris. Traffic is stopprdj and the banks of the railways are submerged. Occupation of Egypt. Le Temps considers that Lord Salis bury's Bilence encourages the hope that he recognises that settlement of tb,e Egyptian occupation is, a necessary con* dition of the entente cordiah of the

The Hungarian Elections, Byi& Pebtij, Novesßber \, The elections have proved a great victory for |he -Liberals. The Sondau, Cairo, November 1 There is a wholesale submission of the sheiks between Dongola, Berber and Omdurman, and the Khalifa dreads a general revolt among his followers.

Powers.

•ffifi AB&Bt)R*OK GtJAitDIAiJ t TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1806.



Eeatinq's Powdeb aestroya bags, fleas, moths, beetles, and all other insects, wbikt qai e h irmless to domestio animals. In exterminating beetles the enooess of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfeotlv clean tn appliaation. See the artiota yon piirohaae is KsAUJq's, as imitations arj nonooß and iaeffeotaal, , Sold in tina, 63, lg : and 2a 6(1 eaob, by gU Aernji^, ' < -



Synopsis op New Advertisements. A. P. Williamson — Wanted smart boy. Borough school concert— Friday, Novem- ber 6. Ashburtqn A. and P, Association — Re accounts. Probasco and Finlay'B circus — Friday, November 6. Rev Haakett Smith— Lectures. EU otion notices — Mf McLaohlan at Odd- fellows' Hall, to-night. Lost — Broooh. Wanted — Apprentices to dressmaking. Mr T T Bullock — Property in Peter street for. sale by auotion on Saturday, November 7. ... Aahburton Permanent Building SocieSyi— Special notice. • " D. Thomas— Horse fair. H, A, Maok^y— Auokl*od ((old. roioee,



Wanted. BOROU< !H School Concert will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall on FRIDAY eveuipg, November 6. the moat succ asful Conceit of the season. 11 18 WANTED.— A smart boy for Drapery trade.— A. P. Williamson, Tancred Street. n 15 T OST, on Friday last, between Mrs JLJ Aiington's and the Post Office, Gold Brooch, seb pearls. Finder rewarded at Mail Office. U 15 TXT" ANTED, improversand app entices to YV the Dressmaking. Apply Mrs Lawson, Taccred Street, opposite Church of EDglarid. '. ii 14 QWKETHEAKT Travellers, Crockett Flotsame, Sons of Fire, Sorrows of Satan, O d Maids Club The Craftsman, Autobigraphy of a ruth. Kinsfolk, Windsor Magazine, 189.5 parts, 6d each ; Navy and Army, Dickenß' Works, New Editions. — H.- M. Jones. STUDY Economy and patronise Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale. BARGAINS in Earthenware this month at Carson and Co.'b. First-class goods. TTILETCHER'S Extract of Herbs, 7d per JD bottle, makes 8 gallon's of splendid botanic beer. Fletcher Bros, Sole Agents, Ashburton and Christchuroh. T" ETTB' Diaries. Letts' Diaries for 1897;- I J Colonial Editions for Office and private use now to band. Large assortment" 1 of a Mercantile Stationery. New lot of Fo'reign Stamps. Inspection invited. Andrewes, Anderson, and Co. VTTANTED Known— The Economic" T T Kid .Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per . pair, is the Glove for every day wear. — W. H. Collieb. *" . WANTED Known— Madden's Refresh- ment Rooms are the rooms Par Excellence. When in town do not fail to give them a look up. Do you like a Loaf that has a sweet nutty flavor, of good pile and bloom, in addition to its full weight which a surprise visit from the Inspector Ihe other day proved 1 You do ? Well go to Madden's 1 If you are getting up a Spread in a private or general way, and j would like your Pastry, Cakes, Jellies, Creams, etc.,* to be a succesß, why, cornea along to Madden's in East Street, and you won't be disappointed. Bride, Christening and Birthday Cakes a specialty. NEW Mangel, Carrot, and Turnip Feeds. The favorite sorts at low prices. — Carson and Co. 10



Public notices. —SPECIAL— ~~ T7IOR SHOW AND HOLIDAY F EASON Tweed Costume, 35s.^| Complete Tweed Costume, including 33s 6a. Material, Fancy sho* alpaca, drees, V Lining, 33s 6d. Furnishing, ;r Choice fancy alpaca, and 33h 6d. J making. SPFCIAL COSTUME LENGTHS. A nice line of Fancy Tweed. 5b lid. Lovely fancy Bhot Alpaca, the very cream of fashion, 13s 6d. 12 yards good Washing Print for 3a lid. New Spanish Lawns for Blouseß. Fancy Silks for Blouses. Blaok and white t riped Prints for Blouses " The Cream of Fashion." MENS, BOYS, & YOUTHS CLOTHING s n Great Variety,>nd atjprices tomeet tjje times. Ashburton Drapery Company. ARCADE HOUSE. LADIES I; "pvO NOT FAIL TO SEE THE FAMOUS YICTORY" SEWING MACHINES. THE CHEAPEST AND BEST MACHINE IN THE WORLD. HALLENSTEIN BROS, SOLE AGENTS. F. Ferr-man. " FOR SALF,— \ SMALL Grazing Farm consisting of jrrr^'32o acres, with house and outbuildings in good repair, within easy "reach of Ash- burton. . Just the property that will suit a. thrifty min with small capital, or wcuid be just the thing to work in with anyone farnuDg heavy land. ; Apply to F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE,— -._■ ;. A SPLENDID Piano in Walnut, by Ronish, imported by C. O. Hawdon, E q. F. FFRRIMAN. I HAVE several eligible Town and Suburban Building Sites for Sale, F. F£RRIMAN. ' Church Services. T. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. i MEETINGS. Tuesday — Teachers' meeting at 7.30 p m Wednesday — Confirmation class (men) 730 pm Thursday — Confirmation olass (women) : : 7.30 pm; G.F.S. 7pm Friday — Short ser/ice 7.30 pm; choir practice Bpm Saturday— Diocesan scholars' Examina- tion ; Confirmation Class (mixed) at 2 pm SUNDAY SERVICES. \ 8 30— Holy communion 11.0— -Morning-prayer 2.3o— Children's service 3.30 — Holy baptism : 6.30 p.m. — Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. 3.O— DROMORE— Mb W. Boman-Fox Wanted. WANTED Known— Dress Length of Stylish Tweed with lining included for 6s lid. A bewi dering assortment of Prints, Cambrics, and Blouse Materials.— , Mitchell and Tubneb. T>IDE the Beßt. — Kent's Championship JLir Bicycles are the best Built to your own measure. Tyres andaccessories of all sorts-— Carson and CoO^gents JLO jB6 DID you ever hear the like ? Men a beat Canvaa Shoes 5a 6d, at Mellor's, Tancred street "ITT'ANTED Known— Go to the Cobnkb T t for Newest Styles in Drapery and Millinery— W. H. Collier. "HERE, Oh where, is that Cheap Boot Shop? Mbllob's Zealandia Boot Store. 'ANTED Known— Spectacles, Eye Protectors, Goggles, Folders, and Everything in the optical Vne at 8. Salek's, Optician, \\T ANTED Known— Where the crowd is Tt going? To see Mitchell a.np Turner's Millinery to be sure. If you have not been, go at. once ; it is worth seeing. MOTHERS and fathers who have to provide Boots and Shoes, should oall at Mellor's /ZealandiA Boot Store. WE lead, follow who may. Children's Bilppers la. Mellows T^uorad street. ■ FTIHERE is no doubt, no possible doubt, JL that you get Good Value for your money at Mellor's. WANTED KNOWN— SpriDg Bloßsom Tea is really delicious. Packed in |rlb, lib, 51b, and I 1 lb tins, la 9d and 2a per fb. Flptoheb Bros., Agents. TTTANTED Known^OiJoloths, Lino- : IT . leumß, Carpets, Squares, Rugs and ' Curtains. Special Display in Special Room. < A Case of plain color Liberty Muslins juat to i hand.—- Mitchell and Turner. « ANTED KnoWn— looo pairs of Boots < to be sold in twenty-one days at < JMfeLLOR'fl. I .... i i : WANTED Known— Large delivery of ( the "Economic" Kul gloveg, foiir J buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth ncuch nwre.^- J W. H. Collieb. f rTIHK early bird catches the early worm, < JL «o o»H »b Msllob'i Cheap Bgot Sale I



"■.' Business Notices. FACTS ARE STUBBORN THINGS. mfIERE ARE TWELVE STUBBORN FAOTS THAT CANNOT BE DENIED. Ist— That G. J. NEILL is sel ing good | 6th— That G. J. NEILL is selling Men's strong White Muslin at 3s lid doz. Tweed Trousers at 5a lid. 1 2nd— That G. J. NEILL is selling good 7th -That G. J. NEILL is selling Boys' Washing Prints at 4£d a yard. Sailor Suits in navy blue or fawn 3rd— That G. 0. NEILL has pretty serge, at 4a lid the suit. Summer Dress Tweeds at 9a 6d a Bth— That G. J. NRILL is selling dress, that can't be beat. Women's Shoes at 4a lid. 4th— That G. J. NEILL is selling LadieB 1 9th— l hat G. J. NEILL is selling Men's and Children's Summer Hats of nailed Shooters at 7s lid. every description, the very latest lOlh— That G. J. NEILL is selling Men'B style, cheaper than anyone in Ash- light Balmorals at 8s lid. barton. 11th— That G. J. NEILL is selling Ladies' 6th— That G. J. NEILL it Belling Men's and Child.rens' Tan Boots and Shoes ; Heavy Tweed.(colonial) Suits at 24s of every description at very low *■ 6d. prices* ; , ' 12th— THAT ' >" / G. J NEILL'S SHOP- Well— He sells Millinery, General Drapery, Clothing and Boots, of every Description — IS AT FBIEDLANDER'S COKNER, Eaßt Street, Ashburton. IMPORTANT TO MEN ' "TTTE WOULD. DRAW SPECIAL |ATTENTION to severalilines recently opened in Our MERCERY AND CLOTHING DEPARTMENT, also to the faob that We ate sparing neither Trouble or Expense to put this part of our business thoroughly in touoh with the Public, Up-to-date,^and above aII— RIGHT IN PRICE EVERYTHING NECESSARY ,[ TO CLOTHE A MAN, W WORK OR PLAY," I MITCHELL & TURNER'S. PRELIMINARY NOTICE. M R . WT Q MITCHELL r: W . ■&. IVJLiTc Hm j,l, : :_ _ L4TE WITH MITCHELL & TURNER, AND MR XT' TT TDRODRIBB tt Hi. JdL. JDRODK 188, HAVE ARRANGED A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE PUROaASE OF TH B BUSINESS, LATELY KNOWN AS >THE BLUE HOUSE'' DEAPEttY ESTABLISHMENT. . — ♦ - - " - . V^ The Business in future will be carried on under the name and style of MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, THE OENrRAL CASH DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, MILLINERS, etc. WE would like to draw the attention of the Public, generally, that Mr Mitchell being well known and intimately acquainted with most of the inhabitants of Asl)burton and district, and through having business con* ; nections directly with them, is in a position to say that he thoroughly under- stands their requirements, and can guarantee to all his friends the BEST VALUE IN THE TRADE FOR HIGH CLASS GOODS. WITH THIS ASSURANCE THE CLOTHING & MERCERY DEPARTMENTS Will be under his personal supervision, and by strict attention to Business and carefully studying the requirements of all his Friends and the public generally, Mr Mitchell respectfully solicits a fair share of their patronage. ■■ TAILORING ; Under the Chart-Order System a Specialty. THE MANCHESTER & DRESS DEPARTMENTS Are now being Stocked with all the requirements necessary for carrying on a Large Cash Trade, and by giving only Good Honest Values, combined with the ' desire to work and build up a substantial business, MITCHELL & BRODRIBB Have no hesitation in challenging the trade by giving the best value in r Ashburton. THE MILLINERY & UNDERCLOTHING DFPARTMENT F*~ Will receive the most careful attention, and by always being to the \ front for Style, Variety, and a desire to please we can with confi- dence assure thaXadies of Ashburton and district that their orders will receive the best attention. *; A NEW BOOT DEPARTMENT is now being Fitted and Stocked with all the best makes, and in this Branch of y our Business we intend to be ever foremost. | LOOK OUr FOR SPECIAL QUOTATIONS IN FUIURE ISSUES. f OPENING DAY— SATURDAY, the 17th. \. ■ \ MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, | THE CENIRAL CASH DRAPERS, Between J, Oir & Go., and the Clothing Factory, Ashburton,