Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 15, 1896. BRITISH AGRICULTURE.

In no department of industry at Home has depression been more marked than in that of farming. It is a sad com mentary on the condition of the British farmer that the New Zealand agricul turist can grow grain in this colony, ship it to London, and sell it to the millers of Great Britain at a price that will enable him to livt, while the British farmer, with the market at his own doors, cannot grow grain and live at the price he receives for it in that market. Simiiarly the colonies com pete with him successfully in his own meat and dairy produce markets, and his condition is such that he has been appealing bitterly to the Imperial Government to take steps to put the industry on a batter footing, so that some return may be gathered by him for his labor and capital expended. To see what could be done for him, a Royal Commission was set up, the first report of which has already been issued and was noted and summarised in these columns at the time. The Commission has now issued a second report — not however the unanimous finding of the whole body, but embodying the opinion of all bat three of the gentlemen who took part in the work the Commission was set up to do. The majority report lays stress on the extreme gravity of the agricultural situation, upon which it is proposed to dwell more fully in the final report. For the present they recommend the relief of agricultural land from some of the hardens it now bears, and the granting of State loans for agricultural purposes to arrest the decline in agricultute. They propose that public money should be advanced to a limited amount and on adequate security for the purpose of agricultural improvements ; that the terms of re demption of the land tax should be reduced, and alio its maximum rate in the pound ; and say that there are inequalities in Imperial taxation operating with especial severity against agricultural lands, to which the atten tion of the Legislature is urgently demanded. In respect of local taxation, the Commissioners are of opinion that, in order to place agricultural lands in their right position as compared with other properties, it is essential that they should be assessed to all local rates in a reduced proportion of their rateable value — at only one fourth, if existing precedents be followed. It will be seen from the foregoing that the legislation inaugurated by New Zealand in the direction of assisting struggling settlers, is having a salutary effect upon the minds of English statesmen, who are apparently not too proud to suggest the adoption of the principles embodied in some of our recent measures. The minority have also issued a report. It is signed by the Chairman of the Commission (Mr Shaw-Lefevre : Lord Rendel, and Sir R. Giffcn. Those gentlemen dis sent from many of the recommenda tions of the majority, and they particularly object to the scheme of State subvention limited to occupiers of land only. With respect to remedial measures they say it is obvious that, apart from any attempt artificially to raise the prices of agricultural products either by tampering with* the currency and debasing the gold standard or by protective duties, . they must take the direction of some or all of the following sources ; either by improving the status of tenant farmers by giving them greater security for > their improve ments and strengthening them in any negotiations with their landlords for the alterations for the terms of their tenancies, by the reduction of rent or otherwise ; or of giving greater facilities for sending farmers' products to market and receiving supplies of feeding stuffs, manures, &c, by lowering the charges of railway companies, or by facilitating the extension of light railways ; or of promoting the co-operation of occupiers of land with a view to raising the standard of quality of their products, and getting rid of middlemen between the producers and the consumers ; or, lastly, of reducing the burdens on land and assisting improvements by loans of State money on reasonable terms. — But in addition to these two reports, Mr F. A. Cbanning, M.P., has issued another. He could not, he says, sign the report of the majority for "several reasons. He says " reductions of rent have by no means been, universal, except in the cases where the old tenants have • had to leave and hew tenants have come in. In many districts there have been only tem porary abatement of rent, sometimes wholly insufficient to meet the times, and in gome caies, even in depressed

districts, there appear to have been] neither reductions nor abatement of rent of any kind. A considerable number of farm accounts were obtained by the Commission, and it appears, taking 63 of them, that while thej average annuarnet profit of the tenants over the 36,640 acres has been £2315, divided amoug 63 tenants, the average annual amount of the rents paid has been £37,044. In other words, the owner has been drawing an annual average of nearly 21s an acre, while the share of the tenant in the gross receipts has tieen only Is 5d an acre. This demonstrates that the 'tenants < have been unable in bargaining as to the rent to escape any portion whatever of the local burdens which, ia theory, are supposed to fall upon the landlord. i The evidence of tenant farmers had I been practically unanimous that the ! reductions of rent have been insufficient and that further reductions are neces sary." Finally, he suggests that the Government shall immediately appoint & special commission to institute a com prehensive and scientific enquiry into the incidence of local taxation, having regard to the national burdens also borne by land. Mr Shaw-Lefevre holds that the main grievance in respect of rural rates is that there is great inequality in different parts of the country, and that, owing to exceptional circumstances, the rates in some unions are very heavy.

LOCAL AND GENERAL.

Over 600 tons of fruit were raised in the Teviob district last year. For New Zealand it is estimated that 7.72 bushels of wheat are required for food per head of population. It is understood, reports the Napier Telegraph, that the Sir Donald McLean Memorial Committee have decided to devote the £600 in hand towards the establishment of a museum. The World's Press estimates that £4,000,000 a year is spent in advertise ments in the United Kingdom, and. that about 1,500,000,000 copies of newspapers are sold annually In London alone. The freezing of rabbits this year at the Mataura Freezing Works will Increase the company's income by fully £500. No extra labour or motive power is needed to carry on this work in addition to the sheep freezing. The Waipawa Mail says :— Mr J. J. Buchanan has succeeded In raising heal* hy sugar cane from seed ao Hampden. The cane is also growing well on Messrs Buchanan's land at Blackburn, which demonstrates the fact that both the soil and olimate are suitable for this crop, r Notwithstanding the heavy losses they sustained last year, Nelson Bros appear to retain their faith in the frozen mutton industry. .They are about to erecc another large works near Chrietohurch, with a killing capacity from 2000 to 3000 per j day. The new photography has got into the law courts. : An actress's foot was injured through, it was alleged, a faulty stalro&se. Photographs of the foot taken by the Rontgen rays, were produced, showing that the bone had been displaced, and the actress got a substantial verdict. The balloting for sixty-four sections in the Ardgowan Estate took place yesterday bub only thirty-one were got through. There are 1640 applications. Of the successful applications fourteen are of females, and only five of the successful applicants are from outside the Oamaru district). In California some growers are using iron for colouring oranges. The winner of the medal for the best box of oranges at the recenb Calif ornian fair used to grow pale-coloured froit, buo latterly he has been using s'b of iron filings to each tree, with the result that the colour of his fruit is now entirely ohanged, and he is able to win prizes. Several men were talking about how they happened to marry. ' I married my wife,' said one if her the others had all had their say, ' because ahe was different from any other woman I had ever met.' * How was that?' chorused the others. *She was the only woman I ever meb who would have me/ and there was a burst of applause. At the Ohristchuroh weekly skin sales on Thureday there was a fairly large entry. The following prices wero realised: — Butchers' best orossbreds and longwools, 3s 5d to 4s 4d ; medium. 2a 9d to 3a 3d ; merinos, Is 6d to 2s ; inferior to medium. Is to Is 4d ; besb lambskin?, 2s, 2s 6d, and 3s 5d ; dry crossbred?., 5d to s&d lb ; do merinos, 4|d to s£d ; fat, up to l£d per lb. A curious system of ancient highways in Mexico has been discovered by Baron von Brackel. They exist in the state of Michoacan, and oentre towards the Bay of Maruata, on the Pacific coast. The roads are straight, 6ffa or 7£t wide, and paved with large unhewn stones. Although many of the stones have been removed for building purposes, enough remain to make impossible to tract out and map the entire system. Even Rontgen's rays will pale before the discovery that M. Nicola Teszla, the famous electrician, claims to have made. After experimenting for several years, says the New York correspondent of the DaUy CJironicle, M. Teszla| has come to the conclusion that it will soon be possible to dispense with telegraph wires, and to transmit messages to any place on earth even the nearer planets, by the scientific utilisation of electric waves. M. Teszla hopes ere long to demonstrate the practicability of his plan. The annual meeting of Te Korero was held in the Orange Hall on Tuesday. There was only a small attendance of members, and Mr W. Brock occupied the chair. The annual report and balance sheet were read and adopted, and it was resolved to adjourn the meeting till Tuesday the 19 ih insb. As the election of officers, arrangement of syllabus for the ensuing season, and other important business will be considered at this meet ing, it is hoped that all members and Intending members will attend. The home of the queen of autumn flowers (the chrysanthemum) is China. Mention is made of it by Confucius, who is said to have lived 500 years before Ohrisb, A long while back it seems to have been introduced from China to the isles of Japan, where ib now obtains even more admiration than in its native land. The Imperial crest of Japan is a chrysan themum of the flat-star pattern, with six* teen florets. Their most popular fete is Chrysanthemum Day, when the people throw petals of the flower Into their 4 sakl ' before drinking, in the belief that it is a potent charm against evil. The booty bagged by the Boers after Jameson's raid comprised 600 magazine and iliee-Metford rifles, 8 Maxims (one spiked), 3 field-pieces, 33.000 rifle cart ridges, 10 cases of Maxim cartridges, 10 oases of projectiles, two sacks of pro jectiles, 1000 cartridge belts, 13 revolvers, our mule waggons (one marked Wie loughby Consolidated Company, No 43). five Sootch carts, 742 horses, 400 saddles, bridles, etc.. 38 males wlch harness, one telegraph instrument, probably to tap the wires with, and hundreds of other accoutrements and instruments of war were seized. You have ruined your constitution sufficiently by drinking inferior Tea. Recruit by drinking only Kozie TEA ; ib is pure; The 12/4wdeUolem

The New Plymouth Harbour Board have paid off all their arrears of interest to the English bondholders, and the next instal ment will be duly met in full.

Quoit players are reminded that) a meet ing is called for to-morrow afternoon at Ddvane'd Hotel, for the purpose of arrang ing for a team to play the Mount Pomers Club at an ear'y date.

The Oo'.onitl Secretary, Sir James Hector and Messrs J. C. Martin, S.M W Quick and John Bosh, of Wellington are gazetted a Board for the purpose of considering and reporting upon applica tions for awards; under the Order in Coun cil institucing a decorative dis inction to be conferred on persons who have diatin gui«hed themselves in saving, or attempt ing to save, human life, or by other brave deeds.

At one o'clook this morning the fife bell rang out an alarm. The brigade turned out with the engine, and besides there was a qoodly number of people present. The sceno of the fire was Messrs Hanmer and Graves' yard, into which a stack of straw had recently been carted. The straw had caught fire, and it ia needless to add that the stack was destroyed. It was valued at £2 ss. The fire engine played water on the burning stack for {about three hoars. No cause can be assigned for the fire.

At Wellington yesterday, at the inquest on the boy Kiiahy, who died under chloroform, the evidence showed that all precautions had been taken and death was by pure misadventure. A verdict was returned accordingly. Dr Chappie was asked if he could explain why there had been so maoy deaths of late In the colony while patients were under the influence of chloroform. He replied that he could not give an explanation, except that olimatio conditions might have had something to do with the matter* He had performed 134 operations nnder chloroform, and the present was the firsfa death.

The following from the Stockfceper may be taken as an Instance of the sagacity and faithfulness of some dogs : — A short time back the engine-driver of a train near Montreal saw a large dog on the track* Ha was barking furiously. The engine-driver blew the whistle, but he did not Btir, and cronohipg low* he was struck by the locomotive, and killed. There was a bit of white muslin on the locomotive and it attracted the attention of the engine driver, who stopped the train and backed. There lay the dead dog and a dead child, which had wandered upon the track and had gone to sleep. The dog had given the signal to stop the train, and had died at his post.

The Press has the following paragraph : —The senseless annoyance oaused by persons in the pit of the theatre making personal rematka on people passing into the stalls has now become almost intoler able, and it is time something was done to pub a stop to it. On Wednesday night two young men holding respectable positions in the city were prominent in. this matter. Mr Tom Pollard cautioned them several times, but without effect. After several warnings resolute measures were adopted, and the 'gentlemen ' found themselves outside the theatre. It is to be regretted that an example cannot be made of some of those who persist in annoying respectable people with their remarks.

Holloway's Pills and Ointment.— Bilious affections, with all their concomitant annoyances induced by atmospheric changes, or too liberal dieb, 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 immsdiate need of some alterative medicine* Let him at once aend for a box of Holloway's Pills, a mi'd course of which will remove the symptoms, and speedily renew his usual healthful feeling. If the bowels be irritable Hollo* way's Ointment should be diligently rubbed over the stomach and liver every night and morning.

GOLF.

The opening match of the Ashbutton County Uolf Club was played on the links yesterday afternoon, between eides chosen by the captain and secrecary. A large number of visitors patronised the links, i chiefly ladies, for whom Mrs Henry Zander provided afternoon tea in the new house on the terrace. A number of players who had not been placed in the selection appeared on the ground, among others^ the Rev G B. Inglia and Mr David Ihomas. Mr Thomas always manages to get up considerable efficiency in any new game he tries, and with his limited practice promi ea very well indeed. But the play of the Kev Mr Jngrlis was a revelation to a good many who fancy they know something abouc the game. The rev. gentleman, however, has not played golf since he left college, but if he plays so well on his 'recollec tions' of the game, he is likely to prove a hard nut to the * oracks.' As a matter of fact the match was nob played • exactly as the order had been set, and several players in the selections did not meet their appointed opponents, but a good game was played notwithstanding, with the result that Mr Denshire's side won. Some very fair play was exhibited among the sets, and the worst hazards were creditably negotiated by moat of the players. The plantation between the ' spout ' hole, and the hole at the turn was a stumbling blook to a few, but several of the players — notably Mr Arthur Field — came over it with well lofted balls. The ground was in fair order, and if the new putting greens are respected by the publio and visitors, the links should keep good all the season.

The Fruit Conference.

REPORT OF THE LOCAL DELEGATES Messrs W. H. Rule and W. W. Smith, the local delegates to the Fruit Conference recently held in Wellington, report as follows to the Ashburton Horticultural Society, Herewith we submit, for your in formation, a brief report of our visit to Wellington as the accredited delegates of your Society to the Intercolonial Fruit* growers Conference which opened on May 4. First, we may state that we took with us two oases of prime apples sent by Mr Collins, Mr Murray, Mr Bloomfield, and Mr Milli champ. On arrival in Wellington we handed the cases to Mr J. 0. Blackmore, the South Island pomologist. Although he informed us that the samples we took from the above named gentlemen were " worthless rubbish," we afterwards detected most of them among the Brat prize collections from Canterbury* We can only speak in the highest terms of the reception accorded to us by the other officers of the Agricultural Department, and of the good feeling exulting among the delegates during the Conference. At the close of the fruit exhibition, it occurred to us that by bringing back with us samples of new and other North Island grown apples and pears, we would benefit our Society and other local fruit-growers. We therefore applied to the officers of the Agricultural Department and othor North [aland growers, all of whom readily supplied us with the samples now exhibited to you, whtch we leave at your disposal. We desire to acknowledge special kind ness shown, and a warm welcome accorded to us while in the North Island, by Messrs W. J. Palmer and J. Mayo.

The samples brought by the delegates are on view in the window of Mr Joseph Sealy, seedsman.

TENNIS.

n - s. . Sydney, May 14 Owing to the rain the Tennis Teams Match, New South Wales v New Zealand, is postponed till to-morrow.

Rifle Shooting.

Ihe Ashburton Rifle Club firod their annual champi nship match on Ihursday afternoon. The conditions were— seven short at each range ; the highest scorer to be the holder of the Cup for the y«ar. There TSfL* ?u- tl ? e f Pn»»-fiwN 203 ; wcond, 12s 6d ; third, 7s 6d. The followiog are the three prize-takers :

Tam««wii 200 300 500 Total James Wilaon ... 33 32 2 1 86 S. Salek .„ 31 19 u M George Morrison .„ 27 13 25 77 Morriaon hattweve point, added to his score as a handieap for haviDg to fire with a SSL&hJ!"- other two faed with

CRICKET.

THE AUSTRALIANS v LORD SHEP FIELD'S ELEVEN. _. , London. May 13 The attendance at the third dayV Dlav was good, and the weather was splwSkL bat the wioket was fiery. , **"»*» AWSTBAUANS. First innings 35, Second Inningi.  Donnan, 0 Hearne, b Davidson  95 Dailing, c Ranitsinhji, b Hearne Z25 Kelly, b Hearve .. .. . n Giffen, bMold "* ir Iredale,c Lilley, b Davidson ?. VI fi H. Trott, not out ro Hiu,bDawdsoH.. :.: :; ;.: g Gregory, runout .. .... «. 0 Eady, c Lilley, b Fougher .. 10 ExfcrM •• f 0 Total 194 Mold took one wicket for 60. Davidson three wickets for 38, iWher threbwfcketa fer 19, Hearne two wickets for 47. # W)BD SHEFFIELD'S TEAM. First inning. .. .. ## , M ■second Innings. Grace, 0 Giffen, b Jones „ - .. 26 Jackson, not out ... .„ ■ 05 Gunn, c Hill, b Eady .7 a FrVfb^oft 01301111 * 11 '^ 0^ " ** .*•■»,. ": :: r. :: j . Total for four wickets . . ... 180 Jones toottwo wiokets for 49. Eady one wicket for 13, Trott one for 4, MoKbbin none for 48, Giffen none for 16. The match was drawn. London, May 14 Gregory, who was run out, sacrificed him self .to save Trott. The latter, though playing; c cautiously, hit eleven 4'»< Lilley was in brilliant form at the wiokets, catoh t& Ju^ "£ nofe aH °wing » lingle extra. When the Englishmen went in again only two hours weie hit for play. Grace and jjacfcson forced the game in an endeavour to hit off runs if possible, and both were missed twice. The bowling was frequently changed, but the fielding was poo* Banjitsiiihji again showed capital form. Among his hits were seven 4's. Jackson hit freely all round, buc was rather lucky, as besides the chanoes mentioned above several of his hits went up, and others were snicks behind the wickets. He had nine 4's in his 95. f The Pall Mall Gazette questions the fair ness of Jones' delivery. The match with Essex began this morning on the Leyton ground. The county eleven is composed of Owen, Kortwright, Bull, Lucas, Mead, Pickett, Carpenter? Bawtree, Russell, McGahey, and Perry. Ihe attend ance was good, and the weather splendid, but the wicket rather lively. Essex won the toss and went in. Giffen proved to be in good form wi»h the ball, and five wickets were disposed of for 105, a total which would have been much smallei but for the plucky stand by McGahey and Perry.

ENGLISH TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA.

1 - . London, M*yl4 Stoddarjb has accepted the invitation from Sydney and Melbourne, and takes an English cricket team to Australia in the autumn of next year.

CABLE NEWS.

HOME AND FOREIGN.

7 THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION f ««,'■■■ London, May 13 | Mr Dooletfce, formerly of Adelaide, , dined with the leaders of the Congre r gational Union; In the course of the 3 speech making, Mr Spicer urged that r the colonies should conduct the Island j missions themselves. J A MISSIONARY STATION r BURNT. : Hong Kong, M»y 13 » The Protestant mission station at • Keang Yin, near; the mouth ot the ■ Yang Tse Kiang.'has been looted and \ burned. The missionaries escaped i with; theirlives. [ THE CRISES IN SOUTH AFRICA, ■ ' Capetown, May 13 1 Rhodes' column bnrntMovtne Kraal, 1 which contained large stores of grain. ; A sharp fight took place, in which 3 Oolonel Rhodes 'displayed much a bravery. » VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE I TRANSVAAL; t Phetobia, May 14 General Joubert has been elected » Vice-President of the Transvaal 5 Republic. ' * FIJI LAND CLAIMS. .Washington, May 14 The Foreign Committee of the Senate has asked President Cleveland ; to continue the enquiry into the land claims in Fiji, with a view to a settle > ment with England. \ RUSSIA AND CHINA. 1 S* Pjsxbbsbtoo, M»y 13 A Russian squadron will rendezvous [ at Ohefoo.

AUSTRALIAN.

OBITUARY. Sydney. May 14 The Bank of New South Walts has received the announcement of the death of Mr Donald Larnach, the London Chairman of Directors. THE AUSTRALIAN SQUADRON. The Orlando, Ringarooma, Walla roo and Katooinba hare sailed for Auckland. ORDER FOROORDITE. Melbourne, May 14 The Government has ordered suffi cient cordite to make 50,000 Maxim gun cartridges.

Labor Questions.

♦ ■ . Sydney, May 14 As the result of the conference of miners and owners in the Southern coal district the latter decided to grant the men a fourth of the extra profits accruing from the increased demand for coal consequent on the Newcastle strike. *

TfiE ASHBtIRTON GtABDlAti : FfilDAt, MAY 15, 1896.



! From the Tea Plant to the Tea Cup unadulterated and pure— this is Kozie Tea Wright's Celebrated Family Brand Coffee is the heat in the market.; try it; sold everywhere. * v Drink only Kozie Tea; id fa absolutely puwi U, Zaswsb, Solo Agtnt



The New Woman, the new fashion, the la'est oraze, have some particular tirtore to oommend them ; bo it is with the new oough mixture, Woods' Great Peppermint Care— instantaneous relief for man, woman, or child is the feature of this unfailing J remedy. All Grooeraand Ohemiita keeptt, tbe prjoa ii Wipsible, It 6d toi 9b $&< ,



Wanted. WAHOO ! THE CURE FOR INDIGESTION. Ashburton Drug Company, Agents 11 108 44 OLID AY Suits— A Nice Kaiapo il Suit for 27a 6d, Boys' Knicker and Cambridge Suits from 7s 6d, Men's Suits to Measure from 45a, Fit and Workmanship Guaranteed at R. Alcorn's ANTED Known— A Magnificent Display of Ladies' Jackets in all the Newest Styles, just landed and now on vlpw. See window. — Mitchell and Turner. i/| BIN'S Bluchers ss, a good Strong iIX Nailed Shooter ab 8s 6d ; a nice assortment of Ladies' and Children's Boots nd Shoes from Is 9d a pair at R. Aloorns WANTED Known— lf you miss the Cheap Boot Sale you will be sorry. — Mellor's, Tancred Street. il/ ANTED Known— Buots and Shoes W from Is 3d to 27s 6d — Mellor'jj Cheap Boot Sale. REAT SALE NOW ON at L. F. ANDREWES & Co. £3000 worth of Books, Stationery, Fancy Goods, Toys, Music, &c, to be sold this month regard- less of cost. Sale now on ac L. F. Andbewes & Co, Stationers' Hall. 425 OjTHEN yon are in Ohristchuroh don't *" fail to go to Warne's, Cashel street, for Fish or Oyster Lunch, Tea or Supper. — Joseph Taylor and Co., Proprietors. 3 4



Wanted. WANTED— Respectable young Girl as mother's help. Good home. Treated as one of the family, Apply, "Help" Mail Offioe. 5 126 \\J ANTED to sell out Fruit Business V'V in East Street. Apply Mail Office. 5 115 RS KNIGHT, cash purchaser of Ladies' and GentleuWd ltffc off Clothing, etc Letters promptly atti nded to. Near Post Ofl&ce, 5 100 MR DAVID THOMAS has F-r Sale, by private treaty, Mrs Qoinn's House, corner of Havelork and Grieg Sbreec. 5 38 AN I ED Known.— Remember Piime PorkSaueagen, Brawn, BJack Pa<t- I dings, and othor n<ce small gnodn to-night and to-morrow at James Tasker's, Tan. cred Si reot. 5 12g ANTED Known— English and Colonial Blankets from 5s lid per pair- Splendid Value, at G. L. iieath and Co.'s, Tancred street. 5 119 WANTED Known— Wonderful Value in Flannelettes, Self Colors, Stripes, Floral Designs, at G. L. Beath and Co.'s, Tancred street. 5 120 paHSON & Go's Stocktaking Sale now v^ on — £6OU worth of Groceries, Iron- mongery, Brnshware, Glass and China, Bicycles, Nickel and Silver Watches, to be cleared in four weeks. 5 121 uHOOTIKG SEASON, 1896— Buy your Guns, Ammunition, Etc., at J. W. Hardley/s. 3 79 Q.UNS ON HIRE; also Guns thoroughly repaired. Please forward early to avoid the rush. *J . W. Hardley. 380 WANTED — Attendance at Navy i League Lecture on ** The Royal Navy " (lime-light views) by the Rev. T. A. Hamilton, in Oddfellows' Hall, on Thursday, May 21. TicketH only Is, obtainable from the Booksellers. 5 84 /~*\ KEGG'S Shorthand, Tom Bracken's \JT Annual, In 3d ; po9ted, Is 4d Good selections of Historical and Bio- graphioal publications, 2d each, 4 for 6d. Song Books, Reciters, cheap editions. Young Ladies' Journal for May, Weldon's Journal, New Books. — H. M. Jones. RESH OYSTERS (4d a dozen), Groper, Bias Ood, Skate, Smoked Fish and Wild Rabbit. Hot Fish Dinner's at Sutherland's, Tancred Street. y\ MERICAN BOSS and Nougat LA. Creams, simply delicious. Hot Pies, Tea, Coffee, and Cocoa. — H. Diggle, Up-to-date Confectioner, East Street. ._ WANTED Known— That E. Mahood is still selling all kinds of Grocery, Crockery, and Glassware at as reasonable a price as any other house in the trade Orders by letter or Telephone promptly attended to Families waited on daily- Telephone No 76. WANTED Known — That Smith Mackwell makes, repairs, and re-covers Umbrellas and Parasols at Lower East Street, Ashburton. No persons employed to canvass or collect Umbrellaß at the door. 4 144 RE*D THIS-Sixpenny Books at 3d, Shilling Books at 44, Eighteen Penny Books at 9J, Half-a-orown Books at Is, Envelopes from 3s 91 per 1000, or 250 for la, Boxes of Note Paper aid envelopes from 4£d, Shilling packets nf Note Paper at Bd, Two shilling Packets for Is 3 1— at L. F. Andrewes and Go's Great Sale. 5 46 \JJ ANTED Kiio wn— so pajijra, Ladieß W and Girls' Leather Top aud Canvas Tennis Shoes, at half usual price, for two weeks only.— Andrew CJrr ' 10 136 WASTED Known— Monster Clear ing Boot Sale at Mellob' Zealan dia Bool; Store 4A? ANTED Known— The * Economic y * Kid Glove, fmir buttons, Is 9i per pair, is the Glove for everyday wear. — W, H. Collier. /^REAM Dates— The original maker. \^J Don fc be misled by other makes. H. A. Flower, the old reliable Confec- tioner. Hot Pies, Tea, Ooffue and Gocon. 5 25 CHOUGH, Ctugh, Cough— l am still making my celebrated Cough Drops, None genuine unless stamped Flower's Oougb.— H. A. Flower, Confectioner. East street. 5 24 I AM making Irish Moss Jujubes, in- valuable for coughs, colds, influenza, etc. — H. A. Flower, Confectioner, Fast street. 5 23 \ A/ ANTED Known— 6ooo pairs of V V Boots to be cleared in one month, — Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTEDKnown— Go toTHBCoRNER for Newest Styles in Drapery and Millinery— W. H. Collier. WANTED Xnown— Everybody to roll up to Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale. Now's your time to buy. "POTATOES. Potatoes. -Prime Der- JL went Potatoes 4* Jld per bag ; two bags for 9a 6d. Delivered anywhere within the Belt.— Fletcher Bros. ED CHAFF. Bed Chaff. 9d per bag delivered. Sharps, Bran, Flour, &c, ab equally low rates. — Fletcher Bros. WANTED Known— Ladies Shoes tan or black, 69 6d. — Mrllor' Cheap Boot Sale. WANTED Known- You Bave 5s in every pound if you patronise Mellor's Cheap Boot Store. ANTED Known— Having bought our Winter Supply of Blankets and Flannels before the great advance in prices we intend giving our friends full benefit of same.— Mitohell and Turner WANTED. Known— Our Season's Dresses in all the New Colonial Tweeds and Choice Home Materials now opened. An inspection invited. — Mitchell and Turner WANTED Known— We intend to shake up every Boob Shop in Aehhurton. — Mellor's Clearing Boot Sale WANTED Known — Large delivery of the * Economic ' Kid Gloves, four buttons, la 9d per pair, worth much more— W H. Collier. POTATOES— Just arrived a splendid lot of Derwents ; large sacks, prime quality ; to be sold cheap — Carson & Go. ANTED Known— That it Ls lament able to hear people ask why there Is so much trash in the Boot Trade now-a- --da ysl But no wonder I say. They nvy strike their breasts and say, ' By our own fault, who buy such trash at cheap sales.' Though cheap, a profit mnsb be levied, and yon don'b get the worth of your money But you have yet a remedy by calling at J. Molson, the Premier in the Boob Trade, where a solid, dry, and good wearing boob »,oan be gob. Seoure good boots for winter W your feet will be wet. Get your repairs done ab once or while you wait at J. Moison's Impermeable Boot Depdb, East; Street, Aehburtoo, 9197



Public notices, —opened up— Q TRUNKS MEN'S, YOUTHS' AND BOYb* BOOTS AT NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. We have gained the reputation of Keeping a GOOD ARTICLE, and we 1 intend to Retain id. I The Goods are all marked in Plain 1 Figures at the VERY LOWEST , POSSIBLE PRICES. 4 Trunks GENTLEMEN'S ENGLISH BALMORALS, Sewn, at prices that will pay you to in- speot and Buyj TRY THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY FOR YOUR NEXT PAIR OF BOOTS 1 ALEX. HENDRY, Manager. HAVELOCK STREET, — CASH — GRAIN & PRODUCE STORE I HAVE to express appreciation of the manner in which my numeroua Friends and the Public of Ashbartou generally, have in the past extended to me snch liberal support, and I take this opportunity of soliciting a continuance of their valued patronage. Amongst other commodities, my stock includes : - FLOUR, BRAN, SHARPS, ■ CHIOKWHEAT, BARLEY, OATS, CRUSHED OATS, STRAW & OATSHEAF CHAFF, GAPE BARLEY, GOLDEN TARES, ONIONS. LINSEED, ETC, ETC* POTATOES ! "~ POTATOES ! ! POTATOES ! I ! POT PLANTS, BULBS, AND FERNS. Customers may depend on receiving prompt attention to orders, and every effort) will be made to give both large and small purchasers perfect satisfaction. X Thomas^ PRODUCE DEALER HAVELOOK- STREET. 4 172 special for this week arcade~house; Men 8 Heavy Tweed Overcoats, with Capes, 19,3 9.1 Men'a Heavy Tweed Trousers 63 lid Men's Heavy Grandrill Shirts 2s lid, collars or bands Men's Heavy Black and White Check Shirts 2a lid, collars or bands Men's Heavy Flannelette Shirt* 2s lid, collars or bands ASHBURTON TWEED SUITS 38s 6d Men's Colonial Knitted Socks, heavy, la pair Men's Colonial Undershirts 2s lid Men's Waterproof Coats from 29a 6d Mod's Heavy Watertight) Boots, pegged, 12a 6d pair Men's Eip Shooters 8s lid pair ■<* A DRESS LENGTH WONDERFUL SERGE 6s 11d DRESSES TO ORDER Serge Dress In Navy, Maroon, Myrtle, Grey or Black, complete, including Material, Linings, all Extras, and Making, for 20s Shot Material— ln Navy and Brown, complete, for 229 5M Tweed Dress— Complete for 28 * 6d 1 SPECIAL SHOW~CHEAP ST7LISH MILLINERY SEE WINDOWS. 3 tin Flannelette (Heavy), 4s lid dozen All-Linen Tick, 3lin, 1b 2d yard Ashburton Drapery Company, Cash Drapers, Clothiers, Milliners, and Dressmakers, Burnett street TIOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY, 10,000 Sacks PRIME MILLING WHEAT. itOfjLlTT A CO., CANTERBURY FLOUR MILLS, ASHBURTON. 5 10 \ki ANTED Known — Bargains from V V floor to ceiling.— Mkh-o ■'s Sto iklog fiQOt Sale,



Business Notices. . ' G. J. NEILL TTA.S OPENED UP AN ENTIRELY NEW STOCK OF Driipcry, Clothing:, and Boots. New Drew Goods, double width, ll|d yard All Wool Ffoocwl 9gd Doable Bed Twill Sheeting, in white and unbleached, 9id NEW GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. NO OLD STOCK. CLOTHING. CLOTHING. Men't and Boys' Saits of every description at the very Lowest possible price. Hats, Caps, Collars and Ties. BOOTS. BOOTS. Mtn's Nail Shooters 7s lid Boys' Boots, Ladies' Boots and Shoes of every description. O« M. WBUjlit Friedlander's Comer, East Street. — FOR — , WEDDING PRESENTS. WEDDING PRESENTS. Pay a Visit to the JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT OP 8. SALEK, EAST STREEr, ASHBURTON. YV HERB !• to be seen the Largest and Finest Stock of JEWELLERY, and SILVER PLATED WARE in onr district. SOME VERY SUITABLE ARTICLES FOB WEDDING PRESENTS AT REASONABLE PRICES. SOMETHING WORTH GROWING. KEW STRAWBERHY "LAXTON'S NOBLE" riIHIS new Strawberry has established itself in the Home market as the Very X Bkst Strawberry under cultivation. The fruit is Urge, firm, and handsome, the bright crimson scarlet barries weighing as high as 2oz each, while the flavor is rich and vinous. Be sides these recommendations, "THK NOBLE" is one of the earlicßt fruiting strawberries, and we have no hesitation in saying that it is undoubtedly the Strawberry for growers of this favourite fruit. The following is extracted from the Otago Witness of January 2, 1896 : «■ New Strawberry : " Laxton's Noble "— . . This strawberry excels both in size, flavour and appearance, anything we have bad in New Zealand before. . . Some of these fine berries were sent by the Countess of Pembroke to the Emperor of Germany, each berry being about the size of an apple. They were said to be larger than had ever been seen before. The iruit arrived in ex cellent condition, not a berry being crushed, speaking well both for the packing and the travelling qualities of the berries. On the average the berries weighed 2oz each. They were not big, ugly fruit, but were full and handsome. . . "Laxton's Noble" Strawberry comes early into bearing, and is a very hqavy bearer, and it should be very serviceable for any cottager with smtll garden space or for market gardener?, as it is a splendid grower and a heavy cropper, coming early into fruit. Mr Bennet has on young plants, laid in the spring, eight to ten large berries, averaging, say, 2v z each. They are fine handsome berries, and of good travelling qualitiee." As Stock is limited, we recommend Ordering Fiarly for delivery early in May Strong Well-rooted Plants, 6s per Dozen j 40a per 100. Authorised Sole Agents for Ashburton and Christchurch for — NIMMO & BLAIR, SEED MERCHANTS AND SEED GROWERS, DUNEDIN. Kerosene. Kerosene, Kerosene. 100 Cases. 100 Cases. We havo in Btock and to arrive 100 caseß ' Evening Star J Kerosene, 150 degrees fire test. This oil is, without doubt, one of the Safest and Best light-giving oils in the market. Cream of Tartar. Cream of Tartar 11201bs. 11201bs. We have just received half a ton of Pure Oream of Tartar ground specially for us from the crystals. This Oream of Tartar is guaranteed Pure, and is the Strongest and Best procurable, and having bought it before the rise in the Home market, we are enabled to sell at a Lower Price than any other storekeeper in the town. coffee. coffee. Coffee. We are giving special attention to our Coffee. The Coffee Beans are selected with tbe greatest care and freshly roasted and ground on our premises by the most approved machinery. We can recommend it with the greatest of confidenco as Superior to any other Coffee in tbe market. Give it a trial and you will use no other. NOTICE TO FARMERS, Etc. We are Cash Buyers of GOOD BEESWAX in any quantity, at Higbeit Market Bates. Orders by Post or Telephone Promptly attended to FLETCHER BROS., \ CASH SUPPLY STORES, BAST STREET, ASHBUBTOiN, and High street, Christchuroh. Tbliphohb 24 Box e