Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1896. THE FROZEN MEAT TRADE.

Some of our readers are probably aware that the Canterbury Agricul tural and Pastoral Association pre sented a petition to Parliament, asking for certain concessions m connection with the railage of frozen meat. The Petitions Committee decided that the ' magnitude of jbhe colony's interest m the frozen meat trade justified .ex tending the inquiry, and accordingly the whole question of the frozen meat industry was investigated, and the Committee took the evidence of the managers of the principal meat freez ing establishments m the colony, as well as pf Q'h,er persons having a special knowledge of the subject, including the officers of some of the steamers engaged m the meat carrying trade. The re port and the evidence upon which ie is based have been printed, and are now before us, and certainly make a much mot c interesting document than some of these Parliamentary papers are. The Committee, m their report, go very fully into the matter of the foreign meat trade, and offer some very useful and practical suggestions. In view of what is disclosed m the evidence, their first recommendation is an obvious necessity. Ie is "that inspection m the P r olony is necesaary." -Thu is followed by another, thai such inspec tion shall be performed rby officers selected by an association of the freez ing companies m the colony ; and it is further recommended that m the event of the companies failing to act m accordance with this, suggestion, " the Governor shall take the necessary steps to secure efficient inspection." A further condition stipulated for is that no carcase shall be removed from the freezing chambers for shipment, until after a£ feast six days for cittle, and three days for sheep. Other sugges tions are made with regard ti giying increased facilities for the trucking and parrying of frozen meat on the railway linos of i}he colony, but it is clear that the Committee looked upon the ques tion of inspection of the meat at each end of the voyage as of paramount ira? portanco, and no person can peruse the evidence of the managers of some of the freezing companies, and of the officers of the vessels employed m meat carry ing, without coming to a similar con clusion. The large number of cargoes which have b^en reported damaged have owed their ponditjon to parp lesanesa m the freezing, or in 1 the carriage to port, or m the shipping. For instance, Jsr W. Nelson, of Nelson Bros.' Freezing Company, stated that " none of £b.e freezing companies try to make themselves believe that a sheep which is hard on the outside when it comes out of the freezing chambers is necessarily a properly frozen sheep. Experience has taught me tha£'altih.QUgJj a sheep may be per fectly hard when it v ig m the freezing works, with twenty-four hours freezing, the same sheep is not absolutely frozen jin less than a week. . . There is heat m the interior pf a sheep that ?asnpfc bp ©xtr»pted pder a week's

freezing." It is true that Mr Nelson was careful to say that he only spoke "to the best of his belief" m saying that sheep were sometimes only frozen for twenty four hours. Mr Buchanan, however, one of the committee, asked a question based upon the evi dence, which certainly went to show that m two factories at least, the meat I was "defectively frozan." Then with regard to damage m trucking, Mr Gilbert Anderson, managing director 'of the Christchurch ftleat. Company, threw a good daal of light upou tie manner m which th« meat was carried by train, and it would seem that some amount of damage must necessarily result, under the present system. He said — " I myself have had trucks of meat reported to me which, from the time th*y were loaded at Islington until their contents were reported as being put on board the % ship, were from twelve to thirteen hours." No one could expect meat to stand such a test as that, and, as Mr Anderson remarks, it necessitates having to " freeze the meat harder than is good for it," to counteract the effect of such delay. There seems to be no doubt, however, that the Canterbury com panies suffer more from this cause than those m the North Island, where the trucking is done much more promptly. At the ship's side the meat also suffers from what may not be actual care lessness, but is none the less prejudicial to the reputation of Now Zealand, produce, for the method generally m vogue for throwing out damaged carcases is obviously defective, if it be not an absolute farce. We gather] from the evidence of the ships', officers that the means at their command to test sheep brought for shipment are inadequate. These tests are confined to «he examination of the legs which ! should not bend, and taking off, or opening, what is called the shirt or cover. In some cases they are not allowed to cut the shirt ; but under the most favorable conditions we can easily understand that these tests are only partial after all. Mr I. Relf, chief engineer of the " Mataura," pointed this out when he said that he could not possibly find time to look at more than one m every twenty. This is not by any! means a satisfactory method of exami nation, and we need not bo surprised that imperfectly frozen sheep have frequently been found m the cargoes loaded under such a system of careless supervision. Not that we blame the ship's officers. On the contrary, we think that they must work very hard indeed to examine even one m twenty of the carcases shipped — m addition to discharging their other duties. But the necessity for a thorough inspection at this end of the voyage should have occurred to the shippers, one would would think, m th^ir own interests, if not for the credit of the colonial trade, and the reputation of the colonial produce. Even when the imperfectly frozen shepp are rejected, under exist ing conditions, the matter is not ended, so far as those carcases are concerned, for the witness just quoted said, with Hegard to this rejection, " If I send it back it will only be frozen up again and returned to me." Now when we consider that the carcases freeze from the outside to the inside, and that-^as one expert declared — " You can have them 10 degrees or less on the outside, and 20 degrees on the inside" — it is clear that so long as the existing conditions regarding the treatment and shipment of frozen meat are continued, the New Zealand article will never njake headway m the Fnglish or Conti nental markets, nor will, tbs prejudice which now exists amongst the Old World consumers cease to operate against the producers m this country. It is to be hoped , therefore, that the Government will see its way to give effect to the recommendations of the Committee.

Tjje Londqn Ti^ea makes the follow ing remarks on the end of the century : / —"Let us suppose The Twentieth a person to be writ- Century, ing a letter some eight months after the birth of Christ. How will he date this letter ? Will he write, say, July }Q, year J, or July 10, year 2 ? If he writes the former he will consistently hold that the next century begins January 1, 1900 ; if writes the latter he will hold that it begins January 1, 1901. The first view is based on the theory that the time specified is one year six months and nine days (and some hours to be exact) after the birth of our Lord. The second view is based lon the theory that the time specified is the second year, sixth month, and tenth day after the same qvent. According to the first view, February 10, 1896, means the 1896 th year, one i month ninedays, (and some hours) after the bjrth of Christ, and we are conae quenty m the 1896 th year. According to the second view, February 10, 1896, means the 1896 th, second month, and tenbh day, and we are consequently m the 1897 th year. According to the Srst yiew, the number of the year is B. pardinal number j according 'to the second view, it is an ordinal number. Both of these methods" 1 can conceiv ably be maintained, and, as stated above, both are m use. If we write a letter m the afternoon and wish to gpecify the exact time, we date— e.g., 4 30 p.m , which means four hours and thirty minutes after twelve o'clock. There we use a cardinal number. We might equally well write •m the fifth hour,' bu.t as a fact we dp not so write Aggin, m walking, as soon as you reach the tenth mile sjbone fronj a given starting place, you have completed ten miles, So when a boy is twelve years old we say he is m his 13th year, and he does not have to wait another year before getting into his teens. All these calculations are based upon the reasonable grounds that m concrete reokonjngg of t|me and space ye do not b9gin with 1, but with Q, apd there is the snme space between Q and I as there is between 1 and 2. The .question then is, When we write 1896 ,^re we using a cardinal or ordinal npmber? It is clear that if we are using a cardinal number the last day of the century is December 31, 1899, while if we are using an ordinal num ber the last day of the century is December 31st 1900." One thing seetns pjeay m this connection which is tjkat if we use the same jform m express ing the year as we do m specifying the day of tke month we must oonsider the twentieth century b^ipi on (ifc

January 1901 for the month does uot begiu till the first day begins. Tie 30th or 31st is counted m tjie previous month. ;>o also the 1900 th year should be counted m the nineteenth century.

Local and General.

It is stated that something like 10 000 horses will be exported from Australia to India m the present season.

There is a greater demand for labor m the Masterton district just now than there has been at the same period for some years past.

Mr D. Sutherland, a candidate for Wai taki, says the tone of the House of Repre sentatives is lower than that of a jockey club meeting.

Mr J. W. Kelly, M.H.R., had a good re ception at the Invercargill station, on his return from Wellington, and was driven to his residence.

Coolgardie streets and prinoipal buildings are lit by electricity, and there are mpre applications for the installation fur private houses than can be supplied.

Mr J. J. Wi'son, the flax expert of Mel bourne, reports that on examining flax seed grown m New Zealand, it is found to be infested with a parasite which rendered ita value nil.

The West Australian name for colonial beer is 'Shypoo,' which, however; mostly costs Is a glass m Coolgardie, In th»t town there are five aerated water factories and two breweries.

It is stated that a Napier medico has ordered a friend, now m England, to pro cure a horseless carriage for* him, if one can be found suitable for the work it will be required to perform.

A member of the GreymouCh Volunteer Corps, who had not paid fines inflicted on him as a volunteer, was arrested by the police, but was subsequently released on the money being forthcoming.

The Weatport News Btatea that there is a most unsatifactory slackness m the local coal export trade at present, which can only be ascribed to the faot that the colony is being flooded with Newcastle coal.

The following are the successful tenderers for printing electoral rolls :— Christchurch, Lyttelton Times Company'; Riccarton, Mr T. E. Fraser; Avon, Mr H. A. Cooper; Ashburton, the Ashburton Publishing Com pany, Limited.

The roll for the Christchurch electorate is expected to contain some fifteen thousand names. Mr E. Blake, a former member, is mentioned as a probable candidate for Avon. Mr H. J. Beswick, Mayor, is a probable candidate for the city. Mr C. Lewis, M.H.R., addressed a large meeting last night, and received a vote of thanks.

A commercial traveller who occupied the same railway carriage with a clergyman asked him if he bad ever heard that m Paris, as often as a priest was hanged, « donkey was hanged at the same time. The victim of the joke replied, m his blandest manner ; " Well, then, let us both be thankful that we are not m Paris."

In a recent Gazette notice the southern boundary of the Ashburton electorate was extended ; it now starts from the dividing range, along the top of Two Thumb range to the head of Fgrest Greek, thence down the crepk to the Rangitata River, the course of which it follows to the seaj thus includ-! ing Mesopotamia, and . the whole of the Rangitata and Coldstream Road Districts.

Mr E. H. Seager, from Chnetchurcb, assisted by his daughter, provides the entertainment for the Hampstead School concert to-morrow evening. He has been palled. thewizwrd of the $brth, and his feats of legerdemain would do oredit to a pro fessional. - Only once before has Mr Seager visited Ashburton, when he made a very favourable impression with the famous ' Old Canterbury ' lecture.

Mr Gilruth, Government Veterinary Sur geon, returned by the Tekapo yesterday from a visit to Europe and Australia, He says, as the result of hia observations m Queensland concerning the tick plague, that it is highly improbable that the pest will come to New Zealand, provided due pre cautions are continued. He thinks it doubt ful if the tick would live m this colony, aa it has not been proved that it exists below the 24th parallel.

The concert and ba,H m aid. of the kauristoii school prige fund, fixed for Fri day next, promises to be a deoided success. The management committee has spared no paing m getting together a most satisfactory programme, included m which wilt be items by the Estudiantina Band, and given good weather, a highly enjoyable evening should be spent, Ashburton performers are re. minded that a drag will leave the Post Office, for Lauriston, at 6 p.m., sharp.

With reference to one of the recommenda tions made by the Committee appointed by the House to consider the frozen meat question, a deputation waited on the Minister for Railways asking that for inland freezing works some concessions should be made. The Minister decliued to make any alteration- in the the present rates, contend ing that the difference between freights oa live and dead meat was inconsiderable, and left no margin for the special requirements of tjhat trade, ' '

An Invercargill telegram says that an inquest, was opened last night on the body of a female infant, born of a domestic servant named Fenn, aged 18, who had been about two months m the service of a widow lady m town, whb had no knowlege of the girl's condition. It was not till the doctor w»s called m that the cause of the girl's illness was ascertained, and on being asked where the child was, the girl indioated the place where it was found dead, rolled m a piece of calico. - inquest was adjourned for fifteen days for the recovery of the gfrl.

A remarkable case of a dream coming true occurred m Ashburton m connection with the Caulfield Cup race. Mr F. Cochrane, the well known jockey, dreamed on Friday night that Cremorne had won thatj-ace. He mentioned this to several Ashburton resi dents on Saturday morning, and even at tempted to back the horse but could not get satisfactory odds.. M~r Coohrane and those to whom he had told' }iia dream must have read the contents of the cable message to the Guardian on Saturday night with feelings tha£ must have been of a somewhat) novel character,

The oycloß made by nineteen different firms are now being sold m Mew Zealand.

Mr Charles Potter, the retiring New South Wales Government printer, U 69 years of age.

Supposed gold-bearing stone from Wairoa Gorge, near Nelson, turns out to be nothing better than iron pyrites.

The results of the lambing m New South Wales show a decrease of 710,000 compared with last year.

There are over 14,000 persons directly employed m the Queen&land sugar industry including 8000 coloured aliens.

A Gazette extraoidioary prorogues Parlia ment unfcil the 19th of November. This is, of course, the ordinary formal prorogation

Lady Glasgow's condition for the last tweiity-four hours has not been so satis factory, and the f ver has been rather higher.

The voting m Victoria and Tasmania on the question of Methodist union shows 16,950 votes for union, 2968 against, and 4851 neutral.

The Queensland Government will probably despatch an officer to the southern parts of Kurope to report upon the cultivation of products likely to prove remunerative m Queensland. ....

' " The Hermit's Cell," a sweet cantata has been m practice for some time, and will be given, m the Templar Hall, Tinwald, on Friday next, m aid of the Sunday school prize fund. The entertainment ought to be largely patronised. • • »~

A short time ago the police of Timarn took twenty-one samples of milk from as many distributors of milk, m the town and suburbs f^for analysis. Information was received from the analyst on Monday that all the samples were satisfactory.

Mr VV. S. Ma&lin will be the first candi date, to address the voters m the Ashburton electorate. He begins his campaign m the Oddfellows' Hall on Friday evening, when he will speak retrospectively, prospectively, and critically of matters political. On Mon day he speaks at Tinwald— on both occasions at eight o'clock.

The Gothic, which arrived^at Wellington on Monday, brought a number of high-priced stud sheep, consigned to Canterbury breeders. The shipment consists of two Border Leicester stud rams," valued* at one hundred guineas each, one Shropshire ram, eight Shropshire ewes, and two Bomney Mdursh rams. Two valuable stud Border Leicester rams bred by Mr Sutton, of Bathurst, New South Wales, were brought over by the Tekapo, which arrived at Wellington on Sunday. They are for a Southland breeder.

A most charming 'At Home ' was held m the Orange Hall, yesterday afternoon, m celebration of the birthday of little Mildred Trevor, daughter of our oldest and much respected physician. Mrs Trevor entertained the Kindergarten schoolmates of her little daughter, besides a of other friends both old and young, and 'as a hostess, succeeded m making everybody happy. Hearty wishes were expressed for many returns of the day, and congratulations accorded to Mrs and Dr Trevor.

The Presbyterian reunion m the Odd fellows' Hall on Thursday promises to be one more of the unbroken line of successes this church has eD joyed with its annual gatherings since the very earliest days of Ashburton settlement. The usual complete and thorough arrangements have been made, we hear, for the tea meeting, and for the after meeting the names of several very popular speakers are underlined. The musical programme will be a (rood one, the choir having secured the assistance of an efficient orohestra, and several solos will be 9ung, including one by Miss Hardy, of Christchurch, a very charming vocalist. The after meeting will begin at eight o'clock —or before if possible.

The Domain Board had last night one of the longest sittings it has suffered for some time. The Council met as usual at halt-past seven, with a quorum at the proper time for beginning— a most com mendable but certainly not customary puncfcuality-T-and got through all the Counoil business proper m good time. Councillors lingered lovingly over the turncock question, but ultimately* that was cleared off, and as there was no correspondence the meeting romped through what remained. But when the Board business came on the municipal spow shoaled badly. Mr Thomas was chair man, and drove, as is his custom m such a position, with a very light rein. The scow brought up on the grouud keeper question, and stuck there until ten o'clock.- There were nine applicants, seven of whom were promptly laid aside, and the ohoice was narrowed down to two. The Board was equally divided — four wanted the old man, and four favored the new. The claims of each candidate were fully disoussed, but these need not be recounted here, though they were of the highest ; but motions to refer to a Committee, to adjourn to a special meeting, and other suggestions, clung round the scow, and held her. By a mighty effort, however, these were all cast adrift, and the vote was taken as between the two men. Mr Thomas gave his casting vote m favor of the old officer, jush as the Murray master* piece of horology tolled ou*) the hour at which respectable hosteiries must close their hospitable doors, and eject those who would yet give tarrianoe at the wine cup, and so the business ended.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(Wo 4o not hold ourselves responsible for the opi'iinns axptnssed by our correspondents)

THE ASHBURTON SEAT.

TO THE EDITOB,

Sib,— The news that Mr E. G. Wright had consented to stand for Ashburion was re ceived with delight by the electors of Westerfield. And an energetic sub oommitt'ee has been formed, of which more hereafter, who will do their utmost to secure the return of that gentleman to Parliament. We are already so well ac quainted with Mr Wright's ability, exper ience, and knowledge of the require* meats of the whole electorate, that we do not ask nor require that he should, m the present state of his health, do more than publish an outlive of his political views m your paper which is read by everybody. We have be, en well acquainted with Mr Wright's administrative ability for many. ■ years. We know alaoi that whea Mr Wright id again returned to parliament, the county will be represented by a gentleman who has been our neighbor, and engaced m the pursuits' on which rest all the commercial interests of the county. In short, we will haye a representative of whom any m the colony might justly be proud. In this district neither fads nor falsehood will find any quarter. Burns say* — " The man's tKe gowd for a* that," and it will be found that on the day of election, the intelligent men and women of the place will know how to choose the gold from among the other metale.—l am, etc.,

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council waa held last evening. Present— Cr» Brooko, Cuthbertson, Reid, Thomas, Baker, Bird, Iraul, and Collins. Apologies having been tendered for the absence of the Mayor and Cr Orr, Cr fhomaß waa appointed chairman. A FINANCE. The chairman reported the overdraft as standing at £1828 8s Bd, and income received since last meeting £108 9n Bd.

FIR! BRIGADE. The Fire Brigade Committee reported as follows : —

Water Supply— Your Committee beg to 1 report; that at a conference held with the-" officers of the Fire Brigade, the Brigade stated their willingness to take over the control of the water supply for fire preven tion purposes, provided the sleeping apart raeut at the station was furnished/ -the channel - gates put m good working order, and the annual subsidy in creased to £100 per annum. Your Com mittee recommend that the Bleeping room at the station be properly furnished, and the channel gates regulated m accordance with the plan submitted by the Borough Engineer. Respecting the question of the Brigade taking control of the water supply at an. increased subsidy, of £100 per annum, your Committee beg to submit this proposal together with that contained m the report of 'the joint committee held over from last meeting, for the CounoiPs consideration. ' Cr Cuthbertson moved that the report be received, and that the clause. referring to putting the sleeping apartments m order be adopted. ' Both motions were carried, after Cr Baker had seconded, them, and. the matter of the accommodation was lefc m the hands of the Works Committee to carry out. Cr Collins,, however, was not m accord with the suggestion -nl appointing two men to sleep on the premises and be responsible for the fire prevention water supply. He did not fancy any man would be likely to take that responsibility for £5 a year. He thought a permanent ranger would be a far more satisfactory officer. Cr Brooke explained that the motion did not commit the Council to anything beyond the furnishing of the apartment. Whatever was done, it would be necessary to provide sleeping accommodation. - ' " Cr Reid also supported the motion* although he had a slight leaning towards Of Collin8 r ideas of the thing. Cr Thomas pointed out that a water ranger's duties extended over- the whole system, but the getting of two men to aob as turncocks and sleep on the premises supplied the borough with two men who, bsing always on the spot at night, would also get out the engine. Cr Cuthbertson then moved a motion to the effect that the. whole responsibility, of the water-supply for, fire prevention be handed over to the Brigade, as proposed by them, and at the increased subsidy asked by the Brigade. ' Cr Brooke seconded the motion. •

Cr Bird said\the Council was not Jn * * position to pay £20 more for a service of the kind required. He thought a boy could do the work, and no expensive uniform was required. He moved as an amendment that the services of. the two men chosen be accepted at £10 per annum.

Cr Paul seconded the amendment. With Cr Bird he thought two smart active youths could maintain an efficient supply of water. They would not be required very often — perhaps not once m a year. Bub even if they had to turn out to five fires, £1 a fire would not be bad pay. He understood the Brigade were averse to the responsibility. Cr Cutbbertaon said that so long as the Brigade did not bear the responsibility of the water supply things would be unsatis factory. As it was, it was like one power finding and caring for the arms, and another the ammunition. .

The Chairman wat also against a divided authority. Cr Cuthbertson was willing to withdraw his motion if Cr Bird would include m his motion the sum of £10 per annum to be added to the subsidy. A discussion arose as to what was the real offer of the Brigade m the matter, and Crs Brooke and Cubhbertson explained that ib was that the Brigade simply relieve the Council of all responsibility, for an increase of £20 per annum, anid appoint their, own turncocks.

Cr Cuthbertaon'a motion was then with drawn, and Cr Bakter moved a further amend ment that the Brigade's subsidy be increased by £10 per annum, and that they take all responsibility m regard to water supply/and the appointment of tujncocks. Cr Bird withdrew his amendment m favor of Cr Baker's, which was then carried.

The matter of channel gates was left m the hands of the Works Committee, with a recommendation to have the work done at once.

engineers' bepobt.

The Engineers' report was read and adopted as under :— Labor Gang.— The men have been engaged during the past two weeks m watering the streets, ploughing and carting grass off Moore street, forming Burnett streets, metal ling streets, oartirg soil to sections, moving shed at yard, cleaning channels, attending to water-supply, carting rubbish off streets, and general maintenance work.

inspector's report. The Inspector reported that the town was m a fairly sanitary state. WILLOWS IN THE rWeR«BED.

Cr Thomas called attention to the fact that there were many willows growing m the river-bed, which would m time bscome a menace to the bridge. It was resolved that the County Council be approaohed on the subject. SLAGS. Permission was granted to the Primitive Methodist Churoh to hang a line of flags across Wills street on show day. BE3EBVES. . R*serve 1040 was let to Mr Mills for £1 per annum. Mr J. B. Kirk wrote again making a further offer for the Council's shop m East street. The Council resolved that it could not depart from its condition* laid down at last meeting. BYLAWS. A draft by-law dealing with interference with the water-supply was referred to the By-Laws Committee. , THE OUTFALL DRAIN. It was decided to ask the County Council to apply to Government to reserve a piece of land, among the Government sections to be offered for sale, for the purpose of protecting the outfall drain. ' ' - LICENSES.. The following licenses were granted :*— Carriers — T, Williams. Carriage — John Newman (3), T. Williams, J. Qrooke, Drivers — J. flfewman, A. Bee, W. Smith, T. Williams, T. Crooks. Petroleum — Fletoher Bros. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £61 7s lid were passed for payment, and the Counoil resolved itself into a DOMAIN BOARD. CALEDONIAN SOCIETV. The use of the Domain was granted to the Caledonian Society for Boxing Day. JUNIOR CRICKET CLUB. It was decided that no reduction on the sum (£10) assessed as ground rent for ttie Junior Cricket Club, could be made. S^OBXS ASSOCIATION ERQPESITf. The Secretary of' the Sports. Association, wrote forwarding a list of the property held by the Association, which it was proposed should be taken over by the Board either at valuation or at an agreed on discount on the coat price. This matter was left m the hands of the Domain Committee with the Mayor and Mr Collins added. In regard to he ground roller it was decided to credit the Clubs interested m it with? £5 each on acount of their ground rent. \ TURNSTILES, The Committee recommended no |urth.e£ expenditure on turnstiles m view of the low, state of the Board* funds. • ■> GROUND-KEEPER. Out of nine applicants, the names of F. P.erks and F, Johns were selected to vote 00, and the former was elected on the qaa> inp vote of the Chairman. The Board then adjourned..

TflK ABHBDitTOfc GtJARMAtf $ TtJES&A*, OCtOBEB 20, 1808.



It will be seen by a new advertisement m another column that Messrs Craighead and Berry man are probably now showing the largest stock of new tweeds and fashionable tailoring goods ever exhibited m Ashbur- ton. This speaks well for their enterprise, and local indmlry, - •



Kbating's Powdkr aestroys bugs, fleas, mo- he, beetles, and all other inseots, whilst gui c h .rmless to dorasstio animals. In exterminating beetles the success of this powder is extraordinary. It is perfeotly olean m applioation. See the nrtiole you purohano is Keati>g's, as imi'ations are noxious and ineffectual, Sold m tine, 66\ \fy and 3a 6d e»oh, by all ohewiets. <



Wanted. ' LOST — Black Retriever Dog; answers to name of " Watcb." Finder re- warded. Apply to E Kobottom. 10165 FOUND, Prayer Book, inscribed " Edith Olive Gordon." Apply Mb Hugo Fbibdlandbb. ,- 10 159 ; I MR E. W. Seager of « Old Canterbury fame — the Wizird of the Norih — Oddfellow*' Hall to-morrow — Hampstead School Concert. 10 160 ANTED AT ONCE -Good Coat Hands ; also Good Vest Hands and Apprentices. — Craighead and Berryman; 10 157 SALVATION ARMY, To-night. Hear Captain Bishop, the Converted Mouk, on Black and White Lies. Silver Coin admission. 10 155 TTAMPSTEAD School Eutertainment. XX Mr Stager has had crowded houses wherever he Has given his Entertainment. 10 161 HAMPSTEAD School Concert, Wednes- day Next. Estudiantina Band — Mr and MissSeager from Christchurch. Mirth, Magic, and Music. DID you ever hear the like ? Men s best Canvas Shoes 5s 6d, at Mellor's, Tancred street. FECULINA, Feculina. The perfection of Cake Flour, 3£d per packet. Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores. SEED Potatoes. Seed Potatoes. The very beat from 241bs a Is, at Fletcher Bros, Ashburton. +r . NEW Mangel, Carrot, and Turnip i-'eeds. The favorite sorts at low prices. — Carson and Co. 10 84 | SEVERAL Bulky Lines, of Earthenware must be cleared to make room for new shipments. Six piece bedroom sets from lls 6d.— Carson and Co. 10 85 IF YOU WANT the Newest and Niceßt m Millinery, Trilby Muslins, and Dresa Goods, go to Mss Alcobn's. Di eases made on the premises. Fit guaranteed. WANTED Known— Go to the Corner for Newest Styleß m Drapery and Millinery — W. H. Collier. TTTANTED Known— The "Economic V T Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per p-ur, is the Glove for every day wear. — W. H. Collier. rfIHERE is no doubt, no possible doubt, I that you get Good Value for your money at Mellor's. "TTTE lead, follow who- may. Children's YV Slippers Is. Mellor's Tancred Btreet. T HEARD a man say that Mellor is selling X Boots Wonderfully Cheap. ANTED KNOWN.— Mrs Huffam having taken the premises lately occupied by Mr G. Neill, inlends to open same as Ladies' Dining and Refreshment Rooirs, where visitors will find a long felt want supplied. ' Meals at all hours. A few boarders will find all the comforts of a home. WANTED Known — We are clearing out all our Macintoshes, Jackets, Lined Cloaks and Dressing Gowns. No reasonable offer refused for anything soiled or " not up to date."— Mitchell and Turner. COUGH, Cough, Cough— l am stil making my celebrated Cough Drops, None genuine unless stamped Flower's Cough. — H. A. Flower, Confectioner, Eaßt street. 5 24 MEN'S Bluchers ss, a good Strong Nailed Shooter at 8s 6d ; a nice assortment of Ladies' and Children's Boots .and Shoes from Is 9d a pair at R. A^loobn's.



Business Notices. ' "VT E W /^ U O D kS N. Z. C. F, 37£ dizen New Straw Hats. 1^" E W p O O D S N. Z. C. F. 109 d- z!!ti Ti<>B and Bows. I\T E w Gr ° ° D S " N Z OF. 56 dcz n Shirts. T^ X W Q. O O D S '% Z.C.P. 62 dc zon Hard and Soft Felt Hals. TV EW rj- °. 9 D B N. Z. C, F. ' ■ ■ 103 dozen half-hose THE Largest and Best Assortment of Men's Mercery m the distriot. — New Zeaiand Clothing Factory, , —SPECIAL— T7IOR SHOW AND, HOLIDAY SEASON Tweed Costume, 35Si] Complete Tweed Costume, including 33s 6a. Material, Fancy sho^. alpaca, dreßß, V Lining, 33s 6d. Furnishing,* Choice fancy alpaca, and 33m 6d. J making. SPFCIAL COSTUME LENGTHS. A nice line of Fancy Tweed. 5s lid. Lovely fancy shot Alpaca, the very cream of fashion, 13s 6d. 12 yards good Washing Print for 3s lid. New Spanish Lawns for Blouses. Fancy Silks for Blouses. Black and white striped Prints for Blouses " The Croam of Fashion." MKNS, BOYS, & YOUTHS CLOTHING n Great Varioty,and at prices tojmeet the times. Ashburton Drapery Company. ARCADE HOUSE. t*jga»sßW— — — —^fmmii — — — — mmm Chare}* Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, ABhburlon. Wednesday — Brotherhood of St Andrew, 7.30 p.m. Thursday—' G.F.S., J 7 pm. Friday— Short Service, 7.30 p.m.; Choir practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. (October g5.) 8 30 a.m. — Holy Communion, 11a.m. — Morning Prayer, 3 p.m.— (Seafieldi Rev T. A. Hamilton. 3 p.m. — (Dromore) Mr W. Bowman- Fox. 6.30 p.m. — Kvening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON, Wanted. W ANTED Known— MjsW>i& Saje surpassing anything ever heard of m Ashburton. 10 MOTHERS and fathers who have to provide Boots and Shoes, should call at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. /CHEAPEST House m Canterbury for \J Garden and Farm Seeds isCABSON and Cos. Six packets of Vegetable Seeds for la ; Flower Seeds from Is dozen, Garden Tools of all sorts. WANTED Known— Large delivery o the " Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, la 9d per pair, worth rcueh more.— W, H, Collier. XT?" ANTED Known— That J.^ Moison/ T T has just received a largo fhipment of English, American, and Continental Boots and Shoes, suitable for the season ; also an overwhelming Stock of the best colonial makes, which he intends disposing of at very t' eason^b, le pripes during the coming holidays. Repairs aa ' usual done at once at Moison's Premier Boot Stor'eVSaefc Str#et ; Ashburton. ■\7"OUNG Ladies' Journal for October, JL Weldon'a Journal for September, Jude the Obscure, Master Wilberforce, A ut, biography of a Truth (Edna Lyall), Thp Crime of the Century, .Checked Through, Vyitbin Her Grasp,".. Romance of Worida, Soub pf Fire, and other new bookß.--H, M. JonBS. "T" ETTS' Diaries. Letts' Diaries for 1897. j j Colonial Editions for Office and private uae now to hand. Large assortment of Mercantile Stationery. New lob of Foreign Stamps, Jnspe,etioo invited. Andbewbs, Anderson, and Go. WANTED Known— Jußt opened, ex Pakeha and Gothic, Flannelettes, white, stripes, and colours ; velveteens, black, all priceß ; Colours, large variety, including new shades m Reseda, Humboldt and Hungarian — Mitchell and Tubneb. s T> 4NANAS, Papanas, ripe and sound, J3 also sweet £>.&, Oranges at H. A. Flower's, Confectioner and Fruiterer,: East Street. WANTED Known^lOOO paira of Boot to be sold m twenty-one days ait Mellob's. I) IDE the Best, — Kent's Championship \) Bicycles are the best Built Lo your own measure. Tyres and accessories of all sorts' — Carson and Co., Agents 10 86 "VTOW'S your time to Buy. There iB a _l\ ' Big Sa^.o a() Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Known— Men's Mercery, Clothing and Boots. For (food's Lfa*b wear well, tit well, and look well, try that old eat^bjlehed firm — Mitchell and liVRNEB. WHERE, Qh where, is that Cheap Boof @hop? MKLLOK'a "Zealundia



Business Notices FACTS ARE STUBBORN j - , THINGS.. r mUERK ARE 'IWELVE STUBBORN FACTS THAT CANNOT f ' BE DENIED. ! lst-ThatG. J. NEILL is scl ing good* | 6lh-That G. J. NKILL is selling Men's strong White Muslin at 3- lid d< z. Tweed Trousers at 5s lid. 2nd-That G. J. NI'ILL is selling good ; 7ih-That G. J. NEILL is aelline Boy«\ Washißg Prints at 4£d a yard. j Sailor Suits m navy blue or fawn % 3rd— That' Gr. J. NEILL has pretty I serge, at 4a lid the suit. ¥ Summer Dress Tweeds at 9j 6d a j Bth- r JhatG. J. NEILL is selling dress, that can't be beat. ) Women's Shoes at 4s lid. 4th— That G. J. NEILL is selling Ladies' j 9th— hat G. J. NEILL i B Belling Men's and Children's Summer Hats of j nailed Shooters at 7s lid. every description, the very late *t 10th— That G.vJ. NEILL is aelling Men's style, cheaper thau anyone m Ash- light Balmorals at 83 lid. b urton , 11th -That G. J. NEILL ia selling Ladies' sth— That G. J. N!:ILL it selling Men'B and Childrens' Tan Boots and Shoeß Hiavy 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 FBIBDLANDER'S CORNER, '.•■ • East Street, Ashburton. Kaiapoi House t Ashburton t October 1, 1896. To Oar Friends — Having completed arrangements with the Trustees under the Will, of the late William Mitchell for the purchase of their interest m the business carried on ■under the style of Mitchell and 7 urner y Drapers, • toe have much pleasure m informing you that we hope to continue the business on greatly improved lines, such as importing the bulk of each seasons good&and quitting them at CASH PRICES, refitting the v premises, and re-organising the staff, so as to bring tlie Establishment quite up to date. '■ Our Country Friends will be well served with full ranges of samples of 'the newest goods. In the meantime all Orders by Post will receive prompt attention. MITCHELL cj- TURNER, Tancred Street. PRELIMINARY NOTICE. Ml W. sTMLSSSSIiE. "■ LATE WITH MITCHELL & TURNER, AND MR XT' IT TDRODRIBB IV ±Lt. ±1. JD RODR IB B, HAVE AKRANGED A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE PURCHASE OF THB BUSINESS, LATELY KNOWN AS « THE BLUB HOUSE » DRAPERY ESTABLISHMENT. The Business m future will be carried on under the name and style of MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, I^hej^^iraL 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 moat of the inhabitants of Ashburton and district, and through having business con- nections directly with them, is m 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 & MEROEEY 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. " THft MANCHESTER & DRESS DEPARMENTS Are now being Stocked with all the requirements necessary for carrying on a Large Cash Trade, and by giving only Oobd Honest Values, combined with the desire to work and buijd up a substantial business, MITCHELL & BRODRIBB *"-• - Have no hesitation m challenging the trade by. giving the best value m Ashburton. THE MILLINERY & UNDERCLOTHING DEPARTMENT "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 the Ladies. of Ashburton and district that their orders will receive the best attention. . ' - A NEW BOOT DEPAIU'MENT is now being Fitted and Stocked with all the best makes, and m this Branch of our Business we inte&d to be ever foremost. . LOOK OUT FOR SPECIAL QUOTATIONS IN FUTURE ISSUES, . i opening day— Saturday, the 17th. < MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERS, £t>lw(un J Qnr 4% Op., and the Clothing Factory, Ashburton,