The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, OCTOBUR 10, 1896. Local and General.

We are compelled to hold over editorial articles and some correspondence.

Attention is drawn to the Ishburton Drapery Company's new advertisement m this issue,

Mr Frank H. Smith, a cheep farmer of Albury, announces himself as a candidate for Timaru.

Dr Clarke, the founder of the Christian Endeavour movement, has promised to visit New Zealand next year.

The Chattels Transfer Act as it now stands amends the existing law by exempt ing liens on wool and stock from the Chattels Transfer Act.

Lady Glasgow, who went to Napier last week, has been obliged to return to Wel lington, owing to indisposition. Lady Alice Boyle also came back.

A meeting of the Ashburton branch of the National Association ot New Zealand, will be held iv the Oddfellows' Hall, on Wednesday, October 14, when important business will be brought forward.

Mr J. H. Maynard was unanimously elected Chairman of the Hampstead Town Board last evening, when the new Board held its first meeting. The second Friday m each month was fixed for meetings.

A Press Association cablegram received this morning states that there is a good, demand for butter at Home, and that if the Bevere weather continues prices will probably exceed those quoted for the same period last year.

At the public meeting to be held m the Flemington Presbyterian Church on Thurs day next, addresses will be delivered by the following gentlemen :— Rev. Dr Elmslie, and Revs. A. B. Todd, C. Abernethy, G. 3. Inglis, and J. Barlow.

Our Methven correspondent : — An old man named Thompson, who is employed by Mr Anderson, with his chalfcutter, and who sleeps m the moveable whatu, was nearly burned to death on Wednesday night. He apparently went to bed without putting out the light, which must have set lire to the buildiug, and when Mr Anderson, junr., detecting a smell of lire, rushed out of the house, he had the greatest difficulty m getting the old man out of the burning building. Ihe engine, etc., had juat been brought home for the season.

In connection with the arrest at Monte Video, of Geake, the Daylesford solicitor who absconded from hU bail, a corres pondent writes tha'j Geake went on shore with a party, all of whom were arrested and put into prison with , him for identifica tion. They nearly lost their passage, not getting out of gaol till just m time to catch the last launch going off to the steamer. It was simply through the assistance of the British Consul that they were released m time. It was a dull day for the party, who hid a rough trip to the steamer and a good deal of good natured chaff on board for their day's amusement.

l The " relay " bicycle ride from Sydney to Melbourno was anything but a fair-weather journey. The roads were flooded with rain and covered with mud ; a head wind, one of the most exasperating conditions that can , atflict a cyclist, prevailed ; hail, darkness, and divers other perils of the night had to be encountered. Yet for the better part of £wo days and nights, at every twenty-mile stage along the (60,4 miles of road, a fresh rider was found, generally accompanied by his pacemakers and volunteer escort, ready, to speed Lord Hampden's message along. Some had to ride or walk across swampy i paddocks or along unmade roads. One link m the chain of communication pitched into a waterhole and bad to extricate from the depths, first his machine, then his watch, before further progress could be made.

Tourists and holiday makers, with their thoughts turned to the Wanganui River, which has been called the " Rhine of New Zealand," will be interested to learn that the upper reaches, which are by far the more picturesque, will be accessible by steamer during the coming season. A boat specially designed for Ihe work is now being buijlt for Messrs A. Hatrick and Co. by Messrs Simpson and Strickland, of Dart mouth, England. Her engines are quad* ruple expansion and foer boifer Thomycroft's j patent water tvb t e typg. §he is twjn screw, with ajso Thornycroft's patent turbine pro peljiers. Her guaranteed speed is thirteen miles an hour," and she h#a a draf eof only eleven inches, A great deal' has beep done recently m improving the- navigation of the river so that it is anticipated ! that, thorough communication will be kept up right through the season, instead of being occasionally interrupted when the river is at its lowest. The present services atop at Pipiriki, fifty six milea from Wanganui, but the new boat will go to Ohura, 120 miles from Wanganui, and also work the Tangarakau, a tributary of the Wanganui for sixteen miles. The* drop scene of the Ashburton Oddfellow's Hal is a "bit" from the Wangunui River.

Have yon tried Kozie Tea ? Jf uot do so Ml uuuo ; it ia delicious

The Banking Committee Report

(PER PRKSS ASSOCIATION ) Wellington, October 9. The House Banking Committee brought down its report this afternoon. It fiuds « that the toial ascertained and escimatid I losses of the Bank of New Zealand since | 1888 amounted to 1 4,040,799. Besides this, there> may be losses m trading concerns re maining m the hands of the Estates Com pany. Of these, however, the Committee have been unable to form any reliable esti- f mate. During the period m whicti these losses were made, no less than ' 265,688 was paid away by the directors m dividends, i'hese figures tell the story of the past management of the Bauk. The Committee consider it undesirable that the Bauk should engage m commerce, and recommend that the trading uuucerua should be realised as soon as possible. J o effect this the direc tors estimate that from two to three years will be required. The Committee have carefully inquired into the properties now held by the Realisation Board, and the evidence brought before them shows that the realisation will probably not fall far short of the estimates placed before the Joint Committee m 1895. On the other hand, it seems unlikely that these proper ties wili all be realised within the eight years now remaining. The report exhaus tively reviews the progress of the banking legislation since 1889, and states, from detailed information , now m posses sion of the Committee* they have no . doubt that the action taken m assist ing the Bank of New Zealand ia 1894 was prudent, and that by so doing a national disaster was averted. It was not then practicable, m the short time at the disposal of Parliament, to pass legislation finally dealing with a subject so intricate and so difficult as the separation of the Estates Company from the bank. After dealing fully with the circumstances surrounding the acquisition of the Colonial Bunk by the Bank of New Zealand, the report goes on to state that the balance sheets of the Colonial Bank, and the conduct of its directors and officers, are Included among the subjects mentioned in' the order of refeience> On these points, however, the Committee have not made detailed enquiry ; but from the evidence brought before them they are of opinion that the balance sheet dated August 31, 1895, did not fully disclose the position of the Colonial Bank. This will be apparent when it is mentioned that the whole of the accounts which subse quently figured m the A, B, C, and D lists were put down m it as good assets. The Committee consider that the position of the Colonial Bank, as disclosed m the examina tion which preceded the purchase agree ment, shows that mismanagement must have taken place, the responsibility for which rests upon the directors and officers of that bank. Mr Ward m no way pro moted the banking legislation of 1895 ratify ing the purchase agreement. This Bill originated with the Bank of New Zealand, and was submitted to the Premier, who, since 1894, had charge of the banking legislation. Members of the Ministry were informed from time to time that negotiations were proceeding for the purchase of the Colonial Bank, but the evidence shows that no member of Government took any p.irt m the negotiations, or was informed of the contents of any of the lists. The Committee have made careful inquiry into the results of the purchase of the Colonial Bank by the Bank of New Zealand. The evidence all goes to show that the purchase was a desir able one, and that the Bank of New Zealand made a good bargain. The Committee have carefully enquired as to the increased earning power of the bank obtained by the purchaee, and although it is somewhat early to speak with certainty, the evidence supports the estimate given to the Joint Committee m 1895 by the President. Whilst the purchase is sitisfactory to the Bank of New Zealand, it has proved disastrous to some clients of the Colonial Bank, whose ace mnts are m the B and C lists, and the liquidation under the Com pinies Act entailed some loss on the share holders of the Colonial Bank. The evidence is m favor of additional power being given to the liquidators, so as to enable them to compromise or nurse accounts. The evidence goes to show [that it would be advisable for the directors of the B ink of New Zealand aud the liquidators of the Colonial Bank to arrange for taking over the accounts, over being determined by arrangement. The Committee are of opinion that the suggestions of witnesses to give power to the present liquidators to continue liquidation, as pro vided by the deed of peutlement, of the Colonial Bank, instead of being restricted by the provisions of the Companies Act, which required the liquidators to obtain an order from the Supreme Court before they can compromise any account, ought to be given effect to, but such power should only be given subject to the approval of shareholders of the bank. Beyond this, the Committee have no recom mendation to make on the subject. The Committee are of opinion that the crisis m the bank's history, m 1888 was directly traceable to the errors of judgment and cross mismanagement of the directors and officers of the bank. The Committee are further of opinion that the conduct of the directors and executive officers of that time ought to have been inqured into, with a view to criminal proceedings ; that the directors were not warranted m recommend ' ing the dividend of April 26, 1888, or m paying dividend at any time subsequently if the real losses of the bank had been deducted from the profits made } that neither m their balance sheets, nor m their state ments to the shareholders, did they dis close the real position of the bank, but based their estimates of value, not upon the current market prices of the time, but upon an imaginary rise m the value of land and produce, which they apparently ex pected to take place, '• he system of main taining a fictitious book value of property, the real value of whioh had decreased year by year year, is one which the Committee cannot too strongly condemn, and that it should be a direction to the Board of Direc tors that the officers responsible should not be continued m the service of the bank. The present directors, since their appoint ments, appear to have been anxious to dis cover the bedrock value of properties and the accounts of the bank. The Com mittee are of opinion that the law prevent ing the directors from having overdrafts m the bank should be extended to officers of the bank and to companies the directors of which are also directors of the Bank of New Zealand. After dealing with the circum stances connected, with the appointment of Mr Watson as President of the Bank of New Zealand, the report goes on to state that m the opinion of the Committee it is essential for the success of the Bank of New Zealand, and to i nspire and maintain confidence m that institution, that an important altera tion m the management should be made. The Committee therefore regommend that a reorganisation should take place. The office of President should be abolished, a new general manger should be appointed, the directors should be increased to eight, and should consist of three representatives of the shareholders, three to be appointed by the Governor-in-Council, one to be elected by the House of Representatives, and one by the Legislative Council — Chairman to hxve power of veto, and to be selected by theGoverrior-in-Council; that as far as practi cable the chief commercial centres of the colony should be represented on such a Board of Directors. Investigation made by the Committee have shown that a large percentage of the balance sheets of public companies have failed to show bills under discount' as liabilities, and m some oases even as contingent liabilities. They are of opinion LhajL the present' law' is in sufficient to provide for banks' and com panies showing the exact position of ttieir affairs m their balance sheets, and that legislation should be introduced to further protect shareholders and the pub- j lip. Shortly after t>he appointment of the President and Government auditor the salary of the former was scoured by deed during the term of his engigement, and an agreement was made with the latter that, m the event of his losing his position as auditor, he would be re-instated m the service of the Bank. These agreements were entered into without the knowledge or consent of the Government, lhe Com mittee are of opinion that they should nob have been made without the approval of Government, and that Mr Butt's agreement should be cancelled. In conclusion the Committee consider that the business of the Bank of New Zealand is now sound, bub recQ.inm.endo that it) should be gontjned, as.

far as possible, to this colony, except for the purpose of exchange. The Committee are of opinion that if the outlook for the y«ar for commercial aud agricultural pro ducts continues as satisfactory as it is at ihe present time, and if cempetenb, expert, find reliable management is assured, the • ank will ultimately be able to meet all it« engagements.

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Wellington, October 9. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. EXTRA SITTING. The Council decided to ail on Saturday, at 11 a.m. SECOND READINGS. The Natives Reserves Act Amendment Bill and the Mining Act Amendment Bill were read a first and t-ccond time pro forma. The Oatnaru Harbor Board Leasing Bill was read a second time by 14 to 10. TUB RATING ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Council insisted on the amendments made by it m the Rating Act Amendment' Bill.

THE TOBACCO ACT AMENDMENT BILL. The Tobacco Act Amendment Bill passed its final stages.

IN COMMITTEE,

The Wages Protection Bill was further emasculated, clauses 10 t j 18 and schedule being struck out. The Bill was reported with amendments, after further debate.

The Council adjourned at 4.40 p.m. Wellington, October 10,

AN EXTRA SITTING.

The Legislative Council met this morning. The Wages Protection Bill passed its final stages on the voices, and it was announce 1 that a compromise had been arrived at with the other branch of the legislature on the amendments m the Ship ping and Seam6ns Act Amendment Bill. The committal of the Horowhenua Block Bill was agreed to after a lengthy debate.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington^ October 9. The House met at 2.30 p.m. THE BANKING COMMITTEE'S REPORT.

Mr Gtaham brought up the Banking Committee's report, and moved it be laid on ths table.

Mr George Hutchison wished to move the adoption of an amended report he had prepared. He complained that there was no allusion m the Committee's report to the circums'ances that had led up to the banking legislation of 1895, and therefore the report did not comply with the order of reference.

After some discussion he withdrew his amendment, and the Committee's report was read by the Chairman, its delivery occupying upwards of an hour. Mr Seddon then moved that the debate on the report take place on Monday next. He could not say whether any banking legislation would be brought down. The motion was » greed to on the voices. IN COMMITTEE.

The Government Valuation of Land Bill was under discussion m Committee up to the 5.30 adjournment. PERSONAL. The Premier stated that he wished to refer to a personal matfaer. In the early stage of the banking enquiry he had said that Mr Montgomery, a member of the Committee, was a selfish and ungenerous man, but he had since found that the member for Ellesmere had a definite object m view m the course he was taking on the Committee, and that he was actnated altogether by a sense of duty. That being the case he wished to express his regret tor having made the remark he had referred to. Mr Montgomery said that he was very glad to accept the Premier's expression of regret, and it showed t hat he was a generous man. He wished to say that if there was anything m the letter which he wrote to the Premier on the subject that the latter sonsidered offensive, he desired to withdraw it. BANKING BILL. Mr Duthie asked the Premier if the Government intended bringing down any banking legislation The Premier said that it was impossible } for him to answer that question m tha face of the report just brought down by the Banking Committee, and he should have to consult his colleagues on the matter. VALUATION OF LAND BILL.

The Government Valuation of Land Bill was committed. Clause 4— Preparation of general valua tion roll.

Mr J. McKeozio moved to make the valuation at prescribed intervals instead of triennially. A lengthy discussion ensued, lasting until the 5.30 p.m. adjournment, The House resumed at 7.30. p.m. Mr McKenzie's amendment to strike out •• triennial" was, after nearly three hours' discussion, carried by 35 to 30, and "at periodical intervals " inserted. Clause 4 as amended was carried. Ulause 7 -^Provision as to the preparation of the district valuation roll elicited a lengthy debate, but finally passed with several amendments. Clause 9 — Such roll to be the standard roll for all local authorities. Mr Allen moved an amendment by which it would be made optional on the part of local authorities to accept the valuation roll.

Lost by 33 to 26 and the clause passed. Clause 11 — Purpose for which the valu ation roll is to be used, Mr Buchanan moved an amendment to restriot the valuation to the purposes of the Land and Inoome Tax Act, and not to use them for the purpose of money lending. After a long discussion, Mr Buchanan withdrew his amendment. ; Mr J. McKenzie moved to add to the pur poses for which the roll should be used assessment) of stamp duties under the Stamp Act 1883, and Deceased Persons Estate Act 188 J. The olause passed. Clause 15, fees payable m registration of deeds affecting land. Mr Maslin moved that this clause be struck out. The remaining clauses passed without alteration. Mr J. McKenzie moved a new clause to the effect that a certified copy of the Valuer- General's valuation of any property appear ing m the general valuation be deemed a competent valuer's report under the Trustees Act, 1883, Amendment Act 1891. I Mr Bell moved a proviso that where such copy is required for lending purposes by a trustee or trustees the Valuer-General shall satisfy himself that the entry is correct as to value,. and for that purpose shall amend the roll where necessary. Carried by 42 to 12. * i*ajij\va.ys classification hill. The Government Railways Classification Sill was committed. Clause 7, permanent head to certify to inoreases. Mr Cadman, m reply to Mr Millar, said that permanent head meant the general . manager. On the motion of Mr Earnsbaw the head of the Department is to furnish a copy ot all entries m the conduct book relating to a member to whose pay an increase is attached. In clause 9 Mr G. W. Russell moved that no reduction shall be made m the pay of any person who receives less than £195 per annum. Lost on the voices. In clause 11, Mr Pirani moved to strike out the penalty not exceeding £5 for breach of regulation or rules. Lost) on the voices. In clause 18, Mr P.irani moved that all appeals should be heard, by tqe Appeal Board, and not by the Minister. Lost by 29 to 16. Captain Russell moved an amendment with the object of removing the appeal fromit tho Minister of the day, T ".•" {•'• Lost pa the voices. f Mr Hiram moved that the Minister; should. only hear appeals where the fines do not exceed £2.— Carried. In clause 19 Mr Collins moved an addition providing that the decision of the board shall be final. Lost on the voices. The remaining clauses pas cd. MrEarushaw moved a new clause that no person under the age of 20 years. shall be employed as a shunter ab any of the main railway stations. Lo3t by 38 to 8. Mr G. J. Smith asked the Minister whether he would accept certain amend ments ja the schedule without jeopardising

the whole scheme. Mr Cddman asked the Hout>e not to inter fere with the schedule an the scheme was now on its trial, and they would have to see how it worked out. Mr Pirani moved that the irnximum salary for the General Manager be £1200. Mr Morrison moved au amendment that the saary be incret-ed to £1000 by four annual increments of £50. Tne amendmen s movud by Mr Pirani and Mr G. W. Russell, to iucrease the salary of the general manager, were withdrawn. Mr Earushaw moved to make the two increments of sixpence per day m the pay of guards annual instead of the second increase being at the end of seven years. This was lost by 30 to 7. Mr Morrison moved to increase che pay of crossing-keepers aud bridge- keekers from thirty shillings to thirty-six shillings per week. Mr Collins s id all the members of the House wanted to move amendments of this kind, but m order not to jeopardise the Bill, were willing to sacrifice them. He asked Mr JLorriaon under these circum stances not to press hi* amendment, which there was no hope of carrying. Mr Seddon denied that some of the rates m the schedule were lower than the scale of pay fot similar work outside the railway Her vice. He said Government would adhere to the schedules as they had been brought down m preference to jeopardising the Bill.

Mr Earnshaw quoted from returns laid on the table of the House, and contended that the rate m this schedule for crossing keepers was a deliberate., reduction of wages. ■" '" ""■ - : Mr 6. W. Russell said he had several letters from men m the railway service stating that the soale m the schedule, especially that tor the locomotive depart ment, amounted to a reduction m the rates of wages and asking him to block the Bill, but he could not agree to this. Mr Morrison withdrew his amendment. Mr Earnshaw moved a similar one, but after considerable discussion it was negatived by 28 to 7. Mr Earnshaw said he desired to move several other amendments m the schedules, but he recognised that m the present temper of the house it was useless to do so. However, he moved an increase m the tradesmen class of the locomotive depart* ment, which was lost by 31 to 7. The Bill was then reported and after a long debate, put through its final stages on the voices. I, AND VALUATION. BILL. The Government Valuation of land Bill f passed its final stages on the voices without (debate, and at 5 a.m. the House adjourned till 2.30 p.m.

ROAD BOARDS.

MOUNT SOMERS.

The monthly meeting of the Mount Sotners Road Board was held last Monday. Pre sent— Mecsrs Chapman (Chairman), Herring, Harrison, and Syme. overseer's report. The Overseer's report was read and con* sidered. Tenders were ordered to be called for form ing and shingling 1? chain of road Ross's Cutting, and about a mile of track, 10 feet wide, on the road to Mr Knight's ; also for repairs to the pound, and fresh tenders for shingling on the Valetta Road; and the track from the Gorge Road to the Mount Possession crossing was ordered to be im proved.

Ede's Road. — The Overseer reported hav ing advertised this road closed for every kind of traffic. Approved ; and the Over seer was instructed to put m new culverts, provided Messrs Hurdley and £mith paid half the cost.

Springburn Road —The Overseer reported having agreed with Mr Sharplin to cart broken metal on this road. Agreed to. The Pound Road.— The Overseer was in structed to have the stones picked along each side cf the shingle and thrown to the centre. :;: ":j -jr r .'

Valetta Road.— The Overseer reported that the contractor had not started work on this road, also that the deposit had not been paid. Resolved to cancel the contract and call fresh tenders, to be ia by the next m eting. CORRESPONDENCE. From Mr D. P. Knight, asking for the road to his place to be improved. Resolved to expend about £10 on the Road, on con dition that Mr Knight contributed £5 m addition.

From Messrs Morgan and Johnston, ask ing that the name of Mr George Pickles be put on the roll for land sold to him. — Agreed to.

From the manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Ageucy Company, asking that the name of Mr VV. Hutchison to be put on the roll for land told to him. — agreed to.

From the Secretary, High, School Board, Aahburton, asking by whose authority the the Board had opened a. shingle, pit on reserve 1123. — The clerk was instructed to reply that the Board was informed by the contractor that permission bad been given by Mr Cameron.

From the Aah burton County. Council, in forming the Board that tenders would be c-lled for the Stour Bridge, and would be before the Council at ite next meeting. ACCOUNTS. Accounts amounting to £57 17b 2d were passed and the Board adjourned.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

(per press association --copyright.) OBITUARY.

T-ondon, October 8. George Dv Maurier is dead.

LORD ROSKBBRY'S RESIGNATION.

In the course of an interview Mr

Gladstone declared he was unable to understand the reason of Lord Rose bery's resignation of the leadership. TREMENDOUS FIRE. New York, October 8. News has been received that half of Guayaquil, a city and seaport of Ecuador, South America, has heen destroyed by fite. The damage ia^esti* mated at six millions and a thousand people are rendered homeless. MAJOR LOTHAIRE. : Brussels, September 8. Major Lothaire is being tried for a breach of promise of marriage.

Australian.

VI3IORIAN POLITICS.

Melbourne, October 8 In the Assembly the Constitution Amendment Bill was read a second time by 32 to 19. Among its. pro visions is womanhood suffrage.

TURKEY AND THE BOWERS.

Co^tajjtjnople, October ft

The British f^eet has arrived. a.t Solpnica. The Forte js discussing the question whether or not to gon.fiscMe &f*e~propsrty of fugitive Armenians, m 'p'fder to recoup the losses sustained by foreigners.

CRICKET.

Chicago, October 9.

The Australian Eleven are playing fifteen of the Chicago Wanderers Club. The latter made 105 and the Australians lost three wickets for 67, of which Dariing contributed 47 not out.

London, October 9

The Prince, of Wales has granted the Surrey County Club a lease of Konnington Oval for thirty years on condition that they erect a new pavilion.

THE ASHBUKtON GttAJKDIAtt : SA^TtJRDAS, OCi'OBEK 10, 18S6.



Wanted. ' WANTED To Lei—Six-roomed House with fruit garden and stable. Apply R. Elston, opposite Fire Brigade Station. 10 69 WESLEY Church —Tomorrow. Home Minion Anniversary, 11 a.m. Rev. J. R. Clark ; 6. 30 p.m. Rev. W. Morley Strangers cordially invited. 10 70 J PRIMITIVE Methodist Church.—Morn- ing subject—"The model husband." Evening subject —"A warning word." [ Pieacher Rev. J. Olphert. 10 74 2710R Sale,—Quiet Cow, m full profit. J Apply A.8., Mail Office. WANTED near town, grazing for two Heifers. Apply A.8., Mail Offi.-e. nn HE early bird catches the early worm, _L so call at Mellok's Cheap Boot Sale. STUDY Economy and patronise Mellok's Cheap Boot Sale. /nOUGH, Cough, Cough—l am still V^ making my celebrated Cough Drops, None genuine unless stamped Flower's Cough.—H. A. Flower, Confectioner, East street. 5 24 NOW'S your time to Buy. There is a Big Sale at Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WHAT do I see before my eyes? A Cheap sale of Boots at.Mellor's. MOTHERS and fathers who have to provide Boots and Shoes, should call at Mellor's Zealand ia Boot Store.



Business Notices. \T X W Q.OODS N. Z. C. F. £57i dozen Kow Straw Hats. ~W" X W r> (j O D s N. Z. C. F. 109 di z^n Tit's and J3 w«. "VT E W rjj. O O D s N Z. C F. 56 d(z n Shirts. 1V EW Q.OODS tf . Z. C. F. 62!drzen Hard and Soft Felt Hats. ""I "VT E W fy O O D S H.Z.C.F, 103 dozen half-hose THE Largest and B fit Assortment of Men's Mercprv m thp district. — New Zealand Clothing Factory, —SPECIAL— T7IOR SHOW AND HOLIDAY SEASON Tweed Costume, Sss.] Complete Tweed Costume, including 33s Oct. Material, Fancy sho*-. alpaca, dress, y Lining, 33s 6<l. 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 Cream of Fashion." MENS, BOYS, & YOUTHS CLOTHING m Great Variety, and at prices to meet the times. Ashburton Drapery Company. ARCADE HOUSE. Wanted. YITaNTWD Known— Mrs j-mith, Dreb* " » an i H »bit m *ker, Haveluok Street- Anhharton. 8 b'l OEVIEW of Reviews for September, now JLt m. New Zealand Diaries for 1897. New lines m plain aud Commercial Stationery. Special value m Box Stationery 6d and Is. Good Blue and Black Ink on, draught Is per pint. — H. M. Jones. SEED Potatoes. Seed Potatoes. The very best from 24lbs a Is, at Fletcher Bros, Ashburton. ' WANTED Known— Just opened, ex' P&keha aud Gothic, Flannelettes, white, stripes, and colours ; velveteens, black, all prices ; Colours, large varitty, including new shades m Reseda, Humboldt and Hungarian — Mitchell and Turner. rTIHERE is no doubt, no possible doubt, X that you get Good Value for your money at Mellor's. WANTED Known— Go to the Corner for Newest Styles m Drapery and Millinery — W. H. Collier. WHERE, Oh where, is that Cheap Boot Shop? Mellor's Zealand la Boot Store. WANTED Known— Men's Mercery, Clothing and Boots. For Goods that wear welt, lit well, and look well, try that old established firm — Mitchell and Turner. 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. T\ID you ever hear the like ? Men s best \J Canvas Shoes 5s 6d, at Mellor's, Tanpred street, . OWN Make m Ladieß' and Children's Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina?- fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Muslins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc. + at Mrs Alooun's" new shop, Baker's Buildings. WANTED Known — Large delivery of the " Economic" Kid Gloves, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, worth much more. — ■ W. H. Collier. ANTED Known— The "Economic' Kid Glove, four buttons, Is 9d per pair, is the Glove for every day wear. W. H. Collier. WE lead, follow who may. Children's Silpßera JLs. Mellor's Tancred fltr.ee.t. TXrANTED Known— l,ooo pairs of Boots yf to be sold m days at Mel^pr^s. IF WU WANT thje Newest and Nicest m Miljiinery, Tf ilby Muslins, and" press Gopds, go to Mrs Algqbn's. Dresses fpade on the premises. Fit guaranteed. OW not to be ill by Dr Emily B Rhyder. Eat fruit, choice fruit, good fruit, H. A. Flower's fruit, East Street, Ashburton. IHRaRD a man say that'Mellor is selling Boots Wonderfully Cheap. 'ANTED Known— Mellor's Safe surpassing anything ever heard of m Abhburton. 10 6 T7IECULINA, Feculina. The perfection X 1 of Cake Flour, 3£d per packet. Fletcher Bros., Cash Supply Stores. T ETTS' Diaries. Letts' Diaries for 1897. _i_J Colonial Editions for Office and private use now to hand. Large assortment of Mercantile Stationery. New lot of Foreign Stamps. luspectiou iuvitod- iAiNUULWiib, ANDIJBtiW, and. tO,



I Public Notices. JI THE BLUE HOUSE. Ahn DON'T YOU FORGET IT. NO CREDIT, NO BAD DEBTS, AND NO GOOD CUSTOMERS HAVE TO PAY FOR BAD ONKts. EVERYBODY TREATED ALIKE, PAY CASH AND SAVE 25% THE Cash finds exactly what you wqnt at your own price, therefore go where you are treated Well, and help | to bring down the price. IHE MORE WE SKLL THE CHEAPER YOU BUY. Kxtenaive Alterations Just Completed to Meet the Demands of Increasing trade AT TUB BLUE HOUSE, Make no mistake about Cash against Credit. The man who pays Cash knowa which comes out on Top. LOOK AT A FKW OF THE 1* I, Utt il 41 U* X — PRrCRS — PRINTS, PItINTS, PRINTS, 2h lid for a dress. PHINTS, PRINTS, PRINTS, 3s Id for a dress PRINTS, PKIN'IS. PRINTS, 4s lid for a dress. Guaranteed to Wash and Wear Well. ZEPHYRS m the very newest rlesignß and shades, beautiful quality and wide widths — only 7£d per yard, worth Is. SILKETTES, m plain a"d fancy — Never was such value at 9id per yard. PERSIAN CORD DREtsS GOODS m all the taking shades at lid per yard — Cheap at Is 9d. These Goods being so ridiculously Cheap, tt> get a full pick don't delny, and keep the BLUE HOUSE, m your mind's eye. Sateens and DriHettes, m plain and fancy, from 5t lid per dre<ra. We Want your Money, and isn't this the way to get it? Follow the footsteps 0? the wise, who will lead you to thfi 'BLUHi HOUSE,' Between J. Okr & Co. "lid the Clothing Factory. Art Muslins, Plain Muslins, Striped Muslins, as you like, and the price is tight. Nainsock and Mull MUSLIN, cream and whi'e, ar, 6>l. A BLACK CASHMERE DRESS, because it i>n'i winter, only €5« lid. Maroon, Navy, C-rHiual, Brown, Pink, Blue, Cream and White CASHMERE at la 9d for 2s 9.1 goods ; at 2a 9d for Si 1 Id goods. You wanr. them m all s-ea>on«, so be quick for a Cheap Useful Dress. SIMMER TVVKEDS. t c latest, the best, and the prettiest for 9. 6.« ihc full dress — Cheap at 15<- Nun's Veiling, Oa'moal Cloih, Beiges, lustres- all the Newest Goods, from j 10.1 per ynrd Sikcias from 3£d per yard Hollands from 5 1 per yard. Dressed Linen, for drawn work, 1b 6d. White Ca, icoes m Horiocksaud Crewdson's, all numbers at the Lowest price ; hut the plum line is a linen finished snow white Calico, afc 4s lid, worth 7^ per yard; other makes, Is lid, 2a 9d, I and 3< 6;l per dojcc-n 10 yards BRI) TICKING for 4 lid, one of our Special Lines ; will keep your feathers on the right side. Summer Flannelettes 2s lid doz, up. White Sheeth-g, 2yds wide, good *t 10£ d md Is; Tab'e Damask from Is per yard. Large White Towelß ar, 6d each. Only a Fow Samples of the value at the CHEAP ' BLUB HOUSE.' tl I liiM»rj\ MUllicHV y, Milßiner'. NO PUCE L'KE THK "BLUE HOLSK" FOR, MILLNERY. Hio Nesvest Shapes, the Latest Styles, and Best Qualities; to your own order, l\o extra charge for trimming. P. ice to suit all pursep, and if you don't call at the " BLUK HOUSK" fir«f, all the better pleased you'll I c when yon do oal', lint he mre and bear m mind that the price will be made for you. Ladies, if you want a VBIFj co to the "BLU E H O U S E." A Large Assor merit Just Opened. BOOTS AND SHOES Cut to catch the Cash at the "BLUE HOUSE." Everybody knows the BLUE HOUSE. •qi qs&JOj noX },uop puis 'noif. joj aoßjd aii} ej 'xaanis .isva ! crdsnoß aa r ia .. 51H.C •aaoud quo 3« •bm.'bjjs B,uoiuaiiuß*) vi BaSißoc£ pun B3doqs ibsm^ &\\\ uv •qoiia pg bj uiojj B4HPJ V axi saaiqß-aapa/i •uoianqqsv ni siatqoiasjpußH i° isaj[ aqr, •aoiad A'u« SMuyi pan Fpms 'iC|uo pg 01 dn ouoß 'pQs\ pUBSJ 3J9AV >S3IX IIOXIOI p qO| V 'SpltiM -dn 'goto pg 'sad^qs \\v Suoroo \ya t fio'/is ;s\ aoj f 'djaiqajsijpirajf -st ejxßd anoj 's^oos P" 1 "' '^"Ul 'umojjt "PIT S 5 l ""-iJ «3?«^g JflPO omi nqTnSaa pu« 9VMA\ •spaßA\ -dn 'pi 1 s 5 i «\\asi pj«H q w a v™ win spjxJMdn '^ B l SXVH 0/I3S •hovh oNiniHs v ainlo putf ( s)j;qs pszts '3aoj)B 'st '9J« Xaqi aaajj •enißtuDj goßj o.q; '^ja?Biftju 9\\i paAjos s^q qaX Swill'lg » *°f o*l — ,T.^[iHS .921IiaiH8 asaoH aaiff ■jnoqw asM^ •uojiaodojd m d^sqo 'Bajo^j puß 'saasuojx 'sijos / B M4»°A P aß M°H. •jt«d aad p[T sg uioij saioj^ b usj^ •pi I s^ qu BJasnoaj; agass jo i}vd v *Pll 8 9 10 l BJasnoj.h paaMX P iivd v •pg sgg joj 'at pouantu qoS 01 aptjui '4I"S P!P A3 l d S V •P9 e 6S W SPS B c u «K H n J aSj3 S B « xo a V *P9 891 uIOJ J '! n S IOOA\I OO A\ Saoa^s poo<) v P9 «T-r Joj J.IQS S«StVW « !»»? h«o noA" 9l aq M ,'asnoH ama. aqj jo qnojj vi M ?sod aujq ,, aq^ q,no(j •3qoJM 08 q.u.'fio no^ paw 'qsod .antq,, aq? Xq qiuM puaiaj v joj Suijjooi sjc noA ji pun 'asaoq anoA aAisaj 04 eoß|d aj«s jJiw) '9.11J 'QBod ontq „ aq? aoj aijuui 'uojanqqev' ' owi SutAtap ao Sujpja uaq^ "OftH 'SaOHS aNy 'sxooa 'oNiH.Lono 'Aa^dVHa — aoj uoiqoßjqqv i° aq; By .ESUOH EULB aqq Sui^ivui '-CtJAVn BO|jtu uaos aq at'o pa« 'BSTjdtuoo »q'4 jo S4ajod \\v iuoaj uojanqqay jo aaquao qoxixa oqj'a»uujpui oj pasoduus '^sod oti|j£ a3a«[V — 3ja«u» aeqiouß ob[b bi aaaqj, 'UA\oq



Business Notices j THE CHEAPEST HODSE IN CANTEKBUBY. G. J. NEILL DKAPERY, CLOTHING, AND BOOTS. I <OIISErS 2* 6d, CORSETS 2> 9.1, Now Dress Goo^s Redaced 60 per cent j Now Velveteens Reduced, All Wool FUnm-1 (Coloi.ial) 9|l Flannelettes 3d 6d doz N'lesia 3s 3il dnz Blankets about haH-pricß Double-bed White Twill Sheeting 9£i Dnuhle-hud U'tWiashid Twill ShecMi «. 9M Large White and Hrown Turkish Towels, reduced from is 6d to l-i C L o"T~H I NG. Men s All Wi ol Tweed Sul-s 21s. . Men's Tweed Trousers 5s Jld Moli'ts Uvercoat^, Macintoshes, MiUk.n Cjnts, «nd Juggins, reduced 50 per cent .Boys' and Youthb 1 fuitn" half-price. Men's Cap*, • Boys C^ps. Braces and Shirks, at Ridiculous Prices : -Men's Woollen Socks, 7id ] air ;i| . r ■- ' ■-. 1-■ ■ • BOOTS' BOOTS. Wo Defy Competition. Kvery pair Guaranteed to wear Everyi p a j r Made to Our Order o„ , Men's Nailed Shooters 7s lid Men's Li«ht Shooters 8s 6d Men's Watertight Bluchers, peggpd, 7s lid Women's Strong Leather Shoes 4i lid A Large Atsortment of Ladies' Best French Glace Kid Bcots and Gloves to choose from. {-. J. iVKIIjI/, Friedlander's Corner, East Street. Kaiapoi House, Ashburton, October 1, 1896. To Our 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 Turner , Drapers, we have much pleasure m informing j/ou that we hope to continue the business on greatly improved lines . such as importing the bulk of each seasons goods and quitting them at CASH PRICES, refitting the premises, and re-organising the staff, so as to bring '"" the Establishment quite up to date. Our Country Friends toill be well served with full ranges of samples of 'the newest goods. In the meantime all Orders by Post will receive prompt attention. MITCHELL ijf- TURNER, TancreU Street. •XT7-E ARE NOW SHOWING A FULL ASSORTMENT &OF "PLANET Junk," HORSE CULTIVATORS, COMBINED SEED AN"D MANURE DRILLS, HILL CROPPING DRILLS, Etc, AND INVITE INSPECTION. JOHN ORE AND CO. FIRST GRAND SHOW OF SPRING NOVELTIES EVBEYTHINGr UP TO DA.TE. o CASES of HEW DRAPERY, Ex MAMARI & KAIKOUBA, NOW OPENING Ladie*' arc Delighted w'.Ui the New Millinery. New Dress Goods. Bouse Prints nre a marvel of the season Choice Bibbons, Flowers, Feathers, Sunshade?, Art Muslins, Sateens, Apron Check, White Lace jrfualins, Norman Stripes, Galateas, etc. A large Case of the Celebrated P and D CORSETS Just Opened, all sma ; also V and N Featherbone, Cestus and other makes. CARPETS, FLOORCLOTH. AND LINOLEUMS, MEN'S KAIAPOI, ROSLYN, AND MOSGIEL SUIfS. Never bus such* variety of High-class Drapery been -shown m Ashburton btfore, as will be exhibited hy me this season. BCOTS. BOOTS. / BOOTS. Vm ILARGEST STOCK IN TBiTC COUNTY TO • SELECT FROM. ANDREW ORR, ■