DEATH.

Whim.— On Friday, 13th, Edwakd Julius Dkgimcts. the beloved ion of William Winsbury and Elizabeth Sarah White. Aged ten months.

The Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 1896. OURRENT TOPICS.

At a meeting of the Cabinet Council held on the 23fd January (writes our Paris cor- VAbAGASCAR a French respondent) possession. > under the

presidency of M. Leon Bourgeois, the fresh treaty with Madagswcar, accepted by the Queen, on January 18, was first dis cussed. The Minister of Colonies was instructed to telegraph to the Resident- General, M. Laroche, to congratulate him on the rapidity with which he had completed this part of his mission, and i asking for further information. The treaty, which the Queen of Madagascar has juitsigned, admits the sovereignty, of France over the island^ but it does not need Parliamentary^ ratification. It will be communicated to the Chambers as soon as the Government receives from the Resident General the supplementary details which it has asked for, which should be to hand m about a week, »md the Minister of Foreign Affairs shall have communi cated to the Powers the notification of the new state of things inaugurated m Madagascar. The treaty is pre ceded by a preamble, which sets forth m a precise manner that Madagascar is a French possession. The Queen is to be maintained by the French, as will also be the other branches of the Hova administration, but under direct French authority. The interior and exterior administration of the island will be vested alone m France, whose Government will thus be at liberty to fix as they pleaßO the customs duties of their possession, excluding all conside rations which may be brought forward as toother nations, preferential rights, and giving to France the absolute liberty to shape as she. pleases the economic relations of the territory of which she ban gained poiiesiion,

LOOAL AND GENERAL.

Reading matter on fonrfch page, Mr Dodds; dentist, haa returned from Akaroa, and will resarae business on Tues day morning. Mr J. W. Hard ley wishes attention drawn to his advertisement re guns he kas for sale or hire. Graham and Co.'s patent permanent fnot rot cure is advertised by Mr David Thomas, the local agent, m this issue. The final draft of stations was passed at the Weeleyan conference on Friday. Do changes aff. cting At-hburton were made from the second draft already published. A public trial of P. and D. Duncan's spring; tine cultivator will be held on Monday next on che farm of Mr G. Body, Wheatstone. A remarkably fine tront weighing over lOJlbs was exhibited to-day In the win dow of Messrs John Orr and Co., East Street. It was caught by Mr A. H. Shury m one of those pools m the J Ashburton known to that enthusiastic angler. There is one gentlewoman m England who has a sea oaptain's certificate. This is Lady Clifford. She passed her> ex amination with honours, and though her purpose m doing so was to qualify as captain of her own yacht, she could, if she desired, servo as master of a ship on the high seas. Little Clarence : 'I shouldn't think Adam -would enjoy himself very well up there In heaven.' Mrs Callipers: *"Why, dear V Little Clarence : ( Why, I should think that the first thing every man who had got into trouble here on earth would do after getting to. heaven would be to hunt Adam up and lick him, ' The services at the Wesleyan Church to-morrow are to be conducted by the Revsv C> Abernethy an d T. G> Brooke. The latter gentleman will be the evening ; preacher, and a special attraction at the service will be the rendering of Piccolo mini's beautiful sons; ' For the children's j lake' by Miss Kathleen Orr. i Miss Kate Scott, of Newcastle, England has opened up a new field for feminine industry m her native place by taking up the occupation of of woman auctioneer. This enterprising damsel is only nineteen and is very pretty. Her sales attract large crowds, though whether it is merely from curiosity remains to be Been. She isjsaid to possess a keen intelligence united to a persuasive eloquence. One of the most expensive books ever published will bo the Life of Christ, now m course of publication at Tours, France. Jamea Tissot has been engaged upon the illustrations for the past 10 years. There will be nearly 400 illustrations reproduced In colours. -The first twenty copies of the book will be sold for £200 each, the remaining copies, 980 In all, for £60 each. £2 10s is asked by the publishers for a single specimen illustration. W«£would draw the attention of our Methven readers to an advertisement m our colums, announcing a concert to be given on Tuesday evening, (St Patrick's day) m the Methven School. The programme will be contributed to by some of our best amateurs, including Miss A. Corrick, of Christchurch, who has sung with such marked success at oar late concerts m this town. , Judging from the programme we anticipate a crowded house. To complete the evenings amuse ment a dance will follow the tsoncert. The unusual circumstance of five genera tions dwelling m the same village is now existing at Skillington, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, where there are living Thomas Duffio, who is ninety-seveh ; George Duffin, his son, aged seventy three; George Duffin, his grandson, aged forty eight ; Joseph Duffin, his great-grandson, aged] twenty-six ; and/ George Duffin, great great-grandson, aged six ; and what is stfU more wonderful, the head of the fami|y is still hale and hearty, with a bright spring memory. Sailor Zeballos, former Minister to the UnitfcdvStates from Argentina, tells agpad story, against htatself. -*I often* -make many raeeatake when I speak American,' he sayp. ' I make a bad blunder the last time that I was received at the White House. A beautiful ladee tell me some thing that happen m the Oivll War. She say* she see it. Nowltink to myself I will be polite and make the Senora a grand compliment. 'Ifc is impossible that yon see it, madam,' I say, ' You must have been born many, many yews before the war.' All the time I mean after the war. But I made a meestake. I say * before.' No, the lady not pleased. She felt much contempt.' ' frhe, programme of the annual St Patrick's concert has been published, and is well; up to the high standard of last year. Patrons will have the pleasure of listening to songs by several of our best lady vocalists, humorous songs by old friendd who have won their laurels long ago and wear them with grace, to instru mental music by the Orchestral Society, piano music by Mrs Donald McLean, and to the rousing strains of the Kyle fiddlers. The dancing of a strong team of Irish lads and lasses, trained by Mr Nioholas Fitz. Gerald, will be a special feature of the evening, while Lagnahor with be again m pleasing evidence with reel and Highland fling. The enlarged hall will add to the comfort of the audience, which we have no doubt will, as usual, be too large for the bnilding — * or any other building,' as one enthusiast puts it. To give some idea (writes the New Zealand Steralfypt the wonderful growth of the f nslioan Church during the past hundred years it is only necessary to call to mind that the first, bishop for the United States was consecrated m 1784 ; and the first oolonlal bishop m 1787 ; while there are now 74 bishops and 4266 clergy of the Proteßtant Epiaoopal Church of the United States, and,9o colonial bishops with 4000 clergy under them. In England alone the Church has an annual income of £7,250 000, and ohurohmen contributed m 1893 through purely Anglican societies over £513,000 tor mission work, besides considerable sums through joint Anglican and Nonconformist societies. For the 25 years ending; 1884 the mother Ohuroh of England foredueation, church restorations missions, and charity, raised by volun tarily contributions the enormous sum of £81,573,000. over £21,000,000 going to elementary education. HeMiOvrAY's PiLts.~The ills of life are increased tenfold by the mode of life so many have to lead ; moat especially is this the case amongst the toilers m our factories 1 and huge workshops of the manufacturing districts whose digestion becomes impaired and nervous systems debiliated by the protracted confinement and enforced depriva tion of healthy out-of-door exercise. The factory workers may almost be said to have diseases of their own, readily amenable, however, to treatment if not allowed to prodeed unchecked. Holloway's Pills are the mosfc effeotual remedy ever discovered for the liver and stomaoh complaints, m they act surely but gently, regulating the seore tions without weakening the nerves or interfering with the daily work.

The Italians m Abyssinia

■ . __ — , » .. Roue, March 12 Sixty thousand volunteers ha?;?, offered for service m Abyssinia. . The populace cheered the reMpree ments as they embarked. The latest news is that the Shoas ere ' advancing and have reached half way to Adigrat. All the Rage— ft rw Veuus Tobaccos

Mr McLachlan at the Oddfellows' Hall.

-• — . Mr John McLachlan, M. H.R. for Ashburton, addressed his constituents m tries OddfellowV Hall Jaat night. There was a fair attendance, about 450 people being m the hall, including a considerable number of ladies. Mr Joshua Tucker was chairman, m the absence of the Mayor, and, m introducing Mr McLachlan, said he had at a moment's notice been asked to preside, as the Mayor was unable to come. He did not agree with Mr McLachlan m politics. That might just as well be said now as later, but whether he agreed with him or not, he hoped that Mr McLachlan would receive thV'bame attention and patient hearing that 'politi cians of all shades of opinion had always received from the people of Ashburton. i Mr MoLachlan said he took a deal of the blame for Mr Sealy's absence upon 1 himself. He had omitted to write o Mr Sealy^but that day, as soon as the train arrived, he had called upon Mr Scaly. That gentleman was not at home, hut he 1 was assured by a gentleman there that Mr Scaly would be present if he came home, and if not, that gentleman would come himself. Neither had come, and he was much indebted to Mr Tucker for coming forward and filling the vacant place. Before dealing with the political questions on which it was Ms intention to speak, he wished to congratulate the people of Ashburton on the excellent new hall they were assembled m that night. .He regretted the clroumstances under which the building of the hall had become necessary, and the loss the Lodge had suffered m consequence, but he congratu lated the Lodge on their enterprise, and the people of Ashburton on the result of it. Mr McLachlan then went on to deal; with THE TVORK OF THB SESSION. i The House met on June 20, and I believe it was about the longest session on record, as It lasted until November 1. I am not certain, 'but I believe the result has been the" largest Hamard, and relatively the smallest volume of statutes, although the number of Bills introduced was 179. Of these 94 were passed m both Houses, and only one Bill reserved for Her Majesty's assent. A great many of the Bills passed were very short, and although of importance, call for no par ticular notice. Tho long sittings and heavy Committee worSNipld on the health* of many of the members. lam happy to say that I was present ab every meeting ; of the House,' from the opening day to October 24, when I obtained leave of absence to attend the local Show, having left a pair. I daresay some people think the time is wasted, and with those I fully agree ; bub there are certain customs and privileges which members are unwilling to forego. First, there is the reply to the Governor's Speech, and the debate thereon. It acts like a War dance to a Maori, and is also used »s a test of strength. Thore is also the privilege allowed to private members to bring m Bills. Some do so for their own glorifi cation, or from a sense of public duty ; such Bills as the Elective Governor, the Elective Exeoutive, the Referendum, the Free Land Bill — nob one of which can a private member expect to carry. ACTUAL WORK One of the first Bills passed, although very short, is very necessary— Adulteration Prevention. This little Act provides for tbe purity and weight of bread. Many bakers are no doubt honest men, and it is m their interest that such an Act was passed. The Family Homes Protection BUI providee for the settlement of any estate up to £1500 m value, to remain inalienable until the family are able to hive off, when distribution can take place. This Bill obviates the necessity tor trus tees, and its provisions may be availed of by any one. I regret the Ics? of a very jusb Bill, the Paymonb of Jurors Bill. It was read a second time and slaughtered. Why? Because the people have not demanded its being passed. In my opinion there is no greater blob on oar Statute Book than that of compelling poor men to serve on the common jury without pay. However, we will hear of it again, and I will assist as far as I can to pass it into law. MIDLAND RAILWAY. On July 2 a very important question came before the House concerning the position of the Midland Railway Company, and the Government, when Mr Seddon showed bis great grasp of the s abject. The Company had made overtures for another extension of time, knowing well enough they were unable to finance the concern. Bub Mr Seddon, with his in timate knowledge of the position, resisted, and you can remember the wail that came from the Opposition papers. Mr Seddon was charged with having acted illegally, with saddling the colony with costs amounting to millions, and carrying dis honour with it. But look at) the splendid verdict given by the Hon E. Blake. The demand made by the . Company was very large j they got nothing, and had to pay their own law costs. The cost to the coloay is trifling, and I can use no better term m expressing the position we stand m than that we have "peace with honour." MR WARD IN LONDON. On July 12 we had that ever memorable fight over what the Treasurer said m London aboub our having three millions of securities pledgeable, if wanted; im puting to him thab he (Air Ward) had deceived the London Stock Exchange by making false statements with a view to a successful floating of the £l v 500,000 loan. After all, tho Treasury Accountant certified that we had m London and m transit £3,060,822. Nor was the London investor deceived, and all the mock sentiment of the member for Patea and such purist? on commercial morality was only vapor, and vanished into thin air. Yes, and our credit is now better than ever it was, and Mr Ward has confounded all his political foes. Bub such is the nature of a Parliamentary Opposition thab no good thins can be done by the party m power. BANK OP STEW ZEALAND. - „■■ In 1894 we guaranteed two millions m the belief that the Bank of New Zealand was then put straight. But last session we were asked to fane the music a^ain, and we did. to some tune. However, it was not until after exhaustive enquiry before a Seleot Committee, composed of the ablest men from both Houses. Their almost unanimous recommendation was to pass the Bank Bill, to save the Bank. The feeling m the House during the enquiry was one of severe tension. Every member's face wore a look of anxiety. The evidence showed how intimately the Bank was bound up with the Government and people, l as this abstract will show :— RAMIFICATIONS OF THX BANK. There were people m New Zealand holding 1050 shares, liable to the Bank for £403,000. The Bank had 115 open branches m New Zealand, with 28,684 separate accounts. It held £4 219,000 belonging to 35,110 persons. Its dis counts amounted to £456,000. The colony was also a creditor to the extent of £1,403,000. The Bank and Estates Company employed 1279 persons. SORROWING. The Aoba of 1894 gave the Government power to borrow large sums, apart from the Advances to Settlers Loan of £1,500,000 that was so successfully raised by Mr Ward. They could have borrowed a quarter of a million for land improve ment, but only £125,000 has been raised yet. For the pprohase .of Native lands they could have borrowed a quarter of a million, but have only raised £150,000. Under various heads they could have borrowed, but have not. Although our debt h»s increased it has been brought I 1

about mainly by conversions, and the 1 interest payable has decreased. No odo should imagine that this colony is able to carry on her public works out of revenue without excessive taxation. ; Mr McLachlan then went on as follows to quote from the Budget to show how the indebtedness of the colony stood : — Particulars of the Public Debt from March 31, 1891 Vto March 31, 1895 : - Gross public debt on Maroh 31, 1&91, 38,830,350 ; increases of public det>r,— By issue of debentures under the Go vernment Loans to Local Bodies Act, 1886— At 5 per cent. £90,000; at 4i per ceot. £327,000 ; at 4 per cent, £112 000— £529.800. The Native Land Purchasos Act, 1892— At 5 per cent, £9700 ;at 4k per cent, £140,000 -£149,700. The Land for Settlements Acts, 1892 and 1894 —At 4* par cent, £53.966 ; at 4 per cent, 10,100— £64,066. The Cheviot Estate Payment Act, 1983, at 4£ per cent, E200,000.- The Lands Improvement and Native Lands. Acquisition Act, 1893, at 4 per cent, £184,000— £1,177.566. The New Zealand Consols Act, 1894, at 3£ per cent, £158,025. The District Rail ways Purchasing Acts, 1885-86 (Kaihu Valley Railway), at 5 per cent, £47,000. Consolidated Stock Act, 1884— Accretions of Sinking Fund, at 4£ per cent, £847,100; at 4 per cent, £117,800 -£964,900. Naval and Military, etc, Act, 1892, at 4^ per cent. £27,226. By conversion operations— 4 per cent inscribed stock. £328,347; 3£ per cent, £295,926— £624,273— £2,998,990. Less by redemp. tlon.of debentures, £1,442,376. Net increase of public 1 debt, £1,666,614. Gross public debt on March 31, 1895, £40,386.964. S THE TARIFF AND RECIPROCITY. The question of revising the tariff has been under consideration for a long time. It is such a ticklish subject that Govern ments are afraid to touch it. But it had to be done, and I can assure you that the Government nearly perished m the attempt. Many of the proposals were ill-conceived. For instance, the proposal to tax Island fruit, which has almost become a necessary of life, or if it is a luxury, it is a poor man's. Eowever, the Treasurer was not stubborn, he gave way and put Id on tea, that is he only took 2dperlb'off instead, as he intended, 3d per lb. They had only a hazy idea of the value of flannelette to the mass of the people. However, after considerable discussion, fair terms were arranged, but the greatest fight -was over the proposal to inqrtjane the duty on boots from 20 per cent to" 2& per cent. This was a straight out bid fo* the support of the Protectionist bootmakers m Christchurch and Dunedin, whose representatives declared that anything less was no use. But the Free trade members were as determined they would not get it, arid af% a protracted struggle I came to the rescue and moved 22£ per cent, which was carried. But if it imposed extra dtfty t I got remissions against it on various articles that are used by farmers. And here let me ask who. are the farmers ? I contend that everyone who gets his living m a district like this is a farmer. The tradesman is ac much a farmer as the ploughman or the master farmer. Well,! was largely instrumental m getting the duty taken- off binding twine, also off engines and combines, and I assisted also m getting our agricultural implements on the free list. As I told you when I addressed you last year, I recognised no party allegiance when giving my vote. My only care was the interests of my constituents, and I hope my efforts will be appreciated. There was also a proposal to make a tariff treaty with Canada and South Australia, on the basis of mutual concessions, but after thorough investigation we came to the decision that Canada had everything to gain. So we did nob further entertain the proposal. With regard to South Australia the proposal did not find much favour, and eventually a very modified treaty was arranged, but the advantages are very doubtful. Our best customers are the ereat free trade colon/ of New South Wales  THE ALIENS ACT. The Hoa W. P. Reeves he looked upon as an incubus upon the Government, and if che Government had not been a strong one, the handicap would have been too heavy for them. He brought m the Undesirable Immigrants Bill, but he was not man enough to fight for it. One of the last Bills m this direction contained a proviso that every person landing m New Zealand should produce a clean bill of health. This was absurd, as with such a colony as ours, with its mineral springs and genial climate, we ought to be able to receive » large influx of wealthy strangers from Home and elsewhere, who would bring with them large sums of money. Mr McLachlan went od to say that he was not m any way fond of the ■** yellow as;ony," and would be glad to see the Chinaman's occupation gone, by people growing, as he did himself, their own potatoes and vegetables. If they did that, and thus were able to do without the help of the Chinaman, that gentleman would soon seek other 'shores for a living. ALCOHOLIC LIQUOR BILL. Mr MoLachlan then went on to deal with the liquor legislation of last session He said he was no national prohibitionist, and hated the term, but he believed the alteration made m the law, by which the prohibit) was made equally guilty with the publican, was acting m a very salutary manner among persons within his own acquaintance. He referred also to the changes that had been made ia the system of voting at licensing and local option elections, and believed they were sfn improvement. LAND* FOR SETTLEMENT. Mr McLachlan explained that the Aot under which estates for settlement were acquired was such that a few acres could not be bought out of any one estate without buying the whole block. He had been unremitting m his endeavors to get Government to buy the Highbank estate, and he read the following letter from Mr Seddon m recognition of his action m the matter : — " I an? sure you will be pleased to hear that at last the Government have been enabled to secure the Highbank estate. From what I learn from the Hpn Mr McKenzie, we have a very good bargain— the best bargain we have made under the Land for Settlements Aot. Yon are entitled to a word of praise In respeot to this matter for your never failing and unflinching advocacy of the purchase of the property, and I hope those who will settle there will not forget one who has been instrumental m getting the property for them." SINKING FUND. Sir Robert Stout took the Government very severely to task over the seizure of the sinking fund, for the appropriation of £80,000 of suoh fund. Bub Mr Ballance had done the same, and to the extent of £400 000, without being challenged. The Government, however, had been perfectly l exonerated m this matter, both by the Chairman of the Public Aocounts Com mittee, by the Solicitor-General, and by the Auditor-General. LOCAL GOVERNMENT. In regard to the Local Government J3UI, Ashburton was so situated that unless the suburbs joined with the borough the latter would have to be < merged m the county. This, he had no doubt, many o£ the people m that hall would be sorry to see, and when the Bill came on for discussion he would do what '. °he could to .have the Bill so modified as ' to adroit of a borough like this maintaining i its autonomy. ' i •■ • . - OLD AGE JfENSJONS,. I In speaking of the old age pension" ] question, of which they had heard so 1 much, he said no good schema bad yet t I been proposed that he had seen, but he i thought a great nucleus for suoh a pension fund could be provided, If the exemption.

of £500 were removed from the direci taxation measures of the country. This, he thought, was practicable, but if any other proposal were put" forward, which seemed" to be of a practical nature, and would be likely to bring about the institution of such a fund as would all >w a sum of 10s a week to be paid to persons who had reached sixty years of age, that scheme would have hia aiost favorable consideration, lAKB ADMINISTRATION AND J-ETTLBMEKT. Mr McLachlan gave « warm panegyric on the Hon. John MoKenzie for his desire to settle the people on the land, and the enthusiasm with which he sought to accomplish his object. There was op position to Mr McKenzie. bnb it came chiefly from those who held propetty. Settlement m the North Inland could not precede roads, unless the laud were dis posed of m large blocks, and it was Mr McHenzie s determination, as long aa he was m power, to limit the area held by one person. MINOR BILLS, kt ter a reference to the railway manage* ment, which Mr McLaohlan was not at first m iavor of going wholly into the hands of Government, but he was not now against the present arrangement, the speaker passed on to notice several minor Bills, among them the Corrupt Praotices Prevention Act, the Shops and Shop Assistants Act, the Threshing Machine Owners' Act (with a compliment to Major Steward, the author of it), the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act*, fche Pastoral Tenants, Relief Act, and the Wages Attachment Act, Mr McLaohlan went on to treat of the MASTER AND APPBENTICE: BILL* • He had j»reat antipathy to any master being allowed to engage boys or girls to work as apprentices for no wages at all, and was m favor of a minimum wage being fixed by Act of Parliament, below which no labor' could be employed. PERORATION. Mr McLachlan, •m concluding his address, said :—Sls this is the last, time* ladies and gentlemen; on which J shall have the pleasure of addressing you before the next contest for the Ashburton seat begins; I desire to say, as your member of Parliament, that; I have devoted to your service such intelligence as I possess, such energy as is m me, the came enthusiasm throughout my two years' servlcj^ that I brought to you when I asked your .suffrages, I have carried to the House the same spirit of independ* once m winch I asked your suffrages, and throughout my Parliamentary career I have truckled to no party, to no party leader. My first thought has been the good of -the colony, and after that my constituency, and party has been my third consideration. But I have never allowed my partisanship to obscure my view of what was for the colony's good. I have never given one mercenary vote, or one 1 would wish to recall, and never will, no matter whac public position I may occupy, and if my conduct as your member h«s met v.our approva), I will expect you to renew- the confiiekce you have placed m me. If I have not met that approval, but it haa been found that I have neglected any public duty (if I have, it has been unintentional), then if you wish me I will retire m favor of such _a one as you may choose, but meanwhile I have that feeling of conscious rectitude which every man feels who has done his duty, and that being so, 1 thank you for the confidence you have reposed m me, that has enabled me to take the place I have done m the counsels of the supreme government of the colony. — (Applause.) QUBSTIOBS. In reply 'to questions Mr McLachlan said the control and maintenance of the Ashburton Domain was not a general Government question, and if the people were dissatisfied .with its management they had the matter m their own hands. He would support State fire insurance if the Treasurer brought forward a measure, fis he thought Government might just as well toke m hand fire insurance as life insurance. He believed one Chamber would be quite sufficient, but if an Upper House were elective, on seme suoh bAsis as m Australia the Chamber would be more stubborn than ever. He did not consider an old age pension Bill would be likely to become law for some time. He would commit his constituents od this subjects through the local bodies before he voted, as he wished to be a representative, not a delegate, but he had no fear that any scheme of the kind would become law at an early date. The Minister of Railways had replied to. his letter on the subject of the remission of the expenses attending tha exouraion cf schools to Lyttelton. that he cot Id not see his way to accede to his request, ' On the motion of Mr Maynard, seconded by Mr Scott, a /vote of thanks was tendered to Mr McLachlan for his address, which Mr McLachlan acknow ledged, and moved a vote of thanks to the chair, after which the meeting terminated.

The N.Z. Rifle Association

The annual meeting opened at Oamaru yesterday with 254 entries. .The first shot was fired by the Mayoress and a speech delivered by the Hon. , Mr Hall- Jones. The Nelson match was N then proceeded 1 with. The shooting' at tha 200 yds range was fairly good . At 2. 30 a start was made with the 500 yds range, and though the wind remained steady it was soon apparent that something was wrong, as the shooting was very erratic, and miss af^er miss was recorded m quick succession, v The ammu nition, of course, came m for its full share of condemnation, but It may tie that the men failed to gain the proper elevation, or that the waving grass somewjhat inter fered with them. Be what it riay, . there was no doubt that the shooting' at 600 yds. was about the worst seen at an Association gathering at that range for some time. At 600 yds much the same order prevailed as at the previous range, and ** bursting" was reported m all directions. The follow, ing is the prize list : — ) ' Nelson Match, 200; 500 and 600 yds. Seven shots. Not counting for the belt. Pb W. Scott, Reserve Corps, Cn.ch, £8 87 Wilson, Woodville Rifle Club,, £B ... 86 Wilkle, Upper Hute RifleCluW *5 — & Sergt Moody, A. Co, Queensland, £4 ... 85 Cameron, Oamaru Rifle Club, £4 ... 84 Pt A. Ballenger, Wellington Guards, £4 83 Pt Raven, Wellington Guards* 7 £3 ... 81 Gr Greenshields, A Bat., Auckland, £3 81 Pt Fraser, Kaltangata Rifles-; £3 ... 81 W Smith. InvercargillßifleClnh, £2 ... 81 Gr Taylor, A Battery, Auckland. £2 ... 80 G. Ferguson, Queensland Rifle Club, £2 79 Grace, Petone Rifle Club, £2 ... . 79 Little, Oamaru Rifle Club, £2 78

INTERPROVINCIAL.

PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.

An Enquiry.

Wellington, March 14 The Hon George Jones, M> Hogg, M. H.K., and Dr Giles havebeetf appointed a Royal Commission to enquire into serious oharges made against one of the heads of the Governments, printing department, Wellington. \ Progressive liberal AMafeiatfou C^RjOTpa^KCH, March 1$ A meeting of the Commjttaes qf th.c Progressive Liberal Association ; and the Trades and Labor Council was held last night to receive a report as tp alleged sweating ia Chrisf church. It wa^ decided to request the Government to introduce a Masters and Apprentipea Bill, -al^Q to bring forward a measure giving effect to the principle of eight hours a da^ a,nd % min^nnm wage. \ Fragrant and Gom'orti*f~Ntut ~f*mui \

THE ASHBPBTQN GtJABDIAN J SATUBDAtf, MARCH 14, 1896,



Wanted. | WAROO ! THE CURE FOR INDIGESTION. ■Ashburton Drug Company, Agents 11 108 TKTANTED Known—Having bought " our Winter Supply of Blankets and Flannels before tbe great advance m prices we intend giving our friends full benefit of same.— Mitchell and Turner. TIT ANTED Known— That E. Mahood " la atill selling all kinds of Grocery, Crockery, and Glassware ab as reasonable a price as any other house m the trade. Orders by letter or Telephone promptly attended to. Families waited on daily. Telephone No. 76, PUBLIC NOTICES Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats Waterproof Coats! | Waterproof Coats NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. ARCADE HOUSE. NEW AUTUMN HAT? MNJSW AUTUMN MILLINERY ~VTEW DRESSES IN COLONIAL TANr SCOTCH TWEEDS, SERGES Etc NOW SHOWING AT LOWEST CASH PRICES. **j ■ ' ■('■■' ft SEE WINDOWS SPECIAL DISPLAY •i. Ashburton Drapery Company, BURNETT STREET.



Wanted. Q HOOTING SEASON, 1896— ) Bay yonr Guns; .Ammunition, Etc., at JJ. W. Hardley's. 3 79 r\ UN 45 ON HIRE; also Gnns thoroughly repaired. Please forward early to avoid the rush.— J. W. Haudiby. 380 FRESH Oysters by express Tonight. — Jbwitt's, opposite Maid Office. 3JK> WANTED Kpown.— Rbv. J Oip- HBBT'SBubjeoton Sunday •vening will he :— •• Who touched Me V 3 99 V\rESLEYAN Church — To-morrow ' Morning, Roy O. Abernethy ; Evening, Rev T« G. Brooke, subject— 'An Unusual A.inbition.' Solo, 'For the children's sake,' by Miss Kathleen Orr. i Strangers welcomed. 394 WANTED to Sell— Piano In Good Condition, Cheap. Apply— Mrs Mutton, Burnett street. 3 93 WANTED To Let— Comfortable Four-roomed Cottage with wash house ; situate In Eaton ...street, Hamp- stead. Applv Charles Bbakdbll. 378 WANTED.— A well-bred brown Retriever Pap, about 6 months old. Apply by letter to A.B. Mail Office, stating termß. 3 70 CTTHIsN you are m Christchurch don't ' ' fail to go to Warne's, Cashel street, for Fish or Oyster Lunch, Tea or Sapper. — Joseph Taylor and Co.. Proprietors. 3 34 /COMFORTABLE Board and Lodging \_J with every home comfott, 16s per week ; meals at all hours, Is; beds, Ib. Tea and Coffee always ready, 2d per cup. Truckle's <Coffee Palace (late Lyttelton Boardinghouse) Cameron street, Ashbur ton. 3 23 CTTANTBD Known— Our Season's W Dresses m all the New Colonial Tweeds and Choice Home Materials now opened. An inspection invited. — MITCHELL AND TURNER. SEPARATOR Butter. Separator Butter. Finest Fern Leaf Separator Butter lOd per lb, at Flktchir Bros , East street, Ashburton. ANTED Known— Monster Clear- ing Boot Sale at Mellor's Zealan dia Boot Store. CTTANTID Known— Just opening a * » fresh lot of useful Presents, to be given to all Purchasers of Drapery.— H. C; Seoers, Melford House WANTED Known— Ladies' Shoes, tan or black, 6s 6i.— Mellor's Cheap Boot Sale. MEN'S Bluchers sa, a gnod Strong Nailed Shooter at 8a 6d ; a nice r assortment of Ladies' and Children's Boots and Shoea from Is 9d a pair, at R. Aloorn*s "pfRESENTS, Prenentai— We are now I- t giving useful Presents to all Pur- 1 •• chasers of Drapery^ etc.— H. C. Seoers, , Melford House ■ " TTTANTKO Known— We intend to| VV shake up evory Boob Shop m Aehbnrtqn.— Mellok'b Clearing Boot Sale WANTED Known— Newest Goods m Drapery and Millinery for the Summer Season, direot from London— W H. Collier, The Corner. ' : ■ . -> | TE\, Tea, Tea— Try our Indian and Ceylon •P«-kor,\wWi red labels, m Mb and lib packets and 551 b ca<*es. They are without doubt some of the finest i Tea* m the market, and are specially nelected *nd balked m gardens for gui own trade. — Fletcher. Bros., Cash : Supply Stores, Abhburton and Chrlsi-j church. | WANTED Known— 6ooo pairs of! Boots to be cleared m one month. — Mellor's Zealandia Boot Store. WANTED Kdowp—Mrs Smith, Dress- maker (late of London West), has Removed from Cameron street to Have- lock street, opposite Army Barrackn. it ■ 12 148 <IFANTED Known— Buots and Shoes W from la 3i to 27s 6d — Mellor'b Cheap Boot Kale. • '? ' ::; '._ |T7 ANTED Known— Men's Suits 17s "" 6d, Kaiapol Tweed Trousers 9a '" lid, Knicker Suits 4s lid. Caps 6d.- Ihe Corner. W. H. Collier 0 TT7ANTRD Known— We are still giving YV Presents to all Purchasers of Drapery, etc. — H. C. Segebs, Melford House ANTED Known— A Magnificent Display of Ladies' Jackets m all the Newest Stylet, just landed and now en view. See window. —Mitchell awd Turner. TUST Arrived.— A large variety of dse tl ful and Ornamental Goods, Dolls, '-4 a Toys, and Novelties ; also, a job lot over one hundred assorted Baskets and '• Morocco and Russian Leather Handbags, c to be sold at and under ordinary cost price at MRB Alcorn's. c \ 1 7 ANTED Known— Everybody to roll VV up to Mellor's Cheap Boob Sale. >f. Now's yonr time to buy. \\j ANTEDKnown— Oo to The Corker v * for Newest Styles In Drapery and Millinery— W. H. Collier. WANTED Known— You save 6s m every pound If you patronise 6 Mellor's Cheap Boob Store. * AWN Make m Ladies and Children's V Underclothing, Aprons, and Pina- fores ; also a good assortment of Calicoes, Murlins, Flannelettes, Trimmings, etc., at Mrs Alcorns new shop, Baker's Buildings. " :■ OTHER People are getting Bargains at Carson's Monster bale of Bicycles, Farthen ware, Glass, and China Why not Yon ? 1 84 WANTED Known— so pairs , Ladles and (Kris' Leather Top and Canvas Tennis Shoes, at half usual price* for two weeks only.— Andrew Orr. 10136 PETAL Dust, great floral air purifier, delicious perfume of the loveliest \ flowers. A powerful antiseptic, refresh- Ing and invigorating, destructive to all insect life. Pononga Electric Belt acts r on the blood and nerves, promotes circulation, assists digestion. The only Belt that generates a galvanic current.— H. M. Jones. \\ f ANTED KnowrirVThat it Is lament- vv able ta hear people ask why there is co much trash m the Boot Trade ■now-,*; daya 1 But no wonder I say. Tlwy'mj'y.; strike their breasW and say, • By our own fault, who buy such trash at cheap sales.' Though cheap, a pro6t must be levied, and you don'b get the worth of your money But you have y«t a remedy by calling at J. Moteoa. the Premier m the Boot Trade, where a solid, dry, and good wearing boob can be got. Secure good boots for winter or your feet will be wet. Get your repairs done at once or while you wait at J. Moison's Impermeable BoQtDepdb, East * f -eeb, Ashburtoni % 127



Business Notices. | ' '' ' - \ One Month. r (I. J. N E ILL; HAS MARKED HIS STOCK General Drapery Clothing [and Boots BELOW COST PRICE, A ND is now offering it to the Public. Make no mistake the prices Cannot be beaten. Q. J t NEILU BPRNETT P9TBBET NEXT SHBJABMAN BBOS.; REMEMBER— FOR ONE MONTH S. SAL E9K,! WATCHMAKER, MANUFACTURING JEWEJiLERji AND OPTICIAN JB A(iT STB BET. -, . "" "" "~ i . . >■' », AT THIS JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT, istobt seen the LARGEST and FINEST STOCK m the Dlatri&iof ;> GOLD AND SILVER I SILVER AND E#. 1 JEWELLERY. | WARE. J * WATCHES. The vow famed DIXIT Watches at 20s, 255, and double v- cases at SOfr TO BE OBTAINED ONLY FROM t S. B£L EX, EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. I.EWT.- I^BHTT. ;M?WI% FLETCHER BROS., HAVE just received a large Consignment of the finest FISH for the / PKESENT LMT SEASON. 2 Kegs Finest Salt" Salmon 6 Doz. Salt HenuigSj'i'one doz. 5 UinsßedHerrings,<Scotch ... . m each tin 5 Cases Moir's Fresh Herrings 2f Cases Herrings m Tomato | 2 Cases Maconochie's Fresh Sauce Herrings 2 Cases Kippered Herrings 5 Cases Cocktail Salmon 5 Cases Auckland Mullet ; 2 Cases Albert Sardines 1J Case Mackerel | 3 Cases Boneless Cod " Etc., Etc. ■ CR4KKEKY. CROCKERI. We have- just received several shipments of Everyday < Janes m Crockery, which we are enabled to sell at Very Low Prices. We have also received a special line in 1 China Cruets that we are selling at the remarkably low price of lg 9<f. They are really the Cheapest Cruet ever sold m Ashburton. We have only a few left. If you are requiring one come at once, as we have only a few left ENAMEL WARE. ENAMEL WAR% Having bought large stocks of Enamel Ware m thejHome and Continental markets before the rise, we are enabled tojsell at lower prices than anyone m the trade. The following [area few of the varieties we keep m stock :— - Enamelled Saucepans m various sizes (with lid and without) Enamelled fctewpans m various sizes Enamelled Kettles, Enamelled Chambers, m three sizes Enamelled Wash Basins and Mixing Bowls, Enamelled £vga Enamelled Mugs, % Pint, f Pint, and 1 Pint Enamelled Pie Dishes m all sizes, etc., etc. prtfA, tea. tea; Try our Iridiau and Ceylon Pekoe, with red label, m and lib packets. It is without doubt one of the Finest Teas m the market, and is specially selected and bulked m the Gardens for our own trade. Give it a trial. ■/"■ FLETCHER BROS, S CASH SUPPLY STOBftS, - -... WAST BT.KKBT, ASH BURTON, Wholesale and Retail Agents m A shburton and Christchurch for.. NIMMO AND BLAIRS STANDARD SEEDS.