PHASES OF THE MOON.

OCTOISEB.

Ashburton Guardian Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1897. Local and General.

The Hungarian Government has purchased Mr J. Gubbina" famous racehorse Galtee More for £20,000. M non-celibacy movement is jjit present in progress among the Roman Catholic priests of Poland. We learn that a Highbanksebfcler haa been offered Ss 6d pec bushel (on the ground) for his commg crop of winter wheat, provided it in well savad. I The Aahburton Drapery Company, in (heir new advertisement in this iasae, Jiave a special no&i<ae to intending patrons of iaeir dressmaking depnt'tment. As showing the w-eadgrfnl richness of the Klondyke field it is noted ftfeajb after a barber tliei-c had shaved admnken uiiwr hp treated the crop, with the result that out x$ the shaving tin he got 20 dollars worth of gold ! A drag will lea*'<& Sounders' buildings at sis: o'clock to-morrow ,<3?^ning, to convey those who have kindly conßenftsd to assist at the concert in connection with the swannal parish gathering of SS. FUili^t s.ad JameSf

The Labor Day sports at Wellington have ' been postponed in consequence of the sodden bfca.be of the Basin Reserve ground after the recent rains. Mr Thomas Kerr, of Chris'ohurch who is , a prominent supporter of athlstica in the O*thedral city—beiug on a visit to Ashbur lon —has kindly consented to assist in the arrangements for carrying out the sports on the Domain to^-morrow. i The bot fly is apparently becoming a menace to sheep. List week Mr W. Perry, of Peurose, near Masterton, lost one of his , stud sheep, valued at 50 guineas, A post mortem examination (says v, local papur) dis oio-sed the enemy unmistakably. The number of persons in the United Kingdom of Great Britain aod Ireland who use Gaelic as their native language is much iarger than is commonly supposed. It in eludes 66(J,000 in Ireland, 250,000 in Wales, and 230,000 in Scotland. It js also used to a limited extent in Cornwall and some parts of Yorkshire. A Toledo man has come forward with a cork tyre and a cork saddle. The tyre is made entirely of cork, and is said to possess reais^anoy, and cannot ba punctured. As for the saddle, it weighs butSoz, and absorbs all moisture from the person in the way of perspiration in hot weather. The A.A.O. and A.C. season opens to morrow. The usual procession of cyclists will move from the Post Office at 2 30 p.m., when it is hoped all wheelers wilt endeavor to be present. On arrival at the sports ground no time will be lost in getting off the various items in the programme.

The two pigeons sent from Wellington by the Marine department on board the Sydney bound Steamer Talune, to be released when the Waikar* (with Mr Seddon) was sighted, got very much aatray in their bearings. The captain of the Talune despatched the pigeons to Wellington, but nothing was heard of them for some time, until they lauded »t Patea. The pigeonß have been returned to Wellington.

Two coaches and their horsea were blown j over at Kuripapanga, Kawke's Bay, during ■ a heavy gale on Saturday afternoon. One of them was capsized three times in half an hour, each time fortunately on a flat piece of road. Three of the passengers were injured, buc not seriously. One of the coaches has been damaged beyond repair, At the end of March last the New Zealand ! railways possessed 266 engines of 25 different sizes or powers, 529 passenger dra of 23 different styles and uizes, 204 brake vans, and 8407 goodi tracks of 10 sizes aud shapes. In the making of the railways 4,161,482 sleepers were put down, and of these 2,393,134 have been removed as decayed and replaced by new ones. The number of re movals increases every year. Last year over 300,000 were taken up and replaced by new ones. \ The negroes of St, Louis, US., have taken to wearing wigs made of straight hair like white people. The " fashion " began among the lighter colored members of the race who desired to pass as white, and has spread now until negroes as black as coal may be seen with hair as unlike their own as could well be imagined. Some of them actually insist on having red hair, while others affect a golden-tiated shade. Negroes who are almost bare-footed will go without many things iv order to indulge their new taste, with the result that the wig-makers of the town are all doing a splendid business.

The following additional special prizati for the A. and P. Association's Show have bean received and apportioned :—Mr D. Cameron - £2 2s for the best dairy cow in the sh w yard. Ashburten Saleyards Company—£l 1» for the best Shorthorn bull; £1 Is for the beat Knglish Leicester ram ; £1 Is for the best Berk-hire boar. Ashburcon Club and Mutual School of Arts—£l Is for the best ham fed and cured in the Ashb irton county. Mr Max FrioilLndei—£l Is for the best collection of vehicles loculiy made. Mr R. Walker—Thiee sets of Walker's bot-fly comedies, value 22i 6 i, for the best carriage entire.

Hollow ay's Ointment and Pills — Abcesses, Erysipelas, Piles. —Uuva>ying success attends all who treat these dieasea ac cording to the aimpie printeddu action wrap ped around each pot or box. They are invalu able to the young and timid, whose basbful neis sometimes endangers life. Though apparently local, diseases of this nature are essentially blood diseases, but a little attention, moderate perseverance, and trifling expense will enable the moat diffident to conduct any case to a happy issue without exposing secret infirmities to anyone. The Ointment checks the local inflammation and alleviates to the throbbing pains. These directions also clearly point out when and how Ho loway's Fills are to be taken, that their purifying and regulating powers may assist by ar-justfyiog and trengthening the constitution.

A. & P. Association.

At the usual meeting of the Committee of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association on Tuesday afternoon, there wt>s the usual dif&culry jn getting a quorum, but after about; half an hour's delay or more, the necessary number was rounded up, and the quorum secured. The president, Mr Thomas Taylor, presided. JUDGES' TICKETS, Mr E. G. Wright, M.H.R., wrote, en closing copy of letter written by him to the Miniaterfor Railways, conveying the Associa tion's thanks for the concession regarding judges' tickets. TELEPHONE, It was decided to put a caretaker in charge of the telephone at the Show ground * SPECIAL PRIZES The Saleyards Company wrote, offering special prizes for sheep, cattle, and pigs, tc [ be allotted by fche Society. Compact; was thanked for their offer, which was accepted, JTEW MEMBERS, Messrs Andrew Orr, W. F. Allan, and John Taylor, were added to the membership, PKODCCK JUDGES. Messrs Hardy, Rakaia; Henry, Dun. sandel; Lord, Christchurch ; and Hunrahaa, Ashburton, were appointed produce judges. MILCH COWS. ' Some discussion took place on the question of altering the hour for milking the dairj cows on Show day, and Mr Silcock gave notice to mow £»* an alteration for aexl ■ meeting. ' '*'' ' . HARNESS* Mr Leadlejf gagrp notice to more for ai alteration in the catalogue ??gajfding harness, Mr Thomas, with others, including the Chairman, thought ib was' far from wise tc alter the catalogue so near the Show. Ii was better to make note of faults now, and rectify any error for next Show. ALLOTMENT OK SPECIAL PRIZES. Several special prizes were allotted, thj disposal of wiiiqh bad be^n left to the Association, and a special pri^e was decided to be arranged for, for the best exhibit oi locally made vehicles, Mr Max Friedlandei offering a guinea towards it. GROUND COMMITTEE. The Ground Oommitte reported as follows: — J' Tbfit the General Committee reconsider that portion ojc .their resolution dealing with the removal of sheep £o the outer paddock. As the alteration in bhe yards fey the Sale yards Company necessitate some forty-eight pens to be provided for at some considerable cost, they would, therefore, ask the Com mittee to sanction at once the completion of hurdle* sufficient for entries equal to those exhibited i'i*Bii ye#p. They also recoumend that fche frontagf Uue of implements be brought forward, giving greater depth, and that four lota oi fifty each be set off m the centre of the implement yard for firms who require more space. They also advise the .erection of another ring in the outer paddock for the judging of thoroughbred and pony horses ; 'also that a stand be built and made removable, and admispjo.a be charged for use of same." The report was disced at fength, the majority of the Committee being .pgainsj) anr material change on the ground arrange* cents this year, especially as negotiations were sending with the County Council for better teaur* o£ show ground land, and t&e finances were nofe get> f^fpng enough to warrant much expenditure. Ultimately the work of preparing fch,«. ground for the Show was entrusted to Messrs Clarke, Reid, Cookson, and Silcock —each to take a .portion and have it done as cheaply as possible eoaaisJ^nt; with efficiency. The Committee then adjourns^.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph

Wblmngtox, October 12 The Council met at 2.30 p.m. BELLAMY'S. On the motion of the Minister of Educa tion it was decided to take a vote on Wed nesday as to whether liquor should be sold at, Bellamy's during this Parliament. SUPREME OOUKT ACT AMENDMENT BILL. ihe Minister of Education moved the second reading of the JSupieme Court Act Amendment Bill, providing that Judges of the Supreme Court should retire at the aga of 65 years, and giving Registrars of the supreme Court power to sit ao chambers iv ! bhe absence or illness of the Judge. Mr Stephens, Dr Grace, and Mr Bonar, opposed the proposal to compulaoriiy retire Judges at 65 years of age. The second reading was agreed to, BILL PASSED. ! The Medic il Practicioners' Registration Act Amendment Bill passed its final stages. PHABMACT. BILL. The Pharmacy Bill was slightly amended | in committee. j The Council adjourned at 3.55 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. ; FINANCIAL STATEMENT, The Premier laid the Financial Statement on the table, and aaked the House to excuse hu not reading it as he had a bad cold, Captain Russell hoped this course would not be taken as a precedent, as he dis approved of the principle of not reading the Statement. The Premier said he was quite willing to treat this as an exceptional case, although he considered the reading of the Statement a waste of time. Ihe debate on the Statement will com- I mence on Friday. The following is the Statement:— Mr Speaker,—ln Uying before hon. mem , bers the Financial Statement of this Diamond Jubilee year of our Mo3t Gracious Majesty's reign, it is a matter for sincere congratulation and rejoicing for me to announce that we still retain a buoyant revenue and healthy exchequer, and that the soundness of practicing strict economy and maintaining a strong finance has been abundantly demonstrated. J have, however, a woid of caution and warning to give, uameiy, that we must not, because we are now enjoying fairly prosperous times, rush into a lavish and increased expenditure, and suddenly become oblivious of past depression and, financial difficulties. The lessons taught by past extravagance, followed by haid times, should not be forgotten. Prudence and strict, economy exercised in prosperity will surely obviate the,necessity for drastic economies, should there be a recurrence of adversity. In the memorandum which I had the pleasure of laying on the table of the House during our last short session, I endeavored to place before mem bers as close and correct an estimate of the financial results of the year just closed a. was possible with the time at my disposals It is satisfactory to fiud that my estimates were very near to the actual figures.

FINANCIAL KESUIiTS 1896 97. I estimated the surplus at £340,000. The actual audited results show £354,286. We, are therefore some £14,000 better off than we anticipated. The figures producing the surplus are as follows :—Receipts during the year, £4,798,708; expenditure, £4 469,980 ; receipts in excess of expenditure £138,728 Balance brought forward from preceding year, £215,558; surplus at the end of 1896 97, £354,286. I have already remarked in my memorandum that the surplus would have been still more substantial had it not been for the necessity to charge three half yearly payments of interest during the past twelve months in respecc of the million and a half advances to settlers loan. These entries were necessary in order to make our •looks agree with she actual pj,y;nents made in London during the financial year. Instead of weary ing. you with » mass of figures, in an attempt to analyse the operations within tbe years' accounts, 1 shall coufiue myself to a few of the most important details. You wiii be paced iv possession of all the figures, by the aid of the public accounts of the colony, which will be at once laid before hon members ■RUnw.TPiTS TVTTRTNO 1896-97

The customs duties were estimated at £1,690,000. The receipts amounted to £1,818,972, or £148,972 over the estimate. A considerable amount of this increase arises no doubt fiom the fact that stocks hid previously been allowed $o fall to the lowest possible margin. The revival of prosperity during the last two years had inspired confidence in importers, and has resulted in ft very largely increased consumption' of dutiable goods. From stamps we have received £38,237 in excess of the estimate. The amount estimated to be received from the land tax and income tax jointly was £360,000. The actual receipts amounted to £377,813, giving an increase of £17,813 over the estimate. Beer duty shows an excess of £6787; and registration, marine, and mis cellaneous show increases totalling to £10,133. The railway receipts have turned out wonderfully well. The estimate was £1,200,000, while the actual revenue amounted to £1,287,140, or £87,140 in excess of the estimate, arising from the large movements of our exports and imports, and an extraordinary increase in the passen ger traffic, showing in a moat marked manner the improved condition of the colony. The territorial revenue was very carefully considered, and I am glad to §nd bhafc our estimate was not only reached but was exceeded by £2Q54. Summarising these figures we lind that all the estimates of revenue have been exceeded, and that the total excess amounts to £312,098, including a small sum of £63 for arrears of property tax. Compared with thp actual receipts of the preceding year the reveuue of 1897 shows an inorease of £327,047 ---[ !

{ EXPENDITURE DURING 1896-97. Turning now to the expenditure side ol the acoiunf it will be noticed that a net saving of £22,198 was effected in the esti mated expenditure. This saving would have been increased by £26,000 had it not been necessary to assist the advances tc settlers office in the payment of interest upon the million and a half loan borrowed for she purpose of making grants to settlers upon mortgage. £1404 was overspent undei special Acts, and £1908 was paid over to local authorities in excess of the esti mate oi the amount payable in respect •f their endowments. |511,208 was spent in excess of the votes (including *• £8413 for railways) and £3189 without appro priation. £26,000 was also temporarily paid 6vei? te- t- h*:':'?-dvann«r. td settlers offioa, as I have already stated. The amount underspent totals to $5{}.9Q7» Qnly two items of the amount underspent cai! for remark. £11,284 under the head ol interest; and sinking fund represents mainly recoveries in connection with the conversion operations under the 3£ per cents inscribed stock ; and £14,693, under the head of lands and surveys, represent the aaviugs effected in native and additional surreys, salaries and equipments. Comparmg the actual expenditure of JB9& 9/7 w^h the preceding ye'ar?s figures it is found that an additional expenditure of £139,500 has taken place. Interest and sinking fund have shown an increase of £25,694, of which £17,500 represents interest at 3^- per cent upon the haJf million of inscribed stock issued for the purchase of a like amount of Bank of New Zealand preferred shares. Under the annual appropriations bhepe is aa increase of, £114,246, but eliminating the increased cost of education, which is fixed by Act, and the working expenses of our railw ys, the increase is only £73,195 ; and of this sum the services rendered to the public through the Pose and Telegraph Department are responsible for £21,324; extraordinary sar^ices, ouch the census, £16,400; ex penses of the general election, £13,906 j cost.

of licensing polls, £5,500; preliminary expenses connected with the Government valuation of lanl, £2000; balance of the cost of the new cable steamer Tutanekai, £29,600; expenses connected with the Brunner mine j (i^asfcfr^ £^^00 j represeab a total of $68,$bG?-~wfe'ib|ij shop thab the ordinary aervibea of the ijepartmeßts ba?!3 been carried on with the greatest economy, and even at less expenditure than in the pre ceding year. A atatemenb of the receipts mi expenditure of the revenue account for the goanoi«l yew wUsi 3^t U^'r, laat ja

THIS MILLION LOAN. j Under ihe Aid t^ Public Works and Land * for Seu.lemenr Act, 1896, Parliam: nl h-ivin^ empowered t'B raising of one million to provide I he n m -.us to assist the devclopwv «: of the couatry, in order to enable ua to carry on certain work1 ', such as continuing and completing our railway system, construe ing thein'un loads and biid^es, developing our goldfields, thermal springs, un-.i our wondrous natural scenery, and for the acquisition and survey of native lands, short dated debentures were issued for £250,000, and were tiken up by the Pußt Office Savings Bank, in exchange for treasury bills of equal value. This first 1 isue matures in 1902, interest being ».t 3£ par cent. The second issu -. (£500,000) Wiis nw'e on December 21 ket, in the shape of debentures having an alternative currency (ten or twenty-five years), carrying 3£ par cent interest. The advantage* ol raising 1 money within the colony being generally admitted, tenders restricted to New Zealand were cabled for this issue, at a minimum par rate. The amount was coyered by the public and monetary : institutions at a very small margin above par. This in itself was satisfactory, but the anticipation that a large amount of trust moneys and savings of the people would be invested in this way was not realised. That the public did not to a larger extent avail themselves of the offer of thiß class of i security may be taken as a proof that they can more usefully invest their spare funds; and if their capital is employ 3d in assisting and promoting local industries, or in developing the resources of the colonies, exception eannotreasonablybe taken thereto. It has been urged that there were oircum-

stances ocsurring at the time which distracted attention, and (that if another opportunity were given the result would be more satisfac tory. Ido not think it likely, however, that there would be any material alteration, for there are many opportunities offering for obtaining a larger rate of interest, and in my opinion the general public will not largely i invest in Government securities, when the same rate of interest is obtainable from the banks. At the time the tenders were dealt with, it was claimed that the names of those tendering, and the amount tendered for, should be disclosed. This has not been the practice in the past, and nothing having been decided upon the point prior to the calling of tenders', the Government made no change. To have done so without warning might have been construed to be a breach of faith. In London it is the custom to give the amounts fur the satisfaction of those [ tendering, and the Committee appointed to deal with tenders of course know the names. In the neighbouring colony of Victoria the names are given, but as this is understood beforehand the real investors are not known because they get agents to tender for them. The assertion that the Government lending departments had invested in this loan ia without foundation, and it was probably with the view of ascertaining whether any such investment had been made thai; the names of the tenderers had been asked for. In respect to investments by the Govern ment departments, it is worth considering whether or not in our lowest interast loans above par the departments should invest, and in that way we should keep the interest in the colony, and the thrift of the people would at the same time have a secure and profitable out let. The £150,000 raised by these two issues has been placed to the credit of the respective accounts as indicated, and in the proportions authorised by the Act. It will tie necessary to raise the balance of the loan (£250,000) very shortly, and I am of opinion thut the poet office should take up a portion of the same, particularly seeing thai before long the maximum rate on deposits will have to be reduced to two per cent, which is the rate ruling at, the bank. There is an advantage in the thrift of the people being *o invested as to prevent loss, and should tha treasury be able to save through the postal department the brokerage and other charges, it would be well to do &o. Of the balance which the department is unable to take up, in alt probability we shall avail ourselves of the London market to float the amount, in the shape of three per cent, in scribed stock. G msiderable opposition was shown at the time the Loan Bill was in Committee to the currency being allowed to extend to the dates of the existing inscribed slock ; snd it was pointed out, nos without reason, that with a fulling rate of interest we should endeavor to issue our loans with a much shorter currency than heretofore; and with this object the present loaa was limited to a currency not exceeding twenty five years. Cur intention was good enough, but when it came to practical working our financial advisers in London pointed out the difficulties which would undoubtedly arise from having inscribed fetock of different currencies bearing the same rate of interest, and that the financial market, p.nly too eiger and rea/ly to find the slightest excuse, would *e''p} upon this anomaly to demand enehanced terms Bhou!d aa issue be placed upon the London market. Upon making enquiries myself into this matter while in London, I had to come to the conclusion that it will cost the colony an extra two per ceut if this defect is not remedied. I shall therefore ask Parliament to amend the Loan Act so as to allow any inscribed stock which may be iasupd under this Ac(j to tank absolutely parlp&ssu with the existing 3 per cent inscribed stock. THE PUBLIC WORKS FUND, Part I. was credited during th.o year with £375,000, proportion of me proceeds of debentures iss\ie,dh under the Aid to Public Worlds. ,'ma Land Settlement Act, 1896. Realised sinking funds, amounting to £12,896, ftho c-une to credit. The sum of £150,000 was transferred from the consoli dated funds, and some miscellaneous moneys, amounting to £53.389, were also credited.' These amounts, with the balance brought ! forward from March 31, 1896—viz , £31,150 —produced available funds to the amount of £571,425. The expenditure on railways, roads, and other public works, amounted to £414,009 \ a small sum of £56 was also paid to the Waipa county by way of subsidy. These sjujn.3 deducted from the funds avail able left a balance at the olose of the year of £157,363. Part 11. had a balance of £13,923 to commence the year with, and this amount was expended on works connected with the North Island trunk railway. This account is now closed, the expenditure being in corporated with and provided for in Part I. ,

THE LANDS IMPROVEMENT ACCOUNT,

This account had a balance of £31,425 at the beginning of the year. Proceeds of debentures amounting to £208,700 were credited under the authority of the Lands Improvement and Native Lands Acquisition Act, 11394, and the Aid to Pubjia Works and Land Settlement Act, 1896 j miscellaneous iternoamo^ating to £3578 were also credited. The expenditure amounted to £106,930, and the balance at the close of the year was £136,573. sa? Katiye lands rnBCHAs.F k account, Thia account opened with a balance of £5,920, at\d the proceeds of debentures amounting to £208,500, issued under the above mentioned Acts, were duly credited during the year, together with £2 for premium. Purch ises of native lands, with the coats of surveys and other expenses, amounted to £129,000, leaving a balance of £9$ 232 at the end of the year. WAYS AND. MEANS OF THE LOAN AqCOPN^ft. At this point it may be convenient to place before hoa, members a summary of the ways and meana, both in hand and prospec tive, of the several loan accounts I have just referred to:-Ways and Means on March 31, 1897—Public Works Fund—balance, £157,363; proportion of £250,000, aid. to Public Works, etc., loan ro bo received, £125,000. — Total, £302,363. Lands Improvement Ae£ount-~nalanoß, £136,573; proportion of £250,000; Aid to Public Works, otc, loan, to be received, £62,500; total, £199, 173. Native Liads Purchase Account—Balance, £95,222 ; proportion of £250,000, Aid to Public Works, etc., loan to be received, £62,500; total, £157,722. In addition to the above moneys there *pjl be the sum or sums found tjp bjft available, which Parliament m,ay at.-t aside in aid of these s^acouots during the current year. The Cheviot Estate Account—Receipts from rents and other sources amounted during the year to £15,333; out of which £11,980 was charged in recoupment of interest, and £2,973 for surveyors, roading, etc, leaving a balance in the account at the close of th.o. yoar amounting to £380. lips poßMtq Qn the $lst March, 1896, the gross public debt was £.43,050/780, and the net debt, £42,271,889. Oa the 3ist March last the figures were respectively £44,366,618 and, £43,552,324, showing %q i^wease of mWM iP th fl gfoii debt, mi

£1,280,43510 the net debt. The statement ; tieu goes o« to show how the increase has been brought about, holding the loan* raised for land for settlement advances to settlere, consol?, etc., mainly responsible. RAILWAYS. Haviog given r.be position of the railways as regards ti&ffic, improvements, and so forth daring the year, the statement goes od t i say—lf the settlement of the country is to progress, industries to be assisted, aud the demands of travellers and producers dove justice to, a large sum ouist ba provided for additional lootnotivea and rolling stock j a'so for improvements and additions to the lines and structures, which in some of the large cenfc'es are insufficient for require* ments. To enable more locomotives and rolling sock to be built in the railway work shops, ihe shop machinery must be added to, aud iv some oases replaced by more modern .»ppliances. Taking into consideration the improved results showa by the railways, and to provide for increased safety and efficiency it is deemed advisable that £200,000 should be raised for these purposes. Forty-nine miles of railway have oeen completed since March 31, 1896. After a guaided, expression in favor of light railways, the statement goes on to apeak ofthe Midland (West Coast) Railway, regarding whkkin said there was nothing to he done but to proceed as at present. The statement then dealt with Native Land Purchase, the Land and Income Tax •*cbs, which it was proposed to consolidate ; Advances to Settlers, which now represented £1,404,065 to 4501 applicants; the Publio Trust Office; and gave details of land settlement with which most people are already familiar. It also dealt with the department of labor, goldminicg, and went on to OLD AOK PENSIONS, regarding which the Treasurer said—l have carefully considered the question of wayi and means, and whether we could initiate » >cheme which, though it be not all one could desire, yet might assist our aged colonists to spend their remaining years in greater comfort. As there is a possibility of Parlia ment this session passing as old age pension scheme, appropriations for the necessary pensions will have tor be voted, but as the year is far advanced, and some time will elapse before the necessary machinery and safeguards can be provided, it, i 8 hoped that aaum of £120,000 will be more .than suffi cient to meet claims CONCLUSION. Summing up a budget which covers se ventean columns of the Uhrißtchurch papers, the Treasurer said:—Our revenue (exclusive of Territorial) has increased by £644,623, the area of our lands occupied and cultivated has been greatly enlarged, the number of our farmers has multiplied, the export ot our wool and meat has increased in volume, ( the output of our gold and coal mines has substantially increased, and she capital invested and the number of hands employed in our factories and industries have largely expanded. Surely, in view of these incon trovertible facts, I am justified in claiming that the Ballance and Seddon Government* have succeeded in bringing about a marked improvement in the condition of the people and of placing the colony on a permanent footing of prosperity beyond that previously obtained. The first and foremost Ciuse of this satisfactory aondition, the enterprise and energy of our colonists, has contributed in a large degree to procure these splendid results, but I have nohesita tion in pointing put that this satisfactory state of things has taken place under a Liberal Administration whose advent to power was heralded b/y the moat, gloomy predictions on the part of those who diffbt from us, and as to the future I feel confident. that with strict economy, prudent expendi ture on reproductive works, the continuance of the policy of settlement of our lands on wise and progressive lines, the development of our resources, assistance and encourage ment of our industries, aided by the judicious application of expert knowledge— the pre press of the past six years will certainly be continued, and ovsx most sanguine ttutieipa lions realised, CASTEHRWBV TOTES PROM TUB ESTIMATES. Alterations j n tne bstinjaces and new votfs nffeetiog Canterbury are as follows •— £65 to cadet of Uie Official Assignee, Chmtchureu ia discontinued. Clerk, Ash burton Court;, seduced from £210. to £170; office cleaner aud messenger, increased from £$?, to £40. Gaoler, Ljtcelton, increased irom £380 to £390. CoQveyance inland mails, Christchurch, increased from £5290 to £3460; Timaru incit eased from £.760 to £890. Cadet to Collector of Customs, Timaru, redu.ed from £105 to £60 j clerks to. Collector of Customs, Lyttekon, reduoad from £330 to £270; cadets to same in creased from £325 to £425 .• landing waiters. ; and examining officers, Lyttelton, increased! from £660 to £830 ; messenger- IjytteUon,. increased from £119 to £128, Cadet, Stamp Department, Canterbury* reduced from £95 to :g 135. Four teachers, Sumner Deaf Mutes' Institute^ increased from £650 to £690* servants, at *ame increased from £230 to MBOQ, '

.., Attendants and servants, Sunnyside \ Asylum, increased from £3620 to JE376Q; clerk and storekeeper at Sunnynide, in creased from £180 to £190j assistant clerk and storekeeper, increased from £80 to £85 ; matron, increased from £90 to £95; official visitor, increased from £10 to £13. The vote tor agricultural inspectors, Canterbury-Kaikoura district, has been in creased from £1870 to £1900 The vote for the destruction of rabbits has been increased from £3490 to £3620; labor, natural enemies, etc , has been reduced from £800 lo £500; purchase part of Waitohi- Hurunui rabbit fence, £100. The vote for the buildings at Burnh&m Industrial School has been reduced from £300 to £100

In the Defence Department, drill instruc tors. Canterbury, have been increased from £256 to £384. The vote of £178 for South Canterbury is dropped, and a new vote of £50 appears for the offioer commanding the sub-district of Bouth Canterbury. Id the Departments of Lands and Survey rhe vote for district surveyors, Canterbury,, is iaore.ised from £540 to £335, draughts* men £2230 to £2280, clerks £780 to £800 ; cadets £130 to £250, but the vote of JE23O for assistant surveyor is dropped. There are votes of £J2£» refund of reafc of bridge to Ashburtoa County Council, £300 for West Oxford water supply, £500 for Mount Cook Hermitage expenses* aud £20 refund Customs duty on the memorial of the late Mr Peter Cunningham. For Cheviot Estate expenses there is a vote of £3493, being the balance of the sum voted and not expended last year as a grant ro the County Council towards the com pl^tioa of roads. !Pabl« Trust cadet* and clerks afc Christ church have been increased from £90 to £140 ; Government Insurance clerks, Christ* church, increased from £380 to £495, bub £,6Q, for a credit is dropped; Government Insurance clerk, Timaru, increased from £65 to £75. There are many alterations in railway votes, bub these are mostly due to automatic inurensea of $aUry or to the .employment of additional hands. 'there is no vote on the Ektim&taa for Herriek's Home or the Benevolent Society's Elorce, Christohurch, and the amounts of £50 voted to each o| these institutions lasfe year have not been paid over. There it a 1 new vote, af £100 as "grand to benevolent) softies' work," bub last year's vote, £1500' for refuge work, does not appear this year. ADDRESS- IS-REFLY. The Speaker left the chair ia order to> present the Address-in-Keply to Hift Excellency.

DEPARTMENTAL »B?ORTS» On resuming, numerous departmental reports were kid on the table, Amongst these was tbs report of the Private Benefiu Societies Commiasioa. IMPREST SUI'PX/r BILL.. The House went into Committee oflrappiy aud an Imprest Supply Bill for £325,000' parsed a'l its stages. LAND AND INCOME TAX BITJC. The Land and Income Tax Bill wai intro duced by.message from the Governor and was read a first} tims, BELLAMY'S* T?he Premier moved that no liquor be soldf on Sundays within the precinots of Parlia ment during the present session, and that » poll be taken on Wednesday as to whether or not liquor should be sold within the Parliamentary precincts during the prwect fViiameut. The motion was agreed to on |b» voioei niier«short dib»tf,

THE ABHBOBTOfI GUABMAJSf : WEt)NlfeDA¥, OCjOBJSR IS, ') mi



First quarter .., Full moon .., Last quarter ... New moon

3 5 2 am 11 4 12 pm 19 8 39 pm 26 10 58 am

I



McDonald & mcdiarmid Removing to. NEW PREMISES BETWEEN N. Z/Clothing Factory .& Oit & Co. CLOSED-THURSDAY. OPEN-FRIDAY.



A BRILLIANT DISPLAY OF THE NEWEST AND MOST FASHIONABLE WASHING FABRICS; i^OMPRISING Fancy and Plain Grass Cloths, Muslins, \J Orepons, Cambrics, Diagonals, Metallic Prints, Nainsooks^ Drills^ <fee, &c, IN THE LATEST AND MOST ARTISTIC DESIGNS. NEW DRESSMATERIALS. Serges, Lustres, Tweeds, Homespuns, Fancies, &c, &c. A CIHOICE SELECTION NEW CLOTHING &MEN'S MERCERY ALL AT LOWEST CASH TRICES. GASH DRAPEK & CLOTHIER', TANCEED STREET.



WEDDING PRESENTS, BIRTHDAY PRESENTS, AND PRESENTATIONS. 6 REASONS 6 rrrEY the above should -be purchased fbom S. SALEK'S THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT?.' I.—The Largest Stock to choose from. 2.—The Newest Stock from which to make a selection. 3.—The Very Latest Styles and Fashion in Jewellery are to be seen there. 4.—The Greatest Variety of .Novel and Unique Articles suitable for presents is found ia the establishment, I s.—Prices charged are the LOWEST, 6,—-And Everything is marked in plain figures,



S. SALE X, THE LEADING WATCHMAKER & JEWELLER, East street.



MITCHELL & TURNER —ARE NOW. SHOWING— PER S.S. RAKAIA, 21 CASES 4 BALES. PER S.S. WAIMAIE, 12 CASES. \ M. &T. / \ A / PRINTS CARPETS SQUARES MUSLINS OILCLOTHS CREPONS QUILTS BLOUSE GOODS CURTAINS SERGES GLOVES sunshades' and umbrellas'. TO ARRIVE SEPT. 6, S.S. AOTEA, 10 CASES, 3 PACKAGES, 4 BA^ES,' DEESS GOODS, JACKETS AND MANTLE?, ■ MILLINERY. JDXJft TBVUKB QABVWS BAM7LIS?, If Yard for fche 3?rioe of 1 Yard,



Henry Zander ] ! ! ! Startling Announcement. ! ! ! £10,000 £10,000 WOBTH OF STOCK TO BE REALISED WITHIN 3 MONTHS n;V&:ii.irxiXlNG- MUST BE SOLD.



Business Notices. Spdng Fashions. THE A SHBURTON T\RAPERY pOY., THE READY-MONEY DRAPERS, INVITE Inspection of their CHOICE and DAINTY SiLEOrON of NEWEST GOOHS for the SPRING and SUMMER SEASONS, JUST OPENED UP, Aad now being displayed in their WELL LIGHTED SHOP and SHOWROOM. SUMMER DRESSE -, Wool and Silk, Shot Fancies, Vigo Coa'ings, Twae<ls, Prima, Zephyrs, Saxony Stripes, &c, &j. MILLINERY in Wonderful and Charm ing Variety, Flowers, Feabhera, Mounts, Laces. Chiffons, Ruchiugs, Veilings, Gloves, &c, &o. MANTLES, Capes, Blouses and Novelties in Children's Wear. Special Notice.



HAVING definitely decided upon giving up THE WHOLE OF MY BETAIL BUSINESS, I would draw everybody's attention to the faofc that the whole stock, consisting o goods to the value of OVER will be offered to the public at UNHEARD OF PRICES.



This ie no sham advertisement, and Store* keepers, Farmers, and Stationholders will do well to lay in a stock, as such anopportuuity was never offered, norVill be offered again in Ashburton. *H3Rfi2 A.-K.EJ A, FEW F I*l CIS®. STRICTLI? CASH Groceries. BEST SUGARS, Pairymead, China, Queensland 2£d per 1b 13s 6d per 701b bag. Colonial Candles ... 4d per lb by the box Currants (machine dressed) ... 4£dperlb English Paraffine Candles from 6^d perl*) Starch, in ltb boxes ... ... 4dperbox Oatmeal, 2s 9d per 251b bag, (best quality) j Kerosene, 6a 6d per tin, 12a 9J per case Tea.—A good Panyong, strong liquor, by the half chest ... ... lOd per Ih Tea.--(Blended) in lib packets and 101b tins ... ... ... Isperlb Tea—Arab, in tina and packets Is 6d per lb Juno Tobacco ... ... 4aiodperlb ETC., ETC.,



Ironmongery. Steel Horae \ old price 365, 3fo, 40a, 42s Collars ) now, 255, 28j, 303, 31a. Bedsteads—At a reduction of 50 per cent on present prices. Wire netting ... Ifd per yd by the coil Swiss Watches ... 5s each Register Grates > old price, 20s, 19s, 18a jnow, 139, 12* lla. Tools, Knives and Forks, Builders requisites, etc., too numerous to mention, AE LESS THAN WHOLESALE COST. Crockery. Toilefc ) old price, 22a 63, 18s, 15a, Sete, Vl2s6d; ) now, 128, 9s, 7s 6d, 6s 6d. Caps and Saucers 3s per dozen Plates—(Dinner), 4s; (Dessert), 3a per dozen. Brown Teapots, large, ... 9d and Is each Fancy Teapots 2s each T<*mpg, Glassware, etc,, equally reduced. FOR CARPETS & LINOL^MS' WINDOW BLINDS & OILCLOTHS No Reasonable Offer JRef jsed.



Seede. Bed Glover Seeds (beit), M 61 per lb Cow Grass (best), M «, 6d per lb Bye Grass, (machine dressed), Ss 6d "per bushel. Imported Mangel Seeds, M Id per lb Colonial Mangel eed .« 6Jperlb AND OTHER SEEDS AOJ LT^S3 THAN COST PRICE,



CATALOGUES IN COURSE OF ! PREPARATION. This Genuine Sale will only be for a short time, and the remaining stock will then be Sold by Auction, THEREFORE COME EARLY AND SECURE BARGAINS HENRY ZANDER.



WE would respectfully ask those Clients who think of placing their order for Show Dresses with us to do so As JESarly as Possible, to avoid the rush that always occurs at Show Ume. DRESSMAKING—IOs fill. A SHBURTON T\RAPERY /^OY.



HEW ZEALAND GLOWING FACTORY. TO ATHLETIiaS AMD CYCLIST)*.



"V]C7"E are now showing the Lateßt Novelties in Cycling Racing Suits Cycling Hose Cycling Caps Cycling Shoes Cycling Sweaters Running Suits] Bathing Suits} Tennis Trousers Tennis Shirts Tennis Sashes Tennis Hats Tennis Shoes Cricketing Trousers Cricketing Shirts Cricketing Hats Cricketing Sashes Cricketing Belts, etc.



HALLENBTEIN BROS. & CO., A. G. BARTON, Managed Ifo m?sepersmM¥f® my any offfm'/fP?/Miom. [_9_/f?s/s/onJiavMs_ & | cmoMMßimmp mm. Insjarefiuwafidwh/esoms m ffiehsfmcweyafflf ® t exper/enca cm Mj. ldmesfsakwAi/sfmas/a. a SOW BY ALL GROCERS J



Ghurcli Services. OT. STJS P H EN'S OHO R0 H Aahburton, WEDiT3SDAY-aF.S., 7.30 p.m. COMFIRMATIOr,' CL4SBEB. WEDNESDAY (for women), 13P PiW. THURSDAY (for men), 7.30 p.m. Saturday (special), 2.30 p.m. FRIDAY — Short Service, 7.30 p.m.; Oholr Pra^uee ; 8 p.m. SUNDAY OGXGSES p r 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer and HolyjOo^j munion; 2.30 p.m.— Hampstead Sunday School, certificates awarded, fete. ; 6 30 p.m. xr^v&iiiog Prayer. RBV.T.'A. HAMILTON. '



1 Fttymtf wA Re|wßbiu£~-New Y«om