PHASE OF THE MOON.

OCTOBEB.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Pro Bono Phblico—Your latter is libellous.

Ashburton Guardian. Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1897.

Twenty-six years ago, a Frenchman, interested in the study of natural history, brought 4 over to Melford, a CATERPILLAR suburb of Boston, CRUSADE- Massachusetts, a number of gipsy caterpillars, which were accidentally liberated by a gale of wind from their netted enclosure, and some spread over the country. The units increased to hundreds, and hundreds to tens of thousands, the tens of thousands to pillions, and at this moment, as Mr JPlet^her Osgood writes in the Century, groves and gardens ; fields, orchards, and tree-sha<Jowed streets, the sides of the houses^ the pavements, and the door steps are black with them

with a most repulsive stench, and] aa soon as they have devastated one district they move on to lay waste another. By the year J892 the army of caterpillars had deployed over 220 square miles oil territory ; and a£tei many ineffectual attempts to stay the plagup, the State of Massachusetts J has now commenced a war of extermi nation by means of a gang of men, under the direction of the superinten dent of the Board of Agriculture. From September till April these men are incessantly engaged in egg hunting ; by a system of house to house scrutiny in the towns, and by a searching examination of trc-es, shrubs, fences, gateways, and buildings, and even standing crops, the placed of deposit are being saturated with a composition of creosote, which is fatal to the eggs. Up to the present time no fewer than 2,003,000,000 of these formidable enemies are known to have been destroyed; while the unrecorded de struction is believed to bring the list of the killed up to 4,000,000,000. Only 75 square miles of territory now re main infected ; and the State is firmly resolved "to extirpate the creature absolutely from his present confines, and so from the new world, to the last egg."

When the world is fast becoming all mapped, and labelled and described, and geologised and CHRISTMAS botanized, it is re ISLANDi freshing to learn that there are still a few miles of little-known ground. Christmas Island, about 200 miles south of the western end Of Java, the nearest land, from which it is separated by ocean about four miles deep, is one of the few isolated spots on the earth that has remained practically un inhabited by man. It has now a small population numbering 22 persons, consisting of Mr Andrew Roas, who is the only Europeon, his family, and about a dozen labourers from Keeling- Oocos Islands. Mr Ross, however, has only once penetrated to the further side ot the island, the journey taking three days (the island is about twelve miles long and seven miles broad). Now, however, the island is to be uqed by the Christmas Island Phosphate Company, and a working party is now on its way there. Hence it is of peculiar im portance that a scientific exploration should he undertaken to obtain an accurate account of the native fauna and flora before thdy are displaced by introducad forms of life. Dr John Murray, of Edinburgh, has offered to the trustees of the British Musuem to defray the expenses of sending out a naturalist to collect everything inaige noug to the island, and to present the specimens to the musuem, if the trustees will allow one of the officers to go out. The trustees have accord ingly despatched Mr 0. W. Andrews, of the department of geo'ogy in the Natural History Musuem, to make an exhaustive survey and exploration of the island. The area is about 100

square miles, the highest point being about 1200 feet, so that a considerable variety of temperature and other con ditions occur. The fauna as far as known is remarkable for thf'e very large proportions of species peculiar to the island. Thus three of the five known mammals, all the land bird?, and four out of five land reptiles are endemic. Of itisects, out of some thirty-five species that have been determined twenty-three were new. In one respect the island ia fortunate; there are no wild animals, snakes, or other crea tures inimical to man. Most of the island ia covered by thick forest growth, in which orchids and other epiphytes are very common, while it is probable that one-third of the flora is yet known,

Local and General.

South Australia desires West Australia to share the expenses of the erection of a boundary fence between the two colonies for the purpose of dealing with vermin.

Mr William Booth, a member of the Charitable Aid Conference, stated that the, great amount of restriction that had been placed upon the employment of young peo ple was causing a heavy drain on the funds of the Charitable Aid bodies. If the com munity was going to restrict the employment of young people it must agree to cheerfully face the difficulty of finding money to re lieve them, or else must export them from the country. The Germans have the repute of being the ; heaviest beer drinkers in the world. But it would appear that the Britisher and his belongings are not far behind. Here are some facts, lhey are to be found in an official document recently issued, that sets forth the quantity of beer consumed in the world. The annual quantity consumed, it is stated, amounts to 17,700,000,000 litres or quarts. Of this amount 5,000.000,000 quarts are made in Germany; in Great Britain i»nd Ireland, 4,790,000,000; in the United States, 3,200,000,000 ; and Austria- Hungary, 1,350,000,000. Belgium produces and<j<»nsumes yearly 1,050,000,000 quarts of beer; France. 840,000,000 ; and All the Rusaias only 400,000,000 quarts. Ajourious jncident has been related show ing the independence of the Chinese in Queensland. A passenger from Qairns in ihe steamer L^ss of Gowrie, en route to TownSville, states that on calling in at the Johnstone River to take in a cargo of bananas, the captain found that the neap tides had rendered the bar almost impass able that tide, and he could not get out unless the Chinese worked double gangs in loading bananas. He offered Is 6d an hour, but the yellow men struck for 2a an hour. The Captain refused this demand, and the result was that the vessel was stuck on the bar for 24 hours. This incident, an Aus tralian paper says, should surely gain the Chinamen some respect from th§ lf New Uniooiais."

Sir,—A gentleman informed us aJew days ago that some tailors make suits for about half the regular prices for first-class tailoring and then give an extra pair of trousers over " for nothing !" We frankly admit that we cannot perform suoh impossible tricks as those " wizards of finance" profess. We have every facility for competing with the keenest legitimate trade but we never countenance •' sweating." We employ first class tradesmen and pay fair wages. A few of our old customers have tried the so-called, f' cheap suita," and found them 'f dear at any price," and many new customers who have admirßd first-class tailoring on their friends have simply remarked—"X want asuib like you made for Mr ———." Our turnover for the last six months shows the largest amount of business we have ever done in one season. This faoVspeajis for itself. Wa have j'uet opened a splendid assortment of new summer goods in all departments; and by recommend ing only materials we can guarantee, com bined with good fit, best workmanship and style, we have determined to maintain our reputation as " the leading tailors and out- I fitters." Customers requiring suits for the show are respectfully invited to favor us with their orders as early as possible as we have already a "rush" of orders in h^nd.-~ Craig head & Bmbky^an. Kojsie Ten fa mosjj wholesome drink.-—John QrrfcCe,, agwti,

'i he arrivals of parsons in the colony last month were 1409, ac,d the departures 938. At) Menzies' Ferry, Southland, yesterday, Mrs Creron diad, after a few hours' illness, aged 105 years. Mr M. Spencer had nineteen sheep (mostly ewes), killed by dogs a few days since, at the Ashburton Forks, The same pack drove a mob of young cattle into a : corner, when one was killed.

The Diocssan Synod met yesterday in Ohriacchurch, but the business wae mostly formal, the most interesting question discussed being a motion that women should have the right to speak and vote at public meetiug.^. The debate on this was not concluded when bhe adjournment at 10 o'clock took place. A Sydney paper states that the Melbourne Caledonian Society, which recently fore closed a mortgage over the Hibernian Hall there, also hoids a lien over the biggest Jewish Synagogue in Melbourne to the extent of £8000. The meek shall inherit) the earth. By the Vancouver mail just arrived the Gr«d Lodge of New Zealand received fra ternal recognition from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. This makes the fourth Ameri can Grand Lodge to recognise the New Zealand Grand Lodge within the last six months. * The Wellington correspondent of the Press telegraphed that at dinner at Government Home on Wednesday night there were Bitt ing, side by side, three natives of New Zealand, whose ages totalled 194 years. They were aged Parliamentarians, who neither drink nor smoke. They were the Hon. Mr Williams, Bay of Islands, 75 years; Mr Monk, 64 years, and Mr Oareon, 55 years. A dairy authority states that the main thing to be desired in a dairy oow ib butter producing quality. In the neighbourhood of towns law of milk is usually given, the first place in the estimation of the dairyman ; but even there a good flow of rich milk is considered, by the customers at any rate, to be better than a large quantity of poor, | thin fluid. Taking both quality and quantity into consideration, theu, the palm should be given to the cow producing the largest now of milk richest in butter-fat The gallon measure enables us to arrive at an estimate of quantity, but short of actual manufacture into butter nothing but the Babcock test can give an immediate idea of quality. The two together furnish an excellent substitute for the pail and the ohurn.

The belief that greab mineral wealth is stored in the ranges which form such a beautiful backgrouad to our local scenery is so generally entertained that every now and then Borne enterprising men, make attempts to discover where the precious metals and stones are, which some day will probably make the fortunes of not a few. A few weeks ago Meßsra W. B. Compton and W. J Hussey, started upon an exploring expedition to the head waters of the Wilber force, and after some pretty rough work they have returned with a number of specimens from three reefs they discovered. One of these they say ia 7 feet thick, very well defined, and can be traced fora consider able distance. The stone ia full of promise, and thespeeimens have to-day been forwarded for assay to the Dunedin School of Mines. It is satisfactory to know, on the authority of Mr Bftrk9r, of the Agricultural Depart ment, that cancer in meat ia not nearly so common as most people imagine. In his lecture at Wellington, a few nights ago, Mr Barker said there was no instance, as far as he knew, where cancer had been communi cated from animal to man, or man to animal, and- he did not think anyone need feel alarmed as to the contraction of cancer from I meat in New ZealanJ. In any case, thorough cooking of milk and meat would abolish nil dauger of infection from animal diseases. Sir James Hector considered that the results of the investigations of the Department would allay any anxiety felt as to the danger of acquiring disease from pur food-produciug animals. He regarded it as satisfactory that diseases were found to be so moderately developed in so large a stock-producing country.

Dr Ta'mage, the well-known American lecturer and preacher, has an appreciation of editorial difficulties nob met with io every publicist. This is what he said in the course of a setmon on " Th ■■ Divine Mission of New|papera" :—" To publish a news paper requires the skill, the precision, the boldness, the vigilance, the strategy of a Commander-in-chief. To edit a newspaper requires that one be a statesman, an essayist, a geographer, a statistician, and, in acquisition, encyclopedic. To man, to govern, to propel a newspaper until it shall be a fixed institution, a national f ict, de mands more qualities than any business on earth. If you feel like starting any news paper, secular or religious, understand that you are being threathsned with softening of the brain or lunacy, and throwing your pocket-book into your wife's lap, start for some insano asylum before you do some thing desperate.'*

It is said that there is an enormous waste of food in London workhouses. According to the rules of the Local Government Board, each inmate must be supplied, and is sup plied, at every meal with the regulation chunk of bread and cheese, and slice of meat, whether he wants it or not. The result is that, while the workhouse meals are far from plentiful, there is not a single large workhouse in which tons of bread and masses of meat and other food are not swept off the plates to go to the pigs. 'In one London workhouse it is calculated that a very moderate change iq the serving qf the paupe • meals is producing a saving at a rate of sixteen tons of bread in a year. Mr AveHng, who is one of th.c most practical of L.ondon clerks of guardians, has suggested the idea which does not seem hitherto to have occurred to anybody, that it would be possible and profitable to put plates of cut bread and butter on the table, and let people take what they want.

In a recent" prohibit" case heard in Ash burton fines were inflicted. The men erred more perhaps from want of knowledge than from any intention to break the law. The following paragraph shows how easy it is to blunder into an offence, even with fche best knowledge:—A Judge bf the Supreme Court, a Blue Ribbon barrister, and several persons of less consequence, were the other day perilously near to an innocent breach of the law. It was at Invercargill, during the recent visit of Mr Justice D,enniston. An application was to be tna^e for aq order in respect to a man who is in the category of " prohibited persons." As the application was to be consented to and would not occupy more than a miuute, his Honor told the parties interested that they had better come to his rooms at the Club Hole', and he would do the business at once; and, this arrangement suiting everyone, the persons concerned were about to walk across to thei h.otelj wfien it suddenly occurred to the barrister that it was an offence for anyone to accompany a prohibited person into licensed premises, or to be in his company there, and the party straightway recreated, preferring to take no risks of a wholesale information, but to wait until the Judge got to the safer area of the Courthouse.

At a Committee meeting of the Aehburton Amateur Cycling and Athletic Club, held on Wednesday evening, a great deal of corres pondence re the relay ride from Bluff to Christchurch on November 6 was read. The Ashburton Club will have charge of the Geraldine to Ashburton section. Several riders' names were proposed, but as yet nothing definite has been decided. It is the Club's intention this season to encourage in every possible way every branch of athletics. It was decided to have another afternoon's spore in the Domain on November 18, and the following events were decided on:— 150 yards foot race (handicap) tor members who have never won a prizs for running half mile foot race handicap j and two bicycle rages—one and two miles handicaps A moonlight run will take plaoe later on, the date to be arranged by tho Captain and Secretary. The following new memberß were proposed:—Messrs 5> F. Dodds, E. MeTigue, J. Bruce, T. Smith, J. Connor, J. M. Robb, A. Gates, G. Cates, Joseph Wilson, S, Madden, W. Sparrow, H. Hefford, C. Wroughton, E. Tovey, and E. Marsden. Lady members—Misses A. J. liusk, 4, liV,ak, Sheai'maa, and Rule. The fouling season promises tc be even a greater success thaa last year. KoaisTea. is good—John. Orr and. Co. »«entl, ;-,? i f 1 m

As ontf of the- railway hands waa passing j along Bast Street this morning he heard & ] splash in the side channel, and on looking j in, saw a large eel, which he promptly > caught. } The Sydney Bulletin does nob approve of the compensation principle in connection with the abolition of the liquor traffic It thinks that the country om't afford to com pensate the publican, especially under the Reid Government, which would inevitably pay the compensation out ot loans and make it part of the permanent debt. It couldn't logically compensate the publican without alno compensating the brewer, distiller, grog importer, the employes of all four, the cooper, the publican's landlord, the vigueron, the man who grows barley, the cork and bottle dealer, the man who sticks on the labels, and the temperance lecturer—who lives ou the drink-trade quite as much as the publican himself. Then it would have to finish up by compensating itself for the loss ol revenue. A cablegram recently announced that three American tourists have been drowned by being carried over Niagara Falls. It appears that the men moet foolishly attempted to sail from Chippewa downstream. Owing to the mismanagement of & sail they were drawn into the current, and the boat got beyond control in sight of the people on the shore about a miie above the falls and was swept away. The craft capsized in the rapids : the men, exhausted by pulling, were shot out and whirled onwards over the upper cascades. The boat was [washed ashore. One man had nearly reached land, where the people were ready to rescue him, but he was caught by an eddy, and ail were swept into the mad battle of rapids and rocks. They were last seen above the Horse Shoe Falls, and then disappeared, carried over the awful green, centre of the downpour on the Canadian side. Lord Lister, Mr Griffith, and other association officials drove past almost im mediately after and saw the excitement of those who had witnessed the daister.

The Horowhenua Case.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Wellington-, October 21 The special case which is to be stated to the Supreme Court, with reference to the dispute as to the costs in the Horowhenua case, will probably be filed to-morrow. In the meantime Messrs Bullen and Skerrett have taken out- a charging order on the ' moneys standing to the credit of the Public Trustee in the Bank of New Zealand. This I order will not be served until the points of law in the special case are settled by the Chief Justice.

THE KINEMATOGRAPH.

On Monday next, the 25th October, the kinematograph exhibition of the Diamond Jubilee proceshion will be shown for posi tively one night only at the Oddfellows' Hall. The show has won golden opinions, and crowded houses have been the rule everywhere, His Excellency Lord Raafurly ; was present at the opening exhibition in Wellington, and was so pleased that the Government House party attended the Opera House three limes during the season. From all accounts the pictures of the procession and festivities at tha celebration of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee in London are wonderfully realistic, and to quite a surpris ing degree make one forget that he was not present ah the actual function. So good were they thai, the audiences who have witnessed them are said to have betn fairly carried away, and to have given proof of their satis faction by bursts of patriotic enthusiasm, thab in a sm'a'<l way recalled the fervour of the original demonstration. The box plan is now open at Mr Jones', bookseller, where front seats can be secured, also tickets obtained for the other par's of the hall The exhibition can only be shown here one night, and a crowded house is assured.

THE VOLUNTEERS.

The local Volunteer corps went into camp on Thursday night for their annual wsek under canvas, which will enable fchem to record the requisite number of daylight parades demanded by the regulations. The arrangements are the same as those which proved so admirable last year, and have oaly beea altered in Buch slight degree aa experi ence has shown to be «n improvement. Nearly every man was in camp or satis fac; orily accounted for. The work will be of the usnal kind engaged in by the men when in camp, aad will iuclude the regula tion rifle practice on the range in the early morning, every week day having its proper apportionment of military duty. On Sunday the corps will parade for divine service, which will be held in the Presbyterian Church, Rev. G. B. loglis being the preacher. The band will as usual head the company, and will also be in oamp in the afternoon and evening, the rrraaio they will play being of a sacred character. We have not yet heard of any arrangements having been made for the annual " camp fire," but doubtless Captain Dolman and Lieutenant) Hayes have these well advanced. For the annual field day of the battalion to which the Ashburton Rifle 3 belong the Prince of Wales' birthday has been chosen, and the day's work will take the form of a sham figh', in which tb,e town of Titnaru will be attached and defended. The attacking force will comprise the three Timaru Corps under Major Jowaey; and will commence their oparations from the south side of the town. The defence will be entrusted to the Ashburton, Temtika, and Waimate Oorp3, a.nd th> first named corps will leave Ashburtan by train for the theatre of war at 745 on the morning of the fight. Captain Dolman will be in command of the defence. A cyclist oorps from the Temuka Rifles will be made use of in the operations, Lieutenant Campbell in command, and a signalling detachment—Timaru corps under Lieutenant Brown—will aid the attacking force whose commanding officer will be Major Jowsey. The corps will parade in drill order, with haversacks containing provision for a mid-day meal, and full water bottle 3. Great coata may be used by the corps travelling by train, but these will not be worn during the operations, and must be left either at the Timaru railway station ojr, at the drill shed until the corps rfttu.cn, and the return train to Ashb.urton. will leave Timaru at 5,5 p.m,.

CRICKET.

Arrival of Stoddart's Toan;,

Press Aasooiatioa—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. , Adelaide, October 21. The following have been chosen to repre sent South Australia in the opening match against Stoddart'a team; —G. Giffen, W. Giffen, Liyons, Darling, Hill, Jones, Mo- Kenzie, F. Jarvis, Green, Evans, and Drew; emergency man, Petera. 6. Giffen was chosen against his express wish, and intends to stand out owing to the weakliest of one of his kuees. The Committee of the Cricket Association have re-engaged Jones as ground bowler for another year at £4 per week, and are con-, j ! si'iering an offer for a three years' engage ' ment at £3 10s per week. ■ Albah^-j October 21. Stoddarb's tea,m arrived in aplondid health. Batijitsinghi suffered severely from sea sickness in the last few days. Received Wakapuaka Oct. 22, 10.10 a.iq, A Guardian Office 11 a.m.

Adelaibi:, October 22. George Giffen has announced bis intention of retiring from §rst class cricket on the ground t^.at biis k,nee is causing him trouble, \ but; the main cause is the decision with reference to expenses in connection with the coming English matches. Recently Giffen, Hill, Darling, and Jones wrote to Major Wardill demanding a certain sum to cover expenses in the test matches. The negoti° a lions resulted in Giffen accepting a com-, promise. Subsequently Giffen wrofee to tha newspapers stating thatj/h® had no intention of playing itj ti^a approaching matches, or taking part in flrst-claae cricket, aa he in tended to rest for an indefinite period. Giffen will, however, continue to play in, club matches.

PAELIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

' Press Association—By Klectric Telegraph. Wellington, October 21 The Council met at 2 30 p.m. SUPBEMB COURT ACT AMENDMENT BILL. Oa the motion of Dr Grace, the Supreme Court; Act Amendment Bill was referred to the Statutes Revision Committee in order that it might consider the clauses allowing Registrars of the Supreme Court to sit in Chambers. The Council adjourned at 2.30 p.m. till Thursday, the 28th inst.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2.30 p.m. DEBATE POSTPONED. On the motion of Mr O'Regen, resumption of the financial debate was postponed till 7.50 p.m. MUNICIPAL FRANCHISE. Mr Tanner moved the second reading of the Municipal Franchise Enlargement Bill, , \*hioh provides for conferring the municipal 'franchise on every adult mate and female living within a borough, but reserves the right to the present ratepayers to vote on the question of a loan. He contended that tbe present municipal franchise was a dii gcace to the colony. The Premier thought that it would bo admitted that the existing franchise should be enlarged, though ie would be a question as to how the enlargement should go. The law respecting municipal franchise at present was seriously defective, and without wishing to cast reflections on the present holder* ox municipal office if the franchise were enlarged the municipal bodies would be more representative, and better work would be done. In respect to sanitary arrangements, health and life had -been considered of secondary importance, while there had been selfish conservation of property. He folb sure that the opinion of the country would be behind the legislature if plural voting were abolished, but it had not yefe been' edu cated up to the enlargement proposals of the present measure. He believed in the prin ciple of the measure, but considered that unless its provisions were modified the Upper House would reject it. Captain Russell said that the Bill was a very bad one, and while he admitted that it was absolutely necessary that we must ad vance with the times in more or less popu larising municipal government, tht> pro visions of the present measure were so mani festly unjust that he would oppose ic. He had been opposed to the one man one vote principle when applied to electors for re presentatives to the House, and he could not agree to its application to municipal franchise. The Bill was injudicious in pro posing that persons who had only been three months in a district should have s> voice in the manner in which the property of others should be managed. Mr Taylor said that it was matter for re gret that the proposals of the Bill did nob form part of the large? measure of local Government reform. Mr James Alien considered that the direction in which the franchise was pro posed to be enlarged was a moet objection able one. The principle of the Bill was a vicious one, and its provisions went a great deal too far. Mr Morrison cordially supported the Bill. Mr Bollard could uot support the pro posal giving household franchise. Mr John Hutcheson strongly supported the Bill. Mr McGowan considered that tbe pro posals of the Bill would be to the detriments of the workers. Mr Carson could not support the Bill. Mr Rolleston said that he was nob one of those who believed the present state of affairs in connection with municipal fran chise waa satisfactory. He was not pre pared to support the Hill, as it only dealt with the matter in a fragmentary manner. He saw the day coming wneu large responsi bilities would be put on municipal bodies. With these larger functions the. franchise would need to he extended.

Mr Soobie MacKeDZie said that be had strongly advocated one man [one vote in> connection with the Parliamentary franchise, hut he considered that such a principle was not applicable to muuicip&l franchise. H& moved an amendmeut that is inexpedient to pass the Bill until the House had had an op portunity to discuss the whole question of municipal franchise. Messrs Moore, Growther, aod Bollard opposed, and Mr Wilaon gave a qualified support to the Bill. The debate waa interrupted by the 5.3(5 p.m. adjournment. The Hoqse resumed at 7.30 p.m. Qn the motion of the Hon. Mr Thatepson the debate on the Municipal Franchise Enlargement Bill was postponed for fa fort, night, THE FINANCIAL r BE»&Mi. Mr W. Thompson resumed the financial debate. He considered that the Treasurer should have confined himself more to the colony's finances, and that subjects not con nected, with finance ought to have, been dealt with in Parliamentary papera. He had heard things about the co-operative system which showed that the colony was not get ting full value for its money, and he would very much 'ike to. see the whole question of the co-operative system discussed by the House, The decreases in land values* were awing to the Government's policy, which her also contended were responsible for the falling off in wool and other industries. The increase in Customs revenue pointed to in creased taxation and not to increased spending power of the people. The cost of managing the Labour and Agricultural Departments was too much, though he* admitted that both Departments were useful in their way. Ha expressed himself in favour of freehold tenure, and referring to the surplus said that he did not believe in a surplus which meant taking more money than there was any occasion lor.

Mr Montgomery agreed with the laa'c speaker in his remarks oh the treatment of too many subjects in the Budget which had uo relation, to, the finances of the colony. Many o,§ the subjects ought to hat* beea <$ealt with in the Governor's Speech. He combatted the statement that land values had fallen on account of the Government's policy, and aaid that ia his district they had gone up 25 per cent during the past five years which he attributed to a certain extent to th.B cheapening of money by the Government Advances to Settlers Act. The surpluses of the Government were nn doubtedly the strong points of its finance. During the past five years over £1,000,000 had been transferred from the Consolidated Fund to th,e Public Works Fund, which he considered waa a good beginning at least of a self-reliant policy. He had always* opposed the seizure of the local bodies loans. sinking funds, and asked the Premiw if he intended introducing the legislation men tioned in his memorandum which was laid bafore the House in April last, providing that in future no debentures can be issued against the accretions of sinking funds of the local bwUes loans. The Premier had intimated, that he intended introducing such legislation in connection with the proposal ,Sr raise £20,000 for railway material. He lHxii that Ministers would lose the confi deuee of the House if any pottion of that sum was devoted to any other purpose. The old age pension scheme should provide for the encouragement of thrift. He re-. ferred to. the absence of mention of the Bank. of : New Zealand in the Budget, and , said that it was to be tegretted that no ; opportunity was to be given to disaass an ins,tittttiou in which the colony had so great* a financial interest. The Hon Mr Richardson described the Budget as coataining muck to. rea>l, little to learn, and less to adjajre. He contended that the Government did not wish to give, effect to the greater portion of the propo&al* ifc confcained> As an example of the Govwn tnetntti saying one thing and doing au*ther he p inted out that the GovernmiwMi had passed a Truck Act, and yet ia the lands reporr, it was stated fchat a Government store; hid been opened in cauvection with, the. Alfredton-Weber ro*d works, where nc money was paid by the co-operative workers. for goo.dA supplied to them, the- value for vyh,Kjh was deducted from their wagest He; ma.de a strong appeal tea the Government for the erasure of Mr Meikle's name from the> prison records, of the colony, and dealt at some len&iih with Mr Meikb's oase, Th» Ms& WM geot}^y y wandered w b« *

TEE ASHBOBTON' GDaHDIAJS i FRIDAY 0(3-iQBER :■&, I:m



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

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Business Notices, REMOVAL NOTICE. MESSRS McDonald & mcdiarmid, BOOT MANUFACTURERS & IMPORTERS, EAST STREET, BEG to remind their Frienda and the Public Generally that tfhey have'JREMOVED to those uommodious premises between those of the New Zealand Clothing Factory and Messrs John Orr. MESSRS McDONALD AND McDIARMID thank the Public for the very liberal support accorded them during the p*at two years, and they intend by keeping a FIRST-CLASH STOCK of every requiaire in the BOOT LINE, and by civility and despatch, to merit a continuance of the same. Owing to the great success of our sale during the ksst) fortnight, and wishing to make room for large indents coming to hand, we have decided TO CONTINUE THE SALE



IN OUR NEW PREMISES FOB FOURTEEN DAYS, during which time we intend to Clear All Odd Lines OF CAHVAS SHOES, WALKING SHOES, BOOTS, ETC. AT Ridiculously Cheap Prices. No Reservation of any Part of our Splendid Stock. Ladies 1 and Gentlemen's Tennis Shoes, 2s 9d and 2) lid per pair, only a few pair left Children's School Boota (our own make), sizes 7 to 9, 43 3d ; sizes 10 to 13, 4s 9d Ladies' Glace Kid Shoes—a perfect gem, (own make), only 6s lid, only a few sizes left Ladies' Glace Kid Evening Shoes, 2b 91 per pair Ladies' Patent Leather Evening Shoes 2a lid per pair Gentlemen's Canvas Shoes reduced from 6a to 4s 6d Ladies' Canvas Shoes from 3* 9d per pair Ladies' Strong Leather Walking Shoe from 5s 6d Ladies' Carpet Slippers from Is 5d Ladicß* Strong Leather Boots from 6s 6d ' Gentlemen's Tan Leather Shoes (sewn), only 6s lid, usually 9a Men's Strong Nailed Bluchers, (own make), at 4s lid Men's Strong Closed Balmorals, sale price 7s lid, good value at 10s 61 Girls' Two«B»r Strap Shoes, sizas 7 to 9, 3s 6d ; sizes 10 to 13, 3s 9d, Men's Strong kip Watertights, 11s 9d, usually 13d 6d



AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER LINES WHICH LIMII'ED SPACE PREVENTS US PROM ENUMERATING, GALL EARLY AND MAKE YOUR FAMILY PURCHASES, AND DON'T FORGET, THE ADDRESS IS— mgdonald & mcdiarmid, CASH BOOT STORE, EAST STREET. J, NICHOLAS, Manager.—Branches, Oamaru and Waimate.



[Telephone No} 80.; S.SAL E K. WATCH REPAIRS. JUST RECEIVED from llotherham's and Erhardt's factoriea, a large stock of the Separate Parts for these well known watches. Also for all other English and American Watches' Having bought largely at a considerable discount for spot cash CHARGES FOR REPAIRS



ARE CORRESPONDINGLY REDUCED. PROMPTNESS IN EXECUTING ALL Sb CJL.OCJH Is£:JPAll£@, In a RELIABLE MANNER is a, feature at S. SALEK'S, ,THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT. EAST STREET.



CYCLES. _CYCLES. '' Swifts " |S Triumphs " " A ialantas." ITIHE HIGHEST GRADE MACHINES A.l? l-UtiX>CJCISI> JPRICES. JLIADIBB' Ju AVOURITE ± RiUMPH j 3b&\J %*jA-ma /CENTS' "mEI[JMPHS? "OOAD T>ACER \ ftlQ nAmVf \JTENTB' X RIUMPH XiOAD JCtACER j <sblO ASSJ::I PS?S£!g "SwS" ESIS RiBS } c-««- A%ffi%t Pi™ KiS^-w } °A««- We have the following sundries in stock, viz :~TYRE COVERS, RUBBER SOLUTION, REPAIRING OUTFITS, LAMPS, OIL CANS, LAMP OIL, LUBRICATING OIL, Etc. tc- *-tc- Easy Terms of Payment Arranged For, FULL PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED ON APPLICATION. SHEARMAN BROS. GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, & GBNERAL IMPORTERS MARKET HOUSE, ASHBUJRTON.



CLARKE'S B 41 PILLS « warranted to euro Gravel, Pains in the back and all kindred complaints. Free from Mercury, Established upwards of 30 years. la boxes 4s 6d each, of all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors throughout the world. Proprietors, The Lincoln and Mid- Unsd Oovratiee Drug Company, Lincoln Jtagiund. Jfo a Indigestion, the beet remedy ia un dooMedly Morion's Camomile Pills. They ■'■orb confidently bo recommended &s being mild i» operation and absolutely free from injurious drags. Acting at once as a spleu -4M tooiv and a gentle aperient. For nearly 100 years they have proved nt-equallet* for Indigestion, Dynpepsia, nick Headache and lor Liver and Stomach complaints. Sold in bottles la IJd, 2s 9d, and 11s, by all Vedi jpfae Vendor* tbrtraghpqfc the world $m#i<> Nw Vtnm,



Tenders. METHVEN YARDS COMPANY LIMITED. C EPARATE Tenders are wanted :— I.—-For additions to Cattle Yards and Pig Pens, 2.—For supply of Shingle, to be stacked as directed. 3.—For Sheep Dip and Yards. tenders may be either for labour only or labour and material. Plans and Specifications may be seen on application to the Secretary. , Tenders are to be sent in by 6 p.m. on j MONDAY, November 1. G H. ALINGTON, 10 159 Secretary. [», ■nil in "i _ : ■■ i" ■ -jf Kozie Tea in perfpction.—John 0« »ad Co, agspts.



Business Notices. | JSEW ZEALAND \GLOTHING FACTORY. TO ATIIIuJKTIijS A.JSD CYrLISTg, "YX7"E are now (showing the} Latest Novelties in Cycling Kacing Suits Cycling Hose Cycling Caps Cycling Shoes Cycling Sweaters Banning Suits Bathing;' Suits Tennis Trousers Tennis Shirts Tennis Saahes Tennis Hats Tennis Shoes p Cricketing Trousers * Cricketing Shirts Cricketing Hats Cricketing Sashes Cricketing Belts, etc



Henry Zander ZANDER'S SALE. QTILL MORE TO THE FEONT AND MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN EVER, The General Public is the boat judge. THE VERDICT TS Zander's Sale IS THE ONLY GENUINE SALE



in Ashburton. Ido not advertise fictitious prices. Here are some Genuine ones ;— Sugar, best white ... ... 2£d per 1b i (No one compelled to buy Tea.) Colonial Candles ... „- 4d per 1b English Candles 6£d per 1b Macaroni .... 2d per lb Vermicelli .„ 2d per lb Hops (bpat Nelson) 9d per lb White Pepper (Genuine) ..., lOd per lb Shell Almorfdß 7d per lb Juno Tobacco .... ... 4a9dperlb Search, in lib boxes .... ... 3d per lb Oatmeal (best) ... 2a 8d per 251b bag Jam (Kirkpatrick) ... 4s 6d per dozen Salmon (American) 7>l per tiu Tea.—A good Panyong, strong liquor, by the cheat lOd per lb Tea.—Blended, in lib packets, and 101b tins ... lsperlb Tea.—Arab, in tins & packets, Is 6d per lb



ALL OTHER GOODS EQUALLY REDUCED. Sheep Shears (any brand) ... 3a a pair Wire Netting lfd per yard Mason's Jam Jars ... Quart 4i per dozen, j two-quarb Sa 6d per dozen Hubbuck's Branding Oils (all colors)... 4s per gallon Sheep Netting, 36 x 4 x 14 ... 3£d per yd NOW LANDING, ex Mamari: SO Casks Ploughshares—l4a per dozen Hay Forks for Harvest from Is each. TO LAND, ex lonic (in % tew days) : 0 Parke's Spades and Shovels ) AT LESS £100 of Johnston's Cutlery V THAN Tyz ick'a Files ' J 00S T. Reaper Sections (for all Machines) ... 3s per dozen Chain Links (for all Machines) ... From Is 3d per dozen Etc.? Etc. Etc.



Seeds. Red Clover Seeds (best) ... 6d per 1b Cow Grass (best) _ ... 6d per 1b Bye Grass (machine dressed)... 3s 6dfper bushel. Imported Mangel Seeds ... 6d per 1b Colonial Mangel Seed ... 5d per lb AND OTHEB SEEDS AT LESS THAN COST PRICK. FOR THE BALANCE OF Crockery & Glassware, No Reasonable Offer Refused.



! This Genuine Sale will only be for a ahorb time, and the remaining stock will then be Sold by Auction. THEEEFOEE , COME EARLY AND SECURE BARGAINS, as the Premises must be Cleared in two months. HENRY ZANDER.



HALLENSTEIN BROS. & CO., A. G. BARTON, Manager;



Spring 1 Fashions. THE ASHBURTON TTvRAPERY /^fOY., THE READY-MONEY DRAPERS, INVITE Inspection of their CHOICE and DAINTY SELECTION of NEWEST GOODS for the SPRING and SUMMER SEASONS, JOST OPENED UP, And now being displayed in their WELL LIGHTED SHOP »nd SHOWROOM. SUMMER DRESSE-5, Wool and Silk, Shot Fancies, Vigo Coatings, Tweeds, Prints, Zephyrs, Saxony Stripes, &c, &c. MILLINERY in Wonderful and Charm- I ing Variety, Flowers, Feathers, Mounts, Laces, Chiffons, Ruchings, Veilings, Gloves, &c, Ac. MANTLES, Capes, Blouses and Novelties in Children's Wear. Special Notice.



WE would respectfully ask those Clients who think of placing their order for Show Dresses with us to do bo A.» I£arly as Possible, to avoid the rush that always occurs |at Show time. * DRESSMAKING—IOS 6(1 ASHBUKTON DRAPIMY COMPANY.



I Church. Services. S"~ T. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. FRIDAY—Choir Practice, 8 p.m. Daring the absence of the Vicar attending { the Diocesan Synod, all communications in regard to sickness, etc., may be addressed to Mr E. Stephens, Tancred Street, Ash burton. bunda/sebvices. 8 30 am.—Holy Communion. 11 a.m.—Morning prayer. ?> p.m.—Dromore, Mr T. A, Gates. 3 p.m.~Seafield, Rev. H. T. Purchas. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. The services in St." Stephen's Church will be conducted by the Rev. H. T. Purchas, Vicar of Papanui. REV T. A. HAMILTON. l}o nof Jhe persuaded Jo ovya/ryof/fiefm/fafy'oml ) » //?$/& on navmg, « 1 j I l^mr^tf Go/(/a/icfW/iferMM§ks^~\ C£nO#Qßß££Nm72#S IbeyarepureaiNfmofesom 2s r^efys?money and @ experience can low. largest safelnAi/sf/mas/a. \ SOLD BY ALL GROCF.ES «||



Kojiie Tea s —John Or; and Co. •gtßttf