Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JULY 2, 1897.

The Royal Academy dinner (a West minister gossip reminds us) is an

ancient institution, almost as old as the academy itself.

THE R.A DINNER.

Goldsmith and John son used to attend the earlier banquets, and it was at one of iheae feasts tha f Sir Joshua Reynolds, in Johnson's presence, rashly asked Horace Walpole if he might make him known to ''the great lexicographer, " No, Sir Joshua,' answered WaJpole, who greatly disliked the doctor ; " you may not make me known to Dr. Johnson." It was not customary until comparatively recent times to report the speeches at the banquet, and this innovation was due entirely to the late Prince Oonsort. The Prince, when he first attended the banquet, fully expected his speech to be reported, and left his manuscript notes on the dinner table, imagining that a shorthand writer would be present to make use of them. The next morning, when the Prince found his* speech tmreported, bis indignation was great, and ever sinaa that year a representative of The Timed has been given a place at the banquet. It is extremely difficult, and for the ordinary man impossible, to obtain an invitation to the Academy dinner, the guests at which must be " persons in elevated situations, of high rank, distinguished talents, or known patrona of art." The Royalties, Cabinet Ministere, the Lord Mayor, and certain other personages are always invited, but the remaining guests are chosen by ballot at a special meeting of the Academy Council, when the name of any candi date who receives twp black balls is a.t once ruled out. The Prince of Wa'?s has for many years regularly attended th* dinner, and Jjady Eastlake in her Journal gives an amusing description of the banquet of 1863, when the Heir Apparent forgot his speech. Until the Prince set the example, no one ever thought of smoking at the academy banquet^ where the after-dinner cigar had always been strictly tabooed. The exact cost of the banquet is one of the secrets of the academy, but £500 is probably very near the mark. It is not generally known, however, that the Royal Academy has its own private wine cellar.

Local and General.

A Collie Dog Olub has been formed at Auckland, The extension of the closing hours tor public-houses came into force yesterday. A leading legal firm in Wellington has been appointed to represent the Hooley Trust in New Zealand. The Zealandia Boot store's inset, pub lished with this issue, will be interesting reading to heads of families with many feet to keep shod. Mr Mellor is now holding his aonqsal boot sale, and offers bargains. The Maripoaa with the English mails of the 12th June left Sau Francisco on the I 24th, due date. Tho Mpana with the' colonial mails of 12th June arjjyed at San Francisco on the 29bh June, two days before I time. ! A meeting of the promoters of the addresp \ of congratula'ion to Lord Stafield on his i coming of age was held at Dunedin on ! Wednesday, The address, which was read through and approved by the meeting, will be presented in the upper hall of the Agricultural Buildings fchja evening, at eight I o'clock.

The men employed on the Tokarahi road making are dissatisfied with the wages they are earning, and intend to take steps to see if they cannot have their grievances reme died. It is said (according to the North Otago Times) that the men can barely make enough to keep themselves, aud that they have nothing out of their earnings to send to their wives and families.

The Dunedin Star says :—ln nearly all the big cities of Australia, as well as in Chris churoli and Auckland, the -civic authorities found no difficulty whatever iv closing the main thoroushfares against traffic while Tuesday's processions were in progress. It does B€«n extraordinary that the powe= could uot be legally exercised in Dunedio. At Ballarat, Victoria, the other day, a man was arrested on a charge of imposing on a resident tailor, by selling him seed from which it was represented, on being placed in a tumbler of water, roses and other kind* ot flowers would sprout. Experiments made with the seed in the water proved a failure, and a florist being appealed to said the magic need was only buckwheat). Wednesday next (Arbor Day) will be observed as a public holiday in the Govern ment offices throughout New Z—land. On account of last week's excitement, which has not yefc subsided, this fact appears to have almost escaped the attention of the public, but the Otago Daily Times learns that several of the school committees are not going to allow the occasion to pass without celebrating it in a suitable way.

The North Island Railway Appeal Board met at Wellington on Wednesday to hear the appeal of Inspector Craven against his reduction in rank, and alto of salary through the recent railway accident near Kaitoke on the Wellington-Masterton line. The Board dismissed the appeal, but at the same time, having regard for hit long service, and ex uellent record, the Board trusts that his alaims to the favourable consideration of the department may be entertained at some future time. The report of the Committee of Public Accounts has brought to light the fact that property (mostly securities at the Bank of England to the value of £213.000) in Great Britain belonging to the late Emperor of Russia, had passed since his death, ia 1894, without paying the death duties. The matter will have to be cleaied up in Parlia ment. Meanwhile, the excuse of the Trea sury seenn to be that " the exaction of duty in respect of property belonging to a foreign sovereign was hardly consistent with the roles governing international comity. 1"

The Telegraph Department notify that from to-day the alterations governing cable grams will come into force* Ia plain language messages will count fifteen letters to a word internationally aodintercolonially. Groups of five figure* or leas will count as one word. The actual as distinguished from chargeable number of words will be denoted by the use of a fraction, of which the numerator will indicate the number charge able and the denominator the actual number The New Caledonia rate is reduced to Is Id per word; China, Hongkong, Shanghai, Atnoy and Foochow are reduced to 4s 6d per word, Canton is 63 Id, Macao 4a 9d. Other places in China are 6s Id.

The operations of shutting off water in the new bore at the petroleum works (says the Herald) are still being carried on, and hopes are entertained that the desired results will be achieved. The bore, Mr Samuel, the Managing Director, states, is now down a, depth of 870 ft, and as he anticipates that oil will be struck in th< course of the next one hundred feet, the staff tn'e SOW; and have been for some days, engaged in attempts to shut off the water, and thus prevent the flow from hampering their operations when oil ia struck. So far the shutting off operations have not been aa effective as Mr Samuel would like, ou account of the rotten nature of the ground, but he entertains hopes that a hard streak of ground will bs met with, and thus enable the staff to thoroughly shut off any inflow of water.

A shocking cg.se of cruelty to a child recently came under tfje notice of the stipendiary magistrate at Newtown, Sydney, who, to " mak' aiccar," dealt with the accused summarily rather than run the risk of a jury acquitting in the superior court. The aacused was a man of forty years, and the child ho Ijad assaulted was a girl of only two years of age. T!vs Magistrate eaid he had been many years on the bench, and had de ilt with several hundred cates of cruelty, bub he never in all his experience mttfc with such inhuman conduct. He would like to commit the accused to take his trial, and thus allow hi-n to receive a sentence of several years' imprisonment; but as he hid no confidence in juries he thought the better plan would be to give him tl c highest term of imprisonment that as a magistrate the law allowed him to impoaewviji , sis months, with hard labour; and he was only sorry that he was not in a position to make it a much longer term, for his conduct richly deserved it.

We regret to learn that the accident to Mr E. Price, which occurred some time ago, ended fatally this morning. For some time there had been hopes that Mr Price would jpu'l through, but those hopes were I rathei- the wishes than the belief of his I many friends, and were not really shared in by those who were in a gositioa to know the real state of affairs. Still those hopes,, such aa they were, were clung to j but the poor fallow had been too severely injured for any skill on earth to save him from his fate, and he succumbed thia morning at three o'clock. He was a popular map among the sporting community, a fearless and clever horsem id, and in the hunting field there was no rider who PQ^ld " take them aa they corns " with less concern or rrjere flonsum m tte skill and pluck than gogld the young fellow who has just died. It is a strange commentary on the life of man that a horse man like Ted Price, who has so often oome triumphantly out of difficult and dangerous leaps in the hunting field, and negotiated country that most riders shirked, should have met hip death in the miserable way he djti on a pjublie road, while on his way home to bis wife and family.

The wsathfiir prophets predict that the long fine dry spell which we have had will be followed by a very web anil severe winter. The one thing needful for protection against the elements of such a winter is a really good ratable waterproof coat or cloak. We are assure that Messrs Craighead and Berryman ha-ye jb.ejfjop^s famous for their well known brand of winter .clothing, which has hitherto given such satisfaction", and in anticipation of a jjijll larger sale for these j goods, this season they »re now showing j probably the largest stock of waterproof tweed, serge, and melton overcoats ever exlnbibsd in Ashburton. They are also supplying ladies' and gentlemen's water proof cloaks and coatß to measure at ready made prises. Every garment guaranteed thoroughly waterproof. (Three months trial, if defective money returned). All wool linings-—keeping the wearers always warm and dry—sewn throughout with strong ailk, ventilated and every improve ment " up to date."-—Apvi.

FOOTBALL.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Sydney, July 1 The New Zealand team had a practice on the Association ground to-day. Armit and Milla are still suffering from injuries sus tained in the North v South Island match, and will be unable to play on Saturday. The Rugby Union has drawn up a liberal entertainment programme.

HOCKEY

The hockey match, Tinwaid y Ashb^rton, played in the Ashburton Domain on Thurs day afternoon, resulted in a drawn game, each aide scoring a goal. The play through out ww f§st and evenly contested, both sides being sontjnually called upon to defend goal. For Tinwaid Messrs Olaik Brothers and Millichamp played well s whilst the play of Messrs H. H. Fooks, F, I Potter, F. Clark, and O. Andrews merited special mention for Ashburton. Mr F. Clark acted as referee in his usual impartial manner, and well deserved the three hearty cheers given at the close of the match. TT,e visiting team played under rather unfavour able conditions, us four of their selected players faijed to put |n aa appearance 1, ■otherwise |b« mule mo> ffay«tay« be«|i Mnrnk " «

COMMERCIAL

The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have received the following London cable message, dated June 30 :— "Tallow-The market has a downward tendency."

PRESENTATION TO MISS MCDONNELL.

A meeting of the members of the St. Stephen's congragation was held yesterdaj afternoon, which was attended by a largo and representative gathering. After refresh ments had been handed round, Mr E Stephens, chu chwarden, txpiained that the meeting was cdlled for the purpose of present ing Miss McDonnell with some mark of ths respect and gratitude iv which she was held by the vestry and congregat on of Hu Stephen's. He called upon the Rev. T. A. Hamilton to make the presentation, which consisted of a complete set of dinner silver. Mr Hamilton said the services of Miss McDonnell as organist during the last eighteen months had been highly appreciated not only by the choir but by the congrega tion, and during her term of office tha sing ing had reached a point of perfection hitherto unknown. Mr T. Gate!*, on behalf of the choir, then presented Mias McDonnell with an enlarged photograph of the choir handsomely framed, and spoke of the kindly relations which had always existed between them. Mr E. J. Paul returned thanks on behalf of Miss McDonnell, and as a member of the choir, expressed the regret of that body at losing her services. The photograph and silver are now on view at Mr Shrimpton'ti shop in Burnett Street.

WADDING.

Moriarty—Frisby. The marriage of Mr John Moriarty, only son of Mr Daniel Moriarty, Tinwald, and I Annie Louisa, eldest daughter of Mr Robert Frisby, Ashburton, took place at noon on Thursday in St. Stephen's Churoh, the Rev T. A. Hamilton performing the ceremony, j The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a silver-grey Irish poplin dress, trimmed with white satin, and she wore the usual veil and .wreath of orange blossoms, and carried a beautiful shower bouquet of lilies of the valley and maiden hair fern. A handsome gold brooch, the gift of the bridegroom, and a gold watch and c!:ain, the gift of her father, were her jewellery. The chief brides maid was Miss Ruth Frisby, sister of the bride. Her dress was cream Bengalene, and «he wore a gold broach, the gift of the bridegroom. The other bridesmaids were Miss Alice Frisby, sister of the bride, who also wore cream Bengalene, and Miss Moriarty, sister of the bridegroom, in a mixed grey tweed, trimmed with electric blue velvet with toque to match. They also wore gold brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom. Mrs Frisby wore a dress of green and gold, with white hat. Mr C. E. Smith acted as best man. After the ceremony the reception of the quests, numbering 152, took place at the residence of the bride's parents, where the wedding breakfast was laid in a large marquee, Dr Trevor proposing the health of [ the bride and bridegroom. During the afternoon games were played on the lawn, and in the evening an enjoyable time was spent with music and dancing ia the mar quee, tastefully decorated with flags and lit up with colored lanterns, the gathering dis persing at 3 a.m. after giving ringing cheers for the bride and bridegroom and boat and hostesa, followed by " He's a jolly good fellow, and " Auld Lang Syne." The happy couple left the following day by the express to spend their honeymoon at Dunedin. The bride and bridegroom were the recipients of numerous and valuable presents. The bride's travelling dress was a brown tweed, with toque to match. The wedding cake was an artistic work of three tiers, the pro duction of Mr W. Bryant.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association —By Eleotrio Telegraph— popy right. Death Duties London, June 30» In the House of Commons, in reply to a question, Mr Chamberlain said the position of New South Wales i» regard to the payment of* double death duties was a matter entirely for the local Parliament to deal with. Bycroft Company. The Bycroft Company, mil'ers at Auckland, is being converted into a limited liability company, with a capital of £100,000, which is under written.

Australian Meat Refused- Owijag to the fear that the Austra lian gift meat s?as unsound and dan gerous to health, »s well as being ignorant of the method of de freezing, two charitable societies in perry re fused to distribute it. In Armagh the Catholics al§o refused the meat on the ground that it was unbecoming to acpupt a jTubilee gift. j

Tlte Canadian IJamfuet Sir Uonajd Smith, High Oommi§ sioner, presided at the Canadian banquet. Ihe guests included the Earl of Derby, the Marquis of Lome, Mr Reid and Sir H. Norman, Congo Free State. ' CAFB'rof n, June 30. Dr. Steyn, President of the Orange Free Sfcafce, in proyoguipg the yolks r raad, thought that, whilg the pre§encp of the British on the frontier kept agitation alive, the battle of peace was assured.

Australian.

Pre»B Association—By Eleotrio Telegr»ph^? Copyright. The Newcastle Coal Trade. Sydney, July 1 The export of coal from Newcastle last half-year fas 300,000 tons in excess of the corresponding half-year in 1896. ' ' ' The Eddy Memorial- It is proposed that the Eddy memorial shall take the t§ rm of an orphanage for children of railway employees. Victorian Inscribed Stock, Me&boprne, July J

Last session Parliament sanctioned the redemption of the 4 per cent, in? ecribed stock issued during the last twenty-five years, giving the holders the alternative of converting into new 3 per cents within six months. So far tj>§ holders of a million of stock have concerted. The ponversion means an annual saving of £$%QQQ in interest.

Leader of the Opposition. Mr J. D. Garter has been elected temporary ieadejr of the Opposition, pending the general election, * \ The South Australian Revenue. Adelaide, July 1. Th r ® revenue for the year increased by £107,000 compared with the pre vious year, and is £44,000 in excess of tho CMpnia] Treasurer's estimate,

THE LATEST.

Some and Foreign.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

(Received Wakapuaka, July 2, 1015 a.m., Guardian office, 11.20 a.m.) Colonial Defence. London, July 1. Tn the course of a speech on the relations between Britain and the Australian colonies, Sir M Hicks- Beach referred to the naval agreement, and said the British Government had relieved th« colonies of the cost of ' naval defence by giving them protec tion against possible enemies ; but the colonies had not been relieved of the duty of coast defence. Britain ex pended twenty-two million yearly on her navy, while the colonies, with a population of ten million, only paid a few thousands as their share. It was impossible that this arrangement could remain as a permanent settle ment, The l*an-!tt£]icaii Conference. The Pan - Anglican Conference opened at Lambeth Palace. Services of a devotional character were held, Bishops from all parts ot the world being present to the number of 299.

The Plague Craze. Calcutta, July 1. The punitive force has been sent to occupy Foona where the native journals are inciting the people to murder British officials. Rioting has taken place in Ghimpur and nearly all the official inspectors are seriously injured ;i The military are parading the streets, but the mob is almost defiant. It is alleged the trouble originated in the profanation of the mosque by the Government officials. A magistrate warned the rioters that stern measures would be adopted unless the rioting ceaees. The Greek Frontier. Constantinople, July 1 The Ambassadors are strongly press ing the Porte to agree to a settlement of the rectification of the frontier of Greece and Turkey,

Australian.

Pr« 88 Association —By Electric Talegraph— Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka July 2,10.45 a.m., Guardian office 10 30 a.m. The Convict Butler. Sydney, July 2. It has now transpired that besides the wound in his throat, Butler in his recent attempt at suicide made two long jagged wound*? aqross the abdomen. He concealed the tobacco tag in the I heel of bis boot. Federation 15BISBANB, July 2, The Acting Premier moved the second reading of the Federation Bill and asked the H«use to forget the past. Government collectively were thoroughly ia earnest in their desire to ' pass the measure. The destiny of Australasia "eas to be united as an equal and an ally of Britain. Mr Glassey opposed because it was pro posed to appoint Mr Griffith and members of the Legislative Council as members. He moved an amendment that no bill was satisfactory which did not provide for the election of delegates by the electors. The majority of the Speakers are adverse to the Bill and \t is believed Government is in a minority.

THE COLONIAL TROOPS.

j Pfms Association—By Eleotric^Telegraph- Copyright. Received Wakapuaka July 2, 9.45 a.m., Giubdian Office, 10 30 a.m. LojfPONj July 1 The Colonial troops visited Forts* mouth dockyard yesterday, and in spected the fleet, Mr Goschen and Mr Ellison Macartney, Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty, received them on board the warships. The Colonials were heartily cheered,

The Colonial Premiers.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph- Go pyrighfc. *" London, June 30. I SirW. Laurier, $r Beid, SirH. M. Nelson, Mr Kingston, Sir W. Whiteway and Sir J. G. Sprigs; met with » splendid reepptjon at Oxford when the honorary degree of Doctor, ship of Laws was conferred on them. Dr. H. Goudy, Regius Professor, warmly eulogised them in Latin,

Received Wakapuaka, July 2, 9.45 a.m., GjjAßpiAN Office 10.30 a.m. Lcmpoffj July 1 Thp OQnft3ren.ee between/ ttye Pre miers and the leading officials at the Colonial Office was resumed today. The question of the annexation of thp New Hebrides by Britain was dis cussed. It was pointed out by the Clofonial Office that there was no chance of the pxigting convention be tween England and France being al tered. By this Convention both Eng land and France were absolutely pledged not to annex the Islands. All the railway companies have granted free passes to the Premiers ovbir their lines,

THE WRECK OF THE ADEN.

jPreas Awociation—By Electrio Telegraph— Copyright;. Received Wakaptiaka July 2, 10.10 a.m., GpARDUN Office 11.10 p.m. I^oijrpoN, July 1.

Aftsr the Aden struck^ tfee situation was rendered all the mqre terrible by the increasing force of the monsoon which was blowing when the disaster happened, The lifeboat and ship's gig were driven away immediately they were lowered. The last boat, which left the ship with the women and i children have not since been heard of. Heavy seas' broke ove? the A,dsn as she lay on the reef atad washed the weakest overboard. There were no signs of succour and the rations ran shorty and were gradually curtailed from day to day. Passing vessels were seen on several occasions, but all attempts to attract attention failed. The people aboard were in dispair, and the rations were almost exhausted when the Indian Government iteamer M»yo nwutd {few),

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTQN—THURSDIY.

(Before Mr C. A. Wray, f4.M.,)

Interpleader.—P. and D. Duncan vR. • Meaciem.—Samuel Irwin, claimant, unde; i bill of sale. Mr Oaygill, of Chrietohui oh, appeared for the claimant ; Me Purneli for the execution creditor. It appeared that the ■ bailiff had seized a traction engin; md threshing plant, considerably over £200 ia value, and Me Cay gill raised the objection : that the subject matter in dispute being over £200, the Court had no jurisdiction Mr Put noil contended that he had a right to disclaim the seizure of any part of tht property seized, and his clients were content to r tain a clover shelter, and abandon all claim to the remainder. The Bench allowed he right of the execution creditor, to dis claim the remainder. The bill of sale to Irwin was put iv by the claimant, who in cross-examination said that the sum oi £1300 was now owing on the security of tin bill of sale. He said he was a ooal dealer and dairyman, and made as much aa £26 a year from each of four oows He owned the house he lived in, and had besides another house which was let, also an acre of land. He had been ia work for nineteen years, and was a steady sober man. In about 1890 hi« wife received £250 from her late mother's estate. The money was brought out from England in sovereigns in a bag by a man named Johnson. In the following year a further Bum of £250 was received by his wife, part of the same estate. This sum was also brought out in sovereign* in a bag, this time by a lady. Icwin was ft brother in-law of the debtor B. Mtiaclem. All money• lent by Irwin to Meaclsm were entered in a ledger, bat the interest due was not debited. Interest wai paid by Meaclem once a year, but no entries of the payments were made or xeceipta given. Robert Meaoiem contiimed this evidence, and produced a book kept by htm, showing the items borrowed from Irwin.—John Orr said he wan a creditor of Meaoiem, and in company with Duncan, wont to Irwin's house on June 16. He lives in a small houee, with no appearance of business, vVhen asked to produce his books, Irwin said he would produce them at Duo can's office at a time he named. The book was produced at the hour mentioned. The entries were evidently all newly made.— E. Mahood, James Keir, Nelson Eden, and Frank Cooper also gave evidence.-—His Worship said that the whole question at issue was whether the transaction between Irwin and Meaclem was genuine. The evidence showed that Irwin was in a small way of business, and there was nothing to show his ability to lend large sums of money. The tstoty of the receipt of money from England in bags of sovereigns was ex traordinary and improbable, and in the opinion of the bench the whole affair was a fabrication. Meaclem had evidently en deavoured to protect hia plant from the claims of his creditors by fraudulent means. The amount due on the execution, £19 11s 4d, which was paid into Court, was ordered to be paid to the execution creditor, with costs.

THE SHEEP STEALING CASE.

Wiggins Seat to Gaol for T2ure@ Years.

At the -Supreme Court, Timaru, on Thursday, Edward Wiggiui, charged with stealing ab Newlanda, on the 16th May last, 27 sheep, value £13 10s, the property of Thomas Kermeen, pleaded not guilty. Mr Cuthberißon appeared to defend. Mr Outhbertson had exhausted his right of challenge (12) before six jurymen were seated, and Mr White ordered nine to stand by. Mr White stated the case to the jury, his statement being a summary of the facts with which our readers are quite familiar. The evidence led was practically the same as that given in the Ashburton Court. After the evidence, Mr Cuthbertson addressed the jury, con tending that the identification of the sheep was very weak without the evidence of the prosecutor, and this he asked them to dis count, because of his anxiety to recover his lost sheep, and also because of what he con sidered his carelessness in the management of his sheep. He dwelt upon the improba bility of the accused faaviug acted as he was aaid bo have done in respect to Cook, the prosecutor, and the constables if he had stolen the sheep. The one point against the accused was that he had aaid that they were not his 'beep. Mr White replied setting forth the salient points of the evidence clearly, and pointing out that the suggestions of counsel for the defence were but shadowy explanations, and there tvas no attempt whatever to show that accused came by the sheep honestly, except they might be sheep bought from Mr Fried lander—Levels sheep with a different brand in a different place. The case for the prosecution had been well made out.

His Honor summed up, concluding by asking the jury if they were satisfied with the evidence of identification, and that accused took sheep from Rermeen's well fenced paddock to his own, and "faked" the brand and earmarks to bring them into line with his own, and in finding the answer they had the fact that no explanation had been given by accused of how these sheep came into his possession, or why they were doctored in that way. At Mr Oubhberteon's request the jury went to examine the three Bheep in the Court yard, and retired at 9 p.m. to consider their verdict. They returned at 9.25 with some blue marked wool and a Verdict of guilty. :- ■= «

At the request of accused's counsel, His Honor deferred sentence till next morning to allow him to consult with his client as to what he should plead to the other charges. The Court ab 9 30 adjourned titf 1Q a.m. to-day. On resumang this morning, after some argupiejit ? His H#nor sentenced accused to. three years' imprisonment o,n each of fill three charges, the sentences to be oon cqrrent, Wiggins having pleaded guilty to the two unheard charges.

OBITUARY.

Press Asßopjat |on ~lsy Entries Telegraph— Gisjjoap:, July 2. Major Ropata Wahawah'a, J^.L.O,, died last sight, He was sensible to the lasjt.

Sydney Sheep Sale.

Pres« Association — By Electric Telegraph Qopyright. Sydney, July 1 The Sheep Show opened with a fine collection of merinos. The late drought had tbe effect of keeping down the entries in the Other sections. In Komney Marsh Mr Scales, of Welling ton, obtained two first prices for ram over two atid ram finder 'two years, Mungavin, of Pori'rua, took Both first and second prizes for ewes over two and under two years.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The ordinary monthly meeting of tho Ashburton County Council was held to-day. preseut—Messrs E G- Wright (chairman), Williamson, Richards, Johnstone, Cameron, Stitfc, Herring, ami Harper. Aa apology was received from Mr S. o. Chapman, chaibmak's statement. ' The Chairman's statement was read M fo'.lowe :-~The Treasury haß paid the balance due to this Council on account of making the water races for the Highbank estate. A letter from the Minister of Railways respect ' tug ft direct road to Ealing will be » matter for your consideration. The balance sheet for the year ended March 31 last has been received from the Auditor-General, and >ie placed on the table for the Council* ! information. The Raugitata Road Board writes objecting to the boundary road, aa applied for by the Anama Road Board, being placed under the control of that Board. A i circular from the Oumatea County Council respecting the administration of Charitable Aid under the present law will be read to-day. A meeting to consider the question of bringing in a water supply from the Rangitata was hold on the 16th ult. at Ruapuna, at which, Messrs Herring, Harper, and myself attended. Moat of the rate payers interested were present, and this matter was fully discussed, bub nothing definite was arrived at. A letter from the Tinwald Town Board will be read on the subject of repairing and widening bridge of er Carter's creek. BNGIKiEBB'S REPORT. The report) of the engineer was Mad as follows :— Aihburton-Rangitata Water Supply.— Water was shut cff for a week for cleaning purposes, but hatrd frost prevailed all the time, so that little work could be dose. It necessary, the water could b# shot off foi a tew days in Spring to complete the overhaul* The supplies from Hisds Gorge and Lime* stona Creek are (till somewhat light. The mains in Mayfiekl district have had a good clearance; and, with clean races, there should be no difficulty in keeping np a supply for all races fed from the South Ashburton River. With reference to the proposed special water supply district at Ruapuna, I took level* to ascertain th« highest point on South Hinds River to which it would reach, aud found that point to be a little higher up than Mr Rellahan's beuse. The general route is thown en plan. At the meeting of settlers held in the Ruapuna I School to discuss this question, and at which the Chairman of the County Council pre- I sided, no discussion was arrived at. With ! reference to the petition from settlers at Hinde, near the river, for a water supply, I have taken the necessary levels, and find that the object would be best attained by having two small branches each about JO chains in length—one leading from the existing outfall r&ce-at main south road near railway tanks, and extending to Mr Paget's southern boundary. The levels will nob admit of its going further in that direction. Ihe other branch would leave the race in Mr Frampton'a section 22374, passing through his land on a line approved by him, and joining a natural gully which passes between Mr Norrish's and Sir Morris' properties. In this a small race could be made as far down as Middle road, which would be sufficiently near for the small holdings around that point. Aahburton-Rakaia Water Supply.—The Pudding Hill stream is very low at the present time, lower even than it was in summer. Should it get lower, the E races are bound to suffer. The Wakanui Creek is also very low-just enough for the races, I have taken levels, and finally determined the position of new races between kl and £9 lines in Doric district. County Bridges.—The repairs on South Ashburton River Bridge, Mount Somers, are now on the point of completion. The upper chord on another span had to be renewed. The fencing of the. arpproaobee to Hinds Stock Bridge, at the Railway Bridge, will be finished in a few days. County Plantations.—Mr Porter's planting contract No, 2 is on the point of completion. It appears hares are doing considerable damage to newly planted trees in the Cavendish district. As a small balance will be available for ploughing and sowing with gums, it would be well to have the location of the plots decided to-day. In accordance with your instructions the thinning of plantations in Winslow district is being done by (usual labour. Gorse. grubbing is aUo in progress there, and I have arranged as to further gorse grubbing near Chertsey and Budding Hill, TINWALD TOYTN BOARD. A letter was received from the Tipwa'd Town Board re contribution to enable' (hem to pull up bridije and replace with pipe cuvert.—Jt was resolved that the Tinwald Board be asked to furnish Council with estimated post of pipe culvert. RPAPUNA WATER SUKPLY. The chairman reported the result of the meeting on the proposed water supply, at which several of the Councillors were present. No definite suggestion was some to, the settlers intimating that they would hold a private meeting,—lt was resolved that a 60 chain race be construoted on condition that the funds are provided from thirds or other sources. HXNPS BOUNDARY BQA&. An application, was received from the Rangitata Road Board objecting to the control of the boundary road from north Hinds crossing to Mount Somers bridge being vested in the Anama Road Board.— Received.

ROLL ALTERATIONS. Various alterations of the roll-were nig reed io as requested. CHABITABLB AID. A circular was received from the Otamatea Qounty Council asking that a petition be signed in favor of an Alteration of lhe v liy? regarding the levying of the Charitable Aid. funds. It was resolved' to siipport tii^ rrquest. ' ' ' 'fc WATBK APPLICATIONS. Mary Hickey objected to water racg going 1 hrough her paddock and asking th&jj it be ltd along the road. This matter wwi left in the hands of the engineer to report. p, Daily's ftppliijafcion was granted eubiegb to the ustfal conditions, Mr D. Fitzgerald waited on the Council, asking for a supply of water on his property. Afcer considerable discussion it was decided that the Chairman, Mr Williamson and the Engineer should inspect the property and report. [" ACCOUNTS. Accounts aipo'jiitiog £0 £731 fo were passed for pay men!;. ' 4 ' " EALfh'p BOAp. A letter was read from the Minister of Railways re a direct read to paling. The matter was left in the hands of the Chairman to report to next meeting, [Lei't sitting.]

THE ABHBORTOSJ GtJABDIAH i fBIDAY, JULY 2, 1897.



Business Notices, ' SPECIAL DRESS SALE, FOR FOURTEEN DAYS. A L.L Dress Materials at 2a per yard and upwards—will be made FREE OF CHARGE FROM SATURDAY, JUNE 19, TO JULY 3—INCLUBIVF. SEE WINDOW*. ASHBURTON"DRAPERY COY.



v. 4Mt « BANKRUPT ESTATE OP G. J. NEILL AND CO.. DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, MERCERS, AND BOOT DEALERS,:ASHBURTON mHE Sale of fchia Stock commenced this morning, and will be continued wtil the whole is disposed of afc PHENOMENALLY LOW FIGURES !n order to effect* speedy cleat anee. BY ORDEB OF THIS PURCHASERS OF ABOVE ESTATE. 6 233



EX S.S. MATATUA. WE HAVE MUOH PLEASURE IN ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF OUR MIDWINTER SHIPMENTS, Six Gases being just to hand from the above steamer, THE SHIPMENT COMPRISES— ONE CASE Ladies' Black Cashmere HOSE, very heavy makes, NE CASE Is 4d, Is 6d, Is 10d_ /"\NE OASE Ladies' BlaoV and Tao KID GLOVES, bought at a -—V/^E CASE large discount. Children's Tans— 4. Button, Tans, 2a 6d j 4 Domes, Tans, 2a lid j 4 Domes, Black, 2s lid TWO OASES TRISH LINEN GOODS, straight from the Lisburn WO OASES Mills. Some beautiful embroidered PILLOW SEAMS. N,D. BAGS, HANDKERCHIEFS, Ac. Among these goods now on view in oar windows ONE CASE FLANELLKTTESandMOLLETONS. Special lines NE OASE in white and crerae ONE CASE Ladies' and Children's BOOTS and SHOES, specially NE CASE made ( for us by our Leicester Manufacturer THREE OASES Passage LINOLEUMS to open shortly. New designs; all widths, MITCHELL & TURNER.



THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR THE LEADING JEWELLERY AND WATCH REPAIRING ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT. S. SALE X, BAST STREET.



BAtIRBTT BROS; have just opened some new lines in clothing, Our noted <« Wear-well" Mojsgiel Tweed Suit at £2 j but cash discount 1 One Shilling in the Pound makes them 38/- low.—" The Hall," Ea-jt Street. .■ ;;': __ WANTED KNOWN —The way the young people of Asbbnrton ahould celebrate the record reign. Gefc married, and buy their furniture at H, Bairsfcow's, Tancred Street. Satisfaction guaranteed. •■.- • , . 6_l2# MRS KNIGHT, Cask purchaser of ladies , gentlemen's, and children's left off Clothing, and aJI kinds of Goods,—Wakanui Koad, r.tiar Bering Square. 5 13 T BBa"rD a man say that yon got wonder-; X. fal vain* for little mooey, at; Msw>u'b '



WANTED Known, Girl ß ' Pretty Sbrai Shoes, tan or black, only 3s 6d, at Mellob's Zealandia Boot Store. FOUND— Nineteen shillings cash to be worth Twenty credit. Our practical system of cash discount One Shilling in the Pound, meets with approval,—Barrett Bros, " The Hall," East Street. WANTED Known, Inspect Fletcher Bros' show of Crockery, etc., suit able for presentß before going elsewhere. It will pay you.—Flitoheb Bros., Cash Supply Stores. WANTED, Eggs, 1000 dozen, must be freeh, and 1 ton of Beeswax, highest market prices given by TTIeTCSEB Biios,, Qmk Supply Stores. |



Church Services. ST. STEPHEK'S CHURCH Ashburton. THURSDAY — Presentations to MUs McDonnell by the Vestry and Choir in St Stephen's Schoolroom, at 3.30 p.m. ST STEPHEN'S GUILD-A meeting of all Communicants to enrol metnberß and elect officers, in iho Schoolroom at 7.30 p.m. I FRIDAY — Shore Service 7.30 p.m. ; Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer and Holy Com muuion. 3 p.m.—GREENSTRKET. 3 p.m.—DROiiORE (Mr T. A. Gates) 6.3o—Evetsing Piayer. REV T. A. HAMILTON.



THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing 1 Factory, SPECIAL LINES. MSN'S WATERPROOF COATS, Newest Patterns, all Sewn Seams, 29a 6d, 32s 6d, 35*, 39s 6cU MEN'S ALL WOOL TWEED OVER COATS, 25b, 32s 6d, oo 45a. YOUTHS' ALL WOOL TWEED OVER. COATS, 19a 6d, 255, to 355. BOYS' Do, 8e 6d, 10a 6d, to 21s. HOSTS' NAVY SERGS SAILOR SUITS. Fib Boy two years, from 10s 6d Fit Boy four years, from 11s Fit Boy six years, from 12s Fit Boy eight years, from 133 Fit Boy ten years, from 14s extra collar, flmnel front, cord and whistle, BOYS' ALL WOOL TWEED GUARD rSUITSI Fit Boy four years, from 9s 6d 1 FiE Boy six yearß, from 10a 6d Fit Boy eight years, from 11s 6d hit Boy ten years, from 12s 6d Parents wanting good strong wearing Suits for the Boys would do well to inspect our large stock. Boys"Blue Serge Tarn Caps from Is to 3s 9d Boys' Serge Caps from 6d to Is 9d See our All Wool Tweed, for Boys' school wear, at Is lid per yard. We carry ft large stock of British & Colonial BOOTS AND SHOES. Inspection Invited. HALLENSTEItf BROS. & CO. A. G. BARTON, Manager.'



A new form of imposition is being prac tised in Sydney, where men deliver a parcel at a house, and stating that there is a small amount to pay, secure usually about 2a 6d. A parcel left thus at a doctor's residence was found to contain oxalic acid, a poisonous material resembling coarse salt. From complaints made to the police it was found similar parcels had been left at two other places, and altogether the man deliver* ing them had made 7a in one day. Kozie Tea, the beefo, and yet within reaoh of all; Sold at 1/8,1/10, 2/, and 2/4 — John Ore &Co Sok) A&mt»» i



Holloway'a Ginfcmenfi and Pills.—-These world-renowned reihedteif are" confidently recommended to miners, navvies, and all who have to work linderground or where noxious atmospheres ejtist. The minute particles of coal or metal \f high permeate the air in such places tend to block up the iiinga §nd air tubes, giving rise to'bronphifciß, asthma, and palpitation of the heart. In Hollo way's remedies will be found a saie and easily used medicament |for the penetrating properties of the Ointment relieve the locareongesbions and the mildly laxative effects of the Pills cause, the liver to act freely, and the breath to become unembacassed. By early resort to these remedies many R aerioaa llluegs niay be averted,''aid so»nan«Sß pi h§a|th B»HW-1 tainedi ■■■ ■■ :1 : -'-' '; v ! ;:



Water is becoming very scarce in the hill suburbs of Dunedia, and Already in some parts the lucrative work of sailing it by the barrel has been commenced. A traveller from Hakateramoa reports (the Oamara Mail says) that in the lower aud of the Hakateramea Valley feed i» 80 soarge that a number of farmers' are feeding their sheep on siravf wnich has 1 bees plastered with a tfri'a solution of treacle and water. The' sheep get to like* the treacle and 6at up every straw. " ' " "■"•■■■ We regr.et to learn that the wife of Mr B. fiaue, an old resident in the district, c|io3 this morning. Mrs l£ace has been ill \or about" twelve' months',' but more seriously for three months/ She suffered from a painfully severe disease, whibh culminated as stated at an early hour this morning. " " " Waverley *' ia the name of the wopka ir» Indianapolis, Indian, United States, from which Messrs John Orr and Co are import ing bioyoles very largely The factory claims that with fifteen hundred men— nvichinestg, saddlers, and rubber makers and a plant and works " unequalled in its line in the world," it, is able to produce afc a minimum of cost the highest grade of 5 wioyc-io kisd^ii. The public are to bti congratulatod on the Jiberal manner in which they 4j»ve t*- 1 sponded to the invitstiou of dur l«Adiwg bookseller, stationer, and fancy goods vendor: to supply themselves with cheap ataUoosry; good literature (for printer rpadin'g), arfd tancy sftfod*. As thisirtoritJh ti th"c Vecord sale of the decade—the firm giving great in. ducemeuts so as to reiuce the stock—we ' hsive no doubt that the premises of H. N. AnJeraon, late L, P. Andrewe* and Co,, will be wall patronised during th« r«m*io4«



I Don't Cough. — Relief e« be obtained immediately. Use • KEATING'S COUGH I LOZSNGES '—Well known as the utterly unrivalled Cough/ Remedy. Strongly re oom mended by many eminent physicians. They at once check the cough and remove the cause wit.hout any after effect; the most delicate can therefore can take them. One Lozenge alone gives ease—one or two a bedtime ensurei rest. Sold everywhere in tin* lUid ewh, f