Mail Notices.

Mails for Ceylon, India, China, J.\pan, Straits Settlements and Mauritius; also Continent of Europe and United Kingdom via Naples (flue in London Ma- eh 24) for anecially addressed correspondence, will close here per Talune on SATURDAY, February 6, at 3 p.m.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1897. THE LIABILITY OF HUSBANDS

A case was heard in the Ashburton! Magistrate's Court on Thursday last which should be a caution to trades people when dealing with married women, Messrß Craighead and Berry man, of this town, sued a farmer for a small sum, being the balance of a larger debt incurred by the defendant's wife for drapery purchased by her from the plaintiffs without the husband's knowledge or authority. The defendant disputed his liability upon the ground that he had not only provided his wife from time to time with sufficient money to purchase drapery suitable to her station in life, but had, moreover, expressly forbidden her to purchase drapery goods upon credit. It further appeared that, although part of the account had been running for two years, the first intima tion which the defendant received of the plaintiff's claim was the summons. One of the plaintiffs testified in the witness box that his firm had repeatedly sent both bills and letters requesting payment to the defendant, who had not taken any notice of them ; but the defendant, in turn, swore that no such bill or letter had reached him. The good faith of neither party was disputed ; and the Stipendiary Magis trate, upon these facts, non-suited the plaintiffs, holding that the wife, under the circumstances, was'not entitled to pledge her husband's credit. Although tradespeople commonly give credit to married women under the belief that the husband is liable for necessaries purchased by his wife, yet the law seems clear that any implied authority which a wife, while dwelling under her husband's roof, possesses to pledgo his credit for such commodities, may, under certain circumstances, be re voked by the husband without giving any public notice of such revocation, or by his making suitable provision for her wants, in which case a trader selling goods to the wife upon credit will have to look to her for payment in the event of the husband refusing to pay. This might, at first sight, appear hard upon the tradesman ; but, oo the other hand, it must be borne in mind that, if a man is to be held liable for debts incurred by a third person, even if that person be his wife, it is only just and right that he should have an effective voice in the incurring of the liability ; otherwise he might, without his knowledge find himself involved in a mesh of pecuniary obligations from which he could only get free by the unpleasant ordeal of the Bankruptcy Oourt. Tradesmen can easily protect themselves against loss in these eaass by making, at the outset, personal enquiry of the husband as to whether or not he is willing for Iris credit to be pledged.

Amongst the many marvels of nature, the sandbox tree takes a high position. Its habitat ranges TME TORPEDO along a very <x- PLAJVT. tensive 1i n c of country, theswampy marshes of the River Amazon being one of its strongholds, The bark of the tree is smooth, and on the stem being tapped it yields a milky sap. It is frequently cultivated amidst the tropical regions of Brazil and in the "West Indies for ornament. The sandbox tree absorbs quantities of moisture from the earth^and is supposed by the Indians and settlers thereby to lessen the cause of fever in swampy ground. It is known to the natives as the " Explosive Plant," the flower on ripening bursting with a loud reportj expelling the seeds, which closely re semble the pumpkin seed, to several yards distant. Often in the stillness of the night these reports, resembling the sound of firearms, can be heard in the forests. The natives aver that the Brazilian monkeys venerate the sand box tree, gather up the exploded seeds, and carry them into the recesses of the forest, where fresh growths of this wonderful plant are formed. At Rio Janiero the tree is frequently called the Torpedo Plant, To have been born in 1792 would be staggering to a great many people (remarks the St. A GUERNSEY James's Budget of CENTENARIEME, December 4), but to old Mrs Mar garet, Anne Neve it is a matter of fact ; and not at all alarming; for, though she will complete her 105 th year on the 18th of next May, she is one of the heartiest and merriest of her Majesty's subject.. Mrs Neve resides in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, and, al though not one of the public sights of the island, is certainly one of its most interesting inhabitants. She haa made various journeys all over the Conti nent, her first visit to Spain being made long before the introduction of railways. Her last long journey was undertaken at the modest age of 92, when she visited Cracow to see Kosciusco's monument, tjje trip being further extended to Russia. Her only j companion was her younger .sister, who was then 89 years old. She re cently remarked that she would be travelling again if her friends would let her. However, instead of travel ling, she speadi her days quietly in her house at St. Peter Port. After an early breakfast Mrs Neve is to be found in the garden weeding and fcrinijaing at about 9 o'clock. She says that it mvav makes her back ache. After about an hour and a-half of this she will go indoors and read history, sometimes m French and Italian, or her favourite poets, Milton and Dante. At other times she will enjoy a little German or Spanish, or her Greek Testament. After her <#@_/er at 2 o'clock she has a nap until 4. Then jsh,Q knits and chats and has her tea, and sometimes continues her knitting up till supper time, retir ing for the day about 10 o'clock. She^

frequently reads without glasses of any I sorb. It may also be mentioned that / she has a little great nephew who is j 101 years younger than herself, and I that a few days ago she attended a • public ceremony, and appeared as \ capable as ever. I

Local and General.

It is not unusual for the Duke of West minster's charity bill to amount to £20,000 a year. It takes £12000,000 worth of leather to make the boots and shoes annually worn out in Great Britain. It ia estimated that the total number of visiting card* used every year throughout the world is 600,000,000. Eighteen tons of steel disappear daily on the London and North-Western Railway through wear and rust. In China the doctor is paid monthly so long a* one keeps well, and the pay is stopped when one is ill. Lord Brassey leaves Wellington for Picton and Nelson to-morrow morning, and sails from the latter port direct for Melbourne. The Dowager Countess of Dudley has a piano the case of whioh is beautifully carved ivory. It is a wonderfully aweet-toned insttument. The highest human habitation in the world is said to be the railroad station at Galera, in Peru, being 16,635 ft above the sea. The oldest bonnet on record was found upon an Egyptian mummy—-that of a princess who was interred about 2000 years 1 before Christ, From Monday next until further notice I the Rakaia bridge will be blocked for repairs, between the hours of 12.30 and 4.30 p.m daily. [ The Railway Department has decided to provide all statioumasters with uniforms similar to those supplied to first-class stationmasfcers.

The Ballance Memorial Committee have decided that the inscription on the pedestal of the statue shall be—'* Ballance. He loved the people. An onyx stairway in the mansion of a Fifth avenue (New York) millionaire cost something over £60,000, and is the finest thing of the kind in the world. Mr Frederick Williams, a very old resident of Brunner, died last week from the effects of the poisonous vapors getting into his sys tem at the time of last year's explosion. General Booth calculates that there are at lease 5000 women in London above 50 years of age who have no dwelling save the streets or wherever they can find a shelter. There are at least 300 "street artists " in Loidon—men and lads—earning a living at drawing pictures on the pavement and collecting pennies from the crowds that gather. When the Queen ascended the throne 47 per cent., or nearly half the population of Great Britain, were unable to write. Now only 7 per cent, are unable to sign their names. At some of the Queen's dinner parties a quaint custom is kept up. Aa each course is placed on the table one of the clerks of the kitchen solemnly announces in loud tones the name of the cook who prepared it. The Lyttelton Times gives currency to a rumor that ihe Chief Justice and Mr Justice Williams are about to retire from the Bench—the former on account of age and infirmity, and the latter on account of ill health. At a meeting of the Dunedin Presbytery a resolution was passed requesting the Govern ment to take immediate steps to lay before the Home Government the desirability of preventing the annexation of the New Hebrides by the French. We read that very young children are not sensitive to pain to any great extent, A medical authority states that sensibility is seldom clearly shown in less than four or five weeks after birth, and before that time in fants do not shed tears, An apron ia the royal standard of Persia. Goa, a Persian who was a blacksmith by trade, raised a revolt which proved success ful, and his leather apron, covered with jewels, is still borne in the van of Persian armies. Dipsomaniacs in Sweden, when put undet restraint, are fed almost entirely on bread steeped in wine. In less than a fortnight they loathe the very look aud smell of liquor, and when liberated generally becomes total abstainers. In Russia a similar treatment is followed with good results. Judge Remy once boasted that he himself had been the means of putting to death in 16 ynars 800 witches. Luther states that 7000 witches were burned at Treves; 6CO by a single bishop of Bamburg ; 800 in a single year in the bishopric of Wartzburg ; 1000 in the province of (Jomo ; 400 at Toulouse at a single execution ; 500 at Geneva in three months ; and 48 in Sweden. Richard Harding Davis, the American | novelist, travelled over to America in the | same ship with Li Hung Chang, and told Li that he was writing a novel. This disgusted the Viceroy, "Writing a novel 1" he exclaimed. " You ought to be ashamed of yourself ! Writing a novel, indeed ! A big, strapping, able-bodied fellow like you oughr to be at work. Why don't you go to work ?" The Triad for February just to hand is a very interesting number, containing some good illustrations and a variety of interest ing matter under the several headings, " Music," "Science," and "Art and Litera ture." A popular song is given as a music supplement, and a £10 prize competition is announced, particulars of which may be found in our advertising columns. We must compliment the 7'riad upon its unique position amongst colonial periodicals. Mr Alex. M. Finlayson in a letter to the Otago Daily limes says:—At the present time there are two inmates in Seaeliff Asylum who, 1 venture to say, ought not to be there. They are a young man and a young woman, both of whom wore more or less distinguished as students. One of them waa dux of one of the High Schools. The particulars of their career and of their present condition may be easily obtained. What I wish to point out is that there must be a fault somewhere when young people are allowed, and even encouraged to overstrain :heir mental powers to such an extent as to render them miserable and useless, perhaps for life, Among the things not generally known by residents of town and county, because the information is not readily available to the average colonist, are certain statistics which we gather from tables furnished in the official year-book for J896 just to hand. These show that the area of Ashburton county is 2542 square miles. The rateable property of the two town districts within its borders amounts to £105,672, and that of the ro-d districts into which bhe county is divided to £3,511,839. Unoccupied crown and native lands represent £19,516, I so that the total value of property in the county 1 is estimated afc £3,637,027, from which £19,516 — unoccupied crown and native lands—has to be deducted .6 give the value of rateable property, via:— £3,617,511. __ meeting of the Committee of the Horticultural Society was held in Mr Dodds' rooms on Tuesday evening, eight member, being preseut. Mr R. Lechner occupied the chair. Arrangements were made for the distribution of posters that had been printed. It waß decided to engage the Orchestral Society to play during the} evening of the Show, and also to ask some I of our leading vocalists to take part in the j concert. Tbe'Committee wished exhibitors I to understand th^t the time for receiving exhibits would be strictly adhered to. One of the members showed a splendid assort ment of dahlias, among which was a fine specimen of the "Black Prince," now o<< view io the wialow of the Ashburton i Drapery Company. After some minor business had been transacted, ft vote of thanks to the chair terminated the pro-1 ceedings. The next meeting, to make final I arrangements for the Show, will be held on I Tuesday next. I

The Dunedin Evening Star says there is no foundation for the statement that Mr Rollefton is to be nominated for the Speakership. The Leader of the Opposition (Captain Russell) is on a visit to JDutiediu. On the way down Captain Russell caught a Bevere chill which will confine him to his bed for a day or two. A Melbournian in Coolgardie writes a graphic description of how he and his com panions spend hours at night killing fleas with a sledge hairimer. Why not a repeat ing rifle ? Parry, Nansen, Melville, and other Arctic explorers are our authorities for the state ment that when a child dies in Greenland the parents bury a living dog along with the corpse, the animal being supposed to act as the child's guide to the other world. The following will represent the Aahburton Junior Second Eleven in the cricket match against the First, to be played in the Domain to-morrow, at 2.30 sharp :~G. Gourdie, F. Clarke, W. Hoskins, Wilson, I B. Amos (captain), D. Stock, R. Minnis, E. Crisp, J, Stephens, D. Revell and A. Gates. 1 Emergencies—D. Simpson, H. Hopkins and B. Barr. At a meeting of the Hospital Committee to-day the following tenders for supplies were aocepted :—Bread, Mr H. P. Madden ; meat, Mr James Tasker; groceries, Mr H. Zander ; medical comforts, Mr H. Britton ; iuel, Messrs Tucker and Bean ; drugs, Mr H Bonnington; interments, Messrs Baker Bros.; ironmongery and crockery, Messrs John Orr and Co. Mr Lionel Broad was wired to by the Secretary of the Athletic Association to hold himself in readiness to go to Auckland on Thursday to take part ii the Champion ship Meeting. The notice waß all too short, and Mr Broad had to decline. No time had been allowed for training, and with his sys tem all soft and unstrung it was useieaa to attempt a championship contest. The team had not been picked in time to allow ot fair training. Six weeks ago I suffered from a very severe cold; was almost unable to speak. My friends all advised me to consult a physician, Noticing Chamberlain's Cough Remedy advertised in the St Paul Folks Ziitung I prooured a bottle, and after taking it a short while was entirely well. I now most heartily recommend this remedy to anyone suffering from a cold. Wm Keil, 678 Selby Aye,, St Paul, Minn. For a&le by ASHBUH-ON DRUO COMPANY.

Mr Bairstow has removed to more central premises, opposite Mitchell and Turnei's, Tancred streeb. Miss Field announces that she will resume instruction in drawing, painting, etc., to morrow: The Rakaia bridge will be blocked for repairs from Monday, Bbh instant, from 12.30 to 4.30 p.m., until further notice. Messrs Dalgety and Co. notify that they are prepared to sell rick covers, and give particulars in our advertising columns, Messrs Hanmer and Graves are local agents. A public meeting is called for 4 p.m. on Thursday, llfch iust., at the Road Board Office, Methven, to consider a proposal for the erection of a sheep dip and yards in that) locality.

RUAPUNA.

Prom Our Own Correspondent Harvest operations are drawing to a close in this district, and on the whole the crops are the lightest on record. In some in stances where sowing was left too iate in the season, sheep have been turned in, and only on a few farms have the crops been up to the average. Lambs have fattened much sooner than usual aud some really good drafts, as fine as ever left the district, have found their way to the factory. At the time of writing a slight rain has come up from the east which, however, does uot promise to continue for long; but a very heavy thunderstorm passed over the district on Friday. 29th inst. Rain con tinued to fall for several hours and will give a fresh start to the pastures which are very bare, and the turnip plants which are look ing rather sickly. The early sown turnips have just been able to hold their own this season, but where any sowing was left untill near Christmas it was of little or no good, and resowing has had to be resorted to, in most instances with no apparent good re sults as yet.

ALFORD FOREST.

[from our own correspondent ] On Thursday last a fire broke out on the North Ashburton bridge, being first seen by Miss Maggie Muirhead who had started to meet her father at the Methven station. Seeing dense smoke proceeding from the south side of the bridge she hastened back to give an alarm and many of tha residents, assisted greatly by the school children, hastening to the spot with whatever utensils were available, soon quelled all further danger—Constable Morgan rode over the bridge at 11 o'clock, no sign of fire appear ing, but at 12 30 nothing but prompc activity could have saved it.—Other persons passed after him. It is evidently the result of someone carelessly throwing a match, or dropping some tobacco from a pipe, as had the fire been caused maliciously it would have been lighted on the windward side, when all the help available would not have altered the issue. The damage is estimated at over £100. The heavy stringers, 18 xl 2 being half burned through. A good track haa been opened by the Council through the riverbed, and lamps are lit each evening at the two ends of the bridge to warn travellers. Light traffic still can pass, but not heavy drays.

A Nail-less Horse-Shoe.

A practical horse-shoe without nails has long been vainly sought, but, (writes the Mark Lane Express), we believe the object; has been attained in the Minerva patent horseshoe, of whioh the following descrip tion is given :—** The shoe has from four to six rectangular slots, wider at the lower than at the upper surface, and serving to retain the clips and wedges by which the arrangement is made secure. The clip has two sharp points, bent inwards and down ! wards, and inserted in the surface of the outer wall of the hoof; thus holding the shoe in its place, the wedges are driven up wards through the slot in the shoe and between the two prongs of the clip, so as to hold the latter tight in the slot. One advantage of tbe Minerva shoe is the ease with which it can ba changed, grooms and stablemen being able to accomplish this work in a few minutes." A company is in course of formation to place this shoe on the English market,

FIRE BRIGADE.

Animal Meeting*. The annual meeting of members of the Aahburton Fire Brigade was held in the Brigade s Room last evening. About a acora of members were present and Captain Fooks presided. After some formal business had been disposed of, including the acknowledg ment of a cheque from Mr Bullock, as repre senting the South British Insurance Office, sent as a complimentary donation to the Brigade's funds, on the excellent work done by the men at the recent fire in Moore Slreet, the Captain made his annual report. He referred to the high standard of efficiency in drill, etc., the members had maintained, and on which he complimented them in waim terms. The finance of the brigade, too, was satisfactory. The attendance of members at practice, fires, and business meetings had been excellent, equal to about 75 per cent per member, and on this subject he specially mentioned the good record of Fireman Parkin who had no "absents' re corded against his name for the year, except one, caused by sickness. The messenger, too, had an almost equal record. There had been an unusually large number of alarms during the year—no less than nineteen—of which nine had been serious, six had been grass fires, two false, and two at Hampstead. The Captain drew attention to the number j of fires that had occurred in empty houses, j and he feared that some incendiary had been at work. He also dwelt on the necessity for the attendance of a fire police at fires, instancing several recent cases in which t eir services would have been of greab value. Reference was then made co the recent fire brigades' competition in the Domain, of which the captain said it was a most decided success in every way except in the matter of finance. The thanks of the Brigade were due to the U.F.B.A. for lending plant for the competitions, and to outside citizens for givmg and collecting subscriptions. In the latter oonneotion the name of Mr Henry Zander was gra efutly mentioned. The captain made reference to the loss the Brigade would suffer in Mr James Pauling, whose recently increased business responsi bilities necessitated his retirement from the first lieutenancy of the Brigade, though he did nob resign his membership. He had been an excellent, efficient, and painstaking officer and the Brigade received his resigna tion with regret. It would be for the incoming committee to consider the desirable ness oi establishing telephonic, communica tion between the two fire stations aa a step likely to save much time and no little expense. The treasurer (Fireman H. H. Fooks) read the annual balance sheet, showing a credit balance of £8 6. Sd. The balance sheet was adopted, after which the secretary read the lecord of attendances. The captain made a statement as to what recent and imperative plant repairs had been done, and hi 3 action in * having the repairs effected was confirmed. In. regard to the plant the captain paid a high compli ment to the engineer (Mr W. E. Dolmau) for the manner in which it was kept, and remarked that every visitor from outß.de brigades, including some they had had from metropolitan ones, had been struck with the admirable condition of the plant. Every portion of it was kept with the scrupulous cleanliness of a soldier's accoutrements, and year after year with a monotony that would be tiresome if it were not so pleasant, the annual meeting had to sing the engineer', praises for the state of the plant. If the engineer was proud of the plant and his work in keeping ib — and it waa a pardonable pride—the members of the brigade were far more so. The annual elections were then proceeded with, and resulted in the re-election of the captain; the promotion of Branchman Barber to the position of first lieutenant, vice Pauling; the re-election of Lieutenant Hayes, and secretary and tteasurer H. H. Fooks ; and the election of Firemen Baker, Pauling, and Dorm, to the committee. For foremen, Firemen Baker, R. Simpson, and J. W. Baker were recommended to the officers, aud a further recommendation was made to have the two stations connected by telephone. Af ser the usual votes of thanks the meet ing adjourned, not, however, before a special vote had been passed to Mr Henry Zander for good service done in connection with the financial part of the recent demonstration.

NEW HEBRIDES MISSION.

Some interesting particulars relating to missionary work in the New Hebrides were given by the Bey Dr Paton, the venerable pioneer missionary to those islands, in the ! course of a sermon delivered on Saturday in the First Church, Dunedin :—Particular mention was made of the labors of the Revs Mi!ne f Michelson, and Smaill. When Mr Milne and his devoted wife went to their static --n they experienced the greatest dangers, but, ac the result of-their work and example, over 2000 cannibals 'Ma-Jaaa- brought to embrace Christianity. As an instance of the honesty of the converted Natives, Dr Paton mentioned that on one occasion several of these found some articles on the road that had been dropped by a passer by. They picked them up and placed tb.m on one side in a .onspicuous place, so that the legitimate iwner when next he came that way wou d regain possession oi his property. This was, remarked Dr Paton, in marked contrast to what was the usual custom when white people nude such a find. In concluding hia sermon, the aged missionary said that there were stid a very large number of cannibals in the New Hebrides group. There were I twenty-two islands in the group, and pf these eight or nine had been Christianised. There were twenty-two white missionaries and 271 Native teachers. The number attending the schools was 9587, whilst there were 2083 church members, The number of converts last year amounted to 720, and the Natives during that period gave over £1000 towards the mission. Very little money sufficed for their needs, and what they had over they looked upon as belonging to the Lord Jesus. It waa a common fallacy that the Natives of these hot countries had no need to work, but that was a mistake. Even the oannibals lived by the cultivation of the soil There were no charity institutions, and the la_y and indolent person who would nob*work was rejected and despised.

"WHERE'S MOTHER!"

Bursting in from school or play This is what the children say, Tripping, crowding, big and small On the threshold, in the hail— Joining in the constant cry, Ever, as the days go by— ••WfitfS. mother V From the weary bed of pain The same question comes again ; From thi boy with sparkling eyes, Beating home hi* earliest prize ; From the bronzed and bearded son, Perils past, and honors won— " Where's mother J" Burdened with a lonely task, One day we may vainly aßk For the comfort of her face, For the rest of her embrace ; Let us love her while we may, Well for us that we can say : "Where's mother?" Mother with untiring hands, At the post of duty stands, patient, seeking not her Own, Anxious for the good alone Of the children aa they Cry, Ever, as the days go by—' " Where's mother ?.'' —■Evangelical Magazine-

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph- Copyright, Madame Melba 111. London, February 1 Madame Melba is ill and unlikkely to sing again this winter. The Forfar Seat. February 2. Captain Sinclair, a Liberal, formerly member for Dumbarton, has been returned for the Forfar seat ia the House of Commons, in succession to Mr J. N. White, who had accepted the Chiltern Hundreds. Captain Sin clair defeated the Hon. C. M. Ramsay by 458 votes. Obituary. The death is announced of Sir Spencer Wells, a distinguished surgeon. Elopement of a Princess. Brussels, February 1. Princess Louise, daughter of Leo. pold, King of the Belgians, has eloped > with an officer of the Austrian Hussars. A Mail Ba? Lost. Madrid, February 1 The Queen of Spain's mail-bag hat been lost. Among the letters was one containing money, consigned to the Bank of England. The Yokohama Poisoning Case. Mokio, February 1. Mrs Carew has been sentenced to death for the murder of her husband at Yokohama.

Australian.

A Heat Wave. Sydney, February 2. Another heat wave has passed over many of tho country districts, the record ranging from 100 to 117deg. in the shade, while at Ungare 120 *m registered. The Railway Accident. The official enquiry shows that yes terday's collision at the Bedfern station was caused by the driver of the out going train starting when the signals were against him. Federation Manifesto. The Labor Party's federation election manifesto declares for one House of Legislature, one adult vote, payment of members, elective Ministers, and the referendum. The party consider that State rights can only be safeguarded by defining and consolidating the powers of the Provincial Legislature,, and voder any other conditions oppose federation. * ■ Extensive Failure. Perth, February 2 A receiving order has been made in the estate of Edward Keane, Chairman of Directors of the Midland Railway Company. The liabilities amount to £300,000. Premiers' Conference. Hobart, January 2 The Premiers' Conference opened yesterday. Sir », O. Braddon was appointed chairman, The Conference adjourned pending the arrival of Mr Beid. *

SCULLING.

Pre.. Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. London, February 1 W. Haines, of Putney, beat Charles Stephenson, the ex-New Zealander, in a sculling match on the Tyne course, by two lengths.

THE TRANSVAAL.

Mr CliamkQjlaia'a Speech- Tho German_Press FurioM. Press Association—By filectrio Telegraph- Copyright. Pretoria, February 1. President Kruger was very indig nant when the statements in Mr ! Chamberlain .speech reached him, and [ exclaimed—"Let them come ; they want to take the country." He after wards became calmer, and said he relied on British justice even, if the greatest troubles arose. Berlin, February 1 The German Press is furious at what is characterised as an attempt by Mr Chamberlain to provoke the Boers,

The Queen's Record Reign.

Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph- Copyright. London, February 1 Mr Chamberlain haa expressed the hope that the provincial centres will have the privilege of welcoming the Colonial Premiers attending the Queen's celebration.

Labour Questions.

Press Association—By Eiectrio Telegraph— I Oopyrighb. Berlin, February 2 The leaders of the Hamburg dock strike now admit that they are unable to continue strike pay. Perth, February 2 The carpenters have struck for aa increase of wages to 12s a day. About forty firms are affected.

THE ANGLO-AMERICAN TREATY

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. London, February 1 Mr Smalley, the American corres- Ipondent ot The Times, telegraphs thapfc the amendments recommended by the Foreign Relations Committee of the donate are intended to render the Anglo-American Arbitration Treaty ineffective, and destroy its general character. Much popular disgust has been shown at the action of the Com mittee. ■Washington, February 2 The leading newspapers of Washing ton assert that Lord Sa'isbury and Mr I Cleveland will not proclaim the Arbi tration Treaty in force if it is ratified by the American Senate as am eroded by the Foreign Relations Committee,

TH! ABHBUMOK OBARDIAN ; WEDNESDAY, FEBKUAKY 3, 1897



. Business Notices G. J. NEILL IS SELLING WASHING PRINTS at 3_d per yd ; WHITE MUSLINS 3s lid per doz G. J. NEILL IS SELLING DOUBLE-WIDTH SERGES in Navy, Brown and Maroon, at la per yd GL J* jNEIJuJL 18 SELLING MEN'S ALL-WOOL SUITS at 23s 6d ; Men's Tweed Trous.rs 5a lid G. J. NEILJL IS SLLLING BOYS' SUITS at 4s lid eaoh GL J. NEILL IS SELLING—Men's Bluchers at 4s lid Men'a Nail Shootera 7s lid Men'a Shoea 5s lid Women'a Shoea , ... 4s lid Women's Strap Shoea... ... 4a lid G. J. NEILL DEFIES COMPETITION IN BOOTS Every Pair Guaranteed to Wear and give SATISFACTION i FRIEDLANDER'S OORNER, EAST STREET.



Business Notices. NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory, gOLE AGENTS FOR THE FAMOUS "VICTORY" SEWING MACHINE.



PEBFECTION OF CYCLE BUILDING. AN IDEAL MOUNT. DESIGN \ \ CANNOT FAIL ELEGANCE WORKMANSBIP I TO JDJtii JLIO JIL-L QUALITY THE MQST MATERIAL AND STRENGTH EASE AND COMFORT FASTIDIOUS CRITICS. J i THE FIVE MILES CHAMPIONSHIP OF AUSTRALASIA was won by Ken Lewis! on hia RUDGE-WHITWORTH, fitted with Dunlop Tyres. FOR SALE BY JOHN ORR & CO., ASHBURTON. -=T ~ ~"Z~~ IMPORTANT NOTICE Wa have iußb landed, direct from the Manufacturers, ex s.s. Rim._aka and Qtarama, aGraJd^AsTortment of LINOLEUMS, CARPETS, FLOORCLOTHS, Etc., to be Sold at PRICES TO MEET THE TIMES. INSPECTION INVITED. Nete the Address— T. H. UNDRILL & CO., CABINETMAKERS & UPHOLSTERERS, TANCRED STREET (Opposite Arcade) Picture Framing a Specialty. Venetian Blinds Made to Order. Agents for Olegg's Perambulators.



—— \\\W 1 gq a _, S O i * Ph r-_r > ~ ___J -T, ° L__J ft "i 1 o H I bn I* k, » 1 co _^ v r^ P o S 31 2 «_ I 3" Ho□ 3 P « fc- ga o < <! I tf I O r—n 1 P? i W g __ f__! ■ I GO P P A O p__j Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHJJRCH, Ashburton, FRIDAY—Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer and Holy Com munion. 3 p.m.—Greenstreet. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. REV. HAROLD PURCHAS. WANTED Known—The Economic Kid Glove, four buttons, ls 9d per' pair, is the Glove for every day wear.— \V. H. CO-LIEB.



OUR FIRST SALE, COMMENCING SATURDAY, JANUAKY 30 MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, THE CENTRAL CASH TRADERS, NEXT? TO J. ORR & COS IRONMONGERY DEPARTMENT, EAST STREET ERUPTIONS IN THE DRAPERY TRADE. *\TTE have decided to eclipse all, with the result that one cut has been made at our new stock, whioh has severed the price in half. No old Stock no oub of date shelf-worn goods to palm off on a sensible public. Our Clean, New, and Stylish Stock at just half the usual Price The c*v hL-How is it done ? Here you have it :No Bad Debts, No Credit which enable us to lose directly, a.portion, of wha Pthe credit traders are losing indirectly. With this difference-At MiTCHKLL and BRODRIBB'S a 1 -je fated ahke; at the credit houses the good customers have to pay for the bad ones. Make no mistake. We want your money, and feel assured that the few following sample prices will bring it. Space will not allow us to quote more than a very condensed list, out this is a sample of the bargains offered you :— 9 pieces Light Print at 3s lid per doz yards Usual Price, 7_d par yard 16 pieces Dark Print at 3a lid per doz yards Usual Price, 8d per yard 22 pieces Gingham Prints, 4s lid per doz yards Usual Price, 9dper yard 19 pieces Flor.l Crepons, 4s lid per doz yards Usual Price, lid per yard 17 Fancy Brilliant Cloth, 7_d per yard Usual Price, ls 3d per yard 7 pieces Plain Crepon, 5a lid per doz yards Usual Price, ls per yard 11 pieces stripe Zephyr, 6j lid per doz yards Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 8 Plain Zephyr, 6s per doz yards Usual Price, Is 3d per yard 22 pieces Cashmere Cloth, 4s lid per doz yards Usual Price Is per yard 10 pieces Mourning Cioth at the ridiculous price of 3s per doz yards. We assure you that at this very important sale both you and ourselves will have a spanking time. White Calico 2a lid per doz yards Usual price s_d per yard White Sheeting, 2 yards wide, 10_d per yard Usual price Is 6d per yard Nainsook 4_d per yard Usual price 7W per yard White Turkish Towels 5s 6d per dor. Usual price 9d each Silsias 6 yards for Is lid, worth double Hundreds of Cheap Dress awaiting inspection Double width Tweeds le per yard Black and Colored Cashmeres from Is per yard up , Ladies Black Lavantine Paragon frame" Umbrellas from 2s 6d, 3s lid, 4s lid, etc. Ladies' Sunshades all colors from 3s lid Black and Colored Velveteens from ls 6d per yard up A mixed lot of children's sunshades all colors from lid each rw_„ HOSIERY-Tho best value in the trade. Plain and Ribbed Cashmere Hose from Is up. Plain and Ribbed Black Cotton TTOVFq fiSJe ß^A ai«?e 7va.i d ty Cheap and Good. A beautiful Kid Glove, any shade, at 2s lid. Lower lines from GLOVES Gaggety and Silk from is 3d upwards BTODSFS Blouse" Blouses. ~--We have sold more of these goods than any house in town. .What we have on hand-About BLOUSIW, U^ d^3u ba cleured from l 8 lUj 2s 6d, 2, lid up; just half price. All muslin and fancy Aprons just half what you will pay anywhere else, !_TrTTT-I?R.V Millinery—Price cut in half. Trimmed Hats from is lid upwards. MILLINERY MHlinery rnce cv n startling Bargains in the Nothing and Mercery Departments. A few Harvester H_L6fd. Seamless Merino Sox, 6d 8 Regatta Shirt.v all s.z.s, 4s 6d. Brown cotton I™£ £ g«- Heavy Working Shirts, 2s 6d. Men's strong Moles, 6s 6d. Tweed Trousers, special 8s 6d, Colonial 8i lid. Mens Tweed luit" 2ls 6d. Men's imitation Fox's Serge Suits, 29s 6d. Sailor Tweed Suits, 6s lid, size 1 to 7. ChoTcsst stock of Ties and Scarfs in Ashburton. All our Boots and Shoes reduced Hard and Soft Pelts in cSss variety. Mohairßoot Laces, 3. per dozen. Heavy Kaiapoi Sox, Is. Kaiapoi Under Flannels, 3s lid. DO NOT FORGET MITCHELL & BRODBIBB'S FIBST SALE. NEXT TO 3, pRB & W» MS STREET ASHBURTON. [



S_no__is of New advertisements. H. M. Jones—Pianos, organs, ere. Railway Department—Rakaia bridge, H. Bairstow—Removal notice. E. H. Dobson—Wants cook. J. H. Jewitt—Oyster3 and fresh fish^ Craighead and Berryman—New business announcement, Pupils wanted for pianoforte. Found—Pair of wheels. Wanted boy—Henry Zander, Miss Field has resumed art lessons. W. T. Kingston—lmportant notice re horseshoeing. Practical horse shoer wants job. Public meeting at Methven to consider question of erecting Sheep Dip. Dalgety and Co—Rick covers. A. Harrison—Special entry.



My little boy, when two years of age, was taken very ill with bloody flux. I was advised to use Chamberlain's Colio, Cholera and Diarrhoea Remedy, and luckily pro. cured part of a bottle. I carefully read the directions and gave it accordingly. He was very low, but slowly and surely he began to improve, gradually recovered, and is now as stout and strong as ever, I feel sure it ' saved his life. I never can praise the Remedy half its worth. lam sorry every one |n the world does not know how good it b, as I db.--Mrs Liaa S. Hjnton, Grahams ville, Mat'ioß Co., F1 or id a. For sgle by Ashburton Drug Company.



Holloway's Pills and Ointment.— Travellers te and from different climes would do well to bear in mind that these changes and the altered diet and surround ings of their lives entail manifold risks to health. Occasion is sure to arise in which , they will need a remedy sqch as these , renowned Pills and Ointpienfc, and no traveller by land or sea should ever fsiil to have a supply in hand. Then he may truly be said to have a physician always at his call for the various emergencies of travel. Chills and fevers should be promptly treated, and the printed directions should be carefully studied at the commencement of any illness, for Holloway's repjediej can be safely used m »U piiaifttes, ,



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