Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JULY 14, 1897. ASPHALTING.

A short dkcussion at the Borough Council meeting on Monday disclosed a fact in connection with the lav as regards municipal corporations which U not generally known. Provision is made for the enactment of by-laws regulating building operations, giving the corporation authority to dictate what kind of buildinga may be erected on certain lands, and the conditions under which those buildings may be put up; and it is provided for the members of the Borough or City Coun cil in many little paternal ways to earn the foster title of " city fathers " But fchere is one piece of dictation to the ratepayers and property owners at which the Municipal Corporations Aci draws the line. It does not authorise the " city fathers " to compel a roan to asphalt the footpath in front of his property. This may have been an omission simply 0n the part of our legislators, or it may have been left out of the list of things made compulsory after a sudden recollection of the much quoted " liberty of the subject," which recollection perhaps gave the law makers a twinge of conscience, and for the time caused them to set bounds in this direction to the very large liberty they had already by this Act given"to the "pity fathers." We do not know for what" reason this " liberty to compel" was withheld jwe only know that it was withheld, and as a consequence the asphalting of the Ash burton footpaths does not progress at the rate many pe^plfi would like to see. The granting of this authority to the borough and city councils would not, we think, have done any harm, and we feel perfectly sure it would not have been exercised harshly. Road Boards are endowed with the power to compel owners of property to .clear gorse, etc., from the roads on which their property fronts, and this is sometimes » very costly work to farmers rhoe<J land enjoys a long road frontage.' Ana *»«« »«» ©<*«■ ways in which property owners', ootn town and country, have to toe the T**** ! when the local bids, and obedience is rendered uncomplainingly. Why, then, in this matter of asphalt ing, should the borough authorities have no power of compulsion 1 All of East street is now asphalted, in front of the business premises. This, how ever, thanks to the owners of those premises beins? men with a knowledge of what is required in the conduct of business, and who have a keen sense that at least apparent consideration for the comfort of their customers counts for something in the drawing of trade. Fair lengths of other streets in the business centre have also received the attention of the man wih the tarpot and the roller, and for the same reason as East street is asphalted. Those streets are steadily increasing in business importance, and there is every probability that very soon busi ness sites in those 1 horoughfares will be more extensively utilised. But still there will doubtless remain here and there vacant sections, the owners of which, holding for speculative pur poses, and waiting their marker, may not feel inclined to pay their propor tion of the cost of asphalting—pre ferring to leave that pleasure to the buyer when he comes along. The re sult is—if such an owner is, to use Cjr. Thomas' expressive if not very graceful language, " curmudgeon" enough to hold out -that ugly and disagreeable breaks occur in the line of footpath. And what is more pleasant in a town than to b.e able to walk its streets dry shod in wet weather? We are of opinion that when a pronounced majo rity of ratepayers in any given block are prepared fco pay the share of post. ! of asphalting that falls to them when! the work U done, the borough autho „; lf •_ • «ugU to be placed in a position i to undertone w.fc * 8t th block and recover ■*» v y would unpaid rates. We. " **v. „ . writiag with any particular case y^w, tadbope »q saee will occur in I

either the near or the distant future ; but this fact of th« Act providing no compulsory clauses in the matter of asphalting having been made pro minent at the Council meeting on Monday evening, and feeling that it is a direction in which the Municipal Corporations Act could very well be once more amended, we have drawn attention to it.

Local and General.

The cost of the Jubilee celebrations to the New South Wales Government was £5000. Property is now in great demand in Petone, and numbers of houses are being built.

The Government contemplates cutting up for selection a big block on the Makakaho stream in the Wanganui district. It ia now under survey.

It is proposed to make an effort to raise sufficient funds in the Bruce County to pro vide a cot ia the Victoria chiLLuii'a ward in the hospital.

Steps are now being taken to form a Retailors' Association in Wellington on the lines of the Dunedin sooiety, which it now running very successfully.

The bee keepers of New South Wales intend to urge upon the Government the immediate necessity of legislation to stamp out foul brood and other diseases.

fl he condition of Carter's bridge remains as it was after the late fatal accident, a broken rail being all there is to represent a guard againat the ditch or creek that crosses the road.

At the last meeting of the Willowby School Committee the resignations of Mr Low, master, and Mrs Low, sewing mistress of the eohool, were accepted wiih regret. They leave on August 31.

As some 80 head of diseased cattle had to be destroyed on the coast during last year, the Borough Council of Wanganui has , appointed a committee to prepare a report l' with reference to the inspection of dairies.

Old settlers declare that this is the best winter experienced in the Danevirke district for many years. Owing to the mild nature of the weather feed is fairly plentiful.

The officers of the Bank of New Zealand throughout the colonies are being invited to subscribe towards a testimonial which it is proposed to forward to Mr Henry Mackenzie, late general manager, who is now in England.

The Taranaki Hospital and Charitable Aid Board has decided to sue for all arrears for hospital treatment. The arrears owing ab the Hawera Branch Hospital alone are stated to amount to something like £1000,

A bankrupt in the District Court at Mas terton the other day said that •• some people thought if a station-hand was able to pay one small account he was always going to be a working bullock for them."

Mr E. H. Wittenoon, Acting-Premier of West Australia, is 43 years of age, born and educated at Perth. He entered public life in 1883 as member for Geraldton, but re tired after two short intervals of Parlia-

ment, until, in 1894, he was elected to the Legislative Council.

The Timaru Herald says :—The Rev W. Gillies is still confined to his room, and is, we regret to Bay, likely to be for another two weeks. On Tuesday the Timaru Presby tery, at their monthly meeting arranged to supply his pulpit for the next two Sabbaths and a third if necessary. The Wellington correspondent of the North Gta^o Daily Times says there ia a combination between a prominent Cabinet Minister and an ejf-Cabinet Minister to raise a revolt against the autocracy of the Premier, and that one of them has expressed his in tention of submitting to it no longer. 1 he Hou. George Thornton, of New South Wales, is one of the few who have recolr lections of Old Sydney. Pointing to the old entrance to the Supreme Court in King street, he remarked to a gentleman the other day that while at school in old St James's, he saw f<s many as twenty-two prisoners in a day walk down those steps, sentenced to death.

gome specimens cf the marram grass growing on the sandhills fit the Ocean Beach were («ays the Otago Daily 7i>iic;) shown at Monday night's meeting of the Domain Board. Although only one year old the roots measured from 6ft to 7ft in length, proving most conclusively how this grass must assist in binding the sand. By a perusal pf the Ashburton Drapery Company's new advert jsemept, our readers wiil note that the firm's annual stocktaking sale is now proceeding. Judging from the few quotations given, it will evidently be to purchasers' advantage to pay a visit to s cure, or even anticipate their requirements. Owing to their illtreabment by boys, who persist iv throwing stones at them, the wallabies, dingoes and other animals con fned in the enclosure at the rear of the arliamentapy Buildings, Wellington, are to be removed by the Stopk Depai tment to Soanies' Island. One of the wallabies hag been almost killed by the treatment it has received.

The New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Aasoci&tipn of Canterbury, Limited, ad vertise for nominations (to close at 10 a.m. on Saturday ne^t) to till the yapanpjes on the directorate caused by the death o f Messrs M. S. Campbell and'A. Parsons! riho for the issue of 1003 shares (£2 paid up and §3 premium), applications closing on the date apd at fchp time above mentioned. At the Christchurch Magistrate^ Court yesterday, Edward John Arlow was fined $§, and in default three months' imprison ment, for purchasing brandy while he was prohibited. Tfye jsiee against iiidward Hiprng, licensee of the .Central Hotel, for supplying &rfow with liquor waa dismissed, ** the police were HB»b> $9 proye defen dant's kn6t?l«dgcj

A well attended meeting was held in the library, Methven, on Saturday last, to con sider the advisableness of forming a Collie Dog Trial Club. Messrs Batty, Lock, Sullivan, Trumper and Quade wereappointed a committee to canvass for members, and another meeting was airanged for 24th inst. Subscriptions to be live shillings, Most of those present joined the club.

A wide circle of our readers (says the Press) will hear with regret the news that Dr Lamb, of the New Hebrides Mission, is in a very serious state of ill-health. His oondition is such that it will necessitate his removal to Sydney for advice and treatment, if it does not compel him to relinquish a work in which he takes so much interest and for which he has shown great aptitude.

The programme for the band contest, to take place at Oamaiu in November, provides for the selection contests four prizes, of £100, £50, £30 and £20 respectively; a qaickstep contest, three prizes of £10, £6 and £4 ; solo competitions for B Sat baas, E flat bass, euphonium, baritone, trombone, tenor horn, B flat cornet and E flat cornet. Gold and silver medals will be given for the solo contests. The test selections will be distributed on August 2

At the meeting of the Riccarton Road Board on Monday Mr John Deans reported that the Tramway Company was consider ing the advisableness of extending the line from the Hospital to the Racecourse, and asked if the Board had any oV>jection to one side of the road being used instead of the centre. The Board was unanimously of opinion that, a tram line on this road was required, and it would gladly consider any proposal from .the Company which would improve the disjtri.ct and meet the require ments of the ratepayers,

At Wellington yesterday the Rev W. H. Judkins of Danuevirke, has been appointed Secretary to the New Zealand Alliance for the next three months. A letter was re ceived from the Rev E. Walker, dealing with the threatened changes in regard to the prohibition of the liquor traffic in Native areas. "A sub-eomjjfittee was empowered to act immediately in the" matter. A deputa tion was appointed to wait upon the J|ev I). Clifford, of London, on his arrival in Wellington, and, if possible, to secure from ; him an address on tjie prohibition quesfcionl

You have ruined your constitution suffcoiently by drinking inferior teaß, repruijfc by driaking only Kq?ib T»A, it is pure and *-^«.m«s9toi QVf & G°n Sole Ag m

The hangman, with the scaffold and gear for the execution of Sheehan, the Amberley murderer, arrived at Onistchurch from Wellington by the la. Rotorua yesterday morning. The scaffold is to be erected in the yard of the solitary confinement cells, no that it will be utterly impossible for the outside public to witness the execution from any part of the surrounding hills. The hangman, Tom Long, is serving a sentence in the Wanganui Gaol. He came down in charge of a warder, and was lodged in Lyttelton Saol. After hanging Sheehan he will be taken back as a prisoner. The war der wko brought him down has fitted up the present gallows for seven hangings.

Indigestion.—How much thought has been bestow- d, and what voluminous treatises have been written upon this universal and distressing disease, which is with certainty and safety dispelled without fear of relapse by a course of a purifying, soothing, and tonic medicine! It ac s directly on the stomach, liver, and bowels then indirectly, though no less effectively, on the brain, nerves, vessels, and glands, introducing such order throughout the entire system that harmony dwells between each organ and its functions. Dyspepsia need no longer be the bugbear of the public, since Holloway's Pill's are fully competent to oases of impaired digestion, and to restore the miserable sufferer to health, strength, and cheerfulness.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not hold ourselves responsib c for the opinions expressed by our correspondents)

FORESTS AND RAINFALL.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib,—l aotiae from time to time articles in your, and other papers, bearing on the connection between forests and rainfall, the writers invariably insinuating that the conservation of existing forests, or the planting of trees to recoup nature for the loss she has sustained through the axe men, would secure for us the required rainfall for the district which we sometimes are un grateful enough to believe we do not get. Now, I have lived on the Canterbury Plains continuously since 1874, and may say that I have always been a close observer of the meteorological phenomena .which obtain in this part of the colony. Attention to this was forced upon me for the simple reason that I have been, ever since the date mentioned, daily interested in the welfare of outdoor stock, and my observations up to this date convince me that neither the insignificant areas that have been denuded of native timber, nor the comp iratively Urge areas that have been converted into artificial forests on the plains have any influence whatever on the rainfall. Indeed, the older, more numerous, and taller our plantations have become, the drier the seasons are getting. I do not say that our plantations have made the seasons any drier —I do not believe they have. But I do j believe that they have no more influence in promoting or preventing rains on the Canier bury Plains, situated, as they are, in close proximity to a lofty chain of mountains on the one side, and a wide expanse of ocean on the other, than a bed of carrots would have. The long drought we have been experiencing | for some time is caused by the prevailing winds we have been getting, having to cross over the range of mountains which lie more or less at right angles to their course. The reason why mountain ranges so placed in respect to certain winds, extract the moisture from them on the side of the range on which they impinge, is probably known lo the Creator alone. It ii sufficient for us to know that science has proved that such is the case. That profoundly scientific lady writer, Mrs Somerville, gives us an article on rainfall in her "physical geography,' but she does not in a single instance hint that trees, few or many, have any influence whatevar on the rainfa'l of a place. She gives us to understand that the amount of rainfall vri i depend on whether the prevail ing winds of a place have', after crossing an ocean, to encounter and cross over a range of hills, or otherwise. Should they have to do so. then they are drained of their moisture on the side of the range against which they strike. Darwin, whose scientific attainments no one can doubt, all but says that it is the sea home winds charged with moisture that are the cause of forests, not that forests act as age ts in bringing the moisture to them. Hes>ys in his " Natura lists voyage round the world 1 : — Con lining one's yiews to S.outh America we should certainly be tempted to believe that trees flourished only under a very humid climate; for the limit of the forest land follows, in a most remarkable manner, that of the d-unp winds. In the southern part of the Continent, where the western gales, charged with moisture from the Pacific, prevail, every island on the broken west coast, from lat. 38 leg. to the extreme point of Terra del Fuego, is densely covered by impenetrable forests. On the eastern side of the Cordilleras, over the tame extent of latitude, where a blue sky and a fine climate prove that the atmosphere has been deprivad of its moisture by passing over the mountains, the arid plains of Patagonia support a most scanty vegetation. In the more northern parts of the Continent, wiihiu the limits of the constant south eastern trade wiad, tha eastern side ia ornamented by magnificent forests; whilst the western coast, from lat. 4deg. S. to lat. 32deg. 8. may be described as a desert. On this western coast, northward of lat. 4deg. 8., where the trade : «eind loses its regularity, and heavy torrents of rain fall periodically, the shores of the Pacific, so utterly desert in Peru, assume near Cape Blanco the character of luxuriance so celebrated at Gauaquil and Panama. Hence in the southern and northern parts of the Conti nent, the forest and desert lands occupy reversed positions with respect to the Cordilleras, and these positions are apparently determined by the direction of the prevalent Winds. It is not forests that give 208 rainy days in the year to the west coast of Ireland, and a still greater proportion to places on the west coast of Scotland. It is because the prevalent wjnds in those lati; feudes oomo from the Atlantic charged with moisture, and on striking the elevated coaat —in obedience to the law by which this phenomenon is governed—discharge the greater portion of their moisture before proceeding far inland, and continue their course with a much diminished quantity. Our seasons of severe sou-west busters may probably be the result of abnormal conditions of the pQ'ajf i«e, aush, for instance, as large flora being situated mapy miles nearer to us than is usually fche case.' Had'our prey ailfag winds been off the South Pacific, Canterbury would only be fit for Polar bears to live in, —I am, etc., D. Oliver.

THE GIFT OF A BATTLE SHIP.

Yio^rs of the Press-

Statement "by Mr Eeid,

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright,

London, July IS The British newspapers are especially enthusiastic over the fact that the present by the CUpe Government of a warship to the Empire is unfettered. Mr Keid, in an interview, lauded the Oape gift, and said it was an un doubtedly welcome one, because the Oape had given trouble to Great Britain, while Australia had not given any. During the last ten years Aus tralia had contributed the equivalent of several warship?, while New South Wales had expended half a million in providing the finest naval base out side of Engbnd.

THE WAINUI ASHORE IN THE FRENCH PASS.

Preßß Association —By Electric Telegraph

Wellington, July 13 The latest wire the Utrion Company has received re the Wainui is from Captain Lambert. He says the vessel is beached in Waikawa Buy with twelve to fourteen feet of water alongside, She is making no water. A. boat can lie alongside and can take all the cargo. He thinks a diver could effect tem porary repairs.

Neison, July 13. The Wainui left Nelaou in a heavy rain, but it was clear, with clouded moon. On approaching the French Pats she struck the Beef Barrels, which is a rock just covered by the water at high tide t mid way between Point Sauvage and Hole-in the-Kook Point. The vessel struck three or four times and then got off. As she was making water it was resolved to take her to Waikawa Bay and beach her on Well's land, a sandy strip well sheltered, but in enter ing the bay the Wainui struck a reef which juts out a quarter of a mile from Hole-in the-Book Point, and here she lies fatt in a dangerous position, and if she cants out ward nothing can save her, for the rock is sheer to a depth of 17 fathoms. When the vessel first struck excellent order prevailed. The passengers were told that the Corinna would be passing in two hours, and it was decided to wait for her. The passengers and mails were transhipped in good order and arrived in safety at Nelson. The tug Duco and pumping gear were wired for to Wellington, and the Cocinna left to stand by the Wainui. The cargo consisted of fruit, jams, beer, some machinery belonging to the railways, hops, sundries and coal. Thirty-three saloon passengers and three steerage were brought back by. the Corinna, including nine ladies. It was remarked on board that had it not been for the co*l the steamer would have taken in water faster. When the passengers left the Wainui had a cant forward on account of the water in the forehold.

A pasaenger states that the passengers felt the greatest confidence in Captain Lambert and his officers. As soon as the steamer btruck the Beef Barrels the boats were swung out in readiness, but there was no necessity to lower them. When she struck Hole-in-theßock Point the Corinna arrived shortly afterwards, and sent a large boat and took off the passengers. The Wainui'a boats were also used, taking passengers first, and the luggage aftetwarde. Westpom, July 14 The Corinna, leaving the Wainni at five last evening, arrived at ten this morning. Captain Downie reports that the Wainui lies safely and snugly in the Waikawa Bay, well sheltered from all weathers. Captain Lambert sent a boat ashore and got Mr Wells, a settler, to place lights on the best part of the beach, and ran the steamer full speed on the sand. Captain Downie heard, nothing of the Wainui striking a second time. The steamer is making little water forward. It is understood the Wainui grazed alongside the Beef Barrels, and did not run over the rocks. As everything was safe there was no necessity for the Corinna to remain. [The Wainui ia of 640 tons gross ]

HIGHBANK.

The settlers of Highbank are progressing favorably with the cultivation of their land, and the towing of spring oats and wheat is now virtually over. The weather, except tor the wind that is almo&t continually blowing, has been very satisfactory, and several showers have fallen, while ou Thurs day last welcome rain fell in plenty, giving quiie a fresh appearance to the whole of the estate. Several flocks of lambs are getting on splendidly, and look exceedingly well. The school has now been opened for a fortnight, the number on the roll being 33, the attendance being well kept up, and the headmaster, Mr Stout, expects more scholars \n a few days,

Last evening (Tuesday), the schoolroom was well attended by the settlers and their children to see some excellent views thrown on a screen {12ft by 6ft) by the Rev J. Clark, with his lime-light lantern. Mr 0. Spray, in introducing the rev. gentleman, sa;d he was giving the entertainment free of charge, for the purpose of bringing the settlers together; but he hoped the next time Mr 0 ark came he would charge for admission. Ho was quite sure there was no need to ask them to be attentive. The views shown were a large assortment, consisting of re presentations of Bible studies, photographs of the Queen, L rd Onslow, ships, citias, etc., while the comic pictures were more than usually good and caused roars of laughter. By the aid of a magnifying glass a bee's sting, the wing of au ant, and a variety of subjects of the naturalist, were plainly shown. Mr Clark's lantern is con nepted with a patent apparatus which makes its own gas during the entertainment. The lantern is an excellent one, and Ashburtou people would enjoy an opportunity of seeing the slides, which are remarkably interesting and disticct. A discription of each picture is ably giveD by the entertainer. A hearty vote of thanks, moved by Mr DrißColl, was carried with acclamation, the Rev Mr Clark then thanking the audience for their at tention. After the entertainment it was ar ranoed to hold services in the schoolroom on Sunday afternoon.

MR WARD'S BANKRUPTCY.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Invercargill, July 13. A meeting of Mr Ward's creditors took place to-day at 2.J50. His statement shows (omitting shillings and pence], unsecured creditors, £31,265 ; secured, £86,926 (less estimated value of securities, £41,416); total debts, £72,681. Assets: cash in haud, £70; furniture, £200; total assets, £270. Deficiency £72,107. The principal un secured creditors are J. G. Ward Farmers' Association (in liquidation), cal s on shares £30,400; Oliver Samuel, solicitor, New Plymouth, £350; Ward Farmers Associa tion, £207; A. Lee Smith, Dunedin, £120 ; J. B. Reid, Chris 1 church, £100. Secured creditors—Bank of New Zealand, £7211, secured by sundries of that value ; Baak of New Zealand £17,000, secured by face value of Nelon's shares, £16,000; ditto, £55,000, secured by equities £3,000, and surrender value of life policy, £500; Spb'fclish and New Investment Com pany £3,500, secured by mortgage over land and buildings in Dee Street, Invercargill; Mantel's executors, Dunedin, £1,200, secured by mortgage over section in Dee Street, valued at £1,200; Maitland's trustees, Dunedin, £2.065, secured by laud in the Crescent, Invercargill, valued at a like amount; Bank of New South Wales, £800, secured by Invercargill Tramway Company's stables, etc., valued at £800. j representative of Messrs Pook and I Gray, the liquidators, moved that th,e debtor be requested to prepare and deliver to the | Assignee before the 3rd of August, his accounts and balance sheets showing particulars of his receipts and expenditure, | of (us stock-takings, and of his profits and losses during a period of three years/ before his bankruptcy. The motion was carried by value, the liquidators of the Colonial Bank and the Ward Farmeya' Association voting for the motion and nine against it. The meeting then adjourned till the 6th August, Dunedin, July 13 There is a possibility that the examina tion of Mr J. G Ward and the directors *nd officers of the Ward Farmers' Association may not be open to the press. The mua! practice under the Companies Aot is not to allow notes to be taken, and even counsel sngaged in the case are supposed to destroy any notes they take in Court. It is under stood that unless a strong case is made out for the examination being public Mr Justice Williams will take it in camera, sitting only in Court for the convenience of counsel, in stead of in his own room.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. Obituary. London, July 13 The death of Lord liindlip, nged fifty-five, is announced. [Be was late Chairman of S. Allsopp and Sons, brewers, and represented Eaat Staflordsbire 1873 80, and Tauntoa 1882-87 3 Fatal Kail way Collissiou. Copenhagen, July 13 A terrible railway collision occurred at Gron'.onV, where the Helsingor express train came into collision with a passenger train. Forty persona were killed and sixty injured. They were chiefly of the artisan class. Heat Wave in America New Yoek, July 13. Terrible heat is being experienced throughout the United States. Over 2000 cases of severe prostration have been reported, and thirty-five deaths have occurred since the beginning of the month. Railway Opening. Capetown, July 12. The railway to Buluwayo and Rhodesia will be formally opened in November.

Australian.

Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph- Copyright. The Murderer Butler. Sydney, July 12 Butler is much exercised in regard to the distribution of h's property. Yesterday he had an interview with the Sheriff, and desired that his belongings should be distributed to his friends. The Sheriff promised so far as possible to carry out his desire, but the only property the condemned man is known to possess consists of some clothes and a few paltry articles belonging to Waller of the value of £2. Hooley's Meat Scheme. It is understood that the difficulty in coming to a satisfactory arrange ment lies in the fact that Mr Hooley's ofter makes no provision for meeting the different financial positions of the several freezing Companies, The soli citors are of opinion that Mr Hooley can see a way to overcome the diffi culty. Credit Foncier Bonds. Melbourne, July 13

Tenders have been accepted for £18,500 of Credit Foncier bills. The public subscribed £4700 and the Sav ings Bank the balance, all at par.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

Preaa Aasooiation — By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka July 14, 9am., Guardian office 9.35 a m. Hie Pacific Cable. London, July 13. Sir Wilfred Laurier displays a luke warm feeling with regard to the Pacific cable. He mistrusts the estimates which have been made as to the cost, and the scheme is likely to be in definitely postponed. Robbery by Rebels. News has been received that the rebels in British North Borneo have burned t-'aya, and robbed the treasury of nine thousand dollars. Native Outbreak. Capetown, July 18 The natives are fighting in the Mazoe district, Bechu»naland. They have cut down thecontinental telegraph wire, converting it into bullets. A patrol force killed thirty of them. The Transvaal. Pretoria, July 13. The Yolksraad has adopted a treaty with the Orange JTree State, providing for closer union between the two countries. Received Wakapuaka July 14, 9 a.m., Guardian office 10 a.m. The United States and Hawaii, WAiHINGTON, July 18. Mr McKinley has instructed the Admiralty to send the battleship Oregon to Hawaii. She will land a force of marines in the event of any Japanese aggression being attempted.

Australian.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph, Copyright.

(Received Wakapuaka, July 14, 9 *.m., Uuabdian office, 10 ».m.) The Aorang-i. Sydney, July 14. The Aorangi is several days overdue from Vancouver. The delay is said to be caused by the vessel coming down slowly owing to a breakdown of her forced draught. Hewing Kates, Trouble is brewing in the western colleries, and the men are balloting as to whether they will give fourteen days' notice as a protest against the refusal of the mine proprietors to in crease the hewing rates. Received Wakapanka, July 14, 10-20 a.m., Gvabdian Office 10.50 a.m. Tl*e Japanese treaty. Brisbane, July 14 In the Assembly the Acting Premier stated that doverhtnent had not signed the Japanese treaty, but expressed themselyes in favor of the stipulations of the treaty between Britain and Japan being wade applicable to the colony if they contained a proviso leaving Parliament free in the direction of restricticg or prohibiting the influx of Japanese laborers and artisans. Latest advices showed that Japan con sented to. the proviso, Federation. Mr .Glassey's amendment on the Federation Bill, providing for the popular vote, was carried by 36 to 28. The discussion on a further amendment to make the colony owe electorate, has been adjourned.

SIR SAUL SAMUEL.

Prcs» Association —By Electric Telegraph-— Copyright. London, July 13 Mr Reid has notified to Sir Ssmil Samuel, Agent-General of New South 1 Wales, his early retirement from the position. • Mr Reid praised Sir Saul Samuel's I services to the colony, and said the Government would so arrange hii retirement as to make it as agreeable as possible to him.

THE COLONIAL PREMIERS.

♦ ■ Press Awfooi&tion—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. London, July 12 A Welsh choir serenaded the Premiers while visiting Earl Oarring ton. July 13 Mr Reid, in the coarse of an inter view, stated that New South Wales had started a fresh .career and made substantial progress. Tbe recant elections had shown that the colony was more earnest in the federation cause than others. There could be no union without New South Wales. Received Wakapuak* July 13, 9.46 a.m,, GVABDMN Office 10.30 a.m. London, July 13 Mr Reid was entertained to * banquet in London. Lord Selborne presided, and the company, which was a distinguished oae, numbered 200. Mr Keid, replying to the toast of his health, said the representation of the colonies in the Imperial Parliament would add 'to the difficulties of the solution of the complex problems involved. Tbe onus rested upon the proposers of the start ling changes to prove that the present arrangements were unsatisfactory. He said the Premier of Victoria was wrong when he assigned the cause of the depression in the colonies to over borrowing. The real cause was the fall in the value of colonial products to the extent of fifty per cent in twenty five years. Received Wakapuaka, July 14, 10 a.m. Guardian Office, 10.40 a.m. Mr Gladstone spoke freely lud with ease upon the colonial problem on the occasion of the visit of the Premiers to Hawarden on Saturday. He applauded Lord John Russell's efforts in securing responsible government for the colonies in spite of the difficulties of the traditional colonial office policy, which was based on the belief that the colonies required to be administered by force. He said he had watched the career of Mr Beid with the greatest interest, and warmly congratulated him upon the success of his fiscal policy and hoped that New South Wales would remain true to that policy. He also spoke in terms of approval of the fiscal policy of Sir W. Laurier.

METHVEN.

: ♦ f Very severe frosts have been felfc In Methvon lately, and last Thursday the ground was covered with snow. The turning are looking well, but the grass is rather dry. Farming operations are progressing, tb« sowing of oats and wheat being nearly com pleled. The Orange ball held in the schoolroom on Thursday was a marked success, visitors coming from Ashburton, Lauriston, and surrounding districts. The school was tastefully decorated, and for several hours the lads and lasses danced to music supplied by Mr Walker. Mr T. Parker made an efficient master of ceremonies, while the catering was all that could be wished. A dancing class is held weekly in the schoolroom, and is attended by a large number of young people, who spend » most enjoyable time together.

ASHBURTON HOSPITAL.

Subscriptions for Convalescent Ward.

TRtt APHfcnRTOS GtfAKDXANs WEDNESDAY, JULY U f 1897.



The following additional subscriptions have been received :— £ 8 <|

Amoant acknowledged.., , ti , isg 211 H. Pritchard , ,„ 0 5 0 John Holme* ... _ 5 0 0 H. G. Baker „. ~ 1 0 0 Wm, Morgan ... ,„ 10 0 A, McFarlane .„ , m 10 0 N.Z.L. kM. Agency Co. ... 110 Alex. Orr ... .., 2 0 0 J- Ba"y 100 Pyne & Co, .„ ... l I 0 B. G, Stone „., ... 010 0 G.A. McDougal .„ ... 010 0 W. Seotfc 0 2 6 W- Tilling ... ,: 026 Thos. Parker %m ,„ 0 2 6

T . 162 17 5 Li"«8 commission charged by clerk Mount Huto Road Board ... 0 7 6

162 3 11



OUR ANNUAL STOCK-TAKING SALE IS NOW PROCEEDING, AND WILL CONTINUE TILL AUGUST tub 18th. everything" reduced. ' T> LEASE NOTE the following Quotations, being a few of the BARGAINS Jt OFFERED— DRESS TWEEDS—Regular price Is 3d per yard, sale price 4s lid dresi length. Dress Tweeds—Regular price 15a 9d dress length, sale price 6s lid dress length. SERGES in Black, Navy, and Brown 2s 3d, sale price Is 6ci per yard. Blue Black Merinos, sale price la 1 Id per yard, regular price 2a 6d. DRESSMAKING during this sale 8s 6(1. Children 1! Oiufamere Hose, sale price 6d per pair. Ladies Cashmere £om, i»le price 10|d, Ladies' Bibbed Hoie, sale price 6d per pair. A few Mm* Colonial Tweed SUITS 15s each. Men's Cotton Shirt* Is each. Men's Heavy Grampian Shirts Is 1 Id. A Urge assorted line Men's Tweed Trousers, to ba cleared at 7s lid per MenSVweed Hats 6d each. Men's Tweed Oapa 6d each. Men'i Coloniml Knitted Socks U per pair. Extra Hoary Twilied Sheeting, 2 yards wide, Is per yard. Flannelette* from 8d per yard. All wool Go onial Shirting Is 6d per yard Ladies' Corsets, size 18, 19, 20, our regular line at 2a lid, to be cleared li lid. » the ■^■"wgragJ^gM"' BE °* A M°ST BKB DOORS AND WINDOWS FOR BARGAINS. Aehborton Drapery Company, ABCADE HOUSE. .BANKRUPT ESTATE OF 1 G. J. NEILL AND CO., DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, MERCERS, AND BOOT DEALERS, ASHBURTON mHS Sale of this Stock commenced this morning, and will be continued ixL the whole is disposed of at PHENOMENALLY LOW FIGURES in order to effect; a speedy cleara nee. BY ORDER OF THE PURCHASERS OF ABOVE ESTATE. v zoo DRESSES; & DRESSMAKING - EXTRAORDINARY. = AFTER AN EXCEPTIONALLY SUCCESSFUL SEASON WE ARE NOW PREPARED TO TAKE VERT MUCH REDUCED PRICES lOR OUR FEW REMAINING COLORED DRESSE& A LOW PRICE quoted for D.egß Complete, Best Style and Fib. MITCHELL & TURNER. J7 r. ' '"' t' f'": s^ss^S:-^^^^=^ WATCH THIS SPACE FOB PARTICULARS OF NEW STOCK OF pOLD TJROOCHES AND J^ ABIES' J^INGS TO COME TO HAND SHORTLY. S. S A L E X, THE LEADING JEWELLEEY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT. BAST SIBEST. t



PUBLIC NOTICES. ' NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory. AUR HALF-YEARLY ST CK-TAKING TAKES PLACE THE END OF THIS MONTH. So during the Next Week or two, we shall bring forward a number of VERY SPECIAL LINES, AND AT THE PRICES THEY WILL BE MARKED, WILL EFFECT A SPEEDY CLEARANCE FOR BARGAINS, LOOK AT OUR DOORS & WINDOWS HALLENBTEIN BROS. & CO. |A. G. BAttTON, Manager] Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. WEDNESDAY—G.F.S. and Choristers' Practice, 7 30 p.m. THURSDAY — Meeting of the St. Stephen's Guild to enrol members, etc, 7.30 p.m.; Consecration Service, 8 p.m. FRIDAY —Short Service, 7.30 p.m.; Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES, JULY 18. 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer and Holy Com munion. 3 p.m.—Dromore. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. REV T. A. HAMILTON.



Don't Cough. — Relief can be obtained immediately. Use • KEATING'S COUGH LOZENGES'—weII known as the utterly uni-ivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly re commended by many eminent physicians. They at once check the cough and remove the cause without: any after' effect; the most delicate can therefore can take them. f)ae Lozenge alone gives case—one or two a bedtime ensures tp*t, Sold everywhere io



Synopsis of New advkrtiskments. N.Z. Farmers' Co-operative Association- Issuet)f shares, etc. Hewitt-—Fresh fish to-night. D. Thomas—Under biU of sale. Primitive Methodist pb«roh--Band pf Pope tg-wjoyrow j



Beat the big drum and about hurrah ! A discovery, the very best thing this side of the line, iieks •verything of the kind into a cooked hat.' No more sleepless nights; it boon to parents; an everlasting blessing. What? Why; Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for coughs and colds, of course. Sold by all grocers and chemists at Is 6d and 2s 6.1; the large 1199 w the cheaply m the



(flStf Y\Fhe Hit jjOCflSOll.,.. (§3Mm??l parilla. Atthlf jjrj^AllßeaßOn» when and de» are vith us, "*t§Bl there is t noth- ing like Ajer's I^^Pl Sarsa Pariiia to j^^f I ;Pn put new life (II^CT wß^(l ncsa'and piUl1 ' I \ ylld/rjPjjir yo* feel run ll^ffi // down? Take SjlV/Jg AVER'S I I msll V9H9i 1119 ifc-jj dai99|Kiriiift prbpared »t !*; J;ii YEII *co 'Lowen ' *»..«.«. *.



During the present wool aeuon 415,538 bales have been 'disposed of at the Sydney salea, a» against 441,437 for the sorrciwadt lag pefW vi l»#t^w. ■ ' ' ■ "