Asburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, JUNE 7, 1897. THE JUBILEE MEMORIAL.

The celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in Ashburton, as elsewhere, resolves itself into two branches—viz., a public demonstration to mark the day itself, and the establishment of some permanent memorial. As respects the first, the arrangements made are fairly satisfactory and, given a fine day, the procession and public service in the Domain will doubtless be successful and appropriate to the occasion; but as lespects the latter—the establishment of some permanent memorial—we are afraid that affairs are not moving as could be desired. The project so far decided upon is that of the addition of a convalescent ward to the Hospital buildings, but we are afraid that the amount necessary to carry out this project as it should be carried out will not be raised, for the reason that the numerous appeals recently made for charitable objects have drained so much from various sources as to render it extremely difficult to obtain addi tional donations towards a similar ! purpose. If we err in this opinion, and ' sufficient response is made to the appeal to enable the object to be carried out thoroughly and completely, then no doubt the addition to the Hospital proposal will be useful and advantag eous ; though we do not regard it as a necessity or even as an at all urgent requirement; but if the event be that the funds collected prove insufficient, then it is certainly desirable that they should be capable of being applied to some other purpose. In order to do this it would be well that subscriptions should be received subject to the dis tinct understanding that if the total sum be insufficient to provide a con valescent ward, the fund may be applied | to a memorial in such other form as I may be determined upon by the Jubilee ! Celebration Committee. For ourselves jwe are of opiiaon that if the total raised falls short of that required for the convalescent ward it should be applied to one or other of three purposes which have been suggested. These are the providing of spring mattresses and invalid chairs, etc, for the Hospital, as suggested by Mrs McKay, the erection of a pavilion in the Domain, or in making tho public clock erected at the Jubilee celebration of ten years ago more useful to tho public. This last, if decided upon, could be readily achieved by building out the clock-chamber at the Public Library in such a way that the clock should show three dials instead of only one as at present, the additional faces looking North and South respectively, and by illuminating the clock-chamber so that the dials could be read by night as well as by day. We ponfess. we lean rather to this last suggestion, and should decide altogether for it, as far as our own vote is conoerned, were it only possible to improve matters still further by the erection of a clock*tover in such a position that it oould be seen from any part cf East street". Wo have always regretted that the sugges tion we ar.&de ten years ago was not then acted upon, viz., that the Ash burton Borough Council should en deavour to acquire the clock-tower which lay for so many years in the Obriatchurch City Council yard. It is, however, now too late to do this as the tower has, we believe, been delated to the municipality of New Brighton. '*■**»« Celebration Committee at its meet ing to-mJ" roW *W'?> ™ fch*n> *! ke the whole matter :nfce with a view to determining a» f w"af

form the memorial shall take in the

event of the funds raised being in sufficient for the establishment of the convalescent ward.

THE JUBILEE HOLIDAYS.

Considerable dissatisfaction appears to exist in business circles with the proposal to devote three days in Jubilee week to holidays—Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Monday is taken exception to as being the day, just before the great demonstration. Her Majesty's lieges, both in town and country, will require to purchase many articles in view of the demonstration, and are sure to want to make tho3e ! purchases on that day, Business peo ple know this imm experience, and therefore have no desire to close on that day. Besides there is no necessity for a day's idleness on Monday, and i idleness it will certainly be on the part of the great majority of people. Then, what in the name of common sense is a holiday wanted for on Wednesday 1 1s it so that tho isolated few wiio may honor too often the toasfc of the health of Her Majesty may suffer a recovery? We fancy one day's holiday in jubilee week ought to be sufficient, or afc most two, but to ask business people to sacrifice the trade of half a week ia altogether too much, and Tuesday is quite early enough to begin making time sacrifices to loyalty.

JAPAN AND AUSTRALASIA.

The Pacific may yet become an Aus tralian lake (writes Editor Fitchett in the Review of Re viezvs), but other powers are bidding high for supremacy in its waters. And the roost formid able competitor of Australia is not Germany in New Guinea or Samoa, nor France in New Caledonia nor the Hebrides, nor even Kussia with its half frozen Vladivostock and the new harbor it has bought—or bullied—from China. It is Japan! The Times publishes a remarkable account of the Bcaje qn which J»p»R»« reconstructing

her fleet. In the late war she not only beat ihe Chinese fleet; she annexed it, increasing her own naval strength at the cost of her enemy by more than 30 per cent. The first line of battle Bhip, indeed, of the highest class which flew the Japanese flag was the captured Chen Yuen. Bub Japan proposes to expend in ten years over £30,000,000 in almost fxactly doubling her army »nd her fleet. She has just bought from English builders two first-clasa line of battle ships of over 12,000 tons each. She is going to build four more, of over 15,000 tuns each, and four first class cruisers of nearly 8000 tons each, etc. In 1906 Japan, in bri^f, will have a great fleet of 65 ships, 115 torpedo boats, and 11 torpedo catchers. A fleet of this scale places Japan high up in the list of naval powers. And to the great Australian colonies it is a fact of the greatest political significance that an Asiatic Power, whose genius runa to strongly in the direction of the sea, and whose energies and resources are so formidable, should have arisen suddenly in the Pacific. Japan has unknown ambitions, and victory has kindled them to fever heat. Bngland, so far, is on friendly terms with Japan; but in the dervish dance of modern politics the friend of to-day may become the enemy of to-morrow. And in the event of conflict with England, does any one doubt that Japan will strike swiftly, and strike hard, at Australia? That a fleet of European scale, but under the flag of an Asiatic people, should be within easy striking distance of Australia is a fact which must profoundly aftect not only the defence of these colonies, but their politics generally. It certainly I supplies a new and pressing argument j for federation. We may yet see a [ squadron of Japanese battle-ships and I armored cruisers off the shores of Australia. In any case it is certain that the amazing expansion of the naval strength of Japan must influence Australian politics to a degree not easy just now to imagine.

Local and General.

The Demonstration Committee are re minded that they meet in the County Council Chambers to-morrow evening »t 7.30.

At a meeting of the Winslow School Com* mittee held on June 5, it was decided to support Mr J. McKeague as a candidate for the Board of Education.

Platinum has been drawn into smooth wire so fine that it) could not be distinguished by the naked eye, even when stretched across a piece of white cardboard.

Dr Nanseu had a sort of triumphal pro cession through France. On arriving in Berlin he lunched with the Emperor and Empress. The explorer has published a letter of thanks for the welcome he received in the United Kingdom.

An exchange saya :—" As an index .to the gapibtlities of the higher portions of the Wang&nui River for growing grape*, we hear of a well-known settler who has had a splendid crop of Black Hamburg grapes, and his output of wine has been doubled this year. Seeing that the past season was & bad one and that the fruit ripened iate, the result must be considered very satisfactory.

Owing to the the in the pries of butter, the Crown Dairy Factory Company, at Fiihiatua, has announced to its milk sup pliers that it wishes them to participate in its profits, and has, therefore, raised the price of •' butter fat" Id per 1b over the contract price. This is at the rate of nearly l^d per gallon, the highest ever yet paid in the district.

One of the greatest troubles in connection with the manufacture of plum puddings, is the stoning of the raisins, whioh is a very dirty as well as troublesome business. Here is a hint as to how to obviate all thia :— &our bojling water on the fruit, let it stand for a minute' 6s tws, and then pour off. Then seed thf mas usual with a knife. The seeds will come out very easily and will be clean and not sticky.

The Hon. J. G. Ward having pressed on the Minister of Agriculture the need of a ponfciuuanca of rabbit-trapping as against poisoning, in CQnseflueno,e of the large pro portion to which the business had developed and the employment whiph it affords, Mr ftitphie, head pi the Stock Department, has been recalled from Auckland and instructed to proceed to Southland to make inquiries into the matter,

It is always with pleasure we receive our monthly contemporary the Triad. The June number is one of the be6t this unique publication has issued. It contains some sclendid illustrations, and has an art supple ment—a reproduction of the much talked of picture, " The' Doctor." The reading matter is of a most interesting and varied nature, interesting not only to music 4 people, but co che intelligent reader gener ally, as under the headings "Art and Literature " and " Science " readers of the I'riqd may keep themselves well informed on many subjects not treated of iv other colonial publications. Several prise competitions ape announced (particulars of which appear jo anther golumn} as also the result of 1 «Uiidf§o?9 «?»]? pcr^petjfion Just closed. A visitor to ? 0«a*b»kft tells the Duqgdjn Evening Star that the £*** «WW W bad a good season. In a few cases the y££ of oats has been as high as forty bushels per j aore, and several settlers have threshed over 1,000 bags each besides keeping a good many tons of sheaves a« winter feed for horses. Turnips on the first furrow were not very good, but they were much better on the second furrow, and in some cases small areas have been manured with highly satisfactory results, About 1,100 acres nave been taken up in this settlement within the past twelve months, and of the 2,000 acres yet unapplied for a large proportion will probably be occupied shortly. Some intending applicants are waiting until July, so as to save the half-year's rental.

The most impressive and powerful sermon delivered by Rev, D. O'Donnell during his mission here was that of last night, when he spoke from the topic " Beyond God's reach," based upon the text—"" There ia a sin unto death." There was barely standing room, the Church being packed to nearly an un comfortable point, and at the after meeing more than an average congregation stayed; while nearly a score of persons made the momentous choice so forcibly urged upon them by the missioner. Yesterday afternoon the Oddfellows' Hall was filled by an audience mostly composed of Sunday School teachers and scholars, but there were also many adults who listened with interest to Mr O'Donnell's simple addres3 on the Good .Shepherd. The mission will be continued to-night at the Baring Square Church, and a Bible reading will ba given to-morrow afternoon at the same phce. On Wednes day night Rev O'Donnell will deliver his lecture on "Things to come," specially dealing wjth unfulfilled prophecy. An announcement concerning this appears in our advertising columns.

The Alameda, with the English mails of May 15th, left San Francisco on the 27 th, due date. The Maripoea, with the colonial mails of the 15th, arrived on June 3rd, due date.

A special meeting of the Cherteey Domain Board was held in the Library room on' Friday evening. In the absence of the Chairman, Mr George Scarlett waa voted to the chair. There were also present—Messrs J. Strinttfellow, P. Murphy, J. Copland and the Secretary. It was agreed to accept Mr Murphy's offer with regard to fencing and renting the sections lately vested in the Board. Some discussion took place with regard to leasing the Domain. Eventually the matter was left in the hands of the Chairman and Secretary to arrange with Mr Downie. Tne Chairman's action in allowing the trees to be trimmed was approved. The Secretary was instructed to draw up a petitian to the authorities with regard to getting gorse cleared. The co-operation of the Cemetery Board, and Library Commi tee, was invited in the matter. At a subsequent meeting of the Cemetery Board, the Secre tary was instructed to make an application to the Upper Ashburton Road Board for a grant of £5 towards maintaining the Ceme tery grounds in a respectable manner.

The Hampstead School Hobby Show is estimated to net about £50. To have suoh a handsome amount in hand must be a great satisfaction to the teachers and School : Committee, and they must feel somewhat repaid for the hard work they have had in connection with the matter. The parents and friends of the children deserve every credit for the liberal patronage they have extended towards the Show. The Show was largely attended on Saturday evening, the last night of its duration, and the visitors were highly pleased with the exhibition of pio tares, ourios, and pets. An excellent entertainment of songs, recitations, and exercise* was given by the children, their skilful handling of the clubs being quite a revelation to many. The concert was'concluded by the burning of colored fire on the stage during the club exercises, the result being extremely picturesque. Mr Brock then thanked the audience for their attendance, saying that the large number of people who had attended the concerts showed that they were appreciated. The school would not be opened until Wednesday morning. Lovers of the legitimate comedy and dram*, will have an opportunity this even ing of witnessing at the Oddfellows' Hall, one of the most prominent Australian dramatic organisations. Colonel Ogden and his Lyceum Comedy Company of ten artistes, come to us with very high credentials, and the manner in which the Press have spoken of them in the three cities in which thay have appeared—Wellington, Danedin, and Christchni ch~leads us to expect a high class treat this evening. The sparkling three act comedy " Dot and her Dot tie " is described as one of the primest of modern productions, and ranks with those well known plays— " Confusion," " Mania," and " The Private Secretary." Miss Nell Oakdene, the star of the company, is spoken of as an accomp lished artiste, whilst a glance at our advertising columns will convince the public of the excellence of the support. Tho box plan is open at Jones', stationer, where seats may be reserved, and we anticipate two bumper houses for the company. Perhaps one of the greatest attractions of the enter tainment is the skating of Mr Norria, whose performance as an interlude is always admired.

The weather prophets predict that the long fine dry spell which we have had will be followed by a very wet and severe winter. The one thing needful for protection against the elements of such a winter is a really good reliable waterproof coat or cloak. We i are assured that Messrs Craighead and | Berryman have become famous for their 1 well known brand of winter clothing, which : has hitherto given such satisfaction, and in j anticipation of a still larger sale for these goods, this season they are now showing probably the largest stock of waterproof Weed, serge, and melton overcoats ever each Hitsd in Ashhurton. They are also supplying ladies' and gentlemen's water proof cloaks and co*ts to measure at ready made | prices. 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."—Advt.

MAYFIELD.

From Our Own Correspondent

OBITUARY. I am sorry to have to report the death of Mr Michael Sewell, who has for the last few years resided with his son, Mr Samuel Sewell, blacksmith, of Ruapuna, and late of longheads. Mr Sewell had four sons and one daughter, all married and settled down, and highly respected. A short time ago he went out to ca/ch his pony and when in the paddock received a stroke of paralysis. Being missed by his son, the latter went out to look for his father and found him lying in the paddock helpless and unconscious, in whioh state he remained for a day or two. When he recovered consciousness he com plained of a pain in one of his legs, the knee of which swelled very much and afterwards broke out into a running sore which con tinned till his death at three o'clock yester day afternoon. The remains will be interred in the Mayfjeld cemetery to-morrow at two o'clock. Thit will he the first burial in that cemetery. THE WEATHEB. The weather still keeps very dry, except for a few nor-west showers, but these are too light to do the ground any good for ploughing. Many teams are now standing still, waiting for rain, the ground being too harfj to plough, which will cause many of the crops to be late this season. Poultry-breeders will have to look out now as the weasels are said to be coming close. A boy named W. Martin caught une at Mr Murison's farm the other day. If these yejfiDJa gome about the hen-coops they will do a lot of damage fn a yppy short time. Jane 4.

CORRESPONDENCE.

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

RECORD REGIN PROCEEDINGS.

TO THE EDITOR Sir, —I remember when, ten years ago, Ashburton went mad on the Jubilee, and everything and everybody was expected to take » prominent part in the performance, somebody conceived the idea that Her Gracious Majesty would be much pleased if all the school children, instead of having a holiday to do ac they liked beet, were made to walk in procession, and a'l the State school teachers should al>o be made to attend officially to tramp alongside of them to keep them iv order. There are young people in this town who remember with disgust their tramp, tramp, tramp, through mud and damp ; and there are teachers who might be tempted to anticipate an attack of influenza if the same programme has to be gone through thi« time, rather than wait for the inevitable effects should the weather be wet. This being so, I sincerely trust that the little ones, and their teachers, may be permitted to enjoy the coining pageant in peace, and not be asked to devote them selves to work ten times more hying than the ordinary school work. Of course the teachers could not be compelled to walk in procession, but few would like to refuse, and they should not be asked to do so.—l am, etc., Old Boy. TO TUB KDITOa. Sib,—la view of the proposal that the sohool children should march in procession from the bridge to the Domain on June 22, it may be worth while to call to mind the proceedings at the Jubilee of 1887- On that occasion the children were marshalled in the neighborhood of the Library, to maroh to the Show grounds. The centre of the road was very muddy, and soon after passing the Post Office the children began to leave their ranks, and they entered the show grounds as a disorderly mob. Rakaia and Willowby were the only schools as far as I remember that came on to the ground in any kind of order. The display was anything but a creditable one, and I trust we shall not witness a similar exhibition on June 22. On the shortest day we may certainly be lucky enough to have a fine day, but even if fine the ground may be covered with mud or possibly with a few inches of snow. Again, many of the teacher* taking advantage of bhe cheap fares will be absent on Jubilee day at Christ-church and other places. I doubt if it is wise to arrange for a procession of sohool children in the middle of winter ; but if it is necessary for the child) en and their teachers to show iheir loyalty to the Queen by marching through the mud, I trust the promoters will efficiently organise the affair, and take paina personalty to render it a success.—l am, etc., A Country Teacheb. ______ TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —I confess that all this fuss about the Record Reign is more than I can under stand, and before 1 put on my Sunday c'otbes to join the loyal crowd on the fateful 22nd, I venture to ask the Ministers of the Gospel, who seem to be bossing the show, a few questions. If they answer them satis factorily, then I and mine will turn out in force, and help to swell the ranks of the patriotic Ashburtonites who are burning to distinguish themselves.

1. Has Her Gracious Majesty suffered in health, comfort, or purae in holding the position of Monaroh of the Empire over which the sun never sets for a longer period than any other British sovereign 1

2. Has she at any time risked anything personally, or permitted her sons to risk their lives alongside of her soldiers on those occasions when they have died in defence of British interests ?

3. Why does she permit her subjeclß to spend vast sums in nitre displays which the future historian will class amongst the barbaric triumphs of the Roman conquerors —at a time when millions of her subjects in all parts of the world are crying for food for themselves and their children ?

Finally, would it not be a better and nobler tribute to offer to a Queen and a worn in to take it for granted that she would prefer to tee us commemorating her record reign by a grand effort of benevolence towards the poor and the suffering amongst her subjects in this part of the world, than by empty pageantry, which may make us the laughing stock of posterity ?

Hoping the promoters of the demonstration will not attribute disloyalty to me, because I do not wish to exhibit my respect for our Sovereign exac;ly as they do theirs.— I am, etc., Zoroaster.

SALVATION ARMY OBSTRUCTION.

TO THE EPITQR. Sic, — Your correspondent " Justice " makes mote than one mistake in replying to 11 Move on." In the f|rst place the letter was not intended so much to stick up for the Army as it was to give a hint to the loiterers at the chief corners on Burnett street, hoping that some of them would take it and move on without pojice assistance. Where in Christchurch would you find such numbers at street corners ? Secondly, "Move-on" is not a member of the Salva tion Army, and has no intention of becoming one, although the Army does do good to its fellow creatures all the world over. Last, but not least, "Move-on" is not a "he" at all, but only a poor little country house wife, who comes to Ashburton sometimes of a Tuesday or Saturday, and has hard work to get her business done and catch the train, being greatly hindered by having to dodge through the people who stand idly at the aforementioned corners, and so have no time to see or hear of all the accidents of which " Justice " speaks. Perhaps '? Justice is one of the people who spend so much time at the said corners.—l am, etc., lt Move-on,"

A NEW BENEVOLENCE SCHEME.

TO THE EDITOB.

Sib, —The statement has been made, with every appearance of being correct, that the Government of New intend to go into the poultry business, not merely as breeders or instructors, but as importers and rivals of the local breeders who have for many years past been striving to improve the various breeds likely to jjod favor with the public. Surely, sir, this is an unjustifi able interference with private enterprise ! It is even asserted that the Agent-General has already gone into the Home markets, not to facilitate the business of those who have, in the face of considerable difficulty, and at great expense, been bringing fresh strains into this colony, but to compete with them in the chief breeding centres of the

world with the purse of the taxpayer of New Zealand. May I enquire what the large sheep breeders would say if Mr Reeves were to begin buying sheep largely in Europe aod England with the object) of creating a new department to manage a Government sheep breeding establishment? Even if ie were intended to go to all this expense in order to sell to farmers under the prices at which new stock is obtainable by the private importer—the spheme would be unjust, un sound, and altogether idiotic. What is to become of all the stock bred from costly im- I portations already in the hands of private breeders ? How can Mr Rogers, Mr Banks, Mr Aitken, Mi- Walker and others get fair prices for the valuable birds they have taken such pains to accumulate, doubtless expect* ing to reap the reward of their enterprise, when the poultry trade with Europe should have become established by the natural laws of supply and demand ? Bad the Govern ment —in their endeavour to show the world

'hat a friend of a Minister must necessarily know more about breeding poultry than those who have spent yeara at the business

—evinced an inclination to give local breeders an opportunity of clearing out without loss, the case would not seem so bad. But so ft»i as I can see, the only object of this precious soheme would appear to be to find an open ing for increasing ministerial patronage. In this connection it would be interesting to know how long the gentleman who is said to be entrusted with the management of the Government poultry business has been known as an expert; Jf report speak trulj he has only taken up the subject; recently— just to accommodate the Government in fact—this being the only new line of busi ness Ministers could see their way to take ap IB tbt prsieot juncture. J a (at opinion

of most people this dock and hen scheme ia only another way of making ducks and drakes, of the public money. Surely the taxpayers are not such geese as to submit to be plucked in such a fashion.—l am, etc.,

Old Roostee.

Disastrous Fire in Wllington.

Damage: £30,000.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Wellington, June 6

The fire brigade had quite a lively time on Saturday night. About 7.30 an alarm was given for a small fire in a tailoring establish ment on Lambton Quay, a>d the reels had scarcely been housed when another alarm was given which was false, but a few minutes later the peals were again rung, and this time it was found that a fire had broken out in one of the largest establishments in Wellington, that of Messrs P. Bfayman and Co,, dealers in fancy goods and crockery, besides numerous other articles embracing almost everything required in the trade. The building, which was about the first built on Te Aro reclamation, was four storeys, constructed of brick, and faced Victoria street, running back a considerable distance to war is Willis street. Until 5 o'clock the employees had been engaged in stock-taking; when they left, everything was apparently safe. Later in the evening Mr Fellow was at work in the office on the ground floor until about 8 o'clock, and when he closed the premises there was nothing which denoted to him that any fire was smouldering in the building. However, it was not long after that smoke was seen issuing from the top fiats, and the brigade being summoned an entrance was made from the first floor, and then the smoke was so dense that the officers of the brigade had to crawl on hands and knees along the floor, but eventually had to retire without being able to locate the seat of the fire, which evidently was not on that floor. At this time there was no flame to indicate where the fire was raging, but the denseneis of the smoke was overpowering and prevented any member of the brigade remaining on the flat for more than a minute or two. Subsequently flames broke out, and from this it is believed that the origin was in crates of crockery on the third flit in the rear of the building, whieb was only approached by a narrow Sane off another lane, and the windows of which were protected by heavy iron doors all safely secured from the inside. This considerably hampered the work of the brigade, as they could only work from the front and water appeared to have but little effect. It was not long before the flames had licked through the roof and extending high in the air lit up the whole city. Thousands of people were at all points of i vantage, but the work of the brigade was in no way interfered with. The brigade fought all they knew but as the building was one with no brick partitions and they could practically only reach it from the front their | efforts were of very little avail, and the fire, there not being a breath of wind, burned itself out, nothing but the four walls stand ing and these look none too safe. The back wall is bulged out and members of the brigade are on sentry to prevent any one approaching id as they fear it may come down any minute. Cracks are apparent in the other walls, and if a high wind should come it is not at all unlikely that they will fall. The boarders in the Empire Hotel which adjoins, shifted from their rooms last night, none caring to take the risk of the walla not coming down,

Mr Lachmann, manager of the firm, was early on the scene, and secured valuable documents from the strong room, but the downstair portion of the premises, chiefly confined to the offices, does not appear to have been touched by the fire, and the strong room is safe. Nothing whatever of the stock was saved, The fire was the most disastrous here for years. Messrs Hayman and Co had a stock valued, at abeut Jt'3O,oOo, and with the loss on the building estimate the'r loss at £10,000 above the insurances which are as follows :—Building —£8000 in the Commercial Union, £1000 in the Victoria, £50.0 in the Royal, £600 in the Standard, .£SOO in the National ; fittings— £1000 in the Commercial Union ; stock— £2000 in the Commercial Union, £2000 in the Victoria, £6000 in the Royal, £1000 in the Standard, £1000 in the London and Liverpool and Globe, £1300 in the National, £2500 iv the Alliance, £4009 in the British, £1000 in the Guardian, £1000 in the North British ; total ±27,500 The Empire Hotel building, stock and furniture, which suffered but little, were insured for £4750 in the New Zealand, Commercial Union, North G rman, London and Liverpool and Globe offices.

Wellington, June 7

About £5000 worth of jewellery was found in the safe in the. strong room but slightly damaged by water.

The brigade acted as salvage men yester day, and - brought out of the ruins a few iron bedsteads, but these Beern all that was worth recovering. ' Notwithstanding that thousands of tons of water were poured into the place the walls are burned completely bare. The police are stationed in front of the building to keep the people off, as the wall is expected to come down any moment, Water is still playing on the ruins. The insurance on Newman Brothers premises destroyed by the fire are—building £300, stock £1200 in the Northern office, which has £912 reinsured with the South British, £400 in the London and Lancashire, £200 in the North British, £200 in the London and Liverpool.

At the meeting of the local Underwriters' Association Committees representing the insurance companies interested were appointed to adjust matters in connection with the stock and building of Hay man and Co. Nothing has been decided an to whether an enquiry will be held.

ST. STEPHENS CHURCH.

Yesterday, being Whit-Sunday, the services at St. Stephen's Church were of a special character, commencing with Holy ! Communion at 8.30 a.m. The 1J o'clock service was well attended, and amongst the special items Jackson's Te Deum and Jubilate Deo were rendered very effectively by the choir, as were also the special hymns and psalm. The Rev. T. A. Hamilton oon ' ducted the service. At the evening service there was a large congregation, and the singing .was of a very hearty nature, the organ being supplemented by an efficient orchestra. The accompaniments were very effective. The Vicar was assisted at this service by Mr W. Q. Alington. The offer tories during the day were in aid of the Melanesian Mission, special appeals being made for assistance both morning and evening.

SUPREME COURT.

Press Associafcion.~*By Electric Telegraph

Auckland, June 7. In the Supreme Court, John Douglas, land agent, pleaded guilty to several charges of theft of £1700 and one charge of forgery, and was sentenced to fjve years' imprison ment.

Wellington, June 7 The criminal sessions of the Supreme Court opened this morning before Judge Edwards. The charge to the Grand Jury occupied only a few; minutes. His Honor said that though there were many cases on the calendar, none were of a serious charac ter, and it was gratifying that with one exception cases of violence against the person were absent. He briefly referred to the charge against a Chinaman for breach of the Bankruptcy Act in not keeping books, and pointed out that if Celestials e'ected to go into business they must conform to the Act, ■ : ■

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph— Copyright.

The Military Tournament London, June 4 At the military t juraaoient the New Sooth Wales Mounted Rifles defeated the New South Wales Lancers at wrestling on horseback. London Bank of Australia BUI. The London Bank of Australia Biil has received the Royal assent. Mr Labouchere Assaulted In December last G. Brook, an ex- Congreg*tionalist minister, brought an action against the London Truth, Mr Labouchere's paper, claiming damages in respect to an article accusing him of imposture by means of begging letters. The trial resulted in a verdict for the defendant newspaper. Yesterday Brook's son met Mr Laboushere in the street and assaulted him. Newfoundland Fisheries Question. Sir W. V. Whiteway, the Premier of Newfoundland, is negotiating with Lord Salisbury for a settlement of the French shore question in Newfound land. By the Treaty of Paris French fishermen were granted certain right! on the coast of Newfoundland, and they now claim the exclusive right to fish along the coast from Gape John to Cape Bay. Frequent trouble* hare arisen from these claims. The (kban Revolt. Madrid, June 4 The Queen Keg«nt of Spain das summoned Marshal Oampos, a former commander of the Spanish troops in Ouba, to a consultation on the subject of the revolution in that island. The Spanish Ministry. It is expected that Senor Sagasta, who wag Premier before Senor Canovas's Cabinet came into office, will be asked to form a new Ministry, The Tausch and Lutzow Trial. Berlin, June 4. The trial of Tausch and Lutsow is concluded. Tausch was acquitted; Lutzow was sentenced to two months' imprisonment. Ippalling Mortality. Capetown, Jane 4. Reports are to hand of appalling mortality amongst the natives of the Northen Transvaal, arising from pol lution through eating cattle infected with the rinderpest.

MR SEDDON IN LONDON.

Interview with Mr Chamberlain.

An Informal Colonial Conference,

Pren Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

Londos, Jane 4 In the course of a Press interview Mr Seddon said he foresaw the estab lishment of an Imperial Council, at which colonial delegates would be heard on all matters affecting colonial interests. In the course of an interview with Mr Chamberlain, Mr Seddon learned that an informal conference between the Colonial Premiers and the autho rities of the Colonial Office will begin after the Jubilee celebrations. The subjects discussed will be closer trad* relations between Great Britain and the colonies, proposals in reference to the investment of trust funds, increase of the Australian auxiliary squadron, and improving colonial land defences, legislation in reference to the exclusion of aliens from the colonies, and ques tions bearing upon the administration of affairs in the Pacific, chiefly in Samoa. Mr Chamberlain thanked the colonies for their splendid response to his invitation to participate in the Jubilee celebrations. He was delighted with the great change in British feeling in regard to the colonies It was not a question of sentiment but of convic tion. He referred to the increasing value of the trade between Great Britain and the colonies. Received Wakapnaka June 7, 8 a.m., Gijakpun office 9 a.m.

Londok, June 5 Sir Westby Perceval presided at a banquet given in honor of Mr Seddon, In the courie of a speech Mr Seddon said the colonists never thought of separating from the mother country, lie praised the patriotism of Captain Bussell, the leader of the New Zealand Opposition for suspending hostilities daring the Premier's absence from the ooiony. He defended the New Zealand Government in connection with the Midland Railway, and said Government were eager to encourage the investment of British capital for the development of the mines of the colony, but would strenuously oppose the schemes of market jobbers, He urged the necessity for a more rapid steam service between New Zealand and Australia, and Australia and England. (Received Wakapuaka June 7, 9,41 a.m. Guardian office 10.20 aim.)

London, June 6

Mr Seddon visited the House of Oominons, and met Mr Balfoor, »nd the leadiog members of both aides qf the House, In the coqrse of a $res£ interyiewj l|lr Seddon sajd he did not expect the Imperial Government to renounce the British commercial treaties with Germany and Belgium, but thought they would leave it optional for the colonies to accept any future treaties entered into. Ha expressed a belief that the colonies would insist upon better warships being on the Australian station, and more being placed in commission in times of peace. They wouid also adhere to the restriction that the vessels of the Australian auxiliary squadron should not be taken outside Australian waters. . ' Received Wakapuaka % 10 *.&,., ■' ' " .CtasDttif Osoi 11 Wm. ' 1' London, June 6. In the course of a press interview Mr Seddon said he was prepared to give a pledge that New Zealand would increase her naval subsidy, and would contribute to improvement of the land

defences.

THB' ABHBOBTOH GtAKDIAfI : MONDAY, JUNE 7, 189?,



__- -• ■ Business Notices, T¥7 E ARE NOW OFFERING THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL LINES, BOUGHT AT A BIG DISCOUNT, BEING A WAREHOUSEMAN'S CLEARING LINKS. &. Large Line of ERISS GOODS, including Tweeds, Meltons, and Serges to be cleared at 6s lid, Dress length or a Costume made complete for 20a. 5 pieces Striped Flannelette Skirting to be cleared at Is 3d, skirt length. 6 boxei Velvetoena in Brown-grenat, Myrtle, and Navy, to be cleared at Is 4£d per yard. A large line Ladies* Holland and Fancy Aprons, all at Is each. Children's Muslin Pinafores at Is each. A line Ladies' Black Straw Bats at 6d each. t- ASHBURTON DRAPERY COY.



JOHN TAYLOR {LATE MANAGER FOR MESSRS REID AND GRAY) T-*FOR TO ANNOUNCE TO THE FARMERS OF ASHBURTON COUNTY, Jt> that he ha. opened Premises in West Street, Ashburton, adjoining Messrs P. ±fn s Li Ooachbuilders, where he intends carrying on business aa AGENT FOR TTTF SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, made by the undermentioned firma Bavins* acquired a large experience from his earliest days in the manufacture of Agricultural Implements in some of the leading shops at Home as well as in the Colony he is in a position to know the most approved implements of the day both for the cultivation of the Boil and for handling its produce. Tn m-der to nrovide this supply he has obtained the appointment of AGENT FOR MESSRS BOOTH MACDONALD AND COMPANY, CARLYLE WORKS, PRRTSTOHUROH whose Ploughß, Disc Harrows, Cultivators, Windmills, Rollers, WwlPre«e«, Straw Baling Presses, etc., etc., are now well-known throughout the Australian Coloniei for their superiority in every respect. He intends keeping a good ■apply of the above machinery and implements, as well as extras, so aa to be able to supply with promptness the needs of his customers. H« haa ako been appointed AGENT FOR MESSRS ANDREWS AND BEAVEN, r^TFRBORY MACHINE WORKS, CriRISTCHURCH, whose Chaff-cutting Machinery and Duplex Baggers, Corn Crushers, Seed Cleaners, are now so well-known tw no former would ever think of buying an imported machine where one of theirs Sdbego? Spies of these machines he will also be well supplied with, as well aa extras for all wearing parts.



W« han aho been appointed AGENT FOX MR A, H. ANDERSON'S AVELING AND PORTER'S TRACTION ENGINES AND MACHINERY, and is authorised to giveT quotations, and to do basineaa on hi. behalf for the sale and repairing of Engines, etc., etc. The advertiser traate that by constant attention to business, and to the wants of the public, and with reasonable charges, he will merit a share of public patronage. WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 6 28 , „ ■ EX S.S. MATATUA. TXrE HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN ANNOUNCING THE W ARRIVAL OF OUR MIDWINTER SHIPMENTS, Six Cases being just to hand from the above steamer. THE SHIPMENT COMPRISES— ONE CASE Lidias' Black Cashmere HOSE, very heavy makes, NE CASE Is 4d, Is 6d, la lOd ONE CASE Ladies' Black and Tan KID GLOVES, bought at a «f nASE lar^e discount. Children's Tans—4 Button, Tans, 2s TWO OASES IRISH LINEN GOODS, straight from the^Lisbnm WO OASES Mills. Some beautiful embroidered PILLOW WU UA»a» SHAMS N>D . BAGS, HANDKERCHIEFS, &c Among these goods now on view iv our windows r\NB OA.SK FLANELLKTTESand'MOLLETOSS. Special lines VJrNE CASE in white and crerae /"\NE CASE Ladies' and Children's BOOTS and SHOES, specially V/NE CASE made for us by our Leicester Manufacturer mHREE OASES Passage LINOLEUMS to open shortly. New designs j JL »H widths. MITCHELL & TURNER.



T?OR FIRST-CLASS BICYCLES At lowest prices ; •pOR THE BEST & CHEAPEST TYRES IN CANTERBURY; T?OR GUARANTEED REPAIRS At lowest charges, GO TO THE ECLIPSE CYCLE WORKS, BARING SQUARE, Auhburton. BIDE Tfli" ECLIPSE HUMBBE. (The Best Wearing and Lightest Running Machine in Australasia. Per Cent) longer Guarantee than other makes. A. CARBON, "~~G. H. CARSON, Business* maaager. Works manager. SOLE AGENTS in Aahburton for the Royal Enfield—the English Championship ftcbiae. ASHBURTON POULTRY, PIGEON, AND CANARY SOCIETY. mHK ANNUAL EXHIBITION J_ WILL BE HELD IN THE QDDFBLLOWS' HALL ON FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JULY 2 & 3, 18W. By permbaion of the Colonial Secretary, A GRAND ART UNION Will be held in connection with the Show. Tickets la each, with admittance to Show. To be obtained of the Secretary. EDWARD STEPHENS, Hon. Sec. Art Union, t«. % A, BOBOTTOM, § 118 *§»»• fe Poultry Society,



NEW ZEALAND /CLOTHING "OACTOKY WATERPROOFS FOE LADIES. WATERPROOFS FOR GENTLEMEN. i WATERPROOFS FOR BOYS. ! BEFORE BUYING EXAMINE OUR STOCK. OUR NEW PATTERNS FOR THIS SEASON are to hand in Black and Blue Serges. Black and Biue Parraruatta. Dark, Medium, and Light Tweed Effects. Drab and Blue Box Cloth. Splendid Range of Single Textures for LADIES' WATERPROOF CLOAKS. As we are the Largest Waterproof Gar ment Manufacturers in the colony, we feel quite confident in Baying that our Garments tand unequalled, both in quality, finish and price. Thoroughly waterproof and all swn seams. NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR | WATERPROOFS MADE TO MEASURE. WATERPROOF, LEGGINGS, CYCLING I CAPES, BAGS, & CAPS. YARMOUTH OILSKIN COATS, LEGGINGS, SOU-WESTERS, &o. HALLENSTEIN BROS. & CO. A. G. BARTON, Manager.' WANTED Known, Fletcheb Bros' show of Groqkery^ £to., st able for presenta before going elsewhere. It will pay yoa.-FiaiOHaß BBOS,, Osh Bp7 Stores,



Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburtoa. TUFSDAY -Ministering Children's League iv thu Schoolroom, 7.15 p m. WEDNESDAY—GirIa 1 Friendly Society. Scripture Lesson and Gleaners' Union Meeting, at 7.30 p.m. Choristers' Practice 7.30. THURSDAY Brotherhood of St. Andrew, m the Schoolroom, at 7 30. Fi IDAY—short service 7 30. Choir Prac tice 8 p.m. TRINITY SUNDAY SERVICES. 11 a m —Morning Prayer and Holy Com munion. 6 30 p.m.—-Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



Holloway's Pills and Ointment we remedies which should invariably be taken by travellers ia search of health, pleasure, or business. Many deleterious influence* are constantly at work in foreign climes, tend ing to deteriorate the health ; these and the altered conditions of life will entail on those who travel the necessity of carefully attend ing to early symptoms of disease, and they will find the use of these remedies to ba highly necessary, |bhe aotion of the Pills being purifying and strengthening and of great service in oases of fever, ague, and all infl immatory diseases,' whilst the Ointment is a sovereign oure iq cases of piles, bad legs, bad breasts, wounds ana ulcers. Hollo way'a remedial do not deteriorate by change of climate. The true leaf of the Tet plant, uotampered witi and pure j this is KoziK Tsa, try it,— John Grr * Cp., »g«nfo.



Ayerfs Cherry Pectoral Fop Colds, Coughs, Bronchitis, Sore Throat, Influenza, and Incipient Consumption, no remedy approaches Ayer'a Cherry Pectoral. It has long been the most popular and succeisf ul anodyne expectorant in Pharmacy, and is everywhere approved and recommended by the Faculty. It soothes the inflamed membrane, breaks up irritating mucus, allays coughing, and induces repose. As a family emergency medicine, Aytr'* Chtrry Pactoral takes the lead. For the relief and cure of croup, whoop ing-cough, aore throat, and all the pulmonary troubles to which the young are ao liable, it is inyaluable.. No household is quite secure without Ayer'g Cherry Pectoral, *BBPAKBD BY Pp. jr. O.Ayer & Qo., «^-Jsß22S'' "^A^l?'* v. 8. a. m Miitls at "wWoridt Cj,,,, ijqpMmau. gift's SSfBHgI "*to "*«M»



Major C. T. Picton is manager of the State Hotel, at Denison, Texas, which the travelling men say is one of the best hotels in that section. la speaking of Ohamber laia's Colic, Cholera, and Diarrhoea Remedy Major Picton says : " I have used it myself and in my family for several years, and take pleasure in saying that I consider it an infallible cure for diarrhoea aad dysentery. I always recommend it, and have frequently administered it to my guests in the hotel, and iv every case it has proven itself worthy of unqualified endorsement For sale by Ashburfcon Drug Company. Many Ladies complain that the Tea they have been using has neither strength nor flavor. If they try Kozib Tba they will be »tit4ed. Try tbj No 4it 8/4, 'tit lupub



The New Woman, the new fashion, (he latest craze, have some particular virtae to commend them io it is with fine new cpngh mixture, Wood's Great Peppermint Cu*e*S instantaneous relief for "man, woman, or child it the feature of this unfailing remedy. Ail Grooeri and Chemist* keep it, the rail* i«fWW M bl.,l&aam ; J:, ; .:fl[,