Mail Notice.

Mails for Australia, Tasmania, Ceylon, India, China, Japm, und Straits Settle ments, also Continent of Europe and United Kingdom, specially addressed, close afc Lytteitou, via Fareora, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, 19ih inst. Due in London on August 4.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Bowd.—The Phoenix murder 3 were com mitted on May 6, 1882.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 1897.

The nature of Knglish rule in Ireland in the old days stands revealed in the volume just issued THE OLD DAYS by the Historical IX litMAXD. Manuscripts Com mission. This vol ume ia devoted to the acts of the Irish Privy Council from 1556 to 1571, a document that, after remaining un known to historical students for two centuries, was bought in ] 850 by the late Mr Charles Haliday, and has since his death been presented to the Royal Irish Academy. >^ir John T Gilbert points out in his introduction some of the notable features oi this important State paper. There are projects for a University at Dublin and for a free school at Gahvay, troubles with Irish chiefs, and compacts in which some of

them promise to be faithful subjects of

the Crown. These documents are in Latin., and there ia evidence to bhow that the Irish leaders, whilst familiar with Latin, were una.cquain'ed with

English. It is said that the Bishop of Clonfert, who was uncle to th« Earl &f Clanrioarde, us well as the Earl's brothers and other .yonticinen of high position, could neither speak nor under stand t&ii English language;. Atypical document here printed is that in which Con O'Brien renounces his family name and promises to be known only as Earl \ of Thoriiond, The savage character of the age is illustrated in the measures

'.gainst rebel. The "penalty of hanging was incurred by persons travelling by night unless they were accompanied by sotuo honest men in English npparol." The Lords of the ! Oouticil ofr«ri.*d a thousand pounds for the body of Shane O'NkiU, a thousand marks for hin liead, and Ove hundred pounds to anyone who, by direct or indirect means killed him, though the assassin v brought neither (he head nor the body.*' O;JVeill v/ns slain by his bitter enemies the Macdonnels, but the reward was duly paid to the Governor of Qarriekfergus^ » bj whose 4evii;jE>t^ ?

tragedy waa practised." A still earlier proclamation offend a hundred pounds for the head of Donagh O'Uonnor. The Archb s-hop of Dublin and the Bishop of Heath "did forbear to assent to this," lest they should incur the " danger of irregularity" in being con cerned in what " touched the life of man," but no such scruple waa felt about placing; a price on the head of the Karl of Tyrone Perhaps the i.-ccleaiastics were judiciously absent from the meeting of the Council, when the murderous proclamation was adopted.

Local and General.

A Continental doctor reports that he has successfully sewn together wounds of a heart, which is regarded as a surgical triumph.

Of the 30,194 patents applied for in 12 months, 5000 had reference t<> t-'.o cycle industry. Women applied for 691 patents, 153 of these having reference to dreee.

Tuesday 22ad will beaclo^epostal holiday. There will be no delivery of letters. On Monday 21at and Wednesday 23rd one complete delivery by letter carriers will be made, commencing each day at 3 a.m.

Mr W. J. Silcook has ou view at his Bhop a prime steer, only 2Jt years old, and scaling 10£ cwt, grazed at Lagmhor 5 also a vealer, four months old, which was purchased from Mr George Grice, of Willowby. Aa far as quality goes, these would be hard to beat, and reflect great credit on the growers.

A gentleman who felll down in a n't in a London street was protected until he came to by his Newfoundland dog, who kept the crowd at a distance. The dog took possession of his master's hand-bag, which contained money and valuable papers. It wan after wards explained that the deg on one occasion rescued his master from drowning,

An experiment in the cold storage of fruit has been made at Deptford by the Techuical Committee of the Kent County Council. The winter apples, after being stored one hundred days, were as hard aud of as good fltvour as when put in The summer appleß were not so good. This summer experiment will be made with the aofc fruits as they come in teason. A Bill has passed the Provincial Legis lature to prevent Britiah Columbia being overrun by Chinese and Japanese. The measure forbids the employment, of Mon golian emigrants on mines, railroads or other undertakings The people are raid to be extremely anxious to maintain it as Britiah land, and fear lest its Anglo-Saxon origin should be lost sight of in the near future by the influx of Chinese and Japanese.

A good hockey practice match was played in the Domain yesterday afternoon by aides chosen by Mr L. F. Andrewes and Mr W. Potter—the latter's Bide winning by four goals to two. During the spell a meeting of the Club was held, Dr Leahy presiding, when Mr W, Mallor was elected captain, Mr F. Potter, sub-captain, and Mr t F. Clark official referee. A selection committee consisting of the captain, sub-captain and referee was also elected.

A deputation, including Major Steward and Mr J. Hutcheson, M,H.R.'s, waited upon the Minister of Defence, on Wednes day, asking for leave for Pauling to accom pany the J\ew Zealand representative team .0 Australia, ihe Minister, while admitt ing Pauling's qualification, said that he could not establish a precedent by allowing mem bers of the Defence Force to travel outside the colony on sporting pursuits. He there fore, decline! tc accede to the request. Pauling has sent his resignation to the i Dr.fence Department, and it is likely that he I will endeavour to enter the New South , Wales Permanent Force. A meeting of the Ashburton Forks School C -inmittee was held on Wednesday evening, June 9, iv the schoolroom. Present—Messrs <}. Good (chairman), C Rippingale, G. S ockdill, and S. Ryan. The Chairman re ported all accounts paid up to date. Mrs Stoke&" tend&r for school cleaning was accepted. The Inspector's report was reai', am] found very satisfactory. .Great .credit 13 Unit t& ijp mistress for the way in whi^h she S* working lfre children up, and the satisfaction B.'.'* is &Yinß *0 ty j[W«Jt.. The Board of Education ':.'" aiti forward jog, names of persons nominated to v.. vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr Sawic. It was decided to vote for Mr Silcock. It was decided to sloes the Bchool on June 22 iv connection wi h the diamond Jubilee celebration, and to have a fortnight's holiday when the weather breaks. It w^s also decided to have gorae grubbed and some ahiDgling done ob thp playground, which was left in fcha haads of the Chair man.

The question of the holidays to be kept on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee, has been settled by the drapers and grocers de ciding to cloße on the 22ud only, while some fifty of the other business people of Ash burton have got the Mayor to issue an invitation to all and sundry to close on Monday 21sb and Tuesday 22nd, The banka close on 21st and 22nd, and the offices of the Government and the local bodies on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, the telegraph and post offices being closed on Monday and Wednes day from 8 a.m. till noon, and from 7 till 9 p.m., Tuesday being treated as a close holiday, which means that these offices will bd open only as on Sundays, from 9 a.m. till 10 a.m., and from 7 till 8 p.m. The telephone exchange will be opea all three days. The office of the Ashburton Publish ing Company will be closed all Tuesday, although the Mail will be published as usual ou Tuesday morning. The Guardian will be published at I p.m. on Monday, but will not appear on Tuesday. A meeting of householders of the Kyle school district was held on Monday evening, 14th inst. There was only a small attend ance. '1 he old Committee were re-elected, viz. :—Messrs Mulligan, Watson, Kingsbury, McAnulty, and Lambie. Mr Lambie was elected chairman. The Inspector's report, which was read, waa very favorable as far as school management was concerned, but adverse comment waa made on the Board's delay in re-erecting the fences, out-build ings, gates, etc., destroyed by fire in January last. In reply to a circular Irom the Board of Education in reference to celebrating the Record Reign at Kyle, the following resolu tion wa3 p*ssed and forwarded to the Board —"That the Board of Education be respect fully requested to assist the Kyle School Committee in celebrating the Rec ird Reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, in re-erecting the building*, gates, aud fences round the school ground, which were destroyed by fire on January 12 last, and also that the Board call for tenders for the work as soon as possible." The Com mittee supported Mr Hardy's candidature for the Board of Education. The Chairman reported that they were promised the vala-

able assistance of the Rakaia Nor'-West Minstrel Company in giving an entertain ment in the schoolroom in aid of the piano fuud. The concert to be given on Tuesday next in the OJofeliows 5 Hall promises to be an attractive one. The programme will open wi(yh tjjo Rational Anthem to verses com posed specially for the occasion by Hon. M;ijt Steward. This will be performed by a full orchestra and chorus. As the cbaoer'i is promoted by the Ashburton Harmonic arid Orchestral Societies, both those bodies will

take part in it, the one contributing part songs and the other overtures. The soloists

will be Mrs Denshire, Miss Barrabf, and Miss Birdie Butler on the ladies' side, while a bass in Mt Russell Halley, and a tenor in Mr Charles lioad have been imported from filuistehuroh. Neither of the two gentle men have appeared jn Ashburton before, but

both have excellent yuioes—the one a rich basfj or baritone of good compass and fair volume, the other a sweet if light tenor, and both finished vocaliate, Mr Ryan, the

elocutionist and comedian from the same oily, has also been secured, and two step dancers in the persons of Miss Walsh and M r' S^lUyan will contribute jigs and horn pipes (double). TJaib Achburton Rifle Volun t( era will give an exhibition of mwajjal drill, Messrs Burgess and Gates wilf sing' the

" Army and navy " duut, and the tableau " Britannia," with Mrs Crisp the central .figure, will closo the concert. The above

indicates a very ablr olive programme thab ought to deaepve a, full house,

On Sunday next every child attending the Church of England Sunday schools at Ash burton, Hampstead, Tinwald, and Dromore will receive a neat medal, stamped on one a de with the Queen's bust and on the other wi h a design bearing the inscription—" A s >uvenir of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee."

It may be well to remind the public that the cookery classos recently arranged for commence ou Saturday, July 3, in the Borough School. Students must be between the ages of 15 and 20, and ihd classes will be continued every Saturday during the term. Arrangements have been m<*de for reduced railway faros for studen!s living at a distance from Ashburton. Intending students should not delay in handing in iheir names, as only a limited number can be admitted.

While Mr 0. B. Dowdiug and Mr Harry Ford were returning from the Maronan dis trict yesterday afternoon, and on near;Dg the Tmwald Saleyards, Mr Dowding's horse began to buck badly. Mr Doweling was thiown out of the gig and sustained a frae ure of the right arm above the tlbow. Mr Ford, on jumping out to the assistance of his friend, had his knee raher badly injured and also suffered some abrasions of the hand. Mr Ford conveyed Mr Dowding to his resi dence in Ashburton, and Dr Maude was speedily in attendance.

Holloway'e Ointment and jPills.—Those who have given these ren.e iies a fair trial freely admit that they inherently possess every kroporty suitable for healing and removing erup'ions, ulcerations, piles, ab cesses, sores, bad legs, gathered breasts, and all disorders of the glandular system. When carefully rubbed in the ointment relaxes the swollen muscles, diminishes in flatnation, assuages pain, and even alleviates dangerous maladies, which may have lasted for months, or even years. Holloway's excellent preparations are effective singly, resistless in combination, and have been recommended by grateful patients to be re sorted to as alternatives when all other means of regaining health have failed. Their action is temperate, not violent or reducing.

THE RANGITATA WATER SUPPLY.

Public Meeting- at lluapuna

From Our Own Correspondent

A largely attended meeting was held in the schoolroom on Wednesday to discuss the question ot tapping the Rangitata river for an increased water supply for the district. The County Council was represented by Messrs E. G. Wright, Harper, and Herring; together with Mr Baxter, the Counpil'a engineer. Mr Wright was voted to the chair, and explained, among other things, that the eugiueer had prepared a map, showing the various sections to be benefited by the proposed scheme, and giving an acreage of 14,000, which would be reuueed to 9000 in the event of the Limestone creek poriion being excluded. The cost of the scheme would require, in the former case, a rate of sixpence an acre, and in the latter case it would mean a rate of ninepence. The engineer went into the matter still further, and in reply to questions named the fourteen owners of sections, exclusive of village settlers, who would benefit by the increased water supply, and stated that the proposed water rate district would absorb the, whole of the water provided. Mr E. Taylor, aa one of those interested, thought the acreage might be increased to 19,000, and considered that the amount proposed to be »pent in storing wa'er on the Limestone cteek might be much better spent on this increased water supp y.

Mr Harper pointed out, what wa.-j perhaps little known, that the debt of this district incurred in providing the present water races, had beea paid off; and it was just possible that the Council nr.ight be induced pi reduce the water rate charge, say from ninepence to sixpence a chain. But it was not to be supposed that the Council would give anything like a grant of £1500 for the purpose. There seemed to be a strong feeling on the part of those interested that a rate of siz pence an acre was out of the question, and ultimately, on the motion of Mr E. Taylor, the meeting was adjourned, Mr Taylor stating that the settlers would hold a meet ing of" them elv&s, ajjd draw up a statement Bhowjng how jt'ar each wats prepared to go in tjfse matter of rating, such statement fco be forwarrted fc.o f:hg GpunciL '

The **hlial VBt» of thanlfa was papsed to the chairman aou" T' 10" oUie*s with him as representing the Couno..,' thg meeting terminated.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—

Copyright,

Masonic

London, June 16 The Prince of Wales, Gr»nd Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Eng- I land, has confercd on Dr Riley, Biahnp of Perth, the rank of Past Grand Chaplain, and on Mr John Fenwick, District Grand Secretary of the English Constitution in Brisbane, that of Past Grand Assistant Director of Ceremonies. The Victorian Agent-General. Sir George Turner considers that the salary of the Agent-General for Victoria should be at least £2000, in view of the increased work. Sir A. Clarke is likely to be appointed for a further term of three years.

Australian.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—

Copyright. The Federal Bill Sidney, June 17 The Legislative Council has post- i poned consideration of the Fedaral I Bill for a fortnight to allow the Legis lative Assembly time to deal with it. Good Kains. Adelaide, June 17. Good rains are reported throughout the colony.

THE MURDERER BUTLER.

Precautions ag-ainst Suicide.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

Sydnky, June 17

Since he was sentenced to death Butler is quiet and sociable, extreme care being taken to prevent further attempts at suicide. He is heavily ironicf, his hando are encased in mutfs, and he is constantly watched.

The Late Mr Barnato.

Prtsas Association—By Electric Talegraph— Copyright.

London, June 1G

The limes says that it is most un fijcely that Mr Barnato?s executors will force the sales of the securities he held ia South. African mining and other stocks. It is now stated that Mr Btrnato made three attempts at suicide in Capetown recently. Sir Gordon Sprigg ; the Premier of Oiipe Colony, who was a passenger by the steamer Scot, cabled the news of the buiqide whuu he reached Madeira,, i

MAGISTERIAL.

ASHBURTON—THUR'D , V

(Before Mr O. A. Wray, 5.M.,)

Civil Cases. —John Smail v 'I rust.cc j of !;ve James Stark, £38 10 , Mr Wilding appeared for plain iff, and Mr Deacon for Mr George one of the trustees, mid Mr McDonnell for Mr A. Orr, another of the trustees, and the residuary legatees. Mr Wilding in stating the case said iliat in 1894 Mr John Small executed a mortgage to the late Mr James Stark, with whom he was on the moßt friendly terms, for £1400 for three years, at ti£ per cent, reducible (if the intetest were paid within a certain time) !o 6J, per cent. The interest, though set forth specifically in the deed, was understood to bo paid it current rates. During Stark's life he had paid 6£ per cent, and after his d<ath, rates fell to 5 per cent, but Small in i.he absence of Stark did not ask for any reduction on the 6£ p^r cent he had been p.ying. During Stark's life he had been in the habit of sending to iSmall a debit note of the amouub of interest due, aud the last one received by Small was for interest at 6;J: per cenf. When Stark died, it was some time before Smail was in a position to know to whom he should pay the money. As soon as he did know, the will having been proved in Court, and the trustees began to administer the affairs of the estate, Small paid his interest to the trustees, though in actual arrears as regarded the due date of the interest. When the mortgage matured in May 1897,.5ma1l paid the principal and the interest then due. The trustees, who had given receipts for four ha'f years' interest at 6£ per cent, urged by the beneficiaries under the will, declined to lelease the mortgage unless not only the minimum interest stated in the deed were paid from the time of Stark's death, but the penal interest for the time the interest was in arrear. This was gaid, and it was the amount overpaid under These circumstances that was now sued for, which amounted, with other costs, to £38 10s. Mr Wilding spoke at some length on the doctrine laid down in English law that a

receipt for a hmaller sum in payment of a larger one was not a discharge for the full amount, unless payment ot the smaller amount were made in the shape of a negoti able instrument. And .he contended that a c leque was a negotiable instrument. Mr Wilding quoted many Crises in proof of his argument, going back 200 years to the case Cumber v Wayne, when the doctrine was first laid down, aud quoting numerous cases since that went to shown that the doctrine had been considerably modified, and the Law now stood as he had stated above. He also quoted authorities as to the payment of interest at the due date. The trustees were estopped, after going on receiving the lower rate of interest time after time, from claim ing che larger interest when the principal was paid.—Alexander Orr, in evidence, eaid he was a farmer at Methven, and one of the executors of the will of the late Mr Stark. The ledger produced was in Mr Stark's writing, and at page 49 the book showed that ttie money waa lent at 6| per cent, but that 6| per cent had been received and accepted. On the strength of what appeared iv the ledger the trustees accepted interest at 63 per cent after Mr Stark's death, and unJer legal advioe at the instance of the beneficiaries under the will, they re quired Mr Small to pay the balance of interest paid under the minimum stt by the deed, and the penal rate exacted for arrear of the last half year. Was not in a position to question the arrangement alleged by Mr Stnill to have been made by him with Mr Stark. By Mr McConnell—P.obate of the will was obtained about a month after the death. Was not su<ea,sto the d=ite when he first, became aware that Small wag in -arrear, and could not s:iy that Small had been notified of arrears. All interest had been paid before the trustees heard anything about the beneficiaries' claim of the higher rate of interest. Could not say that his solicitors had sent any notice to Small, but was always apprised af his payments by his co-trustee. By Mr Deacon—Mr Small was a man in a gMod position, and the trustees were auxioud thai he should hold to his mortgage, and were not iroubling much about him being a little in arrear with his interest. Believed they were carrying out Suvk?a wi ;hes when they charged only 6| per cent interest. Probate was not granted to the trustees for some months after the ! death, though application waa made to the I Court as eirly aa possible. The trustees were advised not to have anything to do with payments until properly authorised by the Court, so that Mnall might not have known who to piy to. Had divided about £19,000' among five bsnefioiariea only ysster d iy. Jt was those beneficiaries wm? were claiming the higherrrfca fe mentioned in the mortgage.-;?rtllu Bm*U »*»<* tf« &j farmer, and had been an intimate friend of the late James Stark, with whom he arranged personally for a mortgage of £1400. Was not a scholar, and had evary confidence in Stark. (Mr Wilding was pro ceeding to lead evidence as to the agreement with Stark to accept the current rate of interest, when Mr McConnell said the rate of interest was fixed by the mortgage which plaintiff had signed. Mr Wilding had no iutention of departing from the deed, but he would show a parole agreement between the two parties to take a lower rate of interest, and Mr Wilding went into argu ment to show that a parole agreement was effective.) The question having been argued, witness said he was to pay 6^ per cent if

money kept up, but the curreu't rates when ib went down. Had Stark been alive now he would only have been paying 5 per cent. Stark made the arrangement about the 6^ per cent, and witness paid the money to Stark himself. By Mr McConneH--Could not swear that the arrangement wa* made after or before signing the deed. Could not swear that the conversation he had with Stark with reference to the reduction of iuterest referred to the first loan of £1100 or the second loan now in question of £3400, but he had many conversations with Stark, although he could not give the dates. Arranged to pay Stark by cheque, and always did co. Could not say that he had received a notice trom IJeacctu and Bishop claiming interest at 8£ per cent reducible to 6£ per cent.—Mr McConnell wished to address the Court, but as he siid he wuu'd require perhaps aa hour and a half, it was arranged that as only a question of law was involved counsel should submit authorities in writing to his Worship, who would give judgment at a future sitting.

Christchurch and Sydenham Poultry Show.

This exhibition of poultry, the larger fc even seen in Christchurch opened on Thurs day. The attendance was only fair, but as the show ia to be opened till Saturday : evening, no doubt it will b,e as satisfactory jas the entries. Some comments were made I upon the custom, pecului to the Christ church Society, of charging exhibitors for admission. The following locdl exhibitors scored :—Cochins, Partridge.—Cock Pro pi ieior Pelham Yards, 1. Pullet Pro prietor 1 elham Yards, 1. Plymouth Rocks, barred--Cock or Cockerel—F. Lundon f seven

months) X ; i*. Lundon {three years) 2, E. 3. Oox 3. Hen or pullet—E. J. Cox 1, 3, h c and c, F Stevenson, 2, ObpijSGtons, Black, Cockerel—R. E. Tasker, 1. Pullet~R. E. Tasker, 1 and special. Houdans—Cock or oockerel—Proprietor Pelliam Yards, 3 and he. Hen or pullet — Proprietor Pelham Yards, 2. Polish, any variety—Cock or oockerel Proprietor Pelham Yards, 1 and 2. Hen or pulleb—Proprietor Pelham Yards, 1 and 2. Wyandottes, silver.—Cock—G. Anderson 1 and special, G. T. Smith 3. Cockerel—G Anderson 2, A. Hendry c. JLjaU^orn:.:, white, S.C.—Cock—Palmer & Dxvison land special, J. Stevenson 2, John Friend 3, J. Farreli ii c, H. G. Hunt c. Cockerel—A. W. Owles 1, special and cup, Palmer and Davison 2 and c, C. Lucas 3, John Friend (ei<>ht months) he. Hamburos, golden-pencilled —Cock or cockerel—E K. Taaker 1, special, 3 and he, Chailes Willis 2. Hon or pullet— JB. E, Tasker 2, h c ancle, S l. Mclntyre 3. Piohoms.—Pouters, any cblour—Cock-—C. Willia 3. Mule, goldfinch, light—Cock or hen-—J. Hunt (formetly of Ashburton) 1 and 3, Charles Willis 2, Mule, goldfinch, dark— Cock or hen—J. Hunt 1 and special, J. P. Gal vert 2, Charles Willis 3. Mr A. Hendry (h>te of Ashburton) was also veiy successful", soring more than one first in Minoroas.

CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not hold o u-selves respemsib'e for the opinious expressed by our correspondents)

FORESTS AND RAINFALL.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sib,—To every enlightened colonist it must now be evident that the colony of New Zealand in rapidly approaching a, very serious : climatic crisis. With your permission I would diaw ihe attention of the colonists to ihe chief fictor in the deterioration of the Now Zea'aod climate. Ii canuot be doubted th a the principal caiue of the seasonal derangement aud prolonged droughts we have experienced for several years are, unquestionably, due to the wholesale des truction, by axe and tire, of the nativ foiests. Writers of repute have long been " unanimous in connecting the occurrence of droughts and famines, thedrying up of lakes and rivers, togeiher with the outbreak of certain malarious epidemics, with the reck less destruction and waste of forests." it has been said that "in New Zealand particularly, the forest question is a vital one, and the sooner it is grappled with the better it will be for the colony, the question being one which will so greatly influence its future prosperity, together with its com mercial value as a colony, its climate, and its salubrity." Professor Macarel, a dis tinguished French writer on forests in relaiion to climate, observes, "All the wants of life are c.osely related to their conservation; agriculture, and almost all the industries, seek therein their aliment and resources, which nothiog can replace. Necessary as are the forests to the iudividual, they are not lean so to the State; tneir exhtance is, of itself, of incalculable benefit to the countries that possess them, as well as in the protection and- feeding of the springs and rivera, as in their prevention against the washing away of the soil upon mountains, and in tue beneficial and healthy influence which they exert upon the atmosphere. Large forests deaden and break the force of heavy winds that beat out the seeds and injure the growth of plants ; they form reservoirs of moisture; they shelter the soil of the fields and upon hill aides, where the .rainwater, checked in its descent by the thousand obstacles they present by their roots and by the trunks of the trees, has time to filler into the &oii, and only finds its way by slow degrees to the ' rivers. They regulate, in a certain degree, the flow of waters and the hygrometrical coudition of the atmosphere, and their destiuctionaccordingly increases the duration of droughts and gives rise to the injuries of inundations." 'Ihe great importance of an enlightened system of forest conservation, aud the calamitous results that inevitably follow their reckless destruction are clearly and forcibly put in these observations. Innumerable instances could also be adduced to illustrate the disastrous effect of the destruction of forests in many countries during the present century. If we briefly consider the present condition of the New Zealand forests, an"d the astounding rate at, which they are being destroyed, it isobvijus that to save the colony from ruin some immediate means should be adopted to 1 ameliorate the condition of the climate. This can only be accomplished by the State granting no more alienations or leases of forest lands, by rigorously enforcing the enactments of the forest laws of the colony, aud by an enlightened and extensive system of planting annually. Ihe State Forests Act of 1874, and likewise the Land Act of 1877 (part V ) provide for the planting aud conservation of State forests, 'allowing Go vernment full power to act. Mr F. 8. Peppercorne, au able advocate of forest conservation in New Zealand, observes that " every township in the colony should have its adjacent forest reserve; and every encouragement should be given to landowners towards the plant j iug of trees on their farms and runs." feeing that the interests of the colony for ail time depend on the conservation of the Native forests, it is the imperative duty of the Government to establish an extensive system of afforestation annually. To show the necessity for s-ich a system, I need only refer to the area of state forests now being worked throughout the colony. |n the official year book for 1896, Professor" Kirk gives the approximate area still under forest; at 20,578,000 acres, while the atate foreßb reserves including those made for climite purposes, comprise 1,150,918 acres. This pr^otic illy implies lh*t nearly the whole of the valuab'e Native forests are being worked out and destroyed, while no system of aff irestation to restore the loss, and preserve the natural humidity of the climate is being prap ised. I sifjaerely hope that before the uext session df Parliament e^rery constituency is the colony will impress their member ib urge upon the Government the grave im portance of the conservation and renewal of the Native forests. The colony of Victoria is, at present, suffering from a calamitous drought, and only a few days ago a cable gram referred to the "scandalous mis management >? of tjje Victorian forests. Disastrous droughts and" ruinous losses to paatoralista, invariably follow the destruction of the indigenous forests of any country^ Unless the most stringent measures (ufi immediately adopte I to check the des truction of our forests and restore the equilibrium of our deteriorating climate it is only a matter of a few years when New Zealand will suffer from protracted droughts as severe and ruinous as any experienced in other countries. —I am, etc., W. W. Smith.

TEOTTING MATCH.

GENKRAt IRAOY vSAM SUCK.

The match between the above horses, for a wager of £100 a side, over a distance of three miles, took place on the Addington Show Grounds on Thursday afternoon. There were upwards of 500 persons present, including a few ladies. General Tracy showed best in the preliminary, and though there was little or no betting on the tesult, he was the one the body of the spectators expected to prevail. Inside pace was drawn for Sam Slick, and ha led frnmd the first bead and into the back atreteh. The stallion, however, was upon him before a j hundred yards of the straight run had been completed, and as he forged ahead Sam Slick left his feet, and before he could be balanced again General Tracy had drawn away some forty or fifty yarda. The result was thus placed beyond doubt in the first half mile, but Sam Slick not only did not make up any of his lost ground, but, completely fail* ing to run up to hia recent public efforts, br.ke several times, kepfc dropping astern, and General Tracy eventually crossed the line some 150 yards to the good. MATCH for2oosovs. Three miles.

Mr W. J. Starr's ns b h General Tracy, by Berlin—Jenny Tiacy ... (Starr) 1 Mr \V. J. Rae'a b g Sam Slick (Owner) 0 Time, 7mm 40sec.

The separate i imes for the winner were as follows—Half-mile, lmin i9|sec j mile, 2mm 351; sec; mile and a half, 3min 53sec; two miles, smin 19sec; two miles and a half, 6min 25iaec j full distance, 7min 40seo.

The Earthquakes in India.

Great Damage.

ress Associutioo~By Electric Telegraph— Copy right;.

Calcutta, June 16 3he proposed public Jubilee illumi nations in Jndia have been abandoned, and the money will be devoted to relieving the victims of the earth quakes. Immense damage and con s derahle loss of life were caused by the earthquakes in the province of Assam, where many roads and bridges were rendered useless owing to mud and sand spurting from chasms opened m the roads. At Gauhati the railway disappeared. At fc hil long every build ing was levelled to the gronnd, and many persons were killed. At Gool pana a tidal wave followed the shocks,

The Loan and Mercantile Company.

Presß As3ociation.-By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

. . London, June 17 A meeting of the A and B debenture holders and shareholders of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company has adopted the scheme for t*ea^ USfcment of the °*P»t»l account. Mr M ward Marten, the chairman, said he believed the scheme dealt finally with the position, and said few if any Australian companies had faced their losses as the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile had done. The Com pany was now free of all incubus. In the absence of drought he wag satisfied the Company would have a prosperous future. r

THE PREMIERS IN LONDON.

■—- ♦ Press Asaociation — By Eleotrio Telegraph 4 Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka June 17, 9.5Qa.m., Guardian Office, 10.30 a.m.

London, June 17 The colonial Premiers, as guests of the Empire Trade League, visited Manchester and inspected the ship canal In the oiurse of a speech Mr Kingston said the present political connection between England and the celonies was ample. The colonies however, expected England to acqept their produce in preference to foreign, and were prepared to accord reciprocal treatment. Bishop Moorhouse, of Manchester, joined in a cordial welcome to the Premiers, ard said he saw a splendid promise of a colonial common wealth.

Mr Seddon proposes that the Premiers shall take joint action in regard to pushing the sale of colonial frozea meat in the provincial centres of Britain.

Sir H. Nelson is negotiating for a renewal of the amended agreement in respect to British New Guinea.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph-. Copyright; • . ™

Received Wakapuaka June 18,10 a. to. Guardian office 11. ».m.

Severe Storm. London, June 17. A violent gale is raging in the Irish sea and on the west coast of England, causing heavy damage to shipping and considerable loss of life. One of NelsonV old warships is among the vessels wrecked. ' ' "H The Mulick's Attack. Calcutta, June 17, Further news respecting the British expedition in Afghanistan attacked by the Mulick's shows that the expedition stopped at the #rst defence position reached, and having 1 beenreinforced? shelled JShirauni, th 6 Mulicksj hea<s ! quarters, and completely routed the* enemy.

Tlic President's Message, Was£hngtq^. June |7. President Mc&inley, in his message to the Congress, says the annexatipq treaty entered into with Hawaii ccm* tinues existing relations, but make* closer the bonds between a people so closely related by blood ties. Tba President asserts that the American Government will not allow any country to interfere between America and Hawaii. In political circles in Wash ington it is expected that the Senate will pass the treaty.

Received Wakapuaka, June 18, 10.30 a.m. Guardian Office 11.40 a.m. T£gio/';4atfo 1%. Marquis Ito ; formerly Premier gf Japan, is of opinion that the new American-Hawaii treaty will oertainly not create any international difficulty. The Transvaal and the Orange Free State. Capetown, June 17. The Voiksraad and the Orange Free State have agreed to a resolution affirming the principle of closer union with the Transvaal. The chamber jug now discussing the necessary protocol? to give effect to the resolution. "'

The United States and Hawaii.

Annexation Treaty Signed.

Press Association—By Eleotrio telegraph— Copyright,

Lqijbon, June 1§ A Reuters cablegram from Wash ington states that Senator Shearman and the Hawaiian delegates have signed a treaty for the annexation of Hawaii by America. Japan protests against the annexation as a breach of ihe treaty butween Japan and Hawaii.

tBM ABHBOBTON QtIAKDIA^ t FKIDAY, JTUNE 18/ 1897.



Business Notices, "IX7 1 ARE NOW OFFERING THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL LINES, BOUGHT AT A BIG DISCOUNT, BEING A WAREHOUSEMAN'S CLEARING LINES. & Large Line of DRESS GOODS, including Tweeds, Meltons, and Fer»cs to be cleared at 6s lid, Dress length or a Costume made complete for 20s. 5 pieces Btriped Flannelette Skirting to be cleared at la 3d, skirt length. 5 boxeß Velveteens 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 Hats at Gd each. ASIIBURTON"DRAPERY COY. /OHN^TAYLOR (LATE MANAGEE FOR MESSRS REID AND GRAY) BEGS TO ANNOUNCE TO THE FARMERS OF ASHBUETON COUNI.'Y, that he haa opened Premises in West Street, Ashburton, adjoining Messrs F. and H. Steel, Coachbuilders, where he intends carrying on business aa AGENT FGR THE SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, made by the undermentioned firms. Having 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 i» in a position to know the most approved implements of the day both for the cultivation of the soil acd for handling its produce. In order to provide this supply he has obtained the appointment of AGENT FOR MESSRS BOOTH MACDONALD AND COMPANY, CARLYLE WORK*}, CHRISTCHURAH, whose Ploughs, Disc Harrows, Cultivators, Wiudmills, Rollers, Wool Presses, Straw Balms; Presses, etc., e(c, are now well-known throughout the Australian Colonies for their superiority in every respect. He intends keeping a good supply of the above machinery and implements, as well as extras, co aa to ba able to supply with promp' uess the needs of his customers. He has also been appointed AGENT FOR MESSRS ANDREWS AND BEAVEN, CANTERBURY MACHINE WORKS, CHRISTCHURCH, whose Chaff-cutting Machinery and Duplex Baggere, Corn Orusherw, Seed Cleaners, are now so well-known that no farmer would ever think of buying an imported machine where one of theirs could be go\ Samples of these machines lie will also be well supplied with, as well as extras for all we&riug parts. He has also been appointed AGENT FOR MR A, H. ANDERSON'S AVELING AND PORTER'S TRACTION ENGINES AND MACHINERY, and is authorised to give quotations, and to do business on his behalf for the sale and repairing of Engines, etc., etc. The advertiser trusts that by constant attention to business, and fco the wants of the public, and with reasonable charges, he will merit a share of public patronage. WEST STRE ET, ASHBUETON.



EX S.S. MATATUA. WE HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN ANNOUNCING THE ARKIVAL OF OUR MIDWINTER SHIPMENTS, ! Six Cases being just to hand from tho above steainor. i THE SHIPMENT COMPRISES— ONE CASK Lilies' Black Cashmere HOSF, vary heavy mdfes, NE CASE 1b 4d, Is 6J, la lOd ONE OASE Ladies' Black and Tan KID GLOVES, bought at a NE OASE large discount. Children's Tans—4 Button, Tans, 2s 6J ; 4 Domes, Tans, 2s lid ; 4 Domes, Black, 2^ lid TWO OASES IRISH LTNEN GOODS, straighh from the Liaburn WO CASKS Mills. Some bwmtiful embroidered PILLOW SHAMS. N.D. B.IUS, HANDKERCHIEFS, &c Among these goods now on view in our windows ONE CASE FLANELLETTESand MOLLETOJSS. Special lines NE OASE in white and crerne ONE CASE Ladies' and Children's BOOTS and SHOE?, specially NE CASE made for us by our Leicester Manufacturer THREE OASES Passage LISOLEUMS to open shortly. New designs; all widths.



MITCHELL &_TUgjgßR L PAINTING. PAINTING. PAPERHATOIN G. PAPEKEANGING. WE Have the Choicest Assortment of WALL PAPEES in Ashburton, and invite inspection. COMPETENT WORKMEN sent to any part of the County as required, and none but Genuine Materials used. OBDER EARLY. W. H. COLLINS & CO., IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, JCIMBEE AND COAL MERCHANTS. '■■■in iiwuwmi»uwmmn in in mil» wn »"in mi ii i m 11111111 i"i 1 mll hi 1 iiiiiiii t ii i ' mwii 11 nn 1 1 ' juu immwiiw—i jammiLMim GREAT SALE OF Warehousemen's Clearing Lines. BY W. H_ L COLLIEK. Striped Twill Flannelettes, ."j<l por yard ijo incfi, very heavy, Gd pur yard Got Blankets, 2s Lid each Double Bed Blankets, 4s Gd each A splendid lino Ladies' F'um l.tibbod Cashmuro iloyr, la per pair Yd vet Tea Cosies, Is lid 'Ladies' and Children's Canliraerc Gloves, Gd Ladies' and Children's Fur-top Lined Kid Gloves, .'is 6d OhiWren'e Garpct Slippers from 9d Ladies' Oloth J.-icknts, 9d 1 Id Heavy Dress Tweed, now patterns, 'Is (very special) : Ladies' Waterproofs .(ij&ara'iteed), ]'2~; '.)d i Special litm Mra'n ileavy Woollen iiuck:<, Gd pur pair Men's under-w.-'Hi' Piints, merino Is fid, knitted Is lid Mod's Shooter Bootw, 8s ] 1 per pair—worth 2s per pair more A LARGE STOCK OF RECORD REIGN FjUgs. W. H. COLLIER, « T H B 0 0 B N E KJ>



j Church Services. j ST. S T i<: PHEN'S CHURCH Ashburton. HUIMY -•■h'.rt service, 7.30 p.m.; Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY, JUNE 20. Q;u<un'M Accession Day, 8 30.—Holy (Joimnuniou. 11 a.m.—Special Thanksgiving Service in commenioiaiiion of Her Muj^sty's Accession to the thro- c and recording the 60th anniversary of her long aud happy reign. 2 30.—U.'i'ilrcn's servieo. 3 p.m.— DROMORE, Mr T. A. Gates. 6.30. —Thanksgiving service. 11 sets fre" (exceps those reserved for City Councillors and Volunteers). Offer tories in aid of the "Convalescent Ward." REV T. A, HAMILTON.



THE NEW ZEALAND 0 i othi og* Factory. SPECIAL LINES. MI'N'S WATERPROOF COATS, Newest Patterns, all Sewn Seams, 29a 6d, 32s 61, 355, 39 3 6d. MEN'S ALL WOOL TWEED OVER GOATS, 255, 32a 6d, to 45b. YOUIHS' ALL WOOL TWEED OVER COATS, 19s 6d, 25a, to 35a. BOYS' Do. 8a 6d, ,10a 6d, to 21b. BOYS' NAVY SERGE SAILOR SUITS. Fit Boy two years, from lOs 6d Fit Boy four years, from 11s Fit Boy aix yeara, from 12s Fit Boy eight years, from 13s Fit Boy tea years, from 14a With extra collar, flmnel front, cord and whistle. BOYS' ALL W>,OL TWEED GUARD SUITS. Fit Boy four years, from 93 6d Fit Boy six years, from 10a 6d Fit Hoy eight years, from lla 6d Fit Boy ten yeara, from 12a 6d Parents wanting good strong wearing Suits for the Boys would do well to inspect our large stock. Boya' Blue Serge Tarn Caps from Is to 3s 9d Boya' Serge Caps from 6d to Is 9d See our All Wool Tweed, for Boys' school wear, at Is lid per yard. We carry a large stock of British & Colonial BOOTS AND SHOES. Inspection Invited. HALLENSTEIM" BROS. & CO. A. G. BARTON, Manager.



NOTICE. JLhe Queenvs Jubilee. A SUPPLEMENT will be issued with the Aahburton Guardian of Monday, June 21, containing a summary of the i Piincipal Kvents of the rei^n of Quken Victoria, that is from 1837 to 1897. It will coiu-airi thirty-six columns of reading matter, or four full-sized pages, giving the I Lite of iho Queen and Prince Consort, the I Political Progress of the Nation, the Social 44vancs of the People, the Lives and Work ; of this Great Statesmen of the Reign, the j /ii't, Literature, Musin, and Science of the ; sixty-year period, the St&go,, the Field, the F'.tuih, the Triumphs o{ fcngiu&ering Skill, ta "* '^ *!!'*^ P to='"e3B °f the Navy and J>f.er ciriulp ""'""i'uo, (''.'louial Hlxpansion, '.the Press,'..oaetljor Wl'* a. j^ ?»ost nofcllble ovenia in the history of the .' iinPl(ffc' NOTICE., f\~ft MONDAY, Juno 21, the Guahoxan will he published at one o'clock, and there will be NO PUiiLIOA'IION of the Guardian on TUESDAY, June 22, the Diamond Jubilee Day.



You have ruined your consti utioo sufficiently by drinking inferior teaa, recruit by drinking only Kozie Tea, it ia pure ftttd reliable,—John orr& Co,, gQleAgeate,



Just a minute ! This may mean pounds in your pocket. Knowledge is power j tc know what to do at the right time strengthens your reputation, people respect and speak about you; for instanae, a sensible person that has a bad cough or cold immediately goes to the grocer or chemist and buys a bottle of Woods' <Jreat Pepper mint Cure, for the simple reason that he knows it will put him and hia family all right* Ju "25 The weather prophets predict that the long fiae 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 are assured that Messrs Craighead and Berryman have become famous for their well known brand of winter clothing, which has hitherto given such satisfaction, and in anticipation of a still larger s&le for these goods, this season they are now showing probab'y the largest; stock of waterproof cweed, serge, and melton overcoats ever exhibited hi Ashburtqn. They are also supplying ladies' apd gentlemen's water proof cloaks and coats to measure at ready- I made} prices. Every garment guaranteed I thoroughly waterproof. (Three months trial, if defective money returned). All wool linings—keeping the wearers alwajs warm and dry—sewn throughout with atroag silk, ventilated and every improve wat "up to dftt;e,"»-Aim!i j



The public are to be congratulated on the liberal manner in which they have *e> spojded to the invitation of Our ltfdijhg bookseller, stationer, and fancy goods vendor, to supply themselves with cheap stationery, good literature (for winter reading), and fancy goods. As this month is the record sale of the decade—the iirm giving great in ducements bo as to reduce the stock wa have no doubt that the "premises of «Hr-'Jjf'i Anderson," late L. ]?." Ahdrewes and Co* will be well patronised during the remainder of the sale.—(sJjnrT.) i! '" The wife of Mr D. Robinson, a prominent lumberman of Hartwiok, JTVm vm «fpJr wi'h rheumatism for five months. In speak* ing ot it, Mr Robinson says : ' Chamberlain's Pain Balm is the only thing that gave her re^t from pain. For the relief of pain ib cannot be beat.' Many very bad oases of rheumatism have been cured by it, tfos nU by Aifaburton Drug Company,