Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1897. OUR COURT ARRANGEMENTS.

Foe many years Ashburton district enjoyed the pleasure, if pleasure it was, of having a paid magistrate resident in the town. Whether we were more litigious then than now is perhaps a moot point, but the magistrate was withdrawn, and the district was tagged on to the jurisdiction of the local judge who presides over the Magistrate's Court at Timaru. The reason assigned was that the business done at Ashbur ton and Tiinaru was not sufficient, I either in volume or importance, to warrant the maintenance of two stipendiaries. Perhaps it was for that reason also that the number of unpaid magistrates was largely increased, so that the difficulty of finding judges to deal with petty offences, such as the all too common one of taking too much liquor and requiring police care, should be reduced to a minimum. In a general way this has worked well enough. The people of the district are wonderfully law abiding, and for trial of the " Monday morning " cases, the justices have been found sufficient. I There are caaee, however, that occasion ! ally crop up which, as Mr David Thomas said from the Bench on "Wed nesday, ought not to be saddled upon the |usttces, and the one against the four young men who were tried for assaulting Wiili»m Jamiesoa was one of these. The case was a very serious one, and the evidence for the prose cution was such as to indicate gravity Bu/ficient to warrant committal to the Supreme Court. The evidence for the defence very materially reduced this appearance of gravity, bufc then the defence witnesses were the accused persons themselves. The local judges, with a personal knowledge of all the parties concerned, used their own discretion in the case, and gave » verdict which in their eyes seemed sufficient to meet the ends of justice. The probability is ihU had the Stipendiary Magistrate heard the case the result would have been different. Jt is aot our object to traverse the verdict—it was orb given by the Justjpes according to their lights, and whether r£gbt or wrong must remain as it U. We j#ay ; perhaps, differ from the justices as to whether she' punjsh ' nifint was adequate to the offence, and whether the case was or was not one for the Supreme Court to deal with. But we are quite with them on onjß point, and that is th&t the case should n^t hai'e been tried by them but by the paid Magistrate And there was no reason at all why the cage should have been heard by the justices. The case was heard on Wednesday, The Stipendiary Magistrate sits on Thursday, which is the weekly court day. On Thursday the Stipendiary j Magistrate had cases before him that lasted only a few minutes, and the cage iieard on Wednesday could very easily have been h<aaj?d by him on Thursday. Why was it forced 'oft §)nt Wednesday It would have feept easily enough for twenty*four bourn,

longer, and no one would have been 1 the worse for waiting; but in conse quence of bringing it on for hearing on Wednesday thrpe gentlemen were cilled from their homes and kept on duty from two o'clock in the afternoon I till nearly ten at night. And thoso I gentlemen were anything bufc willing workers in the case, as the emphatic protest made by Mr J homas for him 8' if and colleagues abundantly proved. It does seem absurd on the face of it that such a ciise as this, in which there was no urgency at all, should have be^n saddled for hearing upon unpaid Magistral us, while the paid officer, with his long experience, and persum ably f*r greater knowledge of the law, should have been able to come to Ashburton the following day by the morning train from Timaru, and get through an unusually light cause list in time to leave again by the midday express. Local justices ought to enquire into «hia sort of thing, and in their own interest endeavour to have the arrangements altered.

THE PRIME MINISTER OF GREAT BRITAIN.

A PAEAGBAPH referring to the in tended recognation of Lord Salisbury

appears in large type in the London Daily Chronicle of October 18 last.

I This ig certainly a I st trtling item of news and if correct points to the probability of an early reconstruction of the English Cabinet. " Lord Salisbury," the article goes on to say, <• desires to resign. There is not any serious difference of opinion among Ministers on matters of policy ; but Lord Salisbury finds the duties of his two offices a burden greater than ho can continue to bear for an indefinite time. His health is not equal to the strain. So much is this the case, and so great is his desire for rest, that on a recent visit to Beaulieu he was not even accompanied by a private secre tary. Besides, he is much concerned about Lady Salisbury, who is still un weil. The Queen is loath to sanction the Prime Minister's wish, and it is possible that on that account his re signation may be deferred for a period.'

Local and General.

At Dunedin to-day Frederick Middleton was committed for trial on a charge of horse {stealing,

Messrs Fletcher Bros, are advertising in this issue that they have received a very large shipmeut of extra »flne new summer fruit for their Christmas trade which they are gelling at very low prices.

It is intended to establish a woollen mill in Invereargill on a moderate scale, with power to increase its capacity for manu factuie by raising additional capital here after.

In Victoria there are 73,424 persona over the age of 60, and 49,912 over the age of 65. Of this number there are 10,000 in poor circumstances, and many in need of relief.

The Masterton School Committee ia goiDg to Bell its swings by auction, becau c the headmaster has bean kept busy bandaging up the youngsters' heads lately.

It is stated that magpies are causing serious injury to the wheat crops in the T»ralga district, New South Wales, by their depredations,

At a meeting of the Hawke's By Land Board last week, it was resolved, " That as there is a great demand for land in Hawse's B«v. and as the Board have do land to offer, ) the Board urge the Government to put some land in the market at the earliest possible opportunity."

At Fitzherbert a Lincoln ewe recently gave birth to a lamb of extraordinary size. Ihe lamb weighed 171b, and measure.! 2ft. lOJiu, from the nose to the tip of the tail. It was dead when found having been born during the night.

A sawmiller at Newman, near Eketabuna, is patting tt steel tramwaytinto his bush, and will carry it on to the railway station, so as to haul his logs and timber by a locomotive, instead of horses.

At the Warden's Court this morning Major Keddell granted the application of W. fl. Zouch and G. W. Stuoniland for a special claim of 100 acres special sluicing claim on the Ninety Mile Beach. The lease is for twenty-one years.

Major Keddell this morning had Pat Ctishan before him on a charge of drunken ness. Fat was dismissed, on the understand ing that he would leave the town and go to work, otherwise he would be treated as a vagrant.

At the Wellington Synod, the Rev J. D, Russell moved a resolution disapproving 1 of the use of raffles and kindred schemes for raising money for church purposes. There was a good deal of opposition to the pro posal, some of the speakers considering ib was no parb of the synod's business, and the dsscusbion was abruptly shelved by passing on to the next question.

In the House of Representatives on Wed nesday afternoon the Hon J. McKenzie, in answer to MrjMoore, Raid somtv people would like the Noxious Weeds Bill to pass, but the majority did not. In answer to Mr Rolleston, he said he had hundreds of letters and telegrams from'people to the effect that; if the Orchard and Garden Pests Bill were passed they would be ruined. McMcKenzie asked Mr Wright to allow the Califorian Thistle Bill to stand over till next session.

The Triad for December is a very good Dumber of this excellent periodical. It contains a number of good illustrations, and two art supplements of considerable merit. The several prissi competitions announced (particulars of which appear elsewhere) should prove very interesting, as they are both novel and entertaining, and tend to the advancement of the competitors in various Hues of knowledge. The reading is up to the usual standard, and very varied in character. The Triad deserves the support pf all intelligent readers.

Anoth?r consignment of twenty-eight head of fat bullocks from the North Inland, which arrived on Tuesday, were offered in the Addington yards on Wednesday, but as they were not of such good quality as those lately brought down, only £d 17s 6d was bid. They were withdrawn at this figure, and after wards disposed of privately. It is reported that if Bteamer arrangements can be made, fat cattle will be shipped from Napier tq, Lytteltoa. The shortage of fat cattle in Otago has caused some truck loads to be sent to Burnside from Canterbury.

The attendance at the Musical Societies' concert last night was not at all what the merits of the enter!ainment deserved, and the well directed efforts of an enthusiastic and painstaking committee met with only the most moderate encouragement on the 1 part of the public. The first race night used to be'a good plahjb' fork ?boW in Ash burton, but since the meeting has been reduced to a one-day one, there are no visi tors left in town after the departure of the express, and thus there are no patrons beyond the townspeople to be secured on that night. The programme advertised was gone through loyally, the Orchestral Society playing ita t^o pieces admirably, and the Harmonic Sopiery singing their gjees in tasteful style. J[.'he oomic quarters were also very well given, and the'songs oontn, buted by Mrs Johnston, and Misses Barratt, Orr, and Lnmbie were very well.re- . oeived. Mr Chapman's solo on the h flat, basß was a welcome number, as was Mr 4, Gordon's cornet solo " The holy city.' Mrs C'aridge was accompanist, and Mr Gordon conductor.

Mr D. McMillan has beea appointed a] member of the Canterbury Litod Bo»rd. I An advertisement elsewhere notifies that the cookery classes will noi be resumed until the 18th insfc. Ihe Chief Jußtioe and hie associa'e. Mr 0. P. Knight, left Wellington by theTaku- i puna yesterday for Auckland, whence th> y will proceed, in t-J.M.B. Torch, to Rira tonga, his Honour being armed with am horiy to enquire into the petition for the removal ! of ihe British resident (Me Moss), the counter petition for hit) retention, and the disturbed ■tale of the Islands generally. His Honoi expects to be absent at least; a mouth. Mr A. J, Miiller, whose account of his recent visit to San Francisco was recently published in our columns, has favored us with ' »n engraving showing the offioes of the Call newspaper company in the great Pacific oaj Hal, anedifioenineteen storeys high This vait height for a building is well exhibited by comparing the figures of the people and vehicles in the streets about the Call office with the building itself. The picture may be seen at this office. On Wednesday last, on the invitation of Mrs Hamilton, the members and associates of the Girls Friendly Society wpent the even ing at the vicarage. At six o'clock over! thirty members nat down to ten, The tablet were spread on the lawn in the open air, and though the weather was cloudy it was not at: all cold. After tea, croquet arid rounders I gave an honr or two's enjoyment, and then all assembled in the drawing room for tinging and music. At the close of the evening Mrs Hamilton addressed the members and spoke hopefully of the future of the br»noh, Under Mrs Bland* management the members wsre steadily increasing, but, m compared with the Sydenham and Avonside branches, the number was small, the Ashburton branch numbering about fifty, and Sydenhsm and Avonside numbering 238 and 103 members respectively. Mrs Hamilton trusted that many more might b>■ induced to join. During the Christmas holidays no maotingg would beheld, but on Wednesday next a special meeting would be held to enrol six proba tioners as fall members. Amongst the visitors was Miss Littleoott, a former associate of the Ashburton branch, who was very heartily welcomed. An evening hymn having been sung, the Benediction wai pro nounced by the vicar, and the members dispersed to their homes having spent a very enjoyable evening* During the recent Victorian general | elections' for the Legislative Assembly, the introduction of Scripture less ns in the State schools was » prominent question in many constituencies, and in a great number of instances candidates and e'ectors ac cepted the proposal that the question should be referred to the plebiscite. Mr Graham and Mr Kirton have introduced a Bill bearing on the question, and providing for a special referendum. The Bill does not sub mit the whole principle of religious instruc tion in the schools, but asks the people to vote on the adoption bf a particular medium of such instruction, as contained in "The Irish National Scripture Lesson Books." The ballot paper puts the question thus :— " Shall the abovementioned books be used in Slate schools? Yes—No." No voter will vote more than once, at the risk of a, penalty up to £100. If the votes in favor of the books are one-half of the total votes recorded the books will be introduced in all the schools, and the instruction will form pat bof the day's course, subject to a con science clause in favour of both teacher and pupil.

COMMERCIAL.

WELLINGTON WOOL SALE. Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. W-EkLiNGTOK, December 9. At the wool sales bidding was not animated, and many lots were passed in. Only 950 bales were sold oub of 4100. There was a drop of in prices. The highest realised was 7|d per 1b for an extra fine lot of cross bred wool ,

CRICKET.

- y : ___ GIFPEN'S ATTITUDE.

WET WEATHER IN SYDNEY.

POSTPONEMENT OF THK TEST

MATCH,

IPresa Association —By Electric Telegraph- Copyright. I Sydney, December 9 Giffen's persistency in refusing all en treaties to join the team is the main topic of conversation in cricket circles, and monetary offers ',by outside enthusiasts to induce him to play have been refused. - The South Aus tral iaa contingent says that his reason for not playing is not a financial one. This makes the matter more myaterioua. The test match has been postpone i till noon on Saturday in cons quence of the wefc weather and the unfavourable condition of the wicket. This decision was come to late ; in the afternoon, after an inspection of the pi'eh by Major Wardill and a number of both teams, and a subsequent meeting of the members of both teams. j Stoddart has received news by cable , announcing the death of his mother. | Formal announcement of the postpone ment of the match was made after a meeting of the trustees of the Cricket Ground, i Major Wardill, as representative of the Melbourne Cricket Club, stood alone in ! favouring at uting to-morrow. The umpires were not in agreement with the trustees. Both expressed themselves opposed to a postponement, and consider that ib should have been left to their decision to-morrow. The Australian team favoured the postpone ment. The Englishmen are reticent; but it is understood they opposed ir. Stoddart is much distressed at his mother's death and will not play in the match. Mc- Laren will probably captain the team. The weather cleared in the forenoon, wih a good drying wind, and the team took advantage of this to have some practice, which only demonstrated that the bowlers were masters of the situation. At five o'clock to-night drizzling rain fell, and has since been falling steadily. The outlook is > unfavourable, and the meteorologist's pre dictions are decidedly gloomy. 1 Hanjitdnhji has greatly improved, and is able to leave his room- He arrives in town from Armidale in the morning

THE DUNEDIN MURDER CASE.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.

Dunedin, December 9. At the hearing of the charge of wife murder preferred against Charles Olements I to-day, the little daughter of the couple, 5£ years of age, gave evidence, but not on 1 oath. She said it was not long after fhey went to bed that her father cut her mother's throat, and then cut his own. Her mother ' was asleep before her father went to bed. After cutting his throat her father went into the passage three times, coming back to bed each time. She and her brother lay at ihe foot of the bed all that night, and next' day she said that she did not sleep at all, and had nothing to eat. Her brother had a drink of tea which her father gave him. When she went to get up her father told her to lie down. The girl gave her evidence intelligently, but though she said that she knew her mother was dp id when her throat was cut, evidently she did not realise it.

SPORTING.

ASHBURfON RACING CL^B,

SUMMER' MEETING.

Pret ident~Mr J C. Wason ; Vice-president —Mr Duncan Utmerou ; Judge—Mr M. St.it- ; Stewards—Messrs P. H. Cox, Hugo Friedlamler, J. X Hart, E. Gat.s, Dr Leahy, J. C. WaHon, D. Cameron ; Handi csipper —Mr J, Creaawell; Treasurer—Mr John Daviaon ; Stuter— Mr K. SaumJerH,; Clerk of the Course—Mr R, Curtift ; Clerk of the Scales—Mr J. Heaeltine; Tinu • keeper—Mr S, c*alek. The Summer Meeting of the Aahhurton Rating Clab waa favoured whh fine weather, and although heavy olt.udH hung atuuad all day no rain fell, and it was a perfect; day foe racing, the temperature being just right for both mau and beast. There waa a fair attendance of the public, bub an the carnival weak in Curisichuseh is only juat over, and the Christmas holidays near at hand, people were not inclined to speculate ao freely aa they probably would have done had the meet ing been held aonuple of moat he earlier. How ever, over £1000 waa pud through the toUlieator. The officials of the Club woiked hard to make the gathering a sucoeaa, and a word of praine ia due to Mr Dowding, the Club'e Secretary, for the efficient manner in which he did his work. Mr E, Saundera, who acted aa atarter for the Club, muat be congratulated upon the way in which he got the fields away, &« Borne af the horaec were very troublesome at the poat. Mr 8. Salek acted a» timekeeper for the Club and stays general satiafaotion, while Mr Headline, aa clerk of the aoa'ea, waa very amart in getting the jockey* weighed oat. The handicapper, Mr John Oreaawell, waa rery ancceaafal in concealing the winners, clout finishes and good dtvidenda being the order of the day. '1 here were no proteata throughout the day, bub the Sbewarda held an enquiry into the running of Alcc»ti« ia th« Spring Handicap, aa her performance therein wa« deemed in' oonsMtent with h»r display behind Crescent in the opening event. White exonerating the owner, the Stewards cautioned the jockey. The local trainers had a good day, winning no leaa than five eventa out of the eight, aa followa :~-T. Cotton 2, S. Alexander 1, 8. Brown 1. and J. Smith 1 ; and ths most successful jockey waa T, W. Cotton, junior, he being the only one to acore a double win. Messrs Mason and Roberts worked the totalisator, and Mr H. Briton haa charge of the publican* booth, while the confectioner's booth waa in the hands of Mr M. T. Healey. The following : are details of the racing:— ;Okn Welter Handicap, of 39 aova; second horae to receive 3 soya from the etake; one mile. 6 Mr Free Holmes' eh g Orescent, 6yra 8»t 12ib (Jackaon) 1 10 Mr H. A. Knight'a b f Argon, 3yra, Bst6lb .„ (Derrett) 2 16 Mr H. Friedlander's b g Tale of the War, 4yra, Bst 21b ... (Brown) 3 16 Mr J. Harris 3 eh m Weiry, 3yra, 9st3lb (Wilson) 0 5 Mr T. Sheenac'a eh m Alcestis, 6yre, 9st (Donovan) Oj 2 Mr H, Kerr's b f Toxa, aged, Sat 21b — (O'Grady) 0 55

From a good start Toxa was the first to show in front, but before two furlongs were covered Tale of the War took command, and led into the straight by two lengths. Argon ran up to the leader when fairly in the straight, and they raced together till a furlong from home; but Crescent, who was slow to begin, cnugbt Argon about eighty yards from home, *nd going on won a good race by half a length ; Tale of the War two lengths away, third. Time—l.44&. Divi : dend—£S su.

Kolmab Tbot Handicap, of 20 soys; j second hone to receive 2 soys from the stake; two miles. 12 Mr J. Smith's b m Speculation, aged, • 40aee (Owuer) 1 5 Mr F. SkiffiDgton's b g Devil's King, aged, 28sec (Owner) 2 16 Mr S, Cleaver's b m Bloomer, aged, 40aec ... ..~. .„ (1. Cotton) 3 11 Mr Free Holmes' b g Black Oats, aged, I2sec (Owner) 0 1 Mr J, 6. McConoehic's b g Fairchild, aged, 28aec ... ... (Owner) 0 j 11 Mr W. Dixon's b g Rockwood, &yrs, ■ 35;ee (Hay Smith) .0 25 Mr D. McKendry's b m Medium Aud, ■ ■ 4yrs, 3oaeo (C. Harold) 0 I 7Mr W. Begg's g h Toronto, 6yrs, — 45iec (Owner) 0 112

Lady Jane, Arahura, and Minnie were scratched. . Speculation noon passed Toronto, and goiug right away from the others had a hundred yards lead before a mi!e was gone, the only other horse who seemed to be ftble to foot it with her being Devil's King, bat when he almost got on terms with her he brokb badly, and Speculation trotting in fine style, and never making a mistake, woo easily by thirty yards, Bloomer about the ' s ime distance behind Devil's King, the rest ! pulling up. Time—s 40£. Dividend—£B Bs. Ashjbukton Racijkq Clujs Handicap, of 40 cove; second horse to receive 4 -ovs from the stake ; one mile and a quarter. 57 Mr H. Friedlander's b g Oannonsliot, syrs, Bst lltb ... (W. Brown) 1 28 Mr E. Roden's b g Rftngefinder,6yrs 6st9lb (R. Johns) 2 26 Mr J. T. Greea's eh g Paladin, 3yrs, — 6jt7!b (A, McDonald) 3 111

Belligerent was scratched. Paladiu was first away, and taking a two lengths lead, mule the pace a cracker for abouh six furlongs, when he dropped back beafeo, and Rangefinder went on with the lead. Turning into the straight Oannonshot, who had been lying last about four lengths away, begun to go up to the leader, and about half way up the straight, Brown, who had been riding a waiting race, shook him up, and coming on full of running beat Rangefinder home by a length, Paladin four lengths away. Time—2 lOf. Dividend— £1 153.

Novel Race, of 25 soys; the winner to be sold by auction immediately after the race, and the whole of the proceeds to go to the funds of the Club. Weight Sit, any overweight to he declared, Five furlongs. 21 Mr J Griffins' b h Lord Sbansbury, aged (T. W. Cotton) 1 49 Mr C. 6. Dalgetty's of Cherrystone, 3yrs (R. Wilson) 2 19 Mr J. J. Lewis' eh g Rosehill, aged, (Brown) 3 4Mr P. Burke* b g Oarsman, 6yrs, j (Donovan) 0 14 Mr T. Sheenan's eh o Bogengang, 4yrs ... .., .<. (Evans) 0 14 Mr W. Dixon's eh m Moderation, aged . ... .i. (Rainbow) 0 11 Mr G. Hobba' b g Perkinelte, aged, (Davey) 0 92

Lady George was scratched. From a good start, Boaehtll was the first to show id front, with Lord Stansbury and Cherrystone in close attendance. Rosehill led into the i straight, but was soon passed by Lord' Stansbury and Cherrystone, and the two { coming on together, a ding-dong finish all the way up the straight, resulting iv Lord i Stansbury, who was cleverly handled by young Cotton, being landed a winner by » neck, Rosehill close up third. Time—l.2. Dividend—£s 13. 7 The winner was submitted to auction by Mr Ruddph Friediander, and bought in by the owner for £18. Pony Racb Handicap, o! 20 soys; second pony to receive 2 soys from the slake. Ponies not to exceed 14.2 inches in height; four furlongs. 72 Mr H. Davis 1 b m Dot, oyrs, ' . 7st {A. McDonald) 1 16 Mr S. Brown's b m Phyllis, aged, 7afcslb, ... [McNeil!) 2 17 Mr J. Mcllraith's oh m Cissy, aged, 7st4lb (Donovan) 3 15 Mr J- O'Brien's br m Mania, aged, i 10.it 51b ... ... ... (Owner) 0 8 Mr J. F. Bennison's b g Pickles, aged, 9* 31b , (C. Cochrane) Oj 5? Mr 0. Hobbs' br m Botfly, 6yrs, B*t 61b (Davey) 0 21 Mr D. Jackson's blk g Nigger, aged, 7stlOlb (R. Johns) 0 4 Mr D. P. 0 Shea's ohm Rose Aguew, — aged, 7st , (1. W. Cotton) 0 210 Liberty and Royal Saloon were scratched. After Roma deUy «t the post the field were got *w*y to * tor »Urt, of which Cwsy h»d

the betfc and Nißger the worst. Cissy main tai.dd her a^vuiuagt: till haii w y up the stiagit, when Dot came through and won ea iiy by a leugth, Phyllis, who came very far.-:, tit ihe finish, just; 'eating Ciaey for Be(' nd p'*ce, Time—slf. Dividend—£2 12 .

Sfkino Handicap, of 30 soys; second horse to receive 3 aovs trom the stake ; seven furlongs, 8 Mr T. BheeDßn's eh m A Ice* f is, 6yra 7st4ib (Donovan) 1 43 Mr G. M. Aynesley'* br (f Belli gerent, syt«, 8-t 4) b (R. Wilson) 2 -15 Mr H. Friedlanders br g Tale of the War, 4yrs. 6 t 71b (A. McDonald) 3 7 Mr J. Harris' eh tn Weary, 3yrs, 7st 71b (McNeil!) 0 6 Mr H Kerr's b g Toxa, »ged, ba 71b - (T. W. Cotton) 0 84 Aicßtia goc the twit and Toxa the wont of a very .good start, but before a furlong had been covered they weie all bunched together. Turning into the straight Aloestis he d a s'ifjht advantage, but was closely pursued by Belligerent and Tale of the War, , and although challenged by Belligerent, I aha was not to be denied, and she gained the ju ge'a verdict by half a length, Tale of the ; War clone up third. Time—l.29*. Divi dend—£9 9«. Hubrt Scubbv, of 10 soTs. For district . horses thkt have not won public money; catch weights ; four furlong*. 10 Air S. Browa's Contention (McNeil!) 1 40 Mr J, McDonnell's Const mcc (I. W. Cotton) 2 5 Black Douglas (D»vie) 3 10 Kalliorates (Dertet) 0 6 Tit ... (Thompson) 0 35 Mag ... ... (A. MoDonald) 0 27 Grandshot (Brows) 0 133 Constance was first to show in front, and held the l«ad till about 80 yards from th« . post, where Contention coming with a wet sail got on terms, and after an exciting finish won by half a length. Black Douglas three lengths away third, This was a very popular win, as on returning to scale the owner and jockey were loudly cheered. Time-50i«8c. Dividend—£lll9a.

FATING Handicap, of 30 sow; second horse to receive 5 soys from the sUke} six furlong*. 11 Mr J. Griffin's b h Lord Stanebury, aged, 6at 121b, ... (T. W. Cotton) 1 29 Mr E. Rhoden'a b g tUngefinder, 6yru, 7nt9lb .. (B, Johns) 2 18 Mr J. T. Green's eh g Paladin, 3yrs 7»tl2ib (Rainbow) 3 42 Mr Free Folmes' eh g Crescent, 6yrs Bst 31b, (inol 71b penalty) Jackson) 0 22 Mr S. Alexander's b g Mount Clair, 4yre, 7«fc6lb (Donovan) 0 46 MrG. M. Aynealey's bo Conspirator -— 3yra, but 101b ... -. (McDonald) 0 168 After some delay at the post, caused [ through Paladin refusing to join his horses, the geld were got away welt together, bat Lord Stansbury almost immediately took command, and soon had a lead of three lengths, but coming into the straight Range fiader and Paladin got ca within a length of him, and although Johai on Rangefinder tried all he knew to get on term* with him, he was not to be denied, and ufier the best finish of the meeting Lord Stanebury was landed a winner by a short neck, Paladin close up third. On being declared all right by the clerk of the scales the trainer and jockey were loudly cheered. Time—l.ls^ Dividend—£l3l9s. r

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.

Wellington, December 9 The Council met at 2.30 p.m. OLD AGE PENSIONS BILL. The Minister of Education moved the second rending of the Old Age Pensions BilL ■ AH previous schemes, he said, had gone on the lines of contributions from those who were to be recipients of pensions—that was their great stumb'ing:block. In New Zea- , land the State, in consideration for work doae by its workers, would present it* necessitous aged with a certificate of merit with a pension attached. He repudiated the statement that charitable aid entered into the question at all. The country had been prepared by last year's Registration Bill and the last election for the present legislation. The fiuance of the Bill had. been put on the most sold basis of the con solidated revenue.

Mr Bonar contended that the Government! ■should have given the colony an opportunity of considering the measure. The present Bill cancelled and repealed the Registration Act and all claim* registered under it. Ho calculated that the scheme would cost the country £500,000 annually. He moved to lay aside the Bill on the grounds that the country had had ao opportunity of consider ing the scope of the Bill in connection with friendly societies; that the financial pro vision was unsatisfactory; that the revenue had not been based on actuarial calculations, and the Bill was practically a form of coo* ditional relief open to the risk of injustice in administration, and should ,bo oonudtmd with the whole question of oharitabUr'aid. Mr McCullough supported thf Bill. The country had had the questica forcibly put before it by last year's Bill and by the new** papers of the colony. The friendly societies wouMnaiF'with delight the passing ©I the Bill.

Mr Ormond regretted that the Counjoil was precluded from the manner in whu»|| the Bill was brought down, from taking it* proper share in the legislation of the colony.- ■ He protested against the shape of the Bill at the finance question chonld be contained in a separate money Bill. The policy Bill of Government had disappeared altogether, and an incoherent measure had been framed by irresponsible members of the Lower House. There must not be left, to the Government of the day power lo frame resolution for. the carrying out of the BiU. If the Govern ment had meant the Bill to be a policy Bill it would have insisted on the whole of the measure. The Bill if passed woqld annihi late benefits societies. Mr Rigg strongly upheld the Bill urging that the country had fully discussed the principle of ths measure. Mr Jennings moved the adjournment of the debate, and at 5 p.m. the Council ad journed.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House mot at 2.30 p m. REPLtf TO QUESTIONS. ' Ministers in reply to questions stated that it was txpeoted that the Public Works Statement would be brought down on Tuesday; that legislation for which there would be no time this session, would be necessary before women official visitors oould be appointed ; thai there has bean correspondence between the British resident at Rarotoßga and the Governor of New Zea land, but as the Chief Justice had be*n sent to investigate the trouble which had arisen respecting the holding of the office in Parlia* tnent by an American it was not con- Bidered advisable to lay the corres pondence on the table of the House till the Chief Justice had reported, when his Excellency would be asked to per mit the correspondence to be plaoed before Parliament if such a course were considered i advisable {it was pointed out that as Raro tonga possessed self-government neither the Parliament nor the Government of New Z^alaud could interfere in any dispute); iaat if mining companies confined their basinet* solely to miding they would not have to pay the additional taxation ac proposed under the Land and Income Assessment Bill; that a comprehensive measure dealing with qohi pensatioQ for stock condemned^ by the stocjc inspectors would be introduced early next Betsion; that if time permitted a Bill dealing with the establishment of the beet sugar in T dustry would be brought down this sewion j that the proposals respeoting the mail services would probably be discussed on Mon day. Mr Lang moved the adjournment of the House, and several matters dealt with in the questions were discussed. VXSHBBIJBS CO3JSEKVATIOH. The Hon. W. Hall-Jones moved the second reading of the Fisheries Encourage ment Act Amendment Bill, which he ex plained was to oontiuue for aoo har three years the bonus on exported fish. The motion was agreed, to on the voices,

tfBI ASFOOHTO> GtJAKDIAJS : FMOAY, DECEMBER 10 1897.



frtiiinr.- ■•■», v- ■ .m,, .'.. n .vr.m ' »■ -*- — — ■ : ■ Business Notices, _ ' TO B B 8 I 1) E N T 8 BUILDING & FURNISHING. TTTTE BEG respectfully to |»murauae that we hay« wc»*ivid t per S»& " I*»«i«" *ad •U«Lu»,( wry hti?y ihlpmenu for our HOUSEHOLD FURNISHING |»«p»tt. moot, viz:— SHEETINGS ' CURTAINS OARPBT BQUARIW PILLOW COTTONS QUILTS} HEARTHRUGS TOWELS TOILETS OILCLOTHS TiBMNOS MUSLINS UNOLKUMB Smi mdlw miuty of Black »nd Colored Glmpfc. * ! NEW SHIPM;BNTJS OJP Dresses, Straws, Mantles. ft | oww |of>mple 8 HOSIERY, at LANDED OOST. MITCHELL & TURNER. \ itTeVepfeone No BO.i •S. S A L E K. WATCH REPAIRS. American Watche^ H^ioglbonghb largely aD » oowMeribto discoanb for.spofeloaih CHARGES FOR REPAIRS ARE COBBBSPOOISSIV BEDUOBD. PROMPTNESS IN EXECUTING ALL WATGH 88PA189., & CJIL.OCKL BEPAIBS* In a RELIABLE MANHKB, is a feature at S. SALEK'S, THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT. EAST STREET. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT. SECOND SHIPMENT OF NEW GOODS ! JUST OPENED' ANDREW ORR IS NOW SHOWING the Finest Collection of Up-to-date Novelties in MILLINERY, French and English, Lovely selection of Straw Hats m& Sailors': Dress Fabrics: a Most Beautiful Collection in Pink Robes and all classes of Plain and Fancy Goods; MANTLES and GAPES, the latest gfcyles from London; Ribbons, Laces, Face Nets, Gloves, Hosiery, Sunshades, Prints, Blouses, Bells, etc. THE NEW OYOLW CORSET, Tn«t Imported, In all t»izes, (specially made,) GENTS' SUITS TO MEASURE from £2 103 A Large Aawttnent of Gentlemen's Ties and Scarfs Just Opened. Men's Hats in all' the taw shapes. Ladien' and Gentlemen's Boot* and Shoes in every Style and make. OABPBTS, FLOORCLOTHS, &c, &c. ANDREW ORR HOUSE PAINTING & PAPEBHANGING. GOOD TBADEBMBN are requested to call upon us. OIL CLOTH FOR DADO S IN STOCK. TO ARTISTS. I HAVE a Spleadidlot of Opal Glass in atock, specially prepared for Artists' use, which ma be oufc to any size required at a moderate charge. J. WILSON, COBNSB OF AKCAPB & BUBNETT



John. Orr & G©. MONSTER SALE. Further Reductions. TTAVING on hand and now landing THE LARGEST STOCK OF IRONMONGERY, , GROCERIES, OKOOKIRY, GLASSWARE, etc., in the Ashburton County, WE HAVE DEFINITELY DECIDED TO KKOITCI3 BY OINJ3 HALF. With this end in view, we are now SELLING AS UNDER:- Groceries. Best Snowdrop Sugar,., ... 2|dperlb Tea blended ... 101b boxeß la per 1b Tea in half chests iQdperlb (strong liquor) Gore Oatmeal ... 2a 8d per 251b bag Colonial Candles ... 4dperlbperbox English Parafine Candles 6£d per 1b per bos Keroßene, 150 test, .- 6s 6d per tin — 12s 9d per case Rollit's Flour at Mill prices. Currants '. ... .« 4Jd perlb Cornflour ... 3d per lb Essence of Lemon .- •*« •«» 4d Worcester Sauce, Piiits ... 9s per doz Essence of Coffee ... •-. 10£ d Sago ... lid per lb Tobacoo, Nubian squares ... 4s6dperlb Bran - 3s 6d per bag Sharps ... ... .- 5s per b*g John Orr & Co. nriHß SUCCESS ATTENDING OUR Cheap Cash Sale Induces us to adopt for the future this Byatem of doing business. And as we purchase for Cash from the best makers in England and America, the General Public will therefore have the advantage of Select ing Goods of Sterling Quality at) prices hitherto unheard of. WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING NOW LANDING AND IN STOCK :— Acids Jellies Almonde Kerosene Anchovy Paste Knife Polish „ Sauce Ketchup Arrowroot Lime Juice Annafcto Lemon Juice Ammonia LiDseerl Meal Baking Powder Macaroni Barley Mace Black Lead Maizena Bacon Mackerel Blacking Milk Borax Marmalade Bloater Paste Matches Bloaters Mustard Blue Nutmegs Bovril S ysfcerß i Butter Colouring Oatmenl Biscuits S ftti,° a Oar raway Seeds Ox'Jongues Outnee Olives Capers E'PP 6/.. C*Bfcor Oil Potted Meat Candles poaß Coffee Pickles Currants Plums Cheese Baisins Ourrie Powder K'ce Candle Cotton Rennet Oreom of Tat tar Soap Cocoa tt] fc t Corn Flour Saltpetre Candied Peel Starch Wove* i ar, dIT . , Cinnamon Bodß Crystals Chocolate !?¥* rt.» Clothes Pegs S»»»d Ojtlg Dates Salmon Ee«ences Semolina Extract of Meat Sauces Fire Kindlera Sulphur Fruits (Tinned) Sago Floar o°uP ß Germina SP oca, n Gelatine Sheep s Tongues Golden Syrup T^as Groats Tobapoo Ginger ®&P™» „ Haddocks VermeoelU Hups Vestas HerriD R8 V»«?8" Infants' tfood Whiting isinglass Yeast Jam | Yeast Powder John Orr & Co., ASHBUBTON.3



Business Notice. special DjUcc> at FOR CHRISTMAS SEASONS Of Is in the Pounrf. From this day till the end of December. TXTB are now offering some very SPECIAL LINES IN DRESS GOODS. Exceptionally low prices quoted for completed costumes. HJESI2 WINDOWS, Tweed Costumes complete from ... 20a A Grand Line of Boys Colonial Iweed Ktiioker Suits, sizes 1 to 13, these we [starb from-^fcs lid per Suit. WORTH DOUBLE. SPECIAL VALUE IN MEN'S iTWEED ; SUITS. A really good suit for ... £59* Oil We are offering Dome wonderfully Cheap lines in all Department*. A\jshburton Drapery Company. l}o nofWftersi/ad^cT^ buy any gft/?e//p/fa//ons. jg /ns/sf on Aav/ng + ™ ■ mam m %^ Aai I (Awarded Co/(/dncfSf/YerJffe&/$) cmoflo/tßiMDiprm ffttyarepured/idwriQ/esg/ne a flietisst money and * experience cwt &W largest safe/nrfusfmas/a. £ Sold by all grocers ,



Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, Ashburton. FRIDAY—Short Service 7.30 p.m. Choir Practice 8 p.m. SUNDAY SERVICES. (December 12.) B.3o—Holy Communion. 11.0—Morning Prayer. 6,3o—Evening Prayer. .KEY T. A. HAMILTON.



.jioszik: tea



Synopsis or Nnw advbbtibkmbnis. , Waste paper for eale at this office. Hudson's Surprise Party—Entertainment to-night. Fletcher Bros.—New business advertise* ment; galvanised tank for sale, also blue Deiwpnt Potatoes; T. Bullock—Money to lend. Technical Classes—No cookery class to morrow. Found—Bag clntaining instruments.



The New Woman, the new fashion, the latest craze, have some particular virtue to commend them ; so it is with the new cough mixture, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure— instantaneous relief for man, woman, or child is the feature of this unfailing remedy. AU Grocers and Chemists keep it, the pr»6« if r^ioa*ble, 1* 6d and 2i 6d. Dt, 1§