PHASES OF THE MOON.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JULY 23, 1897.

i X.HE Tiinaru Herald says :—" Messrs A. iMj'es and Mr J. H. MHcheli have just returned to SPORT ! OR EXTERN tfaimate from a HINATION. shdOti&g trip up the Wai talc i. They went aa far as Benmore, and for two days' shooting made a record bag for the time of 205 head of ducks and pukaki, mostly paradise ducks. The bag has been photographed, and makes an excellent picture." There am evi dently still considerable numbers of ducks to be found if the shootist knows where to go for them, but this will coon cease to be the case if many of these " record bugs" are made Indeed there-ought to be some limit as to the number sportsmen are allowed to slaughter. Only the other day we read of pigeons being shot in large number?, and left in the bush to rot. That sort of thing is hardly to be «al).epl sport. The matter is one which may well be considered by our Acclimatisa tion Society,

The following appears in the Plymouth Morning News :—" In discussing the

extension of women's ■ suffrage in New Zealand on April

THE AGENT GENERAL.

I 7 for the purpose of giving both sides of the question we ! quoted the opinion o£ several writers on j the subject. By a slip o£ the pen we I erroneously attributed to the Hon. W. P. Reeves, who is Agent-General for New Zealand, the jfojlowing obser vation : ' The men elected (in New Zealand) are, with one or two £Xf ceptions, of the most uneducated

classes in the community—either the lowest bourgeois or mere carpetbaggers. They have displaced men of eJucation and experience. Such are the results of female franchise.' We gave this quotation from filap.kwood's Magazine of the previous month, without com ment, and now find that the remark attributed to the Hon W. P. Reeves: was made by Mr Bakewell, a New Zealander. A few lines above \ this remark in the same magazine Mr Reeves is mentioned as having enume rated among the satisfactory results as flowing from the women's vote in New- Zealand " the unprecedented Liberal

majority returned by the polls," and the women's acquiescence in " the national system of free ; secular, and compulsory education.'' The.eonfuaion evidently arose in seeing the nsißies o( ; Mr Reeves and Mr Bakewell in some what close proximity. Mr Walter

Kennaway, on behalf of the Agent- j General for New Zealand, has pointed out the .ftr^or to up, and Mr Reeves desires us to correct it, as copies of our paper containing the statement quoted as couriDg from Mr Ecev,es ■jave no doubt been sent out to New Z 'aland, and may be used there greatly ',o his disadvantage." ;

Lord Kelvin has a feud with the older geologists for insisting on such a

THE AGE OF THE EIKTH-

vast number of years as they de mand for the geo logical changes

through which the earth has passed. Lord Kelvin is quite sure that the globe cannot have been habitable by living creatures for more than thirty million of years, which he evidently considers a very jKjod.er&te age fox th. B

limit ion of life on tho globe. Oon udnring how overy minute a proper 'ion of that vast period can be included within tin range of anything like historical or traditional records, and !iow impossible it seems to look forward to anything like such a period in the future, tho Spectator says it can hardly •■•hink that Lord Kelvin is a miaimiser. His reason for beating down the duration of life on the earth to this short period of between twenty and thirty million of years appears to b« that, judging by the properties of rocks and by underground temperatures, the earth could hardly have been solidified sooner than thirty million of years ago. And according to tho latest geological calculations, the time neefJed lor the formation of ail the later etiata between the first Cambrian rocks and those of the present order of things would be about seventeen million of years. Lord Kelvin, theref-"""*, inclines to regard our earth as a comparatively inrant world, aged not more than about a score, or at most a score and a-half, of million of years.

Mb Hiram Maxim is well known as an inventor of quick firing guns and

A WONDERFUL METAL.

flying machines, the former being, up to the present", more successful than the

latter. His fame now threatens to be overcast by that of his brother Samuel, a farmer in the United States, who has lately discovered a method of! manufacturing steel which practically j amounts to the discovery of a new and most valuable metal. It seems that Maxim pere united to a taste for farm ing and mechanics a great liking for history, especially that relating to the arts and crafts of ancient Oriental nations, His sons inherited these tastes. "Now you know," said Mr Maxim recently to an interviewer, " the traditions that cling about some of the ancient weapons; how swords were made that would slice through iron and stones without turning the edge. There, are some wonderful sword blades in Japan, which fetch their weight in gold; while it is a matter of common history that in some of the Indian campaigns Natives were met with armed with swords that cut through a musket barrel with the ease a knife will slice a carrot." The art of making such steel has been lost for hundreds of years, but Mr Samuel Maxim, thinking it might be possible to revive it, set to work to make experiments. After reading ail the old literature on the subject that he could find, he determined to try the ancient Hindoo way of making steel, first he met with nothing but failure, but eventually he produced an ingot of metal which, when worked up, displayed wonderful qualities. A drill was made from it which went through a blacksmith's file as a gimlet goes through soft wood. " Harder steel was then procured, the drill cutting through it* with ease and witb no injury to its cutting edge, and at last a piece of steel, so tempered as to be hard enough to cut into gla&s, was trie rl, 'and ! this, too, the drill conquered without, special effort." The difficulty about the method of making this metal is its uncertainty. Only one attempt in I i every twenty or so is successful in [ producing the required quality, and then only in very small quantities. Everything is to be done, however, to bring the process to perfection, and in the meantime an English firm of iron founders has declared the metal to be the most wpnder^ thing of its sort of modern times.

Local and General.

Mr D. fiuddo h&8 been appointed a membe* of the Lytteliton Harbor jfoard, vice Captain A, Parsons, deceased. Among the police changes notified by the Department appears that of .Constable David Jackson, of Ash bur ten, who has been trans ferred to Oamaru. The new corporation well sunk on the Marine Parade at Napier, is flowiug at the rate of 10,000 gallons per hour. The depth reached is 356 feet.

Mr S. Hardley's improved patent grass seed sower will be on view to-morrow in front of Messrs Friedlander Bros.' office, j Farmers will dp wpll to inspect this machine. A number of alterations in ,t>ho railway rates »r« annpynced, principally for bicycles. { Henceforward jfchey will be carried twelve milee for 3d, and so on to fifty milas for la, , and 3d for c&ch additional fifty miles or fraction thereof, [ The Rev. 0. Coafces, VSear of Lyfctolton, will officiate at St. Stephen's Church on Sunday next, and also at Seafield. The Rsv. T. A. Hamilton will conduct services at Longbeach, Waterton and Tinwald for the Rev. J. B'.aokburne, who is suffering iroin illness.

In KngJtusi J233 families live in houses which pay over j61,G60 a year rent ; 9,214 pay between £500 and £I,OWs #033 pay between £200 and £500; 101,945 between £50 and £100; and 3,624,603 pay leas than £20. The railway revenue for the four weeks period ended June 26 shows an increase of j £4000 over that collected for the same period of 1896. The Railway Department is send ing to America for a number of collapsible crates for use in the carriage of bicycles. One of the most ridiculous Acts of Parlia ment still in exist- uce, but long obsolete, is that regulating the food of the community. An Act passed in tfa,e r.eign of Edward 111. prohibited more than two courses being served at dinner or'supper, except on certain holidays, This law Has never been re- i pealed, ' ;

The authorities of Chicago have recently made a law regulating the costume of cyc lists. All cyclists have to wsar trousers baggy from the ankles upwards, white the jacket must be high at the neck. The use of knickerbockers and the consequent expo sure of (stockinged calves are strictly for bidden- The law applies equally to men #nd women. Mr R fy£oElab, ex-M.H.U. for Mataura, writing froni Gi^sg^W ,fco the Wyndham Farmer says: MAt Wakeseld, in york shire, I saw New Zealand froien muiton selling at 4^d per lb, and English live mutton selling in the market-, not 200 yards away, at 6£d. Rather rough, is ie not 1 Our ideas of the price New Zealand mutton realises to the retailers are quite erroneous,"

One of Mr Soddon's earliest experiences' in London was to discover that he had lost all his keys. Immediate! arrangements were made to replace thorn* *»d it curioixsly happened fchafc (ih<i manager of the firm which did all work of tlm*i kind for the, Hotel Cesil turuod out to he a New' Z'?aHander himsolt itowmitllud in Kngla.d. H« was much surpriuml, mid asi much grati fied, when he discovered that tho work to be done was for the Prime Minister of his old colony.

The information that Chief Detective 0 Counor has found it necessary, in conse queuoe of ill-health, to forward his resigna tion to the head of the Department will (says the Otago Daily Times) be received with general regret outside the criminal classes. Detective O'Connor* h*s spent twenty-two years in the detective force. For only two years of that, period has he been in Dunedin, but that time has been sufficient to enable hi™ to prove himself an exceedingly capable officer, and one whom it will be difficult to replace,

The first meeting of the newly elected Committee for the coming; year of fche Agri cultural and Pastoral Association was held on Tuesd»y lass in the nroade Chambers, when there was a good attendance, the President (Mr T. Taylor) occupying the ohair. The meeting day for the future was altered to Tuenday at 3 p.m. Sub-com tnifcfcees were appointed to deal with ques tions of finance, and also to revise the programme for the animal exhibition to be held on the 29th of Octhber next. The remuneration of the Secretary was altered to a fixed sum per annum, in lieu of commis sion. A notice of motion by Mr David Thomas to constitute ati past Presidents (so iong as they remain subscribers to the Association) members of the Committee ex offioioi was deferred to next meeting, a* also a motion by Mr J. C. N. Grigg, to alter the amount of aubscripfeion to : £1 in stead of a guinea. Some other recommenda tions in reference to the show were referred to the Revising Committee.

We often hear of sensational bets being made, such as a guinea to a gooseberry ; a bible-backed policeman to a pint of she oak ; a hundred pounds to a bundle of chips, and so on. The art of betting is to win, and to 1 Win you must back certainties. Here is a tip ! You back • Woods' Great Peppermint Cure to beai a cough or cold every time. You'll always get home; no Johnny Arm strong about that/ au 13

HAYFIELD.

Prom Our Own Correspondent

On Wednesday evening the people of the district met to celebrate the completion of the Presbyterian Manse. The meeting took the form of a social or house-warming at the Manse, where Mr Barton has lately taken up hie residence. The ladies of the district provided refreshments in their usual bounti ful style. There were about seventy people present, and a very pleasant evening was passed, with games, music, etc. Then Mr Kellahan, Caairmau of Committee, after making a suitable speech, presented Mr Barton with a saddle and bridle, ou behalf of the young people of the district. Mr Barton, in responding, thanked his young friends for their kind present, and all the people of his charge for their kindness to him during the past year. Votes of thank were then given to the ladies who provided 'he tea; to those who by their efforts in collecting had helped to build the Manse j •o Mr Chri«teusen for his substantial help in building the stable gratuitously; to Mr Burgess, who kindly brought his organ to help in the evening's amusements ; and to the Chairman, who in responding said, as the Manse was builii in Queen Victoria's Record Reign, it might suitably be called a "Jubilee Manse." The evening was then closed by singing "God Save the Queen."

FOOTBALL.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka July 23, 9.42 a.m. Guabdian Office 10.20 a.m.

Brisbane, July 23. The manager of the New Zealand team has received a message trom the New South Wales Union altering the Armidale* fixture to Tuesday next, instead of Wednesday. No reason is vouchsafed as to why the engagement could not be abandoned. It is understood the cost of reimbursing the Armidale Union for foregoing the fixture would not hatfe exceeded £75, which the New South Wales Union might well have p^id in tfiew of the heavy gates already receiyifd. After playing Armidale, the New 2ealander3 'ftaye ,<jnly thiee days' rest before engaging in the final fc'esfc rii»t#h $ew South Wales, and their chances of winning we not too good.

On Thursday afternoon the High School and Excelsior Clubs tried conclusions on the ground of the The match was won by the E^cejsior by twelve points to eleven. Good form was shown by McKee, Baxter, and Alcorn for the High School, and by Berg, Heasley, Ciisp, Baker, and Watt for the Excelsior. Sir A, Santy proved an efficient referee.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association —By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

London, July 21

The total /Quantity of wheat and flour afloat for the" United $£ingdom is 860,000 quarters, and for the Continent $6Q,Q£)O Quarter?. ' ' ' ' Tallow—Mutton, £ue, 183 9d ; medium, 17s 6d. Beef, fine, lisa jd ; medium, 16s 6d. At to-day's wool 'sales brJLces were firm, though faulty sorts showed irregularity,

The New Xaafand Loan $nd Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, have fe.ceived the following cable message, dated London, 31st July ;—

" Wool.—The sales progress firmly. Since "opening of sales the foi,owing descriptions have altered in price as under :—Merino— Greasy «a.^\^p h par to £d per lb lower ; washed superior/accused superior, greasy medium and inferior, washed medium and inferior, scoured medium and inferior, :slipe, par to |d per lb higher. Crossbred—Fine greasy, medium greasy, medium washed, medium scoured, coarse greasy, coarse washed, coarse scoured, slipe, par to £d per lb lower. Other descriptions unchanged, j Competition by both Home and foreign buyers is active, but there is no American demand. The total quantity catalogued to date is 173,000 bales, and the quantity with drawn 10,000 bales.

V Tallow—l here is a rather better de< mand,!) '

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS.

Sydney, July 21

Wheat, prime chick, Ss to 3s lOd; milling, 4s 41 to 4a sd. Oats, feeding, local prime, 2s 3d to 2s 4d ; New Zealand prime, 28 6d to 2s (>i j medium, 2s 44 j seeding, 2s 6d to 2s Bd. Bas-'ey, Cape, $s 4d. Pens, Prussian Blue, ss. Pollard gd. Bran, §d. Potatoes, Circular Heads, £3 15s; Hew 2ettlaQ^» Onions, Victorian, best, £7 > New Zeaia^ Prime, £9. Butter, New Zealand, factory" 10d~to as toeai, is 14 to Is l|d. Cheese, New Zealand, 5-J. 5* aOH * 4^d to SIT Ham§, New Zealahd, 9?. I Melbourne, July 21 I

Wheat market inactive, 5s 10i to 5s itj^d. Oats, feeding, Is lOd to 2s Id; milling, 2s 2d to 2s 3d. Barley," prime malting, 43 6d to 43 8d; feeding, 2s 6d to 3s. Potatoes, £115s j to £2 12) 6d. Onions, £7 to £710 a. Adelaide, July 21. The good-growing weather has an easing tendency ojrfche wheat ■ market, and the quotations are 1 §8 Id to ss'3d. Q&ts and barley, unchanged^ ' ' '

THE J.G.WARD FARMERS' ASSOCIATION.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Dunemn, July 22 Mr Anderson, Secretary of the Formal« Association, was the first witness to-day. He aaid that for fifteen years he had been subject to Mr Fishers orders, and was associated with him in business for the first four months of the Association. He attended to the books, but after that took charge of the merchandise sales and local correnpon dence. The bookkeeping was afterwards attended to by Messrs Smith and Royds, and Mr Molntosh was cashier. Practically had nothing himself to do with the books after that, though about the balancing he gave general assistance. Had never given in structions to the bookkeeper to make supplementary entries. There were thirty four such entries in his own handwriting, which were mainly corrections among the debits or credits. In all matters of entries he accepted the word of his superior officer, as he was bound to do. Witness was then examined on various items in the ledger regarding the £1500. He did not remember Mr Fisher telling him that Mr Ward was going to forego that amount, but it) was possible he did. Witness was examined in detail regarding the advances against produce ■•Ifloat and ashore, and said that there was nothing in the details to show what was open and what secured. To the best of his belief, the entities were true. In the case of the Rope and Twine Company, £3900 set down as an advance against proiuce he thoueht properly described. £3000 on the Hokonui Coal Company waß a secured asset, bub he could cob say if it was secured for advances against produce. Grain railage account, £9975, meant that the Association owed the Colonial Bank that amount as a special account, while the produce account generally represented the balance of oats in store. Questioned as to whether there were £16,000 of oats in store at the 1895 balance, the witness believed that there were, and did not know anything about 150,000 sacks of oats short, as indicated by counsel. The skeleton balance-sheet was supplied to him 1 by the manager who asked him to put in the ! details. He believed it to be quite correct to show the difference only between assets and liabilities instead of the full amount of I each. Although the effect, he admitted, was to reduca both sides, he considered that the deductions were legitimate. In regard to stocks on hand "less goods held on Carswell's account due the Colonial Bank," he stated that goods to the extent of £10,000 were held secured for the Colonial Bank, for the payment of Carswell's promissory note, these goods being simply mixed with : the Association's other stocks. He believed this on the word of the manager who told | himso. The entry of £6500 due by Connel! and Co., which had the effec of reducing the amount owed by Mr Ward to the Association, was made by witness at the request of the manager, whose word he simply took for it. The transaction did not strike him as peculiar then or now. The same remark applied to fche entry of £18,000, Brooks and Co. Ha regarded both as ordinary transactions, and had nude no enquiry about them. He would not swear that when he was told to make the altera tions he was not told to put them straight again the day after the balance, but as far aa he remembered he was not. He repealed that he put the entries in at Mr Fisher's dictation. The effect of these entries was to reduce Mr Ward's account by £24,000, and at the same time reduce the amount owed by the Association to Brooks for one day alone, He had no suspicions. He read a telegram from Mr Smith, late book-keeper, explaining that the pages removed from the ledger were taken out because ink was spilt on them He had himself excised one page from the minute book, relating to the offer made by Smith and Reid to pur chase the debts of the Association. He had 'one so, because Smith and Reid stated that the minutes were wrong. Notes of the minutes were taken by Mr Woodhonse, solicitor. The mistake which Reid aud Smith said appeared was that the minute stated that they were to receive £6000 in cash. At this Btage Mr Chapman suggested that Mr Woodhouse should be asked for an ex planation.

Mr Woodhouse then explained the matter to the following effect:—The debts owing by the Association and Mr Ward to the Colonial J5 ink were to be purchased in glal>o. for £62,750. The arrangement was that they would release the debf, to the Associa tion for £56,000, and Mr Ward's debt to them for £6,000, the Association to pay £6,000. Mr Solomon said that the liquidator was entitled to the exp'anation now given. Mr Anderson continued his evidence. Tie said that he had no conversation with the a^djtor when the latter was making his audit; neither to h{6 knowledge did hi make any enquiries about the statements in the balance account. Witness expUine ) the method pursued in making up the produce account, and thought it was a proper thing to do. He accepted Mr Fisher's statement that the stocks were in hand to represent the balance set out, and thought that if one officer could n6t trust another in such a concern it was* time they separated. He only came into contact with Mr Birch, the i Bank manager, on one occasion, When Mr j Fisher Vas away. This closed the examination. PpKEDJN, July %$. Mr Chapman intimated that he did not intend to re-examine Mr Ward,

Mr Fisher, late manager of the Association, said he had been manager of the Association since its inception, and he gave evidence as to the duties of the accountant and other officers. Mr Ward initiated the policy and arranged the finance. In Mr Ward's absence he partially took upon himself Mr Ward's duties. When Mr Anderson was not in the room* he actSd is secretary at the directors' meetings. The ' articles of the Association provided that the balance sheets should fte sjgned jiy two directors and the secretary. This course was not followed, \ and witness signed the balanpe sheets' in 1,893,1994 and 1§9..5 because he thoufljtf it was gustoinary for the npaj&agsp to <fo so. Examined as to various itieSjs which Mr Hannah was reported to have taken witness's authority for, he did not remember ever speaking to Mr Hannah about; auditing the account^, and as he was not in the oourt during the whole of Mr Hannah's evidence he sould not anawer questions relative to'his evidence. Mr Hannah was there to do his duty. He never interfered with him. The direptors were not consulted regarding the advance to Mr Ward, and I unless it appeared in the minutes the I directors were not consulted about Mr

Ward's account He did not know if any document further than the books laid before - the directors which could show the state of Mr Ward's account. The books were never brought into the meeting and he did not think the directors were ever referred to the books. It was stated, in the original proa^eotiiß of the Association, that the sa'e would not include the O*jean Beaoh freezing

works, and Mr Ward would "conduct this business himself. Afterwards the Company undertook the financing of the f reccing works, the same as they would take any other busi ness on commission, lie denied that, the Association lost any nioriey out of the freezing works, as Mr Ward paid the deficiency. This matter was never referred to the directors ofijoially, {jut they musfc have known, as all Southland knesy' it. The account was always looked upon as part of Mr Ward's account, and t referred, to his accou. nfc eia bajaaoin^ <3ay, because it is j customary for booK-iicupiiig pufjpdsM t° j focus all accounts on balancing day. 1

REDUCTION IN FREIGHTS.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.

Wellington, July 23, The Minister for Railways has decided to make a reduction in freights for certain artjclea from October 1. A reduction on lime used for fertilisation, firewood, posts and rails, house blocks, chaff, hay, straw, beetroot, carrots, mangols, turnips, scrap iron, and certain other articles will begin at 31 miles, and gradually increase up to 80, at which distance the rate will be 4s 2d per truck. Frozen meat freights are to be re duced from class oto l>. Port rates be tween the breakwater and New Plymouth are reduced from 3s 6d to 3s per ton, be tween Lyttehon aad Uhristchureh 5s to 4s fW ton, i

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Auacciation.—-By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Obituary

London, July 21 The death of the Ki^ht Hon. A. J. Mundella ia announced. Labor Questions. A strike is threatened amongst the telegraph clerks throughout Great Britain over the question of overtime; The Maori Contingent. The members of the Maori contingent visiting Kngland in connection with the Jubilee celebrations, have peti tioned the Queen to have 6,000,000 acres of land they now hold secured inalienably to them. Issue of Debentures. The New South Wales Mortgage, Loan and Agency Company is issuing £160,000 worth of 4 p*r cent, deben tures, of which £99,521 wortb has already been allotted to the share and debentures, of which £99,521 worth has already been allotted to the share and debenture holders of the Company. The price of the new debenture stock is fixed at 98. The issue is the result of the recent meeting in London, which decided to reduce the termin able debentures to £160,000, and con-. vert them into 4 per cent, debenture stock. Loss of a Steamer. New Yoek, July 21. The Atlantic liner Baltimore has gone ashore in the Strait of Belle Isle, off the Newfoundland coast.

Australian.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

Railway Revenue.

Sydney, July 22.

The railway revenue last quartpr showed a net increase of over £59,000 compared with the previous corres ponding quarter. Credit Fonder. Melbourne, July 22 During the seven months the Credit Foncier scheme has been in operation over £286,000 has been advanced to 584 farmers. Graving Dock Dues. With a view to retaining work a great part of whiph now goes to Sydney, in consequence of the lower scale of charges there, the Victorian Government has considerably reduced the graving dock dues.

ACCIDENT TO LADY BRASSEY.

Serious Injuries.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Melbourne, July .22 Lady Brassey met with a serious accident while driving in Elizabeth street to-day. She was accompanied by the Hon. Dorothy Brand, daughter of lord Hampden, Governor of Hew £outh Wales, when a runaway cart violently collided with her carriage. Miss Brand was thrown out, and c caped with a shaking. Lacjy Brassey received the full force of the iinpapt on her right side. She was removed to Government Bouse, where it was found that two ribs wer*e broken, one badly. The doctor fears that the lungs may to I some extent be affected, but there is no serious present danger. Received Wakapuaka July 23, 10.45 a.m., (Juardian Office 1X.40 a.m. Mjp,pqyßNE, July 23. Besides broken ribs Lady Brassey is much bruised, and in great pain, but she is not in a dangerous state and the doctors now anticipate a good recovery.

THE LATEST Home and Foreign.

Preas 4880oiatfon -Py Electric Telegraph— Copyright,

Received Wakapuaka, July 23, 10 a.m., Guardian office, 11 a.m. The Pacific Cable. London, July 22 The British military and naval authorities prefer the cable proposed to be laid trom J?erth to OapsS jSolony to' the Pacific cable. " ;

TUe (J9M Oiscqyeries. Ottawa, July 28. Many Canadians are clamouring againsfi Sfir W. Jj^urjer for only allow ing .Britishers to proceed tq th.c gpld discoveries at Kloolike. Miners are warned that the healthy seajon will soon be over, and that an ample outfit and abundant supplies are imperative. Received W&kapualja July $3, 1Q.520 a.m, GpAKjo^N Oftice ll.i(| am. Tine Treacherous Tribesmen. Oamutta, July 22 ! The punitive expedition despatched against the treacherous tribesmen at Tochi has occupied Skerandi and Maizor, and captured large stores of grain.

The Colonial Troops ■ ; London,-tfuly 22 Parties of the colonial troops iare distributed throughout England in spectiog the historical seats of the gentry." The vigitorg were entertained at Hatfield House/ Lord Salisbury sending a, telegram . regretting his inability tq velpoqje them in perdon.

Sir San! Samuel ! Mr Reid h»9 arranged that Sir Saul j | Sapwl M retire ZZZ !' he Aaeat'l Generalship in October. A Successor Mr Reid is negoiiating for the appointment of a successor to the late Mr Eddy, of the railway department.

FEDERATION.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright,

Received Wakapuaka, July 23, 10.45 ».m M Guardian Office 10.45 a.m. I Sydney, July 22 Tho Legislative Assembly struck cmfc the clause in the Federal Bill giving the Senate power to suggest alterations is financial measures,

THE BISLEY RIFLE MEETING.

Frees Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

London, July 21

The Victorian igsjregates in the first stage of the Queen's Prize are as follows :—Carter 100, Todd 98, Walker 96, Hawker and Fargher 91, Sloane 90, Grummett 89, Kelly 87, Ross 85, Downie 84, Kirk 83, Reilly 81.

ThH Queensland aggregates were: — Bradley and Anderson 96, Heenan, Ferguson and Mitchell 95, Hamilton 93, Grant 91, Winterford 90, Sankey 88, Green 87, Moodie 86, Middleton 85.

Bombardier Carter, Victoria, tied with five others for the St. George* Challenge Vase which, after the Queen's priV, is the principal Volun teer competition. Sixty-nine com petitors made the highest possiblei at 600 yds. Ballinger, New Zealand, with 66, and Downie, Victoria, with 65, also made possibles at that range.

The prizes in Martin's Oup were won by Downie with 32, Farther (Victoria) 31, Harris and Simpson (New Zealand) 30. The phenomenal scoring throughout the meeting has given rise to the sug gestion that the bull's-eye should be made smaller, or should contain a central ring of higher value.

(Received Wakapuaka, July 25, 10.20 ft.m* Guardian Office 11.10 a.m. J

London, July 22 Later details show that of the 1900 competitors in the first stage of the St« George's Vase at Bieley. thirteen tied with scores of 69 out of a possible 70, Scores of 67 and upwards were raado by eighty-three competitors, who are included in the 100 qualified to shoot in the second stage. The principal scores included the following New Zealanders—King 67, Howe and Richardson 66. In the Martin Gup Harris and Simpson, New Zealand, won £2 each.

Lieutenant Olemence, of the First Middlesex regiment, won the Daily Graphic prize after an exciting contest with Lieutenant Kelly of Victoria, and Private Mitchell of Adelaide.

No more colonials have succeeded in qualifying among the 300 who take part in the second stage of the Queen's

Prize.

The Queen's Prize, for which there were, as-stated yesterday, some 2000 entries is, of course, the prinpipal individual event of the Bisley Meeting. Npt only is the first prigs the largest given in any individual rifle contest in

the world, but the prize list is also the heaviest in regard to number. The method of firing the Queen's is by stages, viz, the whole of the competitors fire in the first stagp, which is seven

shots each pt 200, 500, and 600 yds, the highest possible score being 105. The highest 300 then compete in the second stage, which consists of ten shots at 500 yds and fifteen shots at 600 yds, and the aggregate possible score becomes 230. The 100 highest aggre gates then fire at 800 and 900 yds, ten shots at each distance, the highest possible aggregate being 330. There are 600 prizes, ranging in value from

the first prize of £250, gold medal and

gold badge, down to.£L'' The highest scorers in each stage receive medals., and the whple of those in the flnal hundred get badges, and are registered^ on the Roll of Honour of the National

Rifle Association. The highest eoora ever made for the first v stage is 100, nade by Lauce-Oorporal Comer, in 1895, and now equalled by Garter, of Victoria, and the lowest 93, made by Pope, in 1891. The second stage of the_Queen's was to be fired yesterday, and the final stage, which closes the

meeting, will beared on Saturday, The excellence of the shooting is shown by the fact that the lowest of the 300 who get into the second stage had this year to score 12 points more than last year. At present New Zealand has a certainty of five men in the second stage, with a probability of th'yee more getting in. ' c ■ The' Daily Graphic Match, for. which the unprecedented number of forty flye competitors havp secure*! possibles, is fired at 300 yards. Unlike most of* the other matches fired $6 1 Bisley at this distance, the competitors are allowed to take any position. For years this Ocip has been won with A possible score, Private McKay, o£ the Ist Durham, securing the trophy last year. There are a number of money prizes, and besides these there are r in addition to the Pup, a number of framed" sketches 'hf the 'vafu^ tit J:Os each. . : "' w

THE COLONIAL PREMIERS.

Prasi AasooUfcioo-^By Elegtrip T§Jegr»ph-sr Copyright?.

Received Wakapuaka July 23, 10 a.m., Guardian office 10.40 a.m.

Lonoon, July 22 During a ponfepenqe between th,«j Qolonjal Office oUcials and the visiting Premiers, the latter informed Mr Chamberlain that Australia would gladly welcome bim if he paid a visit. Mr Chamberlain replied that it would be quite impossible for him to visit the colonies unless he resigned from the Cabinet, or some definite momentqua matter arose in connection with" wbtoo his visit could be ©f service to both the colonies and England Should occasion arise he would'go. l

A brilliant reception was accorded Mr Seddbn and, hii wife ancPQhlef .Justice "v^ay by the Constitution Olub! The visitors mefc Mr A, J. Balfour, Sir M. Hioks^eajsh;, the/ Duke of Norfolk ancj o'ther,| s *' ' *

THE ABBBUBTON GOAJKDIA*: FBIDAY, JULY 23, m*i t



VIjX.

'irst'quarfcer.,, 'uli moon  iast quarter ... lew moon

8 14 22 30

1 2 am 4 22 pm 2 3§ am 3 28 am



OUR ANNUAL STOCK-TAKING SALE IS NOW PROCEEDING, AND WILL CONTINUE TILL AUGUST this 18th. EVERYTHING^ REDUCED. P LEASE NOTE the following Quotations, being a few of the BARGAINS OFFERED — DRESS TWEEDS—Regular price Is 3d per yard, sale price 4s lid drefea lenßth. Drees Tweeds—Regular price 153 9d dress lengthj sale price 6s lid dresa length. SERGES in Black, Navy, and Brown 2s 3d, sale price la 6d per yard. Blue Black Merinos, sale price Is 1 Id per yard, regular price 2s 6d. DRESSMAKING during this sale 8s od. Children's Cashmere Hose, sale price 6d per pair. Ladies' Oashtnere Hoße, sale price 10|d. Ladies* Bibbed Hose, sale price 6d per pair. A few Men'B Colonial Tweed SUITS 15s each. fieri 1! Cotton Shirts Is each. Men's Heavy Grampian Shirts Is lid. A Urge assorted line Men's Tweed Trousers, to be cleared at 7s Hd per pair. Men's Tweed Hats 6d each. Men'B Tweed Gaps 6d each. Men's Colonial Knitted Socks 6d per pair. Kxtra Heavy Twilled Sheetfe*. 2 yards wide, Is per yard. Flannelettes from 8d per yard. All wool Colonial Shirting la 6d per yard Ladies' Corsets, size 18, 19, 20, our regular line at 2s lid, to be cleared is lid. IN THB SHOW-ROOM THE REDUCTIONS WILL BE OF A MOST * THOROUGH DESCRIPTION. BKB DOORS AND WINDOWS FOR BARGAINS. Ashburton Drapery Company, ARCADE HOUSE. BANKRUPT ESTATE OF G. J. NEILL AND CO., DRAPEES, CLOTHIERS, MERCERS, AND BOOT DEALERS, ASHBURTON THE VENDORS would respectfully call the attention of the Inhabitants of Ashburton and Surrounding District* to this Bona Fide Sale and also we whh to draw your attention that we have aecared another stock at a very low figure, and we have decided to »«H the whole at Ashburton and hope you will fayour us with your patronage as early as DMBible. So come all and come early. Every line must go, BY ORDER, STOCK VENDORS. BY ORDEH OF THK PUROtf ASERS OF ABOVE ESTATE. 6 233 DRESSES & DRESSMAKING = EXTRAORDINARY. = AFTER AN EXCEPTIONALLY SUCCESSFUL^!ASON WE ARE NOW PREPARED TO TAKE VERY MUCH REDUCED PRICES



FOR OUR FEW REMAINING COLORED DRESSES. A WW PRICE quoted for Dress Complete, Best Style|aud;Fib. MITCHELL & TURNER.



LADIES' RINGS. RINGS. RINGS. BROOCHES. BROOCHES. BROOCHES. SEE WINDOW OF S. SALEK'S JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT FOR THE LARGEST STOCK AND NEWEST DESIGNS OP \ LADIES' RINGS AND BROOCHES EVER SEEN IN THE ASHBURTON DISTRICT.



MAGNIFICENT New Stock of above, Set with Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, Pearls, Opals, and other Precious Stones. These stones hiving been bought and chosen by S. SALEK personally, and made up in 18 carat Colonial Gold to his own designs, are superior in regard to Design and Price to anything hitherto seen in the district. PBIOEB 20 per cent Lower than Usual, marked iv Plain Figures. SEE WINDOW. S. SALEK, WATCHMAKEK & MANUFACTURING JEWELLER, j EAST STREET,



Public Notices ! \SHBURTON ON WHEELS NEW ZEALAND Clothing 1 Fn ctory. AGBNTS FOR TH B A N GLO - N F.W YM AL AND OYOLK COMPANY. _ Y\7E hive just opmed out a full stock W of the following high gride, up-to 'late, Ladies' and Gents' Bicyole", al EDg'ish m ke, beautifully enamelled and vety heavily plated parts. THB «LOBfT—Very high grade m»ohine, D shape tubing, 3£tn tread, 3-16 in chain, patent head lock, and all other latest improvements, English Dunlop Tyres. THB MELTOW-A beautiful cyle, 3^in treal, fitted with the patent 316 in twin roller chain, Euglish Dunlop Tyres, a pleasure to ride on. THE TOWNEND- Another high class m>. chine. On account of the large Dumber we have gold of these cycles we can fully recommend it. English Dunlop tyres, oval tubing, 3iin tread, large barrel hubs oil retaining, heavily plated, and atriotly up-to-date. Also a full stock of accesßories'"and novelties will always be kept in stock. Any of these machines will be sold for cash or on the easy time payment system. Inspection Invited. - HALLENSTEIN BROS., A. G. BARTON, Manager.' Church Services. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Aahburton. FRIDAY—Short Service, 7.30 p.m. Choir Practice, 8 p.m. SUNDAY^SERVICES, JULY 25. 8.30 a.m.—Holy Communion. 11 a.m.—Morning Prayer. 3 p.m.—SKAFIKLD. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. REV. C. COATES, \icar of Lyttelfcon. LONGBEACH PAROCHIAL DISTRICT. QUNDAY SERVICES, JULY 25. LONGBEACH, 11 a.m.—Holy Communion Rev T A. Hamilton. WATERTON, 3 p.m.—Rev T. A. Hamil ton. TINVVALD, 7 p.m.—Rev T. A. Hamilton 7 137 1* —mn.fcif h-»wwlih»hiih.■«■!■—»——at—»



Hop^/Ay's Ointment and Pills.— Absqasseaj "Erysipel^ piles.—Unvarying success attends all who treat theso diseases according to the simple printed ' di/ectjong , wrapped around e&ch pot or box. They are invaluable to the young and timid, whose baehfulness sometimes endangers life. Though apparently local, diseases of this nature are essentially blood diseases,, bub a little attention, moderate preservanoe, and trifling expense will enable the moat diffident to conduct any case to a happy issue with out exposing secret infirmities to anyone. The Ointment checks the local inflammation and alleviates the throbbing pains. The=e



direotions also clearly point out when and hot? Holloway's Pills are to be taken, that! their purifying and regulating powers may i assist by adjusting &»<$ etsengtheoing the 008|tit»j>i98» •■<■-■■, j



Don't : Cough.— Relief can be obtained immediately. Use • KEATING'g COUGH LOZENGES'—-well known aa the utterly unrivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly re commended by many eminent physicians, , They at once check the cough and remedy t the cause without any after effect: the most I



delicate can therefore can take them. One Lozenge alone gives ease—one or two at bedtime ensures rest, gold everywhere jn j tin.9la l£d a*fi}|, , j



I The weather prophets predict th*t the long fine dry Bpell which we nave n«*u wm ue followed by a very web 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 Praigheab! and Berryman have become' famous "for f fcheir well known brand of winter clothing, whioh'



Has hitherto given such satisfaction, and in anticipation of & still larger sale for these goods, this season they are now showing probably the largest stock of waterprool tweed, serge, and melton oyerooats ever exhibited m Ashbarton. They are &}so supplying ladies' and gentlemen's water, proof oloaka and coats to measure at ready made prices. Every garment guaranteed thoroughly waterproof. (Three months trial, if defective money returned). AH wool linings—keeping the wearers always warm and dry—sewn throughout with strong silk, ventilated and «v«ry improvtf moat «up to date.'VAßv*, *