Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Vertis et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 1897.

The charming singing of the original Fisk Jubilee singers (says the Southern

Cross), led by Mr F, J. Loudin, and who visited thesp colonies some ten

MISS PATH J. MALONE.

years ago, will be fresh in the minds of many of our readers, for their render ing " Steal Away to Jesup," " I Will Walk through the Valley in Peace," and many others wtiich will never be forgotten. From the Ravenna Repub lican of January 28, we learn of th< death of one of the company, in the person of Miss Patti J. Malone. Her history was a remarkable one. Her mother was born in slavery, and yet the time came when the slave-owner's daughter became tlbe servant of tha one he held in bondage before that cursed trafficking in flesh and blood was abolished in America. Miss Malone was never robust, but always willing to struggle through her work in the path of duty, and also minister to the wants of those she was associated with. She was a true Christian, and the sterling character she bore softened the prejudice of those with whom she came in contact. We are informed that Miss Malone was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her illness was a severe one, but borne with Christian fortitude. When first informed of the serious nature of the complaint, she was much agitated, and spent the day in earnest prayer, resulting in perfect resignation, and spoke more cheerfully about the operation than those around her could do. The day previous she wrote to Mrs Loudin, who ever acted as a mother towards her ? *' Don't for get me at the Mercy Seat, especially to-morrow afternooo, if my strength is \ equal to my spirits I shall rally all | right, for my trust is in God, and in I Him alone." No woman of her race ! ever sang in more countries of the world, and none did her part better. Doubtless she is now singing "In Bright Mansions Above," in the pre sence of Him she dearly loved, and who redeemed her by His own precious blood.

A writer in the Spectator views with displeasure the alaioat worship that has

been given to Cecil Rhodes as a person age, and thus medi-

HERO-WORSHIP-

tates on the subject:-—" To be the deserving favourite of a nation one should have done something for that nation ; and we do no yet see plearly or precisely what it is that Mr Rhodes is supposed to have done that is as big as his reputation, Jfis admirers will hardly say that they worship him as a great man of business He has been a great man of. busime-s., but that form of gueoegs brings its own special reward ; 4 nobody can argue that controlling ai" UJ'. i —-kat, (jr managing to the diamond m - .. e |j g | 3 extract great profits t'tom o • " •. of itself a claim to be a hero. It it is, Mr J. B. Robinson,, or Mr Reit, or Mr Barnato is a more heroic figure than Mr Rhodes, a reduciio ad absurdum. It is good for the country in a way to extract much gold itrom mines, and to raise many diamonds, and to employ many black persons in digging, but it is not better than to create fleets, or construct engines, or dis cover new applications of electricity ; aod we do not find that Sir Thomas Sutherland, or Lord Armstrong, or Lord Kelvin are in tho sight of the populace on the same plane as Mr Rhodes. That gentleman, again, has I been a popular Premier at the Cape, and to be a popular Premier is of course creditable, even if one does obtain popularity on rather earthy grounds j but why is it more creditable to Mr Rhodes than to Sir John Macdonald, or Sir H. Parkes, or Mr Seddon, the latter a man who, if our more extreme Radicals knew their business, they would declare to be the one heaven-born Premier of our Colonial Empire ? None of these men have been honoured like Mr Rhodes, and, indeed, the complaint of every colonial statesman, as we have occasion to know, is that the British public will not attend to him, will not even per ceive how great and how difficult are the problems which he has faced and overcome, The religious troubles of Canada, the labour wars of Victoria, the Socialist struggles in New Zealand, are of a kind to reuse those who deal with them successfully to the front rank of statesmen; but though the Colonial office notices, and occasionally rewards, those who succeed in those fights we nave certainly never had occasion to suggest that the British people was about these men over enthusiastic. They have been left to be rewarded by power and status among their own people, not treated as if they had just extricated the Empire from dangerous dilemmas."

Local and General.

It is expected that the Suburbs election wi.l take place about the 24th. Commercial newa qq the fourth page, and on the first page a report of the meeting of the Wakanui Road Boiard. The Sydenham Borough Council last night referred the Drainage Board's order to cease operations at the night; soil depoc to a Com. mtttee, with power to act. The Conciliation Board met to-day at ChrislCjhurob in connection with the build ing trade' dispute, and decided to aupply both aides with a copy of the awaid \yfaen made out. The master tailors in Wellington refused tp accept the agreement arrived at by the .Comrniotee .on the four points left in dispute, and .these will consequently come before the Conciliation feoard. ' A large number of members of Parliament -•Misod through in the southern express last " ■ ' amongst them being Mr Seobie evening, " .£. fit No doubt he Maokeuzie, 100.. »v ..,/ d deal if fch will liven up mattei- a. A jae Hon. session were to be prolongeu. rr ,. Major Steward left by the same train. _10 members travelling wore—M.L C.s—Hons. iJovyn^e Stewart, Pinkerton, McLean, Rey nolds, 15olfc, and Joneei. M.H.R.a—Messrs Miller, Oarncross, Duncan, Kelly, Gilfedder, Thomson, Scobie Mackenzie, Hone Keke, Albn, §Qd Fratt,

' For the past eight days millions of birds with dark plumage have covered the sea about half a mile off shore at Longbeach, and looal naturalists are greatly exercised as to the cause of the uuusual migration. A specimen of a pretty Australian and tropical bird, a pratincole, was shot last week on the Westport beach. The Wel lington Post suggests that probably it was blown across from Australia or the Islands. At a committee meeting of the Ariel Bicycle Glub held last night, it was decided to hold the annual ball on Thursday, May 5. A ball committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs David Zander, John Wilson, R. J. Henry, H. Thompson and J. Forbes, and invitations will be issued shortly The Wellington Post has the following :— The potato crop has been a very poor one in the Wellington and Marlborough districts. Both in quality and quantity there is a deficiency, and we shall have to depend upon the South Island for supplies. Prices are very firm just now, with a tendency to ' move upwards. The wide-awake experts of the London " Zoo " have had foisted on them by somo mechanical genius a specimen of the horned viper, which was furnished with a pair of false horns so cleverly that the fraud at first escaped deteotion. The newspapers have been poking fun at the officers for having been so taken in. Replying to a deputation presenting a petition from the Presbyterian Churches of Austmlasia, praying the Government to use its influence in protesting against French annexation of the New Hebrides, as Buch a step would militate against the Presbyterian missions in the island, the Premier expressed sympathy with the object, and promised^its careful consideration by the Cabinet. A meeting of the members of the Ashbur ton Pigeon Flying Club ia convened for Wednesday evening at the office of Messrs Shearman Bros., and intending members are also invited to attend. It may be mentioned that a good many of the local fanciers have begun training their birds for a flying race that ia expected to come off shortly, and some of the birds have made very good time. Three sections of Crown land near Baling will be open for selection on May 12, either for cash, for occupation with the right of purchase, or for lease in perpetuity, at the choice of the applicant. The seotions are in the North Rangitata township reserve, south-eastward from the railway, and areas are respectively 102, 140, and 197 acres, and the cash prices* are £1 10a and £1 153 per acre, At a large and representative meeting of retailers in Dunedin it was decided to form a Retailers' Association, the objects being to confer upon, and deal with, matters affecting the interests of the retail trade. After adopting the Articles of Association and a code of rules, it was decided to make a strong protest to the Government, against the increased charge for the telephone service. The Ashburton i'ennis Club's final match in the gentlemen's handicap tournament for Dr. Morris' racquet was played on Saturday , I afternoon last, between Messrs E. Jackson and H. H. Pooka, both starting from the same mark, |-15 behind scratch. The game resulted in a win for Mr Fooks by two sets to nil, the sets being 64, 6-2. A large number of visitors were present for whom Mrs A. Curtis provided afternoon tea. Owing to the lateness of the announce ment that there may be an Easter encamp ment after all, it is feared (says the Times) that some of the volunteers will be unable to attend, havfng made other arrangements for spending the Easter holidays. Colonel fi-ordon, however, his made preparations which will enable all the arrangements as to site, supplies and transport to be completed at short notice, so that no inconvenience will be caused in that direction. The oxy-ether limelight exhibition given in the Chertsey schoolroom last night by the R-sv J. R: Clark was well attended. A splendid setiea of pictures was shown by moans of the capital apparatus which'Mr Clark has. T^e pictures repre sented " Life and manners in Japan," and were quite up to date. Mr I>. T. Todd gave £he descriptive matter in connection with tfie viewa. 'The entertainment will resujt. jn a substantial addition to fche public) organ fund. The Hon J. Carrol has been approached by several members of the House, with the view Qf hayjag the date of closing the trout fishing Beason extended tp the end of April it is pointed, out that the present ead of the ; * -♦* fcefoEe the Eafjter holidays, season is iuou ••- , from thus preventing many holiday^akß^ *rQro indulging ia angling. In the Wairarapa district the rivers are well stocked with trout, and no damage will be done if the season is extended. The matter is under consideration. The cloth required for the uniforms of the mounted troops about to be sent away to attend the Record Reign celebrations was manufactured at the Mosgiel Wollen Com pany's mills. It was, says the Otago Daily Tivies, a sincere compliment to the Com pany and its employees that the Government on deciding on the uniform at once turned to the Company, and asked that, if possible, the material should be supplied by a certain I date. The order was at once put in hand, and so great was the expedition used that before the officers of the Defence depart ment could make up their minds as to the quantity required, 200 yards of cloth were ready, and were being shipped to Welling ton when Mr Morrison, the manager, re ceived a telegram intimating that 400 yards jof cloth were wanted altogether. The other 200 yards were at once pu<. in hand and have since been shipped to Wellington. The report presented at the annual meet ing of the New Zealand Times shareholders stated that in five years £3641, about half the capital had been lost. This, however, included some £1200 for brokerage, of which the company had never the use. The plant and machinery were old and obsolete, and though the circulation had increased from 2000 to 5000, and the business was good, the paper could not be carried on by a company without more capital. The report and balance sheet were adopted, and resolu tions were passed to sell the paper to a new company at a price to be fixed by arbitra tion, such price tp coyer all liabilities, and yield the shareholders not less than IQs, or more than 15s ; per paid-up share of £1, the purchasers to bind themselves and assigns bo carry on the paper for six years in the Liberal interest. It is understood that the new company will contain not more than ten shareholders, and the capital will be £25,000. As fixed above fche price paid for the paper represents between £8000 and £9000. The census returns show that there were in Ashburton borough when the census was taken 740 bachelors of all ages, and 675 spinsters of all ages. There were 292 married men and 298 women. Of widowers there were 41, and 36 widows. Of the bachelors 370 were under 14 years, and of the spinsters 313. Between the ages of 14 I and 15 there were 31 maleß and 34 females, Between 15 and 20, the numbers were 100 males and 156 females ; 20 and 21, 13 males and 20 females. The table then takes up the ages between 21 and 40. Of the age of 21 and under 25 there were 60 single men and 0 married ; 71 single women, 21 married »nd 1 widow ;C f thv age of 25 and under 30, 49 baohelors and 22 married men, #9 Bjogle wtftnen, 45 wives, and 1 widow; 30 to 65 years, 16 bachelors, 42 husbands, 2 widowers, and 13 single women, 59 wives, and 3 widows j 36 to 40 years, 19 bachelors, 44 huabancfs,' 1 widower, and 7 spinsters, 52 wives, and 5 widows. There wer.s betv/eers the ages of 40 and 45 years, 12 bachelors, 48 husbands, no widowers, and 6 spinsters, 51 wives and 3 widows. The period between 45 and 50 was represented by 7 bachelors, 44 benedicts, 1 widower, and 1 spinster, 25 wives, and 2 widows. From 50 to 55, claimed 0 bachelors, 34 husbands, 3 widowers,'and $3 spinsters,, 21 wives, and 4 widows. The next term of five ye^rs showed II bachelors, 21 husbands, and 7 widWer s> and no spinsters, 12 wives and 7 widows. From 60 to 65, 11 bachelors, 13 husbands, 3 widowers, and 2 spinsters, 14 wives, and 5 widows. The next term, 65 to 70, showed 7 bachelors, 11 husbands, 5 widowers, and 1 spinster, 1 wives, and 4 widows. 70 to 7b gave 12 bachelors, 4' husbands,' and 8j widowers, bufc the spinsters and wjdowers disappear here, and onjy one wife is scheduled. 75 to 83 gives 9 bachelors, $ \ h """*• 7 widowers, but the spinsters have j husDau. tuning altogether now as well i 80 years and upwards there were 7 oacfleiQis, , 2 husbands, and 4 widowers, but at> Bpinaters, ( oply I wife, mi 3 widows, _/' j

Yesterday afternoon, about four o'clock, j as some of the Borough school children ' were going home along the Alford Forest Road, boy-like they must needs hang on to the tail of a dray loaded with shingle, when one of them named William Brown, whose parents reside near the woollen mill, apparently got his leg through the wheel, aud was picked up by Mr F. M. Rickman. who found that one of ahis legs was broken just abjve the ankle. Miss Curd, who was passing, conveyed the sufferer to the ho.-pital, where the limb was set by Dr Trevor, the hospital surgeon. A pioneer settler of Canterbury, Mr E. M. ' empler, died at St. Albans, Christ- ! church, on Saturday. He came over from Austra ia with hia brother Arthur iu 1849, some months before the 'first four shipa " arrived, aud took up a bock of country between the Ashburton and Rangitata, mak ing a very small homestead on what is now the Longbeach property. They brought merino sheep over from Australia and lost the first lot by tutu on landing them. He was a member of the Provincial Council in the old days. We have sometimes heard it remarked that Messrs Craighead and Berryman charge rather high prices for their suits, b is evident from the number of hands in their employ that they do by far the largest tailoring business in Ashburton, and as they employ the best workmen and pay the highest wages their customers do not expect their clothes at "sweating " rates (" cheap and nasty. 1') By insisting upon first-c'ass workmanship in every garment, combined with good fit and best quality linings etc. Messrs Oraighead and Berryman have earned their reputation for giving satisfaction and their reduction of about 20s per suit referred to in their new advertisement is sure to drav a fresh rush of customers. —Apvt. 2 17i

COURSING.

At the annual meeting of the Ashburtou Club in the Central Hotel, there was a large attendance of members, and Mr John Dore j was elected Chairman. OFFICE BEARERS. After the usual ioutine business, the follow ing officers for the year were elected :— Patron—6. A. M. Buckley, Esq ; President —Mr Donald McLean ; Vice-Presidents - Messrs J. C. N, Grigg, David Thomas, H. Milner, John Dore, Robert Alexander, Michael Lagafi, Patrick Devane, Harry Britton, Thomas Langley, and W. H. Rule ; Stewards—Messrs Merchant Digby, William Patching, Thomas Roache, Wiiliam Shear man, John Miiller, and Joseph Stephens; Treasurer-Mr James Wilson; Secretary — Mr G. J. Neill. members' subscriptions. Members' subscriptions were fixed at 7s 6d for the year. Several new members were elected, OPENING DAY- Tho date of the opening day was left in the Stewards' hands to fix, with a recom mendation to hold it early in May. The Club decided to hold a series of meetings during the winter months, the meetings to be so arranged that novices will meet io 'their own class, and the veterans will com pete together. The support the Club ia receiving indicates renewed interest in the wholesome sport of coursing, and speaks well tor its popularity during the coming season. THANKS. Votes of thanks were passed to Messrs Donald McLean, W. H. Rule, and Thomas Langley, for having placed their country at t}ie disposal of the Club for its meetings last year. A vote of thanks to the chair closed the business.

COMMERCIAL

* LONDON MARKETS. Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—- Copyright. London April 4. Tha wool sales closed firm. Compared with the opening rates long shafty merinos and the better c'&sses of greasy crossbreds were from 7g to 10 per cent, higher. The rise was chiefly due to the extreme eagerness of American competition. The prices were scarcely maintained for wools suitable for Yorkshire and the Continent. During the series 331,000 bales were catalogued, of which 296,000 were sold, including 106,000 for Home consumption and 95,000 each for America and thfe Continent, gijfty-two thousand bales are held over for the third g@Fi§s ? corntnencing on May 4th,

LOST IN THE BUSH.

PREPARES HIS DEATHBED,

Much interest has been manifested in Vic toria over the case of M. Dwyer, a settler of Warragal, who waa lost for eight days in the bush. On the eighth day the rescuers mustered to the number of sixty-five early in the morning at the main camp iu the bush, and th6y then arranged themselves right along the bush track traversed by the missing man op horsebacks The men were stationed about ten yards apart, and thus arranged they swept the dense forest in a line cover ing about 600 yards at a time. The work was very arduous, owing to the precipitous nature of the country and the dense growth of underwood and scrub. It Was only by means of prearranged signals and constant firing th*t the men were able to keep in touch with one another, t*s ifc was impossible to see into the bush more than a few yarda. About noon a muster waa called, and while the men were taking refreshments a man mounted on horseback came galloping along the track. He turned out to be one of a couple of surveyors, and he brought the cheering tidings that he and his companion had discovered the missing man. The surveyor's story was an interesting one. He and his companion were engaged in their work when they heard a low tap ping in the forest. Wondering what caused it, they called aloud, " Hello ; is anyone there ?" There was no response to their call, and a succession of "coo-ees" had no more successful result. Still, at intervals, regular and irregular, the tapping continued, and recognising' that it was like nothing they had ever heard before in the bush, they determined to make an investigation. It was fortunate they did so. Moving back from the track, and penetrating a bit of heavy scrub, they came upon the missing man. When they approached him he looked at them vacantly and without understanding, and went on again with his tapping of the log. He was evidently partially demented, and, fearing to exoite or frighten him, the surveyors waited a moment or two, wonder ing what was btst to be done. They had not long to wait. The man, still tapping the log, hoarsely whispered, " Water," and the surveyors, now assured that the man was not wholly insane, were undecided no longer. They gave him water to drink, and made him as comfortable as possible in the circumstances, A later account says ;—Further inquiries into the exact conditions under which he was found go to show that instead of being discovered in a sitting posture, tapping a log with his stick, he .was standing erect, with a «»batftntial piece of wood in his hand, with which he was vigorously belabouring a tree fern, wiih a view to felling it, and abstract ing the pith for food. Tree-fern pith, in fact, was his only nourishment during his eight days' wanderings in the forest, and it is somewhat remarkable that this tingular form of diet proved effective in Btaving off the pangs of hunger. f " I didn't feel the least hungry," says Mr Dwyer, "but I was awfully thirsty, and only longed for a drink of water." The eighth day having arrived, and no succour having been obtained, he concluded that rescue was out of tho question, and resigned himself to die. He accordingly cleared a space a few foet square and covered it with ferns and grass' and other ; undergrowth. This was intended to have I been his deathbed. He felt that he cou d' hardly last out another two days, aud resojved to prepare his last resting-place while he had sufficient strength left for the purpose. On a' branch of a tree imme diately above thi'a lonely bush grave he suspended his shirt as a signal to searchers fop his body, that it would be found at that spot, It was, in fact, to serve the purpose of a tombstone, indicating where his body i»y. '

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Th« fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held on Monday night. Preseut —Hi* Worship the Mayor (presid ing), and Councillors Hanmer s Baker, Reid, Orr, Collius, Bird, and Paul. FINANCE. The Mayor reported the debit balance at the Bank as £1504 8s 9d, and the fortnight's receipts £83. TRAFFIC BRIDGE. The County Council wrote inclosing an account for £1 4s 9d for repairs to the traffic bridge.—Ordered to be paid. SPECIAL SERVICE. Mr Edward Stephens, a churchwarden of St. Stephen's Church, wrote, inviting the Mayor and Councillors to a special Divine service in St. Stephen's Church on June 20, in commemoration of Her Majesty's com pletion of sixty years on the throne of Great Britain. ) Some discussion took place on the letter, some members fancying that it would be somewhat out of order for the Council to commit itself as a body to an attendance at this service, when possibly other similar services would be heid in the several churches in town.—Consideration of the matter waa held over for a month. ASPHALTING. Mr Thomas Biillook wrote, asking that a footpath in Wakanui Road be asphalted-— The letter was referred to the Works Committee. STBAY CATTLB. Mr Alfred Harrison wrote, complaining ot cows trespassing on his property. The Inspector's report also dealo with the question of stray cattle, and more particularly a case which had appeared in Court, and had been compromised by the alleged offender paying 5s costs. x ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITTANIOA. The letter of Messrs Simpson and Williams, Christchurch, offering the Encyclopedia Britannica for £13 13s.—The letter was referred to the Library Committee. RESERVE. Mr W. T. Kingston wrote regarding a certain lease. —The letter was referred to the Reserves Committee. HONORARIUM. The clerk read letterb from several muni cipalities on the subject of an honorarium for the mayor. The boroughs paid as.under per annum—Rangiora', nil; Lyttelton, JBIOO ; Timaru, £100 ; St Albans, £25. engineers' r&port. The Engineers reported as follows :—The Works Committee have drawn up the de tailed estimate of expenditure for the en suing year, and beg to submit the same for the consideration of the Council. Labour Gang.—The men have been engaged in carting soil, etc. in the Domain, removing rubbish from streets and carting shingle to hydrant sites, e c. ; watering streets, clean ing side channels, repairing footbridges and fences, cleaning out main delivery Bump and main pipes from Domain reservoir, con structing addition to sump ani cover near lower reservoir, attending to water supply, ; and other maintenance work, Watering Streets.—We would, suggest that if the hose and reel for watering the streets should be required for next season, it would be well to forward the order at an early date so as to be ready before September. The report was adopted, and the clause referring to hose was referred to the Works Committee. SMALL BIRDS. An extension of time was granted to Mr Collins to bring up his report on the saiall birds' nuisance. WILLOWS VS RIVERBED. ' It was decided to ask Mr Me'aclem to at once complete his contract for removing willows, otherwise fresh tenders will be invited. BOROUGH SOLICITOR. The Mayor explained that he had engaged Mr Cuthbertson to conduct several by-laws cases in Court because he thought Mr Cuth bertson, having been so long at the Council table, would know the outs and ins of those cases better than any other, and also because he understood Mr Purnell was no longer the Elorough solicitor, his retaining fee haying been cub off about; a year ago. The explanation wa* accepted, bub con siderable discussion ensued, a desire being generally exp eased th^b the position as between Mr Purnell and the Council should be exactly defined. It was decided, if Mr Purnell bo desired^ to appoint him Borough solicitor without a retaining fee, but und.er the old schedule of cities, » THE ESTIMATES. The Works Committee submitted their estimates of work for the ensuing year, and probable receipts. Cr Thomas took exception to the small extent of asphalt footpath and concrete channe ling that was set forth. Cr Orr said the question had been raised as bo whether ic would not be better to raise a loan at a small rate of interest, sufficient to cover the cost of all the channelling wanted. With such a loan the whole work could be completed at once, and a sum of say £300 a yeir for a term of years would provide a sinking fund to liquidate the loan. Cr Orr's suggestion was : referred to the Works Committee, to consider and report, and the estimates were adopted, NEXT MEETING. Monday April 26 was fixed for next meet ing, to avoid the Easter holidays, and the annual rate waa decided to be struck on that date. The usual Easter holidays were also granted. TURNCOCKS. Or Paul reported for the Fire Brigade the selection of two turncocks, and the Council affirmed the selection. BOROUGH CHAMBER. Cr Thomas drew attention to the large amount —£400—set aside for building account, and a discussion took place thereon. Ihe Clerk explained that the Council had decided nine months ago to build an addition to the chamber and library, and plane for the work had been prepared and approved. The amount aIBO included stables. It was decided to have plans and specifica tions for the stables submitted to the Works Committee, and on approval that tenders be invited to be in by next meeting. The specifications for the chamber buildings were ordered to be prepared, tenders to be invited for July next. RAILWAY RESERVES. Cr Baker raised the question of the clear ing of the railway reserves. Cr Thomas said that when he waa Mayor he had interviewed Mr McKerrow, the Chief Commissioner, on the subject of these reserves, and Mr McKerrow had distinctly promised to have the reserves cleared from the top to the bottom of East street The Department had repeatedly denied that any such promise had been giVen, and he had been as good as called a liar on this subject. A few weeks ago Mr McKerrdw was. in Ashburton and he (Mr Thomas) had interviewed him. Iri the course of conversation Mr Thomas brought up this reserves question and asked Mr McKerrow what he had said on the occasion of the interview referred to. Mr McKerrow said that he remembered the interview very well, and on that occasion he had promised to have the reserves in East street cleared from top to bottom. He had recognised the hardship to Collins and Co., but had decided to give them a twejveraontha respite. That respite, however, had been extended for a good many twelvemonth3. Mr McKerrow said he had left a memor- j audum in the office to this effect* and if the j removal had not been effected the fault lay with the department. He was quite will ing also that, the Council should make use of the statement he had made to Mr Thomas. Crs Reid and Collins having spoken, A motion was passed that the Clerk again write to the Minister for Railways asking that the feast' street railway w»«yM > cleared, in accordance with the promts* made by Mr Mc&errow, the then Chief Commissioner of Railways, and to, refer the Minister to Mr McKerrow for corporation of the statement that he had ma<Je the pro mise referred to. MOORE STREET CROSSING. After a strong advocacy on the part of several members of' a* grossing &t Moore street, it was resolved to write to the Minister urging the opening ot that cross ing. ACCOUNTS. Accounts to the amount of £103 were passed for payment, and the Council sab as a DOMAIN BOARD. Their old ground was granted again to the Junior Football Club. Mr Orr recommended the protection of the pew work tt the oval by »fenpe of ioi»9j

sort, until the grast grew on the embank ment.—The matter was deferred tor the for the paddooka were ordered to season closing on Easter Mon day it waa decided to give the oval cu«to dian notice to terminate his engagement. The Council then adjourned.

The following are the estiraateß for 1897:

RECEIPTS.

EXPENDITURE

SUICIDE.

Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph Chkistchcuch, Aprils. Joseph Aitken, cook at Mr W. Kuther ford's\Montrose Station, committed suicide on Burtday night by cutting his throat.

CYCLING.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright*

Melbourne, April 5. At the League of Wheelmen's carnival the Autumn Handicap resulted as follows; — Mclones 1, Beeaon 2, Ooleman 3. Time, 4mia 35|<sec.

Another Arithmetical Pueels.

A correspondent of the Oiago Daily Times writes to that journal as follows:— ■ { " A silly friend of mine—a bit of a crank— asked me to write down a sum of money less than £12, the pounds, shillings, and pence being nnequal, So

At this point the crank's face wore an exalt ing leer, and he said, "Ha! I knew it." Now there is nothing in the operation | showing any wonderful result, for there mast be some result, and I told him bo ; bat he leered so horribly thufc I was inclined to bash his head with a book. But I didn't, tor he is a big man, and his beastly size generated in me a spirit of meekness, as, indeed, a bigger man always does. Ho when he said " Do io again " I simply replied "Do it yourself." When I left, however, I did do it again, and the oftener I did it the oftener I eaid, " Confound that fellow's leer ! 1 might have got him to explain." In few words the wretch left me with a problem on my brain, and I have covered sheets of paper with figures till lam in despair. Wi 1 you, Sir, who know everything, relieve the pressure on my brain by checking my figures and letting me know that lam not mad, I thought of writing to the '' Hen Parliament,' 1 but I could not clearly show tha^ it resulted from man's injustice to woman, so they might throw out, the bill. Here are some of my figures ;—

The persistent £12 18i lid hM got into a corner of my brain arid I can't get it out." [The persistency of these figures i« cer tainly very curious. Pjsßibly some of our readers may be able to explain it.—Ed.]

FEDERATION.

The Ccnveatioa at Adelaile.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Copyright. ' "' ' l ' ' '•'''

Adelaide, April 5 The Constitutional Committee of the federal Convention fixed the honorarium at MOO per annum. Tne Jddiciary Committee has prac tically completed its labors, ft is understood that only a feW verbal alterations have been made on the Bill of 1891, but nothing official is allowed to transpire. Rumors ape current of a serious deadlock in the, Finance Coraroittep. Adelaide, April 5, The Finance Committee sat all day, and irpm the official statement pom* raunicated to the Press are evidently no further forward than when they started. The Chairman has hopes that to morrow will see something decided with regard to the distribution of surplus and the question of debts. It is believed that the rival schemes of the various financiers bad much to do with the rumored deadlock. Unless the Financial Committee arrives at a sejrtleme.nt qufckjy, there is little phanceof finishing beforeUastefe. 'fFtfji Constitutional Committee is well on with its work, and will probably finish its tabor* on Wednesday, >

THE ASHBCKTOIN GUAKDIAHi: TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 1897.



Rates-1897 920 10 Arrears •• ou u Rent of Reserves and Pound ... 600 0 Licenses—Excise 265 0 Auctioneers 240 0 ;; Dogs- ... ... so o Sundry, under By laws 40 0 Government subßidy 187 10 Fines, &c , under By-laws ... 10 0 Surplus Soil ... » — *» " Library Account *> " Domain Account iao u

d 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0



Series ... ... ™\ jj Charges fx n n Printing and Advertising ... 40 0 0 Streets—Maintenance I£O V u Formation 40 0 0 Metalling 40 0 0 Watering 60 0 0. Culverts and Bridges 35 0 0 Stables Account ... 36 0 0 I Asphalt Fdotpaths ... 100 0 0 Concrete Channelling 100 0 .0 " Lighting 210 0 0 Water Supply-Maintenance... 220 0 0 Horses and Plant 50 0 0 Planting and Fencing ... ..« 30 0 U Proactive Works ... .. jj J « Reserves Account .. •• *> u u Building Account .. •• 400 0 U Fire Prevention.. .. «. 1* J Insurance .- it S S gHgiiiir ■■:: - «8 8 Library Accounfr « 0 U Domain Account ... •• .«*» JJ J{ Interest on Overdraft .. ... *J " « Contingencie a3 u u £2538 0 0



£ 8. d. 6 8 5 5 J 6 0 19* U 11 19 0

£ b. d, 13 8 6 $ j 6 18 "IS 5 19 6

12 18 11

12 18 11

i



£ a. d. 11 5 6 6, 5 11 4 19 7 7 19 4

£ 8. d, £ a. d. 3 8 7 10 4 8 7 8 3^B 4. 10 3 19 8 1 19 10 819 3 10 19 1

5 14, U 11 14 $ 5 19 6 6 19 5

12 18 11

12 18 11 12 18 11

12 18 11



I set down Then the crank said, " Transpose these figures and bring down the difference "

£ ■ ' 10 9 i 3 9 II

And then he said, "Transpose again and add ...

6 19 , 5 19 I



Don't Cough, — Relief can be obtained immediately. Use • KEATING'S COUGH LOZ HINGES'—WeII known as the utterly unrivalled Cough Remedy, Strongly rq commended by many eminent physiciani. They at once check the cough and remove the cause wi'houfc any after effect; fche most Selicate pan therefort can tajke them, jLoiengje' alone gives eis#-~bnp pr 1' tipo 1 ' ftt bedtime ensures rest. Sold everywhere id tins la l|d each, . _:— ■ .  11 .«,,,.,.,,.. 1 »^,.i 1^i fragrant and InviqQratiny-mNew V«mft»



vW f<*g Me Ve*u* TvtoM*



NOTICE TO SUBSCRIBERS. MESSRS W. & J. SHANNON have been appointed Agents at Chertsey for the Ashburton Mail and Ashburton Guaedian, and are authorised to receive Advertisements and take Orders for Printing Any complaints made to them te irregular delivery of papers will be attended to.



Business Notices i. NEW ZEALAND Clothing' Factory, r\PBNING UP NEW GOODS EVERY WEEK. SOJJEmpby Packing Cases For Sale, Cheap. i i fi § >h S3 g o ea mm g O j^ oa -II o » Ol r^ g . oo „ W S H-' §S§ ggg KH g § tn a 1 s° 11 -j r -a Hi pjj j "notice.^ ANY Pera°n found trespassing on the Riveradale Estate with Dog or Gun (<>r otherwise) after this date will be prosecuted. (Signed) J. R. WILLIAMS, Manager. Dated this 3rd day of April 1897. 433 ANTED Knows—A. Ore, Ageat for the celebrated Fearnought Serges, defy sea, air, and water- _JL__ YTTANTED Known—The celebrated P. D YV Coraets in all prices and colors.-- A. Oer. * 14



~ "MEN^AND BOYS' . HATS. HATS. HATS. p<[\ DOZEN FELT HATS ALMOST GIVEN AWAY. A GRAND SUCCESS. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S T^ABETO AND PRINT «ALE being such a Grand Success, we havi decided to hold it "^ FOR TWO WEEKS, A GREAT HAT SALE. P^rx DOZEN MEN'S. gQ DOZEN BOYS'. Men's Sofc Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 5s Boys' Soft Felt Hats la 6d, worth 3a 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 3a 6d, worth 6s 6d Boys' .^oft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 4s 9d Men's Soft Eelt Hats 4s 6d, worth 7s 6d Men's Soft Felt Hats 5s 6d, worth 8^ 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 6s 6d, worth 10a 6d Men's Soft Felt Hats 8s 6d, worth W* 6d EVERY AEIIOLB in the Ol othi,,g atd Mercery Depa rta ent ß equally Cheap, so as to clear I* d»ln. l<» the KEW GOODS expected by the end of the month j whi.e tho balance of general Draper, w,ll . be still further reduced, so as to make a clean before the New Season'. Good, arnve. BOOTS AND SHOES—the Best value in thejrade DON'T FOEGET THE GREAT HAT SALE AT MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART, NBXX QCO J. QRR fc CO., KASX STREET, ASHBVRTON,



__ Business Notices, _____ LOOKOUT. G. J. NEILL —IS SELLING— Table Damask at Is per yard Twill Sheeting, 2 yards wide, white or greyed Turkish Towels, Gd each \ Cretonne, B£d Flannelettes, 2s lid per dozen; p y |S gELLING- Men's Heavy Tweed Suits at 21s 6d, wonderful value Boys Suits, 4s lid Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Nail SHOOTERS 7s lid. Women's SHOES ,*» lid Men's BLUCHERS 4s lid. Women's Lace SHOES 4s lid The Cheapest Boots in Ashburton are to be got at G. J. NEILL'S, FRIEDLANDER'S CORNER, EAST STREET. AUTUMN AND WINTER SHIPMENTS-1897. GRAND DISPLAY. fXUR PREMISES are stocked throughout; with the most COMPLETE ASSORTMENT USEFUL, SEASONABLE, AND FASHIONABLE DRAPERY To be found in South Canterbury. Splendid Stock of BLANKETS, FLANNELS, and FLANNELETTES AT BED.ROCK PRICES. Ladies' and Children'.. MACKINTOSHES a Specialty-guaranteed to keep out the rain French and English MILLINERY, FLOWERS, RIBBONS, &c. Handsome CAPES, JACKETS, and MANTLES. n^^JT^SX^BKT VALUK .N THB XBA UE . W. H. COLLIER, "THE COBNE JB.» AUTUMN AND WINTER NOVELTIES. GRAND SPECIAL DISPLAY AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S. MAWrrHS— MILLINERY— TAPKKTB WATERPROOFS CLOAKS FUR BOA3 O A PBS UNDERCLOTHING IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO LADiES,— IN PURSUANCE of oar policy in keeping our Business well to the front, we have decided bo add a FIRST CLASS DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT to our Katablishment. We have secured the services of Miss Hill, a lady of "fq^^KSSRsV sraHGß* 00 credentials of the highest order from MUSSRS W. bIKA-W^a * ou.. Tn wno e VVorkroom., she ha ß beea engaged for OVEa SEVKN yeaks Oar obiect is to supply our Customer with Stylwh »nd-J««ll-made SOSTCMES at a Moderate Pbicb, and every possible effort; will be given to make our NEW DEPARTMENT an unqualified BUccesEu We have already booked a number of Orders, and expect a very «■««»"»• Miss Hill will be pleased to receive intending Patrons on and after FRIDAY, March 26. MITCHELL AND URNEB, TANORBD STREET.