Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1897. THE TRAIN SERVICE.

The unsatisfactory nature of the train service between Ashburton and Christ church has long been the cause ©f much justifiable grumbling on the part of the travelling public —we refer of course to what are known as the mixed trains. These run at lower rates of speed, or it might be more correct to say at a greater degree of slowness than was the case ten years ago, and while other departments of the public service are able to show a record of progress as befits the advancement of the times, the railway department stands oat in discreditable contrast as (he one example of stagnation or retrogression. Some very cogent facts in proof of this were to be brought before the County Council at today's meeting. It was instanced that on Wednesday, April 14, the evening train which left Qhmt church at 4.40 was delayed 15 minutes at Burnham, waiting for the train from Ashburton, 15 minutes at Rakaia, 15 minutes at Chertsey, and 57 minutes (about an hour) at Dromore, arriving in Ashburton at 9.20, being 1 hour and 20 minutes late, The instance cited is no doubt an exceptionally bad one, but instances of vexatious delay of lesser duration are frequest. But even were thure none of these, the time occupied between Aahburton and Christchurch, even if the timetable be strictly adhered to, is unreasonably long, and is indeed actually longer than sufficed more than ten years ago. In 1886, the evening train used to leave Christchurch at 4.15, occupying 3 hours on the journey, and now the time is from 4.40 to 8 o'clock (8 hours and 20 minutes), being 20 minutes longer than it took 11 years ago. Moreover the morniDg train from Christchurch leaves at 8 o'clock, and arrives at Ashburton at 10.45, being thus 2f hours on the journey, showing a disparity of 35 minutes between the time occupied by the morning and evening trains. Clearly there can be no necessity for this. Again the morning train used to leave Ashburton at 7.10, and arrive in Christchurch at 1 10 15, being 3 hours and 5 minutes on the journey, and now it leaves at 7.20 and arrives in Christ church at 10.30, the running time being t»huß five minutes longer than was allowed then. This is an altogether behind-the-age state of things, for it is only natural to suppose that the trains should be run now in less time than formerly. As regards the abnormal delay on April 14, it may be pointed out that at the time the train was ordered on from Ohertsey to Dromore, the express from the south must have been near Temuka, as it did not arrive in Ashburton until 8.30, so there was ample time for the train from Christ church to run in before its* arrival. Thi<? particular matter is one thai should be enquired into, aa it shows very bad management; but the general question of the unreasonably long time occupied by the morning and evening trains is one that should certainly be gone into by the Minister of Railways with a view to amendment. The Uct, we (hink, is that the growing goods traffic would now justify the running of a daily goods train, and if this course were taken the mixed trains would be greatly lightened, and would then be run at a faster, not to say a less snail like rate. The matter is one in regard to which the CountyOouncil would earn the thanks of the travelling public by making strong representations in the proper quarter, with a view to a, much needed reform.

Local and General.

We are glad to learn that the youDg man Hoare who was accidentally shot yesterday has developed no serious symptoms. Pheasants and quail are to be found in hundreds in the country to the back of Pahiatua. There is some talk of starting a preserved milk factory in Taranaki, probably at Wai tara. Typhoid fever sis raging on the Waihi goldfield, and is claiming a fresh victim aliitoat daily. Unless the (Condition of Mr H. S. Fish, M.H.R., improves, ifc js probable that he will be forced to resign hia seat. The ol'ienb New Zealand-born white man is 77 years of age, bufc there are two white women who claim to be older—one 7$ and the other 79. The export of sulphur ore from Rotorua has increased considerably during the past half-year, and now averages about 300 tons per month. Nptice ist given of a dissolution of partner ship by Messrs Mitchell and Brodribb. The business will be carped on by Mr W. S. Mitchell. The estimated population of the colony a.t the" end of March was 717,649, exclusive of Maoris, ""ho are Be^ down as numbering 39,854.' A couple of Mormon missionaries have arrived in Aahburtou and purpose holding a serieß of meetings for the propagation of the tenets of their church. The Department of Agriculture is making arrangements to appoint an expert to travel through the colony and instruct settlers in the breeding of poultry. At the oiiicial inquiry into the Kaitoke railway accident, a ganger admitted that he left the dogspikes out of the rails tijiat were being relaid, and took the risk. An old bellringer at Fressingfield has just received from the Queen a portrait of her • self for having rang the bells on every | auuiversary of her birth einjje she ascended the throne. To meet the convenience of those having to attend the weekly stock sales at Tinwald and Ashburton yards, Messrs Trevurza Bros, intend running a conveyance from the post i ffice every Tuesday to she yards. The Hawkc's Biy County Council, after consultation with their overseers, estimate that it will cost £25,000 to make good the damage done to roads aud bridges in the district. The belt over which so much trouble has arisen betTOen Nelson Edeu and Robert Meaelem, and which was so much in evi <!ence on Wednesday, was first ordered by Mr Williamson to be handed over to Mea elem, and a wag sent a titter round the little crowd in Court by quoting the old " wheeze," Meaulem " takes the belt " The belt, how ever, was yesterday handed o«er to Eden. Attention is called to fo-morrow'a auction sales. At 11.30 a.m. Mr Bullock will offer for Mr Patten I acre at Hampstead with 3-roomed house etc., and for Mr J. Hitohings tj acre In Wilis Street, w.th two four .roomed eot,tt*ge's. At 1 p.m. Messrs Fried 'lander Broa. will submit at their yards West Street five heavy draught fillies. Afc nooa, Mr D. Thojpas will offer a'haok mara, three sheep dogs, saddle and bridle, gun, clothing etc, aud at) I $0 p<m s, leau-to lor

A new fish hatchery ie being established ' by the Government in the Uriwera Country, i A consignment of 150,000 trout ova is to be bent from Masterton to the new hatcheries shortly. A Chinese Mission Church, opened at Dunedin recently by the Presbyterians, waa attended by 174 Chinese ar. the first service. { Tke property which cost £1250 is already ' free of debt. A Dunedin Press Association telegram says :—The Daily Times has authority {or stating that Mr Tegetmeier has accepted the position of General Manager of the Bank of New Zealand. By the e.s. Waikato there arrived tor the Canterbury Ace'itnatisaiiou Society, 8 red deer, (3 stags, 5 hinds), 8 Kngli h partridges, 11 red-legged (Frt-nch) patriJges, and 27 pheasants. One half the number of partridges shipped died on the voyage. Mr Smith, fishmonger, of Oamaru, intends going to Sydney by the Mararoa, taking I with him about six tons of sprats, which he wil! put upon the market there. He is confident that these fish will meet with a ready sale Ihis week's issue of the Weekly Press is a very interesting number, the illustrations comprising representations of scenes and persons connected with the Amberley tragedy, and the departure of the New Zealand Contingent and the Bisley tenm. A gentleman who returned to Welling ton from the S"Uth the other day informs the Post that a Christchurch tradesman has in his possession a box of tobacco labelled " Boxoher and Butler, Sydney," which was sent to him from Australia ten months ago. 4 man who grossly ill-treated a cow in Hawke's Bay by thumping her over the back with a rail, keeping her without water, and placing a heavy chain over her head until it grew into the flesh, was let off by a Justice with the nominal fine of 5a aud costs. On Sunday afternoon (commending at 3.30 o'clock) the Ashburton Brass Band will perform a selection of eaored music in the Domain, and will take up a collection in aid of the Hawke's Bay Relief fund. The programme, which is published in another | column, is a very attractive one. An extraordinary sight was presented on the Te Aroha (Auckland) bridge the other clay. An army of black citerpillars, num bering millions, was advancing in an easterly direction, devastating the country in their passage. The road was completely black with them. The rental of houses and windows in London on the line of route of the Queen's commemoration procession is something enormous. For a window for the clay from £250 to £500 is asked, 'ne house was let six weeks ago for £2500 for the day and resold subsequently for £4500 and again for £8500. Here is a good story of Scottish prejudice against orgaus in churches. An old man, who was one of the opponents of instrumen tal music in the church he addended, was asked what he thought of the organ that had been introduced. " Mon," was the reply, "I'm feared I'm gaun tae like it !" We again remind our readers of the concert to be given this evening in the Oddfellows' Hall in aid of the Hawke's Bay Relief Fund for which an excellent pro gramme has been prepared. We hope that the promoters will be rewarded for their praiseworthy efforts by a crowded house. The Hon. W. C. Walker, the Acting Postmaster-General, has written to Mr J. T Doherty, with refeience to the request for the establishment of a tri-weekly mail service between Highbank and Methven, stating that the matter will receive con sideration, and that he has no doubt he shall be able to meet the wishes of the set 1 lers in this matter, N A thousand forged £10 notes of the Bank ( f England are in circulation. The repro duction of the B ink's pecul ar watermark in the paper is said to be perf.ct. The secret cypher marks, however, are lacking*. The notes were printed in Vienna, and were nil exchanged in one day, at the same hour, at twenty-live different mooeybrokers' offices in Paris. The Butter Box C:>mpmy, recently put; upon the Canterbury market, has every prospect of proving a successful venture. A telegram has just been received from Auckland, stating that a consignment of butter picked in theae patent boxes, three months ago, has been opened and found to be in sp endid order, thus proving thai butter can be kept almost any length of time under the conditions provided by the new invention. In connection with the Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Winter Show, which is to open on May 26, the LyUelton limes states that »rrangements have been made with Messrs Mason, Struthera and Co. to conduct a model dairy, on a scale even more complete and convenient than at last show. It has also been decided to exhibit a typical sheep of each breed, to be killed, dressed and weighed at the close of the show. By the kindness of Messrs Pyne and Co. the main entrance to the show will be through Tatteraall's. Free Life Insurance. The Dresden Piano Company have applied Free Life Insurance to purchasers of pianos dnd organs on the one, two and three years hire system. Organs from 10s 6d monthly, pianos from 22s 6d monthly, large stock to select from. For fuller particulars enquire of the Dresden Piano Company's Manager, Mr J. A. Xi Riedle, c/o H. N. Anderson, East Street. Advt. 4 217

THE AMBERLEY MURDER

press Association—By Electric Telegraph,

Wellington, May 6 Mr Kerwin, of Blenheim, relates that he had to capture Stieehan when, as a lad of thirteen, h§ ran away froni the Stoke Orphanage, Nelson. He offered ao resist ance, but told Mr Jierwin that had it been anyone else he would have shot him. He then pulled out a revolver and a large number of cartridges, adding that had he wanted anything he would have stuak up the first passerby and, if refused, would have shot him.

CYCLING.

A Record Lowered-

On Thursday afternoon we reported the start of Messrs N Jones and W. P. Daly, who had made up their minds to try'and lower B. G Shearman's road reeord-^-Ash burton to Methven and back. Jones only went a few miles out, but Daly, in spite of the strong head wind he had to cont nd with, persistently stuck to the task he had set himself (although at times, he says, he felt almost done) and reached Methven in good time all things considered. After a halt of about two minutes to get time-ticket signed he started on liis return trip, and had a good run $s far aa D. Cameron's when he was picked up by N. Jones, who paced him as far as Winchmore, where he found Joe Friedlander waiting to run him the last seven miles home. The post office was reached at- 4.37 a p.m., thus lowering Shear man's time by 15£ minutes. Time keeper and starter — 3. W- Henry. Re'eree, Methven —C. D. Millar, Methven Hotal.

CHARGE OF ARSON.

Prosa Association—By isle.ot.rio Telegraph Wellington, May '/ lidkvid Douglas has been arrested at Palmerstop Nopth oi> a charge of arson as the outcome of tha in^ueat on tjhe receni tire.

SPORTING.

Tracy Belle is scratched for the Laghmor Trot Handicap of the A^hburton Club Autumn meeting. Owners are reminded that acceptances ff>r he first day's handicaps of the Ashburton S-lacing Club's Autumn Meeting, to be held <>n Thursday aud Friday next, and entries for the Novel Stakes and Disposal Stuke , close with the Secretary at Devane'a Hotel i ot later than nine o'clock to-morrow (Satur day) evening.

RECEPTION TO THE REV. R. AND MRS. TAYLOR.

The reception tea to welcome the Rev. R. Taylor to the Wesleyan circuit was held on Thursday in the Sunday schoolroom. Two large tables liberally supplied with good things and profusely decorated with flowers were presided over by Mesdames J. Orr, J. W. Baker, Berryman, Thomas, Dixon, T. Undrill, and Miss Bonnington, who were kept busy from 5.30 until 7 o'clock attending to the wants ot the large number of people present. The after meeting was a record one in regards to punctuality it having started several minutes before the advertised time eight o'clock. The senior Circuit Steward —Mr J. W. Baker occupied the chi»ir. He said he was very pleased to welcome Mr and Mrs Taylor to A^hburton and was sorry that owing to ill health Mrs Taylor was not present that evening but hoped she would very speedily recover. Mr Taylor was not a stranger to all by any means and from what they knew of him they had eve<y reason to anticipate that his term of office would be a very successful one. That eveuing they also had the pleasure of welcoming the new minister of the Willowby circuit, the Rev Mr Mather, so that the oooasion was a double-barrelled one. Mr J. Hay man (on behalf of the circuit stewards, Mr H. M. Jones (for the local preachers), Mr Dixon (for the Sunday school), also welcomed the new minister. The Rev. J. Olphert welcomed Mr Taylor to his sphere of labour and was sure that if he were treated aa well as the speaker had been he would not be in a hurry to leave Ashburton. Although a Baptist, the Rev Mr Ager was pleased to have Mr Taylor in their midst and hoped the ministers of Ashburton would often meet together and have social inter course. The Rev Mr Mather jsaid that he was pleased to be present that evening. He knew Mr Taylor, and the congregation would not suffer at his hands. He asked the congregation to work with their minister, for in no other way would success be attained. On behalf of the Presbyterian Church, the Rev. G. B. Inglis welcomed Mr Taylor. The church had bseD crowded when the rev. gentleman preached his first sermon, and he saw no reason why it should not be so every Sunday. The Rev. Mr Taylor then replied. He did not know what they expected him to say. He had been in Canterbury for six years, and had not lost his love for the city of the plains. While Mr Mather had been stationed in the, Auckland district for several years, he himself had been in the otago district for a long time. He was happy to know that he was invited to Ash burton as well as being sent by the Confer ence, for he thus felb more at home. He also thought that the Ashburton climate would be suitable for his wifo's health. A minister once said that he never preached his best sermon to a certain congregation, but the speaker would always endeavour to give his best, and hoped that his sermons would not only pease but profit them He was pleased to know that his predecessor had been well spoken of, for that gave him encouragement. He hoped the people would pray for their preacher, for it was quite true what Mr Mather had said—"A prayerless pew makes a powerless preacher." Although he would talk of the social questions of thu day sometimes, he waa an evangelistic preacher, and hoped his stay would be a. soul-saving one. A heaity vote of thanks to the ladies who provided the tea aud all who had helped to make the gathering successful, proposed by Mr J)ixon, and secouded by Mr G. W. Lradley, was carried by acclamation. During the evening anthems were sung by the choir, music being supplied by an orchestra consisting of Miss E. Andrews (organ), Mis K. Orr (piano), Messrs Doiiges, Baker, R. and M. Collins (violins), Mr O- James (cornet), and Mr E. A. Peachey (flute). Miss Kathleen Orr sang "Li Setenata," with flute obbligato by Mr Peachey, and as a well-merited encore, ' " The song of sleeps" { The singing of the doxology closed the i meeting.

COMMERCIAL.

AUSTRALIAN MARKETS.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

Sydney, May 3 Wheat, prime chick, 5s 3d to 3s 4d ; milling, 4s 6£d to 4a ?id. Oats, New Zea land prime feeditg^ 2a 51; medium, 2« 4d ; 2s 6d. Barley, Cape, 3s 2.1. Peas, Prussian Blue, 4s 6d. Potatoes, Circular Heads, £2 15s to £2 17s 6d. Onions, Melbourne grown, prime, £6; New Zealand, 1 £7 to £7103. Butter, brisk demand, factory Is to Is Id, creamery Is Id ; New Zealand, factory, lid to Is. Cheese, prime, 4d to sd. Bacon, 4|d to sd. Hams, New Zealand, 9d. Melbourne, May 5 Wheat, steady, 5s 9d to 5s 9|d. Oats, Algerian feeding, 2s 2d to 2s 3id; milling, 2j 4d to 2a sd. Barley, Cape, 2a lOd; English, 3s to 4s 4d. Potatoes, £117s 6d to £2. Onions, £5 to £5 10s. : A belaide, May 5 YVheat has a farmer tone,' but there is the barest business at 5. s 3^d to $s 4|d. Qats, dun, 2s QA ; Algerian, "stout white, 3.9 6d. Barley, Cape, 3s 9d to 4s 3d j milling, 4s 6d to 5s 3d.

THE CHEESE AND BUTTER INDUSTRY.

Sydney, May 6

Mr McEwan, in an interview, stated that there was no fear of Australian butter and cheese failing to find a market in England as long as a high standard of quality was main tained. At' present, however, there was no uniformity maintained, and that was the ohief drawback. The encouraging outlook should stimulate exporters to persevere until they {iould guarantee supplies of a uniform gaade. The system of Pasteurisation was greatly responsible for the success pf Danish butter in this direction,

RAKAIA MONTHLY SALE.

The monthly sale at the Rakaia Yards took place on Thursday, the attendance being moderate. Following are some of the prices obtained : —Crossbred lambs, forward o mditinn, 4s ?d, 6a lv, 7s 6d, 7s Bd, to 8s 8d ; 92 two-tooth wethers, ita j £2 i wo-tooth ewes and wethers, 6s 6d ; merino ewes' passed in at Is lid, Pigs from 4s 6d to 7s 3d. Cattle from £4 to £5 17s 6d.

THE WAR IN THE EAST.

Battle at Phersala.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Received Wakapnaka, May 7, 9. 40 a.m Guabdian Office 10,25 a.m. Athens, May 6. The Turks made a vigorous attack on tho Greek outposts at Phersala, The Duke of Sparta and Prince Nichoias led the defence. The fighting was sharp but indecisive. Later reports show that a great battle is raging at Phersala. The Turks renewed the attack on iValestino. There was fierce fighting and severe losses on both sides. Eventually the Turks were repulsed. The Turks have abandoned Trikbala and occupied the heights dominating Arta. A Greek ironclad captured a schooner at the entranse of the Gulf of Salonica. Amongst those on board was Mr Aehmead Bartlett, memhsr for Sheffield. He was sent to Athene. CONSTANTINOPLE, May 6. The trial has concluded -of the Turkish officials arrested in connection with the massacre of Armenians at Tokat. Six of the accused were sentenced to death, one to fifteen years and others to lesser terms of imprisonment.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association —By Eleofcrio Telegraph—-* Copyright. Received Wakapuaka May 7, 10 10 a.m., Guardian Office 11,20 a. m. Labor Legislation. London, May 6 The provisions of the Employers' Liability Bill have spread dismay among the Trades Unions throughout Britain. The Miners liight hours Bill, intro duced in the House of Commons by Mr Allen, member for Newcastle under-Lyme, was rejected by a majority of 41. Aquatics. Wray, the Australian sculler, ha* challenged Gaudaur for the champion ship of the world. International Postal Congress. Washington, May 6. The International 'Postal Congress has opened here. Delegates are pre sent representing sixty countries. Execution of Anarchists. Madrid, May 6 Of twenty six Anarchists sentenced to death for complicity in the bomb outragps at Barcelona in 1895, five have been shot, and the remainder reprieved. Received Wakapuaka May 7, 10 a.m., Guakdian office 10.55 a.m, Washington, May 6. The Senate by 43 to 26 rejected the Foreign Relations Committee's amend ments in the Arbitration Treaty. The majority, however, does not reach the two-thirds required to secure the absolute rejection of the amendments.

Australian.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka, May 7, 10.40 a.m., Guardian Office 11.40 a.m. Snow in New South Wales. Sydney, May 7 The weather has turned extremely cold and snow has fallen in several places in the highlands. This, added to the drought which still prevails in the interior, is causing great mortality among stock. Fires on Coal Ships. The report of the Commission ap pointed to enquire into the firing of coal cargoes has been published, It shows that all cargoes which heated were loaded at a high temperature and mostly in large ships, which caused fires by spontaneous combustion and the shifting of cargoes. The report states that the system of loading at present in vogue at Newcastle is anti quated, and cannot he placed on a satisfactory footing until entirely re organised. Several other recommen dations are made for improving the loading and trimming.

THE AMERICAN TARIFF.

Duty on Wool

Press By Electric Telegraph Copyright. ' "■ '•' Washington, May 5 The Finance Oominittee of the Senate haa reported on the proposed tariff. Ifc haft been largely altered, Woole>, first-class, have been reduced from 11 to 8 cents, per Ib, and second class from 12 to 9 cents, per lb. May 6 In the new wool tariff third class wools over 10 cents per lb will pay 7 per cent, and under 10 cents 4 per cent. "Pie tariff cornea into operation on July Ist. ' :

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The monthly meeting of the Ashburton Oounty Council was held to-day. Present— ill the members. The south train having been forty minutes late in arriving, owing, as Mr Wright said when he arrived, to the engine having been overtaxed by a heavy train, Mr Harper occupied the oh»ir temporarily. chairman's statbment. The Chairman's statement Was read at follows:— The amount of subsidy to be paid by this Council to the Charitable Aid Board for the ourrent year is £1040 12s 9d. being £147 la 9d less than that paid last year. The Returning Officer for the ABhburton iicens i ig district has sent in the accounts in con« uection with the late licensing election, which amount to £94 12s 61; this is a considerable reduction from the cost of the previous election. A circular from the Waitaki County Council will be read to-day sking this Council's co-operation in obtain ing legislation to enable County Councils to levy a tax on bicycles. The Mayor of Christchurch forwards a circular with a subscription list on the matter of completion of the Jubilee Home, and the celebration of the Record Eeign in June, and also a further ono re the late floods, Hawke's Bay district). A. deputation from the Borough Counoil wishes to interview this Counoil to-day on the subject of celebrating the Record Reign. I have asked the Borough Council to forward their proposals in wrringso that the Council can consider them before meeting the deputa* tion. The Minister of Agrioultnre writes to aay that the question of dealing with the eradication of the Californian thistle oannot be considered before next session, Corres pondence will ba read by which the Council will see that the Government has agreed to al'er the present Hinda railway footbridge to suit sheep traffic, on- th« understanding that the oost of the aame is paid by the Counoil. The sum required—£23—has been placed on the pay sheet for payment. A letter from the Wakanui Road Board will be read in the subject of taking over the tords in thab road district. enginesr's rkport. The engineer's report was read as follows ; Ashburton-Rangitata Water Supply. — During the month of April a good supply was kept up in all the races fed from the Ashburton river. There was a fair supply from the Hinds gorg«, but the limestone creek supply continues to be intermittent, and generally too light for full requirements. '1 he main race in Hinds gorge has been satis factorily cleared, and the clearing of mains from south Ashburton river is being pro* oeeded with. During this week water has been shut off from all the races between Ashburton and Hinds rivers for cleaning purposes, and the mains east of the railway are being overhauled. According to adver tised arrangements, water will be shut off be* tween Hinds and Rangitata rivers next week. You will observe from letters from settlers in Maronan and Lismore districts that they request the shutting off to be postponed till a copious raiu comes to fill up the Bprings and wells. This would probably mean a lengthened delay. Many of the races are in a foul state, and most of the occupiers are preparing to effect a clearance next week. The new race near Hinds township for Messrs Bulmer, Stanton, and others has been completed. Ashburton-Rakaia Water Supply.—-The overhaul of E races and branches waa effected last week, and in most cases very satisfac torily. Other sections of cleaning are in progress, and repairing and tarring of flumes where necessary. The improvements of race from Rakaia river at Acton have been made, which would provide a supply for the pro posed intervening races between El and £3 races. I have marked off the lines of those races so far as it is necessary to take levels, and a part of the race had already been made by Mr McMillan, in anticipation of its going through. Before proceeding further, how ever, the accompanying letter from Mr Henry Harrison, as to route, will have to be considered, as until this is settled the initial portion of the race cannot be made. The connection between the north and south branches of the Ashburton river is still being kept up, as without it there would be little or no supply for Wakanui creek. You will observe from Ranger's report that several of the settlers in Wakanui have made branch races to their back fields, which are no* re turned to the race. This has no doubt been done under misapprehension, but it is in contravention of the orginal arrangement, and the water must either be returned or some rearrangement made I will examine the various points and report more fully a,t next meeting. Mount Somers and Ashburton Forks Dis< trict.—These districts have a fair supply throughout. County Bridges.—The trusses and other portions of south Ashburton river bridge, Mount Somera, are being overhauled. The repairs on other bridges hire been slight. The shrinkages of floor of sto;-k bridge over stream near north bank of Rangitata river at Ealing will he made good next week. It appears this bridge is now being largely used for stock purposes, some 20,000 sheep having passed over during the month of March. Poisoned Grain.—The preparation of the stipulated quantity of grain (300 bushels) has now been completed, and it would be well that delivery should be made to the different Road Boards at onpe. Planting.—Tenders are invited for to-day for the planting of 51,000 trees in two con tracts. Of course it would nob be advisable to proceed with the work during this dry weather. Acclimatisation Society.—l have marked off 14 acres of reserve 99 for the use of this Society as requested. THE DROUGHT. Mr W. Kellock wrote, in the interest' of settlerß around Lismore, that hundreds of families and all the stock, were dependent upon the races for water, and to shut these off before a copious rainfall had renewed the springs would be the cause of great dis comfort The whole of the springs had failed, and he asked the Council' would considerately postpone the shutting' off un|jj afcer an ample rain.— 'his was agreed to, the postponement being for a month. Mr Samu' 1 Brown wrote on the same subject, land also asked for a postponement. ASHBURTON-RAKAIA WATER SUPPLY. Iv consequence of a letter from Mr H. J. Harrison objecting to the route of the proposed extension, the matter was left in abeyance for the present. WAKANUI WATER RACES. This matter mentioned in the reporb, was postponed until Mr Baxter reported to next meeting, POISONED GBAIN. It was decided to distribute half the poisoned grain amqng the Road Boards and keep the rest for distribution from the ofgoe. PETITION. Mr Harper presented a petition from eighteen settlers in the Ruapuna dig trier, representing 9378 acres of holdings, asking the Council to carefully consider the Kangitata gorge auxiliary scheme of water supply; urging that It would suit their circumstances better than any other that had been laid before them, and would water holdings to the extent mentioned that are at too high a level to be watered by the present races from the Ashburton river. He moved that the petition be received, and said that it contained matter that would have to be considered when the questioned!: dealing with the Rangitata as a source of supply cam« on. = . -. > i Some discussion took place on the subject, the Chairman pointing out that this scheme would cost £5000, while the Laurisron creek one would hardly reach £1500/, even if they had to pay rather heavily for the land the* would have to tak«. He thought - the petf tionerß hardly knew the position. He hag j visited the district, andj held a meeting b| the settlers, bub the notice had been Bhor.t and the night was wet, so that there was not a large attendance. He would like to inter: view them again, bub with several of the Councillors with him. '' ' ' It was decided fco'receive the petition, but to ask the petitioners whether they are pre pare 1 fco constitute their land ioto a separate, rating district for a lpaa of £500 Q. P£ANT{NCf On the report of the Planting Committee being read, Mr Herring took txception to the large number of pious insigois trees thab had been planted. He had found in his ex perience at Alford, where he had planted large numbers, thab the pinus insignia was a moat useless tree. It was planted for shel« ter, but when they wanted shelter is stormy Woftta«r ths pinej tinj 10 nmftil § bold Mtbf

THE ASHBUKTON GUAKDIAIV t FRIDAY, MAY 7, 1897.



Business Notices LOOK OUT. G. J. NEILL —IS SELLING— Table Damask at Is per yard Twill Sheeting, 2 yards wide, white or grey, 9Jd Turkish Towels, 6d each Cretonne 3Jd Flannelettes, 2s lid per dozen G. J. N EILL I s S ELLING- Men'g Heavy Tweed Suits at 2ls 6d, wonderful value Boys Suits, 4s lid Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Nail SHOOTERS 7s lid. Women's SHOES 4s lid Men's BLUOHBRS 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, MELLO R'S * ZEALANDIA' BOOT STORE NEW LEATHERS. NEW LEATHERS. NEW LEATHERS. riIHE ONLY SHOP in Ashburton that is selling the Wonderful Crack- JL proof Oalf, beauiiful in appearance, and in wear practically indestruct ible. . ,i T Kangaroo Calf, soft as a glove, with all the wearing properties of Kangaroo. Kangaroo Kip Cow HiiJp, dressed on » new and improved principle, equal to the hardest wearing Kip, but as soft and comfortable as kid skin. All these new leathers I have made up in Ladies' and Gentlemen's Boots and Shoes. They are splendid goods, and well worth a trial. Keep up to date and ask for these new goods. Every pair is guaranteed. JAMES MELLOR, ZEALANDIA BOOT*STORE, ASHBURTON. i „, 1,. '■ AUTUMN AND WINTER NOVELTIES GRAND SPECIAL DISPLAY AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S. OLOAKS FUR BOAS CAPES UNDERCLOTHING IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT 10 LADiES,— IN PURSUANCE of oar policy in keeping our Business well to the iront, we have decided to add a FIRST-CLASS DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT to our Kstablishment. We have Becured the services of Miss Hill, a lady of unquestioned ability, who brings with her credentials of the highest order from MFSBRS W. STRANGE & CO., in whose Workrooms she has beesi engaged for over seven yeabs. Our object is to supply our Customers with Stylish and Well-made COSTUMES at a Moderate Price, and every possible efforc will be given to make our NEW DEPARTMENT an unqualified success. We have already booked a number of Orders, and expect a very full season. Miss Hill will be pleased to receive intending Patrons on and after FRIDAY, March 26. MITCHELL AND TURNEB, TANORBD S.TRE',ET



FLAGS FOR THR DIAMOND JUBILEE. "I7IN-IGN HANDKKRCHIEFS, suitab'e .Hi for Flags for the Diamond Jubilee, including 'Australian Ensign, New Zealand Ensign, and the Jubilee Fag on Sale at 6d each. 5 9 ANDREW ORR. NEW ZEALAND p LOTHING "pAOTOKY. TO THE PEOPLE OF ASHBURTON AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. HWING recently takrn over the Managership of this Branch, I hope that by keeping a good up-to-date Stock, at the right prices, combined with civility, to continue to merit the same liberal support you have shown to our late Manager, We will be opening up NEW GOODS j daily in all Departments, and anything not in Stock will be procured on short notice. Agents for the OSMOND, TOWNSEND, & TRIUMPH BICYCLES. VIOTOKY SEWING MACHINES, For Cash or on Easy Time Payments. HALLENSTEIN BROS. & CO. A. G. BARTON, Manager. JUST LANDED —A High-class Kid Glove, four studs, all colors; price 4s Fu ly equal to usual 5a 6d quality.—W. H. Collier, QUIET COW for Sale, to calve ia two months. Apply for address at Mail Office. 5 4 !> • s § p^ as 05 tl_j % k ft m feH ft Se q r^U - - s I d * O5 »- -« go Ti « £ bd W in lit* gi 5 I? s z <l | 3 ! 8 S Si I| 5 S p 1 S s m s " S



NEW GOODS. NEW GOODS. 1111 ' »v* AUTUMN AND WINTER. PRICES CUT TO SUIT THE KEEN WEATHER AND KEENER TIMES. LOOK OUT. LOOK OUT. W "~ THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY AND CLOTHING MAUT. NEXT TO J. ORR AND CO, EAST STREET. MITCHELL AND BRODRIBB GIVE THE BEST VALUE IN THE TEADB. EVERYTHING NEW, EVERYTHING GOOD, EVERYTHING STYLISH, And of Course EVERYTHING CHEAP. r>AY Cash and Save 25 per cent. Grand assortment bought at Special Rates to enable us to sustain our reputation, yet giving the mlvv TwiVoress for *he Winter, 8a 9d, worth 12s 6d. Good strong plain Homespun 4a lid dreaa. Beautiful Tweeds, grand »i n « n««o.r uhaden at 8a 9d. and 9s 9d full dress. All the latest Trimmings in Furs, Gimps, Braids, Velvets, etc., at prices never before htTrd of FLANNELETTES, ULANNELS, CALICOS, SHEETINGS-you'U wonder at the prices. No bad debts do it. Grand d«k winter Flannelettes 4s lid per doz. All wool Flannels, wide width, loid per yard. All our goods sold at prices to bring yoTbackagaTn Calico for the winter 3s 9d per doz ; cheaper lines afc from 2s 6d per doz. Dou ie White Sheeting 10R cheap at la 3d. Hr<,« IVhitJ Towels 4a lid doz up. BLANKETS, Blankets, Blankets. White Blankets, Blue Blankets, Brown and Grey Kaiapoi ml^tJ.lTJrZTnt, cheaoer thao any other House in New Zealand. A grand heavy Blanket at 8. lid. Art Muslins, Cretonnes, SS?in« mm PRICKS ARK THE LOWEST-the reaaons are-We Buy Cheap; we Sell for Cash Look here ! Look here i ! wffSvS£inkiitaORAMDKIDGWVE, lon's and Brown'a at Is lid pairf ONLY MITCHELL AND BBODRIBB HAVK wnu\i TWs another-The nowest styles in LADIES' SHOWERPROOF CLOAKS at prices 60 per cent, below anything hoard ot— f. iir^n vlvv Gray aud Black. 17s 9d and 19a 6d, worth 30^ and 35a. Golf Capes, bought to undersell any other House, aave you J? .ITU2 by GOING StRAIGfIT FOR THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART. MILLINERY, Millineiy. Millinery wTll .rim v«n?ha?f«e we only want to sell the trimming at a low price, and guarantee you a B aviug of fully 50 per cent on ail i^il^rgtrawr^ are the LOWEST IN NKW ZEALAND for tSeiatert^dhSfi rtyUA trSngs-Sailor straws from 9J up^ UNDERCLOTHING for Winter-Flannelette and Wool to suit for the latest ana moBUB^o ft CORSETS, Corsets, Corsets—Astonish you, at ls lid, the plum line is a Corset any size any iKrfo'rtTid \»er pair^ w Or th?anTs"old ehewhere for about 5. 6d. In the MEN'S CLOTHING AND MERCERY Department, tltilb knitted Kn the trade Is, brown ribbed pants Is lid, heavy colonial knitted panta 3s 11, singlets to match flanneette starts heaviest knitted socks intnewaae , * and hafcß ju cyi . concel vable fih f rom ls . j weed l^^^^^l^^^^^lll men's suits from 14a lid Colonial tweed 25, 6d. TIES AND SCARVES-We are fc^JhiJ^ lo vh ° litim- , BOOTd-Mens £*r^rfl^ef 9b lSTgraS line Sf light Balmorals ab 18a 6d, alippera from 2s lid, water tights 10s 6d, ■ women's and children's beayy "O? 0*" °°?"™ p IfJi 'Tever-Call and see them. MBN'd WATERPROOF COATS, very deep cape?, in all p-Uterns-We are do- S^^l^^t^Zu^lSl^la^^-^^E .^ o£tolb^aU to t«w». LOOK AT THlt-Men's Suits to measure from 49s 6d. Grand variety M«n'« White Kid Gloves and Evening Bows, etc. DON'T IORGET £HE CENTRAL CASH TRADERS, WHO ARE, AND MEAN TO BRING DOWN PRICES , MITCHELL & BRODRIBB, NEXT J. <?R# fc CO., EAST STREET, ASHBUB^ON



Holloway's Ointment and Pills.—As winter advances and the weather 1 becomes nore inclement and trying the earnest svi > deuces of ill-health must be immediately checked and removed, o,r a slight illness will result in a serious malady! Relaxed and sore throat, quinsey, influenzi, chronic cough bronchitis, and most other pulmonary affec tions will be releved by rubbing this cooling ointment on the seat of mischief. The treat ment, simple yet effective is admirably adapted for the removal of those diseases during infancy and youth. Old asthmatic invalids will dorive marvellous relief from the use of Hollowuy'a remedies, which have wonderfully relieved many such Bufferers, and re-establish health after every other means have signally failed. He was new to the House and its rale, And they asked him to mtj vet headdress, Aad he said J wi}l do it with pleasure, But I'm hoarse as a crow ; nothing less ; They took him outside and they give him A thing which is certain and sure, And what made his voice of the clearest Was Woods' Grkat Peppermint Curb. My 14. Fragrant and Invigorating-mJVfw Finns



Th£ v/.aather prophes predict that the long due dry spell which we have had will be followed by a very wet and severe winter. The one thing needful for protection against the elements of such a winter is a really good reliable waterproof coat or cioak. We are assured tiiab Messrs Craighead and Berryman have become famous for their well known brand of winter clothing, which has hitherto given such satisfaction, and in anticipation ojf a still larger sale for these goods, tins season they $re now showing probably the largest stock at waterproof tweed, serge, and melton overcoats ever exhibitad in Ashburton. They are also supplying ladies' and gentlemen's water proof cloaks and ,coat| to rejie»Bure a,t ready made prices. Every garment guaranteed thoroughly waterproof. {Three months trial, if defective money returned). All wool linings—keeping the wearera always warm and dry—sewn throughout with strong silk, ventilated and every improve msnt "up to date."—Advt. 4 294 You have ruined your constitution sufficiently by drinking inferior teas, recruit by drinking only KoaiE Tea, it is purs aad i.c lable,— John Orr fe Co,, Sole Ajfeats,



Oroup ia a terror to young mothers and to post them concerning the came, first symp toms and treatment is the object of this item. The origin of croup ia a common cold. Children who are subject to it take cold very enaily and croup ia almost sure to follow. The first symptom is hoarseness ; this is soon followed by a peculiar rough cough, which is easily recognised and will never be forgotten by one who has heard it. The time to act is when the child fiiat becomes hoarse. If Chamberlain's Cough Kemedy is freely given all tendency to croup will soon disap pear. Even after the croupy cough has de veloped it will prevent the attack. There is rid danger in giving this remoiy for it eoabains nothing injurious. For asUe bjr Albtetea Dswg-.Gom|jfto^ v