PHASES OF THE MOON.

JULY.

To-morrow's Auction Sales

Friedlander Bros , Limited—l4oß acres, Hinds ; at 12.30 ; also implements, horses, etc.

Hanmer and Graves—22s acres ; Arcade, at 12 o'clock.

Thomas Bullock—Sale of properties, Hampstead and Tinwald ; at 11.30.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JULY 16, 1897.

Every year seems to make it more | probable that the close of the 19r.h Century will mark j an epo 4 eh in the his-' tory of the world. | The thoughts of the i nations hu we fyr sorf e *>•»« ow bee" turned to the Z^^ °* war?. an t d > incredible though it may* ?* m * m™* event of a general call to arm 3, nea> v 40,000,000 men could be placed in the. field. According to the London Daily Mail's estimate, the United States can call upon a greater number of trained soldiers than any other country in the world. Although the standing army numbers only 27,000 men, each State has to support its own militia, and should it become necessary as a last resource upward of 7,500,000 men could assist in maintaining the inde pendence of the States. To defend I the coast there would be a navy of i some 70 ships, with 100,000 men, Of j t,he European armies the biggest is that of France, The number of men in the active army and its reserves is 2,350,000. The territorial army is 900,000 "strong, and its reserve 1,100,000, making a total of some 4,350,000. It is not likely, however, | that under any conceivable circum stances more than 2,500,000 men could be called out. The navy, with 451 ships, also has a reserve of 114,000 men, of whom about 25,500 are serving j at the present time with the fleet, j Next in point of numbers on a war footing comes Germany. The peace strength of the standing army is about j 520,000. There has been no late re turn of the war strength, but in the last extremity Germany would have an army of not far fhort of 3,000,000 trained men, while 22,000 men could man the 220 odd vessels constituting the navy. The third great Power is Russia. The total peace footing of this country is 900,000, and the war footing 2,600,000, The navy consists of 160 ships, manned by 32,000 men. Italy can boast of an army numbering 3,030,000, of which nearly 250,000 are under arms, 600,000 are on unlimited leave, and 530,000 are mobile miiitin and 1,650,000 are territorial militia The navy comprises 21,500 men and 220 ships. The total of all branches of the British military amounts to 715,68.8, and of these only 685,154 are classed as effective. The regular forces at home and in the colonies only number 147,105, the army reserve is 80,100, the mritia 140,104-, the yeomanry 11,678 and the volunteers 263,528, The navy consists of 461 vessels and 93,750 men. Austria- Hungary has a war footing of 1,750,000 but should the necessity arise over 4,000,000 men would have to take arms in defence of their country. The navy has only a total of some 8500 men to man the 110 ships The nPr ,^aaeofc army of Spain numbers Ilfifion w^'fct eojild be increased in time of w^'to I.J^O; S3/).OO men could man the 108 vessels co.r, tulsm§W^ aavy. The army of Swifzerlana . divided as follows: — The elite 131.500, the Landwehr 81,500, and the Landdturm 273,200. Sweden has 38,846 men and 1000 reserves, with a navy of 53 ships, with 20,000 men, and Norway an army of 39,000, ilthough the number of troops actually jndei- arms never exceeds, even in war, [800 men without the consent of the storthing. The navy of 31 ships is mly manned by 525 men, although ome 323,000 men could be called upon o serve. China could bring 980,000 ue» oft the fold, »ed Japan 271,000. j

THE ARMIES Ot THE WORLD.

Of the smaller Powers there is Rou m»nia, with a permanent army of 51,000 aien and a territorial army numbering 81,900; Portugal, with a war strength of 150,000; Persia, with 24,500 ; Servia, with 216,000 ; Nether lands, with 69,000 and a navy of 133 ships and 2800 men ; Belgium, with a I strength of 155,800 men and a Girde >. ivique of nearly 45,000 ; and Den mark, with a war strength of 60,000 men and an extra reserve o£ 16,500, I only called out in extreme emergencies. I The smaller nations of the world al> have th"ir means of defence, and the Congo Independent State, Oosta Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Para quay, Bolifia, Afghanistan, the Argen tine Republic, Liberia, Nicaragua, thu Orange Free State, and the youth Africa Republic, among them, could number something like a million and a-half of men.

Local and General.

Beading matter en fourth page.

The resignation by the Hon J. G. Ward of his seat in the House of Representatives is published in the Gazettt,

The Aehburton hounds will meet at Seafield and Cochrune's cross road instead of Longbeach 00 Saturday at 11.30 a.m.

Mr T. W. Tayler is gazetted Clerk to the Warden's Court and Receiver of Gold Revenue and Mining Registrar at Ashburton

The Mahinapua, with the San Franoiaco mail, is expected to arrive at Wellington this evening. The Rotorua will take the mail on south.

The ISiew Zealand Times says it hears that in view of the drought the Loan and Mer cantile Company has determined to write off a large sum to provide for the deprecia tion in the value of properties.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has written iv reply to the Methven Domain Board that he had recommended the Minister of Lands to gazette an additional six acres to the Recreation Reserve.

Miss Olga Nethsrsole, the great actress, has had a triumph in New York. She was freely patronised by the dignitaries, with the exception of President McKinley and his wife, who are strict Methodists, and have not visited any theatre since the inauguration.

A case is to be heard in the Wellington Supreme Court shortly in which a young woman, resident in Wellington, seeks to recover £501 damages from a member of the Christchurch police force for alleged breach of promise of marriage. The case, it is said, is a particulatly interesting one. The Timaru Herald says that the Woollen Factory will bo enabled to start work in the spinning room almost immediately on a small ecale, and by next week will be able to work up to about two-thirds of the late standard. Ono of the items requiring restor ation was the mam driving belt, the upper portion of which was baked hard. The Illustrated Londmi News had five artists and war correspondents at the seat of the recent Turco-Grecian war. Twenty thousand a year- would not cover the cost of these men to the proprietors of the illustrious serial that commissioned them to give to the world a verbal and picturesque idea of the position of affairs from time to time. A letter has been received in Ashburton stating that Mr Ben Tillet, the well-known labor representative will pass through here on Saturday evening in the express, and desires it to be notified that he will, during the few minutes of his stay, be pleased to meet any workers and sympathisers who would like to shake him by the hand. A curious race was witnessed on a recent (Sunday in close proximity to the cemetery at Cloncurry, Queensland. The contestants were a maid of all work (riding sbraddle) and a Chinese cook. The distance was a quarter of a mile, and both horses got well away altogether, butthe rider with the red jacket | quickly outpaced her opponent, and won comfortably by two lengths, ' A great treat is in store for l.overs of i musifi, a» the full choir of Christchurch ' Cathedral, numbering ever forty voices, will A§!?fWrt°n shortly—-by invitation — v- , '•■•'l'»iiif§gß.v fprtnighfc. The phoir probably 01. ,, Usi and none ia second to none iv '-* '*»**»»-iii- ; \ should miss the opportunity o« . "^ An advertisement will appear as soon at. arrangements have been definitely made. A patient is an English lunatic asylum who believes himself shut up in the old Fleet Prison for the National Debt has in vented a simple automatic contrivance for the head of a lawn tennis racket, to pick up the balls and abolish stooping. It acts per fectly well, and the asylum authorities have advised his friends to secur« a patent for him in ease he becomes cured. His other invention is a really efficacious preventive for seasickness. Slow railway travelling is not peculiar to New Zealand. Much amusement was ' caused in the Bow {fcaaex) County Court on the hearing of the Great Northern " vege table express " case. It was shown that it took forty-eight hours to convey a van load of greenstuff a distance of seventy-eight miles, which mide it considerably too late for the market. The owner sued for damages and got them, the Judge remark | ing that he could easily have walked, or at least trotted, the distance in the time. I I meb Sir Julius Vogel at the New Zealand ! Agency-Genera! (says a London correspon dent). He was sitting at the library table eagerly overhauling the latest colonial Blue Books. The gight reminded me of old times, when I could almost fancy I saw him once more as Colonial Treasurer at his particular table in the Wellington House of Repre sentatives. I thought him looking much better than for some time past, but he complained to me that his health was never very satisfactory. His difficulty of hearing seems to have increased of late. It is worthy of note that nearly all the passengers who embarked on the Maori at Capetown this trip were the people who had been taken to the Cape from Australia by the same steamer about 12 months ago. These men had not wot ked regularly during that interval, and had experienced great difficulty in scraping together the means to secure a passage by the Maori. They returned, all satisfied that South Africa was a very good place to live out of, but admitting that a few of their acquaintances had been somewhat more sucaessful. On Wednesday afternoon a serious acci dent occurred to Mrs Harrop, mother of Mrs W. D. V. Preston, Ailonton, who were out driving together. When near the Borough school the party alighted from the trap to visit some friends and when re am ing their seats the hotse moved suddeuly forward before Mrs Harrop was seated, and she was thrown violently to the ground, and picked up unconscious Dr Hunter was immediately sent for and attended to thß sufferer, who is now progressing favorably towards recovery. A meeting of the St. Stephen's guild of church workers was held in the schoohoom last evening, when there was a large attend ance. The constitution and rules were adopted and officers elected. The objects of the gjsjld are (1) the cultivation of the spiritual life, (2) the promotion of Christian work and service, (3) the promotion of friendly intercourse bdtween church mem bers. The guild consists of members and probationers—the latter b,eiug of the age of fourteen and upwards. Over thirty mem bers were enrolled, and jifterwards the meeting adjourned and a (joneeeration sejyjgg jyag b^eld in the cburph.

• —«h the V'ig^rifn Qld Age Pensions Althou D - « ftC y e |j gjrpiyed. at any Commission have .. "*"wi*iea«iatjpji3 determination as to their feu,... I the drift of the questions asked shows (vie j Argus says) that the members of that body are disposed to suggest that the a^ed desti-1 tute should be looked after by the different ' ladies' benevolent societies, which should be subsidised by the Government by levying a lax oa sport?, rather than that the benevo lent asylums should be enlarged or in creased in number, as the management of these institutions is very costly compared with that of the ladies' benevolent societies. I

Tha Court of Appeal, in which Beveral judgments are still pending, has been further adjourned until August 5. The report of the Private Benefit Societies I Commission is drafted, but awaits the ap proval of Mr Fisher, who has not yet re turned to Wellington from Auckland. During June rain fell in Auckland on seventeen days, the fall in inches beinjj 3.20 in ; Wellington fifteen day?, 2.42 in ; in Christchuroh two days, 0.21 in ; in Dunedin >en days, 0.42 in.

A Conference of the Fire and Marine In surance Companies doing business in New Zealand has been sitting in Wellington for a couple of days, The proceedings are private.

On Wednesday nij?ht a man was said to have fallen over Firth's wharf at Auckland.

The police gob a boat and searched for him, but unsuccessfully. They dragged again on Thursday without result. No one is re ported to be missing as yet.

Christians interested in evangelistic work will be pleased 60 learn that a mission of a week's duration will be conducted by Pastor "'alter, formerly a Wesleyan clergyman, but now a Baptist pastor. The mission will begin on Tuesday next at the Tabernacle. Messrs Friedlander Bros., Limited, who are opening their new auction mart to morrow, wish us to intimate that no special invitations have been issued for the luncheon, but the firm will be pleased to see ail their clients and friends present on the occasion.

A good many offers to form Volunteer Corp» have been received by the authorities from various parts of the colony. Colonel Panton oonsidera that the principle guiding this question is that companies should only be established where they can be easily mobilised.

The Nelson Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Association's tenth annual show waa opened on Thnraday night by the Mayor. The show is the best yet held, both as regards quantity and quality. The exhibits exceed by fifty the previous year. Mr F. Dacre, Christ ohurch, judged throughout.

At the Dunedin Police Court on Thursday, A. Millar, jun., was charged with not paying a girl employed in a factory wages in respect of the 24th May. As the girl only worked eighteen days prior to the date instead of twenty-one the case waa dismissed. A woman was fined 10a for not registering under the Infant Life Protection Act.

There is a proclamation in the Gazette that the Government have taken, under the Public Works Act, the land opposite the Telegraph Department at Wellington, and known as the Shelter Shed, for railway pur poses. The proposal of the Government is, it is understood, to eroct a central station on the site, which is at the foot of the Queen's Wharf. Poultry keepers who would like to try their hand at artificial hatching and brood ing of chickens should apply to the nearest Seock Inspector for a copy of the Depart ment of Agriculture's "Leaflets for Farmers," No. 38, in which Mr J. A. Henderson, the Government poultry expert, gives a descrip tion and working drawing of an incubator and a brooder. The leaflet is supplied gratis.

The West street auction mart, built by Messrs Smith and Son for Friedlander Bros, Limited, has reached nearly enough to the full point of completion as to be reidy for opening to-morrow. The occasion wil! be celebrated by a luncheon given by the firm, to which all clients and friends are invited, and at which doubtless the enter prising firm will be wished the best of luck for their new venture. The luncheon will take place at 11.30, after which the usual motion sales will take place.

Active mining operations will be started in a few days by a syndicate which is to explore the gold-bearing reefs at Karori. I he promoters are sanguine that they have a good thing, and intend to erect a 2Qhead batteiy driven by steam. The stuff is friable and easily crushed, and assays by various processes hive given resu'ts from £1 53 6d to £11 10s per ton. The venture is ao far important that if it pays no doubt other reefa wil! be found in the vicinity, and altogether employment will be given to a considerable number of men. A New Zealander writing from Johannes berg says :—"The waiters and workers are all nigger?. The place simply swarms with Malays, Kulus, etc.; and, poor devila ! they have a rough time of it. rJ hey are all labeled like dogs, wijbh a brass plate i afpxed to the arm j must nqt go on arty foo path | mpt l} 6in by 9 o'clock at night; can only go to certain pl»«fr? fpr food | ami wwt ieiiSWCJ t'? t]?ye ftuv drink. In tod"-] 7'8 papers I red* ori? hotelkeepetl Wftß fiued £200 for sellingadrink to a Kaffir (second offence), and another (first offence) £75, and the niggers got a month each. Oaptaia Edwin sent the following weather forecast to the ports of the colony yesterday afternoon:—" Wind between north-west and west and south at all places northward of Kaikoura and Hokitika, and between west and south and sopthpgast elsewhere. Barometer rise everywhere soon. Sea yery heavy ,on all western coast of both islands, and heavy after from twelve to six teen hours on eastern coast of both islands south of East Cape. Tides very high on western coast of the North Island. Heavy westerly gales are to be expected after from twelve to twenty hours at all places north ward of Kaikoura and Hokitika, and southerly gales from thence southward, with rain and very cold weather everywhere, and snow on the high country of the South Island.

The Primitive Methodist Band of Hope met on Thursday evening. The chair was occupied by the Rev. J. Ulphert, who was pleased to see such a large number present. He urged upon them the benefits of total abstinence and hoped they would do their best to help along the cause. The programme waa very good, encores being frequent, and consisted of a duet by Miss James (organ), and Mr Korff (flute) ; solos by Mrs Maraden, Misses Esther Gates, Mary Oollison and Amelia James, (with auto-harp accompani ment) ; a dialogue by Miss Mary Collison, Messrs W. Gollison, W. Sandoe and F. Tilley ; and recitations by Miss Dora Gee, Maud Maidens, Eva Maynard and Mr H. Hardley. The accompaniments were played by Miss James and Mr Hight.

A man named William Weir committed suicide by shooting himself on Sunday evening last at Waimate. Jt appears deceased had been in bad health for some ti.ne past, and had come out of the hospital a few days ago. On Sunday evening he asked one of his daughters for a lantern and went outside. A few moments afterwards a report waa heard, and, on his daughter going to see the cause of the report, she found Weir lying on the ground with an old rnuzsle-loading gun by his side. He had shot himself jusb below the heart and died at about 11 30 p in. He was a hardworking respectable man, owner of a strawberry garden, and no cause can be assigned for the rash deed. At the inquest the verdict was that " deceased shot himself while tempora- ; rily insane." j

Indigestion,—How much thought has been bestowed, and what voluminous

treatises have been written upon this universal and distressing diseafe, which in with certainty and safety dispelled without

fear of relapse by a course of a purifying, soothing, and tonic medicine ! It acts directly on the atamach, liver, and bowels— then indirectly, though' no less efleotively, on the brain, nerves, vessels, and glands, introducing such order throughout the entire system that harmony dwells between each organ and its functions. Dyspepsia need no longer be the bugbear of the public, since flolloway's I?ill?s are fully competent to ■ cases of impaired digestion, and to restore the miserable sufferer to health, strength, cheerfulness.

GOLD.

l*Nj»a A§.!Bl?J!^i.on —By Egotrip Telegraph.

The Electric dredge, which starteu w«».. yesterday within 100 yards of Cromwell township, struck rich gold in the centre o! the river. The tables this morning showed over 100 ounces, and the gold shows thick all over the matting.

COMMERCIAL.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

London, July 14 lh« total quantity of wheat and flout afloat for the United Kingdom is 930,000 quarters, and for the Continent 740,000 quarters.

At the wool sales prices were very firm, and the good scoured merinos advanced A halfpenny.

The Accident to the Wainui.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, July 15. The Taupo and Duco have returned from the Wainui. Ie appears that a fire broke out among the cargo of the Wainui owing to water getting at some sacks of lime stowed on the top of coal and under the general cargo. The latter had to be removed before the lime could be hoisted overboard. Very little damage was done, however. The Wuinui is afloat aft, but her bow is fully 10 j feet up on the dry beach at low water, and there will be little or no difficulty in effecting temporary repairs. When the Taupo left the Wainui was well up on the land, with her bow exposed at low water. The Taupo has all but about 80 tons of the Wainui's coal cargo and the Duco has the general cargo. It is expected that the temporary repairs will be commenced in the course ot a day or two and the steamer will come on to Wellington. The Kawatiri leaves to-morrow for Wai kawa Bay, and will bring the remainder of the Wainui's cargo to Wellington. It is understood neither the vessel nor the cargo is insured.

Nelson, July 15. The only fiesh news from the W ainui by pigeon message ia thab the Duco and Taupo have lefd for Wellington, and the vessel Btill remains in a perfectly safe position.

Sporting Notes.

Weights for the New Zealand Grand National Steeplechase and Hurdle Race are due to be declared on Monday next. There seems to be a new en in the steeplechasing business. The Friar, who won the Wellington Steeplechase, is quite a young horae, being returned as only five years old. It is very rarely that a horse of that age is a proficient fencer, but The Friar is quite an exception to the rule, and jumps like an accomplished tradesman He may be one of the best in the land if he remains sound till aged.

Highlander, in Lunn's stable at Riccarton, is reported to be taking hia fences in real earnest. He is just the stamp of horse to make a steeplechaser, and is by far not the least fancied for National honors.

Mutiny will, in a'l probability contest the " battle between the flags " again this year, and all going well may have a look in. He will require to be at his best to win, as he will be heavy laden, and with such horses as Highlander and The Friar in the field, who possess a good dash of pace, Mutiny will have to shift himself.

'i he field for the National Hurdles is made up mostly of horses that have performed on the fiat—among them some of the fastest flat racers of late years. Hippomeneei, Quiltiri, Chaos, and Golden Plover figure in the list, and if these cm be brought to the. post proficient at the jumping business, the senior hurdlers will have ail their work cut out to beat them.

SCULLING.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.

London, July 14. At the Henley Royal Regatta, FairbairD, the Queensland oarsman, was defeated in tho first heat of the Diamond Challenge Sculls.

FOOTBALL.

A football match was played in ihe Domain on Thursday afternoon, between teams representing the Ashburton .Juniors and the Rifle Volunteers. The weather was tine, but a strong wind was blowing across the ground. The teams were evenly matched both as regards weight and play, each Bide constantly working into the other's twenty b've. Splendid' passing was shown by both sides, and at times the game was very exciting. In the first spell A, Pilbrow secured a ivy for the Juniors after a fine dodgy run. A splendid attempt at goal was made by Mcjtee from a difficult angle, the ball just passing outside the posts. The try for the Rifles was secured by J. 0 aytpn, the attempt at goal failing. The matoh ultimately ended in » draw, each, side scoiing three points.

POULTRY, PIGEON, & CANARY SOCIETY.

A well attended meeting of the Gonimittee of the Ashburton Poultry Society was held on Thursday evening, when a preliminary balance sheet was presented by the Treaeurer (ifx E. Stephens.) From this it appeared that there would be a balance of over £30 after paying prizes and all expenses con nected with the late Show, which had been the most successful hitherto held in Ash burton | and as usual outside exhibitors had been much pleased at the manner in which their exhibits had beeu staged and returned. The date of the annual meeting was fi^ed for Tuesda}', July 27, and some discussion took place upon the question of offering cups to be competed for at the next Show. Eventually it was resolyed that it be a recommendation to the incoming Committee to offer four silver cups, value £5 each, to be competed for at the next annual exhibi tion, two to be open to all comers, and two to be for local exhibitors. The satisfactory manner in which Mr E. A. Robottom had discharged the duties of secretary waa generally commented upon, and it was decided to vote him an honorarium of three guineas. After transacting some routine business, the Committee adjourned.

THE AWARUA SEAT.

Press Association—By Electric Tslegraph Invbrcahgill, July 16. The Hon. J. G. Ward publishes an ad r dress to the electors of Awarua, in which he states:—" I can be nominated, and I will go to the poll. Two of the leading lawyers of the colony have given it as their opinion that I can be legally elected and take my seat in the House. Were it not for the fact that I could have provided for all my obli gations within a reasonable time, and, there fore, that I ought not to have been forced into insolvency, I might be disposed to take j the gratuitous advice of my opponents ; but gifts from the Sreeks are always dangerous. 1

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph — Copyright.

The Canadian Tariff. London, July 14 Mr L. H, Davits, the Canadian Minister of Marino, is in London on a special mission in regard to the new Canadian tariff. He is pressing upon Mr Chamberlain the contention that the Belgian and German commercial treaties do not apply to Canada, as they were not ratified by Imperial or colonial legislation. In the event of ihe Convention failing to effect a settlement, Canada asks the Imperial Government to denounce the treaties. Swimming 1. An agreement has been signed be tween Nuttall and Ernest Oavill for a swimming match over 500 yards for £200 a-side. A Cycling' Record. Hint, of Nottingham, has broken the world's cycling record for twenty four hours, covering 414 miles, A New Hymnal. The Established and free Churches of Scotland, the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and the Presby terian Church of Ireland, have adopted a new Hymnal, which will come into use at the end of the year. The hymns are set to fresh tunes by Sir John Stainer, Professor of Musis at Oxford University, and Sir Arthur Sullivan. It is hoped that the Churches of Australasia will adopt the new Hymnal, and so knit closer the ties between the Churches. Free Land for Settlers. Sir W. Laurier was banquetted at the Canada Club. In the course of his speech he said Canada required more population, and promised indus trious immigrants 160 acres of fertile land free. Union Bank of Australia. The Directors of the Union Bank of Australia propose to declare a dividend of 5 per cent, and carry forward £24,500.

Australian.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright Submarine Disturbance. Sydney, July 15. After a prolonged state of agitation the submarine disturbance at Tongoa has subsided. It has left a shallow saady patch where previously there were five or six fathoms of water. The Lost Explorers. Adelaide, July 15. A large public meeting decided to erect a monument to the lost explorers Wells and Jones, and to assist their widows and families, who are in poor circumstances. ' Western Australian Revenue. Perth, July 15 The revenue for the quarter showed an increase of £125,000 compared with the last quarter, and for the year a comparative increase of £984,000, which is £416,000 above the Colonial Treasurer's estimate. Tasraanian Parliament, Ho^abt, July 15 The Assembly carried a congratul atory address to the Queen, the mem bers rising and singing the National Anthem.

Land Tax Assessment.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Sydney, July 15 The Attorney-General claims the land tax decision as a moral victory for the Government. The object of the appeal was to escape taxation altogether, and have the tax declared a dead letter, whereas the Court de dared it was actually a charge on the land, subject to an easily psrformed condition. The decision simply meant a little delay. As soon as the assess ment books were completed new notices would be issued in accordance with the Act. Both the current tax and the arrears would have to be paid. The Government could easily reme4y the defept by either completing the books or introducing a Validating Bill.

THE FEDERATION BILL.

Discussion in New South Wales Assembly.

Withdrawn in Queensland.

j Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Copyright. Sydney, July 15. In the Legislative Assembly the clauses up to 23 of the Federation Bill have been adopted. The only im | portant amendments provide for the ' proportional representation of the States in the Senate, the minimum number of Senators for each State being fixed at three, and .the minimum number comprising the Senate at forty, and dividing the State into electorates, each electorate to return one Senator. Brisbane, July i 5. The Acting-Premier said that if the Convention is adjourned over next year the Government will be prepared j to bring forward another Federation Bill.

THE COLONIAL PREMIERS.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka, July 16, 9,45 a.m., Guabdian Office 10.30 a.nj, London, July J5. Mr Reid, on visiting tfohnstone!, his birthplace in Scotland, had an enthu siastic reception. The residents dragged his carriage to the Town Hall.

THE LATEST. Home and Foreign.

Press Association — By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.

Received Wakap>.aka, July 16, 9.45 a.m.. Guardian Office 10.30 a.m. The Treacherous I'ribesmeti. Calcutta, July 15 The punitive military expedition which was despatched from India against the treacherous tribesmen in the Tochi valley in Afghanistan, will destroy all the fortified native positions between Maizar and S.-teranni. The Annexation of Hawaii. Washington, July 15. The Foreign Relations Committee of the Henate has recommended the ratification of the treaty for the annexation of Hawaii by America, without amendment.

NEW HEBRIDES AND THE FRENCH.

Interview with Dr Lamb.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—* Copyright.

Received Wak*puak* July 16, 10.30 a.m., Guardian Office 11.20 a m.

Sidnby, July 16 la an interview, Dr L»mb (Presby* terian missionary to the New Hebrides, who, with his wife, is en route to New Zealand on a holiday), referring to the Franco-British control of the group, said the missionaries} and settlers were so anxious to gain security of life and property that some would even welcome annexation by France, rather than see the present unsatisfactory system continued. What was keeping the islands back was the uncertainty of proper government. The French were allowed to go all round the islands, picking up the best land and harbours, which was an easy matter, because they gave fire arms in exchange. This had a bad effect leading to a system of murder and revenge. The French being allowed to sell drink also threatened the work of the mission aries.

LABOUR.

Engineers 1 Strike.

Presa .Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka, July 16, 9 a.m. Guardian Office, 10.20 a.m. London, July 15 A hundred and seventy-two London firms have conceded the engineersl demands for an eight hours day. At a mass meeting of Glasgow workers bitter complaints were made that they had been locked out, although they had not joined in the demands made by the Amalgamated Engineers' Association. Sydney, July 16 The Western miners will not issue strike notices, but will seek to remedy their grievances through the different lodges.

THE WAR IN THE EAST.

An Ultimatum.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka July 16, 9.45 a.m., Guardian Ofiice, 10.30 a.m. London, July 15 The Standard's correspondent at Constantinople states the Porte has agreed to reduce the Greek war in demnity by two million pounds. The Times correspondent states that Tewfik Pasha has requested explicit terms, otherwise Turkey will refuse to negotiate on the basis submitted by the Powers.

The Times states that the foreign ambassadors have asked Tewfik Pasha to definitely consent or refuse $q negotiate for peace with Greece op the basis of the terms put forward by the Powers,

EXECUTION OF BUTLER.

Alleged Caafessioas %j tb« Coademasd Haa.

Bis List of Victims.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph--> Copyright.

Received Wakapuaka July 16, 10 am. Guardian office 11 a.m. Sydney, July 16.

Although the officials refuse any information, it is understood that; Butler has confessed. It is stated that, as the result of a long interview with the Rev Mr Lane yesterday, the prisoner, who till then hatl 'been callous, became penitent and confessed to murdering Preston, "feller, anfj Burgess. It is also alleged that when Butler was shown the portrait of Price, the young mau from Victoria, who disappeared mysteriously, he recognised him, and said he bad put him under. The unsatisfactory point about Price's ease is that the body supposed to be his, but never clearly identified, was found in the Parkes district, whereas Butler says he secreted^ %e^J^dj^j|^ another locality. Received Wakapuaka July 16, 11.20 ».m» Guardian office 11,40 ».m. Butler was executed this morning. Death was instantaneous. He walked to the scaffold with a firm step. Sydnby, July 15. Such property as Is clearly proved belongs to Butler will be forwarded to his friends in England.

tHfc AaHfiDtftU* OtJA&DlAfts JttlDA*, JULY H, 189?.



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OUR ANNUAL STOCK-TAKING SALE IS NOW PROCEEDING. AND WILL OOHTINUE TILL AUGUST the 18tu. EVERYTHING" REDUCED. PLEASE NOTE the following Quotations, being a few of the BARGAINS OFFERED:— DRESS TWEEDS—Regular price Is 3d per yard, sale price 4s llil dress length. Dress Tweeda—Regular price 15i 9d dress length, sale price 6s lid dress length. SERGES is Black, Navy, and Brown 2s 3d, sale price Is 6d per yard. Blue Black Merioos, sale price Is lid per yard, regular price 2s 6J. DRESSMAKING during this sale 8s 6(1. Children's Cashmere Hose, sale price 6d per pair. Ladies Cashmere Hose, sale price IOJd. Ladies' Ribbed Hose, sale price 6d per pair. A few Men's Colonial Tweed SUITS 15s each. Men's Cotton Shirts Is each. Men's Heavy Grampian Shirts Is 1 Id. A large assorted line Men's Tweed Trousers, to be cleared at 7s lid per Men's Tweed Hats 6d each. Men's Tweed Caps 6d each. Men'a Colonial Knitted Socks 6d per pair. Extra Heavy Twilled Sheeting, 2 yards wide, Is per yard. Flannele tea from U per yard. All wool Colonial Shirting Is 6d per yard Ladies' Oorsets, size 18, 19, 20, our regular line at 2a lid, to be cleared Is lid. _ IN THE SHOW-ROOM THE REDUCTIONS WILL BE OF A MOST m iafi Q**uvY « THOROUGH DBSOR iption. SEE DOORS AND WINDOWS FOR BARGAINS. Aehburton Drapery Company, ARCADE HOUSE. #»• ■"•■"" "■■""" ■ ° ■ —-—-—-———— — ! v. ». BANKRUPT ESTATE OF G. J. NEILL AND CO., DRAPERS, CLOTHIERS, MERCERS, AND BOOT DEALERS, ASHBURTON attention that we have secured another stock at a very low figure, and we have decide !ji!nilloir.tAihlmrtoii»d hope you will favour us with your patronage » earl, as possible. So come all and come early. Every line must go. BY ORDER, STOCK VENDORS. BY ORDER OF THE PURCHASERS OF ABOVE ESTATE 6 233 DRESSES & DRESSMAKING = EXTRAORDINARY. = AFTER AF FXOBPTIONALLT SUCCESSFUL^ EASON WE ARE NOW PREPARED TO TAKE VEEY MUCH BKDUOEI) PRICES FOR OUR FEW REMAINING COLORED DRESSES. A LOW PRICE quoted for Dresa Complete, Beßb Style an! Fit. MITCHELL & TURNER. WATCH THIS SPACE FOE PARTICULARS OF NEW STOCK OF ~IOLD XI HOOCHES AND J^ADIES' J^INGS TO OOME TO BAND SHORTLY. S. SALEK, THE LEADING JEWELLERY ESTABLISHMENT IN THE DISTRICT. v. act CfPT? TO 17. m ir



PUBLIC NOTICES NEW ZEALAND Clothing 1 Factory —i f\Vli HALF-YEABLY stock-taking TAKES PLACE THE END OF j THIS MONTH. So during the Next Week or two, we shall bring forward a number of YEKY SPECIAL LINES, AND AT THE PRICES THEY WILL BE MARKED, WILL EFFECT A SPEEDY CLEARANCE i FOR BARGAINS, LOOK AT OUR DOORS & WINDOWS HALLENSTEIS BROS. & CO. |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 18. 11 a.ra.—Morning Prayer and Holy Com, munion. 3 p.m.—Dromore. 6.30 p.m.—Evening Prayer. REV T. A. HAMILTON.



The true leaf of the Tea plant 9 untampered witl and pure ; this is KozjJß Tea } try it.—>



Many Ladies complain that the Tea they have been using has neither strength nor flavor. If they try Kozw Tea they will be I sa.tisQe4 TvytyoNQ4fttß/Vtiiimptrb,



The weather propherspredicb that the long fine dry spell which we have had will be followed by a very wet and severe winter. The one thing needful for protection against the elements of such a winter is a really good reliable waterproof coat or cloak. We are assured that Messrs Craighead and Berryman have become famous for their well known brand of winter clothing, which has hitherto given such satisfaction, and in anticipation of a still larger sale for these goods, this season they are now showing probably the largest stock of waterproof tweed, serge, and melton overcoats ever exhibited in Ashburton. They are also supplying ladies' and gentlemen's water proof cloaks and coats to measure at ready made prices. Every garment guaranteed thoroughly waterproof. l (Three monthß trial, if defective money returned). All I wool linings—keeping the wearers alwa)s f warm and dry—sews throughout with strong ailkj ventilated »nd every improve ment ••? up fro 4%fcp-"-rApy,y. " ': • "-«-.' a i-aiaa sad i&oufe hurrah I A Beat the m^. "' '*"" side ot discovery, the very beat tunjg .... the line, licka everything of the kind into ■, cocked hat. No more sleepless nights; a boon to parents; an everlasting blessing. What? Why; Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for coughs and colds, of course. iVolrl by all grocers and chemists at Is 6d and 2s 6d; the largs aiaa ia the cheapest is the iQBg sub. JJy S3



The public are to be congratulated on the liberal manner in which they 'have 're sponded to the invitation of our leading bookseller, stationer, and fancy goods vendor, to supply themselves with cheap stationery, good literature (for winter rjeadiri?)', and fancy gogdg. ' 4-s this month |b pile 'record -«« «f tfae deeai&i^fche grm giving great'iu < - -"Sum tfao Btb(j!^~we



ducemeiits so as so i-— have no doubb that the premises of tl. i* Anderson, late L. F. Andrewes and Co., will be well patrouiaed during the remainder of the sale.—(Advt. fragrant and Invigorating—New Vmus



Synopsis of New Advkhtisemektß. Jewifet—Fresh fish and oysters, Pried lander Bros—Farm for sale. EL M. Jones~House to let or for Bale. H, M. Jone¥—New businwa advertise 1 meat. s ' '"'" Bankrupt estate ol 6, Jo Neil—Stock Vendors' notice. ' ' * ** Wilding and Lewis—Notice re claims in the estate of the Jate William Miller. r "'



Mr H. ij, .Jones, njueics «eiler, etc., $a# (« new iidyerJiisjß'mght;, in wiiqh interesting $rj« fonnufciOQ ja givpq I© mueic^ne, school gorii« 3 »«- «»»hHa ceneriily, ■»! mittees, anu uiv t -.. Attention i« called to the advertiietnent of the purchasers of G. J. Neill's eitate, in which the announcement is made of a ftei|}