Mail Notice.

Mails fur the United Kingdom and the Continent of Europe, via Brindisi, specially uddreused, due m London on May 25, ah»o for Ceylon, India, China, Japan, and the Straits Settlements, per Wakatipu, close at Wellington on Saturday, May 10, at 3 p.m.

Post Office Notice.

On Good Friday and Easter Monday, the I6ih and 19th inst., the Post and Telegraph Office will be closed except from 9 a.m. till 10 a m., and 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mails for :he North and South will close both days at 6 30 a.ni.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1897. CRETE.

"Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth." These words of the Apostle James have passed into an almost universal proverb, and m the case of Crete there is great danger of the proverb receiving a very apt illu stration. Orete is, comparatively speaking, an insignificant little island under Turkish rule, the inhabitants of which are m almost every respect Greek, except that m the matter of religion they are largely leavened with followers of Mahomet. The Christian portion rebelled against Turkish mis rule, and are now engaged m lively in surrection. That insurrection might have gone on for an indefinite period had it been allowed to work out its own destiny without the intervention of any outside power, but m the end Turkey would have crushed it and the Porte would hare placed still heavier burdens on the shoulders of the Cretan people. But Grecee took a hand m the game, and as our readers know, lent yeomanly aid to the insurgents. The action of Greece called into action the great powers of Europe, and after much parleying and diplomacy the powers have virtually guaranteed the freedom of Orete, promising an auto nomy for the island. But though this guarantee has been given, it does not appear by any means clear that a European war has been averted. We hear much about the concord of the concert of the powers m the matter, who sternly forbid Greece to proceed any further with her attempt at annex ation, and we know that Greece is likely to be blockaded if she persists m her attempt, but up to the present her troops are still on the islaud, and what fleet she has is m Cretan waters, while the Admirals of the foreign fleets seem to have their hands* cjuite full with the endeavor to keep the fiery Greeks m a state of even smouldering quiescence. The Turks have to keep a very calm attitude m regard to Greece while the powers have the management of Cretan affairs, but their quietude ia regard to Greece itself is Another matter alto gether, and Turks and Greeks are facing each other on the frontier and showing their teeth. Even m this the Powers have also spoken, and m no uncertain terms. They have told tha would-be combatants that war on the frontier will be a waste of blood, as no matter what fields may be won, the victors will not be allowed to retain their cnquests, Or reap any advantage ax, all from the struggle m which b.oth sides seem I au-T'OUS to engage. Greece appears to bo very hot-hf"«lecloorv©r the Cretan affair, and, as some may read her action, quite unreasonable. Autonomy has been promised to Greeoa by those who alone are able to enforce it as against the Turkish taskmaster, and this guarantee of autonomy is the only reasonable solution of the question which has yet been presented. It may not satisfy the Cretans. It may not satisfy Turkey, nor Greece, nor com pletely satisfy the Powers concerned, but it seems a fair compromise, and one whigh all concerned may fairly tolerate, Those of the Powers who attach so much importance to maintain ; u - tjie territorial sovereignty of the Turkish nD^e might aacepfc such a scheme because the •ufctfanee of inde pendence for Orete wou\* be lfcd under the forms of Turkish suzera.. ' The Sultan would by the same means save appearances with any loyal sub jects he may have. The Cretans would obtain the first thing needful—.namely, liberation from Turkish misrule. The Greeks, however, will not tolerate it, though m the end they may have to do so, unless some other suzerainty is introduced. They have made a most spirited dash m the matter, and throughout Christendom have earned a large amount of sympathy—m fact the sympathy of every lover of freedom To them, no doubt, autonomy would be but a sort of half-way house, and anything short of annexation as the result of the dash they have made would be a severe disappointment. They naturally desire, having gone so far, to reach the goal of annexation straight off. But, after all, if the liberation of Orete wereonce guaranteed by the Powers, the King of Greece would have the proud satisfaction of knowing that his raid had resulted m enlarging the bounds of Hellenic freedom, and m ear-marking Crete, as it were, m the final distribution of the Sick Man's heritage, for the Hellenic Kingdom. But events may, at any moment, occur m Crete itself which I would precipitate the destuuction of the European concert and the outbreak of a general war. Lord Salisbury himself is understood to have declined to concert other measures for the coercion of Greece unless the future of Crete is first settled. And he has steadfastly ' adhered to this view, hence the assurance of Mr Balfour m the House j of Commons that the British Govern- I ment is m hearty concord with the | Powers, which at present is m the : direction of quieting Greece m the mildest manner possible with men who have their swords drawn. But it is evident, with the fleets of Europe frowning upon them, and a blockade of their ports imminent, they will be forced to take the unpalateable hint, and allow the autonomy to becpme a fact. It is but a stop-gap after all, but it is one calculated to leave Europe time to arrive at an agreement aboat the sneyijfcable break-up of the Turkish Empire, and also to leave some hope still for a p9aceable improvement m the lot of the Christian subjects q£ the Jtyte elpeyhjre tbw m Grete,

Local and General.

Another Manilla diver has lost his life through diving m deep waeer at Darnley Forty-six thousand bags of Feed wheat are being distributed among the distressed farmers m South Australia. John Stokeß, a Maori native, who was admittted to the Claremonfc Hospital, Queensland, from Craven Station, has been pronounced to be a leper. The charred bodies of a man and two horses have been found on the road between Georgetown and Croydon, Quee aland, hav ing apparently been struck with lightning. A Wellington councillor suggested at the Council meeting the other day that magni ficent wooden block pavements could be obtained by the councillors laying their heads together. A Mr J. Sexton, of Gladstone (Wairarapa) has, saya the Rangitikti Advocate, a curio m the shape of a cross between a goose and a swan. The feathered hybrid has a swan's head and neck, and the body of a goose. Some months ago some quartz was secured by a Masterion resident from a reef m the Tararuas and sent to Australia for analysis. The result is that gold m payable quantities is thought to exist, and theiesideut m ques tion has gone out to obtain further specimens. At Napier, on Monday week, Madame iJell, m her "visions," predicted that a bracelet lost by a certain Hawke's Bay lady would be found on her lawn. A search m the locality indicated duly revealed the missing article. The Mount View Asylum is overcrowded. One of the official visitors {the Hob. John Rigg) has made representations on the sub ject to the Government, with the result that about 50 or 60 of the inmates are to be transferred to the asylums m other parts of the colony. ■■>■■ < The Colonial Analyst (Mr W. Skey) re ports that some water from the Nuhaka Hot Springs, Poverty Bay. wffich he has tested «• resembles that of the medicinal springs at Baden, celebrated for their property of re ducing glandular swellings." The Native Land Court at Rawene (Auck- i land) has been engaged m defining Crown interests m various blocks, chiefly Bituated m the Hokianga district, aggregating over 20,000 acras. This land is almost all of good quality, and admirably adapted for settlement purposes. The Clutha papers state that a petition is now m circulation asking the Minister for Lands to acquire, under the Land for Settle ments Act, the Otanomomo estate, situated within four miles of Balclutha, containing approximately 4800 acres, owned by Messrs William and Thomas Telford. The property consists largely of river flat lands of excellent quality, free from flooding. A joint committee meeting of the Ash bur ion Harmonic and Orchestral Societies was held last night, when a draft pro gramme of the patriotic and popular concert to be held on 22ad June was discussed, and Mr A. Gordon was elected conductor. It was also resolved to iuvite our local ttlent to write an Aehburton verse for the National Anthem for the occasion. A gentleman m Gore supplies the Gore Standard with a simple preventive for the codlin moth. It consists m hanging twigs of blue-ujum on branches of the trees affected. The idea ia to allow the smell of the blue gum to pervade the atmosphere m which the moth exis's; and, with this object m view, it is good to break the leave 3of the blue-gum and let the smell esc >pe. It is Siid that an orchard is tin Nelson who tried this idea has completely eradicated the pest, while the surrounding gardens are full of it. The latest reduction of some of Mr Ruskiu's social theories to practice is t^kinp place m the State of Tennessee. There, on 230 acres of good land m a high state of cultivation, with 1100 acres also ready to fence, "an ideal co-operative co'ony " haa lately been established. Each family lives m a separate home, but the setters have meals m common. All that is required of them is that ''each member should give equal hours of work to those given by all the other members of the association ; to submit to the regulations made m ih« interests of all j and to pay into the general fund the sum of £100. A summons was issued at Dunediu on Thursday afternoon to the Liquidators of the Colonial Bank and others concerned to appear to-day to show cauße why Joha Batger should not be discharged from the obligations of an agreement between himself and the Liquidators of the Coloni*! Bank to purchase the securities of the Hon. J. G< Ward's debt to the Colonial Bank, and why his deposit of £400 should not be returned on ihe ground that the Liquidators are un able to tarry out the agreement, and that, all the oiio'ain-tances having changed, it would not be equitable p hold him to his agreement AtJ the hearing tfo-day the Judge declined Mr Batger's application to determine the agreement with the liquidators. Psychologists have been studying the mental influence that a number of people gathered together have upon each other, and they have c Deluded that what hypnotists call" suggestion" is at work amongst them, and that the general tone of mind is nut th&t of the most cultured and intelligent, but of the'majority. Thp? is a strong argu ment for the education "and refinement of the masses ; for, if it be true that the beßfc thoughts of an assembly of human beings are those t)t the majority, we cannot arrive at the wisest and best conpluaions where only a few of them are intelligent and good, for the "•KHtityrsd minds of the multitude appear" to " ~ •* tfjf defcrimept of those whose operate . • -v.^, instincts are ot a i..^ On Saturday Mr David ThoT*" wil-J J^ mit to auction a large assortment ot n, v . ' and fittings from the premises of Mr J. R. Steel, who, having disposed of his business to his sons, is making a clearance of the sur plusage over the purchase. Blacksmiths and others, but especially farmers, will be able to secure useful accessions to their work shops, and small farmers will find it to their advantage to have a look m at the sale, as j there are many things to be offered of a kind found useful on odd occasions m doing just the turn wanted, and may of'en save a visit to the workshops m town. Mr Steel has been quite a life time m business m Ashburton, and is now taking a well-earned rest after a long spell of " hard graft." Mr Borchegrevinck, the Norwegian, who is endeavouring to organise an Antarctic expedition, is at present on a visit to Sydney. Mr Borchegrevinck said it was not his fault that he did not get southward this season. "It was entirely," he observed, "because I tried to make a commercial company serve the cause of science." Mr Borchegrevinck states that he still hopes to increase the sum sufficient to enable him to get away next season, leaving Australia about October. Mr Borchegrevinck thinks that his scheme has been prejudiced m the minds of some people by the proposal of a, naval expedition to leave England for the Antarctic He thinks that, m view of the unsettled state of Europe, it is highly im probable the expedition will leave this year, and that m any case his voyage would not clash with the other, but would prepare the way for the more costly undertaking. It would look as though Cape Colouy had beaten back the rinderpest. Not only does Dr Koch believe that he has found a remedy, bub the long cordon to the south of the Orange river has not yet been found to have a weak point m all its hundreds of miles of length. If this line of defence continues to be successfully maintained ir, will be a fine tribute to the common sense and energy of the Cape Government. While the plague has swept Rhodesia, almost ruined Bechuaoa land and played havoc with the herds of the two Dutch Republics it) has, so far, been repelled from the English self-governing colony. Not that the cost and trouble hav been trifles by any means For months paßt a line of armed men, 2300 strong, have mounted guard night and day long the Orange river. A strip of 1000 yards broad on the south bank was dec area neutral ground, aad this has been watched with unsleeping vigilance The cost is already estimated at something like £400,000. Passengers who arrive by railway from the interior are carefully disinfected. The soles of their boots are painted with disinfectant, and all their personal belongings relentlessly fumigated. Tne process ia ludicrous and unpleasant, but so far the herds of Cape Colony are untouched, and the farmers m some districts, at any rate, are doing a routing trujje ip moat, both Hvc fcad d^af,

At the Christchurch b\M Court on Thurs- j day, before business commenced, Mr * ! Beetham said he had a word or two to say m a matter affecting himself. He whs 1 horrified to find that morning a paragraph m one of the newspapers m which ho was made to say that the Roman O<*tholic re ligion was no good. He did not say ao. He would be aorry to say that auy re igiou was | "no good." All religions were of great good. He had suggested marriige as a meaus of ' settling an &ffiliatiou case, and, following a reason which had been given why it could nob take place, he said that if re igiou prevented the marriage of the parties it was not any use, meaning by it that it was no use to them m dealing with the caße. Mr Henry Zander brought to this office to-rtay several beautiful samples of the opile found at Peel Forest, It appears that years ago Professor Ulrich told Mrs Aoland, on whose mn the opals were found, that there should be opals m the locality, but her family never troubled about the matter, and those now found were dropped upon quite accidentally by the shearers. Sixty acres of land have been secured by the promoters of a company, which area includes the place where the samples m Mr Zander's possession were found, and a syndicate has been formed who are issuing bharea m the proposed com pany. One gentleman m Ohriatchurch has offered to take half the shareß, and the others to be sold here, are being already exten sively applied for. Mr Murray, of Ashbur ton, has examined the samples, and has pro nounced them the genuine article.

Ib is notified that Mr Thomas Bullock has taken out an auctioneer's license. The Ashburton Borough Council will strike the usual rate at its next ordinary meeting to be held on April 26. A. notice to that effect appears elsewhere, 1 We remind our readers that the sale of work m aid of the Fletmngton Presbyterian Manse fund takes place m the Orange H&ll at 2 p.m. to-morrow.

COMMERCIAL

Press Association—By Klectric Telegraph— Copyright. London, January 7 1 he total quantity of wheat and flour afloat for the United Kingdom is 1,730,000 quatters, and for the Continent 570,000 quarters.

The Napier Garrotting Case.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.

Napieb, April 8 The hearing of the charges preferred against John Fitzgerald and Wm, Wilson of murdering James Mclaioeh m Munro street on March 29, commenced m the Magistrate's Court this morning. Mr Cotterill, Crown Prosecutor, conducted the prosecution, and Mr Oresswell defended Fitzgerald, and Mr Lusk appeared for Wilson. The accused were committed ior trial.

Board of Education.

At the monthly meeting of the North Canterbury Board of Education on Wednes day Mr T. W. Ada'iiS was elected Chair man. The Buildings Committee reported that the Clerk of Works had been directed to prepare fresh plaus for the side school at Hinds, cost not t> exceed £150, and to pro ceed with the other matters already author i-ed. A letter had been received from a seltler at Alford Forest, complaining thab his teuder for repairing fences, although the lowest, had doc been accepted- It was decided to write to Mr MeFarkne on the nutter. In connection with this district, as at oue time it had beta the Board's prac tice, when the householders failed to elect a Committee, not to ar. point the same Com missioner for two consecutive years, it was decided to obtain the names of the house holders with the view of calling upon them to elect a Committee. The Appointments Committee reported that m reply to their enquiry the Committee were informed that if they considered if desirable teaching at the Ashburton side school would be imparted up to the third standard. The engagements of the following probationers were confirmed :~Ada Tucker and Frederick Silcock, Ashburton. Inspec tion reports had been received from Mr Wood qn the schools at Barr Hill, Chertsey, Qverdale, RakaiaSouth, Riverside, Wnkanui Main and Side, Seafield, Ashtou, Longbeach and Ashburtpn. ssr Sawle resigned his position as a mem ber of the Board. The following is a statement showing the travelling expenses incurred by each mem .ber of the Board, and the total number of the Board and Committee meetings he had attended :—lß96—Mr R. Meredith, £2 17s, 18 meetings; Hon. W, Montgomery, ex peufcga jjil, 17 meetings; Mr Mannings, expenses ni!,;56 meetings :MrH. W. Pery niah, £41 13a;9d, 74 meetitag's jMr Jennie, £34 14?, 36 meetings ; Mr Sawle," £65 15*, 36 meetings ; Mr Westenra, expenses nilj 52 meetings; Mr Weston, expenses nil, 32 meetings; Mr SaunderSj, £23 10s 3d, 37 meetings. 1 " '"' '

WAKANUI.

"^tkaniU were en fete The Wesleyans of >.. -**« auniyer oa Thursday, the occasion beitig Vl ._ •«-.« aary tea (the first for five years) of iu w Weuleyan Church, which was also given as a farewell to the Rev. T. G. aud Mrs Brooke. Three tables prettily decorated with flowers occupied the whole length of the school* i room, and contained abundance of good | things, which were greatly appreciated, the bavy of young ladies waiting at the tables being kept busy by a continuous stream of people from six o'clock until eight. The tables, which contained everything mention able to tempt the palate, were given by Mesdames Young, Dilton, Cole, Hill, Frampton, <uid Trevurza, and ably presided over by Mealtimes Cole, Hill, and Young, and Misses Daltou (2), Trevutza (2), Wright, Brown, Cole, C. Hill, E. Hill, and Fleming At the after meeting the schoolroom was crowded to its utmost capacity, the doors and windows being used as vantaae ground. Mr W. H. Collins presided. After addresses had been given by the Revs. J. Oiphert and G. B. Inglis and Mr H. M, J< nes, Mr G W. Leadley said he had a very pleasant function to perform. la a neat speech, he spoke of the high esteem m which the rev. gentleman and his wife were held, and expressed regret at having to part, wishing them every prosperity for their future. As Mra Brooke was the best man of the two, he would present her with the best ptesentj—a hand some silver-mounted cake basket, an'J Mr Brooke with a silver pencil, which he hoped they would accept as small tokens of thf love and esteem m which they were held by the people of the Wakanui district, Mr Brooke, on behalf of his wife and himself, thanked them for their good wishes and handsome presents, and would be pleased to see them at his new home m Dunedin, when they could have some cake from their own cake basket. He had been unable to be amongst them as of ten as he wished, but hoped he would at some future datfi have the pleasure of preaching their anniversary sermon. (Applause.) Hearty votes of thanks were accorded to the ladies, speakers, and choir, and were carried by acclamation. A duet, " The river of light," was sung by Misses Clara and Lavinia Trevurza, with chorus by the choir, who atso contributed several anthems from "Choral Praise," the pianiste being Miss Clara Trevurza,

PARLIAMENTARY.

Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. Wellington, April 8. The Council met at 2.30 p.m. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. Captain BaiHie was elected Chairman of Committees without opposition. NOTICE OF QUESTIONS. Mr Ortnond gave notice to ask the Go vernment whether, oa the report of the liqui dators of the J. G. Ward Association, the Government intended to take any steps m respect of the position of the officer at pre sent president of the Bank of New Zealand, and representing the colony m that institu tion. Mr Shrimski gave notice to ask how many Chinese had applied for letters of naturalise tion since September 1, 1896. THE ARDRESS-IN-REPLY. Mr Pinkerton moved the Address-iu- Reply. He said that its devolved on the colony to send the Premier and a sufficient force to worthily represent the colony. The Premier's visit would be of advantage to the colony. New Zealand had everything to win and nothing to lose by accepting Mr Chamberlain's invitation. Mr Kelly seconded the motion. He said that the preference m the Native contingent should be given to the descendants of those who had served m the battlefield. Sir George Whitmore supported a hand some representation of the colony. Mr Ormond said the sesaion wae unneces sary, and thab the colony should not have been put to the expense. He regretted that Parliament was not to meet at the usual time Itwouli be quite easy for the Pre mier to go Home, and for Parliament to inert m June, when such questions as hie colleagues desired could be discussed m hia absence. Mr Kerr, Mr Swanson, Dr Grace, Mr I Shrimski, Mr Stewart, Mr Oliver, and Mr Kelly also spoke. Replying to Mr Ormond, Mr Waiker said that the absence of the Premier while Par liament was sitting was never advisable m the best interests of legislation or adminis tration, j Afoer several other members had spoken the Address was carried. THE QUEEN'S CELEBRATION. A Committee was appointed to consider the course to be taken to represent the colony at the Queen's celebration. MOTION FOB CORRESPONDENCE. Mr Oliver moved that copies of the cor respondence betweed the late Governor and the Secretary of State respecting the ap pointment of members of the Council be laid on the table Sir George Whitmore seconded the motion. Mr Feldwick moved the previous question. Ihe Minister of Fducation said there had been no unusual departure m the matter. Mr Oliver agreed to withdraw his motion, and Mr Feldwick his amendment. Mr Reynolds diesented, A debate ensued, which ended by Mr Bonar moving the adjournment of the debate for a week. The Council adjourned at 5 p.m. till 11 to morrow morning. Wellington, April 9. The Council met at 11 a.m. Replying to Mr Ormond as to the number of Crown Land settlers m arrear m the Crown districts of Wellington, the acreage held, etc., the Minister for Kducation said the information would be furnished as early as possible. Mr Reeves gave notice to ask if, during the recess, Government would consider the desirableness of subsidising direct steamers to Western Australia. The Council ooncurred m the resolution that the Premier represent the colony at Home, and adjourned until 2.30 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, April 8. The House met at 10 a.m. QUESTIONS. Replying to questions, Government 'did not favor converting Mount Cook Gaol into a university, but might favorably consider the question of making, during the record year, provision for a Welington university. The Minister for Saiwaya said that, m view of providing for the safety of public travelling, they could not give the railway linemen a Saturday ha'f-holiday. he Postmaster-General explained the in creseof the telephone rates was owing to Ims on the system, and with the extension there would be further loss. The amount of the loss was roughly estimated at £4000, and pointed out that New Zealand rates were the lowest m the world. Govsrnmenfc would consider the question of preparing an estimate of the coat of com pleting the Middle ißlaod railway system by light railways. i he Premier said he could not see his way to relieve foreign commercial travellers of the £50 license fee. The' Minister for Public Works said that when officers were available he would have a survey of the route made for the extension of the railway line from Beefron to Inan gahua junction. The Minister for Lands said Government had not taken steps to raise a second million and a half for Advances to Settlers, as a por tion of the previous loan was still m hand. Government had taken steps to arrest an officer of the Accident Insurance Company of New Zealand for misrepresentation m the Wairarapa district, but had not yet been able to serve it. ""'" THE QUEjSK'S PBpEBBATIOU. Mr Seddon moved that a Committee be appointed to consider the best means of appropriately representing New Zealand m congratulating Her Majesty on completing the 6Qth year of her reign. Buch a coarse he thought would give pleasure to every member of the Legislature, and the Com mittee he knew would draw up an appro priate address. Captain Russell, m seconding the motion, said her Majes'y's happy reign was one al most unparalleled m the world's history. 1"-- „ "■-*"*•« felt tbat »n address should Mr Roller • .- « nt , tide fco New ! be drawn up which would u« _, _ Zealand. Mr Carroll, on "behalf of the Native race, expressed the pleasure he felt at the motion being proposed, and referred to the compiets unity existing between the Natives and Europeans. The four Native members strongly s>up ported the motion and referring to the Premier's visit to England would like to see him accompanied by some Native chiefs. Messrs Mills and Monk ulso supported the motion, the latter suggesting that Government should make a distinguishing feature of the jubilee by the placing of Natives on exactly the same footing as Kuropeans m respect of the disposal of their lands. The Premier replying said that it) was only fco prevent the Natives from becoming landless that the Legislature had stepped m and acted the part of a good parent. The motion was carried unanimously. SUPPLIES. The Public Revenue Act Amendment Bill, providing for granting |supplies, was intro duced and its second reading ordered for the afternoon. The House then adjourned till 2.30 p.m. The House resumed at 2 20 p.m. ME QUEENS CELEBRATION* Mr McKenzie moved t at fche House J heartily appreciate *he opportunity which the colony had of being represented afc j the public celebration of the 60th anni- ' versary of the Queen's accession to the throne, and cheerfully approves the Premier's acceptance of the mvi ation of the Secretary of State to take part m such aelebrafcion. I He dilated upon the facts which rendered it necessary that the colony should be repre sented on such occasion, and that the cost of the trip be voted by Parliament. What that coat would be he was not prepared to say at present, but he had no doubt that members would cheerfully vote it. [Mr H. 8. Fish was then sworn in] Captain Russell supported the proposal to send representatives to England, and that the Premier should represent the colony. One matter, however, which he would like to understand was that fche absence of the Premier be not unnecessarily prolonged, and that the ordinary sitting of Parliament should not be later than would allow of, matters being fully discussed before Christ-, mas. There was a tacit understating be tween such members of the Opposition as I could be got together »nd the Government that Parliament should meet not later than the 15th of September. He read corres. pondence with tha Promtw ooaotroica hia

proposed visit to England. At the Pi amier'S request he had come to Wellington And dis cussed the matter. He (Captain Russell) had urged that supplies be granted only until August 31st, but subsequently Septem ber 30th was agreed upon, and that would enable Parliament to be convened by Sep tember 15th, The 14th October was never men tinned at the interview. Parliament would not be curtailing the Premier's plea sure m England by insisting that the ordinary session should open not later than September 30th, Parliament should be convene^ by that date, whether the Premier was present or not. The Premier said that what he had told Captain Russell was that he would refer the matters discussed to his oo'leagues. Cap aio Russell must have misunderstood him, and he could assure the House that he never agreed upon Parliament being convened nob later tban September 30th. It wm m the interests of the colony that matter* of great importance should hi fully discussed, and that discussion would render hia stay m England for a time which would not permit an rarly session. The laying of the Pacific i cable was a matter of the utmost importance, j and it was d sirable that they should have the land cable on British soil. Another great question was that the producers of the colony were suffering injustice, and both sides would agree that when at Home he should move m having some alteration made. New Zealand wag paying twice the freight for produce that Australia was paying. When the Colonial Premiers were at Home they could, as a body, move m the direction of abating any disabilities under which the producers now suffered, It wm necessary that the Premier should be present at the opening of Parliament, to that m the Speech from the Throne he could place the proposals of the Government before the colony. No doubt the Opposition could get along very well m the absence of the Premier, but that did not suit him. As to the 14th October, he could assure ths House that next session would not begin later than September 30th. If as had been suggested he should return by August 31st without doing anything the Opposition would point to him with scorn, ' Here is your leader, what has he done ? " He could assure the House that when he returned he would give them some results of the benefit) to the colony, and while m London he would en deavour to do honour to New Zealand and with dignity. Sir Robert Stout said, m referring to the great freedom possee&od m England, every act of the present Ministry was m direct opposition to what had attained such free* dom. "Spoils to the victors" was the watchwoid of the Ministry, and it was use less for anyone to aspire to position or advancement m the Civil Service unless he was of the right political color. He thought that the Premier should accept the invita tion to represent the colony at the celebra tion. They were, however, not sending him to discuss the frozen meat question. That could easily be discussed without the Premier's presence m London. Other questions, such as the Midland Railway, etc, could be arranged by letter or cable, and if it was for these that the Premier was going, then he thought that he should not leave Wellington. The Premier said that the present resolu tion only referred to his visit to England and not as regards the military contingent. What the Government would do ia the matter would be decided later on. Sir Robert Stout said that be cordially supported the motion, but regretted that the Parliament of New Zetland could not meet m the absence of the Premier. It was to his mind a slur on the Ministry, and established a dangerous precedent. Mr Fißhe ■ thought that it was not a fitting occasion on which they should have to listen to the vitriolic speech and outpour ings of a disappointed man. The action of Captain Russell would receive the commen dation of the people throughout the colony, la the course cf his speech he dealt at length with Sir Robert Stoat's speech, and declared that there had never been a corrupt adminis! ration m New Zealand. He did not think that the atay of the Premier should be limited, as ample time should be given him to discuss the questions mentioned m the invitatiou, besides those of the Pacific calle, the Midland Railway, the frozen meat trade, and >he New Pymouth bondholders. He supported sending the contingent. It was to be regretted that the question of sending the troops was not included m the motion, as they would have to go over the whole matter agaiu, and perhaps have an acrimonious debate. He supported the pro posal for the Premier to go Home and also the troops, if only a reasonable cum were asked. Major Steward also supported the motion. CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES. The Premier gave notice that he would move to-morrow that Mr A. R. Guinness be elected Chairman of Committees. The House adjourned at 5.30 p.m. The House resumed at 7.30 p.m. THE QDKSN'S CELEBRATION.

M ijor Steward continued his remarks \n favor of the motfon,. Mr Q. Hutqhiaon twitted Mr Fisher with his change of front, and quoted from hit former speeches to show how m former sessions he had been moat distrustful of the Government he was now supporting. He moved an amendment that the contingent ace mpanying the Premier should not comprise more than 30 men. Mr Ward regretted any acrimony being introduced into the debate. Everyone admitted that the Queen should have a fitting celebration, and thab the colony should be thoroughly represented,. He regretted the misunderstanding be,twe«ts the Premier and Captain Russell, bufi argued that the word of the Premier should be accepted is to the understanding. What was the meaning of the amendment, seeing that Captain Russell's memorandum m the interview of the Premier was dis approval of the contingent going Home, Referring again to the celebration he said that the relation of the Queen to the seven crowned heads of Europe had frequently tended to prevent an outbreak oi hostilities; ther, fre the colony should nob grudge spending £3000 or £4000 m sending Home 1 **«« Ptemier ftttd a contingent. The Premier ITui „„ oii rPft ;r n*ble Wme to perform should have all reaa.-. , . «- ... the duties devolving on him while I absent ' ... I Mr Fraser -and Mr Crowfcher regretted I any acrimonious discussion, but supported I the m »tion, j The Premier explained the interview I wi-li Captain Russell, stating that the lattet I was under a misunderstanding. There I was only one meaning to the amendment by I Mr Hutchiaop, and that was fora party [ purpose. The Premier added that he had I asked Captain Ru-aeli if the amendment I waa moved by sanction of the Opposition, 1 but the leader of the Opposition tendered no I reply. Earlier m the day he had said that; I the resolution under discussion referred orifs I to himself, yeb the amendment came down j and it was unfortunate m that respect and I more so that Captain Russell remained I silent. - ' I Mr Hutchison agreed to withdraw his I amendment, if the Premier would give an I assurance that he would submit; the question lof the contingent going Home to the I House. I The Premier said that he would submit J the proposal to the House to-morrow. I Mr Hutch is en thereupon withdrew his j amendment. I Mr Buchanan and Mr Stevens also spoke I m support of the motion. j Mr Monk supported the motion, but) I thought) that the Premier should not I interfere m commercial matters, not having | had the necessary business training to deal I intelligently with them. I At 10 o'clock the mover replied thank ling the House for the manner m which the I motion had been accepted. He denied thai; the Premier domineered over the Cabinet, I and warned Sir R. Stout to be more careful m his remarks m future. The motion was sarried on the voices. PUBLIC BEVKNCKS BIL&; The Premier move! the Rebond* reading of the Public Revenues Act Amendment Bill. Mr Richardson pointed out that under clause 3 of the Bill unauthorised expenditure had jumped to £180,000, as against £44,000 for 1892-3, £11,585 for 1893, £20,585 for 1894 95, and £88,892 for 1895-6. Referring to the memorandum on the finances-, he said that one remark therein, that there was % ■' real surplus," seemed to throw some doubt on the possibility of previous surpluses. Advances to settlers did not meet with hie approval, and would to bis mind result m Soil to the t-olcny, The pualta wotfw fan|

ASftBtKTON &OARDIAfc i FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 1897,



Synopsis of New advertisements. Government Notice—Rakaia bridge. Wanted—Boy to sell papers od traiu. Ashburton Borough Council—Rate notice. 1 Auctioneer's notice. Max Fried lander—Wanted cook for farm. Tabernacle—Lantern reading, Wednesday next. Wanted.—A strong youth.



If your children are subject to croup watch for the first symptom of the disease— hoarseness. If Chamberlain's Cough Remedy is given as soon as the child becomes hoarse it Will prevent the attack. Even after the croupy cough has appeared the attack can always be prevented by giving thia remedy. It is also invaluable for colds and whooping cough. For sale by Ashburton I)ktc CtoJW



LOOK OUT. I G. J.TeILL —18 SE LLTNG— Table Damask at Is per yard Twill Sheeting, 2 yards wide, white or grey, 9|d Turkish Towels, 6d each Cretonne B*d Flannelettes, 2s lid per dozen "~ GT TW-EILL TS CELLING— * *>. M Jo Men's Heavy Tweed Suits at 2ls 6d, wonderful value Boys Suits, 4s lid Men's Tweed Trousers, 5s lid BOOTS. BOOTS. Men's Kail SHOOTERS 7a lid. Women's SHOES 4s lid Men's BLXJOHERS 4s lid. Women's Lace SHOES 4s lid ** *»■"*' The Cheapest Boots m Ashburton are to be got at P T TNTFTT T*S U". tl. 11 J^XXJXJ kj, FRIEDLANDER'B CORNER, EAST STREET. _ n -ac VICTORIAN ._ STEAM CARRIAGE FACTORY, tft^t^g^ Jifef IRON WORKS AND f FVHI VV V!k shoeing forge. —*«■■ ■» ■ F. AND H. STEEL Strict Attention to Business, Good Workmanship, aud Moderate Charges, to merit a fair •faare of Patronage. „„.,«. -r-* Coachbuilding Department— This Department will have our personal supervision and to all who require a new Vehicle of any description, or their old one repaired, we can guarantee satisfaction if they place their order with us. , . Painting and Trimming— Now is the time to have your traps put into good order by having them well painted, and our workmen are m the front rank of their profession, and the material used m the very beat. Ironwork Department— We are prepared to quote prices for all kinds of ironwork, and to supply or repair Agricultural Implements of every description. • Shoeing Department— In this as m all other parts of our business we wi.l give satisfaction to our •utomm, and if yoa want yoorVone ahod by practical and skilled workmen, .end it SHOEING FORGE. F. AND H. STEEL, PROPRIETORS, WEST STREET, ASHBURTON. 234 AUTTJMN AND WINTEE NOVJSLTIES. GRAND SPECIAL DISPLAY AT MITCHELL & TURNER'S. MAKTLES— MILLINERY TAPKFTS WATERPROOFS rtoAKR fur boas Capes UNDERCLOTHING ~ — IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO LADiES,- IN PURSUANCE of our policy m keeping our Business well to the front, we have decided to add a FIRST-CLASS DRESSMAKING DEPARTMENT to our Establishment. We have secured the eervicaa of Miss Hill, a lady of unquestioned ability, who brings with her credentials of the hiaheat order from MESSRS W. STRANGE & CO., in whow Workrooms abe hae been engaged for over sevkn yeaks. Our object is to supply our Customers with Stylish and Well-made COSTUMES at a Moderate Pkicb, and every possible effort will be given to make our NEW DEPARTMENT an unqualified euccbbb. We have already booked c. number of Orders, and expect a very full &eaaon. Miss Hill will be pleased to receive intending Patrons on and| after FRIDAY, March 26. MITCHELL AND TURNEB, TANOEED STREET,



I OF GREAT INTEREST to ladies FOB THE COMING WINTE 8. _ _^ TT 4W rtTmn . m YOUV OU CAN SECURE AT X THE NEW ZEALAND Clothing Factory A GENUINE WATERPROOF CLOAK, TAILOR MADE, Guaran teed Sewn Seams. CALL and laspecb our Grand Range of Patterns. ~~ HALLENSTEIN "BROS. ALIX, HENDRY, Manager. . M # gi § H g « g "g w < -g a £j go o Sri '? Jj P S W S _ gqq S© WW \£\ * w < Qg rf\ %*» >S g « g£ W g | l^J St| Q Q qq* b»d p r^ U? u Sgg Ge \^ ®Qx rK g O !r{ CC « U^^^c,^;^^^ rj B HH sbs^S^^S 2 W S i!.§M O& *«M 3 W Pl3lS§ S2 S B 5( *^ *S ?„£ GfQS Th JJj Ifl^ § | 0 g g g •§: M C Mr g | ' -DA»7Aat> oman i -n n BAZAAB STABLES, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON, (Close to Arcade) ttaving «-"« the .b».. . JIX modiua Stables, I beg to solicit a continuance »,,f t j- ie liberal support given bo my prede «-88Ot'- I can t -?tpp!y at a moment's nol^e BUGGIES, DouGAßrs> AND SADDLE HORb^B- _ -utebla foi Also a MRSr-CLA?S DRAG, b. "»OI« W1 Picnic Parties, Electioneering and ow er processions. ""^Zo^n HT"*' TREVUKZA Bro S ' 4 46 PROPRIETORS.



MEN'S AND BOYS' HATS. HATS. HATS. *r\ DOZEN FELT HATS ALMOST GIVEN AWAY. A GRAND SUCCESS. MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S "|7!ABRTO AND PRINT HALE being such a Grand Success, we have decided to hold it FOR TWO WEEKS, A GREAT HAT SALE. p*r\ DOZEN MEN'S. KA DOZEN B0 V Sf. Men's Soft Felt Hats 2s 6d, worth 5s Boys' Soft Felt Hats Is 6d, wo«*th 3a 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 3s 6d, worth 6s 6d Boys' Soft Felt Hats 2« 6d, worth 4s 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 4s 6d, worth 7s 6d Men's Soft Felt Hats 5s 6d, worth 83 9d Men's Soft Felt Hats 6s 6d, worth 10a 6d Men's Soft Felt Hats 8s 6d, worth 12s 6d EVERY AR'IIOLB m the Clothing and Mercery Departments equally Cheap, so as to clear the shelves for the NEW GOODS expected by the end of the month; while the balance of general Drapery will be still further reduced, so as to make a clean sweep before the New Season's Goods arrive. Prints, Brilliants, Cambrics from 3s lid per dozen, worth double Flannelettes for Dressing Gowns and Home Blouses 4s lid dozeD, half price Trimmed and untrimmed Hats, Aprons, Blouses, Veilings, Ribbons, etc., at half co«fe BOOTS AND SHOES—the Best value m the trade 11 B|||| H mmmm Mmm *(%* -| ihitttTl- MTU Illiri DON'T FOBGET THE GEEAT HAT SALE AT MITCHELL & BRODRIBB'S THE CENTRAL CASH DRAPERY MART, WBXT TO i. ORR t CO., RASX STREET, ASHBURTON^