Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 1898. THE GAMBLING EVIL.

We have on more than one occasion teen the Rev. R. Taylor rise m his wrath to attack someone from whose views he happened to differ, but we cannot say that we have ever seen i any evidence of a desire on his part to convince an opponent or thß pubHc, and bring them to his own way of thinking by logical argument or calm reasoning. We give him credit for wishing to put down all kinds of vice and reform everybody and everything, but it does not follow that hig ideas of the proper methods to adopt m work ing for that end are necessaiily right. Vat to differ from him is to draw down the most unqualified condemnation, and it is his invariable practice to class all who may be so unfortunate as to disagree with him on any social matter amongst the most desperate of sinners. If one wanted an illustration of this habit of his, the letter we print m another column will supply ifc. We published an article recently comment- 1 ing upon the manner m which a small j section of persons m Dunedin proposed | to check tho gambling evil. We con tended that society was not quite ripe for the drastic reforms the well intentioned enthusiasts who recently met m that city would force upon it. The Rev. R. Taylor forthwith dons bis war paint and feathers and plunges , into the fray. He politely informs us, inter alia, that such articles give one the impression that we are " under the thumb of the gambling fraternity.'* That is the Rev. R. Taylor's idea of logical argument and Christian charity. Pulpit orators have every inducement to be dogmatic. The habit of making assertions that no one contradicts or even questions must have a tendency that way. But it is seldom, even amougat the clergy, that one meets with such ferocious dogmatism as the , Rev. R. Taylor displays. However, to prevent any misconception as to our I attitude upon this gambling question, we will summarise our views on the subject, merely remarking, m passing, that they seem to be pretty generally shared by the whole Press of this country. Although betting itself can not be called a crimp, as it is not an offence against any moral law, the waste of time and money and the other evils resulting from the over-indulgence m it, have rendered it desirable to legislate towards keeping it m check. It has unfortunately been fuund that so far legislation has failed m its object, for we are free to confess that beti ng, often amounting to gambling, is becoming much more prevalent amongst the younj; than it used to be. Any effort properly directed towards checking this evil will, we are sure, be warmly supported by the Press of this colony. But we do not think that a crusade instituted by a small section of the people who openly class racing and every form of betting m tho same category as robbery and swindling, can be expected to meet with general approval. The prospect of reform lies m another direction, and the first step towards it will bo the abolition of the totalizator. Until that institution was introduced one seldom found mere youths betting on horse racing, whereas now, whether thf-y can attend a meeting or not, almost every "fashionable" young man, and woman too for that matter, must arrange to have v a pound on the machine." In this way hun dieds have acquired the betting habit who would nevriwuuder the old system — have batted at all. The Otago Daily Times, m an able article on this subject, remarks — " The totalisator has unfortunately been largely instrumental m giving to betting a false appearance of respectability, even of fashionable ness, r-nd when the totalisator goes, ac go it will, a considerable step will have been taken m the direction of reform." , But the only certain reformer will be public opinion, and when the people aro educated to look upon betting as " not quite respectable " it will be given up, we have no doubt. At present it has become " quite the thing " under the totaiiaator regime to " put a pound on tho machine." While this is so, and while tho racing clubs derive the bulk of their revenue from the totalisator, there is little cha,uce of seeing much improvement m the social habits of the people as regards gambling, for' this totalisator business can hardly be called betting. But the police can at least do their best to carry out the law as it stands That provides for the suppression of street betting, which is even more dangerous to the young than the totalisator itself, for it is not always m evidence, whereas the street betting man is. We may say m conclusion that we might show bow unfairly the Rev. R. Taylor has twisted some of our remarks to suit his own purposes; but as his whole letter is merely an absurd attempt to make out that because we differed from the action of his friends of tho Anti (gambling League we defended gamblers, it is not necessary to waste any more space m dealing with it.

Local and General.

O.NT the tirpt ft^go to-day will be found cable news f on the fourth page the N.Z. Farmers' Co-operative Association's quota tionß of the Asbburtou grain market aud Mr David Thomas' report of the Ashburton stock market. The Mails — The Aorangi, with the Brifci-h mails of August 13, left Victoria (8.C.) ou the 16th inst., time table date. The Moana, with colonial mails of the 6th infct,, arrived ab Sau FrancUco on the 24th inst, due date. N.Z. Stock hob Tasmxuia.- -The sending of beef aud mutton to Tasmania is becoming a regu.'nr trade m Southlaud. The lopal 7'if/ies reports that the Wakatipu took away sixteen head of cattlo from Mrßeavan's herd of shorthorns, and a mob of sheep from the Limestone Plains. Exceptions. — The Palmerston North Branch of the Education Institute haa decided to recommend to the Minister of Education that pupils who have not made at least 250 half-day attendances while m any standard class, ahull be treated as exceptions at the unnual examination. Poultry Society. — At a meeting of the Ashburton Poultry Society, held last even ing, the resignation of Mr E. A. Robottom whs tendered on account of his inability to afford time necessary to the post. Mr Robottom's resignation was regretfully accepted, and Mr R. B. ReflteH wag eleated rb Begret&ry ia bit utead.

Auctions. — The tine warm weather 1 tempted a largo number to come to town today, and the five auction sales which were held were all well patronised. Presentation. — Miss Jessaie Stewart, schoolmistress at Duylesbon, on Friday received a handsome gold lever watch, presented to her by the Doyleston house lio'dnrs, on the occasion of her leaving the Doyleston school to take up the duties of head mistress at Doric school. Mr John Rannie, thechurman, m making the pre sentation, referred to the go >d work done by Miss S'ewart, both as a teacher and as i an oxample lo the children, and siid she 1 would be very much mi?sed m the district. Misn Stewart was for many years infant mistress t\b the Ashburton sohnol, and also for some years waß mistress of the school at Kyle.

A Foolish Boy.— At Invercargill on Thursday week a youth was fined £4 143 for ' firing a gun m a public place and wilfully damaging the shelter shed at the Tisbury station. He denied that he fired wilfully, alleging that the locks would not stand at half cock, so that he carried the gun at full cock ; that the gun struck against a door way and one barrel was fired by the shock. Evidence was given that he pub bhe gun to his shoulder. Major Keddell said that he did not believe him and that his method of carrying a gun proved him an idiot, who should not be allowed at large with a loaded gun and children about. He might think himself lucky that he was nob there on a charge of manslaughter.

The Fibe Brigade Concert.— At the cake and apron fair on Thursday afternoon che Rev. T. A. Hamilton took occasion to explain that any intention to clash dates with the fair and the entertainment ia the Oddfellows' Hall given by the Fire Brigade was far indeed from the thoughts of the promoters of the fair. The date of the f *iv had been originally fixed for July, but cir cumstances had occurred whioh necessitated its postponement to August. He was sure that he could speak for his whole congrega tion as well as for the people of Ashburton when he expressed the belief that no more deserving institution, or one more valuable to the town, or one of whioh the people could be more justly proud, existed m the town than the Ashbnrton Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Paper making— Speed is the order of the day. A Delaware paper manufacturing firm recently demonstrated that a sheet of paper can be made from a stauding tree m the space of two hours. In a forest near the mill three trees were felled at 7.45 and carried to the manufactory, where they were cut into pieces 12iu m length, these being at once decorticated and split, and thus prepared, the material was raised by an elevator to the five detibrators of tne works. The wooi pulp produced by these machines was then pub iuto a vat, where ib was mixed with the necessary chemical?, and, this process finished, the liquid pulp was sent to the paper machine. At 944 m the morning the first Bheeb of paper was finished, the entire manufacture having consumed two hour 3 lacking one minute.

Barbytown Flat Goldmining Company. — Mr White, manager of the Barrytown Flat Goldmining Company, reports that for the last ten days the result of operations has been fourteen ounces of amalgam per day (from tables only), the tail raca not having yet been washed down, and he is now assured that the mine is a payable one. O!d miners from Addison's Flat and Weatport who have lately visited the claim, couaider i hat thero is nob a flight of tables or a mixing tank on the West Coast erected on ai good a principle, or working as well, a<> the Company's me doing. The geueral trouble on the coast is to get the dirt thoroughly mixed before allowing ib to be distributed over the tables, but Mr White has nob had the least difficulty m th.\b direction, as the far away tables save as much gold as those close to the tail race,

The Show. — B^or many year 3we have been rushed with orders prior to the Bhows and holidays, and late customorb have been inevitably disappointed. Wo therefore respectfully invite all who will rrquire new suits, &c, for the.upproaching summer to call early. Wo have just opened cut our new season's goods, and as we anticipite a further increase of business, our stock of new, fashionable, and durable suitings, &3, is probably the largest ever shown m Ashbur ton, comprising a'l the latest novelties, and a special line of Fox's celebrated Cheviot serges, which we are making to measure m the newest styles at three guineas per suit ; al9o trousers to measure m a big assortment of Scotoh, English, and Colonial tweeds and worsteds for 15s od per pair (usual prices 22h 6d to 25 ) ; and iv saddle tweeds ; Suits £3 10a and trousers to measure 17s sd. Fit, style, acd workmanship m every garment guaranteed. — Craighkad and Bbbryman,. the Leading Tailors and Outfitters, Ash burton.

MOUNT SOMERS.

From Our Own Corrosponrtoiit. , The bachelors of the Mount Somers district held their annual ball m the school room on Friday, Auizusfc 19. Invitations harl been sent to all parts, and as a result there was a very large attendance. Dancing commenced soon after 8 p.m., and was con tinued without intermission until " the wee sma.' hour ayont the twal." Mr James Price, re ; ieved at intervals by Messrs C. Ueckley and W. tfagan, was the thorough success he always is &h a muaiuifui, ajid his violin Beemed to be a thing of life as the merry dancers waltzed to its enlivening strains. During the evening songs were contributed by Meßsrß Faganand Hutt. The refreshments were laid m the kitchen of the echoolhouae, kindly lent for the occasion, and were superintended by Mesdames Kerr aud Bepkley. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves immensely, at*d the popular verdicf was that this was by far the most successful dance organised by the bachelors, and I am sure all those present are very grateful to them for their untiring exertions m trying to make it such a huge success.

WAR NEWS. AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Return of the Troops. Tfes Cost of War. United Press Association — By Eioctrip Telegraph— Copyright Washington, August 26 General Shafter has sailec* from Santiago for New York. The last of the army leave to-day. General Miles has been ordered to send home all the men not actually needed, Madrid, August 26 The Gazette states that the cost to Spain of the campaign in Ouba from January to June amounted to iiT^GMSOpesetas.about^lTjSOO.OOO. \

THE SOUDAN.

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright Cairo, August 25 A detachment of British cavalry, wh.le crossing the desert, found Abu Klea battlefield, the scene of the defeat of the Mahdi's troops by General Sir Herbert Stewart, m 1885, white with bones. August 26 Sir H. H. Kitchener concentrates his forces at Otndurraan on the 2nd September, if the Khalifa does not offer opposition, "* j

CORRESPONDENCE.

vWo do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions expressed by our correspondents)

ASHBURTON FREEZING WORKS.

TO TIIE EDITOR,

Siß,— Seeing that tenders are called for I the erection of buildings for the Ashburton 1< re< zing Works, may I ask, through your column*, whether auy opportunity will be given for the Ashburton builders to compete, and instead of the plans and specifications being monopolised by the Ohristchurch builders, allow them to come to Ashburton for the benefit of would be tenderers. Are not our local builders competent to under take the work ? I myself am convinced that they are fully capable, and would also tender if only the plans, etc., were available. Would, therefore, Mr Hugo Friedlander, with his usual courtaey, extend his charity and get the time for tenders extended for say one week, so as to allow the plans, etc., to come to Ashburton, and surely this is not too much, considering it is Ashburton capital subscribed. Thanking you, I am, etc., One Interested.

THE GAMBLING EVIL.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir, — I have been waiting for someone else to take up the question referred to m your leader of August 18. As no other per son has done so, with your permission I will. Excuse me for saying that I have nob seen m any paper m New Zealand a more shame lesa defence of the spirit of gambling, which by almost universal consent is eating oub the heart of the young people of this colony. Of course yoa pretend nob to justify gambling, and you make a distinction (a distinction without a difference m my esti mation) between betting and gambling. You criticise the Anti-Gambling League because it places "a ha!f-cown bet on a race m the name category as a game of unlimited 100, or a plunge of everything a man can beg, borrow or steal upon a horse race." You appear to ignore the fact that no man mukes the desperate plunge of "everything" who haß not first learned to risk his half crown. And very frequently the half-crown bet is the desperate plunge of a lid who has no more to risk. Will you deny that that lad is fairly on the way to plunge what he c*n borrow or steal m the hope of making a lucky win. If such youth should have the misfortune to read your article he will feel greatly encouraged to risk his all with some bookie the next time he has the opportunity. If the essence of gambling is an attempt to get money without rendering an equivalent perhaps you will point out the difference m principle between betting a half-crown and risking a hundred pounds. You seem fur ther to scout the idea of a man being de signated a gambler who only "now and then risks a few shillings or pounds—accord ing to his means— upon a horse race." Is this the kind of morality you would incul cate—that the evil only begins when the betting is more frequent than "now and then," or when the risks run into hundreds or thousands. On the same principle a man is not to be designated a thief who only now and then pilfers his master's cash box to the extent of a few shillinas or pounds. Your reference to the old Spartan tneory of the survival of the fittest is m exceedingly bad baste. Money may certainly be used for improper purposes, so we do nob there fore wish to keep it out of sight and out of reach of our children, but we do wish to save them from an evil that threatens to rival that of drunkenness. We should be sorry to set them on the down grade by encouraging them to risk a few shillings or pounds now aud then, and then ask them bo stop after we had given them the impetus. You Bay " let the illegal gambler, the enticer of our youths, be punished for breaking the law." When I read that I could not help crying shame on you to talk of punishing the men who "entice our youths '• to risk a few shillings or pounds when you have justified the action. No one can do much more to entice our youths than you have done m the leader under consider ation. Id will only require a few rooi-e such articles to give one the impression that your paper is under the thumb of the gambling fraternity.— l am, etc., R. Tavlor.

THE HOCKEY MATCH.

TO THE KUITOK, Sir, — A8 I hear a match is to bo played m Uio Domain next Thursday, and therefore thero will be visitors to entertain, I write the following :~Aa a rule the visitors are entertained at a hotel. Now, why oan't they go somewhere else, for a hotel ia not the place for young fellows. There is Truckle's Coffee Palace, or Mrs Primmer's, or Mrs Huffam's. I expecb either would willingly put a long table m the room for the hockey players. Thanking you for the space, and hoping the Hockey Club will take notice of this, I am, etc., FOREWARNED,

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.

A cake and apron fair and social gathering of parishioners was held m St. Stephen's schoolroom on Thursday last. The "affair served a double purpose, viz , to raise funds for the installation of incandescent burners m the church, and also to afford an oppor tunity for the members of the congregation to meet m a social way. The affair was an vi qualified success, and was pronounced to be the best ever held m the sphoolroom. A pleasing feature m the effort was the fact that everything had been done free for the churoh, and the whole of the proceeds— £28 — were passed into the churchwardens' hands, without any deduction for expeuseß of management. The fair opened at three o'clock. The room presented a very pretty appearance, garlanded with wreaths, and flag 3 gracefully draped, and intertwined with festoons of liberty muslin. !he work of decorating was directed by Mrs H. Alington. Stalls were erepted on either side of the room for cakes, aprons, etc. and were presided oyer by the following ladies:— Apron stall-.-Mesdames Trevor and Thomas ; cake stall— Mesdames Bullock, Bland, and Misa Pearson ; purchasing alale— Mißaes Bullock, Denshire, and Harrison j tea tables —Miss Treleaven, the Misses furnell and i,l'm Qomptqn. There was a gpod attend ance of country visitors' m the arWnoqn, and the articles sold rapidly. The cakes had their respective recipea pinned to them, and they were speedily sold. In the evening the schoolroom was crowded, and a programme of music, eto., arranged by Mrs Bowman Fox, made the evening pass very pleasantly, Itoma were contributed by Mias Herring Miaa Simmonds, Miss Barratt, Rev. T. a! Hamilton, Me Jennings, and a smali orchestra, including Mr Simmonds (violin) and Mr G. Hosken (cornet) An un expected pleasure was afforded by the presence of Mrs Howie, who kindly offered tp sing. It is needleas to say that the offer waa hailed with delight, and m response to an enthusiastic encore Mrs flowie very kindly sang once more. Sf>. Stephen's schoolroom possesses the best aooustio qualities of any building m the town, and the voice of the singer was therefore heard to great advantage. The room might be more generally used than it is by the public, if the seating were more comfortable ; bub even the most ardent lover of music cannot aifc out a programme or eDjoy an evening's entertainment crouched on a form minus a back. During the evening the Vicar thanked the parishioners for the generous response made to the appeal, on account of the small debb incurred m the new method pf lighting the church. He stated that he feib greatly cheered and stimulated by the way m which all had workud, and the evident interest m church matters, and for the harmony which existed m the congregation. The happy way m which this small affair had b?en qarried out augured well for the greater work which i demanded their attention, viz , the eularge ment of the church. He heartily thanked all those who had assisted m any way, especially mentioning the wives of the Churchwardens (IVJesdames Bullock and Trevor), who were the promoters of the scoial. He regretted the absence of Mr Bullock, who was suffering from an attack of influenza. Special thanks we»e given to MissSimmonds (for use of piano), Mrs Howie Mrs Alington, and Mißs Compton | Mobbm Shrimpton, Riokman, Canning, G. Gates Hobbs, W W. Smith, and ? number of other* who kindly gave help m decoratine and preparing the room. Thinks were ' wo given to all pontribtttopa.

DANTE

There waa a very large audience m the I Oddfellovva' Hall last night on the occasion of Professor Dante's first appearance m Aeh burton. Most of those present expected to sue a very clever performance, and they were not disappointed. In the art of pilm ing the professor is wonderfully proficient, and articles that can be held m thehand he can make disappear and reappeir with remarkable facility. Thus he cm pick up coins any where—everywhere, and his card tricks new and old are all cleverly done. Specially clever is his magic supper, but m fact all his legerdemain tricks are marked by rare skill » nd dexterity. He introduces a Davonport brothers seance, aud hia assistant tied up by unseen hands under the cauopy and doing all sort of extraordinary things while so trusaed on the chair, and finally unloosed by unseen hands is really myeti flying m the highest degree. Then he in trodncea Mdlle Edmunda, who cycles m ' mid air, turning complete Bomersaults as | she does so, and appearing quite as much at home travelling with her wheels uppermost — after the fashion of a fly crawling on the ceiling — and cycling away on an invisible ceiling, as m the ordinary way that the law of gravitation is supposed to oompel. How it is done, of course, the clever ones must find out, but to the crowd generally the performance is truly mar vellous. Then the Asiatic miracle is very wonderful. Two assistants m Japanese cos tume bring m two trunks — a large one and one somewhat smaller. Into the smaller one is crammed, tied up m a sack, one of the as sistants. The box is locked and corded

m apparently the moab secure manner possible. This box is then lifted bodily into the other box, which again is locked and corded. The whole is lifted inside a little teno on the stage, and the second assistant goea m with it. No sooner does the tent close on the boxes and man than the first assistant com.es dancing out. The boxes are again brought out and when undone and opened, the second assistant is lagged out of the inner box tied up m the same sack that the first one was tied up m. More sleight of hand tricks, all of the cleverest, and many of them* in point of number, and then from a map of the world suspended across the stage the professor drew, one after another, the fl-gs of the various countries. The last he drew was that of Cuba, and then suddenly the map fell and disclosed Mdlle Edmunda robed m the stars and stripes. Altogether the entertainment was one of the cleverest of the kind ever given here.

SUPREME COVET.

SITTINGS IN CHAMBERS.

CHRISTCRURCH -FRIDAY.

[Before his Honour Mr Justice Denniston.]

MEACLEM AND OTHERS V NORWICH UNION

FIBS ASSURANCE SOCIETY.

Mr Stringer applied herein for an orde striking out Meaclem aa plaintiff herein.

Mr Fisher, for the defendant company, contra, objected to the removal of the plain tiff as asked for.

Mr Stringer said their case was that the policy had been issued to Mr Wilding only, aa mortgagee, and the plaintiff Meaclem, as mortgagor, was not, according to the cases decided, a proper person to be the plaintiff. The removal of the plaintiff Meaclem would not, he submitted, embarass the defendant at all, whilst it might be that evidence would be given ac regarded the plaintiff Meaclem which might act prejudicially aa against the plaintiff WildiDg. His Honour suggested that the plaintiff Meaclem might enter a discontinuance. Mr Stringer said that this could he done if his learned friend Mr Fisher made no point aa to the continuation of the action by the plaintiff Wilding alone. Mr Fisher submitted that the application of his learned friend on the eve of trial was calculated to embaraa3 the defendant com pany, His FF'siu? pointed out that they could not make a man go to trial unless he liked, fiuroly Mr Fisher could not make % man go to trial m fetters. Mr Fisher said the retirement of Meaclem as plaintiff might alter the whole oonduct of the defence.

His Honour could not see this. He would make an order striking out Meaclem aa plaintiff. Of course, if a short adjournment was necessary, it would be applied for. Th 6 order would be made with costs £1 Is.

In the same oase, Mr Fisher applied on behalf of the defendant, that the action be dismissed or postponed until the amount of the damage done by the fire had been ascer tained by arbitration under the provisions of clause 16 of the policy of insurance issued by the defendant Company. He submitted that the plaintiff had no right of action at all until the amount of damage sustained by the fire had been ascertained m the manner provided by the section of the policy to which he had referred.

After a lengthened argument, his Honour declined to make an order dismissing the action, and it was decided that the matter Stand over to see it any arrangement could be made between counsel as to going to arbitration.

COMMERCIAL.

ARCADE.

Mr D. Thomas was favored with a good attendance at his auction Bales to-day, wheig a large lot of sundries, etc., were disposed of at satisfactory pricas, and buyers found for a number of horses.

WEST STREET MART.

There was a good attendance of farmers at Messrs Friedlander Bros.' mart to-day, when the 500 acre farm at Sherwood was offered for sale on account of Mr H. Butterick • the bidding ran up to £2} 15a per acre, at which qgure it was passed m. There was a good clearance of the contractor's plant, and a number of horseß were placed.

CENTRAL MART.

There was a large attendance ab Messra Nicoll Bros.- opening sale at their Central M&Tt torday, and huyers being numerous good business was done, which must have proved gratifying to the new firm. The rostrum was occupied by Mr J. R. Bland.

HAVELOCK STREET MART.

Mr Henry Stephenson did a considerable amount of buainfcsn m produce, poultry, pigs and sundries at satisfactory prices to-day at his Have'.ock Street rooms. The attendance was good.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association— By Electrio Telegraph— Copyright. London, August 26 The proposed French -Canadian mail service has collapsed, owing to insufficient support, Jt is reported that the Allan line are negotiating to acquire Peterson's mail contract. Paris, August 26 Colonels Picquarfc and Lebjois are to be prosecuted for divulging the contents of documents m the Dreyfns case. Rcmb, August 28 Joseph P-ossell, sou of a landowner at Amiens, lately married a girl named Becker, his landlady's daughter, at Kilburn. While the couple were travelling m Italy, the wife was found dead at the foot of a cliff 200 ft high, at Sorrento. Possell alleged that it was, the result of an accident. He was, however, arrested, but subsequently released. It was since discovered that there was a heavy insurance on the wife s life, and m order to avoid oapture Possell committed suicide at Paris. __^________

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

United Press Association -By Eleotrio Telegraph Wellington, August 26 The Council met at 2 30 p.m. SILLS IN COMMITTEE The Divorce Bill was considered m Com mittee, and clause 9 was amended to pro vide, m cartain cases, that the woman shall contribute to the support of the husband. The Bill pasied the Committee stage. The First Off sndera Probation Act Amend ment Bill passed the Committee Btage. The Bank of New Zealand and the Bank ing Act Amendment Bill waa considered m Committee, and on the motion of the Minister for Education an amendment was inserted declaring that the new directors , should asamne office on December 31, 1898. Clause 8, dealing with compensation to the President.

Mr McGregor moved that the oleuse be struck our, which after debate, was negatived. The Council adjourned at 5 till 7.30. p The Council resumed at 7.30. The Banking Bill was further considered m Committee.

Clause 8— compensation to the President. Mr Shrimski moved that the amount of compensation be reduced to £2500. After over two hours debate thia was negatived by 22 to 9, and the amount pro vided m the Bill, £4500, w»b agreed to, and the clause agreed to. Terbal amendments were made m the follow ing clauses up to clause 14, on which progress was reported and the Council adjourned at 10 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wblmngton, Auguat [26 THE FINANCIAL DEBATE.

The House met at 2 30.

Mr Smith resumed the debate on the Financial Statement, and opposed the pro* posed preferential duties m favor of British goods. The more he aaw of the legislation of the present Government, they more he was of opinion that they knew nothing about what they were dealing with. Mr Caraon pointed out that the strongest condemnation of Government administration had come from members who usually voted with Ministers, and referring to railways, he advised a comprehensive report on the present state of the lines.

Mr R. Thompson said the colony would be landed m difficulties if the public riebb went on increasing and immigration did not increase! .Advances to settlers should be restricted to crown tenants, as other property owners were able to borrow as cheaply from private lenders as from Government. ■>■ Hon. W. Eolleston as a point of order drew the Deputy-Speaker's attention to the fact that it was intended to publish m Hansard n map showing the effects of the gridironing system. He complained that to do so would be using Hansard for political purposes. The Minister for Lands olaimed to be heard on the matter, and the Deputy-Speaker said he would call on him at 7 30. The House resumed at 7.30. A discussion ensued on the point of order raised by Mr Rolleston, at the conclusion of which the Deputy Speaker ruled that no breach of privi ! eg 9 had been committed, bub the Printing Debates Committee would de- C'de whether a map should appear m Hansard. ' THE FINANCIAL DEBATE. Mr Carncross defended the Government's railway administration and predicted thai) dairy products for export would before long be carried free to the nearest porb of ship ment. Mr Hall- Jones said Mr Pirani would have to bring forward something much stronger with respect to his alleged corruption m the civil service before a commission would be granted. Mr John Hutchison referred at some length to certain necessary alterations required m the law relating to seamen. Mr Lewis defended Mr Scobie Mackenzie's attack on the land administration. If the figures were correct the reports of the Crown . Lands Department for the past twenty years were nothing more nor less than a living lie. He strongly defended v Sir John Hall from the attacks made on him with respect to gridironing, and said that it was scandalous that m the deolining years of Sir J. Hall's life the Minister of Lands should attempt to besmirch his reputation. Mr Kelly accused the Minister of Public Works of having pub men to work on the Seaward Bush railway for electioneering purposes, but took them off afterwards, and gave as a reason that the work had not been authorised by Parliament. Mr E, Mackenzie moved the adjourn ment of the debate. The Premier expressed the hope that the debate would finish that night, and the motion waa negatived by 33 to 16. Mr Millar said New Zealand was the only colony where the administra tion of shipping acts was entrusted to boys; Mr Stevens said if it had nob been for the liberal ideas of the Minister of Lands as to land settlement the population of the colony would have been much less than ab present. Mr O'Meara said the improved farm settlements m his district had not been a failure, and there yet existed an astonishing Jand hunger. Mr Seddon said the debate had been fearful, wonderful, and noterious, and the speeches delivered, if they did nob edify, would, he hoped, be a warning* $b was a sacrifice to his party that he closed the debate, for he felt that if nob brought to a. close then, probably events would follow which for all time would be a standing blob on the Parliament of the colony. Finance had scarcely been touched, but personalities and abuse had been freely indulged m. For the first time m the history of the Parlia ment of the colony the privaoy of Govern menb House had been invaded, and state* ments made vhich were absolutely untrue and iacorreot. Only two members of the Opposition — Messrs Duthie and Fraaer— | had really criticised the finance of the j colony, and their remarks had been ex tremely favorable. The speeches of Minis terialists had been creditable, and they by their replies to the Opposition arguments had reduced his task m replying. Referrinp to Captain Russell's complaint, Government , Qould give no information as to increased revenue from Customs. He said the facts had been given over and over again, and they showed that the increased revenue was from luxuries, and was paid by the wealthy. Respecting the charges of alleged corruption m the Civil Service, he said one of the charges mentioned by Mr Pirani was the case of a messenger, and he alao explained the circumstances m the other cases he bad been able to ideutify. He gave those who brought the charges credit for having done their duty, but the charges were based on such slender foundations that they were a crime against the commonwealth. He dealt: at some leDgth on the personal charges brought against him by Mr Hutohison. The House weqt into Committee of Supply and * discussion which lasted some time ensued between Messrs Seddoc and Hutchi son respecting the latter's persona] attack on the former.

Progress was reported, and the House adjourned at 5.40 a»nu

News in Brief.

» Tenders for erecting a four-roomed house olo3e on Saturday, September 3. la this issue appears a notice re the excur sion fares to Timaru for the races The Ashburton Drapery Company an nouoce the closing days of their annual sale. Captain Dixon advertises that the funeral of the late Mrs Mahood take 3 place to morrow afternoon, and that there will also b3 a memorial service m the Army barracks at night. The Anniversary Services m connection with the Tinwald Wesleyan Church will be held on Bunday, 28bh inst., when there will be special preachers morning and evening. At the Primitive Methodist Church on Sunday Miss Addis will preach m the morn ing, and the R 9 v G. H. Mann will take the evening service, his snbjeot being the parable or the Good Samaritan. The Seafield Sunday school will celebrate their anniver sary to-morrow morniug and afternoon, the preachers being the Revs G. H. Mann and .. A.. Hamilton. In consequence of the seabeld anniversary there will be no service I *t Newlandt. ! *LOZfiT TEA

THE ASHBURTON OrUARDtAN ; SATURDAY, ACJGbbJ) '27, IS9B*



CHUROH SERVICES. j T. STEPHEN'S"CHUR O~H ' ABhburtoc. CONFIRMATION CLASSES. SATURDAY— ?pcciai Classes, 2 30 pm SUNDAY SERVICES. August 28. 1 8 30 vm — Holy O-mniuiiion. 11 vm — Mori. ing Prayer 11 v.m and 3 p m — Seafielcl Anniversary S.-r vices. 3 pm — Dromore — Mr T. Gatea. 6 30 p m. — Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON. HENRY STEPHENSQN. HENEY STEPHEBSON, (ouccoßsor to Alfred Harrison.) Established 20 years, AUCTIONEER, LAND ESTATE AND COMMISSION AGENT AND VALUER WEEKLY SALES of Live Stock Produce, Furniture, etc., EVERY SATURDAY, at 12 o'clock. Clearing Sales of Stock, Household Furni- ture, etc., as per arrangement, m any part o the county. Advanoeß made on Goods plaoed m my handa for Sale. FOR SALE — Second-Hand Bioycle nearly new. OHAFF, OATS, WHEAT, FLOUR, SHARPS, BRAN, ONIONS, POTATOES SEEDS, etc, Sold Daily m Large or Small Quantities. Agent : Norwich Union Fire Insurance Company & Dresden Pianoforte Manufacturing and Agency Company. PIANOS and ORGANS on time pay ments from £3O« per month. HENBY STEPHENSON, AUCTIONEER. Friedlander Bros., Limited. FOR fa ALE- SEED i barley] PERFECTLY CLEAN : FRIEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. BELFAST MANURES. TTTjS effdr to supply those colebrated Fertilisers at list prices less the usual discounts, for quantities of five tons and over, and extra reductions to Freezing cliente We have large Stocks on hand, and can deliver ox our Stores o: direct from the Faotory. FRIEDLANDER Bros. Ltd., FOR SAL& ftOAA APPROPRIATION m the 3j*J\J\J Industrial Building Society. Apply, | FRrEDLANDER BROS., Ltd. I\\T& HAVE FOR SALE— Danish Oats, Long Tartarian Oats, Black Tartar Oats, f Canadian Oats, AU machine dreused and grown m the Oamaru district. TUSCAN WHEAT, perfectly clean and grown at the Forks, A GRAND CHANGE. ALSO- DojLlo machine dressed Rygrass, Colonial Cowgraea and Red Csover, White Clover, Alslbe, Timothy, and Cocksfoot. Tbeße Seeds are all machine cleaned, of finest quality, anJ highest germiuating power. We are prcpired to give our Clients very lowest quotations. FBIEDLANDER BROS., LIMITED. EsTAßiiauED 1880. Telephone No 69. UAKER BROS., rriOTtNISHINO TTNDERTAKKR&, j C URNISHING *J NDERTAKERS ! DIRECT Importers of Best and Latest Designs m FDISERAL FURMSHIXG . ; FOKERALS Condacted with the ffreates^ cara and satisfaction, at most reasonable Charges'. Corner of Wakantri Road and Cass Streets, and Baker and Brown's Coach Faotory. 00 fief &^er^(fiM?jm &i{ys/7y gf/fief/p/fdfio/?s\ 1 ffis/sf on ftdvmg. [I (A#sr{/tdCo/</an</Sf/nrJff7<fyfc) J g/LOJVQfi ßlimp 7IAS\ /fiefysffrw/jdyg/n/ . \ experience cap 3i(y. \ £Mresfsa/e//7/7usf&7as/a\ iI^SLDBy ALL GROCERS A



» »' ■■■— — : ! ' "" " — : NOW ON VIEW AT JOHN ORR AND COS., Who h»ve secured the| Agency for thia Splendid Machine" jot the whole of the '.South lalaud' WE INVITE YOU TO INSPECT WAVERLEY FEATURES FOE 1898. / $$£? (^ yWjhikfl&J* FORK CROWN CBANK, AXLE, AND BEARINOS Ladles' Model WAVERLEY, 1898. 6t 15! "~ """ j »>-— ' -**sc 9"" K^ :S!S^^r k^g^k§o SADDLE^; / ,si£=2^^_:X 1+ s* T3 — —^_ HANDLE BAEP. /IJfP^f Z' * JOHN ORR AND CO., ASHBURTOK,