PHASES OF THE MOON. May.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 51, 1898.

A startling picture is given m an American illustrated paper of an im aginary encounter THE COST OF between two first- NAVAL WARFARE, class battleships— American and Span i isb, m which the dollars represented m each shot from the guns are seen pro jected through the air, and it gives a vivid realisation of the enormous wealth that requires to be dissipated m a battle of but a few hours' duration. Every shot of a 13-inch gun, which can be fired every two minutes, is an expenditure of £200, so that the play of a single large gun costs £6000 man hour. But as the life of the gun itself is estimated to end with the one hundredth round, the damage of this exquisite piece of ordnance and its absolute destruction 1 m less than three and a-half hours are to be added to the computation of cost. A first-class battleship may carry, say, four of these weapons, ! eight of the 8-inch guns, expendiag ! each of them £140 per discharge, and j four of the 6 inch guns costing £110 per shot. Besides these there may be a large number of rapid-firing guns, Gatliogs that fire at the cost of £60 a minute, with torpedo-tubes and other enginery for dissipating gold as well as dealing destruction ; and altogether, it is estimated thut a single hour's conflict between two great modern battleships represents an expenditure of £300,000 If one of them sinks, as is nearly sure to happen, it means the instant loss of from £750,000»to a million or upwards m addition, while the damage to the other, if not actual destruction— which is most likely — may be estimated as nearly half as much.

Local and General.

Shabp Frost — The froat was very sharp last sight, and there was a large eheet of ice on the Domain waters, fully a quarter of an inch m thickness. On the firßb page to-day will be found a report of a meeting of the Tinwald Town Board ; on the fourth page a report of the sitting of the Police Commission. Tub Coming Session.— Parliament meets for business on June 24, so that legislators have not much more time left to prepare for the work of the session. Valuable Land. — A property m a fair position m Queen Btreeb, Auckland, has been valued by the Assessment Court at £160 a foot. New Rebel Leader.— Reports received at Auckland from Waima state that a large meeting of the disaffected Maoris Lave elected a leader m place of Hone Toia, now m custody. The Post Office— The "extension "of the Post Office, bo long promised, was begun y ester* day. Judging, however, from appearances it is doubtful whether there will yet be room to swing a pat m the public office when all is finished. Rev. Dr. Stuart's Statue The statue to be erected m Dunedin to the late Key. Dr. Stuart was brought to the colony by the Matatua, which arrived ab Port Chalmers last week from London. A start has been made m Dunedin with the erection of the pedestal. Mission Work m China. —.We are requested to call the attention of our country settlers to Mr Strong's meeting m the Wakanui Presbyterian Church on Thursday evening. The speaker will appear m Chinese dress, and will have something to Bay about the present political situation m China; He Ought to Kkow.— " There's a lot of difference m setting bread m London and Betting bread here," said a journeyman baker on Monday morning at the meeting of the Christohuroh Conciliation Board. ,'• The art of sotting is not nearly understood here." "A candid admission," murmured someone. Westerfield.— Last Friday evening a nooial m connection with the dancing class was held m the Westerfield school. There were twenty-five oouples present, among whom could be seen several from Laghmor, Greenstreeb, and Ashbnrton. Musio was supplied by Messrs Fleming, Sullivan, and others, Mr Sullivan acting aa M.C. During the evening refreshments were handed round, aud dancing was kept up with much spirit until the small hours. The Rag-Planteb. — Thus the Hauraki Jribune recently purchased by Mr Joseph lvess {-W-" We are firm believers m the efficacy of a central press, and we have no hesitation m saying that a multiplicity of Bmall ' ragß ' of newspapers m a distriob are #n ajspensiye scourge to the £rade»pfiople.V This is really good from Mr Ivess, who has m all probability given life to more aspiring sheets than any other man m the Agstralasjaji Colonies. The statement assumes a more humorous aspect as we read lower down m the same column — " We are arranging to publish a paper at Karangahaka, Waihi, c.nd Waitekauri, m conjunction with the Tribune." Deadly Weapons. — Messrs Kynoohs, of Birmingham, have for some time past been engaged m perfecting the mechanism of a new^uick-^ringgun, and they have, it is stated, succeeded m produoing a weapon a long way 'ahead of any other gun of a Bimilar typo. By turning a wheel fcho whole mechanism is set working, :and 6QQ maga zine bullets are discharged a minute. The gun, which weighs only low'b, it aingle. , barreled. While lp action is is kept cool by ! a water jacket, whiph is filled automatically. The firing action is supplied with cartridges by an gndleeß bfllb, whjoh passes through a box and eolLeats the cartridges. The gun will kill at thres miles, the barrel being made to swing from right to left. It will probably prove to be one of the moib deadly weapon* of modern warfare, * .

Death op a Greyhound.— Coursing men will be sorry to learn of the death of the fast and clever greyhound Blackthorn, who broke a bloodvessel m. the second round at the Ashburton Coursing meeting, held last week. Congest.— The Tinwald Glee Club give an entertainment m the Templar Hall on Thursday evening m aid of the Church Choir fund. A good programme has been pro vided and amongat the items, Sullivan's. Loet Chord, with piano . and organ accompainist will be rendered, aloo glees, etc, under the baton of Mr H. B. King. The Governor.— Lord Ranfurly and Captain Wellesley and the Hon Mr Hill- Irevor, A.D.C.'s, are passengers by the Kotomahana, whioh arrived at Lyttelton from Wellington this morning. His Fxcel lency is on a three weeka' visit to the South Island extending as far aa Invercargill. Lady Ranfurly has quite recovered from her late indisposition. Thb Agricultural Conference — All the principal Farmers' Clubs and A. and P. Associations m the colony will be represen ted at the conference m Christohuroh on June 16. Papers will be read on important subjects, suob as teohnical education m farming, the rabbit nuisance, tree planting and irrigation, and land drainage. A large ( number of associations have given notice to bring up subjeots for discussion, including a dipping season for sheep, the small birds' nutsanoe, noxious weeds, the Rabbit Aot, licensing of stallions, the Queensland twfc pest, importation of live oattle ' from Australia, mortality amongst lambs, dairy schools, grass seed, inspection of abattoirs, veterinary qualifications of stook inspsotors, the question of a oentral govern* ing body m agricultural and pastoral matters, ana the question of earmarking.

SERIOUS COLLISION.

• . A British Steamer Sank. United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph — Copy righb. New York, May 30 The British steamer Foscolia colli ded with the American crniser Columbia off Fire Island during a fog. The Foscolia sank, but the crew were saved. The Columbia, with a large hole m her hull, has returned to New York for repairs.

FEDERATION.

-♦- , United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyright. Sydney, May 80 Sir George Dibbs addressed a large meeting to-night, and strongly de nounced the Federation Bill.

The Riots m Italy.

— ■* . Ministerial Crisis. ' United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copyrighb Borne, May 30 Differences between the Marquis | Venosta, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Signor Zanardelli, Minister of Justice, m connection with the riots m Milan, have provoked a crisis m Italy. The Marquis di Budini has m consequence resigned, and is now reforming the Cabinet. The Marquis Venosta desired the institution of a stringent Press law, while Signor Zanardelli claimed autho rity m certain cases to revoke the Crown's exequatur to the Bishop of the Church of Rome.

WAR NEWS.

♦ AMERICA AND SPAIN. — —

The Aimesation of Hawaii- Probable Seizure of the Caroline ISlaildS- United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph — Copyright Washington, May 30 The opposition offered by the Speaker, Mr Beid, prevents Congress from dealing with the annexation of Hawaii. The war officials anticipate a diffi culty m coaling vessels engaged m transporting troops for the Philippines at Honolulu unless the group is imme diately annexed. It is reported that Admiral Dewey is short of provisions and ammunition. President McKinley is considering the question of ordering the seizure of the Oarolino Islands. The reported explosion on board the Baltimore is now denied. London, May 80. The Time* states that Senor Sagasta Banctipned Mr Knight's proceeding to Cuba, and that his arrest was due to a misunderstanding. He is shortly to be released. The Kingston correspondent of The Times telegraphs that the fleet of Admiral Cerveras is m Central Ameri can waterß, New York, May 30 The Amerioan cruising steamer Harvard has put into Kingston for repairs to her steering gear and a supply of coals.

America not Ready.

Men Sal| Arjned and Salf piptfcod. Whereabouts of the Spanish Fleet* Cost of the War, Yellow Fever m Cuba. Reoeived Wakapuaka May 31, 9 a.m., Guardian Office 9.40 a.m. WAgHIN/QITON, May 30 Mr McKinley is reviewing troops m Florida. Mr Alger, the Secretary for "War, has been informed by General Miles I that preparations for the invasion of 1 Cuba are still incomplete. He states j that more expedition is required m I equipping the army, A large per centage of men are without guns, others are without ordinary dress. Admiral Scbley haa reported to the American Government that he has recognised the yesaels of Admiral berveras' fleet" at anchor m the Bay of Santiago. J£ }a announced that the war has already coat America three hundred and twelve million dollars. Heavy rains are falling m Cuba and a virulent epidemio of yellow fever is raging m the ielaatf,

CORRESPONDENCE.

( Z?J° not bold ours ralves reapoualb'e for tho I opinions expressed by our correspondents; I

MR GLADSIONE.

10 THB EDITOR. Sib, —ln both the Christchurch dailieß the biographical sketches of Gladstone are decidedly weak, and must have been written by some school boy. a here is not an original idea from start to finish m either of the literary displays. Gladstone's modern legislative measures are simply passed over— The Irish Land Act, of 1881, for in stance, which was the crowning effort of his great career. The Lyttelton limes of last Friday states that he sympathised with Ireland m 1845. Now, I ask your Irish readers, did he support O'Connell? The same paper states— "No British Minister has left buoh a wide, and lasting influence upon foreign politics." Hia only rival- Disraeli " Peace with honor " will suffice— did more on that occasion towards maintain ing the honor of England and the ultimate peace of Europe, than Gladstone did m I sixty years, and as Lord Salisbury is trying ' to follow m Disraeli's footsteps, and the eyes of the whole world are now fixed upon him, it behooves every right thinking Britisher to remember the Treaty of Berlin. I would not touch on foreign politics except for the absurd statements of the Lyttelton Times, Foreign politios are evidently very foreign to that journal. Colonials will do well to compare both th« Ohriatohuroh Times and Press maiterpiecei with the forthcom ing artioles m the Home papers. The Act of 1881, whioh I have referred to, was oarried by Gladstone against opposition unparalleled m the annah of history, and placed the Irish tenant farmer on a footing superior to any other oountry, reducing the rents from 30 to 50 per cent, giving fixity of tenure, etc. The debates of the memorable year of 1881 will never fade from the minds of Irishmen all over the world. Gladstone's oratory eleotrified the House of Commons, and made old Tory statesmen tremble. In the August of 1881, he oarried the Land Act, which was the death blow to the balanoe of the encumbered landlords, who had escaped a bullet from "Rory of the Hills." The dissenters said Gladstone was inspired by God, while the landlords be. lieved he was possessed of devils. The Irish Land Purchase Bill followed, whioh gave the tenant an opportunity of acquiring a freehold m forty-nine years. Say, the old rent was £10 per year, and the tenant par chased at fifteen years, purchase (a very usual price), the Government advanoed the purchase money ab 4 per cent., which reduced the rent to £6 pee year. This puts New Zealand m the shade with all its advanoed legislative measures. All this Gladstone did m his old age, and much more ; but as I am not writing a biographical essay I must be brief. Intellectually the words of a writer on Shakespere apply to him, " One of tbose great beingß occasionally created m whom the human intellect aoema to have reached that extreme deoree of expansion verging beyond which man would soar away into some other mode of being." No matter what the creed, oaßte, or nationality may be, as the news of the death was cabled from pole to pole a throb of sympathy and sorrow has swelled the breasts of countless thousands of human beings at a great life ended, and a great soul gone ■ to its rest. His name will shine far ever, as a star of the first magnitude m the constellation of Eog land's deathless dead, and the vaults of Westminster that have opened to receive his dust have never received a more honored guest.— l am, etc., R. Handcock. May 21, 1898.

MR SAM WRIGHT AND IRRIGATION

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, — Mr Sam Wright must have been writing under the depressing influence di the weather that prevailed m Canterbury ori the Queen'a Birthday, when he penned the letter on irrigation that appeared m your isßue of May 26. His effusion is one more instance of the truth of the old say<ng that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and his experiments, of which he seems so proud, are really no experiments at all. But before I deal with these let me point out to him that he is barking up the wrong tree when he accuses the County Council of having a bad attack of irrigation, and bo on. Mr Wright has not evidently had much practice ab smart writing, and his attempts at it are clumsy m the extreme. To begin with, I only wish the County Council as individuals did have this bad attack, as then we should have a unanimous and enthusiastic body ; but as it is, some of them are not so very sure about irrigation. The Council, Mr Wright ought to know, did not revive the irrigation movement of its own motion j bub was forced to ib m answer to the petitions of ratepayers, who had to guarantee the pre liminary expenses before any steps were taken. Surely Mr Wright must have known this, if he still bakes any interest m Ashbur ton affairs and reads the Aahburton MA|t— which, by the way, I cannot believe he does, or his letter would have exhibited a better knowledge of what was going on, As it is, it m the effusion of a man writing while tadly ignorant of his subject: Now, let me refer to those precious experiments of his, which I have said were no experiments ab all. They seem to have been made with a small volume of water (10 x 1), scarcely equal to a flow m a four-inch pipe. He appears to have set free the water ab a given point), and without any abtempb ftb disttibution. He allowed it as he Bays to " run ab large," In a grass field for aboub two months, and ex* pepted such results as lrrigators oan boast of. If Mr Wright were to vißib any of the sea board farms where races end, he would find that, unless the waßte water is aided m its course by some system of distribution over the paddock, a small area is waterlogged, and the water lies m pools. But with a proper system of distribution, and a some what larger volume of water a better result might have been obtained m one day than Mr Wright obtained m two monthß. It is worthy of note, however, that Mr McGregor, of Norwood, whose success with irrigation has been so remarkable, has for his sixty threa acres an irrigation water supply of only aboub double that made use of by Mr Sam. Wright m his so-called experiments, while the quality of Mr MoGregor'a soil is aboub the same as bhab operabed upon by Mr Wright. The published results of Mr McGregor's irrigation sbheme are a complete answer to Mr Wright's bilious remarks m this connection. Then Mr Sam. Wright carps maliciously ab the reliableness of the Council's estimates. As I have quoted " a little knowledge is a dangeroaß thing," bub a defeotiye memory or a desire to wilfully distort historical faots is much more danger- j ous still. Mr Wrfght refers to a tunnel scheme from the Rakaia gorge, which he Bays was projected m 1886, and that the tunnel was to be twenty miles long, and would cost £80,000. All the irrigation aghemes that seemed possible were reported on m 1880 by the County engineer, bub it wag nob till }Qsl that tjie "engineer was asked to find the cost of a tunnel scheme from the gorge. The Council never favored such a scheme, as the members all knew it would be too expensive. But an a eeotlon of the ratepayers m the upper districts thought it might be made to serve all the district between Ashburton and Rakaia rivers, the engineer was requested to report on ib. Mr Wright's memory does nob serve him any better m the details of the tunnel soheme than it does as to the year when the reporb was made and the oost estimated. He states ib was to be twenty miles long. I write with the printed reporb before me— it) was to be ejghb and a half miles. lje states that the coßb was to be £80,000— the report gives the cost at £276,250. Mr Wright estimates the oosb of a twenty-mile tunnel at £§28,000 —a fairly good estimate, but ib only shows how well bhe oounty engineer had gone into the matter of the oosb of his eight and a ha'f miles, and Mr Wright's figures are only another testimony to the reliableness of the oounty engineer's. The amount quoted by the engineer was such as pub the aohetne at once out of court, and live minutes were not spent by the Counoil m further considering it ; but considering the area that would have been supplied, I do nob think the Council would have considered the Boheme a mad one' if ib could have been oonstruoted for Mr Wright?B ' figure' of £80,000; For' Mr Wright's information, and the information ojt those who may possibly be misled by his foolish letter, I will give the total eßtiiriated oosb of this tunnel scheme whioh the Counoil ■o promptly sab on. Ib was £337,000, or equal to 50s pep bqfo of jfche 225,000 noros

(m round numbers) it was calculated to serve, or 3a pec acre per annum. The queßtion of irrigation is bo serious a one, and affects so many farmers, that I cannot allow a half-informed person like Mr Wright to try to damage the prospects of irrigation with false arguments built on manufactured facts, and that is the reason why I trouble you at so great length m reply to Mr Wright's very spacious bub silly letter.— l am » efco t . Dry Plains.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

• The ordinary meeting of the Ashbarton Borough Council was held on Monday even ing. Present— The Mayor (presiding), and Councillors Thomas, Collins, Orr, Scaly, Hanmer, Baker, and Paul. . LUAVE OF ABSENCE. Leave of abaence was granted to Mr 0. B. Fooks, who bad been suffering from diph theria, bub was now convalesoent. FINANCE. The overdrafb was reported aa standing at £1797 15s 7d, and inoome for the fortnight £9* 10a 6d. B RESERVE 293. The Commissioner of Crown Lands wrote stating that reserve 298 would very probably be vetted m the Counoil. FIRE BRIGADE TELEPHONE. The Telegraph Department wrote stating that after the end ci the ensuing term the telephone to the Fire Brigade station would be treated aa a free connection. HINDS ENDOWMENT BW9EBVE, The lease of the Hinds endowment reserve was transferred on applioation from J. W. Sutherland to William Sutherland. SIOYOLE BY-LAW. The aolioitor, Mr C. W. Puraell, wrote stating that m his opinion the word " vehicle " m the by-laws w*s comprehensive enough to include the word bioyole, and that any person wheeling a bioyole on the foot path would be committing a breach of by law 14. WATBB BAOE. Mr Alfred Harrison wrote complaining that no water had been running m the race adjoining his property. The Clerk eaid that the race had been under overhaul, and would be flowing full always after that day, but It had been flow ing m Mr Harrison's channel every night during the cleaning. HEX BRIGADE COMMITTEE'S REPOBT. The Fire Committee's report recommended an additional sump on the north side of Burnett Street, at the corner of Winter Street. It also recommended the calling for tenders for certain repairs at the epgineer's cottage, including painting inside and out. It further suggested that an alarm should take place at an early date, to be arranged by the Committee, so that the Brigade should turn out and test the efficiency of the water supply. The report was adopted after some dis cussion. LIBRARY- The Library Committee reported, and suggested that the subscription to the circulating library be reduced to 4s per annum or Is per quarter. The idea was to popularise the library, and the experiment was recommended to be tried for six months. The Committee had m hand the matter of purchasing new books for the circulating library to the amounb of £25, which sum will be available for this purpose from the amount of the grant made to the library for this year. The list would be submitted to the Council before purchasing. Cr Thomas was m favor of the reduction of the feas if the experiment were extended to one year instead of six months. Cr Scaly thought the library should be free altogether to ratepayers, and the 4a oharged only to thoae who were nob rate payers. Cr Orr feared that the unpopularity of the library waa nob a question of fees, but of the character of the books it contained. He made no reflections on the management of the library, who perhaps did not have the time to attend to the matter. (The books were no doubt very good of their kind, but they were not up to date, and complaints were made that the newer books had to be sent for to Christchurch. He had heard the Mounb Somers and Bakaia libraries very favorably compared with the ABhburton library. Cr Scaly moyed that the report be re ferred back to the Committee to consider and report on the advisableness of throwing the library open free to ratepayers, and charging a fee of 4s to non-ratepayers. Cr Collins seconded the motion, expressing a hope that the oharacter of the literature wouid be improved. He thought too large a proportion of fiction ocoupied the shelves. The really best and latest literature should be secured for the library, Cr Paul and the Mayor were against Cr Sealy's motion, failing to Bee how a free library would work. Or Thomas said the library had been un popular from the beginning, and people who had an interest) m other libraries took occasion to run it down. Bub the worst objeotion to it was the room In which the library was housed. The list of books was as good as was to be found m any other library m the county, and the range of fiption was ve.ry large, Crs Davis and Paul having spoken, Cr Sealy 'a motion was put to the meeting and lost on the voice's. Cr Scaly said his motion had been to refer the report back to the Committee to consider the a<3 vieableoess of making the library free. He now desired to move that the library be free to ratepayers and th&t the fee to non ratepayers be 4,s per annum. Cr Collins seconded. Cr Orr aßked how mqoh money was re ceived from subscribers at preßenb, and was told thab the amount waß about £20. That sum was but a small sacrifice and he was inclined to favor Mr Sealy's motion. After some further discussion the motion was lost, and the reoommendabions of the Committee adopted. engineers' report. The engineers' report was read. Ib dealt wholjy with the work of the labour gang, and was adopted. inspector's report. The inspector's reporb made reference to to the oases of nuisances that had been brought before the Court, and mentioned that on certain properties there, was about to be pub down conprete channelling, whioh Would relieve the land of a deal of storm water. The section m Peter street he had written to the proprietor about, to have the rubbish carted away or covered over with earth. A drain had been taken from a house m Park street tp the ohannel, m which water was not always running. The reporb was adopted. The Mayor said thab he had looked up the Aob and found thab there was no time set oub m the act for the Counoil to sit as a Board of Health, and he had decided to deal with Buoh buiiness when the inspector's reporb was read. He added thab ib was ab his insbiga ' turn thab the inspector had looked up th< drainage of the town, and it was his (th< Mayor's) opinion tb,at no, one Bhpulfl b( allowed to drain into streets m whioh m Water flowed regularly m th.c channels. Dr Hunter reported the two cases oi diphtheria, already noted m these columns. QUESTIONS Cr Davis asked whab had become of the question of tar pavements. He would not press the question ab presenb as the ohief engineer was ill but would bring up hia question ab next meeting. On the request of Cr Thomas ib was decided thai a return of whab the Council had paid for ohaff since January 1 to date be laid upon the table at next meeting. N.E. TOWN BELT. Or Thomas again raised the question of the, North,Eaab Town $elb. H<y was told hat the Upper Ashburton Road Board had beep written to, but the Board had not sat since, He said thab he had visited the belt that day, and was astonished thab the County Counoil had ever been allowed to bring down the raoe along the belfc m the way that had been done. Ib waa dangerous to life and limb. OFFICE HOURS. Cr Scaly moved, pursuant to notice, thab the offioa hours be extended. He did not set forth any hour, as thab would be for the Council to settle, as probably a new schedule of duties would be required, and other obanßOß made. ; ■ n 2 C v W" *P3 on( * cd t and Om Qolline and Or* having apoken tho ! matter was carried, and detaiTa referred to the Works Com mittee to consider and reporb. CEMETERY BESBRVB. Or Scaly moved to o»U for tenders for leasing tU recently acquired cemetery reserve, the tenant to feaqo temporarily.

i - ...1 .. i r,, ...--__-- *__... _*t^.. -^ UNREGISTERED DOGS. Cr Davis moved that a house-to-houie 1 visitation be made with a view to ascer taining ths number of unregistered dogs m • the towD, so that the owners of such could be prosecuted.— Carried. WORKS. Cr Collins moved that a record be kept of works passed by the Council, those id hand, and the progress made, and that this reoord be placed on the table at every meeting aloDg with any reason that may exist for works ordered not being gone on with With such a record the Council would be able at a glance to see what work was tmisbed, what m progress, and what state of progress. This was also carried. LICENSE. Uoe °* nnin g was granted a carrier's ACOOUNT9. Several questions were asked and an. swered, a Q d the Council, after pasaina accounts to the amount of £60, sat as a * DOMAIN BOARD. The balance sheet) of the Domain wai laid on the table. ODBATOB'S BKFOBT. The ourator reported that he was m want of some good soil for the lower flower beds, and that the contractor had carted some good soil from the belt to the gravel pit. He asked to be allowed to get some of this, the more especially that Mr Thomas Scaly had promised sufficient roses to fill one of the beda. i-iberiy w»f granted to the ourator to take the soil, and Jit Scaly was th ™} ed *°* hl ? gift of roses. The hockey and football play on the Queen's Birthday had made a sad mess of the ovaL and id would require a good deal of work to pat it) m order. He had sWed some Italian ?v" grws and white clover on the ground aVd raked it level, and asked that for a time the pla »? eri^ e r^ Ulred to use the upper sronnd. Mr Orr, was astonished to find thai Italian rye grass had been used, as he had never seen that used for a lawn. He differed from the ourator about using the ground for football, as that was about the best treatment the ground could reoeive. Messrs Thomas and Scaly were with Me Ore about the benefit tbab football was to the oval, bat the chairman took another view. The report was adopted. The employment of a boy by Mr W. W. bmith was sanctioned, and the Board adjourned.

The Westerly Wind.

ITS REMARKABLE FFFEOTS. When Aeolas In ancient days keep watch and guard over all the winda that blear, and personally superintended their operations, he could possibly always tell what they were doing. But the decadent present scarcely boasts an Aeolus, and thus the Westerly Wind, m Qaeenaland at least, has been causing considerable trouble. Mrs Knibb, of Earle street, Toowong (Q), gives her experience wiHi the Westerly Wind £s follows :-' The Westerly Winds,' B aid Mrs Knibb recently to our reporter, * always had a most disastrous effect upon me, I have been a great sufferer from rheumatism. Twelve years ago I had a bad acoident • my thigh bone was broken, and since that time I have suffered a great deal. I lost sight of my left eye mainly through the disease, and even after treatment of it was over 1 suffered from great pain across the bone over the eye. Last Christmas twelve months I was so bad that I ceuld scarcely move fn bed. I had to go to the hospital after being treated for a long time by the doctors ; bub after coming out again X suffered just the same. If I did a little washing m the day time I could scarcely tura m bed at night, and during Westerly Winda I was always laid up. A little while ago I read of the cures effeoted by Dr Williams' Pink Pill* but I was doubtfal abjufr them. One of my family, however, said the. cases reported must be genuine, or the people would not dare to print them, and so I bought a box of the pills and took one after each meal. That gave me some relief, bub I still suffered, and I was told to take two pills after each meal. I did that, and the effect has been wonderful. I have got rid of the rheumatism, and the pain over my eye has gone. During the recent Westerly Winds I was up and about and suffered no ill effects, 1 ' You attribute that to Dr WH- Hams' Pink Pills?' the Interviewer asked. 'Yes, indeed, 1 said Mrs Knibb, *I do, and to. nothing else. If it were not for them, I should not be standing out here talking to yon now.' A remarkable effioacy m curing diseases arising from an impoverished condition of the blood or an impairment of the nervous system such as rheumatism, neuralgia, partial paralysis, locomotor ataxla, St. VitUB 1 Dance, nervous head aohe, nervous prostration, and the tired feeling arising therefrom, the after-effects of la grippe, influenzi, dengue fever, and severe colds, diseases depending on humors In the blood, such aa scrofula, chronic erysipelas, etc., is possessed by Dr Williams' pink Pills for Pale People, which give a healthy glow to pale and sallow complexions. They are a spocifio for the troubles peculiar to the female system, and m the case of men they effeot a radical cure m all cases arising from mental worry, over-work, and excesses of any nature. They are genuine onli with the full name, Dr William,' Pink Pills for Pale Peiple, and are sold by all ohemlsts and by the Dr Williams' Medicine Company. Wellington, N.Z., who will forward (post paid on receipt of stamps or pest order, one box for 33, or half-doaan for 163 6d. A trial of oor remedy will convince the most Boeptical person of its true worth.

THE ANARCHIST OUTRAGE.

United Press Association— By Eleotrlo Telegraph— Copyright. Mblboubne, May 30 The houses opposite Maloney's, m Eiizroy, where the dynamite outrage occurred, had the windows broken. A piece of bomb was found with the word •' Anarchy " upon it. Received Wakapu»ka May 31, 9 30 a.m. j Guabdiait Office 10.10 a.m. 8 Melbourne, May 81 j The whole detective foroe are en > quiring into the Fitaroy outrage, but &o f far there is no clue. A bag containing seven pounds of blasting powder was found m the street at Fitzroy. It is i believed to belong to the perpetrator of ! Saturday's outrage.

TBE ASHBOBION eOABDIAN i TUESDAY, MAY 81. 18&&



|D H M Full moon n .„ 6 6 4pm Last quarter ... ... 13 9 6am New moon ... , M 21 028 am Firat quarter „„ ... 29 444 am



i ~ t:s " Pbbramus " Rainproof Cloth Soak , mg Raia^»roof,Poruß, Healthy, No Rubber [ ~Bir,--We beg to bring before your notice [ thia latest product of applied soienoe Ita qualities may be summed up aa follows •— lesfc.-,A garden hose turned on to simulate a heavy shower of ra*n may be played on the cloth for an hour or more wifchoub penetrat- ing it. Durability. -The rainproof quality is permanent, and will last as long as the garment laata. Porouanesa and Venti- l«^° n *r Igh^ L oan be aeeu th wgh the oloth. w« a i t l-° an b « c^ llv bathed through Heaithineas —Perspiration will noboondense on the maide, aa so frequently oooura In opaque waterproof garments and which is a prolific souroe of ohilte, rheumati Bm , &o. When wet, garments made from this oloth • should be thoroughly dried before . SS From the foregoing ib i« obvioys that a obat made from these materials is ißqually effeo! tive and mutfa more healthy t&n a rubber coat j and m Tjppearanoe, oomforfi and f wear, they are equal to an ordinary^ olobh. Solioit! ing the favor of yo^ir ordewf^We ■STSj yours obediently, Obaiqoud akd BmS • Good advice. Never leave home on a journey without a bottle of Ohamb^rlain'i Ooho, Cholera and Diarrhea* BemediT sv>!



NOTICE. rpHE Runners who deliver the Guardian JL to regular subscribers will ; nob m future sell single copies. These can be obtained from the runners engaged for that purpose, and the Agents— Messrs Jones, Sounness, Marsden, Williams, and Mrs Adams.



CHURCH SERVICES. ST," STKPH EN ' 8 CHURCH Ashburton. WEDNESDAY— wlterton* Leoture m aie of new bell for Sb. Jame's Church, 7.30 p.m. THURSDAY— Magio Lantern m St. Stephen's Schoolroom, 7. 30 p.m The members of St. Stephen's Guild, the Girlo' Friendly Society, Gleaner's Union, the Choir, and Sunday School Teachers are invited to attend. FRIDAY— Shorb Service, 7.30 p.m. • Choir Praobice, 8 p.m. TRINITY SUNDAY, JUNE 5. 11 a.m— Morning Prayer and Holy Cora- munion. 3 0 p.m.— Greenstreet— Rev T. A. Hamil- ton. 3 0 p.m.— Dromore— Mr T. Gates. 6.30 p m — Evening Prayer. REV. T. A. HAMILTON.



F. FERRIMAJN. JPIFT V THJRIiJE YEARS UNINTERRUPTBD feXJCC!S»{!S. Thia Chemical Prepartion is CARBOLISED as a remedy against the ravages of Birds, Rooks, or other Pests taking the seed dressed with it, THIS PREPARATION IS NOW BEING USED EXTENSIVELY IN THE COLONIES Of NEW ZEALAND, AUS- TRALIA, & CENTRAL AFRICA. ' WHEAT SOWING. Best and Cheapest Dressing for seed Wheat), OARBOLISED. Patronised by THOUSANDS ;0F THE FIRST PRACTICAL FARMERS m |the Kingdom. PERFEOT FREEDOM FROM SMUT. It ia acknowledged to be an Established Faot that D. CLARKE'S CABBOLISED WHEAT PROTECTOR {Name and Label Registered under Trade Marks Act, No. 13,796 and 158,145) JHAS BEEN USED FIFTY-THREE YEABS WITH UNDEVIATING SUCCESS IMPORTANT TESTIMONIAL. Wool Pits, Ledbury, Herefordshire, October 23, 1889.J Dear Rib, — I am pleased to testify to the efficacy of your f • Carbolised Wheat Pro- tector," having used your Protector for 40 years and. never haviDg grown a Smutty Ear of Corn m my life ; therefore can con- fidently recommend your •• Wheat Protec tor " as a sure preventative for Smut, &o. — I am, yours truly, Mr G. B. Clarke. 6. B. JONES. Prepare by G. B. CLARKE, M.P.S., Manftg. Chemist, Woburn, Beds., England (Proprietor of the Sheep Dipping Com- position.) In Packets containing sufficient to dress Eight Bußhels of Seed Wheat, Barley, Oats, ' or other Corn. 4GENT FOR~ASHBURTON: F. FERRIMAN. SEED WHEA 7. I Have for Sale some Prime Pearl, Tua- can and Hunters. Grown on heavy Land. ' F. FEEiRIMAN. FOB SALE. HOUSE AND QUARTER-ACRE LAND IN COX STREET. | |I have received instructions from Mb H. J. Tasker to sell his desirable residence, containing Four Rooms and Scullery, situated m Cox Street, together with Loosebox, Chuffhouso and Fowlhouse erected on the property. F. FERRTMAN. FOB" SALE. I HaVE FOR SALE tbatrery desirable block of land containing about Seven Acres, situated on the N.E. Town Bolt and adjoin- ing Mr W. H. Collins. For anyone m search of a property on which to build this one is well worthy of an inspection. F. FERRIM AN. FOR_SALE. BONE DUST. The Best and most profitable Fertilizer that can be applied to the soil, benefiting not only the first crop but several succeed- ing ones. A few shillings per acre spent m bonedust often enriohes the farmer tenfold, and leaves the land m better heart. I Have tba following Farms mmy hands for Sale ;— 500) 250 } ACKES 100) AH Situated m Good Looalities, and any- one m search of a property either for farm- ing purposes or as an investment would do well to inspect the above. F. FERRIMAN. Do nof Aeoersi/acfatf fo j Oqyany of/Ae //p//afy'o/?s t I Si (Awarded Go/da/ic/S/'/verMttfa/s) \ \emo/v o/tmmp rfAsl Imy^re pure and momG/ne\ \\£3f§esfsak//?/fosffwas/$\ i|^j%P BY AL^ GROCERS J NOT1&B, T)ERSONS indebted to the ASHBURTON JLT PUBLISHING COMPANY, Ljmitkp, prior to Maroh 19ih, 1898, are hereby noti, fied that PAYMENT MUST BE MADE forthwith at the late office of the Company, otherwise legal proceedings will be taken. Wm."7T STEWARD, Asb&urton, May 30



«■■ ■■ « ■ ■ i .ii. SHEEP WIRE NETTING. SHEEP WIRE NETTING. T^ARMERS REQUIRING the above NETTING wouM find it to their Advantage to obtain Our Price before purchasing elsowhere. 60 Dozen PLOUGH SHARES. HORNSBY & RANSOMES, AT REDUCED PRICES. . CASTOR OIL, Valvolinc, Lubrioating Oils, Raw and Boiled Linseed Oils and Turpentine, always m Stock. Large Assortment of Kettles, Saucepans and Enamelware, at Ohristchuroh Prices, Sp'endid Value m Cutlery, Spoons, Forkn, eto. TEA. TEA. TEA. UTRY OUR CELEBRATED 8 (m Diamond) BRAND PURE CEYLON TEA. Only the Choiceit Orange Pekoe Teas are vied for this paoket. A Coupon will be oud m every lib paoket ' GORE "THISTLE" BRAND OATMEAL. Absolutely Pure. FLOUR, SHARPS AND BRAN at MILL PRICES. A Large and Well Assorted Stook of Wines and Spirits. Cheapest Home m Ashburton for Grooeries, Crockery, and Hardware. Goodi delivered daily. Orden by Post promptly attended to.f SHEARMAN BROS., GROCERS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS. MARKET HOUSE, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. Telephone No. 53. "Tl^E Beg respectful/y to notify our Customers' and the Public generally, that our Stock is now thoroughly complete with Autumn and Winter Goods, each and every Department being replete with choice ana useful goods for the Season. We would draw special attention to our Mantle and Jacket Department, m which we have the Largest Variety and Best Value it has yet been our pleasure to submit. Inspection cordially invited. MITCHELL t TURNER. ISO PATTERKS IN Fl-iANJNELJ^IQXTJKS. 3d to Is 2d per Yard to Select From. Best Possible Value For Money. EAST STREET, ASHBURTON. H. M. JONES. (x) Stationery. PLAIN, Commercial, and Fancy ; Ledger*, Cash Booke, Journal*, Day Books, Letter Books, Memorandum and Invoice Forms, Pileß, Fenß, Note, Letter, and Foolicao Paper, Commercial, Court, Foolscap, and Deed Envelopes; Cartridge, Drawinc and Blotting Papers. 6l _____ I r.\ _____ LATEST BOOKS AND MAGAZINES BY EVERY MAIL. Bchool Committees supplied with all School Requisites, Ink (m draught), Nieerine (cheap), Foolscap, Drawing Paper ; Exercise, Copy and Reading.Books. FOOTBALL, TENNIS, GOLF, HOCKEY, AND CRICKETING MATERIALS. (*) *PT A IVT/^iQ. By Brinßmea <* and Sons. Broadwood. Haake, W-gnor, X X-011l VJkDn Hopkinßon, Channell and Sons, Lipp and Sohn, Collard and Collard, Spaethe, Goaa and Kallman, and others. Monthly Payments, one to two years. fYO -Q. AXT Q sy,s y , the Needham Company, Chicago Company, Bell and Co., VyXl/VT-C-LX^I k3« Palace Organ Company, The Gem, and others, from £8 10a. . t Monthly payments from one, to three years, (o) OIRqULATINO LIBRARY. Cycles. Cycles. Cycles. WAVEELEYS, MONARCHS, Etc. Extraß, Extras, Extras. H. M. JONES TREMENDOUS CLEARING BOOT SALE. FOR ONE MONTH. m THJE SALE 18 NOW OPST Tsa :o: * THE ZEALANDIA BOOT STORE IS KOW HOLDING THE GREATEST BOOT SALE OF THE SEASON. BOOTS! BOOTS!! THE Following Prices are FORTY PER CENT, under COST PRICE :— Ladieb' Prunella House Boot i ... fn m 1/6 Ladieß* Pretty Qlace Strap Walking Ladiea' Lasting Slippers „ 2/U Shoes 4/11 Childr n'e Pat. Nt Straps ( i to 6, ■ Men's Kip Boots (T. and H. Tips and and 10 to 1) ... .„ ...3/9uid4/6 Nails) ... 8/11 j Ladies' Pietty Gtace Kid Sioes on'y £/*l Children's Ankle Straps .... ... from 1/- Bjys' Kip Laoe Boots (T. & H. Men's Bluchers only 4/il Tips and Nailß) fl/11 Men's Fe'.b Slippers ... „, 1/6 Children's Warm Slippers 1/- LADIEV bIRONG LAOE BOOTS (Grand Value) ... only 5h lid. OTHERS MAY Fo"lLOW~ BUT WE LEAD. BHJjf We have no Old Stock ; Our Goods are the Best. ———__. *x* __—__- $9" BEMEMBER ! THE ZEALAINDIA BOOT WTOIIJS is now Slaughtering the Finest Stock of Boots and Shoes m Canterbury. This ii the sort of Sale that makes the Mothers Smile coma baiily Aitn avoid tub hush. Don't Forott the Addreis— JAMES MELLOK, &EALANDU BOOT STOBB, TANCRED BTEKT, ASHBURTON.