Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, MAY 17, 1898. THE WAR CLOUD.

Our cablegrams have sprung a not by any means agreeable surprise upon us m the scraps sent us of two very important but very ominous speeches delivered on Friday — the one m Londou, and the other at Birmingham. Both are important because of the position of the men who delivered them, and ominous because of their nature as well as the position of their authors. When the Prime Minister of England refers to " the gravity of the foreign outlook," and says "it is necessary to look the facts m the face/ those of his readers who are at all acquainted with the history of the man must begin to fear that there is something of a dark and ominous character looming m the ; not far oft future. Than the Lord Robert Cecil who entered the House of Commons m 1853, became Secretary of State for India m 1868, and having inherited a seat m the Upper House by his father's death, as the Marquis of Salisbury entered upon a brilliant diplomatic and statesmanlike career, which leaves him m mature manhood the first Minister of the empire — there is no man living m the whole British dominions who has so thoroughly realised Tallyrand's saying that language was given to man to conceal his thoughts. But the language he has made use of on this occasion is too open to conceal at least one very apparent thought that looms through its meagre lines^and that is, that there is danger m the foreign outlook, a danger that may end m a war m which Great Britain may be one of the combatants. But the anxiety becomes intensified on further perusal of the cablegrams, and it is found that the Hon. Joseph Chamberlain, the possessor of perhaps the most subtle mind of all the Salisbury cabinet has, been speak ing at Birmingham, and playing only too well the part oJE the sjbormy petrel. He said that the policy of strict isola tion which Britain has been pursuing for some years may bring against her at any moment a combination of great powers. He was quite alive to the spirit of Imperial patriotism that was diffused throughout the empire which had been drawn together, and that g, sense of common interest for trade and defence pervaded the whole of the Briiish. realms. But though be ipas alive to all this, fl that war was near was strongly felt. Their next duty was to maintain bonds of permanent unity with their Trans atlantic kinsmen, whose interests were identical with theirs, and more definite arrangements with whonj wojui.d be better for both and the svorld. War would be cheaply purchased if it rer suited m the Stars and Stripes and the Union Jack waving together over an Anglo-Saxon alliance, Momentous isßues were before us, and the time might come before long whan the Government must appeal to the patriotism of the people, Unless Great Britain allied with a military Power she would be unable to seriously injure Russia, and Russia would be unable to injure her, I£ Great Britain entered into an alliance with Russia, who could guarantee Russia's loyalty \ So far there had only been a preli minary skirmish m China, but if the polioy of isolation were followed the I fate of the Chinese Empire would here after be decided without reference to, and m defiance of, our interests. Great Britain musb not reject an allianpe with those powers whose interests are approximate." One would hays pre ferred to have had both of those speakers more explicit m their sayings. We can hardly accept the surmise of the cable eorreapondent as correct that Lord Salisbury refers to the French claims on the .Niger a»d m the Yunnan as the probable cause of a war between that nation and Great Britain, and are inclined to look to the Far East a& the source from which the trouble feared je i

I likely to arise. And yet it was gener- ' ally accepted that, after Wai-hei-wai had been handed over to the British, i and Russia and Germany had each i secured a pied-a terre m Ohini, there ' was little likehood of any further great trouble between the parties seeking to dismember the Chinese Empire. It is j evident, hovever, that the truce must | have been hollow, and that further developments, not known to the most lynx-eyed of pressmen, have occurred to cause the uneasiness which prompts the prophecy of war made by Mr Ohambsrlain, m the light of whose speech must also be read that of the Marquis of Salisbury. The reference to the desirableness ef an Anglo- American alliance, which seems to come with so heartfelt an accent from Mr Chamberlain's lips, is one that will meet with a kindly echo m the hearts of Britons throughout the world, and m the light of recent events it may be that there is more than a bold wish fathering the thought m the mind of the astute Mr Chamberlain. If, how ever, the alliance can be brought about, the union will be one of such strength as to be able to cope with the uuited powers of almost the whole world. The cablegrams of the next twenty-four hours will be anxiously looked for.

Local and General.

Concert. — A conoerb will be held ab May field on the 24th, m aid of the library fund. The Rise m Prices. — The Auckland bakers have advanced the price of bread id per 21b loaf. A Cycle Corps.— A cycle oorpa has been formed m Dunedin, and the full strength baa been enrolled. Sir Maurice O'Rorkb. — The Auckland Star deniea the reporb that Sir Maurioe O'Rorke inteeda to retire from political life. Ok the firsb page to-day wi'l be found correspondence and interprovincial newa ; on the fourth page a report of Ashburton grain market. , The Frimley Estate.— Mr J. N. Wil liams, owner of the Frimley Estate near Hastings, has definitely offered 1900 aorea of his property to the Government. Wheat — Very little business was done, m this cereal on Saturday last. Holders would not put a price on lines they have m hand, preferring to wait till after the grain sale on Thursday next. Caledonian Fooiety. — The annual meet iDg of the Caledonian Sooiety will be held m the office of the honorary secretary, Mr Joshua Tucker, to-morrow evening at eight o'clock, when the fullest possible muster is requested. •Inquest. — An inquest was held this morning before Mr R. Alcorn, acting coroner, on the body of Thomas Allnutt, of Allenton, w,hose obituary notice appeared m our last issue. After taking evidence, which detailed the facts as already reported, the jury returned a verdict of death from old age and natural causes. Engine Head Lights. — A home file says that acetylene gas lamps are now used and with marked success for the head lights of railway engine?, m place of the old oil lamps which will soon be things of the past. The now lamps are said to throw a strong light fully two hundred yards ahead of the train, j Coubsino — At a meeting of the stewards of the Coursing Club held last night, final arrangemexts were made for the next coursing meeting, which is to take place on Mr Grigg's e9tate on May 24. Steps were j also taken to prevent spectators galloping about the field or after the dogs while a | course was being run. The secretary reported having been promised several outside entries, as well aa a large number of local ones. Hockey. — The following have been selected as the probable team to play against the Christchurch Drapers on the Queen's Birthday, and will try conclusions with the remainder of the Ashburton C.'ub on Thurs day next : — Forwards— H. Pooks, F. Potter, F. Watt ; whig forwards — W. McKinney and R. Millar; halfbacks — C. Andrews, W. Mellor, and D. Stock ; three quarters— F. Clark, W. Smith ; goal-keeper —L. F. Andrewes. The final selection for the 24th will be made after Thursday's play. An Improved Moral Tone — Ib would appear that appointment to an official position improves the moral status of some people. An Acclimatisation Society's i ranger, under cross-examination m a Wel lington court the other day, frankly admitted that he used to poach out of season — snaring quail and shooting hares, bub that; was beforo he was appointed ranger. " A case of setting a poacher to cat oh a poacher," remarked counsel with a smile. Pbesentation.— Mr J. Munro, who has held the positiou of guard and shunter at the Ashburton Railway Station for some time 1 past, was presented yesterday by his fellow employees with a handsome travelling bag on the eye of his being transferred from Ash burton to Waikari. Mr Parsons, station ■ 1 master, made the presentation, asking the > recipient to ac.cept ib as a token of good j i feeling from his mates and wishing him , every success m his new position. Mr Mnnro m responding thanked those who had been the means of subscribing towards the handsome present be had received, and thanked them all for the way he had been treated whilst stationed amongst them. The Orfen Cash. — Inspector Hickson has received news from San Francisco to the ei^eoO that the extradition proceedings against Dr Orpen have been successful, unless the doctorfs solicitor lodges an appeal. Detective Maddern will probably be able to leave San Francisco with his piiaonerfo'y ths mail steamer Bailing on Wednesday and due m Auckland on June 7. Orpen's solicitor ia said to have made a big fight on behalf of his client. The decision was given m the JJnited States Circuit Court on April 11 by Judge Morrow. Orpen was to be kepb m the custody 'of Marshal Baldwin until the arrival of papers which were expected to arrive from Washington m time for Wednesday 1 !? stoaujer. An appeal to Washington on jQrpen's part would post £108, apapt from pounsel's fee. The Workman ahd His " Boss."— When the Police Commission commenced ite after? noon sitting ab Nelson the other day, a tremendous clattering overhead entirely prevented the business of the Courb being .carried \pja. The cause of the trouble was a slater and his assistant repairing the Court house roof. Two or" thre'a went out to ask that the work should be discontinued, among them Mr Tunbridge, who, returning, said that it was a " British workman " who declined to knock off till his "boas" had told him to do so. Mr Wardell asked Sergeant MoArdle to inform the workman that either hp must adjourn or the Court would adjourn. Tfte workman, on this being carried to liira, said that Mr Roberts, of the Public Works Department, was liis boss| and the faot of the Courb being disturbed he could not help, £oc lie muafe do &a hva boss told him. Sergeant MoArdle said that Mr Roberts was being; communicated with, and the work might be stopped till his answer was received. This .compromise was accepted by the conscientious workman. HOM.GWAY'S PjCMJS AND OINTMENT.— A most wonderful building up of the .con stitution takes place after Holloway's famous medicines have been used for a reasonable time. They are pre-eminent above all other remedies, more particularly for the oure of liyer complaints and disorders of the stomach 5 carpenters, bricklayers, &o. would find the Ointment invaluable for curing wounds, outs, sores, and fcruiseo. Hen m all conditions of life find it of incalculable beuefib, as it penetrates internally, and thus strikes ab the root of the ailment. The Pills aot like magio m curing low spirits, and they repel all attacks on the nerves through exoitemenb, exoeßßive heat, brain worry con sequent on business troubles, &c. They purify tfae blood, and give a new lease of Strength to the consbj.tutjon.

Maori Relics— An interesting find of 1 portions of Bbone axes has been unearthed upon the land of Mra Simpson, at theSpreid Uagle. The stones, some of which have been sents to us, are oval red and green stones, sharpened on one aide, and well smoothed. The land being turned up is new . ground, and we learn that there are indi cations of more of these interesting relics of the greenstone age on Mra Campbell's property. Valedictory.— After residing m Aehbur ton for over twenty years, Mr George Worner has removed to another district to take up a new line (und yet not new) as a farmer m the Rangiora district, and though he had talked for some I time past of leaving the district, the day of hia departure was not known till the eleventh hour. However, his fellow trades men did not allow him to leave the district unnoticed, and fthaaty canvass was made, and our old townsman was invited to meet a deputation at the Somerset) Hotel, where were assembled Mesara B. Burnard, J lines Taaker, E. J. Cox, W. J. Silcock, W. H. Rule, George James, O. Digby, J. Broker, and W. H. Robinson. After wishing him success m his new venture, Mr W. J. Silcock, on behalf of those assembled, asked Mr j George Worner to accept as a sovuenir a | oase containing a pair of pipes handsomely mounted m silver, at the same time express ing regret at losing their old friend. Mr Worner suitably responded, though evidently taken by surprise, and left just m time to j catch the express on Wednesday last for j Christohurch en t'oule for his new home, where we wish him health and prosperity. The Borough Council. — There was a full meeting of the Borough Council last evening, and the business kept Councillors at work till half-past ten It ranged over a good many subjects, prominent amongst which was the rumored outbreak of diphtheria, and m the course of the dis cussion the medical profession were dressed down for not reporting the cases m their hands. The Lighting Committee wanted an extra lamp m Baring Square, but our village Hampden Or. Scaly strenuously op posed this, as there were other places m the town more m need of light. He, however, did not seem to have any sentimental qualms about taking over the old oemetery-»-tomb« stones and all- The cemetery question arose over Mr Sam Burnard a horses having been impounded from the cemetery grounds, a padlock having been pub on the gate to prevent the animals away to less sacred soil. Cr. Scaly also had another tilt at Collins and Co's buildings on the rail way reserve. Cr. Bird thought the attempt was Quixotic, as the Council had been repeatedly snubbed over this reserve m paßt years. Cr. Scaly, however, after quoting the importunate widow, found a Sanoho Panza m Cr. Baker, and the Council decided to have another try. Cr. Davis, after bang ing away at the Standing Committees for not meeting oftener, fell foul of the staff for not carrying out the resolutions of the Council, the Bpeoial delinquency that oalled forth his strictures being the fact that two chains of asphalting at the convent, ordered by the Counoil, had not been done. Cr Thomas took a hand m the game, too, and the Chief Engineer had a bad five minutes. He sur vived ib, however, and was able also to live through three-quarters of an hour m Com mittee on the water supply question. After getting out of Committee the Counoil went into Domain business, and ordered Mr Sil cock to clear his bulls out of the paddock, as they were breaking into the domain and eating up everything that came m their way. It ia hinted ihab the bulls were cleared out so that they should not eat up the laurels of the Hockey Club m their matches on the Queen's Birthday.

CABLE NEWS.

Home and Foreign.

United Press Association —By Electrio Telegraph — Copyright.

Fearful Cyclone.

Tojao, May 15 j A great cyclone occurred off the north east coast of Japan. Two hundred fishing craft and fifteen hundred fishermen are missing. Tlie Northwest Frontier. Calcutta, May X 5 The Afridis are sending emissaries to interview the Ameer of Afghanistan. This is considered a sign of further discontent. The Italian Bread Riots. Rome, May 15 The military are holding the principal Italian towns, and the dis orders are .quietening down. Order was quickly restored m Naples, and all the Universities were closed. Govern ment are supplying wheat cheaply. Many Swiss and Italians who hadiseen residing abroad have arrived m Italy from across the frontier. The Chamber of Deputies has adjourned sine die t ! Evacuation of Tliessaly. Athens, May 15 The Turks are evacuating Thessaly.

Australian.

The Wreck of the Hereward. Sydney, May 16 The Marine Board found the captain of the Hereward (wrecked m the recent gales) blameless for the loss of his vessel. Tl^e X Atmospheric Gas.?' Elliott and Lee, of atmospheric gas fame, have wrjtton to the local press from San Francisco, insinuating that those who were associated with them m Sydney knew of their departure, but specially requested them not to aay anything about it so as they could have on opportunity to unload tjieir scrip, They coolly state that they will be back within a year to demon strate that their gas maohine is the best m Australia, New Guinea. In eouneotion with the reported grant of a quarter of a million aqres of land at New Guinea, at 2s per acre, to Sir Somers Vine, on behalf of att English syndicate; Mr Kennedy, manager of the New Quinea Develop ment Company, who has just returned \irom England, where he has arranged a strong syndicate to establish pianta r tions of tea, coffee and cocoanuts, states that if the speculative grant to Sir Somers Vine is completed the opera tions of his syndicate will be seriously hampered m their efforts to get land for development. He states that the land granted tp Sir Somers Vine is worth ,6s or ?s §d p§r ac.re. A Waterlogged Vessel. Brisbane, May 16 The steamer Barrabool has passed a waterlogged coasting vessel near South Solitary Island.

WAR NE WS.

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

United Press Association — By Electrio . Telegraph 1 Washington, May 15 The American squadron under Com modore Sampson has reached Puerto Plata, on the northern coast of San Domingo. The Spanish squadron, under Admiral Oerveras, is at the Dutch Island of Ouracoa. Madrid, May 15 Martial law has been proclaimed m I the Canary Islands, which belong to Spain. New York, May 15 Three East India cables have been cut.

Cables Cut

Sharp Fight at Cionfuegos- Defeat of the Spaniards. War Correspondents m Danger- Another . Spanish Gunboat Captured. Received' Wakapaaba May 17, 9 a.m, Guardian Office 9T30 a.m.~ — - Washington, May 16 A sharp fight has taken place between the American warships and shore batteries at Oienfuegos. The forts were destroyed and many Spaniards killed. The casualties were light on the American side. The Americans have cut the cable con necting Oienfuegos with Havana. The American cruiser Wilmington attacked Oardenas and silenced the the shore batteries. Three hundred Spaniards were killed. Two American war correspondonts were captured by the Spaniards at Oardenas. It is feared they will be shot as spies and the authorities at Washington are trying to exchange two Spanish officers taken prisoners by the " Americans for the captured correspondents. Hong Kong, May 16 j Admiral Dewey has captured the Spanish gunboat Oallaa entering Manilla Harbour m ignorance of the blockade.

American Reverse.

Fine Strategy of the Spanish Admiral. Disconcerts the Flans of the Americans- The Spaniards Sanguine- United Press Association — By Electric Telegraph. — Copyright. Reoeived Wakapuaka May 17, 9 a,m l} Guardian Office 9.35 a.m. London, May 16 Reports from Madrid state that two Spanish gunboats at Havana attacked the smaller warships of the Ameri can fl«et. One of the American warships was seriously damaged and all were compelled to retire. Washington, May 16 Accounts received at Washington discredit the reports circulated at Madrid. The Americans declare an attempt was made by the Spanish vessels to decoy the ships of the blockading squadron under the fire of the batteries, but proved unsuccessful. The strategy of Admiral Oerveras and the secrecy observed as to the movements of his squadron have dis concerted the naval exports at Washing ton and up3et their far reaching plans. Madrid, May 16. Despondency m Spain caused by the defeat at Manilla is to a large extent , dispelled and the Spaniards are very sanguine of the success of Admiral Cerveras' squadron.

The Two Squadrons.

I ,^ l^ liaßdl Received Wakapuaka May 17, 9 50 a.m., Guabdian Office, 10.45 a.m. Washington, May 16 Admiral Schley's squadron pat into Charleston on Sunday, and received instructions to immediately proceed to Key West. Admiral Oerveras 1 fleet, at the request of the Dutoh authorities, left Ouracoa on Sunday.

THE WAR CLOUD.

» . United Press Association— By Electric 1 Telegraph— Copyright. Paris, May 15. The Jlepxiblique Francaise says that Mr Chamberlain's cold blooded violence m his speech at Birmingham is certain to caijse the British Government much embarrassment. Received Wakapuaka May 17, 9.30 a.m, Guabdjan Office 9.56 a.m. LOHDOir, May \Q Mr Chamberlain's speech created extraordinary sensation on the Conti nent. The French and Spanish news papers are specially irritated at the idea of an Anglo-Saxon alliance. The American people regard the utterance with sympathetis feeling. In some quarters it is believed the speech is a revelation that negotiations for an Anglo - American alliance are m progress. Router's Paris correspondent states he has been authorised to issue a reassuring note from the Ifrench Go vernment m connection ' with the progress of negotiations with regard to the British and French claims m Nigeria. The Australasian Agent? General are urgiqg upon Mx Chamberlain the desirability that the Philippines, which dominate the Australasian trade route to the East, should be m possession of a friendly power.

Welcome Rain ! — Prepare for winter storms } We hare just opened a splendid lot of New Waterproof Tweed, Serge, and ! Melton Qvercoats* Every coat guaranteed j well mad§ and' thoroughly waterproof. Exchanged or money refunded, if defective after three months' trial. Largest) stopk m Ashburton to select from.— •Craighead and Bjwbyman. tbn leading Xailgrj ajjd Out*

BOROUGH COUNCIL

o The usual fortnightly meeting of the Ashburton Borough Council was held on Monday evening. Present— .The Mayor (presiding), and Councillors Hanraer, Baker, Davis, Scaly, Bird, Collins, Paul, Thomaß, and Orr. FINANCE. The Mayor reported the debit balanoe at the Bank as standing at £1762 63 6d, and the income from all sources received Binca last meeting had been £51 15a Bd. COUXTV ACCOUNTS. Ihe County Clerk wrote asking for pay ment of the Borough's share of Ashburton Hospital maintenance, £10, and traffic bridge repair Is 6d.— The accounts were ordered to be paid, RESERVE 3181. The Commiasioaer of Crown Lands wrote statiDg that reserve 3181 would be handed over to the control of the Ashburton Borough Council, the latter to bear the expense of any survey necessary,— -The letter waa con sidered satisfactory. OLD CEMETERY. The Crown Lands Department wrote stating that the unused part of the old Cemetery had .been gazetted as a plantation reserve. LIGHTING COMMITTEE. The Lighting Committee reported as follows:— 1. Acetylene Gas.— Your Com mittee are making enquiries from the Canter bury Fire Underwriters' Association as . to the use of this gas affecting insurances, and would ask for an extension of time m order to report. 2. Lamp m Baring Square- Tour Committee recommend that a lamp be fixed to the telephone poet m East Street m the middle of Baring square, and that the effer of the Gas Company to place an incandescent burner m this lamp be accepted. 3. Incandescent Lights.— Your Committee recommend that two incandescent bur nerß be fixed m the reading room of the Public Library. Some discussion took place on the question -»#-Jjhe proposed lamp m Baring Square, severaLjof the Councillors opposing it on the ground "that there were places m the borough more m need of lumps than that particular spot. Ultima t©j£3n ex tenaion of time was granted to the GomuSfeifiain con nection with the firßt two olauaesTantrwJS-v third was adopted. BY-LAWS.— CYCLING. The By-Laws Committee reported ai follows :— By-Law regulating cycling traffic. — Your Committee recommend the Council to pass a by-law classing bicycles as " vehicles," and to prevent these maohines from being wheeled along the footpaths, aud would recommend that the Town Clerk be inßtraoted to draft a by-law to this effect. A copy of the Christchurch by-law on this subject has been obtained for the Counoil's information. Cr Davis and Cr Scaly both favored lioens. ing and numbering all bicycles m use m the town. The report was adopted, the understanding being that the by-law m force m Chriat ohurch would be adopted, which classed bicycles m the definition of vehicles), and forbade their being wheeled on the foot paths m any way. engineers' ruport. The report of the engineers was read :— 1. Repairs to Pound.— We have lately examined the yards at the pound, and find that some repairs are badly required. Many of the post*, oap rails, gates, etc., are rotten, and ahould be renewed, and the whole of the yards need repairing and strengthening. 2. Metalling We should recommend that tenders be called for a supply of about three hundred yards of shingle for metalling streets. Should we have a heavy fall of rain a larger quantity might be required, but the roads are mostly so dry and hard that we should not advise much metalling to be done at present. 3. Labor Gang. — The men have been engaged during the past two weeks m ploughing grass off the streets and carting to sections, metalling ths streets and filling ruts, altering and deepening water race m Hospital grounds, attending to the water supply, and general maintenance work. The matter of repairs to to the pound waa referred to the Works Committee to consider the whole question of the Borough's respon sibility m regard to the pound, and to report. The rest of the report was adopted. inspector's report. The Inspector reported that there were several oases of diphtheria m the Hampstead district, two of the childrea residing m the borough. Cr Thomas moved that the Inspector be Instructed to ascertain the names of the borough children suffering from diptheria, and the medical men attending them. Also that the Mayor be authorised to take the necessary atepß m bringing any delinquent m the case to justice. Cr Scaly said the Council had not sat as a Board of Health for some years. Or Collins was not m favor of rashly attacking the medical men m view of the Council's own supineness m the past. He thought they should set their own house m order before they dealt with the medical men. Cr Orr said the medioal men had had so little m the nature of infectious diseases to attend to of late bhafc he believed the matter of reporting to the Council had been over looked, and he thought if the matter were simply left m the hand* of the Mayor all the ends of justice would be met. The motion was carried, on the under standing that the Mayor would take charge of the subject and do whatever was neoess ary. NORTH-EAST TOWN BELT. A petition from a number of residents on the North-East Town Belt for an improved footpath was read, Cr Scaly inqved that the matter be referred to the Upper Ashburton I}oaal Board, m whose disfcriob the properties of the petitioners were situate. Cr Paul seconded. Cr Collins moved an amendment to take the matter under new business, as he had a ; motion under notice m regard to tho belt and its control. Cr Bird seconded, and on being put to the vote the amendment was lost and the motion carried. After several questions had been asked and answered, I Cr Collins moved the motion standing m his name that the Council take over full control of the North-east belt. The Mayor said it had been agreed m the past that the Upper Ashbarfcon Road Board do any necessary work on the two belts bordering on their district. Cr Thomas said anything m this direction must either come from the Road Board to the Borough Council or from the Borough Council to the Boad Board. : ' " Cr Qrr said that what the motion proposed , had already been done, inasmuch as the Boaid had been doing the work, with the Borough's sanction. It would be better to 1 withdraw this motion and have the other rescinded, and then take fresh action, i The motion was seconded by Cr Scaly. Cr Orr moved an amendment to the effect that the Council draw the Upper Ashburton Road Board's attention to the condition of the North-east town belt, and to aak the Board to attend to. the work. Cr Pau} Beoonded the motion. The Mayor said that m the present condi tion of the belt the Council was liable for I any damage that may be done. It was pointed out that the damage to tha belt was caused by a water race of the County Counoil. Cr Orr said he moved his amendment simply to let the Council put itself m order. The* Upper Ashburton Road Board already had control of one-half o"? the belt. If that were so the proper coarse to follow waa to i apply to the Board, and give it an oppor tunity of fulfilling its agreement. Failing that it would then be open for the Counoil to enter into negotiations for fnll control. - ' -•» Cr Qtt'a amendment was parried as. against) Cr Collins motion, r COMMiTtfBSS. Cr Davis took exception to the number oi apparently useless standing oommitteeß of Coancil — some of which had not met for ages. He moved that every committee of the Counoil meet at least once m three mouths, This was carried. ESTIMATES. • Cr Davis moved that a copy of the esti mates, after passing by the Wprka Com mittee be posted to eaoh Councillor at) least four days before the Counoil is called upon to dlsouss and adopt the estimates,

THE ASHBtBTOft GUARDiAft ; TtJESiJAX, MAY 17, 189 S.



Synopsis or New Advkutiements. Henry Stephenson — Household furniture, etc., for Sale, Thursday May 19 Hanmer & Graves — Valuable suburban property for fale Wm, Harker — Address to farmers, Odd- fellows' Hall, Chrißtchuroh Methven yards— Sale, Thursday next Caledonian Society —Annual meeting, Wednesday, Slay 18 E H Dobson — Notice re cook for Lovpcliffe Charles Reid — House to let Found — Black sheep dog Deputy Official Assignee— Bankruptcy notice T. Bullock — Sale of a good sheep farm, 711 acres, Coidstream district, on Saturday, May 28.



CHURCH SERVICES. ST. SIEPH EN'S CHURCH, Ashburtoc. WKDNESDAY— G.F.S., 7.30 p.m THURSDAY— Ascension Day. Holy Communion 7 a.nv Choir Festival Service 7.30 p.m A collection will be made m aid of the general expenses fund. SUNDAY SERVICES (May 22). 8.30 a.m. — Holy Communion. j 11 a.m — Morning Prayer. 3 p m— Seafield, Rev, T. A. Hamilton. I : 3 p.m — Dromore, Mr T. Gates. 6.30 p.m — Evening Prayer.- REV. T. A. HAMILTON. r _JLi!li!'.-imiii» -lUJ"Ji Lli NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. 1 MEN'S, BOYS', & LADIES' WATER- PROOFS. YXTE have the Largeib and Beat Stock m jAßhburton, Over 100 Patterns to choose from, m all the newest patterns. Why buy a ready made coat when you oan get one MAD JE TO ORDE.R for the same price* GUARANTEED WATERPROOF All Sewn Seams, BEFORE Buying call and inapeot our new styles. LADIES' WATERPROOF GARMENTS A SPECIALTY. ANY ~}Tt V L E MADE TO OEDEB. A. GL BAETON, MANAGEK.



F. FERBIMAN. (THE PATENT ELASTIC STEEL HORSE COLLAR. (Contractors to HerJJMajesty'a Government War Office. Patented m Great Britain, France, Bel- gium, Austria, Hungary, Italy, South Au»tralia, Victoria, and the United States ot America, etc. LATEST AWARDS.— Silver Medal, Birkenhead Agricultural Society, 1990.— Silver Medal, Altringham Agricultural Society, 1890. Diploma k of Merit, Royal Military Exhibition, Chelsea, 1890.— Bronze Medal, Prague Exhibition, 1891. rfIHES COLLAR ia an invention" which I wins the approval of all [of hordes who once give it a trial. TESTIMONIALS. To Mb F. Ferriman, Dear Sir,— l have taken great' pains? to Bee how the above Collars would answer, and as you have taken over the agency for them I am sending you this testimonial, hoping you will use it for the benefit of the farming community, as I am satisfied the Steel Collar is a great boon to this county on account of the great heat and boulders we have to contend with. I have used them for carting shingle m riverbeds and find i that they ease the horses very much. I have also used them m the hottest part of summer to put m turnips, and find the 1 horses wearing the Steel Collars finished much fresher and took less feed to keep them m condition than those working m the leather oollars. I had a mare sent to me with her shoulders quite raw, and her owner could not cure them. I started to work her m the Steel Collar, and within a month had her as sound as possible. Another man sent me a mare wilh a tumor on her shoulder. I worked her m a Steel Collar and had her well m a week. In fact I do not think they can be too highly praised, and if once used no other sorb will be used I again. At the same time I would like to remind all that use them that they must be kept quite clean, a rub with a wet cloth is all that is required. | F. A. Saunders. i Mayfield. Ashburton, February 12, 1898 Mr F. Fbrriman. Dear Sir, — About month ago I purchased one of your Steei Horse Collars for one of my horses, which I found it impossible to work with the leather collar, though I tried every device m stuffing and padding I could think of. I ab last decided to buy a Steel Collar, and since then E hive worked the horse constantly, and he has done his work with the greatest ease, and is ontirely free from sore shoulders. I am bo eatifefied with thia one that I intend going m for another. Yours Truly, WM. KUSTON. AGENT FOR ASHBURTON F. FERREMAN. FOR SALE- LOT 37, containing half-acre of good land, fronting Trevor's Road. A capital site for a cottage, F. FERRIMAN, TO THE THRIFTY. FOR SALE, two shares m the Ashburton Industrial Building Society. The amount paid to May 9, 1898, amounts to £26 4s, to which may be added the share of reserved profits £1 8s 3d, which equals £27 12s 3d ; for which the sum of £26 will be accepted from a prompt buyer. The owuer having left the district is willing to sell at the atwre figure. F. FBRRIMAN. FOR SALE DRILL, maker, McSherry; price £6. Just finished sowing. F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE DRILL, maker, Farmera Friend Machine Company. Price, £5. F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE CHAFFCUTTER, horae gear and intermediate, by Richmond and C handler, largo size. Price for the lot £17 10s. F. FERSIMAN. FOR SALE, a quantity of empty casks, also five-gallon Btone jars, large mouths pro- tected by winker work, very suitable for salting butter m. F. FE&RIMAN. " NOTICE. riIHE Runners who deliver the Guardian JL to regular subscribers will not m future sell Bingle copies. These can be obtained from the runners engaged for that purpose, and the Agents — Messrs Jones, gounness, Marsden, Williams, and Mrs Adams. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS. A DVERTISEMBNTS not exceeding xju sixteen words will be charged for at the rate of ONE SHILLING CASH. If to be booked the charge will be Two Shillings and Sixpence. Advertisements costing under five shillings cannot be booked, except to regular clients. ECLIPSE CYCLE WORKS STOCK TAKING SALE NOW OS. OKf\f\ WORTH of New and Second- dC'eJUVJ hand Bicycles, Lamps, Bells, Saddles, Toe Clip*, Handle Bars, Tyres, Valvas, Chains, Chain Wheels, Trouser clips, Westwood Rims, Hubs, Spokes, Nipples, etc, etc., AT VERY LOW PRICES FOE CASH. Remember — «®°SALE ONLY LASTS 4 WEEKS, ECLIPSE CYCLE WOBKS, ' &Wim SQUARE, ASHBURTON, J



WASHER 1,000,000 HIGH CLASS TOWELS GIVEN AWAY T[o PURCHASERS OF EXCURSION WASHER, The Best Washing Powder m the World. A Large HONEYCOMB TOWEL given with Three Paoketi. A TURKIBH ROLLER TOWEL or a Largo HAND or" BATH TURKISH j IOW EL given with Twelve Packets. SHEARMAN BROS., FAMILY GBOCBRS, IRONMONGERS, & WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS, MARKET HOUSE, BURNETT STREET, ASHBURTON. Telephone No. 83. TITE Beg respectfully 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 and 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 & TURNER. ISO |PATTERNS 3 INHFX-.A.ISJNI3tiJbEX r XES. 3d to Is 2d per Yard to Select From. Best Possible Value For Money. er WINTER SEASON A. P. WILLIAMSON TS NOW SHOWING a Choice Selection of the Latest an! Most Fashionable DRESS MATERIALS m T weeds, Sergeß, Vicugnas, etc., suitable for the present Season. NEWEST TRIMMINGS, FANCY BRAIDS, GIMPS, Etc., Etc. FIRST-CLASS DRESS-MAKING AT MODERATE CHARGES —- _:o:~- — NEW FLANNELS, Blankets, Rugs, Etc., Value Unequalled. Now Flannelletfcea, Calicoes, Sheetings, Tablings, Eto. New Tartan and Floral Flannellettea and Moletons, now bo fashionable for Blouses and Dressing Gowns. MEN'S, YOUTHS' AND HOYS' TWEED SUITS, MEN'S MACINTOSHES & TWEED OVERCOATS, BOYS REEFER COATS. Bbirts, Socks, Scarves, Hats, Caps, Braces, eto eto. PRICES BIGHTi SPLENDID VALUE IN MEN'S COLONIAL VESTS AND PANTS A. P. WILLIAMSON, CASH DRAPER & CLOTHIER, TANCRED STREET. INCANDESCENT GAS-LIGHT. (WELSBACH PATENTS). GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES HAVING made Special and more Advantageous terms with the Australasian Incandescent Gas Light Company, Ltd., and being appointed Sold Agent for Ashbmton, I am now able to offer you these burners at the following reduced prices : — C BURNERS, PLAIN, COMPLETE, 15s EACH. C BURNERS, "AVON," WITH BYE PASS, 17s 6d EACH. N BURNERS, PLAIN. 10« EACH. N BURNERB, WITH BYE PASS, Us 6d EACH. Mantles for above are now reduced to 2s 6d each. ho Householder can afford to be any longer withoub the Incandescent Light) The C Burner gives FIVE (5) times the light of an ordinary gas burner with consumption of lest than TWO-THIRDS of the gas. The N Burner gives DOUBLE the light of an ordinary gas burner, with a con* sumption of gas less than ONE-THIRD of the gas. FQR^FULL PARTICULARS APPLY TO ADAMS, P JLUMBEB AND GASFI|TTER, s ■ ■■ BURNETT STREET, ABHBURTON, SOLE AQENT FOR ASKBURTON. 4 99 /■■ ■■".-.,"■.. , . <