BIRTH.

Wilson. — \t Allenton, on September 2, the wife of Thomas .Wilson, of a son. Both doing well.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1898. Local and General.

The Telephonb Exchange.— The latest addition to the telephone exchange is the Old Mea'a Home, number 35 on the list. Walter A. Wood Co.— The Walter A Wool Company has disposed of its New Zealand business to the Loan and Mercantile Company, Ariel Bicycle Club. — All interested m the Ariel Bicycle Club are invited to attend the annual general meeting, which will be held m the Orange Hall on Thursday evening next. Our first page to-day contains the con' elusion of our serial, and the remainder o' the report of the County Council meeting : the fourth pago contains sporting news and other matter. An Awkward SriLL —As a oyclist wai .coming down lIV-t Street about half-pasl twelve to-day, a clog got m froot of hit wheel, causing an awkward cnp3i#e into the side channel. Fortunately no damage oj injury was sustained. Caledonian Society's Fancy Dress Ball —It waa Mies Besaie Simmonds 1 band (hat supplied the muaic at the Caledonian Society's fauoy dress ball on Wednesday night last, made up as follows :— Violin — Miß3 Simmonds ; cornet — tAv McDonald ■ piano— Miss Hettie Friedlander. ' Presentation.— Miss Ada Tucker, who severed her connection with the Abhburton School (infant department) yesterday, was not allowed to leave without a souvenir from the children, who presented her with several .choice volumes and furnishings for the wiit ing table, and phe also got a hearty round of cheering from the young paophi. Tub Gambling Etil. — The Rev. R, Taylor has written us another long letter on the gambling question, but as he advances nothing that he has nob already said m his attempt to show that to bet is criminal and that we are m sympathy with gambling, we B ea no reason why we should print his latest epistle, more particularly as Mr Taylor has given the discussion a theologioal turn rendering it quite unsuited to the oolnmoa of a newspaper. The Show.— For many years we have been ruahed with orders prior to the Bhowa and holidays, and lato customers have been japvitably disappointed. We therefore reape.ctfully invite all who will require new suits, &c, for tho approaching summer to pALL early. We have just opened os*b pur npw season's goods, and aa we antiofinte a further increase of business, our stepk of new fashionable, and durable suitings, & 0 , is probably the largest ever shown m Aghbur ton, comprising a 1 the latest novelties, and a special line of Fog's celebrated Cheviot aergeß, which we are making to measure m the newest styles at three guineas per suit j also trousers to measure m a big assortment of Scotph, English, and Colonial tweeda and worsteds for 16a 6d per pair (übubl prices 22< 6d to 25 ) ; and m saddle tweeds : Suits £5 JOa and trousers to measure 173 'sd'. Fib, style, and workmanship m every garmeqb guaranteed.— Craiobkad Axp Uhbryman. the Leading Twlorfl and Outfitter, A«hJ burton,

English Church, Watektox. — The I annual gathering m conuectiou with the ' KDg'ish Church, Walertou, ia fixed for October 6 Camp Burnkd.— We regret to hear that yes Unlay the camp of Mr VV. de Cuinpiou at Laglimor, where some protective works were m progress, was destroyed by fire. In spile of a caution given, the man who was " boiling the billy," while the others were at work, had his fire too near the tent, and a audden chauge of wind had tho effect of b>iiu;iug the live embers to ihe straw litter near, and thence to the tent, which was s ion destroyed, as well as all the c'.olheaun-l other belonginga of thoae engaged ub the woik. Rejoicings at Coldstream —On Wed nesday eveuing last, there was a very pleiaant withering at Coldatream, m response to invitations from Mr and Mra J. Studholme, ju»r., to celebra'e the arrival of a eon and heir. The proceediugs took the form of a social and dance m the wool shed, which had l een tastefully decorated and prepared for the occasion, and where- Mr and Mrs Stud holme heartily welcomed the gueßta as they arrived. During the evening songs were contributed by the Misses Rolleston and McKeage. and Messrs D. Miller, John Brown, George McKeage, and Bray— Mrs Studholme and Mtb Claridga playing the ■icooaipanimentn. Later on m the evening; dancing was indulged m, the host and hostess joining heartily m the fun, and all went merrily till early morn. Abundance of refreshments were laid m a side room ; and taken all round this may be considered one of the moßt enjoyable gatherings that has ever been held at Ooldetream. . Before the singing of " Auld langsyne " and •• God save the Queen", which brought the proceedings to a close, Mr James McKeage, m a neat little speech, thanked Mr and Mrs Stud holme on behalf .of thoae present for their hospitality, and offered hearty congratula tions, which were acknowledged by Mr Studholme, who said that it had been a great pleasure to both Mrs Studholme and himself to welcome so many friends on the occasion, and he thanked them for their good wishes. Proposed New Road at Flemington.— A fair attendance of farmers was noted at a meeting held at FlemiDgton on Thursday m connection with a proposal to open a road from Flemington to To 1 , on the railway reserve. Mr Wil him Anderson presided, and said that many were aDxious to see this uew road opened. He had communicated with Mr Grigg ou the matter, and Mr J C N Grigg had written expressing hia father's willingness to grant the land. Me Grigg thought those interested might club together and do the formine, and he would do all he could to help. Mr Anderson pointed out the advan'nges of the road to the district. It would be a benefit to milk suppliers, many of whom would be brought within much easier reach of the factory. It would be a material hety^to the children attending schoci, and would enable many to go to school directly by road instead of having to travel through paddocks that did not always afford the best footway, and were often impassable. After considerable discussion it was unanimously agreed to accept Mr Grigg"s offer, nnd ask him to extend it to Long beach road. A committee — consiating of Messrs Williim Anderson, | Mcllroy, Dunn, Glassty, and Bond— was j appointed to interview Mr Griger, and also to approach the Road Board and ascertain if the road could be taken over by that body, and what assistance it would be prepared to give m making it passable for traffic. Several present expressed willingness to assist by giving labor, &c.

FATAL ACCIDENT AT HIGHBANK.

A melancholy occurrence at Highbank Ins to ho recorded as one of yesterday's item*. Mr George Brown, a brother of Mr Samuel Brown, Wakanui, who holds one of the best selections. in the Highbank settlement, lefc that place yesterday eveniag at abmt half past 8 x on some busincs he had at Methven. It waa his intention to have returned as soon a3 the bimne^B he went on had been transsc ted, and a couple of hours at the outside rhould have sufficed to t.»ke him there and back. Aa there was no sign of him at elevt n o'clock his men began to think he had elected to stay over night, and had about decided that such waa the case, when they heard sounds of a horse cireering about the yard. On going out they found Mr Brown's horse with its blinkers off roaming loosely pound with the trap. They secured the horse, but as Mr Brown wis not with it, and fearing an accident they wenb out on the road m search of him. After following the track for a mile they returned, and found his body m the yard, not far from the spot where the horao had been secured. Mr Brown was gu te dead, having evidently been jolted out of the trap as it approached the house. Informa tion of the sad affair was brought to Ashbur ton before daylight this morning, and one of deceased's brothers went up to Highbank to day, where the inquest will be held. Mr Brown waa c, young man of ab <ub thirty years of age and unmarried.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(.We do aot hold ourselves responsible for tho opiuiona expressed by our correspondents;

THE BOROUGH ELECTION.

j TO THE EDITOR. J Sir, — Seeing that - there are now six candidates m the field for the three vacant seats m the Council, I would ask these j gentlemen to call a meeting m the Odd -5 fellows' Hal), and give the ratepayers their views on various matters of importance and j interest to the borough. It eeems to me it j is only right that retiring Councillors should } give an account of their stewardship to those * who elected them, and that those who are 3 I aspiring to civic honours should make known ( their views if they have any, also their • reasons for seeking election, that we may " j know how to vote. There are many ; J questions — such as finance, the water eupply, i I the proposed loan, carrying out permanent j and necessary works, rating upon improved 8 j values, extension of the municipal franchise, t j the public library — not including the reading B I room— which is m my humble opinion a 3 j white elephant and a serious loss to the r I borough, and I f*ncy that if the ratepayers I knew what a'losa it }jas bpen since it was I taken over, thy would demand it to be > I closed. These remarks do nob apply to the 1 J reading room, which is necessary and usefu', i I and should be as rop'ete and comfortable as ' I possible. The inspection of meat and milk I are matters that should be seen to. I ; I simply auggesb these; there are doubtless I other matters that could be considered. A ' ( I meeting of the kind woull give the burgesses J an opportunity of asking a few questions, do I that perhaps a little more light may be got I on some matters that we know very littlo j about. Seeing there are six gentlemeu I coming forward, the expense of the Hull I would not be very heavy divided between I them, and if they took half an hour each J the ti)i}e would not be lost. Should the I expend stand m tha way, J. should be I willing to subscribe my mite towards jihe I same. Hoping the meeting will be duly I convened and held, and thanking you for I apace, I am, etc, J Ratepayer.

News m Brief.

_ The A"hburton Drapery Company announce their first display cf new prints. For Tuesday's sale at Tinwald yatds Mr David Thomas will have about 2000 ewes and hoggets for auction — special lines from Anama and elsewhere, that will be well Wprth looking after. (Jardenerti oaa po\y obtain Islington manures m owt. bags from Messrs Nicp'l Broß. Garden manures m small quantities editable for cottagers' purposes are a desideratum* The services at the Primitive fclethodjsfc Church to-morrow will be conducted by Mr Lomas, of Christchurch. Mr Lomas will also preach m the Allenton school m the afternoon. Mr Lomas, who is well known here and elsewhere as ap able preacher, / ehoald attract good congregations, I

CANDLELIGHT NOTES.

"I must have liberty withal, a3 largo a charter as thJ wind, to blow on whom I plouse— As You LiKa it." There h*B not been much m the way of excitemenh m Ashburton for a good numler of yeara, if one leaves out an occasiounl con tested election fcr ihe Parliamentary rente sencation of the district. Hut it was not , always ro. I lemembei the time when such a meeting as that held on Friday se'naieht would have been crowded, and there would have been no end of fun. People took great m forest, m the affairs of the borough th.n and to eoeure a seat at the Council Üble was b'ne aim of many able aud worthy men. The beat men of the pl«aa were m the choice of ! the burgesses, aud tho elections were exoitiog. Things are different; now. P,r hu.ps the same interest is taken, buo if so, it 11 not manifested m the sune way The | publip meeting on Friday, August 19, was " I about as deadly Blow as a funeral, and about as interesting as a sermon on temperance. We have no orators on our Council. The Mayor was nob born when that) gifb was distributed amongst his family. Cr Collins can occasionally say a trite thing, and some times gets off a neat Bentencaor two fluently, even effectively ; but when he attempts what the Yankees call " high f .lutin' " or " spread eagle" oratory he is— well, nob a success. It must have been terrible uphill work for him that evening, with an audience before him presenting faces as stolid as the Sphinx, leaden eyes that did not even smile and i certainly did nob glisten as he endeavored j laboriously to rhapsodise about our birthright i to God-given water, and all that sort of thing. When a man who really can speak attempts the sublime, his hearers mentally realise his word pictures, and you can Bte that they are doing bo by the very faces of them. Bub Cr Collins audience was an audience of ice, and i think the poor man fell ib. Cr Scaly was very energetic m hiß style of oratory. Ha had not much to tell his hearers, but he told it often, and if his words were nob powerful nor his arguments convincing they ought to have been, for the physical energy he wasted during his fifteen minutes' la k I would have been glad to have stowed away m my backbone for expenditure on the spade m the present early potato planting season. He would have made a fine study of Ajax defying the light ning when he rose to deny the statement that the Borough Council did not know their position when they went to the celebrated •'gallon of water" conference, and yet since that conference the Borough Council has spent a very respectable Blico of the ratepayers' money to find out what their position is, and are only sure of it m the way that every client of a lawyer is assured of it by his legal adviser up to the moment the judge gives verdict— against him. Cr Davis is making a model of Cr Scaly m his style of oratory, and his arguments are of the •onvincing kiud used by the old Presbyterian parson whose verger gave some idea of their force when he said the minister had knocked " the guts cot o' twa bibles " m the year. I fear me Cr Davh' arguments will cost the borough a new Council tab'e very soon if they are delivered frequently with the force that he has been using of late. And Cr Thomas too. You told the City Fathers that the game they were playing was not worth the candle, and you said v man like Sir George Grey could talk about the " unborn millions " and not be absolutely laughed at, bub a less distinguished man might not be treated so leniently. 1 fancy Cr Thomas must have had the grouud cub from under his feeb by that article, aud that ib deprived him of a chance of doing a bib of the Sir G-orge Grey busi nese—(not as well as Sir George of course ; I don't mean to insinuate that Councillor Thomas thinks he could do ib m the same street with Sir George)— and he was «< riled " m consequnnce. Anyhow ho said the talk about the "unborn millions" was the veriest twaddle that ever was written. He was charged by a recent hopelessly boaten candidate for pailiampntary honors with beingaimn who spoke first and thought afterwards. 1 take it he has done his thiuk iDg by this time, and if ib has brought him to the opinion he then expressed, all I have to fiay is — well, i:\-perienlia dacet, he ought to be a good judge of twaddling. Nuff said.

"There is an hour of peaceful rest." I don't kuow who ia or was ihe author of that live. But it i 8 churniug abjut mmy mind m an unsatisfied sort of way, as if seeking for the other lines its author connected it witfi. I fancy it belongs to some hymn or other, but whether it dpea or does not, I use it now m any r hiug but a saored sense, I refer to that hour whioh all smokers so thoroughly enjoy. When the healthy appetite has been stayed with a good square meal • the pipe m goo. l going order and the tobacco up to the mark ; the cuxeß of toil net aside for the day ; the house sufficiently quiet to allow the devotee of 'bacca to lie down oa a, Boft couch, and on hia back offer burnt offerings with every whiff ; while undisturbed he can devote himself to his magaz ; ne or his news paper. During one of those hours X was recently enjoying a whiff of ruby rough-cut and a Home paper by the last mail. I ran across the following :— Mr Silas Hocking, m ihe course of his weekly causerie, says:— In all our towns and cities the complaint is constantly raised that the best men positively refuse to -enter the arena of politics, eitheT local or Imperial. Xhey do nob phoose to have their characters canvassed, their narces traduced, and their motives impugned by the very people whose best interests they serve. It requires a good deal of courage and devotion for a man to sacrifice his time and peace of mind, and to run the risk of all manner of base insinuations m order to serve his generation. Fortunately for us as a nation, there has always been jj succession of public-spirited men, inspired by the purest motives, and intent only on the well being of the whole. Office-seekers thero have been of pourse j tricksters and charla tans. But m the main the public service has been kept pure, and to this England owes her commanding position to-day. 1 '

I It is self-seeking medoqrity that is the j rock ahead of democracy, and what Sil»s Hocking Bays of England is only too true of JNew Zealand. The best men are beicg driven out of the politioal arena, and the whole tone of Parliament and our locU bodies ia being lowered. Witneis the ecenes that have been enacted m the House of Representatives during the last few days. Witness also the mean and despicable attempts thafc ars being made to show Mr Wrjghb m the character of a tyrant and a self-seeker by men who are really not worthy to black his boots. It was amusing to hear one man at a recenh meeting asking with a ridiculous attempt at dramatic effect what hja hearers thought of tjjcir member V Twice he asked the question m a tone of voioa intended to be impressive, and doubt less he had an idea that the man was thus obliterated *ho had taken part m fining him him for irrigating his p»ddocks with the Council's water. When one gets into the mwardueas of things lots of things oan be accounted for, you see.. An editor or two and one or two others-— all men who had unsuccessfully contested seats for Parlia ment—have been elevated to the Upper House. Are them any political failures ip phis district seeking for a like honor 'i " So the battle of the creek it fought out and ends m a draw. It was a Bource of amusement to many that t\\e grown up meg pi the Oounty Counoil, and the grpwn up men who are the real owners of the mii should engage m such a game of see-saw, bub I for one am well pleased to know that the expenditure has been on wage; for men, and tbatanumber of jollygood fellows havehad an extra week's work that they might not other, wise have had. The expenditure m this direction, however, will be but a flea bite to the law costs that must inevitably follow wluohever aide wins. ' A rather amusing accident occurred one day this week about noon, when a lady resident of this town essayed to convoy Borne lighb refreshments to a gentleman who waa attending to aome alterations on her future abode. The lady m question loaded a tray with good things eatable of various lighten her labors she placed this miracu lously packed tray on the handle bar of her trusty bike, and commenced her journey. AM went merrily till the gallant bike took a £b-as bikes do sometimes— and without warning swerved its front wheel round at right angle*. In an instant, plates and jug te», &g , were tranaferred to a goodly pif«

on the roadside, and some into the gutter. The sight was an interesting oue to the few onlookers, and great was the haste of our lady friend to reload her tray and proceed. Fortunately none of the viands were damaged to any great extent, and the hungry gentle man's appetite was soon appeased. Bikes are nob good things to carry tucker on, are ' they ? ' ' — Jaques

PARLIAMENTARY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, September 2. The Council met at 2 30 p.m. FIRST READING. The Immigration Kestriuciou Bill was in troduced auti read a first time. BILLS ADVANCED. The Government Advances to Settlere Act Ammondmenb Bill passed itß final stages. The luebriates Institutions Bill wag slightly amended m committee. Ihe Municipal Franchise Reform Biil passed its fioal stages and the Council adjourned ac 4.15.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, September 2 The House met at 2.30 p.m. WELLINGTON-LYTTBLTON STEAM SERVICE The Wellington and Lyttelton Steam Service Committee reported m favor of a faster aud more -punctual service between I those places, and consideration of the matter was postponed till Thursday. Mr Seddon intimated that the House would be given an opportunity to deal with local Bills. OLD AGtE PENSIONS. The Premier moved the second reading of the Old Age Pensions Bill, and after refer ring to the undoubted necessity existing for the measure, dealt briefly with the systems of old age pensions m operation m Europe aud America. He contended that it was impossible for the average workman, with intermittent employment and a large family to support, to provide for old age. The competition m some trades was so keen that m order to compete on fair terms the employers had to employ young and strong men, and to treat the aged aa so much machinery. He did not blame employers , for this, as unless they did it they would be , unable to continue their business. Respec- ! tiDg the contention that land should bear , the cost of pensions, he said the land-owners I would object that those engaged m industrial pursuits, and m receipt of permanent mcomeß, were better able to pay for pensions. If the coat were paid by any specific class the recipients of tho pensions would be indebted to that particular class, but if paid from the consolidated revenue, to which the pensioners had contributed, they would have to a certain extent, made pro vision for themselves. At present he ca culated there were 5000 persons m the colony who would be entitled to pensions, ( and at £18 to each person this meant a total ' required for pensions of £90,000. There were at present 2000 persona throughout the colony receiving charitable aid, and who would come under the pension scheme, and reduce the charitable aid vote by £10 000 which, deducted from the total amount, required for pensions left a total of £80 000, which would be the net initiative cost of the scheme proposed m the Bill. He estimated that there would be 500 fresh claims yearly. It would be impossible, much as ho would like it, to give a pension to all persons over the age of sixty-five, but after providing for nejessitous cases the question of distributing the residue amongst those less necessitous cou'd be considered. He explained the diiierences m the present Bill as compared with the measure originally introduced, and urged the Houee to deal with it apart from party feeling. Captain Russell complimented the Premier on having dealt with tne subject m a philo -8oth:oalo h:oal t spirit, and having refrained from importing party feeling. Alt agreed that some provision should be made for old ase and destitution, but the question was as to how it should be t fleeted. In giving pen sions to the aged without demanding from them some spirit of eelf-eacrifice ir. their earlier years, there would be a danger of striking at the uational character and de stroying self-reliance. He s rbngly advo cated ths institution of a compulsory system of deferred annuities whereby, on a payment of sixpence per week from twenty years of age to sixty-five, a person on reaching that age would be entitled to a pension of £20 per annum for the remained of his life. The House rose at 5 30 p.m.. The House resumed at 7 30. Captain Russell continued his speech on the second reading of the Old Age Pensions Bill and expressed the opinion that there j would be more than 5,000 applicants. As to paying pensions out of surpluses, he said that a loss prudent Government than the present might be m office aud fail to show a surplus, and the payment of pensions would cease. Mr Morrison said that though logically every man and woman, whether m possession of means or not, on attaining the ace of sixty-five should receive a pension, it was a question of expediency whether this could be done. He said that the superannuation schemes of the friendly societies had proved a failure, and the Knglish post office annuities had alsp failed to appeal to the persons for whom they were intended. It was simply absurd to say that old age pen sions should ba left to friendly societies • T ,l?° n i Rolleat °n 8"d that the'sub ject did not this session appear to excite the same sympathy as it did last year. His ideas of an old age pension scheme differed from those m the i Bill .The principles which should be embodied m a pension scheme or snowed a desire to do &, to encourage voluntary insurance through friendly , societies or otherwise, and to deal with pensions m connection with the question of , charitable aid. The proposals of the Bill wpujd not encourage the people to securT a competence m their old age, would demoralise the community, and would be ( unjust to the industrious taxpayer , Mr Carncross said that he was thoroughly f K D ?f? ln S?if ly - m , favor of «M age pensions, but the Bill simply provided for distribution , of charitable aid under a more favourable 1 T m M T , he P ro ™ ioDa of the measure , should apply generally, m order to remove f the stigma of charitable aid from the recipients of pensions. ; Mr Dijthie eaid that the contention that . aged persons m the colony fcad an equitable • p the golon y was a falße suggestion ' a f iv H Wft m?° BoUnd baßis f °r the proposa of the Bill. The declaration of the Bill-that r a olaim for pension could be set aside olearlv ; showed that no equitable claim existed on -' ». pa x , P ensione " against the polony. f Mr John Hutcheson recognised that the Bill waa crude, but it was an honest at , tempt to deal with the subject He regretted that the Premier had not had pre pared an approximately correct table show ing to, what extent the present syst-m of charitable aid would be relieved by the IB m l r -M the ° ld Age PenßioQ Mr ; GilfedJep supported the Bill, and said that it would be an insult to offer ft pensiori to persons m an opulent position. Mr Tanner coutendpd thaif the scheme should apply universally. MB Mr Kelly objected to pensions heing paid out of indirect taxation. ■ The debate was adjourned. I The House rose at 12. 1Q a.m.

INTERNATIONAL DISARMAMENT

United Press Association— -By Electric Telegraph— Copyright Paris, September 1 Figaro states that an extraordinary session of Parliament will probably be held, and President Faure has post- j poned his intended visit tq IJavre The C?ar haa been informed by I'ranoe thatijhis disarmament proposals were slightly m advance of the other Powers, and too late for the Cabinet to. consider them,, Sydney, September 2 The Women's Christian Temperance Union Convention is forwarding to the Cgar a resolution thanking him for his disarmament proposals.

THE LATE FATAL ACCIDENT.

The Inquest Mr Robert Alcorn. J.P., acting as coroner, held an request at the house of ;Jr John Crum, Hsvmp9tead, yesterday afternoon, on the body of Frances Brown, aged cine year^, the victim of the burning accident recorded m a recent issue. Of a jury of tlx Mr 11. G. Berryman was chosen foreman. The following evidence wai^taken ; — Mary Brown, mother of deceased, said t he left homo at about 5 45 p m. ou August 31, leaving deceased m charge of the house and the younger children, and having transacted her business m Ashburton, she returned home, arriving there about 7 p.m. She found her daughter lying on the bed, and being attended to by neighbors, .having been severely burned, through her dress catching flee. Dr Hunter was *oon m attendance, but could do very little, and held out no hope from the first. Was with deceased up to the time of her death, which took place ab 5.40 a.m. on September 1. In reply to questions witness s*id she had often left deceased m charge of the house and children, and considered deceased was quite capable oi looking after things generally. Had had a house burnt before, and had accidentally burnt her own arm. Left a saucepan con taining soup on the side of the cooking range. Before her daughter died she told her the accident happened whilst she was taking a little soup from the saucepan for one of her little sisters. Never left the children to look after themselves, and always got their meals ready for them. The children all had their tea before she left home on Wednesday evening. Deceased told her Bhe had taken off some of her woollen underclothing, as it was too hot. Waß perfectly sober when she returned home on Wednesday, and had no drink that day, bo far aa she knew. Evangeline Maria Stills said she resided m the next house to the Browns. On tha evening m question she heard terrible screams at about 6.45 p.m., and on going to the back of her house saw . deceased enveloped m flames. She at once went to her assistancd, and omothered the flames with bags and a blanket. Took the poor child to her parents' home, laid her on the bed, and cut cM the remaining clothes. Did what she could to alleviate her suffering, and sent off for Dr Hunter at once. Remained with her till her death. In reply to ques tions witness said she did not consider < deceased old enough to be left m ch&rge of a house and young children. Found the sacks ou fire m the house on which deceased bad rolled m her endeavor to extinguieh the flames. Deceased had also rolled on the grass. Deceased told her she was taking soup from the saucepan on the stove when her clothes caught fire. The burns were very severe, the skin peeling off her anna and body. Mrs Brovn did not always come home sober, bat witness noticed nothing wrong with her on the evening of the acci dent. Deceased was conscious almost to the last. Thought the dress must have caught fire at the back as that portion was most burned. Considered Brown's children were not looked after as they should be. The jury were quite satisfied that Mrs Stilla did all she could for cha unfortunate child. Mrs John Crum corroborated to & large extent the evidence given by the last wit ness. Saw Mrs Brown when she returned home on the evening of the accident, when she appeared to be quite sober. Did nob often see her. Couaideted the children appeared somewhat neglected^- and were not well cared for, and that Mrs Brown had got into bad company, and neglected her home and family m consequence. These latter remarks were endorsed by the police. This being all the evidence, the jury re turned the following verdict : — " That the deceased, Frances Brown, came by her death by accidentally being burned"; adding the following rider—" In view of the evidence before the jury, showing that Mary Brown, mother of the deceased child, is of intemperate habits and neglects her children, the jury feels compelled to pass a vote of censure on the said Mary Brown for leaving her young children m her house with a fire, and recommends that steps should be taken to have her young children boarded out with respectable people, if they are not better oared for m future."

CABLE NEWS.

— ■'-■ ♦ United Press Association— By Electrio • i Telegraph— Copyright. J London, September 1 , Mr Chamberlain has sailed on a visit [ to New York. • The French forces have evacuated Borgu, m West Africa. Capetown, September 2 Mr Cecil Ehodes and Mr Hill have been elected for Bai-kley West. Thirty eight candidates of the Afrikander Bund and thirty-five Progressives have been returned. %^

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign.

United PreßS Aaßociation-By Electric 1 elegraph- Copyrightj Received Wakapuaka Sept. 2, 10.50 a m Guabdian Office 11.7 a.tn Warder Plot Discovered. Vienna, September 2 A plot has heen discovered to murder Baron Banffy, the Hungarian Premier

WAR NEWS.

The Door Open, United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Received Wakapuaka Sept. 2, 10 aO a.m GyARDiA* Office, H. 7 a .m. , Washington, September 2 Vesae h c{ all nations are now admittei to Manilla.

THE SOUDAN.

Unite i. Press Association— By Electric Telegraph— Copy righ t Cairo, September 2. A sandstorm is delaying the tele grams from the Soudan. Gunboats shelled the dervish camp at Kerreri on Tuesday. The Lancers skirmished at an out po9t, where 200 dervish cavalry were drawn up, and killed several of the . latter. The skirmishing party sighted a considerable force, with many stand ards. Sir H. H Kitchener, with the main body, has reached Surarad, ten miles from Kerreri, The dervishes appear determined to fight.

THB Afc'JlßimTOft OCARDTAN; SATURDAY, feEPTEaIJBER 3. IS9B.







Don't Cough.— Relief can be obtained immediately. Use "Keaung's Cougi* U>zenqes"_ well known as the utterly uanvalled Cough Remedy. Strongly recommended by many eminenb physicuns lhey at once cheok the cough and remove the cause without any after effect ; the moat delioate oan therefore take them. One j Lozenge alone gives oaae— one or two at bed time ensures rest. Sold everywhere m tins, lo£d each. CLARKE'S 841 PILLS warranted to cure Gravel, Pains m the back and all kindred complaints. Free from Mercury. Established upwards of 30 years. In boxea 4s 6d eaoh, of all Chemists and Patent Medioine Vendors throughout the world. Proprietors, The Lincoln and Mid« Eo 1 S Ol " 16 "* - Dro * Ccm P* n 7i UaooU







NICOLL BROTHERS. JNicoll Brothers, [f. F. Nicoll.] . [L. A. Nicoll AUCTIONEERS, ACCOUNTANTS, SHAREBROKERS, VALUATORS, LAND ESTATE, AND GENERAL AbENTS. OJfiNTRAL AUCTION BO MS EAST STREET, A>HBU&TQN. WEEKLY S4.LES OF cattle, pigs& poultky, Every Saturday, ab 12 o'clock noon, In Yards adjoining the Arcade. I<?ntrano3 by right-of-way, rear of Union Bank. Also of MERCHANDISE, FURNITURE. and PRODUCE, m our Rooms EVKRY , SATURDAY, commencing immediately on conclusion of our live stook sale. CLEARING SALES conducted m any part of the District at lowest current rateß. ADVANCES made on goods placed m our haudß for absolute sale. GRAIN BOUGHT AND SOLD ON COM- MISSION. We shall be pleased to receive samples from farmers who have parcels for disposal. NEW SEASON'S SEEDS We have been appointed Agents for | Messrs Sawtell, Wachsmann & Co., Christohuroh, and have now on hand a supply of Colonial Grown Ryegrass, Cocksfoot, Cow- grass, White Clover, Alsyke. Also, Turnips, Mangels, Cairots, Rape, etc., grown by Charles Sharpe and Co., Limited, Standard Seed Growers, Lincoln, England. WE ARE ALSO AGENTS FOR— The Christchurch Meat Company Limited. Milburn Lime and Cement Company Limited. Little's Sheep Dip. Sharplin and Co., Staveley Saw Mills. Ridley's Reliable Teas. Traveller Bicycles. FIRE, LIFR, & MARINE INSURANCE RI*KS EFFECTED. STATION BOOKS KEPT AND AUDITED We have various sum 3 of Trust Monies, ranging from £300 to £5000, to lend on Freehold Securities, at 4£ and 5 per cent. Farms, House Properties, and Building Sections for Sale. Particulars on application. We invite those wishing to dispose of their properties to communicate with us. riIHE CHRISTCHURCH MEAT CO. JL Limited. ISLINGTON MANUBES Especially prepared for Wheat, Turnips, Rape, and any other crop, and to suit any description of soil. GREATLY INCREASED PRODUCTION WHEREVER USED. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERY WHERE Nicoll Bros, store five varieties of this celebrated fertiliser. Price on application. Allowance made for quantities. Letters will receive prompt attention. NICOLL BROS, DISTRICT AGENTS FREEZERS FREEZERS. T^IARMERS wishing to consign Sheop on their own account can book space at any time£to suit their own convenience, by com- municating with us. NICOLL BROS., DISTEIOT AGENTS, CHRISTCHURCH MEAT COMPANY. Limited. 8 39



F. FERBIMAN. FOS SALE. TWO QUARTER-ACRE SECTIONS Near Wakanui Road. rilO Those m search of a Good Building Site m cloae proximity to Town I have two first- claaß Sections, well fenced, and at pre- sent m crop, whioh I am instructed to dis- pose of at once. PRICE — g£S&. Terms or Cash. F. FERRIMAN. FOE SALE. WILLS STREET WEST. I HAVE received instructions from the owner to dispose of his very comfort- able Dwelling House of Six Rooms, together with a quarter-acre of good land, well stocked with fruit trees ; situated m Wills Street, m close proximity to the Domain, being town section Ko 1194, which is un- doubtedly a good investment either for residential or letting purposes. Full particulars on application. F. FfiRBIMAN, FOR SALE FXIHE GOODWILL of Lease hf Perpetuitj of 500 acres of capital Sheep Grazing Country. A low figure will; be accepted for the Goodwill. F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE. J HAVE FOR SALE a Splendid Grez- ing Property of 4000 Aoro^, with good Buildings erected thereon. Fulllparticulara^ou application. ' F. FERLUMAN. FOR SALE OR TO LET. 4 ACRES OF GROUND AND LARGE DWELLING HOUSE, On Wakanui Road. THIS BUILDING was originally part of the Convent, and being within a Jew minutes walk of town, to an enterprising person it is admirably adapted for a Board- ing House. From the large influx of work- men that will be employed at the building and working of the Freezing Works, fora small outlay the proprietor of an establish- ment like this could arrange with a coach proprietor to drive to and fro night and morning, which would prove to be of great value to the house. The soil is of excellent quality, and there is aho a splendid orchard at the rear of the house. Full particulars may be had on application F. FERRIMAN. ! fvj&d? Qfffi£//p/fafia/?£ t_? f/2£fSf' Off mfWf?&. I emmmmmm tms \ exper/gfice gab im. I ££r&Bsfme/ff/?mM f ma> CHURCH SERVICES. ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH Ashburtoc. SATURDAY— ConfirmationCl»Bß,g aOpm SUNDAY SERVICES. September 4. 11 a.m — Morning Prayer and Holy Com- munion. 3 p.m— Greenstreet (Rev T A Hamilton) 650 pm.-— Evening Prayer. REV, T. A. HAMILTON.



NOW ON VIEW AT JOHN ORR AND COS., • Who have secured the Agency for this Splendid^Maohioe jovl the] whole of the , ißouth lalaud' \ \ WE INVITE YOU TO INSPECT WAVERLEY FEATURES FOR ' FORK CROWN j CRANK, AXLE, AND BEARINGS Ladies' Model WAVERLEY, 1898) fe^^^ SADDLES, HANDLE BARS. J^^^^ N d JOHN ORR AND CO.I