Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1899. "CHEAP" MONEY.

>l Cheap money" is not asked for by the man a 1 one who would borrow. Cheap money ia desired by everybody, with very few exceptions. The mer chant who sells his commodities to the public wants to get as much profit as he can for his goods, and the larger hie profi's on his sales the cheaper to him is the money he receives. When harvests are good, the seasons suitable for the output of abundance of produce, with markets favourable, the farmer's money is much cheaper of course than when all these conditions exist, with the exception of the favourable market. To the working man money is dear indeed when work is slack and wages low. There have been times when the British money lender was able to in- Test his capital at heavy interest. To him money was cheap, to the borrower it was dear, unless he was putting his borrowed capital to a very profitable use. During the last ten years, Britain having been engaged in no war of any consequence, or at least none likely to dislocate or in any way I seriously to disturb the money market, there has been a plethora of wealth lying comparatively idle. Since the : seventies of this • century the vast continent of America has had nearly all its arable land brought under the ' plough, and during the same period the people of almost every other country in the world, the soil of which would grow crops that would find a market ia the denser populations of civilisation or semi-civilisation, have turned their attention to cultivation. As a result the prices for wheat that were obtain able, daring the Crimean war, for instance, have been impossib'e. In 1854-6 the people of Great Britain were paying lOd and Is for the 41b loaf, and other articles of food were dear in proportion. But all this is changed now, .thanks to the marvel lously increased productiveness of the soil of the world—not that its actual fertility has been increased, but because of the widely extended area that has been called upon to yield ifcs handfuls. Within the l&sfc few years there has passed over the world a wave of prosperity, and just as ihe tide ebbs and flows, though not with the ssime unvarying regularity, the world! experiences those waves of prosperity or adversity. The effect may not always be a world wide experience in a rery palpable degree, but more or less it is felt, and close observers of the signs of the titnes,and even statisticians, say that these times of prosperity or adversity run in cycles like the years of plenty and the years of famine recorded in the history of Jcseph in Egypt. And no Government can claim to itself credit for the natural result of

the seasons if they are favourable, any more than blame is attachable to it if they are adverse. It was the c)cleof prosperity that most of the agricultural and industrial countries have enjoyed, that is alone responsible for the easi ness of the money market, which has been so marked of lato that, for any really tangible security, there was no difficulty in obtaining money at a low interest, 'ihe British capitalist was only too glad to lend at a reduced figure, and the recent prosperity of New Zealar d, thanks to the enterprise and industry of her people, favored by kindly seasons, was no important ! factor in her Government being able to secure loans at a low interest. The claim set up by the Seddon Govern ment, that it is entitled to credit for having done so, thereby reducing the rate of interest payable by the colony is very hollow, aa the fall in the rate of interest would have occurred, for the reasons already pointed out, if Govern ment had not borrowed a penny, the proof being that all other borrowers during the same period got nearly similar terms. But while Government has been lending out to New Zealand farmers at a reduced rate of interest the money boi rowed in the English market, it is curious to note what it has been doing for the working man in this connection. And the Govern ment professes a great love for the working man. While it has been bor rowing money in the Old Country, and receiving for £100 debentures only £95, and paying from 3 to 3J per cent for ita £95 instead of £100, it has been making use of the Bavings of the people in the savings bank fnnds, and paying only 3 per cant interest. But it gave no £5 premium to the New Zealand depositors as it did to the English bondholders The latter could select other means of in vestment; as thousands are open to them in the stock and other markets of the world, but the working man of Few Zealand bad no such chance. The Government had legis lated out of existence all the local savings bank?, so that the hard working toiler was left with no choice at all. He had to use the Government saviaga bank, or do without the advantage of a bank, and he was never consulted about the interest, The Government had a craze for •• cheap money," and took it from its friend the working man, who must perforce lend it to this paternal administration at three per cent, or revert to the proverbial stocking, which gives no interest at all. Similarly are the policy holders in the Government Insurance office dealt with, who have no say in the disposal of their accumulated funds, and have to rest and be thankful that they have the " Government assurance " Assur ance it is with a vengeance ; but it is questionable if, when this way of obtaining chaap money is looked into by ths depositors in the savings banks, and holders of life assurance policies in the Government Office, they will appreciate kindly the paternal solici 1 tude of the Seddonian "Liberal" A.dininistra<ion to obtain its money cheap at the expense of the toilers and small wage earners of the colony. Oheap monoy indeed ! This is one of the many bubbles floated off over the political arena by the party now in power. Surely the electors of Asljbur ton can see that is only an attempt to trade upon the general ignorance concerning the economic conditions of the times they Hve in.

Local and General.

1 "'■" '■ ■""■'■ "■ *~ ♦ —--—'"'■»- ■ — ~—• * # * On the first page to-day will be found an article re Holiday Dress. The Red Ensign—New Z jaland registered vessels are permitted to wear the red ensign of Her Majesty's fleet, with the badge of the colony on the fly. Thb Alleged Suicide at Totara—At the inquest oa the body of Robert Stewart at Totara, the j ary found a verdict of accidental death from % gunshot wound. It was not suicide as supposed' The hammer of the gun caught fa a creeper as deceased was going out of the d°°O —Preßß Association telegram. Land for Settlemint—The Land Pur chase Board have completed the purchase of the Barnego estate from the trustees of the late Mr Roberb Paterson (says a Dunedin telegram). The estate oonfc&ina about 7080 acres, part alluvial land, near Balolutha, and part loamy ridges in the Hiliend district. " My Brother Bobe"—Mr Stead »enb a oopy of his recently published brochure, "Shall I Slay My Brother Boer?" to two London editor". One reply ran somewhat thus : •• Dear Mr Stead,—Whati, in heaven's name, have I to do with your family affairs 1 — Yourß, sincerely,-——' 7 And the other: — "My dear Sir,—By all mean«-»if he insists upon ib.—Yours, faithfully,—■-—" A Lin colnshire vicar returned it with the question written outside, " Why does my brother Boer oppress his brother Christian ?" Scorching—No one would suspecb the City Fathers of the heinous offence of 11 scorching" on cycles through the city, (says the Press) but judging from the state ments made on Monday night it appears that they do so. One Councillor accused another, while the cycle by-law was being discussed, of going through the city at a rate of from ten to fifteen miles an hour ; whilst another one said he endeavoured to over take his" Worship whi'e riding twe'.ve miles an hour, but was unable to do so. Jurymen Fined—At the Supreme Court on Monday, Mr Leicester Matson was fined £5 for non-attendance on a special jury. Mr Herbert A. Beauchamp, who arriwd five minutes late, was fined 20a, his Honour remarking that if he continually remitted these fines, people would cease to take any care to arrive in time. Later, Mr Leicester Matson attended, and said he had never received any Bummons. His Honour said there was evidence thab it had been served on a member of his family, and he had better makeßOVte inquiries, St. Andrew's Day—To-morrow being Sis Andrew's Day, the day observe 1 through out the Anglican Communion for specia prayer and intercessions on behalf of the Foreign Mission of the church, the service in St. Stephen's Church will be as followa i — 7.30 a,m,—Holy Communion j 10 a.mi — Matins and Intercessions; 4 p.m.—-Chili dren'a Service; 7 30 p.m—Evening prayer and sermon. The offertories, according to the custom in New Zealand, will be given to the three English Church Societies—the tijf Society for the Propagation of the Gospel, the Church Missionary Society, and the Christian Knowledge Society. j Thk Message of Peace is always appre ciated and respected by all true men, for many of us hope the time is not far distant when it may be universally adopted by all nations. When this comes to pass, happi ness and prosperity will be the rule and nob the exception. In ihe meantime, Holloway's Pills and Ointment have largely helped to make foreign nations understand that Englishmen delight in alleviating pain and suflfidng. Those wonderful remedies have been blessed in many lands for the relief they have afforded and the cures effected. They are specially adapted for all complaints affecting the liver, stomach and kidneys, j and at this season no family should be without a supply. Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds never fails—ls 6d and 2s 6d

University Honours.—Dean Fitchett, of Duiiedin, has received intimation that the Convocation of Trinity University, Toronto, has admitted him M.A. adeundem, and has also conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity jure dignitatis. Galt,ant Rescue From Dbowning by a Girl—While a lady, Miss Winsett, was bathing at Karaka R»y, Wellington, a few days ago, she gut out of her depth. 'J here vvtra several iaiiiea on the shore at the time, but none of them could swim. O c ran off for assistance to the h'.uae of Mr A !•>. Mabin, ft short distance off, to en!is>t the aid of MiasZiidee Mabin, who was known to be a powerful swimmer, and who run to lh« ---shore and, without waiting to divest herself of l.er clothing, swam out, and, securing hold of Miss Winsmr, drugged her to the shore in a completely exhausted condition. Ihis is the second occasion (the Post stales) on which Miss Mabin has rescued a person ftom drowning. Thk Shamh of It?— That nothing but making it impossible t> get a stimulant will keep men sober, is an insult to the people of this country. Coir men ting on bhe Bill drafted on that principle by Mr T. E. Taylor the Press remarks t—The condition subject to which the stimulant would be administered under Mr Taylor's Bill, might in many caßes prevent the patient drinking it, and thus the restriction would prove an absolute pro hibition. When we remember the sober crowds of New Zealanders, numbering about thirty thousand, who visited the Show Grounds in the early pa it of this month, it is nothing shore of monstrous for any class of persons to seek to impose such unnecessary mischief and inconvenience on their fellow colonists. " Nae God in Dun¥ermline " —A cor respondent of the Hospital vouches for the accuracy of the following incident, which was told her by the nurse to whom it happened. She was night staff nurse in a large Scotch hospital* In her ward was a small boy whose leg had been amputated. When the ward was crowded and he was convalescent, he was often pub in another email boy's bed to make room. "He was an obstreperous child," continues onr cor respondent, " and used to try and kiok his companion with the'stump.' Then there were terrible rows. The night nurse was often angry with him, as were the day nurses, and onoe or twice the visiting accident policeman told him to be good, 01 he would take him away. One night when the nurse came oa dnty, she found him cry ng and, on asking him what was wrong, got this reply—'When I am name wi' mj mither, she says God sees me, and, when 1 am here, the " perlice" sees me, and I wisli I was wi' my grannie in Dunfermline, foi there's nae God or nae •• perliceman in Dunfermline. Ret. Gordon Webster—Some time age we announced, on the authority of a Home correspondent), that the Rev. Gordon Web ster.of St Andrew's, Ohriatchurch, was sc broken in health that his return to the colony was hopeless The statement is borne out by the following paragraph from bhe Lyttclton lima .—lt is reported that the Rev. Gordon Webster, minister of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, who left the colony some months ago for Great Britain, will be unable to return to the colony. Mr Webster was unwell for & considerable time before leaving Christchurch, and made the trip in search of health. He underwent an operation on reaching Great Britain, but though it) was partially successful the relief obtained was only temporary, and his medical advisers pronounced against ano ther sea voyage. Mr Webster therefore remained in Edinburgh, and his resignation as minister of St Andrew's was sent out by the last San Francisco mail. The news that he is too unwell to resume work has been received with wide-spread regret, especially amongst the congregation of his church. He ia a member of the Canterbury College Board of Governors, being elected by the graduates of the College, and his seat will now be declared vacant. Sports Association—A meeting of the executive of the Sports Association was held on Tuesday, there being a fair atbendance. A considerable amount of correspondence was dealt with, including enquiries for programmes of sports on December 18 from intending compelitora from Ohriatchurch, K&bpoi, Riingiora, Greymouth, Albury, and elsewhere. A letter was received from the Swimming C!ub asking for a reduction of rent, owing to certain hours not being set apart for members of the Club only by the Domain Board. The Secretary was instruc ted to reply informing the C!ub that the Association couli not reduce the rent thia season. The second quarter's rent to the Domain Board was passed for payment. The ABhburton Brass B vnd'a tender for the *pr>rt3 on December 18 was accepted. The following officials were elected for the sports meeting : —Referee—Mr P H Cox; starter—Mr D Thomas; time-keepera — Messrs Curtis, De Beer, and JtM;n; lap-takers—Messrs Madden, McDonnell, and Watson ; marks men—Messrs F Clark, R Shearman, L Hobbs and F Pritchard ; telegraph board—Messrs U Upton, McSherry, and P Orr; pavilion steward—Mr A M Morrisßey. The handicap, ping was left in the hands of the various club*)' handioippsrs. A meeting of delegates bo the Association was fixed for Tuesday, December 12

OUTRAGES IN VICTORIA.

£k House Dynamited*

Attempt to Wreck a Train-

United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright* Melbourne, November 28 An attempt was made to blow up the house of Dr Hewlet at Fitzroy with dynamite. Not much damage was done. An attempt was made to wreck a train at South Yarra by placing a bar of iron across the rails.

St. George's Happy Hour Company at Chertsey.

From Our Own Correspondent,

The appearance of a company of enter tainers ia our district is an event so rare that the notification of the St. Georges' Happy Hour Combination to show two nights here fairly took away our rustic breath. Fancy two nights "gaff" at Chert sey ! Though the company had only a moderate house the first evening, they had a capital one lasb night, and entertained their audience as an audienea was never before entertained in Chert^ey. The Happy St. Georges are drawing-room entertainers of the first order, their musical melange, in which a remarkable number of instruments —from mandolins and bells down to the old cigar box—are forced into requisition, was quite a revelation. Mr St. Gaorge is a host in himself. Not only is he an accomplished musician but an actor—and comedian at short—of large-candle power. He is ably seconded by Miaa Adaile St George, who iinga and acts moat successfully. Her danc ing of the famous "serpentine dance," under powerful limelight effects was most beautiful. Several songs, illustrated by first-class dissolving view?, were sang by Miss St. George and Misb Nina Manning. The latter despite " la grippe" was a most acceptable performer. Mr C. Lloyd, and Miss Gamp bell, the accompanist, took a creditable share In the work. The company, I believe, open a season in the Oddfellows' Hall, Ashburton, on Thursday night (to-morrow).

FRENCH COASTAL AND COLONIAL DEFENCE.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Nov 29, 930 a.m ThiaofficalO. a.m. Paris, November 28 ' The Chamber has voted sixty million francs for the purpose of the defence of the coasts and colonies.

REV. L. M. ISITS MEETING.

The Rev. L. M, leitb delivered an address on Monday evening in the OddfellowB 1 Hall, to a very largo audience. The chair wae temporarily taken by Mr Collins, awaiting I the arrival of the Mayor who, took his place j later on. Mr Isitt said it was unnecessary for him to enter into an explanation of the, object of his address as that was already known to all preseut. He regretted that he oould not be in five different places at once, but even this was not impossible in the future. Ho pointed out that there were a large number of fieldß for operations in the public houses on evtiy hand and for the third time he had come to ask all present to " strike out the top line " and vote for re duction—which was so much belter than nothing at all. He was often weary in his work, but) never we»ry ofi%. He I hanked God that he waa allowed to play a parb in this great movement, which would raise the human race. It i 3 amazing that there should be any attraction in a traffic which waa co vile, bo terrible, bo loathsome, and so repul sive in its results, and yet you cannot enter a place without meeting it face to face. The speaker stated that there were no leas than 1600 liquor barß in this country. Those present had no doubt come expecting to hear a rabid prohibitionist and believed he was oapabieof telling pretty sttong storiesbut what he had just stated waa only too true. He could not understand how in the face of the awfral results of the liquor traffic, which meet us on every hand, it should be neces sary for an appeal to be made to "strike out the top line." What was it but a " mug's game" any way? From enquiries he was convinced that men in the trade heartily wished themselves out of it. What he wished the people of New Zealand to do, was to strangle this awful curse, which is so terribly de grading. All reforms should be slow, some say—well let it be alow, but let us make up our minds that we will have it. Why do we not make more rapid progress 1 It is simply because of that intense lore of gold. Even our churches are not exempt. The speaker feared that so long as they got money for building, etc., they were not too particular where it came from. He alluded to the Tery strong way in which John Wesley spoke out against the liquor traffic, yet the Weuleyan Methodist church wag as much in fault in this matter as any other. He waa not referring to any particular church. He had nothing to say. against the brewery directors who donated £1000 to the Cathedral funds—£soo to the Catholic and £500 to the Anglican Cathedral fund. This was not given in one sum, but a little at a time, a hundred now and a hundred again. Perhaps they did not know that this was given by those in the liquor traffic, simply as a bribe to obtain votes. The pro hibition party was not a wealthy party, but he was confident that God was with them and that they wonld go on fromjatrength to strength, and conquer in the end. The speaker thought that in many cases persons voted against the prohibition movement, merely out of gratitude for some kindness done, or something of that Bort. In proof of this he mentioned a case in the North Island, where a woman gave her vote in this way, beoause a brewer's wife had been kind to her. He did not think that in many cases people realised what they were doing. He referred to remarks made by Canon Dodds with refer ence to prohibition in Clufcha, and said thab Canon ©odds' statements were not to be credited. What h« had said waa untrue. The publicans say : " Why can'b you let us alone, and mind your own business? We don't interfere with you, so why should you not let us alone." But the publican did interfere with us. He took money whioh would otherwise be spent in obtaining comforts for the wives and children. This reminded him of the story of the drunkard who reeled up to the pawnbroker's shop in the small hour*l, waking him up to ask the time. "Do you mean to say that you have woke me up in the middle of the night to ask me the time ?" « Yea," said the man, " because you have got my watch." Just so, we oannot leave the liquor traffic alone, because it threatens our well-being and that of every member of the community. Say we try to forget the misery that has been broughb about by the l'quor traffic if those ja the trade would promise that nothing more should happen. What would be the good? It would be aa impossible for the liquor traffic to exist on the past hs for a bicycle to remain upright unless it) kept moving forward. The speaker drew truly harrowing pictures of scenes whioh he said were the resub of the existence oi the liquor traffic He contrasted the drunkard with the oreature made in God's own imaga, and pointed out the awfolness of the fall. Many say that the drink traffis can be regulated. He wou'd like to know if any one present would consent to try it. The speaker wished it to be distinctly understood that he had no quarrel with the publican. The publican was not better nor worse than any other man, It was the traffic, not the man, that he did quarrel with. He spoke *very scornfully of those who say that prohibition is an infringe ment of the rights of the subject. He had heard this urged by a liberal the other day. He thought ihab came with a very bad grace from a liberal. To show that the drunkard was a nuisance to others as well as himself, the speaker said that he was travel ling in London some time ago with others, when a drunken man came into the train and began to talk very loud. They tried to pacify him, but iv vain, and it ended in the speaker having to sib on his head and another man on his feet. He had the horrors Ib was nob enough to say "if I leave the drink alone ib will leave me alone." The drink traffic affects all, either directly or indirectly. Mr laitb s&id that the prohibitionists were not going to give in bub meant to go on agitating till they even tually won. The prohibitionists did not wiih to interfere with individual action. If a man wishes to drink leb him do so. But what they do want, ia that the selling should be done away with. The speaker told ft story of three sailors in a boat who were in danger. Two of them oould not pray for some reason, so the third said he would try. His prayer was " O Lord we're in a mighty tight place, and we've never bothered you much before; and if you'll just help us this time we won't bother you any more." This was just the case wiih the liquor traffic. Ib was in a mighty tight plice. In Ashburton it is said thab the sale of liquor adds £350 to the revenue, but it would be well to remember that to cci this £350 we were really paying £12,000. Mr Isitt urged the retail traders of Ashburton to work tooth and nail for reduction. As by doing so «;hey would get rid of a lob of bad debts. Money that was before spent in the liquor bar would then be used to pay debts. He mentioned the case of the man who the other day killed his two children and tried to kill himself. At one time he was to be seen regularly at church, bub he waa appointed secretary of the working men's club and became a hopeless drunkard, with the result which shocked us all go much. This terrible traffic was no respecter of persons. Ib drew down many from the highesb positions to be amongsb the lowest. Ha would urge them again if nob for their own sakes, for the sake of those around them, to " strike out the top line," and vote for no license. At the close of the address a collection was taken up (the Mayor express ing a hope thab those present would give liberally) to defray expenses and help on the cause. Mrs H, Steele sang the srvlo "Strike out the Top Line," and the audience joined in the chorus. Several questions were asked and answered. Mr laitb then moved a resolution affirming the evils of the liquor trade, and urging electors to vote no license, which was carried. The Rev. G. B. Inglia moved and Ensign Rust (S.A.) seconded a vote of thanks to Mr liitt for his address; both gentlemen urging those present to vote for no license.

The following is the statement by Canon Dodd referred to by Mr Isitt in hia address on Monday :—During the discussion in the Otago Anglican Diocesan Synod on the ever lasting drink question, Canon Dodd, rector of Balclutha, said his district was in a miser able state through prohibition—financially miserable, commercially miserable, and morally miserable. Morality there was utterly destroyed by prohibition. The sly grog system was gaining ground, an! he was told that at the present time there were seven jjly fcrog shops in one street). The morality of the thing was so terrible that informers ef any ascription were abominated

Ihe result of this was that the trout fiihiDg in the district was spoilt because no one could be got tven to inform on poachers.— (Laughter.)

TRANSVAAL WAR.

nxiety for the NLth Lancers

Ihe Operations in Natal

General Gatacre's Force

The Colonial Contingents

The Fight at Grass Pan

The Naval Brigade Congratu lated by the Queen

The Battle at fielmont

The Boer Losses

Latest News from Ladysmith

Uniced Press Association—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright Capetown, November 28 Anxiety is felt for the safety of the Ninth Lancers, who took part in the fight at Grass Fan. Genera! Gatacre, after receiving reinforcements, moved north, lest the Boers should threaten Lord Methuen's lines. The Australian troops which have arrived at the Cape are well, and are eagpr for the fray. General French ia restoring the Naauwpoort Oolesburg railway. An ex-officer of the Austrian army, named Albrechfc, commanded the enemy's artillery during the fight at Belmont on Thursday. Eighty-one Boers were killed, and sixty-four waggons, 50,000 rounds of ammunition and 750 shells were destroyed The Grenadiers lost twenty-four killed, ninety-three wounded and five missing. Durban, Nov. 28 General Buller has arrived at Maritzburg. He praises General Hildyard's operations at Willowgrauge in clearing the district. General Hild yard, with 10,000 men, is at Frere, hoping to intercept the enemy retreat ing via Weenen. The Boers found the positions round Estcourt too strong. A naval contingent, with two 4 7in quickfirera, have left here for the front. The latest news from Lady smith reports that the troops are quite cheery. London, November 28 The war fund has reeched £326,000. Sir T. Lipton has gwen £10,000 to the Princess of Wales to spend at her discretion. The Niznr of Hyderabad has given £15,000 in aid of the British wounded. The Queen congratulated the Naval Brigade on their gallantry at Grass Pan, and expressed regret at their losses Fourteen seamen were k'lled, including Midshipman Huddart, of the fUgship Doris, and fifteen were wounded ; seventy-six marines were wounded.

A Traitor's Fate.

Saver's Homilies.

Leyds' Lies.

"'Received Wakarunka 'Nov. 29, 9'23a.m This office 9 52 a.m . Durban, JSovember 28 A traitorous trooper belonging to the Natal Imperial Light Horap, has been shot He was caught poisoning I the horses' water and fodder. j Capetown, Nov 28. M. Saver's mild homilies to disloyal* iats have aroused great indignation in Capetown, London, Nov 28 Dr Leyds, on General Joubert's authority, is circulating accusations that the British have employed native auxiliaries, fired upon the ambulance, abused the white flag, and are cruel to prisoners.

The Cordova Incident Justified.

"(Received Wakapuaka Nov. 29, 9 30 a.m This Ofpoe IQ. a.m) Paris, November $3 M. Delcasse, Minister of foreign affairs, admits that the action of the British cruiser in searching the steamer Cordova, off Delagoa Bay, waa in accordance with international law,

The Victorian Contingent.

Special Service Olficers

Received Wakapuaka Nov. 29, 9 42 p.m This Office 10.20 p.m) Melbourne Nov 29 The Cabinet has refused the offer of an Insurance Company to insure tha Transvaal Contingent and will make provision for them on the Estimates. Bobart, November 29 Captain Legall and Lieutenant Watch go as special service officers to the Transvaal.

Australian Politics.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Brisbane, November 28 Mr Bawson informed the House that he was selecting a Cabinet. The Assembly has adjourned till Friday, when tho names of the new Ministry will be submitted. Adelaide, November 28 Mr Burgoyne moved the adjourn ment of the House, to be taken as a test of the strength of parties, The Kingston Ministry, after six years and a half of office, was defeated by ope vote, three members of the Labour Party voting with the Opposition. Mr Kingston may seek a dissolution on the ground $hat members are opposing the national will with regard to the Household Suffrage Bill. Mrßurgoyne is over seventy years of age, and is likely to ask the Governor to summon Mr Solomon to form a Ministry.

News ia Brief.

By advertisement in another column of this issue, the Ashburton branch of the Liberal and Labour Federation intimate that their candidate, Mr John McKeague, will address the electors at Ailenton schoolhouse on Friday evening next, and at Hampstead sohoolhou^e on Monday evening next.

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not bold ourselves responsible for tb» opinions expressed by our correspondents)

THE ABHBUBTON SEAT.

TO THE KDITOE. Fin, —I would invite the more thoughtful of the electors, whatever may be their po!i tieat opinions, to ask themselves this ques tion. Ought the new member for Aehburtoa to be the representative of the constituency, or is it. sufficient, for him to be simply Mr Seddon'a " man," to vote as Mr Seddon bids, and obey bis master's behests? We know that when he waa to the Hoase before, Mr McLachlan was the blitid, obedient servant of Mr Seddon, and no doubt, if returned, will be so again. The terms upon which Mr Seddon supports a candidate are that the latter shall (to pub the matter in plain Eng lish) become his lackey. Mr Seddoa does not want immbers of Parliament—'he wants servants, who will vote for him when he ia in the right, and more particularly when he is in the wrong. If the electors return Mr McLachlan, they will be returning a Seddon voting machine, neither more nor less. Will the majority of the electors so far degrade the constituency aa to do this thing I As to Mr Maelin, he pretends, as he pretended when he was a member of the House, to bo independent; but he always voted with Mr Seddon when his vote became of importance, so what does his boasted independence amount to? He is neither fisb, nor flash, nor good red herring. Mr Harper is the only one of the candidates who, if alaoted, could be called a member of Parliament In the proper sense of the term ; and t trust that, for the credit of Ashbnrton, he will ba placed at the top of the poll.—l am, etc., M.P. Aihburton, November 29,1899

"STRIKE OUT THE TOP LINE."

TO rH« EDITOR. Sm,—lf the prohibitionist! intend to "strike out the top line" on both bmllot papers, I fear their action will have the effect of returning the one man whom, moib of all, they specially objeob to. Their unwise action in 1893 was the cause of the return of the man who, more than any other, has intuited and traduced the temperance party of New Zealand, and if they persist in following the same lines in the coming election, a similar calamity is likely to 1 overtake us. And whab ia more, the reason able portion of the community will probably retaliate by refusing to cancel the " top line " on the local option ballot paper. So that if the prohibitionist party with to carry no license they would be wise in joining forces with Mr Harper's supporters, who in return would assist them to carry a strong no license vote. In any case, surely the constituency which has been "washed" fcr the last three years is nob going to return to its " wallowing in the mire," as in 1893.— I am, etc., Aqua Poba.

THE OLD AGE PENSIONS ACT

TO IHK EDITOB. Sib,—The followers of Mr Seddon here are trying to make people believe that Gap tain Russell and other leaders of the Oppo tion party opposed all old age pension schemes because they opposed Mr Seddon'a, Well, Sir, I for one thank those gentlemen for recording their protest against that scheme. Bub as to opposing any or all old age pension schemes, that they certainly did not. Any person who chooses to turn up the Parliamentary proceedings in the year 1882 will see at once that the present Opposition party were in favor of a scheme to help the old people, without making them feel that the help was charity. The present Premier and those of his followers then In Parliament opposed and killed that scheme.— I am, etc. An Old Man.

MR MASLIN'S CANDIDATURE.

TO THK EDITOB. Sir, —The electors of Ash burton should thank you for your timely leader of the 23; d mat. on the folly of electors throwing away their votea as was done at former elections, notably iD 1893, when you suggest thafc those who voted for Mr Waby should have voted for Mr Wason, which would have insured his return, and as the matter stood after that election those 711 voters were unrepresented for three years. But what of all. those I who voted for Mr Wason ? They were also unrepresented for three "years ! Again, I would ask what of those who voted for Mr Wright in 1895 when he (Mr Wright) received the bulk of the temperance vote and yet was easily beaten by Mr Maalin, not* withstanding the fact that there were then also two other Liberal candidates »t the poll. According to your leader those who voted for Mr Wright threw their votea away and should have voted for Mr Maslin (the winning candidate). Now, sir, lam sure that you will frankly admit that Mr Harper cannot be compared with Mr Wright as a public man. Indeed, Mr Harper himself admits that he it nob competent to fill Mr Wright's plaoa (vide hit recent action on the County Council. Therefore, seeing that Mr Mailia defeated Mr Wright (the stronger man) in 1893, is it not highly probable (to say the least) that he will dafeat Mr Harper? So according to your leader, elector* should not throw away their votes, bob vote for Mr Maalin, who has the better ohanoe of winning and who is not supported " merely because he favours prohibition " as yon insinuate, but by ali true Liberals who are acquainted with his consistent and genuine work in Parliament in the interest of reforms for the benefit of the people*—l am, etc., LIBERAL. [It is idle to argue that Mr Wright was beaten by Mr Maslin for the Rangitata seat, Mr Maslin's home ii in Geraldine, and all his business interests He in that district. He is perfectly well known there, while Mr Wright was a total stranger to the vast majority of the people north of the Rangitata. Our correspondent forgets that Mr Maslin chose prudence as the better part of valor at last election, and withdrew, not caring to face Mr Wright in an electorate in which the tables were completely turned, Mr Wright being very well known and Mr M&slin anything but that.—Ed.

THE ASHBUBTON GDAEDIAN .• WEDNESDAY, NOYEMBEK 29, 1899.



SAZVOEtc & Mount Euca lypti .Extract. Under the distinguished patronage of HU Majesty the King of Italy, as per communica tion made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs through the Consul-General for Italy, at Melbourne, March 14, 1878. Awarded diploma At the Amsterdam Exhibition, 1883. Acknowledged by Medical Olinica and Universities all over the Globe. There are Imitations of Eucalypti Extract in the market, products of simple distillation forming crude resinous oils. In order that these crude oils may not be taken, UR PURE VOLATILE EUCALYPT' EXTRACT, which is recognised by the medical division of the Prussian Government to be of perfectly pure origin, as per information forwarded to us through the Consul at Melbourne, March 2, 1878, we bate :— It is proved by tests by the Medical Olina of the Universities at Bonn and Greifswald Prussia, and reported by Dr. Schulz,Professor of Parmaoology, at Bon, and Professor Dri Mossier, Director af the Medical Clinics ab Greifswald, that only products that are saturated with oxygen aad freed of acids, resinous and other substances, adherent to primary distillation, will develope the sanative qualities proper to the plant All crude oils, or so called Eucalypti Extracts are to be classed according to the named ■minorities, among the turpencinee, which are abandoned long since as an internal | medicament. These orude oils, or so called Eucalypti Extracts, are discernible :— 1 By their deficiency in pungent odour— which our product, the only genuine Eucalypti Extract develops most freely through its Burplus oxygen. 2 By their alcoholic thin and mobile appear ance being reduced ia specifio density through tiie presenoe of acids. 3 By their taste, the result of the contracting tendency of resins and t satiates. if these crude oils, so-called eucalypti extracts, are applied by mistake in oases of oroup, bronchitis, diphtheria, internal nflamations, dysentery, etc, the con sequences are most appalling. For safety ake ask always for SANDER & SON'S EUCALYPTI EXTRACT. - Swdorrt, Victoria, Auitralia,



Smoke New Veaun



An Express.— Everybody knows the advantage of an expressman who knows the town and suburbs thoroughly, and executes orders promptly. Therefore send for John Cooper, General Carrier and Expressman Peter Street east), near Commercial Hotel- Ad vt)



EMke New Yww I



d * f iH ft ** Oj • SI a g|B o | i sfil« H 1 1 I' 5 i g M S •« g S 5f § g = s.-s pa fH 00 r i ~j. wilsonT (Established 1878), BURNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office Employs upwards of 18 hands. DECORATOR & SIGNWBITER. I WISH to not<ify that I have secured the services ol Mb Chas. Chapman, as Sigkr writer, who, in addition to his homa training has had a large amount of experi ence in our cities. LARGE STOCK OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPER*?. I have j st reoeived—direct from the j manufacturers — a few thousand feet of Picture Frame Mouldings. Persons desirous of having Pictures framed would do well to call and see them. Telephone 65 CHEAP MONEY! ~~~ CHEAP MONiSY CHEAP MONEY IN SUMS JF €100 ™ £10,000, ON COUNTRY, CITY, AND .SUBURBAN FREEHOLD, At fl| per cent. Terms of repayment of the mont liberal ehiracter, which can be ascertained on enquiry. T]lOR FORMS OF APPLICATION AND " FULL INFORMATION Apply to the DISTRICT MANAGER, Christchurch. J. H. RICHARDSON, Government Insurance Commissioner,



Carraway Seeds 8d per lb Pimento, whole Is „ „ Pimento, ground Is 2d „ „ Mi xed S pice l|d per packet PlCKLES—Hayward's Mixed, lOd per bottle, 9s 6d per dozen Cross and Blackwell's, Is 3d par bottle Captain White's, 2s 3d per bottle Curry Powder .lid per bottle Borax Sd per lb Alum ... ... ,«* 6d   Saltpetre , 6d „ „ Tartaric Acid IslOd   Carbonate Soda, 3d per lb, 2s per doz lbs Whole Linseed 3d per lb Linseed Meal 4d „  MATOHES—PIaida, 4sd per doz, 4s per gross 250 a Is 6d per dozen 1000's 5d per box, 4s lOd per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 83 per do&en Yarmouth Bloaters, 9 for Is Maconochie'a Fresh Herrings, 6£d per tin  Herrings In Tomato, lOd per tin „ , Herrings in Shrimp, lOd per tin „ Kippered Herrings, lOd per tin  Preserved Bloaters, lOd per tin Auckland Mallett 7d per tin Oysters 8d   Sardines, large Alberts ... Is „ „ | Sardines, large , 8d „ , v Sardines, small 4d „ „ Salmon, Holly leaf , lOd „  Salmon, other Brands ... 8d „ „ OlL—Lucca, 2s 4d per bottle Salad, £ pint sd, 1 pint lOd Castor, £ pint Sd, 1 pint lOd Sheeps Tongues, lib Is, 21b la lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spiced Beef, 2lb tin, Is Crosse and Blackwell's assorted Pastes, Is 3d per bottle, 14s 6d per dozen Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2oz, Is lOd. Leiberg's extract, Is 9d per bottle Patent Groats, Robinson's, lOd; Har per's, 9d per tin \lelims'|Food, ls£Bd per tin



Van Hoaten's Coco*, Jib, lid ; |lb, U 9d; lib, 3s 8d Fry's Co,coa, *lb, 8W ; lib. I*4*4 Real Good Candles, 4|dperlb; 8a 6d per box  Parafine Candles, plain and fluted, b£d per lb ; 12s 6d per box Fairy Night Lights la 2d per box Flake Tapioca, 71bs for la Pearl, 61bs for Is «ago, 71bsforls Mixed Peel, Lsmon, Orange and Ut ron, 8d per lb Lemon Peel, 71b tins, 3a 61 lib Tins Assorted Jams, 5d per lb ; 4s 9d per dcz 21b Jats Assorted Jams, 14s 6d per doz Lea and Perrin'a Sauce, large, 2a 6d Sper bottle ■■'Mellots Sauce, Is 3d per bottle Worcester Saaoe, small, 5d ; large, Ud Brown's Corn Flour, 3d per lb Mfisdn4 R<i per dozen 6s 6d Whiting f b for Is ■'■ Morton'&Cream of Tartar, 4« 3d per lb Prweorea Fruit, 2|lb tins, 8d per tin, 7l'6d per doss English Cut Loaf Sugar, 3|d per lb TofaatojSauce, 9d per bottle GoldeflTßyrup, Sib 6d, 41b Is, 561b 11s 3d Treacle, 21b 6d. 41b Is, 71b Is 9d Winmt Raisins 6|dperlb Finest Saltanas ... ... 7£d ,» » , Finest Oar«-ants ... ••• „  | per case 4« i   j Stewing Fl 5 s ... ... 7|d „ „ French Ptaais (choice) ... 1« . » »» Stewing PI anas ... ... »<* .»» »» Finest Mnscafela ... ./ls M >» .» Californian Muscatels ... 1> «»• Dates, extra fine, 31b boxes, la 9d per box „ A .  Almonds, Jordan 2* 4J per lb Almond*, Valencia ... Is bd „ „ Alteonds, Sicily ... ••• if> *\ »•» Barcc" malSuta °* «» " Shell Almouda ... ... 1«* » » Day and Martin's Paste Blacking, 4£d per doz , Pay and Martin's Jar Blacking, 6d par bottle . _, French Blacking, 2d per tin, Is 9d per Six«s 'BUoklead, Id jus«, dd per doz J amea'.Bume Blaoklead,i.6d per doz I



JOHN ORR AND COS REVISED s^PRICE LIST* WE Ohim to be the Leading Firm of Grooars, Ironmongers, and Crockery Merchants in Ashburton. We import all our Stock from the Home Market* for Spot Gash, and are therefore in the beat position to supply the public with only genuine goods ab the lowest possible price for cash. We guarantee all oaf giods faU weight and Enest quality. We never charge fer mokin» and delivery, all go-)da at the Railway Station free. Any person leaving au ordee wl-h m o*a g-»t a p»roel ticket, and therefore always be .sarej.of ..having thoir goi.ia ab tha station in time. No charge for ticket. r -LIU U Jtt" PER SACK 13* — »UGtAl* — J3Jd per it> >vitn Tea i&IARAVILLA GARDEN TEA— Is lOd, 2a, 2a 4d perp slb Box .- 8a 9d, 9a 7d, lla lOibßox .- - ... 16i Bd, 18s 4d, 21a 8d KOZIE TEA — 101b Box, |18s 4d ; 51b, 9s 7d GOLD LSA.F TEA lOlbßor, 18a 4d; Sib, 9s 7d ~:PEOVISIONS - FACTORY Fern Leaf and Sutton's always In stock. CHEESE—FineBt Factory s 6d per lb R A t)N AND HAMS —•• LewlaV "Morepork," "D. Mc^allum." Mild m on ai>u Cared Ham^ gldea and Roll^ 7^de GORE OATMIAL—2SIb Bag, 2s 6d



WAYERLEY CYCLES. T^T EW SHIPMENT JUST TO HAND ALL LATEST IMPROVEMENTS — fx) — Two or tHree 98 Ladies Models yet on hand, will sell at £20 A few good second-hand machines for sale at prices from £3 up. "■'"""" (x) ■ EEOENT SUCCESSES OF THE WAYERLEY. Oct. s—Ashburton Cycling Sports—WAYERLEY First and Second in every Raco. Oct 11—Otago Labour Day Wheel Raee-WAYERLEY First. Ootsl2—Amberley Druids Wheel Race—WAYERLEY First Oct. 12—Amberley Druids Three MiIe—WAYERLEY Second Oot. 28—Auckland Cycling Club, Federal Scratch Mile— WAYBRLIiY First Wheel Race -WAYERLEY Second Noy 11—Christchurch Cycling Club, One Mile Centre Cham pionship— W A YERLBY First Five Mile Handicap : WAYERLEY First from Scratch Three Mile Handicap : WAYERLEY First Wheel Race : WAYERLEY Third & Fourth JOHN ORR & CO.. ASHBURTON, SOLE NEW ZEALAND iGENTS aud at Waverley Cycle Depot 217 Colombo Street, Christchurch.