TO CORRESPONDENTS.

CONDENSED CORRESPONDENCE.

" Liberal."—Those who live m glass houses I should nob throw stones. "Wine and' women" marked Hogarth's " Rake's Pro gress." It we allow you to throw bricks a6 your opponent over his weakness u> any direction, you would doubtless bo ungry with us if we published another " Liberal's" very munVi stronger letter ou your favorite's outm ,eoua we&kne 8 m! another, J. S. A. —"How to vote" is a "Come all ye" m favor of no-license—forcible enough m spirit no doubt, but very lame m the f»et. B Brother.— We cinnot allow you to refer to matters of shat kind. You will see for yourself that another party is involved who is not seeking your suffrages, and who has already guff red unjastly. And the leaa said about the weakness of your owu side, an i the w&y the con stituency was dragged through the mirr, the better for all concerned.

Ashburton Guardian Megna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1899. A REMINDER.

The electors scarcely need to be reminded that to-morrow they will be called upon to record individually their wishes as to who shall represent them m Parliament for the next three years But to judge from the experience of the past they do require reminding—and that earnestly—that this is not only a privilege but a duty to the constituency and to the whole country. This being so, it is to be hoped that no person having a vote will fail to record it, both for the electoral and the licensing ,poll. As to how their votes should be cast, let them ask themselves— 1. What special qualifications are re quired for their representative, keeping carefully m view the important points of (a) character and (b) community of interest—the last being largely affected by the consideration whether the candidate is local or otherwise? 2. Which of the candidates appears to satisfy those conditions most nearly, judging by knowledge of their past career. 3. Which of them—judged by the same standard—would reflect moat credit upon their choice ? 4. Whether they are satisfied with the explanations given by Ministers of the Bushy Park scandal, the marine scandal, the Ash burton and other scandals, and if not can they conscientiously assist to keep m power a combination of men con tinually outraging the public sense of what is right as the Seddon Govern ment does ? 5 Do they wish to main tain the principle of freehold tenure of land, so that a man can secure his own home, free from the interference or influence of any Government. If so, would it not be highly imprudent to assist m keeping m power a party pledged to introduce nationalisation of the land, and to abolish eventually the freehold, the Seddonian policy, as is clearly evidenced by the way m which they have voted large sums out of the public funds to assist leaseholders under the Crown who have h^d bad seasons —no such help being obtainable by the freeholders! And, lastly, if prohi bitionists —or pronounced total absti nence advocates—are they strong enough to return the candidate advo cated by the local representatives of their party, Mr Maslin ? Should they even feel a reasonable doubt on this matter—and we think that the element of doubt must come in—then they should consider whether they would not be wise to join forces with Mr Harper's supporters, so as to prevent the possibility of Mr John McLachlan, their most determined opponent, from being their representative for the next three sessions. If the electors will only recognise that these triennial elec'ipns are not mere matters of form, but are opportunities given to every elector to take his share m framing and parrying out laws for the good of New Zealand, there should be no fear of the result. Let not the electors be misled by the plausible represeqtations of any set of men, but let them exercise their own judgment according to their lights.

FRENCH TO BACCO MON POLY.

One of the important sources of Government revenue m France is ob-

tained from the tobacco monopoly. It was m 1570 that JeanNicot, then the

Ambassador of Fran cois 11. to |?ortug«ii, grsfc introduced the culture and use of tobacco to France. It became so rapidly popu larised, that m a few years it attracted the attention of the Government, and Richelieu foresaw m it a source of large profit ; therefore, instead of pro secuting smokers, as was the practice m some countries, he devised a better and more profitable way of turning the growing habit to account. In Novem ber, l®%&, h® issued a decree that all tobacco imported shsui^d be taxed at the rate of 80 sous (about 15 pence) per pound, exception being made m favour of such tobaccos as came from the islands of St. Christopher, the Barbados, and other French possessions belonging to the companies which had oeeu created under the patronage of Richelieu. The Government monopoly has steadily flourished, and the income to the Treasury increased almostyearly, rising from more than 55,000,000 francs m 1816, to nearly 396,000,000 | francs m 1896, while the expenses, i which m 1816 were 24,358,421 francs, reached 72,679,625 francs m 1896. The annual net profit has thus in creased from 33,355,221 to 323,290,440 francs. In short, since the establish ment on its present basis 8T years ago, the monopoly has brought to the State a grosa sum of 16,186,927,405 francs. From this have to be deducted expenses amounting to 2,854,706,917 francs, leaving a net profit of 12,463,960,916 francs. During this long time no material alteration has been made m the regulations of the Regie, except such as was of necessity imposed by the many political changes, as well as by the improvements and modifications m social conditions, es pecially of 'the working classes. The tax on tobacco hss been raised twice— m 1860 and again m J,B72—but this did net m any way affect the consunap tion, which rose from 10,330 tons m 1816 to 37,300 tona m 1896. A specially interesting feature m the development of this monopoly is found m the culture of tobacco m France. From 1791 to 1805 the cultivation was

followed only m 16 departments, on ani area of 8881 hectares, furnishing a I crop of 9000 tons ; m 1808 the culture had extended to 42 depari merit?, with 15,000 hectares, producing 22,000 tons. In 1810 only 12,000 hectares were planted, the C"op failing to 15,000 tons. In 1811 32 do j partinente, producing less than 100,000 kilogrammes, lost the right to grow tobacco, and a law passed on April 28, 1816, made that quantify the lowest Innit as a qualification to grow tobacco m any department. After that year only eight departments raised tobacco m France—the Nord, Pas de Oalaia, Bas Khin, l'Jle et-Tilaine, let Lor, Lot et Garonne, Bouches dv Rhone, and the Var. According to the decree of 1810 the Kegie w.is obliged to use indigenous tobacco m the proportion of 14-15ths of the quantity consumed; 'he law of April 28, 1816 $ reduced this j proportion to five sixths, and finally after an investigation made m 1835, a law passed on February 12,1835, again reduced the proportion to four fifths at most. At the present time 25 depart ments are authorised to cultivate tobacco ; the area planted covers 16;350 hectares, and the annual crop is about 26,000 tons. Algeria also fur nishes annually about 3000 tons. In 1896 the total value of these crops was nearly £1,000,000 sterling.

Local and General.

* # * On the first page bo-day will be found an article entitled Queer Barraekers. To Advertisers—The Guardian will go to press at 1 o'clock on Wednesday—Polling Day. Political,—Mr McLachlan addressed a well attended meeting at Allenton last even ing. The usual vote of thanks was passed. Earthquake—A Bharp shock of earth quake was experienced at 7.30 last evening at Hawera and other places m Taranaki,— Preas Aseociation telegram. Lyttelton Election.—A supplement to the Gazette issued last night Sxea December 15 as the date for the Lyttelton election.-— Press Association telegram. The Timaru Harbor Loan Poll. — All bub a few small returns have been received of the poll on the Timaru Harbor Board's £100,000 loan, which will ba carried by ihree to one,—Press Association telegram. Unclaimed Letters — The following is a list of letters received at tie Ashburton Post Office from beyond the colony during the month ot September, and remaining un claimed on December I:—Mrl:—Mr F. P. Farley, Mr Alex. Matheson, Mias A B. HarmerstSD, Telwhonic—ls the staff of the Mail and Guardian will have quite enough work to do on election night without having to attend to election inquiries, the manager desires to intimate that no telephonic inquiries can be Attended to that night). The Pouob Arrangements for Elec tion Night —Sergeant Barlow informs us that very stringent and decided steps have been taken to maintain order and keep down larrikinism, and any displays of the kind that have been witnessed m the past will be followed by prompt action on the part of the officersj who are to be strongly reinforced by special service men, and others sworn m for the occasion. Post and Telegraphic Arrangements tor the General i- lections —On Wednes day all telegraph and telephone offices will be m attendance and open to the public from 7 pm, on Wednesday, December 6, until 2 a.m., or clear, on December 7 (unless released earlier), for the receipt) and transmission of election results and other telegrams. Tele grams frem the public will be accepted at ordinary rates up to 8 p.m., urgent rates thei^after. The telephone exchaDge will not close bill midnight on December 6 The Kumi Agaisl —It would appear {says the Povttty Bay Heraldi that the last had not been heard of the Kumi, which is re ported to be still at large m the Aro'vhana diatriob. A native named Hare Poata re ports that while out pig-hunting there he rau across a curious animal of a kiod not seen ba fore. The creature was about the siz3 of a sheep dog, and had immense claws, a little larger than a man's hand. Its body was black m appearance. Upon Poata's approach the animal disappeared m some brushwood Its tracks were traced for some distance, but it could not be followed on account of the density of the bush. Apportioning the Seats—The Napier Telegraph, an Opposition paper, pretty closely posted up on matters political, thus forecasts the new Parliament:—There are seventy seats m the House for Europeans, Of these we think it may be said that twenty-three are safe for the Government and thirty-two equally safe for the Opposi tion—by this latter term including all who have pronounced themselves hostile, such as Messrs Pirani, Hutcheson, Kelly, &c. That leaves fifteen seats about which there is much conflict of opinion. Suppose we allot eleven of them to the Govercment and only fouj? fjo fjhe Opposition. In that case the white members of the next Hons* will be divided into thirty-foar supporters of the Government and thirty-six opponents. Election Day.—A half.holiday will be observed on Wednesday under the Alcoholic Liquors Sale Control Act, which applies to hotels aa well as to shopi. Section 10 of the act reads thus :—" Every day on which the election of the Licensing Committee takes place, or upon which the poll for local option under this net is taken, shall be and be deemed to be a public holiday after mid day, and such half-holiday shall be deemed to baa holiday within the meaning of the several Statutes for the time being m force referring to public holidays j and further, I between the hours of IS o'clock noon and 7 o'clock m the evening it shall be unlawful to soil intoxicating liquors m any licensed premises." The L#oal Option Poll—Some mis conception appears still to exist m the mind of a Bumber of electors with respect to the law on the subject of the local option poll, which is to be taken simultaneously with the election of members of Parliament this week. There is. however, no difficulty m the matter- It is provided by The Alaoholip Liquors Sale Csntrol Act, 1895, that "the votet,- shall strike oub all the proposals on his Voting paper except one, or all except two, as he thinks fit; and his vote shall be deemed to be giv:n m favour of the proposals which he does not strike out." If he strikes out the proposal m favour of the , continuance of existing licenses, his vote is oounted first f<r prohibition, and, if thab proposal is defeated,, then fop a reduction of licenses. The Khsum of the Polling. — The manager of the Aahburbon Publishing Com pany has made arrangements for the announcement of the result of the polling to be made known to the public m a way thai) will enable ladies and others, who do not care to faoe the rowdyism that usually exists on the public street, to obtain the in formation m -a pleasant and enjoyable way. The Orange Hall has been en gaged, and a qualified operator of the limelight secured m the person of Mr Cooper, photographer, and as every return comes m, ib will be thrown upon the | screen from the stage. The connection of the Mail and Guardian with the Press Association puts those papers m a position to supply thia information (which can come to no one else m the district), and the time will also be pleasantly passed with song, et3, Seats can be secured at the shop of Mr H M. Jones, and it would be well for those who intend to m&ke use of the meeting to get seats at once< Holders of reserved seat tickets will be admitted by the side door. Candidates m the election will probably address the meeting. The arrangements made by the police, we are assured by the ser geant, are such thab nobody can be pat to inconvenience. Jjfow to the hall there dared to go, A man persisting coughing so, The audience siiouted chuck him out, gib on hie chest, the nolay lout j But one kind man among bhe #ush s Who came along with «[uiba a rushi Soon stopped his cough a way more nurs, With Win. E. Woods' Greab Peppermint Qwt,

ROAD BOARD.

(■oldstream.

A meeting of the Coldstream Road Board was heid at Hinds, on Monday. Present— Messrs Doheon (ohairni;n), Miller, Stud holme and Wills. MAIN 8 UTIt EOAD. The chairman stated that m order to facilitate the opening of the direct road from Kaling towards Hinds, he had written unofficially to the Ashburton Council, informing that body that although this road ! was more a matter of convenience to the (ravelling public than of any benefit to (his I district;, he believed this Board would be willing to pay one-third of the coat of the exchange of roads if the Council would pro vide the other two-thirds and the Council had replied that ie would boar one-third of rhe cost if the Rangibata and Ooldsbream Boards would also each pay one-third. The chairman's action was approved and the clerk was instructed to reply to the Council that this Board will pay on6-third of the cost of the closing and exchange of roads exclusive of any fencing, if the Council will take the necessary steps to effect) the ex change) SUBSIDY. The clerk stated he had renewed the application for subsidy since the closing of Parliament, but it had nob yet been paid. THIBDS. Letters were read from the Commissioner of Crown Lands, stating that the Board's | proposals for sxpenditure of thirds on roads and water supply had been approved by the Waste Lands Board, and the Hon. the Minister cf Lands. The clerk was instructed to request the County Council to construct the water races as soon as possible. WOSKS. The clerk was authorised to let stone" picking from Ealing towards Mr A. JaokaonV also to have an overflow from a water race stopped on account) of the County Council. The clerk was also instructed to request the County Council to put a sheep bridge ovsr a race crossing Lswcliffe road from Mr Foun taine's; also to c*U for tenders fiv carting stones off Loweliffe road from Mr Orr's to Boundary load. MAIN SOUTH BOAD (HINDS TO WINSLOW) Ifc was resolved (on the motion of Mr Studholme) to write to the Longbeach Road Board, requesting it to shingle the Main South road from Windermere to Winslow, And point out that on account of the opposi tion of the Upper ABhburton Road Board, there is no probability of the road on the eaabof the railway being declared a boundary road ; also that the Ooldatream Board has shingled and made a good road of the portion from Windermere to Hinds. DRAIWAQB. Mr Wills asked the Board to turn the water from Bullock drain down the new drain on the west side of Waipuna road to relieve his farm of the water—lb was resolved that if a letter is received from Rhodes' Trustees stating they have no objection, the Board will allow the water to be diverted. BOUNDARY. It was resolved that it is desirable that the boundary line between Coldstream and Longbeach road districts be placed m a satisfactory position. VACANCY, The returning officer was instructed to hold an election for one member to fill the vacancy created by Mr Wright's absence from four consecutive meetings without leave. ACCOUNTS Accounts amounting to £30 were passed and the Board adjourned till February.

THE LATEST.

Home and Foreign-

Uniced Preaa ABSociation—By Electric Telegraph —Copyright (Received Wakapusfea Dec. 5, 9.20 a. m This office 10 28 a. m) The Portland Case. London, December 4 Mrs Druca's appeal m connection with her claim to the Portland estates was dismissed, appellant failing to put m an appearance.

A.A.C. and A.C.

The following handicaps for the Sports Meeting on Wednesday, December 6, have been declared :—

GREAT BRITAIN'S FOREIGN RELATIONS.

Mr Chamberlain's " Diplomacy."

American And German Press Deprecatory-

[ United Press Association—By Electric i Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wakapuaka Dec. 5, 9 20 a.m, This Office 10.28 a.in) New York Dec 4. American newspapers deprecate Mr Chamberlain's rash over zeal. Berlin Dec 4* Berlin newspapers explain that there is no alliance between England and Germany, only an understanding of a local character, I

THE KILGOORLIE MINING TROUBLE

United Press Association—By Eieobrio Telegraph—Copyright Kalgoorlie, Dec 4 Two alluvialists have been committed for trial on a charge of stealing wash dirt. Perth, December 4 Fifteen alluvial miners have been committed for trial on a charge of larceny of ore. Bail was refused.

COMMERCIAL

The A:hburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote &a follows on December 4, 1899 :— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl .. 2< 2<i „ „ Tuscan... 2s 3d „ Hunter's 2a to 2a Id Oats—Duns ... la £d Danish ... la &<* Canadians Is 8d Sparrowbills Is 7d Barley—Malting, prime, 2s 9d Inferior 2a 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 37a 6d Grass Seed—Old pasture, la 8d to 2s New ,i IB3dto Is 6d The above are prices ©urrenbj p»i(J to ■ farmers o» traoks at Aihburtog, " ( i

TRANSVAAL WAR.

A Warning From a Cape Minister

The Colonial Contingents. Visit From tir Alfred Milner. Horses m Excellent Condition, A Too lavish Equipment The Returned Lancers. British Forces m the Field. Fifty Thousand Troops Under Arms. Capture of a Boer Laager. Eeconnoisance by General Hildyard.

Capetown, December 4 Mr Saver warned 700 men at Dord recht that though Great Britain wag generous, she would exact terrible punishment for disloyalty. It w»s hopeless for the farmers to resist her overwhelming forces. The Australian horses arrived m serviceable condition, specially those from New Zealand. Most of the British horses suffered greatly on the voyage. Sir Alfred Milner visited the Aus tralian troops at Maitland on Novem ber 28th, and was received with great enthusiasm. The men have been sup plied with Lee-Enfields, Of the equip ment which they brought from Austra lia, which was largely m excess of that allowed by the regulations, much has been stored. It is understood that unless the returned Lancers give a satisfactory explanation for not proceeding to the Transvaal they will be dismissed the service. Durban, December 4 Repairing the Tugela bridge at Frere is proceeding. General Hildyard located 500t Boers strongly posted north of the Tugela, with many guns. A tremendous explosion, accom panied by a huge column of smoke, was heard subsequent to the reconnois sance being made. It is believed the explosion indicates the destruction of the railway bridge, though the road bridge is intact. Ladysmith reported all well on the Ist of December. OiFBTOWN, Dec. 4. Sir Kedvers Buller commands twenty-three thousand mcD, including Volunteers, Lord Methuen ten thou sand, General Gatacre six thousand, and General French three thousand. The maintenance of communication between De Aar and Grass Pan absorbs eight thousand, The Bechuanalsnd police, on the 28tb, captured a laager, west of Kim berley.

Attempt to Outflank Gatacre.

More New Zealand Oats Wanted.

The Modder River Operations.

A Disloyal Area.

Fall of Stocks.

(Received W»kapuak» Dec. 4, 10 40 p m, This Office 12.4 p.m) Oapitown, December 4 The Boers at Steynsburg and Sterkstrom, m co-operation with the local rebels are attempting to outflank General Gataere. London, December 4 The War Office has ordered an addi tional 3000 tons of New Zealand oats. The Boers were very strongly en trenched on both banks of the Modder river, and also on an island m the middle of the river. The enemy were especially strong on the northern bank, and were concealed b,y mimosa trees. The fighting was terrific, es pecially daring the afternoon. The British drove the Boers across and cleared the northern side, compelling them to retreat. A large British force is now across. There are extensive disloyal areas m the vicinity of Oolesburg, Burghers dorp, and Middieburg. 2000 at Venterstad alone responded to the commandeering. Barnard, a member of the Volksraad, has been julled m action, Sydney, December 4 Brokers' cables indicate a heavy fall m all stocks on the London exchange.

General Clery's Movements.

Operations From Naauwpoort.

Gataere Makes His Provender Safe

Commandeering by the Boers m Bechuanaland.

The Command of the Sixth M vision.

Offers From Nurses.

(Received Wakapuaka Deo. 5, f.9 » t m tEhie Office p.3Q m.m) '*' ' ' Durban, Dec. 4 Sir 0. F, Olerp is endeavouring to outflank the Boers via Weenen. Capetown, December 4 A body of infantry, with the 12th Lancers and the New South Wales Lancers, found the Boers swarming, with a number of heavy guns, at Bens burg kopjp, near Arundel. A recon noisance failed to draw the enemy, and the British returned to Naauwpoort. Sir W. Gatacre removed 1000 bags of wheat from Molland, fearing a Boer raid, The Boers at Maritsam auctioned houses, ploughs, and cattle belonging ts the white settlers, giving the Tnms vaalera who bought three months' credit. They are nommandeering all the whites m Bechuanaland from fourteen years old upwards. London, December 4 It has been finally decided that Major-General Kelly Kenny, will command the Sixth Division now pro* ceeding to South Africa. The Govern ment are receiving many offers to nursa the wounded coming home froa ,t|?9 Transy6|l 9 *• - .. -■■ ■

fflß ASfIBUiSTON GUAKDXAN s TUESDAY, BECBMBEK 5, 1899



lOOyda. 440yds Smith, J L .„ ecr ecr Friedhnder, J R ... 4yda 16yda Hobbs, L J ... 4yda — Maraden, E ... 4yds 16yds Baigent, I A ... 6yda — McGonnell, G ... 7yds 25yels Smith, CE ... 7yds 15yds Anderson, W ... Byds 45yda McPherson, A ... Byds 45yds Bowling, W ... Byds 45yds Amos, B ... 3yds — Amos, W ... Byds — Stephens, J ... 10yds 45yds £-Mile Bicycle 1-Mile Bioycla Handicap Handicap.

Shearman, R & bcc ecr Purchase, W .. „  Heasley. W .. 22yds — Smith, Fred .. 25yds 55yds Seldoo, P W .. 30yds 45yds Koens, W .. 30yds 45yds Woods, Geo. .. 30yds 45yds Willis, Claude.. 30yds 45yds Jones, N .. 30yds 50yds Proctor, W .. 33yds 55yds Doherty, O .. 33yds 55yd« Boyle, S J  35yds 50yds Boyle, RH .. 35yds 50yds Stephens, B .. 45yis —



H. W. BAKRETT. J HAVE FOM SALE AT ALLENTON— A Ohoiee Section of five acres; grand site for private residence Number of Sections at Watarton and Fairton One Acre, near Alford Forest Road, o* West Beib H. W. BARRETT, ARCADE, |



J. WILSON, (Established 1878), BURNETT STREET, opposite Mail Office Employs upwards of 18 hands. DECORATOR & SIGN-WRITER. I WISH to notify that I have secured the services of Mr Chas. Chapman, as Sign writer, who, m addition to his home training has had a large amount of experi ence m our cities. LARGE STOCK OF ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS. I have j-ist received—direct from the manufacturers — a few thousand feeb of Picture Frame Mouldings. Persons desirous J of having Pictures framed would do well to call and see then?. Telephone 65 Just Arrived NEW GOODS NEW NOVELTIES TN fact everything a Cyclist rtquireß DATES, LOWRY AND CO ZEALANDIA CYCLE WORKS BURNETT STREET. We Repair any make, and guarantee all work. CHKISTMAS, 1899. WE HAVE NOW IN 6TOQK AND ARRIVING FOR OUR CHRISTMAS TRADE LARGE SUPPLIES Off New Car rant a and Raisins, new Sul tanas and Candid Peels, new Muscabela and Almonds, new Dosaicated Cocoannb and gillpdressed Iceing Sugar, new kinds tfr.ai.ta, jncludijag Apricots, Pears, Peaches, Pine Apple, apd Table Plums, Tha Finest TEAS and SUGARS la Town. NOW LANDING. A SHIPMENT of high-class English China direct from tlie Potteries. All the latest Patterns. ALSO — A SHIPMENT ! OF CHOICE CHRISTMAS NOTFLTIES, Direct from Japan* Please send your Orders early and oblige We are Agents for COLUMBIA, B.S.A. and LOVELL DIAMOND, BICYCLES. CARSON & Co., TEA MERCHANTS AND BLENDERS, GROCERS, AND IRONMONGERS. Importers of Bicycles, Ironmongery, Glass and China, Takcbbd Strket, Ashburton. 1123



6 "§ M °° I | >H | 1 % Ph i a, < n , \gr « s < p F — \ j A *Z S» b 0 r, | g I JZ; rf < h-' ok -*k ~ o Q § g \mJ « s s 8 M S S i < HH I I CD < < -^J o c



NEW ZEALAND RAILWAYS. GEJNERAL ELECTION, 1899. AT 12 Noon on Polling Day, all Goods Sheds will bo closed, Rulway Work on Wharves will cease, for the remainder of the day. 12 7 BY ORDER. SHEARING. , SIX SHEARERS Wanted to fill paces oa board. Pi ice-—l6s 8d pf r 100. I start Shearing on TUESDAY, December 5. A. EDWAP.D PEACHE. Mount Somers, December 5,1899 12 14



ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH. "|~T has been decided to hold a large GARDEN PAETY, Sale of Work, Goods, Farm Produce, Etc. At The Vicarage, Ashburton, on THUKSDAY, December 14. With a view of reducing the church debt, and m order to make tha gathering a tho rough success, contributions are invited m the shape of stock, meats, grain, butter, poultry, farm produce of any description to any of the undermentioned stores before that date, and if necessary the goods will be sent for. The fo lowing have been good enough to Btore pending the sale on Thursday, 14th December, any goods which may be left by you, viz :—Messrs David Thomas, E. W. Hanmer, Friedlander Broa. (Ltd), and N,Z. Farmers' Co-operative Association (Ltd). ASBBURTON COUNTY PROHIBITION LEAGUE. AT A GENERAL MEETING of the above League, held m the Templar Hall on November 24, 1899, the following Resolution was passed :— " That, m view of the false statements j ci< culated m reference to Mb Maslin's position on the Temperance question, this meetiDg places on record its appreciation of Me Maslin's actions and influence on the Temperance question, both m and out of Parlia ment, and takes this opportunity to express its entire confidence m him, and hopes that) all Temperance Electors will vote for Ma Masmn," R. TAYLOR, 11 177 Chairman A SHBURTON—We can afford to spend xjl money m advertising, so much Hondal- Lanka Tea is selling, everybody likes it. hold by Shjsakman Bros, m packets; 5 and 101 b boxes packed m Ceylon,



GUANO ISLANDS. (Extract from the " O:ago Daiiy Times,") The chief concern of those engaged m agriculture is how best to muntain the fertility of the soil. In the earlier days of agriculture m New Z-jiknd farmers did not bother much about manures, as they found a virgin soil, wish a stored up reserve of fertility re dy to respond to cultivation. But after a certain time it soon became apparent that something 1 more than ploughing and harrowing m due season was required, and the thrifty farmer had to look about him for a suitable manure. The guano i-lande of the Pacific have fairly well m»t the farmer's need for a number of years ; but the speedy exhaus'ion of the guano deposits is a circumstance that must affect the agricultural prospects of this colony. It is true that new depo-ita may ba found ; but m these days of maritime and commercial enterprise there are not many places within the expanse of the broad Pacific unknown to the adventurous sailor. Most of the guano deposits are ancient, and when once these are worked out it will take many years for them to accumulate fresh deposits, from the innumerable seabirda that visit them. There is a group of islands off the Atlantic coast of Afric i, ho waver, wheie the guano deposits grow at such a rate that they form a veritable mine cf inexhaustible wealth, and now that we have established diect trade relations with the Cape, these inlands are of interest to us. " Away m th<? South Atlantic, (iays Chamber's Journal) lying between latitude 28 8. and 24 S., quite out of the track of steamers and sailing vessels ploughing the ocean between England and the C&pp of Good Hope and fringing the shores of Great Namaqualaivl and German Damaraland, are a doz;n islands, bleak, b&rren, and unpromising m themselves beyond description, and yet £the natural depot of one of the most fertilising agenda known to commerces." By an Act of the Imparlal Parliament the-e islands were, m 1§74, annexed to Capo C>>\ ny, and jyere leased out to private individuals, who for a number of years raapad a rich harvest. As the leases fell m, however, the colonial Government undertook the business themselves. For the past seven yeara the annual production of these islands has been about 2770 tona of guano, which fetches m England from £8 to £0 per ton, while the cost of working is estimat ed at £3 5s 7<3 per ton. The guano is sold at the Cape for £6 lOj per ton. Piior, however, to the extensive manufacture of artificial fertilisers, the gaano realised thrice that sum. The Important feature of these islands is that they are the habitat of countless sea birds, i which gather there to rear their young, and during th,eir stay on the Islands leave behind them considerable deposits of gnand. Beeently a comi&isEioß from Capetown visaed the islands, m& on Possession Ib'J*nd alone found ovei 200° tons of guano stacked m a iarge heap by the Government agent a2}d hw assistants. Originally, there were deposits °n some of the islands, which rose, it ia said, to a ! height of 70fc, the accumulations of ages ; 1 but this was all removed, and now the guano collectors have to follow the annual I visit of the birds. Shortly after the i conclusion of the breeding season, the work of collecting the guano commences ; and since this, an unusual operation, the islands furniah a constantly recurring supply.



I F. FERRIMAN. FOR SALE— GUANO. PRICE-£4 5^ per Ton Seduction for 5 Ton lots. nnHft following is the experience of some of those who have used it: - Ruapana, February 26, 1898 Mr F. Ferriman, Ashbarton. Dear Sir. —1 he Guano obtained from , you has given us 6very satisfaotion, we intend using it again. Youra faithfully, WILLIAM ALLAN. Rnapuna, Decembßrlß, 1897 Mr F. Ferriman, Dear Sir, —1 have sown 20 acres of Rape and Grass, with l§cwtGaano ;*he Rapeisa foot high. I also sowed two rounds without rhe Guano ; it is only about twoinchea 1 high, Yours truly,— JAMES JONES. Ealing, February 24, 1899 Mr F. Ferriman, Ashbarton. (Re Guano.) Dear Sir, —I have used this manure for two seasons, both for turnips and rape, and m both casas have bad splendid results. Last season I drilled m about 2 cwt per acre with both turnips and rape about the middle of November, and the crops are Jie best I have ever had.- Yours tru'y, WILLIAM MABLY. Mr F, Ferriman, Ashburton. Dear Sir, —I herewith enclose cheque 1 for Guano I bought from you. I am pleased to say thit the crop of turnips proved very satisfactory. —Yours truly, JOHN WITHELL, Hinds.



Carraway Seeds 8d per lb Pimento, whole Is   Pimento, jrround la 2d „ „ Mixfid Spice l£d per packet PlCKLES—Hayward's Mixed, lOd per bottle, 9a 6d per dozen Cross and Blackwell'e, Is 3d par bottle Captain White's, 2s 3d per bottle Curry Powder lid per bottle Borax 8d per lb Alum ..j, 6d „ „ Saltpetre ... ... .„ 6d  „ TartaricAcid ... ... lslOd „ „ Carbonate Soda, 3d per lb, 2s per doz lbs Whole Linseed 3d per lb Linseed Meal ... ... 4d MATOHES-Plaids, 4^d per do*, 4a per gross 250 8 Is 6d per dozen 1000's 5d per box, 4s lOd per dozen Bryant and May's Safeties, 83 par dozen Yarmouth Bloaters, 9 for Is Maconochie's Fresh Herrings, 6£d per tin IS Herrings m Tomato, lOd per tin „ Herrings m Shrimp, lOd per tin  Kippered Herrings, lOd per tin  Preserved Bloaters, lOd per tin Auckland Mullett 7d per tin Oysters 8d „ „ Sardines, large Alberts ... Is  „ Sardines, large ... ... 8d   Sardines, small , 4d   Salmon, Holly leaf ... lOd „ „ Salmon, other Brands ... 8d „ „ OlL—Lucca, 2i 4d per bottle Salad, | pint sd, 1 pine lOd Castor, J pint s<i, 1 pint lOd Sheeps Tongues, lib la, 21b Is lOd Corned Beef, Mutton, Spicsd Beef, 21b tin, Is I Crosse and Black well's assorted Pastes, Is 3d per bottle, 14a 6d per doaec Potted Meats, assorted, 6d per tin Bovril, 2oz, la lOd. Leiberg's extract, Is 9d per bottle Patent Groats, Robinson's, lOd ; Har per's, 9d per tin Mellins'^Food, la..Bdper tin



Van Houten's Cocoa, fib, lid ; $lb, Is 9d ; lib, :3s 3d Fry's Cocoa, £lb, B|d ; lib, Is 4£d ttealGood Candles, 4&d per lb ; 8s M per box Parafine Candles, plain and fluted, 6§d per lb ; 12s 6d j ci box i Fairy Night Lights Is 2d per box j Flake Tapioca, 7ibs for Is Pearl, 61bs for la Sago, 71bs for Is Mixed Peel, Lgmon, Orange and Cit ron, 8d perlb Peel, 71b tins, 3s 61 lib Tins Assorted Jams, 5d per lb ; 4s 9d per doz 21b Jars Assorted Jams, 143 61 per doz Lea a»d Perrin's Sauce, large, 2a 6d per bottle Mellor's Sauce, Is 3d per bottle Worcester Sauce, small, 5d ; large, 9d Brown's Corn Flour, 3d per lb Mazina Rd per dozen 5s 6d Whiting, $ b for Is Morton's Cream of Tartar, Is 3d per lb j Preserved Fruit, 2|lb tins, 8d per tin, 7s 6d per doz English Cut Loaf Sugar, 3|d per lb Tomato Sauce. 9d per bottle "Golden Syrup, 2ib 6d, 41b Is, 561 b 11s 3d Treacle, 21b 6d, 41b Is, 71b Is 9d FluMt Raisins 6Mperlb Finest Sultanas 7sd  „ FitMSfit Oarranta 5d „ „ per case 4M „  Stewing Pigs 7|d „ „ French Plc.ms (choice) ... Is » i> Sfcewing Plums ... ... 3d   Finest Muscatels ... ... Is M „ „ Californian Muscatela ... Is   Dates, extra fine, 31b boxes, Is 9d per box Almonds, Jordan ... ... 2s 4d per lb Almonds, Valencia ... la 6d  „ Alwonds, Sicily Is 4d „ „ Barcc'pna Nuts 8d   gheil Almonds 10d „ „ Day and Martin's Paste Blacking, 4£d per doz Day and Martin's Jar Blacking, 6d per bottle French Blacking, 2d per tin, Is 9d per doz Nixey's Blacklead, Id .size, 9d per doz jaraee' Dome Blacklead, 6d per doa



WAVERLEY CYCLES. "TCT EW SHIPMENT JUST TO HAND ! ALL LATEST IMPROVEMENTS —.(,)„ Two or turee 98 Ladies Models yet on hand, will sell at £20 A few good second-hand machines for sale at prices from £3 up. EECBNT SUCCESSES OF THE WAYERLEY. Oot, s—Ashburton Cycling Sports—WAVEELEY First and Second m every .Haco. Oct 11— Otago Labour Day Wheel Bace-WAVERLEY First. Oct. 12—Amberley Druids Wheel Eace—WAVERLEY First Oot. 12—Amberley Druids Three MiIe—WAVERLEY Second Oct. 28—Auckland Cycling Club, Federal Scratch Mile— WAVEELEY First Wheel Race -WAVERLEY Second |f OY 11— Christchurch Cycling Club, One Mile Centre Cham pionship—WAVEßLEY First Five Mile Handicap : WAVERLEY First from Scratch Three Mile Handicip : WAYIRLEY First Wheel Eaee : WAYERLEY Third & Fourth JOHN ORR & CO.. ASHBURTON, SOLE NEW ZEALAND AGENTS and at Waverley Cycle Depot 217 Colombo Street, Christchurch. JOHN ORR AND GO'S REVISED LIST-* mm «y 1 1,,an,,,,„,. | n WE OUim to bo the Leading Firm of G ocors, Ironmongers, and Crockery Merchants m Ashburton. We import all our Stock from the Home Markets for Spat Cash and are therefore m the best position Co supply tha public with only genuine goods at the lowest possible price for cash. We guarantee aU oik giods fuU weight and finest quality. We never char-ja for picking aid dalivary, all goo3s at tha Railway Station free. Any person leaving an order «riih us am gut a parcel ticket, and therefore always bejaurel.of^havin? thairjgoj&s at the statioa m time. No charge for ticket. JU JLiU U XV """"PER SACK 13s. — »UG AH- — S|d per lib with Tea MARA VILLA GARDEN TEA— la 10d, 2a, 2a «d per lb 51b Box  , 8a 9d, 9s 7d, lla FpT? A- . 101 b Box « - 16a Bd, 18s 4d, 21a 8d J. J_J XX KOZIE TEA — 101 b Box, |lßa 4d ; 51b, 9s 7d GOLD LEAF TEA 101 b Box, 18a 4d ; 51b, 9« 7d - PROVISIONS - FA OTORY BUTTER—Fern Leaf and Sufcton's always in"stock. CHEESE—Finest Factory, 6d per lb BACON AND HAMS — " Lewis'," " Morepork," "D. Mc^allura." Mild Cared Hams, Sides and Rolls, 7*d. GORE OATM¥AL-251b Bag, 2s 6d