EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for Ootober

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— OHRISTORUROH-at 7.20 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7 5 pm, (express*) TIMARU-at 1055 a.m., 350 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 12.54 p.m. (express) SPRINGBDRN—at 4.25 pm. Trains arrive dally ab Ashburton from— OHKISTOHURCH-at 10.45 a.m., 12.47 p.m. (express), 8 p.m, fflMAßU—at 10.35 a.m., 255 p.m. DUNEDIN-at 6,67 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a.m,

Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following plaoet as under, subject to the necessary alterations :—

For Northern Ports and Westport, also. Australian Colonies, etc, (to connect With Zealandia at Wellington), per Tsrawera, 6 30 pro„ The next contract despatch for ihe United Kingdom it via San Francisco on October 26th, due London on November 28th.

SECOND EDITION Commercial.

LONDON WOOL SALES

Per United Press Aasoclation—By

Electric Telegraph.

Received Wakapuaka Ootober 10, 11pm, This Office 1230 am

London, October 10 Messrs Balme, Jacomb, and Buxton's pint catalogues comprise 11,571 bales, two-thirds of which are from New Zealand. There waa a full attendance and good competition, and the catalogues were practically cleared. Compared with July, the closing rates were low. Crossbred* were unchanged, while medium to faulty declined ten per cent, faulty merinos fifteen per cent, and best ten par cent

GERALDINE LIVE STOCK MARKET

There was a fair attendance at the live stock sale at the Geraldine Farmer*' yards yesterday, but a small entty, Sound mouth ewes, with 100 per cent of lambs given in, sold tip to 225, and old ewes, with 100 per cent cf lambs, all counted, 8* sd. There was only a small entry of pigs, and no cattle were sold.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

ChbistOruboh, October 10

On account of Labor Day there were only small yardings ab Addington to-day, includ ing 2780 fat sheep, 100 fab lambs, 1500 store sheep, 291 cattle, and 321 pigs Cattle—The 114 head fat cattle were mostly good sorts and the short supp'y caused a slight improvement in prices. Good to prime beof 23s to 26a per 100 b, Other sorts 19s to 22s 6d. ■•' Steers; £7 10i to £10 2* fid, heifers £5 to £7 15*. cows £4 15* to £8 ss, atid one extra good £9 There we a mixed entry of store cattle and good sale for forward forts. Ihree year old steers £4 153 to £5, do. heifers £3 2a 6d to £415 a for extra good, 18 months to two year old heifers £2 19), yearlings £1 4i and up to £<26a for extra well grown line, 18 mon'hs mixed cattle £2 ss, forward store cows £4 3i to £5 2* 6d, and others £2 12s to £3 16?. Dairy cows £2 15s to £6 15s. Shim?— The fat sheep were most'y good Hues of wethers, both crossbred and merino, but ewes were scare. Butchers and fro? _rs were both in competition, and prices showed a further hardening tendency. Heavy wethers 24s to 26* 6d, freezers 19a to 23*, lighter and unfinished 17s Id to 18 (61, shorn wethers 14s 6d to 18s 2d, merino wethers for freezing 19s 6d to 21s 9d, and others 16s 3d to 18s 61. Fat lsmbs were not quite so good in quality, but met with ready sale at 12s PJ to 15*. In store sheep all cl«**"*e *r>et with keen demand, but in cases of cv,_ »;th lambs several lines were withdrawn, owners ideas of values being too hieh. Wethers (in woo!) brought 17s to 18j 7d, shorn do. 14b 9d, and ewes and lambs (all counted) 9i 2d, Pias—Piga of all classes sold well, baconers making from 31s to 465, porkers 20 j to 30s, stores 10s to 17s, and suckers and weaners 6s to 9s 6d.

BURNSIDE MARKET.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Dunedin, Cctober 10

Fat Cattle—2lo head were yarded. The sale opened badly, but as farmers would not accept offers, prices hardened, but on the whole were easier than last week. Prime bullocks, £9 10»to £10 15s ; one pen extra prime, £12 2s 6d ; medium, £7 10* to £8 5s ; light, £6 5i to £7 5s ; heifers, £5 10* to £9 ; cows, £2 15s to £4 Mh.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1900. BEAUTIFYING ASHBURTON.

Wk have on more than one occasion advocated that steps should be taken to improve oar town by planting trees, shrubs, and flowers in—and generally beautifying—all the spots within its boundaries where such work is possible. It is very sitisfactory, therefore, to find that the Borough Council has taken action in this direction, and that in accordance with a decision come to recently, the Mayor has called a meeting of the public to consider the matter. The meeting will take place this evening, at the Borough Council Chambers, at 7.30 p.m. It is to be hoped that there will be a good attendance of the public, and it would add greatly to the success of the proposed movement if that section of the community which is supposed to have the keenest eye for beauty— namely, the ladies—will give it their countenance and support, Our town is singularly well adapted for the operations of a Beautifying Associa tion. It has a Domain, the attractions of which are already so well known elsewhere, that it is becoming quite fashionable for excursion parties from distant places, including Obriatchurch and Timaru, to visit our town merely to spend a few hours in that resort. It has also a greater number of municipal reserves than most towns in New Zealand, and any, or all of these reserves are available, if necessary, for beautifying purposes. But if we can only succeed in inducing the people of Ashburton to combine for the purpose, of adding to the attractions the town already possesses, ample scope for satisfactory work in the direction lug-'

gested will, for the present, be found I in Baring Square and a few other I borough reserves. We would recom-1 mend that a Beautifying Association I be formed, including as many ladieß as \ possible, and that one committee be at once appointed to draw up recommen dations, and another to collect sub scriptions. With regard to the former, 1 it is to be regretted that this movement iwas not begun in the winter, so that the planting necessary could have been commenced this year. But i the old adage " Better late than' never "must satisfy us now. Aa t$ the fundi, we have already announced ; that a few gentlemen have offered to make handsome contributions towards beautifying Ashburton, and we have rot the least doubt that as soon as the movement takes practical shape, the townspeople will give it substantial support. They may depend upon it, that apart from the picturesque aspect ef this question, very material advan tages will result from making AshburJ ton »• attractive ai possible. Even the Domain itself—notwithstanding the excellent work dene in it by the present Curator, offers a goed field for the operations of a beautifying Associa tion, which, we venture to predict will greatly assist Mr Smith in making our public park one of the finest in New Zealand. Thf^ Matter i* now fairly before the public of Ashburton, and we cannot believe that they will neglect the opportunity now offered to them.

Local and General.

Howe ___.*__ English mail arrived! via Wellington yesterday, j Pebsonal.—JudgeWard was a through! pas-eager from the south by the express last j night. 'i ._ • ■ j A Heat* Fini.—At Baleiutba,* yesterday j a man named Allan waß fined £40 on a charge of sly grog selling. Thi WBAT_KRV-Cap„ln Edwin wires *. "Strong northerly winds ; glass fall coon ; indications of rain.** Freezing Lambs—The buyers of lambs for freezing are early a .ir this year, several lots having being obtained at satisfactory prices. ■ " ____ "»—A service of song with this title is to he given at Baring Square church this evening. Bey T Fee will preside, and the connective readings are to be rendered by Mr 0 Dixon. A,A.a k A,C—The meeting of this olub convened for last evening lapsed, in con sequence probably of the inclemency of the weather The Fruit Harvest—The fruit trees this year promise to bear exceedingly well, Barly frosts have kept off, and if only they remain away now for a short time, the fruit harvest should be more than goodj—__»• mete Guardian. The Show Special Prizes.—With this issue we circulate a list of special prizes for competition at the forthcoming annual show. It will be seen that, compared with last year, the list is much longer, and ib is expected that the entries will be correspondingly larger. All entries for the show close on Tuesday next, 16th inst. Interesting Abtk__.—Ou the fourth page of to-day's Issue will be found a highly interesting discussion, " A Debate on a Book," of some considerable local interest, which took place in parliament recently. On our first page an article entitled " Working class Prosperity,' 1 and how it affects doctors, will be found worth.perusal. .

Fatal Accident at SHEFWBtD.—A dis tressing railway accident occurred at Sheffield yesterday, a young man n_ned Harold Tinsley being run over by a truck. He wan badly era hed, and was taken to the Christchurch Hospital, bu. Succumbed to hU injuries ab tffo o'clock this morning. Young Tmsiey is the son of the Rev Mr Tinsley, Wecleyan Minister, Temuka. Both Mr and Mrs Tinsley are at preset t on a trip to the Old Country.

A Brutal Maobi—The Wanganui papers report that a Maori named Poak* made a most brutal assault on his wife at Taihape about Ootober 3, it fl oting very severe Injuries on her; On medical assistance being procured, it was found that one ear was kicked in, and she was bruised over the head and neck, and bleeding internally. Poake escaped into the bmb, but: was subsequently arrested, and taken to Wanga nui.

The Weather—Captain Edwin _ fore cßtt, ''Indications of much rain," sent yesterday morning, was fulfilled before the evening set in, a floe shower of rain com mencing to fail about 4 o'clock, and con tinuing almost incessantly until early this morning. After the ncr'westers of the past week the downpour should be very accept able to the farmers,

Flower And Fruitgrowers Confer ence—Mr A Moritzon, president of the Dunedin Horticultural Society, is making arrangements for the holding of a horticul tural and fruit growers' conference at Dane din next autumn or winter, either at the time of the chrysanthemum show or during tho Agricultural Society's winter show. Mr Ritchie Secretary for Agricultural, has promised tbe 00-operation of hit department The conference will find muoh important work to do.

iNBTRUOTioir For Obohabmsts.—Owing to the great expansion of the frjit growing industry in tha Nelson district the Depart* m«nt of Agriculture has decided to station Mr J C Blsokmoro in that district for the next twelve months to advise and instruct orchardlsts and gardeners. The headquart ers of the penologists for the South Island Messrs Blackmore and Fitch, will still be in Ghristohuroh, where communications from Canterbury and Otago should be addressed.

A Change fob Poets—Mr James Craigie, Timaru, has offered to give two special prizes at the South Canterbury Caledonian Society's New Year gathering (a first prize of three guineat, and a second prizi of one guinea) for the best poem on the unity of the Empire. The competitors must be New Zealand born, and the judges are to be appointed by the Caledonian Society. The poems must be sent in to Mr C. 8. Eraser, secretary of the Caledonian Society, by December 20: h, and the successful poem will be read ab the Society, gathering on January Ist" There will, no doubt, be keen competition for these prizes, for, apart altogether from their monetary value, the successful competitor would be more than repaid in winning such an honor.

A Menace to Health.—The following is an extract from Mr Reakea', the well known veterinary surgeons report of the inspection of the slaughterhouses of the City of Christchurch:—l have visited nineteen build* lags being the total number in which meat is killed and prepared for consumption within the city boundaries, as indicated by the list supplied to me by the Selwya County Council. I have no hesitation in stating that the great majority of these slaughter houses are absolutely unfit for the purpose of preparing meat for human consumption'! With a few exceptions, the most elementary principles of sanitation are absolutely ignored, and the conditions prevailing are •aeh as to be a positive menace to tha health and life not only of the consumers of the meat, bub of the residents In the vicinity of the buildings,

A VISIT TO A STUD FARM.

(Contributed)

Having a fewjhours to spare this week I thought! could not dispose of them better than by a visit to the farm of Mr Robert Davie, Washdyke, for the purpose of having a look through his horses, as Mr Davie has long since been recognised as one of our largest and most successful breeders of draught stock in the district. Ir fact he might be termed the father of Clydesdale breeders in South Canterbury. Arriving at the homestead I found that gentleman busily engaged in the opera tions of his farm, but on stating the object of my visit he kindly consented to accompany me on my tour of inspection through his farm. Mr Davie's name has been familiar among breeders of Clydes dales for thirty years or more, having devoted, I may say, the greater part of the time he has been in the colony to the Improvement of our draught horse. That he has succeeded in no small degree is amply borne out by results, and he now pranks as one of the foremost judges and breeders of Clydesdales we have In the oniony This success as a breeder can to " a great 'extent be attributed to the wise j selection which be originally made in the class of mares he used In laying the foundation of a stud. Prominent among j the mares used was one whose name mnst be for ever connected with Mr Davie's, snccesß. I refer to that good little defunct mare * Bonny Maggie,' who waa purchased by Mr Davie as a two year old, which shows at once that his idea of what a brood mare should be was correct. Ib was through this mare that Mi 1 Davie's name as a breeder of draught stock was destined to become famous, owing to the fine class of animals she produced,and as a brood mare she stood unrivalled in the district. And so much are the descen dants of ' Bonnie Maggie ' thought of and valued that very h;gh pricea can alw>ysbe obtained for mares possessing any of this strain and no indnoement that could be offered would persuade Mr D*vie to part with that strain, which he still possesses throogh descendants In a direct line from his favourite mare. About the first stallion owned by him was * Prince Imperial,' a horse which was well known In the district by early settlers and was highly appreciated for the good all round stock which he left, Next came a son of * Bonny Maggie's.' bred by Mr Davis, but unfortunately he died atan early age. It was not until * Bonny Maggie ' was mated with ' Young Vanquisher' that Mr Davie could claim to be considered as a breeder of note. The result of that union was that good horse ♦Time o' Day,' who had gained a name all over New Zealand for the high quality of stock which he has left, and some breeders preferred • Time o' Day' rather than his sire to breed from ; yet the latter was as fine a Clydesdale as was ever Imported into New Zealand. Mr Davie, after using 'Time o' Day' for several years at the stud successfully, sold him for 500 guineas to Messrs Finlayaon Bros., of Oamaru. * Surprise,' a full brother to ' Timo o" Day' was sold in Victoria. ' Luck's All' was contem porary with • Time o' Day' at Mr Davie's farm. He was also sold in Victoria. In turn he bred the * Marquis of Salisbury,' a grand son of ' Bonny Maggie,' by 'Lord Salisbury,' and he was champion horse of hia day in South Canterbury. After a successful career at Mr Davie's farm he was sold at a very high figure, to go lo North Canterbury, Together wlh stal lions a fine'class of brood mares was ateo bred, and co much did Mr D*vio value that strain that he has retained it to the present dr«y. The results obtained after a period extending over a number of years in tho breeding of Oiydeadale horses, shows that Mr Davie fo something more than a breeder by name No txpense ia spared by that gentleman in securing the eerviccs of tho sires raoah suitable to rcute with his marea. He does not adopt the.me*hods of a great number of modern breeders, who consider only the Grst cost. He believes in changing the blood as often a« poeeibl*** ani, with this object in vieur, hia mares are annually aenb to sires in different parts of the colony, if be favors none that are available in his own district. This means consider able expense in addition to covering fees, as railway charges aro high, and the Minister, in making reductions lately, would have assisted very materially horse breeding had he extended the concessions to apply to men in Mr Davln s position, by allowing mares destined to be covered by stallions at a distance, to travel at the same rates as those attending horse race?. Besides, there Is always a certain amount of risk attached to sending marcs and foals a distance from home. But although the Initial coat Is heavy, in the end Mr Davie finds It tho moat profitable. The prices he can command for his stock fully warrant the outlay. This season Mr Davie has no stallion travelling in his name, he having the misfortune to lose ' Muir Lad' seme months ago. ' Mulr Lad,' who was by * Wallace,' (imp.) would have turned out a good breeding horse had he lived, judging by the quality of his stock. However, for this season, Mr Davie's stallions consist of two three year olds and a two year old colt. The three at the time of my visit were ruuning together in a paddock aijoining the house, and on approaching them it could be seen that the two oldest colts had been working. Mr Davie is somewhat disgusted at the small amount of encouragement offered by breeders for the services of a good sire, thab he has decided for this season to keep his horses ao home and work them, and at the same time cover any of his own mares which he decides on. The three-year-old celts are both by ♦ Clydebank,' and on the dam's 6ide trace back to ' Bonny Maggie ' Both these colts, for the reason stated above, through being worked are nob in anything like show condition, bub they give one the Impression that a few weeks spell would see a material difference in appearance. The tall&st of the two la out of a * Brlti-h Lion ' mare, and will require age before he will furnish and develop thoroughly. He ha* a grand sab of legs, with plenty Of weight of bone, and hair nicely set on, and will undoubtedly Improve with age, which Is characteristic of Mr Divie's breed. The other three*year-old has been working constantly all through the winter, and was not seen at his best. Be, however, Is smaller in stature than his companion, bnt he shows quality at every point, being from a *Time o' Day' mare there is no reason why he should not prove a successful sire to breed from. The third is a two-year-old, and with confidence it can be said that he is the pick of the bunch, and is by * Reformer' out of the * British Lion * mwe. He is a colt possessing great quality of bone, with hair very nicely set on, very proportionatly built all over, and Is a big colt for his age. He will be shown in Timarn this month, and I predlct,wlthout some outsiders come in, that there is nothing In this district to wrest the first prize from him. Nay, I would go even j further, and taking the local parade as a criterion, say that none of our .aged horses could give him points. He Is Indeed a splendid animal, and Mr Davie i is very praud of him, and justly so. He refused only a month ago a large sum for | him and his half brother, the three-year old, and it is hoped that Mr Davie can see his way to keep them; in the district. I shall have something to say about Mr Davie's mares in a future article.

TENNIS MATCH.

An Ashburton Tennis Club team journeyed | to Christchurch yesterday, to play against the Cranmer Square Club, and the game, played on the asphalt courts, lasted from 11 a m until 4 o'olcok in the afternoon. The visiting members comprised Mesdames Tennant, Zander, Misses Fooks, Alice Orr, Messrs Fisher, Johnston, Salmond, Cox, Douglas, and Fooks. During the afternoon a good number of onlookers were present, and the weather was fair, although some what cold. Good play was shown on both sides, but as the northern club had the pick of their members, they proved the winners by a large score. Our local players speak highly of the hospitality of the ChrUtchurch players!

Donald McDonald.

Those who had the pleasure of tearing Mr Donald MoDonald, the war correspondent, lecture in Ashburton some time ago, will be much Tplsassd to learn that he will deliver another leotura on Moaday next. It Is understood that the lecture will he altogether different from the last as to matter. For one reason this is almost to be regretted seeing that owing to a pressing function preventing ail of the local volunteers from being present at the last lecture they missed hearing some very remarkable word pictures of British heroism. So muoh haa been said since Mr McDonald's visit of that eloquent description of the charge of the Devons that we are sure those who oould not attend his first lecture will be sadly disappointed if they do not have the opportunity of hearing it on Monday. We commend this to the notice of Mr McDonald, and trust he may sse his way to satisfy the public in this matter. By the way we are authorised to state that Mr MoDonald invites as his special guests on Monday evening all the returned membirs ot the New Zsaland Contingents who may be in the neighbour hood, and In this oonnsotion it is expected that Troopers E Willis and Clark, who have just returned by the Wakanui, will arrive in time to be present.

LICENSING CASES.

Alleged Sunday Trading.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio

Telegraph

CHRisTOHURCH.'Ootober 9 IP At the Magistrate's Ojurt the licensees of all the hotels at Sumner and New Brighton were charged with keeping their premises open for the sale of liquor on a Sunday. In the first case called the evidence of the police was that they had gone into the hotel by a side door, and had seen a number of men served ia the bar. The front door was closed. Mr Harper, for the defence, said the case was a test case. The side door always was open, it being the entrance to the house, and the bar, as far as outside appearances went, had been closed. Tbe men were bona fide travellers, having oome from Christchurch, and the licensee was expected to supply those. Sergeant Smith, for the police, said that this case and the others had been brought to determine whether licensees at Sumner, New Brighton, etc, were at liberty to serve indiscriminately all who applied for liquor, Mr Rsetham said that the information was wrongly laidr What the Bench had to con sider was* not. whether publicans had sold to residents on Sunday, but whether they were allowed to keep the side door open, and of course there must be some entranoe to the, honse open. Mr Harper quoted cases to show that a publican was quite at liberty to keep a tide door, for the convenience of bona tide travellers, open during hours whrn the hotel should be closed, Mr Beetham said that there was no evi dence to support the charge. If the charge had been selling to other than bon% fide travellers the case might have been estab- Iliahed, He dismissed the case. The police then withdrew the other charges. Tbe licensee of the New Brighton Hotel was charged with selling to other than bona fide travellers on Sunday. The evidence of the police was that a man arrived from Christchurch and was supplied wMi drink immediately on his arrival. About an hour afterwards he Was supplied with another drink. The police contended that the supply of the second drink was illegal. The Magistrate dismissed the case.

Interprovincial.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Chbistcbuboh, Ootober 10 There was fine weather for Labour Day and the city was crowded with people. Fifteen Trade Unions were represented in the procession, many of the trades having two or three gaily decorated lorries in which men were giving exhibitions of the different processes in the various trades. The procession was considered the best Labour Day display ever held here. The Labor Day sports gathering ab the Addington Show Grounds was wall attended, There was a very long programme, the prinoipal event being the Labor Day Demonstration Handicap of three distances, 100 yds, 220 yds and 440 yds. The first distance was won by T H Duncan, the second distance by J MoNaught with E R Collins seoond, and the third distance by Collins with MoNaught second. Collins and MoNaught divide first and seoond money amounting to £15, and Duncan takes third money £2. During the afternoon short speeches were made by the Mayor of Christchurch and Mes rs G Laurenaon MHR, Hon 3 E Jenkinson MLC, and Messrs C Lewi*, W W Collins, H G Ell, WW Tanner and G W Rusaell MHR's sent telegrams expreaaing regret at being unable to attend, and a letter was also roceived from the Premier. Wellington, Ootober 10 At a largely attended mseting convened by the Mayor In connection with the proposal to fix a day for Peace Celebrations a resolu tion waa carried that the Peace Celebration day be arranged between the Premiers of the different colonies so that it should be in reality a national peaoe celebration day. The Mayor made a suggestion that the celebra tion be delayed until the return of the Contingents from South Africa, but Colonel Hume pointed out it would be impossible for more than one third of the men to return at once, The latter suggested that a demonstra tion to the returning soldiers should spread over two days, taking the form of a monster thanksgiving service in the open air on a Sunday and a general demonstraten on Monday.

RAKAIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The annual tea and public meeting in connection with' St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Rakaia, waß held in the Town Hall on Tuesday evening. The attendance was very good and the financial result eminently satisfactory. Tables were presided over by Mra W Boar, assisted by Mra Sheriff, Misses Morland, and Misa McCiure. Mra Doig, assisted by Misses Doig (4) and Copland ?, Mrs Blackley, assisted by Misses Blackley (2) and Oakley; and the bachelors tables by Misses Bruce, Tucker, McLean and Clark. The tables were prettily decorated and exolted mnoh admiration. The after meeting was presided over by Rev P 0 Riddle, and an attractive programme was gone through* Rev R J Jackson, of Southbrldge, delivered a racy and interesting address. Songs were contributed by Mrs Jackson, Misses Hardy, Tucker, May, and Oakley, and Messrs Street and Sharp j a cornet solo by Mr Gordon, and a violin solo by Mr Palmer. An efficient ohoir, under the leadership of Mr J. R. Sharp, contributed several choruses, "Tho Dorum Maroh' being particularly good* On the motion of Messrs Blackley and Thompson, hearty votes of thanks were passed to the performers and to the ladies who bad provided the tables.

VOLUNTEERS.

Tho Local Camp.

In spite of the inclement weather there was a good attendance at the driilshed last evening, the occasion being the public en tertainment of friends and relatives of those in camp. The first part of the programme consisted of songs, recitations, etc. the num bers by Captain Dolman, Lieutenant Niooll, Sergeant-Major Schwartz, and Trooper Bray of the Mounted Corps, and the cornet ■010 by Color-Sergeant MoDonald, and banjo solos by Mr Wright being heartily received. Refreshments were then handed round, and the evening's amusement concluded with tbe acetylene light views exhibited by Mr Tim mins, many of which were heartily ap- ' plauded. The light was kindly provided and manipulated by Messrs Hardley Bros. Quarter-Master Hayes wishes to convey the thanks of the battalion to Meidames £ Willis, Dolman, and J Tucker, for contribu' tions during the camp, and to all those who have assisted at the entertainments ll'he camp was struck this morning.

Magisterial

ASHBURTON-THURBDAY

(Before O A Wray, Esq, S.M)

Breach oe By-laws—George Moon was fined Ss and costs for riding a bicycle on the footpath i

Civil Cases—John Orr k Co v Harris, for £11 6) 9d, Judgment was given for amount sued for ; Robert Millar, Methven, v Geo Cotton, £10, for board and lodgings. Judg ment for amount sued for.

Qld Age Pensions—Several old age pen sions were applied for and granted, after whioh the Court adjourned.

CORRESPONDENCE

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

LONG-HEADED MINISTERS.

to the editor Fir,—Apparently a dear-headed as well as a longheaded purveyor of paragraphs for .your columns is needed, that such a mis statement as ia contained in your issue of Tuesday, in the paragraph beginning " Long headed Ministers," may not be sarved out to the public as fact. My overture does not propose to ask congregations ** to contribute £5 yearly toward the cost of buying books for the minister's library." It is for " the manse library," which is quite a different thing. The manse library will be the pro perty of the congregation—nob of the minister. Had you given the terms of the ovortu.ro the public would have seen that it meant the building up of a valuable con gregational asset, under the supervision of the Presbytery, and with provision for protection of the property from being abused or lost.—l am, etc, Wm. Gillies. [Tbe paragraph in question was copied from one of the Timaru papers.—Ed.]

Lieut Tuoker of the "Ruffs."

The following letter was received yester day by Mr Hugo Friedlander, who permits us to publish it :— Het Bad, Waterbury.

Dear Sir,—To day August 25 we are enjoy ing the luxury! of a day's spell, the second in six weeks, and all hands are indulging in a warm bath. Het Bad (Warm Bath) is the sanatorium of the Transvaal, and we are making the best use of it. Saying hath it, (hat Oom Paul journeyed here half yearly for a wash, the only ones he had. Well, Sir, as far as the campaign is concerned, you no doubt are more fully informed than we are. It is really astonishing the scanty news we receive Sinoe landing at E„t London we have had a varied experience. Our march to Pretoria was a great one, but s;noe then we have been for 100 miles north east (f Pretoria* We are now with General Mahon and expect to go on to Petersburg thence to Lydenburg, or else to Komati Poort (Delagoa Line) via Pretoria, Of course, we cannot move until remounts arrive. It would make your heartsick to see the poor hcreep, hardly any feed, sore backs, c _ , and ridden till they drop, then shot; 80 percent of them would bring us all under the P. O. C. to Animals Society in New Zealand ; but it's war. I'm glad to say that we do not live wholly on bully beef and bkcuits. Our doctor is Lord High Looter for our mess, and with the aid of a tremen dous iSpainbok (is desth on poultry. We struck a church the other -day, »nd in it biscuits, j ttn, fruit, and butter. It is one of the good things that mounted troops drop in fort WeM, as far as the Ashburton boys are concerned, you no doubt are well aware of our catuiltie-. Poor Corporal Upton fell a victim to enteric, and is a great loss to us. He was a splendid and popular non-com. Trooper Willis, I believe, has been invalided to New Zaaland, and I sincerely hope that he will be all right again. JackJHeailey is very badly wounded, but Dr Godfrey informs me that it is not eeriour< Lowe, Lusk, Gill, Harper, Roberts, Walker, and myself are all well and in good health. Gill is in General Hutton's .staff. Walker Is in the detail staff at Bloemfontein. Mr Fitz herbert and I are the only two officers left with this Ruffs now, and I have rather a load on my shoulders running the show, but expect Captain Clayton will be back directly. I'm very pleased to say that since having command I've got on very well, and have twice been congratulated by Generals for good work, v'z, Generals Helton and Mahon. We are cow chasing De Wet's convoy ; but doing so in the bush veldt Is like looking for a needle in a hay stack. I'm afraid we will be here till Christmas, perhaps later- With kindest regards to all Ashburton people.—l remain, yours respect fully,—Fred G Tucker.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

(Received Wakapuaka Oct. 10, 10 p m, This Office 11 24 pm) Hong Kong, October 10 All Americans, except the Guards, quit China in a fortnight. Count Waldersee favors isolating and depriving the province of Pecbili of food supplies, thus compelling the Court to intervene to prevent starva tion. The Emperor's edict dated the let, promises h'"s return when negotiations take a favorable turn, adding that Chinese alone are able to cope with the unlawful acts of the Chinese.

I A Pekin report states that twelve thousand regulars are at Paotingfa. Alarm is felt in tbe Falstan province of Kwang Tung owing to a plot to destroy tbe London and Wesleyan Missionary Societies Missions. Received Wakapuaka Oct 10, 10 p.m, This Offioe 11 57 p m Hongkong, October 10 - The Russo-German agreement pro vides that Russia shall administer the Tongku-Yangtsung railway, and Ger many the Yaugtsun-Pekin line, London, October 10

The Timet Shanghai correspondent statist that the Russians and Germans hold the Peitang forts and tbe Tansban and Kaiping mines, monopolising the coal supply in North China. All the Strategic positions are in the hands of our allies and- none in ours. It is feared that Britain's delay in announc ing her policy will cause irreparable loss of prestige. The Czar has reiterated that Russia is not annexing territory, but merely securing the peaceable nse of railways, and undisturbed navigation of the Amur.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Wellington, Oet 10 Tie Council met at 2 30 In Committee on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill Mr Bowen thought that clause 8, forbid ding canvassing, was dangerous aud liable to evasion, and moved to strike It out Mr W C Smith considered it highly desirable to forbid canvaesiog for payment, and Mr Jones also wished to retain pari of the clause making paid canvassers punishable Mr Twomey suggested letting the clause j stand as a deterrent Mr Baillle said there was nothing obJMtiou* able in canvassing, which was largely practised by newspapers before elections. Mr Kerr considered the law oould net be enforced so it should not be passed The word* 'or otherwise' were straek out, making only canvassing • for payment' Illegal, There was no further amendment. In bhe Manual and Technical Instrwstio* Bill a few amendments were made, and it was reported, read a third time, and passed. In committee on the Private Insattriel Schools Inspection and Industrial Schools Act Amendment Bill Mr Belt moved deletion of clause 3, which was lest, Clause 4 was amended and the Bill was reported The Foreign Insurance Companies Deposits Bill was road a sesond tims, and the Council adjourned at 6 p m to 7 30 p m

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Ootober 10 The House met at 2.30 p m The Companies Act Amendment Bill waa committed Clause 4, transfer of promoters shares, an amendment was made that promoters shares be not transferable until two instead of three years after the date of registration, or in the alternative until such company shall have paid a dividend on twelve months operations The Bill was reported as amended In Committee on the Animals Protection Bill, Mr Lang proposed to add a new clause giving a settler or owner of property power to give another person an order to shoot over bis property. Lost by ?3 to 23 Mr Lewis moved a new clause, that any person found in the close season carrying a gun within the haunts of native game shall prima facie be deemed to be guilty of being in pursuit of game. Lost by 30 to 24 Mr Houston moved a further new olanse ( that there be a close season for native pigeons every three years. Agreed to by 24 to 21

Mr McLachlan moved to include pukaki. Carried by 25 to 20 Mr Pirani moved to insert kaka, Oarried by 26 to 20 " . A further amendment, proposed by Mr" Ward, making the season for Otago and Southland Ist April to 30th June, for the North Island from Ist May to Zlst July*. was carried

Clause 4, stoats, weasels, etc, not to be liberated on certain islands, was struck out, with a view to inserting it in the Rabbit Nuisance Act

The Bill was reported with amendments The Mortgages of Land Bill was oom* mitted

Mr Atkinson moved to report progress at the 5 10 p m adjournment The House met at 7.30 p.nv, and resumed in Committee on tho Mortgages of Land Bill, and Mr Atkinson's amendment to report progress on the ground that It was too late to watte time on <ho measure tbia session.

After some debate, the motion to report progress was oarried by 28 votes to 23. Mr Seddoa moved tbe second reading of the Representation Act Amendment BUI* and explained that the Bill provided for six additional member. Looking at the greatly increased population since the Act was. passed in 1837, he did not think objection could be raised to (no Bill. The fact thab the cuirbsr of Minuter shad been increased was another good reason for increased num ber of representatives. He would probably be told that the constitutional course was that if there was an alteration In the number of members there should be a dissolution, but he contended that that was net neces sary, as there was a precedent for tfleeting ah inoreaFe without appealing to tbe country* In his own opinion, there ought to he a greater increase than proposed by the Bill. Captain Russell said he objected to an increase in ehe number of Ministers be* cause it involved an increase of number*. It could not be denied that constitutionally if the number of members were increased a fresh election rh^uld take p!ae*>. He sup* ported the reduction in the number of members to 74 under the impression that with fewer members the system of begging for roads and bridges would di-appear; bat in that hope he had been disappointed. He hoped that the matter would be discussed, and that aferward* a motion w_aid be carried adjourning the debate for six months. Mr T MaoKeczie contended, looking at the hard work entailed upon a member for a country district, that the question of area and community of interest snould rana as equal In importance to tho aneiioo population* Mr Monk asserted that the Prsmier would never have introduced the BUI but that be wanted the Increase in the salaries and in the number of Ministers. He would vote for a dissolution if the Bill were carried.

Mr R Thompson would prefer to see the old number, ninety-four, and that after the census was taken next year there should be a dissolution.

Mr MoLachlan thought tbe most popular proposal would *c to reduce the number to fifty instead of making an increase, fie hoped the Bill would be defeated.! Mr Tanner said there must bo eaSlneroese in the number if the numerical relation of the House to the Ministry was to be main tained. He failed to understand that the increase in the number of members necessi tated a dissolution

Mr Pirani would be no party to any In crease of members simply because Ministers and their salaries were increased. It was utter nonsense to say that the additional six members would Improve either business or legislation Mr Ell thought the area of tha country electorates was too unwieldy, and that the 28 per cent allowance to cities should be abolished

Mr Seddon having replied, the motion for the second reading was carried by 38 votes to 13

The Bill to make the Military Pensions Act apply to the members of the Ceotlngtnts sent to South Africa- was introduced by Governor's message Tho Premier soid the proposal was to put the name of every member of the Contlo !;ents on the pension list so as to stop any uture applications for pension _ The pro* posal would be augmented by the Imperial pension In reply to a question, the Premier said if members of the Contingents left our Con tingents, they would not be entitled to a pension The Bill was read the first time In order to expedite the Bill the Premier moved the second reading. Mr Berries objected to the second reading before the BUI was printed. He objeoted to the small pensions named in the Act of 18(6 being applied to the South African Contin gents. The House ought to rise superior to the miserable dole stipulated la the Act of 1866,

Mr Collins said the-Contingents were promised, before they left, that tho oolooy would look after them in oaae of being wounded or incapacitated by sickness, or their relatives in case of death, but tbe proposals in tha Bill fell far short of that. In the course of farther debate, attention was called to the dicpropor tionafet. amount payable to commissioned as compared with noh-oommisiiofied ofEoers and p*%a>t«_ The Premise, replying, oxmtenised that with the funds contributed by the public and the Imperial pen_>n»,thV proposals la the Bill provided for fair treatment for tbe men. '

The BUI was read a second time on tiff voices. The Premier moved the committal of tbe Workers' Compensation for Aooidsats Bill, Mr Willis thought the Bill would prove a great hardship upon many employers, Mr Lewis said unless the GovernrMVt took any risk that waa offered, some alterations would have to be made In Ceuunlttee.

THE ASBBUBTON &UAfc lAN: fIHtfRSDA*, OCTOBER ii IfrOC



First quarter Full moon Last quarter New moon First quarter

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Date October 9 10 11 12 ,» 15

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Rises 5 20 5 10 5 16 5 14 5 12

Sets 6 15 6 16 6 17 6 19 6 19



ISareraittsi in BICYCLES. Highest Quality, Latest Designs, For One 'Month- Only OAtBS, LOWRY & CO., Zealandia Cycle Works, Burnett Street, Ash' burton, with the view of popularising the Zealandia arid Atatonta Bicycles in the Aahburton District, have decided to offer 20 Cycles at the following very great reductions in price fur one month only. Lot 1 - GENTLEMEN'S ZEALANDIA ROiDSTER, 22 inch frame, 80 gear, Twin Boiler chain, Westwood «tsel rims, Duulbp tyres, Brook's saddle, enamelled black with gold lines. Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16 10?. 12 months guarantee. Lct2-LADY'S, 22 inch frame, 66 gear, adjustable handles, spring seat pillar, fbxibie saddle, Weatwood steel rims, Diinlop tyres. Regular cash price £20. Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. ot 3 - GENT'S ATALANTA LIGHT ROADSTER, 24 inch frame, 80 gear, - Brook's 828 saddle, Westwood steel rim?, Dualop tyres, enamelled black wirh gold lines. Regular cash price £21 Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. Lot 4-LADY'S ATALANTA, 22 inch frame. 64 gear, leather gear case, Brook's saddle, Westwood steel rims, Bunlop tyres. Regular cash price £22. Sale price £16 10a, 12 months guarantee, . ! Lot 5 — GENT'S LIGHT ROADSTER, 22 inch frame, 80 gear, Kelly adjustable handlebar, Sager goxihle saddle, Wf stwood steel rims, Dunlop tyre*. Regular cash price £20, Sale price £15 12 months guarantee. Lot 6-LADY'S ZEALANDIA, 20 inch frame, 63 gear, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, Brook's lateßt saddle, enamelled dark green with gold lines and decorations. Regular cash price £22. Sale price £17. 12 months guarantee. Lob 7 - GENT'S ATALANTA ROAD RACER, 24 inih frame, Twin roller chain, 84 gear, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black with gold lines: Regular cash price £21. Sals price £16. 12 months guarantee. Lotß-LADY'S, 22 Inch frame, 68 gear, adjustable handles, spring seat pillar, Flexible saddle, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, enamelled maroon with gold Hues. Regular cash price £20. Sale price £15- 12 months guarantee. Lot .-GENT'S ATALANTA, 24inohframe, Twin Roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood rime Dunlop tyres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black with gold line?. Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16 12 months guarantee. Lot 10 — GENT'S ZEALANDIA ROAD RACER, 24 inch frame, twin roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tjres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black. Regular cash price £21: Sale price £16 10s. Also,— 10 other high class BICYCLES, similar to the above EASY TERMS CAN*BE ARRANGED. All the above Machines are fitted wit h Dunlop Tyres and Westwood Steel Rim*- \ B_m_bbr me Sale is fob One I J_foxxtli Only. : & CO- Lergest Makers of Cyc'os in New Zaaland. Aebburton Branch, Burnett Street— W» A. SCHWARTZ 10 m Manager. SPECIAL DISPLAY OF SPRING FASHIONS New" Dresses, New Millinery, New Hata and Trimming, New Prints, Zephyrs Mualine, etc. NEW GOODS AND NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. YOU ARE INVITED TO INSPECT* ASHBURTON DRAPERY CO.



A. AGER ARCHITECT ARCADE OBAMBBBS ASHBURTON. T_ you want a NEW HOUSE, orlAltera tions, or Newest Style of Decorations, CONSULT MR AGER. Call and see the NEW lIBRGSE BLIND Imitation of Venetian, at half the price. WANTED KNOWN. J. L. HIGGS HAS Paints, OHb, Turps, Glaes, Scrim, &c, also choice Paperhangings. PRICES LOW. High Claea Decorative Work a Speciality, Don't forgst. ■—— 764 Coleman's Building, Tancred Street. MWSBESSIJE SIMMONDS. MUSIC Seller and Teacher of tbe Violin, . Musical instruments of eve»^ deaorip tion VIOLINS a SPECIALITY. Music and Songs by every mall. First-ekes Quad* rilie Band. Burnett Street, Oppoaite Publishing ompany j



John Orr & Co. T)yE DO HOT STOCK ELEPHANTS Bub have a very varied ard "metal selection OP TRUNKS And Travelling Boxes, which we are qnot ing at extremely Low Prices, and will be glad to show to any of our customers, JOHN ORR & CO Have a large Stock of LAWN MOWERS ro„ CUTTIN Gr all kinds of grate. Oar latest patterns, like THE BOERS, move very rapidly over the ground when pushed a little. The grass it out DOWN [like magic, Prioee from SSO*l, JOHN ORR & CO., Ashburton. THE MOST WONDERFUL BABY IN THE WORLD Certainly deserves a Good F eitr ai*_b wJator OB Mall CJnrt, such as may be obtained from JOHN ORR & CO, ASHBURTON. 10 45



Yew goods fob winter.. NICHOLAS & PICKFOfiD TTAVE pleasure in informing their numerous Patrons that they have landed 'ex Maraari * another shipment of Boots* £_.oes, flippers, and E v ©ning Shoes ITCH* Wlßi'ri_l_ TI7ADE Included amongst these are Ladies' Gentlemans', and Child reos' Warm Slippers, (A uplendid variety.) The whole of onr Imported Goods have been purchased direct from the Manufacturers and marked off at the very lowest margin of profit j and we confidently assert that in no other 1 shop in the district can a better assor ted Stock, at such uniformly^ low prices be found, I EVENING SHOES • Upwards of 20 different Styles in Laeies' Evening Shoes to choose from, prices from 3s to ISs 64; Gentle mens' Court Shoes in all stylos, and at wonderfully low pricea. NICHOLAS "& PICKFORD, BAST STREET.



GONE TO THE FP.CNT. | MR RACING CYCLIST,-Now that the i racing season is at hand, it is absolutely •necessary that you should have the best bicycle. Notice how the riders of RUDGK i WHITWORTHB have been faring. At the ! 1900 Nevf Zealand Championship Meeting sine out of ten championships fell to-riders of the Rudge-Whitworth. Did these riders ever meet with such phenomena! success on any other wheel? Ask them how the Rudge-Wiutworth stood on the bumpy track at Wellington, and they will tell you that their mounts were full of life when the final struggle came. The Budge-Whitworth has only been on the path a few months, yet it now stands alone as the racing man's wheel. Are you still satisfied to be an "also started, or will you lead on a Rudqe-Whitwobth RCDGE - WHITWORTH RECORD AT CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING, won half, one, three, fivb and ten milk cash championships. won half, three, five and ten mile amateur championships. MR TOURIST,-You want a wheel that is not too heavy, but strong enough to carry you over the bumpy Streets and rough roads, and, ab the same time, can show pace when the going is good. The RuroaWHiTWORTH answers this description. What is England s experience? Tha battle of the high-grade wheels has end«*l in a complete victory for th cßudgb-Whitworth, which ia now right on top in the Old Country, ; Inspection Invited. CITY CYCLE WORKS. BUENETT STREET. .



CONSULTING OPTICIAN ♦ ' _ mm Mr Ernest M. Sandstein, DBOA»',F  M.C, who has lately returned after six years' special study In England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all cases b defective eyesight, Daylight not necessary, artificial light being used, Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees moderate, Con suiting rooms, Oashel Street W., over M, Sandstein, jeweller, Christchurch. 930 to , 2 to 6 daily, 9 305 BOOTS and Shoes to Meeiure at D Stock's. 9 202 Smoke New Venus



Old R_wle, wily in her schemes, Her eyes on India oft has osst, And of the future vainly dream* When that dear land is hers at last. But ere we think of that far day, Consider what we now endure—- Bad coughs and colds, that pass away • On taking Woods' Great Peppermint Cure



ALL Loasby's Preparations—Cinnamon Cure, Koolibah, Wahoo, andßoojaman Qnm—at J T Qooob Store eaper^ . You can depend on ridding your childrn of worms with Wades Worm^Figs, the wonderful Worm Worriers. Is*



Unequalled and Invincible—Woods 2 Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds, Is 6daud 2s 6d