Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following phtaecas ndner, subject to the necessary alterations : SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3 For Northern Ports and Westporfc, pet Rotomahana. at 6 30 p m MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 For Australia, India, China, South Africa, Mauritius, Straits Settlement, and United Kingdom, Continent) of Europe, via Naples. Due Melbourne November 12th, due London December 16th, per express, to connect) with Mokoia, at 1230 p m Important—There will ha no despatch of English mails via San Frandsoo In November, but arrangements have been uncle for close connections with Federal and Vancouver services. The new service, every three weeks, vU San Francisco, io expected to start with first steamer leaving Auckland afcoufc the Bth Dicsmber, On account of there being so despatch of San Franeieco mail in November, parcels for United States of America cannot be sent until the despatch of mail leaving Auckland Bth December.

Commercial.

LONDON MARKETS.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—CopyrJghb London, November 1 The wheat and fiour afloat) for the United Kingdom is 2,355,000 quarters, for the Con , tinenb 1,160,000 quarters, The American visible supply of wheat is 81,351,000 quar tern. The Woodville's cargo of Australian wheat sold at 29a. i Shares in the Australian and New Zealand Mortgage Agenoy are at 91. The woai sales yesterday were very firm, and prices are unchanged. The Omaramu [ dip sold for 6fd, Kekerangu for 6|i. London, J^ov 2 Wheat—The mild weather gives promise of suporsbundaot supplies. Falling markets in America have greatly depressed the , English and Continental market. The lighterman's strike is also severely hindering the trs.de of London. 30s 3d is asked for cargoes for prompt delivery. The butter market has bare'y maintained its position. Choicest Colonial 110s, a few ■peoia! lots to 1225; Danish unchanged. The Bradford wool market is Improving. Common sixties 17jd, super IBJd. At the London wool sales prices were firm. The highest rates of the series were obtained* The clips sold included Maacnpe 9|d, Patoka Bd.JAcland 6f d

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashbnrton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on November 2. 1900:— Wheat-r Prime milling Pearl — 2s 2d to 2s 3d „ „ Tuscan >M 2s 3d  „ Hunter's 2s Id to 2s 2d Oata—Dons .„ Is Sd to Is 6d Danish Issdtols6d Canadians Is 7d I Sparrowbills Is 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 47s 6d to SOi Grass Seed—Old pattttre, 2s to 2s 3d New „ Is6dtola9d The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashbsrton.

TIMARU GRAIN MARKET.

There has been little done In the grain trade locally during the past week, and values remain unchanged. Thero are plenty . ot buyers—at a prioe, but sellers are not to be found at that price. Tuscan wheat is now footed at 2s 5d per bushel, fob Telvet and Bed Chaff 2s 4d, for good samples. There is practically nothing doing ia oats, and values are quoted at Is 6d per bushel, at! round, for good feed sorts.

GERALDINE LIVE STOCK MARKET

Then vm a fair attendanoe afr the Gsral? dine live stock sale on Thursday, bal owing to rivers and creeks being high there was not Che quantity of stock forward to meet the demand. Hoggets especially were enquired for. Ewes and lambs all counted brought 8s 7d, 8s 9d, 9s, 9s Id, 9t 6d, to lls 4d ; hoggets, 12s 9d, 13s 6d, and lie 8d ; merino ewes, lOi Sd. There was a itn*ll entry of pigs ; weaners brought 7s 9d to 9i, aod stores (email) IO« 6d. C*ttle— Cows, £6 2s 6d and £7 12« 6d : spriogere, £4, £4 12s, and £5 15a ; steers, £2 7s and £3 13s. Mr Mundell offered 2\ aores of land near Geraldine, on behalf ot Mr W X MaoDonftld, which was passed in at a good ligure, and afterwards sold for £90.

BIRTH.

Wilson—At Burnett Street, Ashburton, on November 2nd, 1900, the wife of W H Wilson, of a son.

Ashburton Guardian Magan est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1900 MOUNTED TROOPS AND INFAN TRY.

The appointment of Lord Boberta as Oommt.Dder-inaOb.ief of the Britiib army, if not, a guarantee o! reform, at least promises that reform is probable, We trust that although we have a Conservative Government in power in Great Britain, the military policy will be progressive, and that the authorities will profit to the fullest extent by the lessons taught by the war in South Africa. These lessons are m»ny and important, Perhaps one of the most important is that which has shown the superiority of mounted troops, over infantry, It is said that it is easy to give an opinion after an event has happened ; therefore, it is needless to express surprise that the military autho rities of the Empire did not, long before the TraDßvaal war broke out— recognise the advantage possessed by mounted troops over foot soldiers, in an age when artillery plays such an important part in warfare. When the history of the war in South Africa comes to be read by poste. ity, it will seem incredible that the lessons of the past, and the teachings of ecienc, should have been so completely lost upon the military authorities of the British Empire. One would have sup posed that the history of the Franco* Prussian war, in which the German Uhlan played such a conspicuous part, would have opened the eyes of the British War Office to the superiority of mounted troops and to the effect of improved artillery on infantry in war, The fighting is now conducted chiefly at very long ranges, from one to seven miles; and recent experience, at any rate, has provd that infantry can make very little impression on an enemy, unless they can get within a quarter of a mile or io of him. Except lor pur poses of de'ence, therefore, ii.f m'ry are not nearly so valuable as mounted troops. It remains to be leen what steps the British War Offiice will take to provide for the altered condi tion of things brought about by the ex perience of the Boer war. If we are to judge from what the press of the United Kingdom has indicated, a great change in the composition of the Brit ish army is certain to take place within the next twelvemonths. The probability is that the greater portion of the troops not included in the artillery branch of the service will be mounted. At anyrate, regiments intended for service other than mere defence will be mounted, and it is more than probable that only garrison troops will be foot soldiers. Should these anticipations be realised; it is evident that there mast, in the near future be a great demand for horses. Already in this colony horses suitable for troep horses have risen con siderably in psice, and when the true position comes to be fully understood, we have not the least doubt that a much greater rise in the prices of this class of horse will take place, It would therefore be good policy on the part of the farmers of this colony to go in for horse breeding pretty extensively. For when we consider what vastr num bers of animals would be required to horse even half of the armies of Britain and Europe, it will be readily nuder stood that prices of horses must rise greatly until the increased demand can be provided for. We believe that breeding horses of the stamps required will bo one of the most profitable industries in the near future.

Local and General.

* # * Interesting reading matter will be found on the first and fourth pages of this iiaue.

Tub WaATHHR.--Oaptaln Edwin forecasts; —North east to north and west gale, and rain; glass fall.

A Quiet Saturday—On, account of the Wes . Street husineises being closed and the attractions io Christohuroh, there were very few of our farmer friendt in town to-day.

EabltGbowth— A correspondent informs us he has aJiendy this season seen a crop of whaat in ear, this was sown in April last near the beach in the Oolditream district and the owner expects to have it out and threshed before Christmas, The oropsgener ally in the Coldstream district are well for' ward and looking extremely well Rboovbry ay Stole* Bullion — The Paeroa police now admit the recovery of the bullion stolen from the Walbi battery. Two bags containing the amalgam were fount} buried in the sand on the riyer back. The police tried to keep the matter quiet, and witched the bags since 3 p.m. on Mon day, hoping to catch the thieves while attempting to remove the booty, bnt failed, Tlit value ii from £700 to £800.

I Vital S*atistk»—The following are the 5 vital statistics for October:—Birtbi, 20 j deaths, 11; marriages, 4. ) Hatching.—The "white lady" ia the j Domain Is assiduously attending to her i duties, in spite of the number of visitors I who stop to see how she is getting on.

Souih Australian: Harvest. —Some of the new season's wheat k already in store in Sooth Australia, and the prospects point to a bumper harvest.

Telephone Subscribers Increasing— Speaki&g on the subject of telephones, at the re-union of the Post and Telegraph Offioials* Association, at Wellington on Saturday, the Hon J G Ward mentioned that although the charge for telephonss had been reduced from £10 to £5 per year, the revenue therefrom continued buoyant, and now amounted to £40,000 per annum. There was an average yearly increase of one thousand subscribers ill the colony.

Five Hundred Portraits. — We have received from Messrs Halma and Co. a copy of a photograph taken by them of the children and teachers at the afternoon tea given to the Borough School on Wednesday last by Mts Hugo Friedlander. There were about five hundred of the young people present, and every face can be reoognised. The picture is certainly an admirabla one.

Fibb A* RcAFCWA—A report has reached us that the schoolmaster's house at Ruapuna was burned down last evening at 5 o'clock. The family left the house at four o'clock and at five the house was completely destroyed. Me Kiehardeoa (» contractor) was the first to see it, bus by the time he got there the house was burned to the ground. It Is understood thai there Is no insurance.

M¥BICAL MlHI8TIR«-It h*B bfl«B sug gested that Mr Seddon's Cabinet should be called • Th« Musical Ministry ' (mnuki the New Zeatand limes). At the banquet of the Driven' XSmcn the Hona J G Ward, J Car. roll, and T Duncan raised their voices in ■ocg, instead of contribntiog speeches. An apology was received from the Hon 0 Mills for hii absence, and it was suggested ' that he had not yet had time to gat ap to Ministerial concert pitch, and was away rehearsing.' The surprise of the evening was Mr Duncan's swinging many versed Irish song, with & chorus. It provoked tremendous applause, and threatens to outdo in popularity even the Premier's * Wearin' o' the Green.'

The Traffic Northwards. — h was evident as the special train steamed Into the station last evening that a decided trend had at I«b set in towards Christchurch. The train was a long one, consisting of twelve cars packed with pawsengers. There must have been five hundred people on board, and the platform presented a busy scene during the short) suy of the train. The express, running half an hour later, was a'so a long train, bu*i the carriages were sot at all well filled. Very few passengers got on either train here. The early train (torn here this morning took fully one hue' dred and another eighty got aboard the special from Timarn which kit at 9 o'clock. The special consisted of seven cars all full up about three hundred passengers being on board when she left; here*

The Lyttrlton Robberies.—Yesterday at the LytteltonJPolioe Court, beforeJMr J T Brice, J P, John Kelly was charged with having stolen a leather purse containing six ■ovsrtigot and other money valued at 3s o£d from Mri Frederick Norris at the Lyttelton railway station, yesterday ; and also with having stolon from Mrs Harriot Schneider a leather purse containing three sovereigns, one half sovereign, a £1 note, some copptrs and two first class railway pa«nes from Tin wald to Lyttelton and back, to the total value of about £6 17b. He was also charged with having escaped from legal custody at the Lyttelton police station on November lit He pleaded " Not guilty "to ail charges, and, on the »pplioiuion of .Sergeant Rutledge was remanded till November Bth. Bail was refuted. .

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

BEHAVIOUR OF TROOPS IN

PEKIN,

United Press Association-—By Eleitrio

Telegraph—Copyright

(Received November 2, 837 p m.)

Hong Kong, Nor. 2

French, German, and Italian troops sacked the respective quarters they occupied at Pao-ting fa. Looting of the British quarter was forbidden. Complaints are made of the severity of the Germans at Pekin. By mistake they dragged Wang, the President of tbe Treasury, about the street. He was flogged with a rope, and the soldiers broke his note before the error was discovered. Frequent disturbances occurred in the city owing to similar brutalities.

Trading Stamps.

It may be as well to inform traders and others that the recent dot passed by the Legislature abolishing the itsuo of trading stamps, came into fores on October 22, and any person who after that date isaues such or who pays any money or goods on the presentation of such etampe issued since that date is liabt» to % penalty of £10; and this penalty is recoverable not only from the principals, bub also from any ageni-, assistant, or apprentice acting on their behalf. The object of the Act, it will be seen, is entirely to prohibit) and suppress a practice which, whatever its redeeming features may be, is very liable to abuse. With regard to stamps already issued and not redeemed, the law is that tho trading stamp company is bound to pay over, to the persons to whom these stamps have been issued by traders, either goods to the full va'ue of the stamps held, or cash in the proportion of fourteen shillings to the pound sterling. The option of paying in cash or goods is con* ferred upon tbe trading stamp company, but upon faUure to comply with this provision the goods may be recoverable by process of l*w. Shopkeepers who may hold supplies of trading stamps are apparently to lose whatever they may have paid for them, as no provision Is made for their being enti* led to recover from the company. It is well that the purchasing public should note that their only safe course is to destroy them, as even an inadvertent issue by a servant would render them liable in heavy penalties. There has not, so far, been any issue of dis* count stamps by the Government, and so far as we know the disposition of leading trad, era and the people generally, there will be no deep regret felt though there should be no issue.

COUNTY COUNCIL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Aoh burton County Oonooil was held yesterday* Present-—Messrs C J Harper (chairman), H Friedlander, J Lambie, £ G Wright, 8 B Chapman, M Stitfc, GAM Buckley, and W Morgan. On the minutes being disposed of, Mr Wright called in question the action di the Chairman and those members of the Council who had criticised his statements and conduct in various matters during his absence from the Council. He mentioned the remarks made about the mill hitake dispute, and the difference between the Anama Road Board and the Council, and the Chairman replied. The business done by the Chairman since last meeting was approved of. engineer's report.

The engineer's report was read is follows : Ashburton-Rakaia Water Supply.— The excessive floods of the 17th and 18th inst, and 28th and ?.9tb caused some damage, and considerable blooktge at the various intakes, but these have been cleared, aai the necessary repairs are being exeouted. At PuddiDg Hill the river bank sooured out in the vicinity of the concrete ohaonel, necessitating some fascine work and protec tion there, as also on. the northern bank above the dam. No damage was occasioned In the dam or weir, but considerable scour took plaoe at the tail of the latter, which will be secured with scrub. The extent of river bank being protected here is about twenty chains. Below the Pudding Hill bridge considerable enoraaohment took plaoe on the northern bank, and about an acre of the reserve has been washed away. Some protection should be put in there for aboub ten chains in length, to save the reserve and to safeguard the auxiliary ohannel, which is situated a short distance lower down. At the intake of the Wakanui oreek there has been considerable oveiflow of the river into the oreek, which was flooded for two days. The intake from the Raksia river h*s not suffered damage, so far. A good dtal of clearance is necessary at Winchmore. Proposed Removal of Borough Race, at AllentoD, from the Alford Forest Road.— I am of opinion that the best solution of this matter would be the construction of a new race, extending from the present race on Winter's Road at its junction with Andrew Street), passing through private property on the line indicated on map, to join the existing race at the junction of Alford Forest) with the north-west town belt. This race, 86 chains in length, would hive to be about 4£ feet wide on an average, and 18 inches deep. I estimate the cost of earthwork, which would be mostly manual labour, at £34; fords for six street crossings £24, and works for crossing gully £20—in all £78, exclusive of any accommodation work* which might be required for the various sections. If an extension of the raoe were made to Farm Road, the addi tional length would be aboub 35 chains, and the additional cost £48, including a flume across the gully. With regard to the ques tion of branch races, I may state that the depth of the race at the junction of Farm Road with Winter's Road is about four feet, atad the extension to Alford Forest Road would be the same depth, so that in that locality the water could not be got on to the surface, and the district lower down is so intersected with ga'lies of considerable width and depth that) the cost of construction and maintenance, etc, would be heavy. The fixing of the main, however, is the principal item, and the branches with the best points of discharge at the borough boundary would, as regards the latter, be a matter of arrange ment with the Borough Council.

County Bridgee—Yel>y MM'6 repair has been necessary during the month. The clearing and widening approach to stock bridge, Ealing, was effected recently. Some work will bs necessary at Mayfield Stock Bridge- to keep the channel within the limits of the bridgp, as the Hinds river recently overflowed and diverted the channel to the south side of the bridge. County Plantations—The ploughing, &<?., of 14?. acres near Valetta tanks, aad also the sowing with gum saeds, have been completed. The fenoing of the reserve opposite Chelmsford is in hand, and gorse grubbing in s: me of the plantations wiil be commenced immediately.

Ashbttrion - Rangitata Water Supply— Some intermission has been caused during the month by blockages at intake of the South Aanbnrton Rivet, aod also by high wiads, but supplies are now nearly restored. As regards the new race authorised for Messrs Giddings, Sea., near Hinds, the Railway Department will reply iv a few days, as to granting the use of culvert under railway for the proposed supply. Mr Wright taid the willows growing above and below the biidge required to be attended to.

A letter from Mr Williamson was read bearing on the recent flooding of the river, also complaining of his land having been overflowed, and advising the stopping of culvert crossing Alfcrd forest road. The engineer said the water was flowing ever both above and below tbe intake.

Mr Stitt suggested that the culvert be blocked np. It was agreed that the culvert be blocked up. MARBABI GRASS A letter was received from a land owner on the Anama district expressing a hope that no marram grass would be sown on tbe water races, as he considered it a nojdoui weed and likely to spread everywhere

The Chairman said another person had written, thoroughly approving of the Council's action in planting this grass Mr Latnbie said that at Cambridge, Rotorua, and Bakaia the grass had been found highly beneficial, It was not a spreading grass at all The question, whether the Counoil could vote funds feo plant this grass was disoussed, one member suggesting that it was in tbe nature of a plantation. (Laughter) No action was taken ALLBHTON WATER RACES The engineer supplied a good deal of additional information on this matter, and after a long discuision it was agreed, on the suggestion of Mr Friedlander, seconded by Mr Wright, that a plan of the engineer's recommendation* be forwarded to tbe representatives of all parties concerned in order that their views may be ascertained, and on receipt of consent to same the Council will further consider the application. The engineer's report was approved of as a whole .

The engineer sent in a further report as under:—The ranger having; reported that the excessively high flood in the Rangitata river had seriously damaged the main race in the GorgJ on Monday last, I inspected the same yesterday, along with the Chairman, and regreb to fiud that very considerable damage has been done. The river in the vicinity of the intake had risen fully fifteen feet above its ordinary level, and to within 15 inches of the top of concrete breastwork, over which the waves dashed and a large volume of water from the river was carried away, causing a breach of nearly 5 chains in length; The flooded channel forced an outlet into the river, at a point about 40 chains lower down. The best mode of repair would probably be the laying of concrete pipes about 3 feet in diameter in the bottom of Ihe channel where breaohes have occurred, and scouring; the slopes with heavy boulder protection, to say 3 feet above the level of last flood, which seems to have been without precedent. There would be about 500 lineal feet of pipes required, and the cosb of works required to reinstate the channel along the river bank I estimate ab £650. A further sum of £100 will be required to secure the gully in the terrace about 2£ miles from the intake, and to clear slips at different points on the first 6 miles of race. Unfortunately the loaa moneys are sow all spent, and it will be for the Council to devise some mode whereby (this unforeseen contingency can be met>.

The Chairman said this was a very serious matter. He went up to the locality on Thursday with tbe engineer, and was astonished ab the damage that had been done. He detailed some of the effects of the flood, whloh inter alia had completely smashed a wooden flume 40 feet long.^The Council was aware that the money had been borrowed for the work and it was jusb finished when this misfortune occurred. He did nob quite knew the financial position with regard to this business, bub the matter had to be abtended to at once.

Mr Wright said it wag clear the Ccunoil could nob raise any mote money by loan. The original loan was exhausted, and ib would require aboub £1000 bo repair the damage done. The only alternative to avoid d«lay was for the Council to vote a mm out Of the maittttoanet rate to be repaid |at*r<

Mr Friedlander thought the only way wad to go to the ratepayers and ask for a loan to meet) this extraordinary requirement. He did nob thiok the Council oould make any advance. The unfortunate part of the business was that the ratepayers in the neighborhood had so far received no benefit from the race.

Mr Wright said there wrs rateable value in the water supply district for another loan of £1500.

The Chairman said that it would take five months to go through the formalities of getting a new loan. Two persons had Already moved their homesteads on to the new race,, and if it oould not be made serviceable it would be a grievous die appointment. Mr Friediander moved—* 1 That the Chair man convene at once a meeting of rate payers in the Ruapuna water race district with a view of ascertaining if the ratepayers are prepared to become liable for a further lean of not exceeding £1000 te repair the damage done by the late heavy flood." This was seconded by Mr Johnston, and carried*

„ BRIDGING BOAD FORDS. A discussion took place on the subjeot of bridging forde over roads at Tinwald on an application for a bridge made by the Tinwald Town Board. Eventually, Mr Wright moved that the Committee be allowed further time to report which was agreed to, LAKE HERON WATER SUPPLY SCHEME. (A debate on this matter U published elsewhere). FINANCE. Aooounts amounting to £602 5s 5d were passed lor payment. BEAUTIFYING ASSOCIATION. A deputation, comprising lit Trevor and Mr John Orr, waited upon the Council asking for assistance in their efforts towards improving the town. Dr Trevor urged thit claim, as It would help to make the. town attractive, and thai improve the value of property generally. To Mr Wright: The absence of shelter was having their attention, and ultimately a live hedge, probably laurel, would be substituted for the present fence. Mr Friedlander supported the claims of the petitioners, but he was nob aware whether it was within the provinoe of the Council to aseiat.

The Chairman thought not), from the result of past experience in similar matters, and Instanced that they had been called upon to refund £50 granted to the Indian famine fund. The application was outside the Council's rights, and he took it they might be called upon to refund, Mr Wright,stated that they were here asked to assist the Borough ratepayers, and whilst sympathieing with tho object in view, he felt they could not legally assist the applicant?. He considered farther that the residents in the Borough were quite as able to ornament the town as residents outside, and he could not see his way to support a grant. It was resolved that the request of the Beautifying Association could not be enter tained.

ZOUHDABIKS OF ANAMA AND SANGITATA DISTBIOTB. ,'

A deputation of Anama ratepayers, com prising Messrs U. Morrow, Peter (2), Nog worthy, and Kellahan, waited upon the Council with respect to altering the boundaries of the Anama acd Rangitata districts, and handed in a petition from residents supporting the application on various grounds, and Mr Morrow complained of the condition of the roads in the Anama district, and went en with further grievances, when

The Chairman inteirupted, and pointed out that the petition should be handed in to the Council, and it would be referred to a committee to report. Mr Wright was not sure it was right) to decline to hear the deputation fully, but the Chairman stated be bad two counter peti tions, and where a boundary question was in dispute, evidence would have to be taken from both sides.

Mr Friedlander considered that if any road district wished to be attached to another, the application should be presented to the Council, and dealt with by it, aad ha therefore thought tho position was—that the petition should be received by the Council, and an order made if required. There seemed to him to be no question of taking evidence.

The Chairman said they could not take evidence now, as in the first place the Clerks of the Rangitata and also the Anama Road Boards W3uld have to be present to prove their position. There were two or three Acts dealing with this subject and one clause of ths Counties Act provided that if two Road Boards were agreeable to certain boundaries, provided no objection were taken, these were to be adopted. He pointed out that the Anama Board had agreed to call a meeting to consider the matter. After further discussion, . Mr Wrighb considered tbe petitioners should be clearly informed whether evidence would be taken to verify the petitions, and be assured the Council that the names to that petition were quite in order. He contended that it was nob the business of the Council to adopt the course of taking evidence on the grievances of ratepayers, an tho signature* of fcwo-thitds of tho ratepayers were sufficient, provided there w»b no counter petition of equal value. The Chairman, however, ruled that the I petition oould only be dealt with in the ordinary manner, and a full investigation ' made upon the whole subject. Mr Wright then moved thab the petitions be referred to a Committee comprising Messrs Morgan, Johnson, and Strife*, to report thereon, which was agreed to. The Chairman laid upon tbe table two counter petitions on the same subject and the signatures of the various petitions he took ib ! would be duly verified. | Mr Chapman thought that the Committee would not be required to take evidence as to the justice of the application, bub Mr Friedlander considered if the Committee were in a difficulty they should refer back to the Council as to their action.

HAMPSXIAD WASIB SUPPLY Mr (4. Andrews waited on the Counoil ai a deputation from the Hampstead Town' , Board and asked that when the Council was making arrangements to supplement the prestnt water supply to the Borough, fiampste&d might) also be supplied, as ib was impossible to obtain a aupply necessary for fire prevention and other purposes unless brought through this Borough. He also applied for a river reserve in view of Hamp etead obtaining ultimately a water supply. The Chairman stated the matter would have the attention of the Council, but he pointed out that there was no immediate intention of increasing the supply of water to the Borough; but the people of Hamp stead being ratepayers should be helped if possible. Mr Chapman did not see how they could I deal with the application in the absence of ! plans ' Consideration of this matter was ulti mately adjourned nntil next meeting. Mr David Quinn, Methven, wrobe that the bridge leading to his section, No. 52, had been destroyed by flood ' Mr Wright advocated the repairs being attended to and ib was decided to reinstate Vihe bridge. Mr John Orr wrote with respect to foot bridge at Hinds suggesting that planks be placed across ib to enable sheep to be travelled across during floods. The Chairman thought this would involve an expense of £20 but Mr Wright was convinced the maximum would be £10.

Ib was decided that Mr Wrighb report to to the Oonaoil as to the cost).

A contribution was voted to the Ashburton Volunteer Fire Brigade of £21 granted through the Borough Council. The applications of R M Adair, John Orr. G Murdoch, Doherty, and Qulgtay for water races were granted

It was decided that the v Jit meeting of the Counoii be held an November 28th and in this oase it would be unnecessary to hold a meeting in December, and ab thia meeting the statutory election of Chairman would take placet Tenders for dog collars were decided to be advertised, and office holidays arranged, after which the meeting closed.

THE LAKE HERON WATER SCHEME.

At the meeting of the County Counci 1 held yesterday Mr Wright's notice of motion adjourned fnm last meeting came up for consideration.

Mr Wright said thatthe importance of the question involved in hi* motion was shown by the fact) that the water races in this county now exceed 1300 miles in length, having oost £30 9 000 to construct, whilst from time to time for years past their engineer had warned the Council that any further extension of tbe races dependent npon the present sources of supply, trust oause a failure in some of the racei already constructed. Yet new races have been granted at the rate of 20 miles per annum for the past seven years, aggregating 225 miles. The supply of water in the races from all existing sources amounted in all tn 71,500 gallons per minute, equal to 55 gallons per minute for every mile of constructed race, reckoning on a full supply from all sources, but falling off in summer to 60,000 gallons per minute, or 46 gallons for each mile of race. As against this the estimated summer supply obtainable from Lake Heron is 56,000 gallons or 93 per cent of the quantity supplying the races from all other sourcest The estimated Ruapuna supply of 3000 gallons and the V -"ugh and mill supply of 12,500 gallons poe ininnte were not Inoluded in the above calculations as the comparison is clear without them, The raots that could receive an augmented supply | from the Lake would be aboub 800 miles, and a calculation will show the water avail able would be about double the present I supply after making all allowances for loss I and evaporation. These 800 miles of races yield an annual income of aboub £1800, and | the oost of doubling tbe supply may be I set down at £10,000, so that provided the water oould be all sold there would be a very good return for the outlay. The interest and sinking fund upon (he oost may be estimated at £500 or 12« 6d per mile upon the 800 miles that could be reached by the water from Lake Heron for double the supply \ that is now charged at £2 6s 8d and £3 a | mile respectively.on the opposite banks of ' the Ashburton. . Should the Council decide | against this proposal they would run the risk of having to curtail the supply not only to the formers but to the Fairfield Works and even to the Borough ; and he took it that j no member of the Council wished to do that. With this scheme carried out they would give this county an assurance of a perrra ment and abundant supply and enable the Council to grant race extensions without risk. He thought the proposal was by no means premature. He moved as follows :— " That a Committee be appointed to consider the necessity of bringing down a supply of water from Lake Heron, to supplement the supply from other sources, so as to provide for any further extension of the water races to all parts of the county that can be reached from the headworks en the north and south branches of the ABhbnrton." If the Council did not agree with him about moving in the matter at this time they would agree that it was not too early to consider it.

Mr Johnston took exception to the composition of the committee.

Mr Wright) had endeavoured bo select a suitable committee.

Mr Friedknder seconded. There was no harm in Appointing a committee, bat he was very muah in doubt whether the scheme would be adopted by the Council. The mover had made no reference to the matter of how the money ihoald be raised. Thut seemed to be the crux of the question. The motion was carried.

A QUESTION OF THIRDS AND OTHER MATTERS.

When the minutes had been read at the meetiDg of the County Council yesterday, Mr Wright said he desired to make a personal explanation with regard io certain statements which had been made at the last meeting of the Council during his absence. According to the rep rtof shat meeting, published in the Mail the Chairman had said that their late Chairman was responsible for the concessions which had been gtanted to Mr McClymont. Surely they knew that he (Mr Wright) had had nothing to do with this. He a«ked the Chairman if he had been correctly reported., The Chairman said ho had referred to Mr Wa ker, a former Chairman, and not to Mr Wright.

Mr Wrighb said that although that mtter was disposed of by the Chairman's exj hnatioa there were others he wished to comment upon. One was a statement that he had taken credit for settling np the mill intake dispute without cost to the Council, which members seemed to have considered was disproved by an account from Mr Parneil for fees in connection therewith. He enumerated the various sums which had been paid in this connection, being in facb everything except the Council's own law costs, which compared with the large sum Involved was practically nothing. Another matter was the statement) with respect) to the claim the Council had made against the Anama Road Board. He read the report ot what was said In the Council with regard to this, and said the question was purely a matter of equity between the two bodies—the County Council and the Anama Read Board, Mr Wright then read minutes of several meetings of the Board to t»how how the mattes stood, also the clause of the Act dealing with the point at issue, which showed that In the event of any Road Board neglecting to collect rates, the Council may collect: same on behalf of the Board, arid may claim the payments due on behalf of the Council. He also read the legal opinion received by the Board on the dispute in question, which was to the eff cfc that the Board was authorised to csnslder the amoanb bo collected by the Council on behalf of the Board as an as ft. He took most exception to the remarks of the Chairman that 'the Chairman of the Anama Koad Board when Chairman of the Council naturally took no steps to compel the Board to pay." He read some notes he had made upon the position of the dispute between the Council and the Board, and concluded by saying that it appeared to him that should the Council not agree with his view of this question, the best way would be to refer the matter to the fiiendiy arbitration of th<J Supreme Courfc. There was nothing to hide in the matter, He thought the Chairman had not been wise in bringing this subject up in his (Mr Wright's) absence, and the remark made by the Chairman was nob a nice one. Mr Walker and Mr Fried lander hid both been Chairmen of the Cjuncil since this matter had been going on, ar.d what had they done ? The Chairman said, that if they were all to be so touchy in noticing newspaper reports they would be engaged all the morning in making personal explana tions. With regard to Mr Pumell's ac* count, if they had had the explanation from [ Mr Purnell, now in his hands, probably ! the discussion complained of by Mr | Wright would cob have taken place. (He read Mr Purneli's letter, which confirmed ! the statement made by Mr Wright.) Mr Wright claimed that his action had saved the Council much expense in the matter; The Chairman said in regard to the other complaint, re Anama Road Board, he had only done his duty in the matter. There was an asset, and he ©nly pointed out that It ought to be liquidated. He thought that if the legal opinion read by Mr Wright was correcb, the Council had claims acaiast other local bodies.

Mr Frledlande* said that* he wished to ask a question, re the ruling of the Chairman that no member had a right to reply to the personal explanation of another member. He thought that this was not right when the member made statements which were not correct,! aa in this case, ! The Chairman maintained his ruling . and the matter then dropped.

SOCIAL COLUMN.

[The matter included in this column is contributed and paid for J]

SOLDIEKS WIVES.

By tbe Key. E. Hardy, Chaplain to the Forces, Author of " The »ive Talents of Woman," " Mr Thomas Atkins," etc.

Virgil sang of arms and the man ; let us think a little of arm* and the woman, Women can do almost any thing they like with men, and there is little doubt that if they joined together and set their faces against wan, these would never be waged. Instead of this they are attacked by scarlet fever, and favour the attentions of soldiers even more than they do thota of parsons. They dote upon the military and "are attracted by the pomp and circumstance of war. Since the Trojan campaign women have been either the direct or indirect cause of almost every great war, and it would seem that the Boer war is no exception. It is said that the Boer ladies • kept on * at their ■sale friends until Natal was invaded, and that for years they had belonged to rifle-shooting clubs. One old wife literally led, or rather let off the ball, by firing with her own hands the first cannon that was aimed in omo place Against the hated Britishers. Well, we may be sure that these Boer ladies are bow very sorry for what they hava done. They must have suffered from the war far more than British women, and that is saying much. It sounds well to be a soldier's wife in war time, but the reality cannot be very pleasant. And yet Hymen has been helped by Mars, and there has been a 'boom' in military marriages. Engagements blossomed into fruit that might have withered in the bud had the warriors not become interesting by being ordered to the front. And now, when our soldiers are returning home to be healed of < their wcunde, the matrimonial effects of tbe war are still further manifesting themselves.

Certainly marriage is not encouraged in our army. If a junior officer ventures upon it, his colonel thinks that he has taken rather a liberty, and those of his own standing talk of another having * gone wrong.' ' This sort of thing,' they say,' breaks up the meet! and spoils a soldier,' i And yet Wolseley, Roberts, Wood, White and many others still with ns, not to mention paßfc heroes, fcave shown that it is possible to be good soldiers thgugh married. Roman soldiers were encouraged to marry, because it was , thought that the shame of going home to their wives and families if they were guilty of cowardice, would make them behave as they ought. When the Guards were leaving London for the Boer war, a girl who had lately mar» ried one of them was beard to say to her husband, • Keep your pecker up, Dick !' • 'Taint me,' replied the guards* man,' as needs keep my pecker up. but Kruger.' Sweethearts and wives have great influence in keeping up or keep ing down the * pecker' of soldiers. When' Nasmyth, the inventor of the eteam-hammer, had been married'forty years, he used to say that he and his wife were the same devoted cronies as they were the day they were married. On the 17th of last May Lord ami Lady Roberts celebrated their forty second wedding day, and they can say what Naemyth said. When her hus band was in India, Lady Roberta used to accompany him on tours of inspec tion, and everywhere except to ective j service. Very few couples have been f so little separated, and the value Lord f Roberts attached to the help his wife; gave him is very gracefully acknow ledged in the dedication to her of his book, ' Forty-one Years iv India.' The following is told of Lord Roberta soon after he had taken up his resi dence at Bloemfootein, He walked np to Lord. Kitchener in the presence of several officers, and iftid—

* Kitchener, I am making an addi tion to my stafi.' ' Yes,' replied the ex-Sirdar; ' who is it?' < My chief, replied ' Bpbs.' 1 Who f inquired Kitchener, per plexed. "I am an old man now," said Lord Roberts, "and 1 feel lonesome; so I have asked Lady Roberts to join m: Her headquarters wiU be in the vicinity of Bloemfontein until they can be moved to Pretoria."

Lady Roberts received from her hnsband the following telegram : Re ceived your dear flag. What did it , mean 2 It may be remembered that whoa "Bobs" took Bloemfonteiu b« had a Union Jack put up which had shamrocks on its corners. This was the work of his wife and daughters, and the telegram announced its safe arrival. Lady Roberts does not care much for society; bnt Lady Woiselty baa always admirably performed the social duties of her position. Few people realise what it is to be the wife of a successful soldier. Lady Wolselty baa seen her husband set out for five cam paigns. If, however, the face of this devoted wife bears traces of the anxiety she haß had so often to endure, she has also upon her, on full dress occasions, the reward of victory. We allude to her specially fine diamonds, which came off the sword presented to Lord Wolseley by the people of Cairo. Another trophy of war which is greatly prized by Lady Wolteley is in a little gilt frame, and bangs in her boudoir. It is the autograph copy of the words spokenjby the Queen when she proposed of the Oommander-in Chief at Bal moral, shortly after his return from Egypt. There is no more congenial couple in, our army than General Sir Wtlliaai and Lady Butler. In their case "The | Roll Call" became the call to matri mony. Seeing the picture in the Royal Academy, Butler sought the acquaintance of its painter and gave hints for her next work. They be came more than friends, and w*re married in 1577. Lady Butler is a devoted mother to her five children, and is quite unspoiled by success. We all sympathised with the terrible anxiety Sir George White's wife felt jm -111 Ladysmith was relieved, and we kd mired the way she forgot herself in collect ing comforts and New Year's gifts! to send to the besieged troops. She *v, however, very far from being the cjiJy wife who had to suffer from gusp?u» and hope deferred, though the great, re.

THE ASHBtJRfON GtJAlfcDlA^ t SANDED*?, KOTEMBEB 8, 190 C



J. WILSON, SIGN-WRITER AND DECORATOR; ■IMPORTEB OP ARTISTIC WALL PAPERS. BORNETT STREET, TELEPHONE 65. SOLE AGENT FOB ASHBURTON AND DISTRICT FOR HALL'S •' Sanitary WATER PAINT," As mcd ia the principal Hospitals throughout tha world. It will stand washing. 16 kith foßeott, abd is a considerable saving compared to oil paint, WOOL. WOOL, WOOL I AM now making LIBERAL CASH ADVANCES, FREE OF COMMISSION, upon all Wool placed in my bands for sale, either In AshbsKton, Chriatohurch, Tlmaru, or for Shipment. This Season's WOOL SALES for Canterbury hays been fixed as under, viz :~ ; CHBIBTCHUECH—November 22, 1900, December 13, 1900- January 17, 1901, February 19,1901 TlMAJßU—November 30, 1900, January 3, 1901, February 7, 1901 I shall be represented both at OHRI3TOHURGH and TIMARU. WOOLPAOKS AND ALL STATION REQUISITES SUPPLIED AT LOWEST MARKET RATES DAVID THOMAS, ASHBURTON. j PURE SEEDS, I have lately erectf d, regardless of cost, the MOST COMPLETE FEED CLEAN ING PLANT south of the line, and I now aek Farmers to inspect the same at work. I AM PBEPAEED TO CLEAN FOR FARMERS ANY DESCRIPTION OF SEEDS OR GRAIN AND WILL GUARANTEE TO GIVE THEM SATISFACTION 1 can supply best Byegrass and Cocksfoot locally grown, also best Clovers, drusaed Hy my own Machines, the parity of which mast be seen to be appreciated AIso—BURST A SON 'S ENGLISH CLOVJBBS, TURNIPS, RAPE, LUCERNE, TREFOIL, Ac. D. THOMAS^ ASHBURTON



WOOLSfON feTEAE WOOL WORKS OHRIBTCHURCH. (Established 1868) rpHE undersigned* begs to notify that he JL is Scouring as heretofore, Squatters' Consignments to the Christ church, or Woolston Stations will receive prompt attentions Quick despatch and lowest rates. T. YORK. 10 267 ASHBURTON OFFICE "LYTTELTON TIMES" "CANTERBURY TIMES" "STIR" 11 SPORTSMAN " WHERE Advertisements and Subscrip* tions wilt be received, and files oao be inspected. F. NORDON. Managing Agent for Sooth Canterbury, BURNRTT BTRKBT> (Entrance to Thomas' New Auction Mart) 11 10



SPECIAL DISPLAY SPBING FASHIONS New Dresses, New Millinery, New Hats and Trimming, New Prints, Zephyrs Muslins, etc. HEW GOODS AJND KOVELTIES IN ALL DEPAETMEHTS. YOtJ ARE INVITED TO INSPECT. ASHBURTON DEAPEKY CO. Important Notice 10 CYCLISTS! I HAVE just received, direct from the Manufacturers (EuiGß- 1 Whitworth, Ltd., Birmingham and Coventry), ex s.a. Waimate, A FULL STOCK OF EOADSTBRS, KOAD EAOEBB, PATH RACERS, & LADIES* Budge- Whitworths. Don't waste your money on cheap, shoddy, out-of-date Wheels, but go straight; for the WORLD-FAMED BICYCLE, The Budge-Whitworth. Repairs Neatly Executed. Sundries Always io Stock. Ihspiction Invited. li. il. HIT 0.1, CITY CYCLE WORKS, BUENETT STREET. Miss Florence Newman, who hat been a great sufferer from muscular rheumatism, aayi Chamberlain's Pain Balm is the only remedy that afforda her relief Mill Newman is a muoh respected resident of the Tillage of Gray, NY, and makes this statement for the benefit of. others similarly Rioted (This liniment is for sale by Aihburton Drug Comp»ny



MeasriHNeUon Bros, have received the following cablegram from the Colonial Cemlgnmeat and Distributing Company, dated London, November Ist:-—Canterbury mutton 4Jd, DnnedJn and Southland 4d, Napier acd North Island 3|cl; first) quality lamb 4|d, second quality lamb 4|d. The advanced prioen have checked lalee, and the demand is falliag off WANTED— Twenty Young men t wear Biaok and Brown Boota ; 17i Bd, at P. Stock's 9 199



femoke New Venus



Mr J. Wilson, house decorator, hat been fortunate in securing the agency for Ash burton and district of the now famous 11 Halt's Sanitary Washable Distemper " or Water Paint, as used for renovating all the principal hospitals, hotels, etc., throughout Great Britain and the colonies. Before renovating the Christchurch Hospital some time ago, a competition was held to decide upon what kind of ? distemper or paint would be used for cleausiog and decorating the buildings. After exhaustive tests and trials '• H»li'a Water Paint" was considered by far the beet, and has been usad in the institution ever since. It is very suitable for applying to Walla and ceilings of kitchens, whether wood or piaster. It has an advantage over oil paint, inasmuch as insects cannot live near it. It is very easy of application—by simply adding hot or cold water, it is ready for immediate use, and in three weeks' time is washable. Mr Wilson has a shipment just to hand.—(Advt) 1115



BKWABE OF A OOUOH A oough it not a disease bat a symptom. Consumption and bronchitis, which are the most dangerous and fatal diseases, have for their firsb indication a persistent cough, and if properly treated as soon at this cough appears, are easily cured. Chamberlain's Oough Remedy has proven wonderfully suoaesiful, and gained its wide reputation and extensive sale by its success in curing the diseases which cause coughing If it is sob beneficial it will not cost you a cent For sale by Ashburton Drujr Company



TO THE DEAF—A rioh lady, cured of her DeafneßS and Noiaes in the Head by vt Nicholson's Artieoial Ear Drums, gave £500 to his Institute, bo that the dear people un able to prooure the Ear Brume may have them free. Address N0667d, The Niohol ion Institube, Longcott,Gunnflrßbary, London Smoke New Yeuijs 1