Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 1900. THE RAILWAY SERVICE.

The present Minister of Railways being a man of progresp, who, in the course of his successful administration of the Post and Telegraph Departments when fonnerley in officp, shook himself entirely free from the bonds of red tape and effected reforms of most important benefit to the colony and to the employees, we may reasonably hop« that he will, without de'ay, dir.cthis attention to the reconstitute of the Railway Service, which, under exist ing arrangements, suffers substantial grievances that we have reason to believe are easily remediable, without involving any very material increase in the departmental expenditure. Towards the end of last se&eion a petition from the Railway Officers' Institute was presented to the Eouse, setting forth the position of the rail way servants as compared with that of the Post Office officials/and asking for redress This in due course was referred *o the Railway Committee, but too late to be dealt with, and the consideration was consequently held over until the meeting of the new Parliament. The petition was to the I effect that the statutory provision made for the remuneration for the officers of the department was in adequate for the services required, and the petitioners prayed that Bteps might ba taken to amend the Government Railways Departmental Classification Act, 1896, so that the salaries of the chief railway officers should be more on an equal footing with the salaries paid to officers holding similar positions in the Australian colonies, and that the station masters and clerical staff of the Railway Department should not be less efficient'y remunerated than are the postmasters and clerical staff of the Post and Telegraph. Attention is directed to the fact that, owing to the peculiar conformation of New Zealand, the railways are at present of a discon nected character, and, in coosfquence, there is not that element of centralisa tion which obtains in most railway systems, and which largely conduces to easy working ; the result being an in creased responsibility to the officers in charge in the various railway sections necessary in this Colony, who are thus at a disadvantage compared with the officers in Australia, whose salaries in similar grades are on a much higher scale. The petition proceeds to state that if the remuneration of the officers of the Railway Department be com pured with that paid in the Poat and Telegraph Department—the only other department having a classification —it will be found that in all classes the salaries of officers aro on a higher scale in the latter; whilst the duties of the railway officers entail a lsrger respoc sibility, not only by reason of the fact that the hours of duty are longer, but aiso that the safety of human lives is dependent upon the efficient perform ance of those duties. The petitioners point out that as from time to time considerable concessions have been granted to the public in the direc ion of reduced fares and freights, there may be reason to apprehend that these concessions are being made at the expense of the salaries paid to officers of the department. The Railway Officer^ Institute certainly make out a strong case. Mr Ward, it is well understood, recognises the desirability of administrative reform, and it is more than probable that he may have a scheme of reorganisation under con sideration, under which the desires of the Institute may to some extent be met. The present comparative position of thft great revenue-earning services is clearly an anomaly, which we may hope that Mr Ward may be able to induce the Cabinet to remove. There are other points in regard to the Service not referred to in the petition which urgently demand the attention of the Minister of Railways, Radical changes, in our opinion, are required in the whole system, so that the field of pro motion may be more open and the possibilities of rising from one class to another, through merit, be made more encouraging. The principle adopted in the Post and Telegraph Department might with advantage be applied, so that railway servants entering in tlit lowest grade might, provided they have the necessary qualifications as to ability and character, have the opportunity of rising to the highest positions in auy branch of the Service, not necessarily that in which they entered. Mr Ward evolved order out of chaos in the Post and Telegraph Departments, and much is to be expected when he takes the Railway Service thoroughly in hand We hope to see the Government", Rail way Department Classification Act of 1896 amended during the ensuing session, and provision made not only for effective classification, but for the of a superannuation fund!, which ib very especially required in a Service where considerable personal risks are unavoidably incurred, and where, in many instances, the daily work is trying to the health.

Local and General.

* * On the first page to-day will be found (jommeroial.

The Fhgrtess! DAy. — To-day, for the last day in this century, the sun enters the wtab9r solstice of the Southern hemisphere. The variation between the sunshine of today and that of December 21, the longest day, is 6 hours 28 minutes.

Napier's Breakwater.— If the Bilfc ques tion continues to beat the Harbour Board as it has done for the past year or two, remarks the Hawkers Bay Herald, Napier will booh awake to the facb that it has a Harbour Board but no harbour The dredge appears to be utterly unable to cope with any serious difficulty, for the silt makes faster than it cm be removed. At the present time the barque Quathlamba ib lying alongside the breastwork, and though she is only drawing 12ft of water, the vessel is stuck fast in the eilt, and the dredga has been working day and night for the past two days trying to clear her, but has cot yet succeeded. Surely it is possible to deviß&some efficient method of controlling the silt.

A Clean Shbke—There was no business • at the Magistrate's Court this morning. |

£KATiKit—Another sharp frost was ex perienoed last) night, and the ice in the Domain was crowded with skaters, and this morning a large number again assembled.

Colonial Kntbrprisk.—A lad of fourteen named Selth, of Fort. Melbourne, started making up a shilling to purchase a ticket in the Eight Hours' Art Union by getting four pence for two rate, and he wound up by win ning the £1,000 for his ticker.

A THRONE •—•' A throne," said Napoleon i he Gr«at, " is a board covered with veivet." S^fip the velvet from the thronf, and you have nothing left but bare, vulgar boards : replace the velvet and you have the most coveted symbol of hunuo power and glory. How easy the transition, how vast 4k; difference !

Indian Famine Fund.—Mr F. Ferr man has been instructed to sail five tons of tira: -clasß flour (Wakanui), at the price of 14' per sack or £7 per ton. The proceeds of the first two sacks sold, will be given to the Indian Famine Fund, and on every additional sack two shillings will be handed to the fund. These are the lowest current market price?.

Whbut Fxpbriments —The Press says':— Mr Holderness, Inspector of Stock, h s raoeived from the Department) of Agriculture a case containing 39 samples of wheat, and these are now open for inspection at his office. Mr Holderness is empowered to take orders for any of these samples at 4s 6<l per bushel, on board the train at Waihao Downs. This is in connection with the experiments that are being carried out by the Depart ment, as to the most suitable kiuds of wheat for the country.

Wedding Cake. — The respected post master at) Ashburton is evidently a gentle min of considerable discernment and fore sight. He has, apparently, been drawing his own conclusions from certain well marked indications, and yesterday sent to this office the following notice, whiuh will, no doubt, be read with much interest by certain parties:— v The postal regulation requiring wedding-oake to be enclosed in tin boxes is now being rigidly enforced at all Poat Offices within the colony, in order to prevent the presence of rats in such offices."

Alleged — Dateotives Marsaok and Fahey were busy at the Artdbg ton Saleyards yesterday, investigating a case of alleged sheep-stealing, in regard to which a Timaru butcher and another man have been arrested. It appears that last week a iine of 160 odd fab sheep, that had been tracked up from Wanhdyke, were offered at Addington, and 69 were sold at 15<s lid to butchers, the balance of the line being,passed. It turned out thak these 69 sheep hud been stolen from Mr J. Fuzgerald, cf Arowhenua, and from the butchers who bought them Detective Marsack has recovered 26 theep and 40 skins The balance of the line of sheep were to have been sold yesterday, but are being held pend ing enqu ries by the police us to their owner ship.— JPtess

Gas, Electricity and Refuse — Mr George Westinghouse, tha American elec trician, has issued a pamphlet advocating the use of the gas engine for generating electricity on a large scale. His plan is to generate the gas at central stations and convey it in pipes to local engines and dynamoo, He maintains that if the American Gas Companies replaced their gas by electric lamps, and employed their gas to generate the cut rent, they would only use about 40 p*:r cent of the gas now burnt in lamps, leaving 60 per cent for other purposes—for tximple, heating. He also holds that city refuse had better be turned into fuel gas for gas engines thhnburnb in furnaces of steam engines for the' manufacture of electricity. The production of fuel gai is a smokeless prooepsß.

Journalistic —Arrangements have now been completed whereby Messrs K. Bell and H. Mackay take over the business of the Ashburton Publishing Company. The new proprietors intend, by importing the very Utcet printing machinery, etc., to give sub scribers tven better value for their money than they have had in the past, and thus make the Mail and Guardian more popular than ever. The new proprietors have expressed their intention of availing them selves of the services of the present Bft ff, a s ep which will doubtless be appreciated by thoe interested, as well as by the public. Referring to the change the Timaru Herald says : -Mr Bell has been for fourteen years business miuager of the Titnaru Flerald, and his partner is an experienced business man We cordially wish them God*speed in their venture, and Mr Bell's many friendß in Timaru will echo that wish.

Death of thus Cyclist Jackson.— Ben. J.ckson, who met with the bicycle accident on the Amberley-Broomfield road, on Sunday night, died at 1 o'clock on Tuesday morning. His falher and mother reside at Carlow, Ireland, and his nearest rotative is Mrs Crampton, Amberley, an aunt. An inquest was held before Mr HW Bishop, coroner, and a.jury, of whom Mr W fl Rhodes was foreman, at Amberley. Dr Fitzhenry stated that the shaft had penetrated the skull of deceased on the left side, and there were »lso extensive lacerations of the brain. The evidence of other witnesses showed that neither of the vehicles met by the deceased, who was riding a bicycle, had lights, and that it was not customary in the district for lights to be shown by vehicles at night time. A verdict was returned to the effect that the deceased met his death by accident by collidipg with a vehicle. The following rider was added s—That the attention of the Government be called to the necessity for legislation to provide that all vehicles travelling by eight should be compelled to carry ligbtfl.

A Pluck* Lotbb— k Sydney gentleman was taking a stroll the other evening on the bench at Double Bay, when the peculiar actions of a young man on the wharf at traoted hit attention. After methodically removing bis clothing, he started along the wharf with the fire and determination of a steeplechaser, and like tome steeplechasers, when he came to the jump he baulked. The performance was repeated several times, always resulting in a " prop." The hour was late and the air rather cool to believe that a bath was the intention, so the unseen observer hastened to stay proceedings. The young man resented, bub after a time caimed down, redreised himself, and onfessed, in a broken itory, that he had determined to comm t suicide. •' The pangs of despised love," prompted the action. The rescuer persuaded the rescued to go home with him, where he was treated to a dissertation on the worthleas nnss of loye—on the female side. The perfidy, deceit, littleness, and sballowness of a woman's lore—except one—were con trasted with the honesty, truth, greatness, and depth of ft man's inestimable love. Under tt.is mental treatment) and the benign irfluence of somebody's. " three-stur," the would-be suicide spoke flippantly of love's inconsistencies and feelingly of a new reali sation of life and its joys.

'• Owrselvbs as Others She Us."—Our friends are generally too polite to tell Us our faults ; but they seldom fail to observe the fit and style of our clothes. Young men who want to.m*ke good impressions, must bear in mind that " appearance goes a long way.' An ill-fitting suit is uncomfortable, and an "eye-sore "to your friends. Don't risk it! If you are a stranger here, the first well dressed citzm you meet will gladly direct you to '• Ti>o Leading Tailors " where you will always find a large assortment of " EJp to date" suitings to select from, and where you can always depend on. getting satisfaction. The forge and etill Increasing business done by Meshbs Cbaigsjbad and Bebkyman speaks volumes, This firm has just imported ptobably the finest stock of new seasons tailoring goods ever shows iv Ashburton, including a beautiful range cf the new rain-proof Beavers and Meltons for Coverb coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both fashionable and durable.

Not Compkllkd to Rids—Various excuses were made yeslerduy morning at the Magis trate's Court by cyclists in extenuation of their conduct in riding their bkyclea on the fuotpath, bat they were all met by the same clinching reply from the presiding magu trate, firstly, that there was no law compel ling them to ridebicycles at all, and secondly, there waa no law compelling them to ride their bicycles on the foo'path.—/Vm

How tub Money Goes—A man in a New South Wales country town (Mu'lgee) who broke a window valued Bt half a-crown wat committed for trial. His was the only c*se, yet a judge, Crown prose cutor, and others came from Sydney and a jury was empanelled—merely to hear accu*ed plead guilty. Cost to the country, £270 !

No Respkctor of Persons—The luspec tor of Nuisances at West port must be a con scientious person, for he served notice on his employers, the VVettport Borough Gounoil, threatening law proceedings unless ccrt»io drainage at the Town Hall and Gaswoilm was attended to. The work («ay« the Westport 7imes) has been put in hand.

A Faithful Dog —An instance of canine fidelity is mentioned by Dr Gordon Mat - donald (says the Otago Daily Tivtes). When the police entered the humble abode of the man Legget, who died suddenly in Mac laggan street, Dunedin, on Tuesday, they found his oolite dog posted as sentinel on the dead body of her master, and refusing to move on any condition. Some strategy an 1 violence had to be resorted to before the faithful friend would move, and then she whined and snarled to be allowed to resume her command. Immediately the got the chance she resumed her watch and self* appointed sentinelship.

North Canterbury Poultry Club.— A correspondent) writer that a rotating of this Club wag held iv the Corn Exchange rootnp, Rangiora, on Tuesday evening. There was a good attend*nce of member*. Mr Restell, of tho Arch burton Society, m alio present by invitation. Mr W; Smith, vice-president, occupied the chair. Fuslaes* in connection with the forthcoming show was dealt with,and sut-oommittiet appointed to take charge of the various duties involving ther in. The secretary, Mr 0. W. Bel», stated he had already received a number of entries. It was decided to extend the final closing of entries till Saturday, the 23rd, an extra charge of sixpence being mide for late exhibit*.

A Narhow Escape—Trooper Cross, of the Third Contingent, writing frem Bloemfon* tein, under date of May 10th, says :— "'After having East London ws went up to Wepener. but before reaching that place we had two fights, and I had a prety narrow escape, as a bullet just grazed my cheek. The Boers lost about sixty msn, s ni we lest three or four, besides several wounded After relieving Wepener we went for a fortnight's march towards the railway, and now we are at the capital of the Free State. The town is about as big as Chrittohurch, perhaps not quite so large. I hear that all the fellows will get medals for the war, and that the relatives of the killed get them. It is understood there will bs three medals in •11."

Psbsokal.—Mr J. McLachlan, M.H.R. left for Wellington last evening. — Mrs Albert Roberta and daughter D*isy retarned by express to-day, having spent • four months moat enj yuble visit in Auckland.— Ir, is stated bhat .Mr P. J. O'Repan intends to j rin the legal fraternity. Ht is now in WeSliDgton, where he is going through a. course of legal training preparatory to enter ing tho profession of law. The Inaogauua llmts state* that he has been heartily commended to take this step by Sir Robert Stout (Ohief Justice} Mr O'FUgan has no intention of abandoning politics, and when the proper time comes will be heard ag-tin at the hustings

GERALDINE NOTES.

The Gsraldine Rifbs' ba'l lakes place this evening, and there ib every indication of it

proving a greit sucoees. The committee were hard at work y tterday preparing the decorations, and &trt>n.»n>g the Bupper room Mr G, B-yant will dip-use the msr>y good things which the cupper room will contain Firit»o!ass ma iowiSl be piovided, and the dances will be interspersed with vocal and instrumental items.

The Geraidlne Peace Demonstration Com mittee have agreed upon the following pro gramme t —A procession of school children from all parts of the district, and volunteers with civilians and rpprecentativps of loca bodies, etc., will form at the park at 11 30 to march to the Volunteer Hall, where a monster thanksgiving service of the united chnrohrs will be held. The service will last for 45 minutes, after which the children will be taken to the park, where they will be supplied with tea by the general committee, the various school committees supplying their own schools with eatables. At 2 p.m another large procession will start from Taeker's corner for a march through the town to the pArk, the procession to include decorated carts, decorated bicycles, tableaux, representatives of trades and industries, etc. On arrival at the park speeches will be made by Messrs J W Pye, 6 J Dennistoun and Col, Moore. Then will follow a fancy dress football match and other sports. There will also be a competition for beet decorated bicycle, pram, trap, etc. A parade of the same is to be made in the Domain in the afternoon. Messrs A. J. Maokay, J. Mai ing, Shallcrass, R. T. Ferguson, W. Daw son, J. J. McCaskey, and L.'x Orbell, were appointed to make arrangements for the procession, and to aot as marshals. At 7 p.m. a torchlight procesiion will start from the lower end of the town amd maroh to the park, burning coloured light* and dis playing fireworks on the way, while at the park the Darktown Brigade will operate on a burning building, It was also duoided to form a red, white, and blue brigade.

COMMERCIAL.

ADDINGTON STOCK MAKKBT.

Oulied Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Chris*church, June 20

The entries at Addington to-day included 6500 fat sheep, 1000 fat lambs, 1500 store sheep, 321 head of cattle, and 302 pigs. Cattle—The yarding of fat cattle was composed of 230 head, nearly all of which were good useful sorts. Bidding waa vety keen, and prices advanced fully Is per lOOlbs, ranging from 10s to 20j 6d for prime beef, and from 15) to 18s for medium to good. taers brought £5 ?« 61 to £8 2< 6), heifers £4 to £6 15s and up to £8 15a for an extra prime one, cows £3 15s to £7 2s od. Sheep— There was a heary entry of ail olasses of fat sheep, and the demand fu I weaker, with a drop of 6d to 91 per head for freezing sheep and Is each in butchers' ewes. Prime freezers 17s to 2ls Id, lighter 15a to 16s, best ewes 14s to 17s others 9i 6<* to 13i 6d, merino wethers 10s to 14a, and ewes 10a. Lambs—Although there were & few really well finished lines, a great man) should have been in the store pens. Export buyers were in search of sni;able tores, and even bought some lighter kinds, but inferior were nob in demand. Prime frstzsrs 14s to 16s lid, lighter lit 6d to 15a 6d, and un finished down to 9s 6d. Store sheep—With the exception of a line o! 370 ewer, which realised 15s 6d to 13* 7d, the entry of store sheep was mostly in liotle odd lots, - There was a better demand for all sorts and * good clearance at quit* up to latt rates. Wethers sold at 12s 8d to 15s, ewes 13s 5d to 14s 7d, lambs 10s 7d to 11s 4d

Pros.—Thtre wu » better demand for fat. Hod store* aho told well. Biconetl brought 30s to 42i 6d, equal to 3£d per 1b; pork era 21s 6d to 30s, equal to 4d ; stores 13* to 19a 6d, and suckers and weancrsj» 3d to lit 6d.

Interprovincial.

United Press Association-—By Kieotriu Telegraph Christchurch, June 20

The Board of Education today passed a motion drawing the attention of Govern ment to a resolution patsed by the Board last year—That it was desirable tint all private schools should be su j-ct to an annta' Inspection and examination by the State, as a guarantee that every chili in each erfuoa t on district is rec iving sound education* as required by the Act. The Committee of the Canterbury Agricultural acd Pastoral Aseociation decided to hold a three days show in November, and also decided to bring before the Agricultural and Pastoral Conference the enormous increase in the practice of Bunday shooting, which, it wan Mare:), wan* ureat annoyance to stock owners, and to ask Parliament) to legislate with a view to abolishing the practice. __

DROMORE.

From Our Own Correspondent

bachelors' dance

On Friday night the bachelors of Dromore gave an invitation dance in the schoolroom. The management was in the hands of a strong Committee, who spared do pains to make the affiir a suc3«*s. The room wai tastefully decorated and welt lit, and its cheerful aspect wan in itself a help to the enjoyment of the evening. Visitors were present from Rakaia, Chertsey, Ashburton and other parta of the district, Mr Murphy was an efficient M.C., and Mr Syme supplied excellent music. Mrs Blackburn had charge of the refreshments and gave every satis fiction. The bachelors attended assiduously to the comfort of theit guests, an-t are to be corgratulited oa their nieces in it curing the comfort of all, During the evening Mr Hodgson danced a sailor's hornpipe, and Mr Johns gave a j'g and a hornpipe. Miss Johnson and Miss VViikinson gave recita tions, that by Miss Wilkinson, " The Rough Riders," being muoh appreciated. At the conclusion of the daooe, Misa Wilkinson, in \ neat little speech, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the bachelors, and Mr J Hanra han suitably responded.

j LITKRART AMD DEBATING SOCIETY i The first meeting of the Dromore Literary I and Debating Society was held on Monday evening last. There w»s a good attendance. Mr AC Maxwell president, of the Society, gave an interesting address on the war in South Africa. The h story of the Boers, from the first settlement of the Dutch in Cape Colony in 1652 until the outbreak of tho present war, was fully dealt with, and a sketch of the war up to date followed. The members of the Society expressed their hearty appreciation of Mr Maxwtlt's address. It was decided to hold the next meeting on Monday night, June 25, after which date ladies will be admitted as members. The Society promises to be a strong one, and there Is every evidence of its being the means of affording useful information in a pleasurable smtneer. The subject for debate at the next meeting will be *• Moderation versus Prohi bition," Mr J Hanrahan taking the lead for moderation, and Mr J Cameron for prohibi tion.

MAORI SUPERSTITION.

The Napier Murder.

United Presj Association—B* Electric (Delegraph Nankb, June 20 The charge of wife murder against Ropata Faraire occupied the Supreme Qourfc (or two days, ending in a verdict of manslaughter, in whiob the Ohitf Justice expressed hit ooncarrenoe, but deferred sentence. The most remarkable feature of the evidence was the widespread belief in witohortft given by educated natives. Ropata was educated at Te Ante College. His wife, to whom he was married in Maori fashion, left him, and he followed her and tried every means to induce her to return, including spells furnished by the Tohnnga, who is also & Catholic preacher, He I believed she was in love with another Maori, and, according to his own evidence, the told him not to bother hw any more, a* she was going to j )in the other man at Wuiroa, mxi in a fio of passion he picked up an axa lying a*' hand and struck her on the head with it June 21 Ropata wiis found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced tn seven years' imprisonment.

Sporting.

HAWKEd BAY STEEPLECHASE . MEETING*

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Bastings Rackgourse, June 20 C jnc'uding remits, first day :— Hunt Club •*■ tkeflechasb — Puketoi 1, Mercury 2, Ehika 3 ' All started Won by two lengths. The riders of Carnival and £tormbird,. when leadiDg the field by several lengths, mistook the distance of the race, and finished at l£ mile, instead of 2i miles. Dividend—£s 11s.

Trial Hurdles, 50 sovsj If mile— Woodlander 1, Maiqaise 2, Halcyon 3 Five fna. Won hard held. Time - 3.33g. Dividend—£l 13<).

Jo^B Handicap—Bonnie D'Bau 1, Lady Lome 2, The Dade 3. Ten started. Time— 157 Dividend-£3 13s.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric; Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, June 20 Ihe Government will endeavour to bring the censure debate to a close to night. Perth, June 20 I There are heavy floods in the colony »od the Minilya river has submerged miles of country. MELBOURNE, June 20 If the Pacific fioArd calls for tender! for the construction of the cable, the Postmaster-Gener*t will immediately intrpducea Bill to provide for Vic toria's shure, which ig estimated mt £200,000. London, June 19 The death is announced of Prince De Joinvillf, aged 82 years. Samory, at one time a powerful Oentral African chief, whose forces were last year scattered by a Frenoh expedition, has died in exile in the Congo State.

The Plague.

United Press Aesooiation—By Eleotrlo Telegraph—Copyright Fkrth, Jane 20 Another can of plague is reported, the patient being a boy named Henry . Scott.

BOOKHAMPTOK, June 20 Hugh McLean, a plague victim, ii dead.

Sydney, Jane 20 A fresh case of plague ii reported— Hughes, Surrey Hills.

AUSTRALIAN FEDERA TION.

THE COMMONWEALTH BILL.

United Press Aeaoofation—By KUotric Telegraph—Copyright London, Jane 19 In the debate on the Federal Bill, Mr Haldane complained that Mr Chamberlain omitted al! reference to public interests outside of Australia, in substituting the definition preclud ing the Privy Council from reviewing questions of great Imperial moment. Sir B. B. Finlay denied that the delegates had been conceded more than was asked. It was inconceivable that the High Court would refuse an appeal if its decision coulicted with that of the Privy Council. Sir Robert Reid said it was unfor tunate that Australia's harmless origi nal Bill had not been accepted. He advised the acceptance of the latest compromise.

Sir William Anson suggested that the federal legislature be authorised to extend the right of appeal, Mr Aequith said that the new clause was an improvement, though it was gravely embarrassing to discuss it at such short notice, v

Mr Chamberlain declared that A us* tralia thoroughly appreciated every effort in the direction cf a compromise.. It would be a great mistake now to revert to the ordinal clause 74.

At Sir H. Oampbell-B innerman'i suggestion progress was reported.

Ihe Times and Standard state that there is a general impression that the new clause is a gre*t improvement, though it is regrettable that Mr Cham berlain did not adhere to the deletion of the original clause 74

Sydney, Jane 20 The Premier, in replying to a ques tion in the House, agreed to cable to Mr Chamberlain sot to tak« the Bill out of Committee until Parliament had a chance of indicating iti view on the compromise.

SERIOUS AFFAIR IN CHRIST CHURCH.

I Young Man Seriously Injured.

Four or five minutee after midnight last ■ight, Constable O'Oonnell heard a itomy altercation taking plaoe between some men jn front of Fail's restaurant in High Street, and on reaching the spot found a yonng man named Daly lying on the footpath in front •f Wall's book shop. He was bleeding pro* finely from a wound in his head, whioh had evidently struck the stone kerbing under the window* Further examination showed that |he had also been wounded in the eye. The men who had besn quarrelling with paly were standing by, and also several person* who had oome ont of the restaurant, From the statements of those who saw I the inception of the trouble, it appears that ' Daly was having supper in Fall's, sit ting at a table opposite Divers and Tronn sen, the other men concerned in the affair, and Daly Is said to have done or said something to irritate Divers. The latter and Tronnsen were the first to lsave the shop, and were followed soon after by Dalv, when heated remarks passed between them, bnt it is not dear which of the men commenced the quarrel. Daly, however, is said to have knocked Divers' hat off, and Divers then threatened to hit bim with his walking stick. Daly's reply to this was to strike the other in the face and knock bim into the gutter, Divers called on his friend Tronnsen, who had bren aipartaUy stand ing further eff, end when he came up Daly is said to have hit him in the face also, and sent him sprawling alongside his friend. Divers by this time was on his feet and coming forward is stated to have hit Daly "a terrible smack across tbe faoe with bis stick ;" but appareatly instead of • " smack.' the stick was poked into Daly's eye. Daly then fell backward, and strnok the bapk of his head on a ledge of stone, three or fonf inches above the level of 'the pavement under the window of Wall's shop. At this juncture, apparently, the constable arrived and immediately sent for medical assistaupoi He also arrested Divers and Tronnsen. prs

Symes and P*ach arrived on the scene abbot a quarter past midnight, and ordered Daly's removal to the Hotpital. Before the arrival of the doctors, warm water had. been pro* cured from Fail's and the blood washed from the wounds Dr Svmes found a deep wound in the back of Daly's head, bat was not able to determine the full extent of the injury done to his eye. From hi* brief ex amination he thought the wounds would possibly prove serious On an examination being made of Diver's walking stick, it was found that, though it is of strong wood, it had partially broken about three or four inohes from the point. At this break there was observed .a.piece of something like skin. - ' ' ' '' Daly is a* youag man, wetl^ ksrawn ia athletio oirolea, and is said to be~a nember of one of the rowing clubs fat the oity. Henry Harris Divers, one of those arrested, is a'so a youag man, and is an assistant steward on the Rotomahana. Thontu Jsmes Tronnseo, also.arreated in oonnectiea with the affny, i% a young man,' and a jeweller by trade. From all that could be ascertained, Divert and Daly had not irefe eaoh otbtf-previons to last night, and th« quarrel appears to have arisen.out of a trivial matter. When arrested Divert admitted that k* had; beta the c»uae of Daly's injuriss, but dtseiaiaMd any mtUoioai intent, alltjiog. that be had done ib in aelf-defence. At two o'clock this morning we learned ffm he polioe authorities that Daly was suffdrioK from concussion of the brain.— Prqs

THE ASHBUBTGS GUARDIAN ; THURSDAY, JUNK i\- J9OO



•■"•^KrHßsSaitfs^ -ito-feT -*- —rili. -**» n ;'*toft*, m tT**- til, unit i"-|-" ■■""■"■--"-i.i mwTi ■mi --— "■■■ • ■-- — t^~JM it. . ■T«ilrtis<s*lnnni —TTTI" THE DECLARATION OF PiACE WILL BE A a Great Day" in Ashburton. BE PREPAEED FOR THIS AND VISI'J "THE CORNER." TETHER «B WE HOLD L A RGrE^SS ORTM E.NT3 OF Pretoria Hats.J lancer Felts, jßoseites, Johannesburg Badges, [FLAGS INT ALL hIZbS, I to. I WE wcrald " specially " remind our Lady friends to invest in some of our WINTER UNDERCLOTHING Which has been specially selected by us to snit this district, and is meeting with READY SAL R. [JUST OPENED -103 Bozea Ladier|, Children'?, and jfen'a "COSY CLIPPERS," for Winter Evenings. All prices, all aiaes. DRESSMAKING DEPARTKTENT IN FULL SWING, AT PBIOESI TO SUIT ALL. NORTHCOTE & JIEFtORD -i_niw—n nil— ■!» iij———■■——— ■!■■———■—■—rwmim ■ ■"" NEW ZEALAND CLOTHINGJACTORY. I^TOTWITHSTANPING the advance in Wool, we are selling our Stock cf jL% Winter Underclothing at last year's prices. MENE? LW. PANTS from .. 2a ll'i. SINGLETS from .. .. 4* 6d FLANNEL UNDKRS .. .. 2>i 6J. CARDIGAN JACKETS .. 4« 91 In oar Boot Department we have a splendid Stock of Ladies' Evening Shoes, also Walking Shoes and House Slippers. | WAKM F LT SLIPPERS, IN MEN'S, WOMEN'S, AND CHILDREN 1?. MEN'S AND WOMEN'S GALOSHES FOR THK WilT WEATHER. Call and Inspect. N.Z. CLOTHING" FACTORY. F. H. BECKINGSALK, Manager GREAT PROCESSION. THURSDAY HOLIDAY. "PL AGS — All Kinds, I]B3oßn, BOBBTFES," ÜBYSMirH HANDKERCHIEFS, WAR M&g FANDKKKOHIBFS, ' -.it ■ UDIIS 1 BADEN-POWELL HAT^, BED, WHITE, & BLUE CUFFS & COLLARS. L a L *Qt a j ■,;";■» ANDRE W Oft It. GOOD NEWS FROM THE FRONT. " "' \ V) **—**•—— Bruger learns that the Brid-h mean to get Justice for all in South Africa. '\ WE HOPE the People of Ashburton have learned that wo give Justice to our Customers in all our cumprous lines. We have just landed, per the bb " Whakatane," the finest assortment of Frsss and Iron BEDSTEADS ever landed in Towd. Latest styles and designs. Direct from the Manufacturers in Birmingham./ Gall^ejirly and see for yourselves. About 100 Bedsteads to choose from ; all sizes ; y all prices. BEDDING of all kinds kept in stock and made on the premise?. We hive also just received a choice shipmeat, per the s s Kaagatir&, of TAPESTRIES, SERGES, PLUSHES, UTRECHT VELVETS, HRETTONES, Etc , for Furniture, And haviug secured the services of a Firat-clasa Upholsterer (late of Mel bourno), we are prepared to make New and Repair Old FURNITURE in up-to-date styles, at lowest prices, on shortest notice. Linoleums, Oilcloths, Rugs, Mats, Matting, Carpets, etc, just opened. New patterns, grand designs, per ss" lonic.' At the request of numerous Customers, we have imported a choice assort ment of OILCLOTHS for Dados, which have juafc opened up in splendid order. Of til and inspect them, For Bedroom Ware, Dinner and Tea Ware, Fancy Goods, Pictures (framed and naframed), Photo Frames, Vases, etc, see our stocks before buying else wl ere, Pictures framed in latest styles. Largest stock of Mouldings in Town to choose from. Colonial, American, and Austrian Chairs, Folding Chairs, Camp Stools and Wicker Chairs, Bamboo Tables, and Flower Stands with fancy stand and hanging ppr a , also a few Bamboo Overmantles. Bamboo Cornice Poles, al' fixes and prices J)iichei»se Tables and Chests, Washstands and Wardrobes, kept in stock and mads to order in any design. Perambulators, Go-Carts, Children's Chairs of all kinds, at* various prices. LIBERAL" DISCOUNT FOR CASH, a; j AT T. H. UJNDRILL & CO., CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, & UNDERTAKERS, TANGRED STREET, opposite Aecade.



gSITROH BERYIOK& O[ T. STEPHEN'S OHUROB IHURBD\Y-Sfc Stephen* Guild and Missionary Association, 730 pm, Paper and discussion on " Bishop Wfhh and the Settlement in South Africa" FKII>A* -Litany and Addresß, 7 15 pm ; Choir Practice, Bpm SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (June 24) 8 30 a m—-Holy Communion 11 a nri' —Matins and Sermon 3 p.m—SEAFIELD, the Vicar DROMOKE, Mr T A Gates 6 30 p its—Kveniiong and Sermon R. A. WOODTHORPB, M.A. Vicar Nicoll Bros. APPLEsT, PEARS, BANANAS, ORANGES, LEMONS, WALNUTS, PUMPKINS, ONIONS, POTATOES, OHIOKFEED; Etc. IT7E have made arrangements with growers for Regular Supplies of all descriptions of Fraifc and Produce right through the Winter Months, and <jan now supply in any quantity at. Lowest Matket Prices. NICOLL BROS. Grain & Pro luce Merchants. ASHBURTON NICOLL BROS. H F Nicoll, B. F. Nicoll, L. A. Nicoll Merchants A General Agents T3UYER6 OF FAT SHEEP & LAMBS, WOOL, SKINS, PELTS & HIDES. AGENTS FOR— Chriatchurch Meat, Co,, Ltd* Islington Fertilisers Little's Sheep Dip Ocean, Accident and Guarantee Oorpors* tion, Ltd. United Insufanoe Co,, Ltd. (Fire and Marine.) GRAIN BOUGHT AND SOLD OM COM MISSION. We shall be pleased to receive samples from farmers who hive paroete for dis> posal. Station Books Ksft and Audited. We have received sums of Trust Monies, ranging from £100 to £1000, to lend on Freehold Securities at fl§ and 5 per cant. FRU IT. We receive regular Consignments from Auckland, Sydney, and the Islands, and have in stock Apples, Peats, and Fruit ia season all the year round. S E E~D S . We stock Clovers, Rypgrass, Rape, acd Turnip Seed of reliable quality* mHE OHRISTCHURCH MEAT CO JL Limited: ISLINGTON MANURES Especially prepared for Wheat, Turnips, Rape, and any other crop, and to suit any description of soil. 3REATLY INCREASED PRODDCTION WHEREVER USED. SATISFACTION GIVEN EVERY WHERE Nicoll Bros, store five varieties of this celebrated fertiliser. Price on application. Allowance made for quantities Letters will receive prompt attention. NICOLL BROS., DISTRICT AGENTS TTTE ARE CASH BUYERS OF FAT SHEEP AND lAMBS AT HIOHE6T MARKEP RAT&S. NICOLL BEOS., Kast Street, Atshbnrton. >-*• • ■* ■ .3 O ■ ffl to-} j • 4 4 -v Ojs. w r w £h § ;; Q r~) eh j 2 ki H i $ P Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughi , and Coldi never aili-le 6d and 2% 6d



TO THE DEAF—A rich lady, cured of her Deafness and Noises in the Head by Dr Nicholson's Artificial Ear Drums, gave £6000 to his Institute, so that deaf people unable to procure the £ar Drums may have them free. Address No. 667 d. The Nicholson Institute, Longoott, Gunnersbury, London, W



Unequalled and Invinoible, Wooda' Great Peppermint Cure foe Coughs and Cold?, Is 6d and 2e 6d



BENJAMIN GUM—For Coughs and Colds



A CONVINCING STATEMENT The Manager, Loasby's " Wahoo " Manu factoring Company, Ltd Christohurch, May 16, 1899 Dear Sir,—l have much pleasure in testify ing to the value of your Beojimin Gum.



had been much troubled with a very serious cough, which I was unable to get rid of, when I was advised by a friend to try Benjamin Gum. I did so, with the result that my cough has completely gon», al though the eighteen-penoy bottle is nob yet used up, Ib is impossible to over-estimate the value of this medium—Yours faithfully ? A Lawrknob Gee



Price, Is 6d and 2s 6d; obtainable every? where. Wholesale agent — KICMPTHOBNBi Pbossir & Co



sure cure For General Weakness. The debilitating effects of a 'warm climate and exposure to all kinds of weather are sure to bring on disorders of the blood and weaken the system. Mr. Charles Geddes, of Mt. Malcolm, W. A., sends us his photograph, and tells of a sure cure for these conditions. "For some time I have been landlord of the Royal Hotel in the Mt. Margaret gold fields district, eighty miles from the nearest railway. I hav^e solda great deal of Ayer's Sarsaparilla, fend it gives the most universal satisfaction; When miners, prospectors, and others becom© run down by lack of fresh "vegetables and fruits, and from exposure to all kinds of weattier, their' blood becomes very impure and the whole pystem greatly weakened. But AVER'S StfsaMrin is always a sure cure. Thave known miners to send a hundred miles for it, such is their faith init." To cure constipation, biliousness, in digestion, and sick headache, there is no remedy equal to Ayer's Pills. Prepared by Dr. J. C. Ayer ft Co., Lowell. Mui.. U.S.A. Bubonic plague has broken out To leave a trail of death no doubt, A vile, detectable complaint, O'er which few medicines have restraint. Now N if it were a cough, or cold, Though e'er so deeply taken hold, It could be cured with remedy rare, Win E Woods Great Peppermint Cure Smoke New Yen««



Don't Cough—Belief can ba obtained ira mediately. Use KEATING'S COUGH LOZENGES—weII known as the utterly un rivalled Cough Remedy. Strongly recom mended by the many eminent physicians They at onae check the dough and remove he cause—without any after effect; the moßt delicate can therefore take them* One Lozenge alone gives easer-one or two ab bedtime ensures reab. Sold everywhere n tins I3|d each, ! "Fob tib Blood is the Lijtb."— CLARKE'S WORLD-FAMED BLOOD MIXTURE is warranted to cleanse the blood from all impurities from whatever I oause arising. For Scrofula, Scurvy, Eo. zema, Skin and Blood Diseases, and Bores of all kinds, its effects are marvellous. Thous ands of testimonials. Sold ia bottles, 2* 9d, and Us each, by Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors everywhere. Sole Pro prietors, The LiKOOiK and Midland Qevx ,-cjss Drug Cq, Mqoolo, England t



Snjkj N«w Venus