Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places «s under, subject to the necessary alterations :— SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20 For Northern Ports acd Weatporb, also Australian Colonies (due Sydney, October 27tti)» to connect with Moaa* at Auckland, per Tara« era, at 6 20 p m lf MONDAY, OCTOBER 22 For Northern Ports and Westport, per Takaptina, at 1030 am FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 (for Samoa, Hawaii, Phillipinei, Japan, also United Kingdom and Continent of Kurope (due London, November 28bh), via. San Franciaao, also parcel for United Statea per Rotoiti, afc 630 p m ; money ordera at 2 30 p m ; regiatered letteri »fc 5 p m

EPHEMERIS.

Fhasos of Mood for October

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashbarton daily for— OHRISTUHUROH—ab 7.20 am, 11 am,

3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 10 55 am,350 pm DUNEDIN—at 12 54 p m (express) SrRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daily afc Ashburton from— CHKISTOHUROH-ab 10.45 *m, 12.48

p m (express), 8 pm TIM&RU—at 10.35 a m, 2 65 pm DUNEDIN—at; 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBUKN-at 9.45 a m

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Bteotiic Telegraph—Opy rights London, October 17 At) the tallow sales 3225 casks were offered, and 1200 casks sold. Prices of ail kinds are unchanged, The wool sales included the Ngatapa clip, 6*l. MitBOUBNB, October 18 At the wool sale the dialogue waa small. It included good cltpg, well grown, bolder, more shafby and heavier yolk than those offered tact year. Competitions for all sec tions was good, buyers were keen, and all was sold, Aa expected, there was a con siderable disparity between the prices rea lised and those of last year, but the fall was not so heavy as expected. Good merinos fell about 40 per cent,, and inferior merinoes and fine crossbreds from 40 to 45 per cent below last year's opening rates. (Received October 20 12 4 am) London, October 18 Ab the wool sales a poor selection was offerei of inferior qualities and hregular. Good wool w»s fi m

Melbourne, Octobar 19 Faulty and scoared wool is weaker, with slow sale.

Messrs Dalgety and Company, L'mitel, hsve received the fnllowiDg cable meßßage from their London < ffiae, under date October 17:-

The wool sales continue with fair spirit at opening rates.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Cantei bury, Ltd, quote as .follows on Ootober 19. 1900:— Wheat— Primo milling Pearl „ 2s 2d to 2s 3d. „  Tuscas.M 2s M „ „ Hunter's 2* Id to 2e,2d Oats—Duns — Is 5d to Is 6-i Daniah Is 5d to la 6d Canadians Is 7d Sparrowbiila In 6d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2* 3d CThafi—Good eatsheaf 47a 6d to 50« Grass Seed—Old pasture, 2s to 2% 3d New „ Is6d tols9d The ab)vo are prices current paid to farmers od trucks at Aehburton.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotation? are as follows : — Wheat—Hunter's, pearl, and velyet 2s sd, and Tuscan 2* 6d

Oats (nominal JOunsdiin la 9 j to Is MM, short feed is B£d to Is 9d, Duns la Bd, and Danish 1b 7J to 1b Bd.

Barley (aominal)—Prime malting 2t to 2a *3d delivered Bowie—2* 4d to 2a 5d

Peas—Frisian Blues 2s to 2a 3d, part' ridge 2a 4d to 2s 6d Flour (itiiilera' quotations nominal)— Roller £7, Bton«£6. Sharps—£3 10a Bran—£3 Oatmeal—£lo

Potatoes — Deiwente, 27« 61 to 30i, at country stations Oatsheaf Chaff — 45i to 47« 63 ab near country station?. Hay—£3 5s to £3 10j, deliver d; primeßb baled £4, fob Seeds—Ryegrasß, farmers' lots Is 9d to 2a, prime heavy, town dressed 2i 6d to 3s sd, Cocksfoot 2|d to 2\\ for bright seed, to 31 for extra good, town machine dressed 161b to 171b seed, 3£d to 4d, cow grass 5i oo6d extra choice 6sd, white clover 6d to 7£d Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 5d to B^i, faatory 5d to 6d, Butter—, factory local lid, dairy 8d to 9d, ea!t, in boxes 6d to 7d for prime. Bacon and hams 5Jd to 6d, factory bacon and hamp, id per 1b higher. The above prices, except where otherwise | abated, &re those paid to femurs, f.0.b., I fif ttelton.

TIMARU GRAIN MARKET

Daring the pasts we-k the grain markets ahowed more animation than in the previous week, and a fair number of pares I* have changed hands, Tho business done ha?, bow ever, been in a comparatively small cotnpasi and operatorß report no decided change for the better. Current quotation* are ai fol» lows:—Wheat—-Tuscan and velvet in good line(», 2s 4£<i red chaff, 2a 41. Lotur oats la 7^fl to Is Bd, and Bhorb oate, Is 8^ to la 9i. All the quotations aro fob

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1900. The Latest Thing in New Zealand Legislation.

The Public Bevenueß A of Amendment Bill, which was brought down by Ministers a day or two ago, and waa appwasntly intended to be rushed ■'tftroiagb the legislature without being fully considered or understood, is onp of the most important we&mrea that has been introduced ggring the peaen,t

session. Not that it is a measure of ] such consequence that the people of this colony would be prejudiced by its not being passed, bub when passed i*< must seriously interfere with the only check [the taxpayers seem to have had upon the public expenditure. The Bill is really intended to prevent the Auditor-General from interfering with the Government in the matter of unauthorised expenditure, and practic ally it gives Ministers a free hand in that matter. Hitherto the audit office has kept the party in power from spending (he public funds without the authority of Parliament. But this check was found irksome, and the present Government; hae made con tinual attempts to alter this condition of affairs. Every session the Colonial Treasurer has made complaints about the firm attitude of the Auditor- Generali !He has usually termed that officer's proceedings " vexatious," But up to the present time no attempt to open the door to the Treasury chest as wide as the Minister wishes it to be opened has succeeded. The last move, however, appears to have been success ful. The Bill could not be properly considered, the Minister's majority

was overwhelming, he doubtless com pelled his followers to vote for the Bilf/and it passed both Houses within three days of its introduction It is put on the New Zealand Statute Book in spite of the protests of some of the more independent members of the Government party, such as Messrs Collins, Russell, McLachlan, and R. MackeDzie, as well as of the Opposition. Even the Upper Chamber seems to have accepted the inevitable. The members of that body are evidently "sick of appointing managers" and having conferences; and .we presume that their having recognised the futility

of opposition ia the reason why they passed the Public Revenues Act Amendment Bill through all its stages

at one sitting. We should strongly advise the taxpayers of this electorate to carefully consider the provisions of this measure, and we further recom-

mend them to give a little more attention to the pages of Hansard than they bavr, as a rale, been in the habit of doing. We believe that this would open the eyes of some of those who fancy that our legislative,system ia a model to the rest of the world. They will find that for a long period of years it is neither more nor less than an oligarchy, masquerading under the sloak of democracy. As for the Bill in question, it may not bring about any disastrous results, Jwhile the Hen. K. J. Seddon is at the helm of the State. But there are members of his own Cabinet who have nob his practical common sense,nor his tact Should he cease to guide the ship, it would not rfquire any great stretch of iraagina tion to see breakers ahead. The taxpayers should look more closely after their own interests than they have hitherto done.

Local and General.

The Weather—Captain Edwin wires Btroug westerly winds and glass fall.

Rainfall—The following was the rjinfall at Alfor i Forest for two days :—Wednesday, 2 25 inches ; Thursday, 1,27 inches ; total, 3,52 inche.".

Tiib Holiday Question.—The Telegraph says at a meeting of the Napier Holiday Association it was unanimously resolved, t,o close places of business at noon on M ndaj to enable employei to attend the Show at Histinps. This will not interfere with the usual Wednesday half holiday, which will also be observed

Value of Advertising—'Soy,' eaid the newßpaper man's smart con, a* he entered the store, " do you keep knives ?' ' Oh, yes,' responded tho storekeeper, * we've kept tham for yearn.' * Well, 1 returned the boy, starting for the door, ' You ought to advertise, and then you wouldn't keep 'em so long.'

Ashborton Goons—The a c Upolu arrivod at Timaru from Duaedin yesterday morning with a general cargo. She loaded produce, and went north in the evening. The follow ing ate the Ashburton cone<g...u. ;— I. N. Grange, Shearman Bros, Ashburton Club, Fletcher Bros, Hard ley Bros, P. and D; Duncan.

AsHBfIRTON Club—Ad a general meeting of the Ashburton Club and M.S A< held on rlhursd»y night, ib waa decided to make extensive additions to the buildings. A new card room, library, committee room, and an office for the secretary will be built ab a ooat of aboub £800< The new manager commenced his duties on Thursday.

The Wkatkkb—Since Tuesday afternoon over two and a half inches of rain have fallen ab Rakaia, and dona an immense amount of good. There is a splendid growth of both crops and grass. The Rakaia, being a snow river, ia not high, as it is very little affticted by rains unless they are very heavy and continuous in the back ranges and then only slightly.

The Land BoABD.—At * meeting of the Canterbury Land Board held on Thursday the application of Ed waul Kvans for Section 17, Reserve 1237, Blocks I and IV., Rangi tata district, 76 acres 1 rood, was granted J. K. Thompson, the 'o see of Lob 62, High bin k Settlement, waa granted extended leave of absence from his holding, pending his return from South Africa*

The Ashburton Biiow—The entries re ceived for the Show, to be held on Tuesday nexb, total 943. The entries for the various classes are as follows . —Sheep 126, cattle 62, horses 315, pigs 20, implements 180, dogs 23, dairy produce 127, extra exhibits 68, shoeing 16, small birds (eggs and heads) 4, farm steading 2-r-fcotal 943. Given good weather, the Show ahould bo one of the beat ever held on the grounds, and will no doubt command a record attendance.

Tmb Timaeu Show.—The special przi of £20 raised by subscriptions for the best troop horse at the Timaru Agricultural and Pastoral Association's Show, is causing great excitement among the members of Mounted Corps in South Canterbury. The conditions, of the prize are as follows:—Horse (mare or gelding) most suitable for a troop horse, to be the bona fide property of and to be d Iden while being judged by & member of any mounted volunteer corp in uniform in New Zealand. The money will be divided into five prizsc, and the entrance fee is ss. Entries close on Tuesday, 23rd met.

New Febezino Process.—llearn(writes a London correspondent) that the meat brought in the New Zealand Shipping Company's steamers is being landed In perfect condition. Since the Company adapted the Llnde process of refrigeration there lias nob been a single carcase condemned as a reaulb of anything attributable to faulty refrigeration or insulation.

Unsound Sires—A striking instance of tte loss bhat may accrue through unsound sires running with dame, has come under the notice of the Wyudham Farmer. A dairy farmer in Eastern Mafcaura district last year was one of the largest milk suppliers to the local dairy factory ; and, very pardonably, he prided himself on the excellence of his herd of upwards of forty cowe. This year, despite the fact that the bull waa running with them ab the proper time, nob half a dozen of the oows have proved in calf, and, in consequence, the unfortunate owner, who must be a loser by ab lease £10% ia cow fattening off the balance, consisting of over thirty choice cows. If this doean't poinb a moral as to the value of having only the very best sires procurable for the service of our studs, herds »oa |ooko, we don't know "bab will,

The Asubdrton River—Soorea of peoph went over the bridge to see the flood on Thursday and Friday, when the river reaa very high,but it haa now again fallen rapidly

Ashuurton Show—Exhibitora of implc ments are busy detraining their entriea at the Ashburtoo station this morning. The Committee baa now all mittera well in ham», and after the recent heavy rains, fine weather may be expected on Tuesday nexb

Racing Members—Mr Atack, ab tbe meeting of the New Zaalacd Amateur Athletic Asaociation held in Chri tshurchon Thursday evening, gave notice of motion providing for tha licensing of raoing members at a fee of Is each

Thb Pho*bsta»t SQUAt-^At themee'inK of the Diocecan Synod yesterday, the ques tion of mi-king better provision for kneeling in tbe churches was discussed. One ntembtr thought they should first teach the congre giti-ns to knee!, and another deaeribed tbe Attitude usually adopted during prayer, aa " the Protestant Equat.' 1 Owing, perhaps, to the apparent incongruity of requiring the Standing Committee to see to thia matter of kneeling, it waa eventually ddcided to leave the matter in the hands of the Bishop.

Hero Worship—Some people have queer ways of ahowing their hero worship, the Wanganui Herald commenting on this feel ing lays that the regi«tr*tioa of name* with an official not a hundred miles from Wan* ganui suggests that the birth of the little ooea and their nomenclature will in time to come bring back reoolleotiona of the present Trnnevaal war. For inatanoe, amoagat the males thus registered we have a Kitchener 2 lan*, 4 Heotora, 1 Redvera, 1 White, 2 Robert?, 2 Winatoaß 2 Hector McDonalds 1 Fowe'l, 2 Badens, 1 Baden Powell, 1 M»fe king, 1 ijymons, 1 Pretoria., and 1 Rundle.

THE DIOCESAN SYNOD.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph —Copyright

Christchurch, Ootober 19

The Dioeeaan Synod this afternoon passed a motion that there ought, wherever prac ticable, to be in every place of public worship, suitable kneeling accommodation for a whole congregation.

Notice of motion was given that, as the Church recognises the need of some simple manual of religious instruction for the young, both in the home and in the tohooli?, 'v p vy* ths Synod to take into consideration the expediency of compiling a child's guide to Church teaching to be used as •> preliminary to ihe study of the Church catechism, to be learned before confirmation by the Bishop.

NEW PREMISES.

Messrs W H Collins & Go's, new premises in East Street, adjoining the Bank of New Zealand, are now completed with the excep tion of a verandah, and they form oce of the beat appointed huiidiDgs for their purpose in the town, and would bear favorable com parison with handsome establishments in other parts of the colony. The prenvaes are two storeyed, and built of brick with composite facings, and the front of the building bears a decidedly imposing appear ance. The front windows are very large, and on account) of their abnormal e'zi a special per mi b was rr quired from the Rail way Department to allow the glass to be conveyed through the Lyttelton tunnel. To the left of the main entrance, the-front win dow h specially fitted with mirror pkto glass and g!as3 shelves for the purpose of showing and reflecting silver-plated, and other ware, whilst the opposite aide is arranged for a general display of the firm's goods. The main portion of the warehouse ib fitted on the left of the entrance with the necessary shelving, stocked with a splendid variety of ironmongery and eundriee, whilst on the right an iDgenicua arrangement has been fixed for the exhibition of register grates, fenders, etc. The display of these is an excellent one« & t the rear of the lower premises are Mr Collins' private room and the Rccount*nb'B officp, both convenient and well furnished. And etiil further back there ia a compact strong rjom aud further storage space, together with an additional paint shop, from which a staff of employees issue daily for on'side paintine »nd decorat ing work* Entrance to the upper storey of the front building ia gained by a spacious stairway and aho a lift, and this upper roomi üßed for storage, is iargt and loffcy. The building was erect* 1 from plans supplied by Mr K. B rd, architect; the builders were Mr A jfttrlrowß (brick wcrk), and Messrs Smith and 'Son (car psnlers' work}; ths shop fittings were by Messrs Hayes and Leggett; the lift was made and erected by Mr T E Kilworth ; the gas fittings were by Hartley Brot ; and the composite work on tha front of the building was by Mr W Strange. The painting and decorating vraa performed by the firm'-* employees and has been executed tastefully. Altogether, the building is a credit to the firm, those engaged in its erection, and to the town.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Ekctrio Telegraph—Copyright THE AMERICAN CUP. London, October 13 Sir Thomas Lipton's challenge to the holders of the American Cup has been j accepted. The race takes place in I August, [-... A REGENT APPOINTED. Stockholm, October 18 The Crown Prince has been appointed regent offing to the serious illness of King Oscar* THE GERMAN CHANCELLOR i RESIGNS. | Berlin, October lfc Prince Hohenlohe, the Imperial Chancellor, has resigned, on the i ground of old age. Count Bulow, ! Minister of Foreign A ffiirs, has sue- i ceeded him, j | The Emperor has conferred the Order j i of the Black Eagle on Prince Hohen lohe. QUALIFICATION OF ELECTORS Mklbouenb, October ]g Mr McLean, at Bairnsdalf, said he proposed to reduce the qualification of electors for the Legislation Council to ratepayers on the roll. | VICTORIAN OLD AGE PENiION SCHEME ! Tho Old Age Pension Scheme pro vides for the erection of a permanent fund, the interest from which in 15 years is expected to supply all funds required, The payments would be sever, shillings weekly for all deserving people over, o§. For- every a week of private means a sixpences would come off the pension. ; The con? ditions are generally based ©n those in vogue in New Zealand. It is esti mated that provisions wijil have to be made for 3500 persona at present, and 800 by the end of 15 ye»rs, It is pro* posed, for the first four yews, to take £25,000 annually out of the general revenue to meet the claims of the scheme, also to provide a system of State insurance to encourage all persons to provide for old age, and to advance loans up to £300 on easy terms to those desirous of building their own holdings Sydney, October 19 Four hundred and thirty three Japanese have arrived en route to Noumea, under engagement to work in the nickel mines The coal owners of Newcastle are | charging 10s per ton for coal supplied | outside contracts, while contracts be - ginning with the new year are being signed on a basis of 1 Is Brisbane, Oct 19 The Labouring party is keeping up the stonewall, and the Assembly has been sitting continuously since Wed nesday afternoon. The cloture was several times applied, amid stormy scenes

Transvaal War

BOOMING KRUGER.

A EUROPEAN TOUR.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copy r igh b.

Received Wskapuaka Oct 19, 527 pm, 1 his office Oct 20 110 a m London, October 18 Leyds is booming Kruger. He is preparing to make a circular tour to meet the Cabinets of Europe and America. Kruger lands at Marseilles, The Irish " Independent" suggests that the freedom of Dublin be con ferred on Kruger.

MICHAEL DAVITT AND THE NATIONALISTS.

A TRAITOROUS ADDRESS.

BOTHA'S BROTHER SURREN-

DERED.

CLEMENTS CLEARS THE

RANGES.

(Rec«iv«d Wakapuaka Oct 19, 9.11 p m, Thia Office Ootober 20 1.10 »m)

London, October 18

Michael Davitt and the Nationalists have prepared an address to Kruger, which expresses sympathy with the heroic stand lor liberty made by the Boers, and goes on—" We humble ourselves with shams to think there are so many Irish in the ranks of the Doer oppressor who were unable to withdraw. We followed the contest with absorbing interest, elated with hopes of your triumphs and depressed with anguish for your reverse®, by a horde of mercenaries in the pay of the coveters of your land and gold, and who are haters of independence."

The War Office notifies that the order in which the troops will return from South Africa depends on the military exigencits, based upon the proportion of the various arms required to restore tranquility.

Commandant T. Botha, brother of the Boer Commandant-General, has surrendered at Yolksrust.

Genera! Clements has cleared the enemy from the Negliesberg range, capturing 500 cattle.

Private Avard, of the Few South Wales Lancers, has died of his wounds.

Botha is moving against Lydenberg, which is strong'y held and filled with supplies

Major Francis, of the New Zealand Fourth Contingent, and Captain Mao ri attic, of the New South Wales Bushmen, have been invalided to Eng land

Lord Roberts haa authorised free exportation^ from the Transvaal and the Otaoge River Colony, excepting bar gold and munitions of war

SWORD OF HONOUR FOR BULLER

London, October 19

rir Eedvers Bullcr, in accepting a word ot honour, presented to him by the residents of Pirt rmarftaburg, referred to the unparalleled difficulties which marked the boginning of the campaign He statei he n fused Sir Evelyn Wood's generous effer (o serve under him be cause he regarded the relief of Lady smilh as a forlorn hppp, which ifc wocld htsve been cowardly to let Fir Evelyn sharp. He admitted he rightly lost the chief command after the battle of Colen so, No soldiers had previously under, gone such a tremendous strain, in facing fire day after day

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

CHINESE ON THE MOVE.

A VICEROY DISMISSED.

MUCHAN CAPTURED.

CANTON NOT SAFE,

RUSSIA GOES A LOWE HAND.

VICTORIAN FIREWOOD.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio

Telegraph — Copyright

(Received Wakapuafca Ocfe 19, 935 p.m, This Office Oct 20, 1.10 a m)

Hong Kong, Oct 18

TheYangrsa ia covered with Chinese junks carrying troops, provisions and ammunition from Hankau to Hancbang on fbe Hankiang river, whence by means of canals they connect with the Hoangho river near Singanfu. It is stated at Shanghai that a decree has baen issued by the Dowager who has dismissed Luikungi, Vicerey of Siankang. Another decree orders Yaidla to go to Singanfu,

The Anti Manchu rebels, under Sunyatsen, have captured the city of Muchan on the East river, and fears are entertained for the safety of

Canton.

The Boxers are showing great activity northward of Pekin,

De Giers, the Russian Minister and his staff have been ordered to return toPekin, •

London, October 18

Cablegrams from various sources announce that Russia is gradually pursuing an independent policy in China,

Mklbouene, Oct 19

The Agent-General has cabled that a contract has been let by the British war authorities in Judia, to supply 2000 tons of Victorian firewood for China*

Li Hung Chang and Prince Ching have addressed an arrogant note to the Powers, in which they propose that China should express regret for the outrages on foreigners, and promise that they should never again recur, that she should admit liability in regard to indemnity, and reaffirm or modify the commercial treaties or make new ones. If these proposals are generally approved the plenipotentaries will ask thats the Tfueg-Li-Yamen h* permitted to resume its functions, the foreign troops to be withdrawn when the indemnity has been arranged, and an armistice meanwhile to be observed.

In a covering despatch they again attribute the outrages to the Boxers, whom they admit Chinese Princei and Ministers supported, but for this sup port they faavs since been punished according to Chinese law.

M Pichon, the French Minister, told

the Chinese plenipotentiaries that, until he heard Prince Tuan, Kang yi, and Tung Fuh Siang bad fallen hos tilities would continue.

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OB 1 REPRESENTATIVES.

Wblungton, October 19

Continuing the debate on the defence pro- ! posaU, and the Premier* motion than the report of the Joint Defence Committee should be agreed to j Mr Buddo advocated the defence of West port as our only coal port, and a necessary ! precaution. He recommended that the Swiss system of volunteering shou'd be adopted in this colony, whereby every man was enrolled in a volunteer corps for a certain number of years Mr Napier urged the entire reconstruction of the volunteer force The Premier replied briefly, and the motion for the adoption of the report was i carried on the voices At 2.10 *m, the Houia adjourned till Ham The House met at 11 a m The Premier read a cable message from the Secretary of State tor the Colonies to the effect that he could not at present reconr mend her Msjesty's Government to agree to the annexation of Fiji by New Zealand Mr Seddon said the cable message merely left the matter open until all sides had had. the opportunity of considering it. He thought it was a (treat pity the petition from the residents of Fiji in 1885, asking that the Island should form an integral portion of the Australian colonies, was not agreed to. At che present time tha people of Fiji were in as bad a position as the Uitlanders in the Transvaal, inasmuch as while the people were taxed £30 a head, they had no voice in the Government of tho colony ; and in suoh circumstances he had no doubt the people of New Zealand would extend a help ing hand to enable them to obtain self Govern ment. Geographically and naturally Fiji ought to form part of New Zealand. The great majority,of the white people in Fiji came from New Zealand, and it wan the duty of this colony to assist them as much as possible in obtaining closer connection with this colony. As to the coloured labour difficulty, that could easily be adjusted He moved a resolution of which he had given notice, in favour of Fiji being federated with this colony Captain Russell complained about such an important motion being bronght down m the last days of the session. He referred to the difficulty that would arise with regard to coloured labour, contending that in the event of annexation the laws of both colonies would have to come into line on the ques* tion. He admitted that if the queitior was one of federation only that diffioulty could be got over. He thought the matter was of such great importance to this colony that he asked the House to pause in deciding to agree with the motion, He referred to the legislative and administrative difficulties surrounding the question. The islands were not progressive, as was evident from the fact that the exports had fallen off to the extent of £100,000 in five years. He pre tested against the statement that there was tyranny in the form of government under which the people at preswnt lived. The population was a dying one, and the colony was dependent upon coolie labour to carry oa its industries; „ The House adjourned at 1 p m. m The House resumed at 2 30 p m Mr Seddon in replying, said he wai sur prised »t the tone of the vpeeoh delivered by Captain Russell in denying to those of our own kith and kin the right of free government the absence of which had been the cause of trouble in South Africa and other parts of the world. In view of the altered trade route between the Fast and the West, conse quent upon the completion of the Panama Canal, this colony would be left by tho wayside if it did not look ahead, and secure an interest in the South sea Islands, As to the question of coolie labour, he pointed out that there were only about 10,000 in Fiji, and they were under an agreement not to leave the lilind, and in due coura* had to be returned to India by the Government. Ho treated with scorn the insinuation that he was actuated by a desire to introduce cheap labour into this colony. The nut ion for the adoption of the report was carried by 40 votes to 19. Mr Seddon briffl/ moved the saoond reading of the Defence* Act Amendment Bill stating that it was practically a machinery Bill. The principal amendments were in the direction of giving greater power to the Commandant, provision for enrolment of militb, cadet corps, and rifb c'ubis, and (or providing rifle ranges. Another important alteration was that uniforms, ti, should be admitted free Captain Russell hoped (he Bill would make clear that there shou'd bit no inter ferenoe on the part of the Minister of Defence with the Commandant. Upon his efficiency and judgment the whole success of the forces would depend. It should further be mado clear that the members of the Imperial Reserve should have a definite statement of their liability as to service outside the cofoDy before they were enrolled. Mr Hormby opposed the large expends ture proposed in the Bill, and the proposal to raise an Imperial Reserve. He woul.i sooner see a larger expenditure in the sub* sidieing of the Australian cquadron The House adjourned at 6 30 p m The House resumed at 7.30 p m Mr J W Thomson continued the debate on the Defence Act Amendment Bill. Ho thought the best and most economical plan to raise a defence force was by training young people in the schools in the use of arms, first training the teachers sufficiently to enable them to impart instruction in drill. Mr J Hutcheion hoped that whatever was doae in the way of defence, the one man— the commandant—should be invested with full power to control defence operations without being hampered by political inter ference, Mr Rhodes generally supported the Bill, although he thought it could be improved. He urged upon the Government the necessity and advisability of establishing * training ship for the colony. The seoond reading was carried on the voioes. The Defence Aot Amendment Bill was committed. Clause 12, Imperial Reserve. The Premier ageeed to amend, the clause defining where a man shall serve outside the oolony.

After some debate, the question was put th%b clause 12, Imperial Beserve, be retained. This was carried by 35 votes lo 22,

The amendment by the Premier th»t> the members shall not be required to serve outside New Zealand except as provided in Bub clause 6 was agreed to. The clause pro* vided that the men oould be employed outside New Zealand as approved by Par liament.

A new clause was added empowering the Governor to enter into a contract for the supply of ammunition for three years. The Bill was reported as amended, read a third time, and passed _^

A NEW PEA.

A surprising novelty in the way of poas comes from Germany. It is named(?Ath lete," and should it prove the success its raiser claims for it, it will quickly pat in the shade thn great balk of the commoner i varieties. It produces stems op to 2£tn. In circumference, each plane growing frem fonr to six stems of this thickness and tip to 40in, high. When the main stem has grown to about 30ln. it commences to flower, and then only the branch shoote start to grow from the root. By the time the pods on the parent stem are ripening, the branch stems start flowering, an thus a continuity in the crop, extending over six to eight weeks, results, The productiveness of "Athlete" is amaalng, a elngle plant having produced as many as 200 pods last season, this! not even an exception, but almost a gen* oral occurrence. In consequence of its .peculiarity in growth, " Athlete " can be planted 3 ft apart, and yet when fully grown will cover the ground as effectively as the ordinary pea; One pound of its seeds will go as for as 301b of other peas.

RETURN OF THE ROUGH RIDERS.

Guards Social to Trooper E. Willis.

During the past six weeks numerous memberu of the various Contingents which left this colony for South Africa have returned invalided. The first to arrive who enlisted from this district was Trooper E. B«mnett, of the Second Contingent, and the welcome extended to him was only appar ently a forerunner of events to follow. Trooper Edward Willis the first of the volunteers from Athburton to return home anived on Tuesday evening laet, accompanied by Trooper J. A. Clark, and it was ouly to b« expected that one who, so to speak, had been reared in the distiict and received his military education locally, should be accorded a fittiDg reception. In order that he might spend the first day or two after hit arrival with his parents, the reception social inaugurated by the Guards was fixed for last evening, and at eight o'clock fully a hundred of his comrades and visitors were present at the Oraage Hall. The hall wes very prettily decorated with fifties. Captain Sparrow, of tbe Guard*, occupied the chair, with the guests of v.- evening on his right; The loeil officers of the battalion, Staff-Sergeant Major Jones, Lieutenant A. A. Fooks, of tbe Mounted Corps, and Messrs W. EU Collins. OFM Wroughton, and H. Willis occupied pro minent, seats * Apologies were tendered for the unavoid able abßence of Lieutenant! Hayes and Kicoll. The loyal toast dispensed with, Lieutenant A. Clarke (0. company), pro-, posed the ti»a»t of "Our Boys ab the Front*" He said it was now a year since the invitation from the Old Country for assist ance had been received. Our Boys had responded gallantly. Directly they reached the front they gobtobuftiness,andin their oWn way, and had received a full meed of praise from the staff officers. We had been fortunate in respect to the loss of lives. Lord Roberts had said he oould nob spare Our Boys yet, which was a statement of which we should be proud. The Mounted Infantry had a very risky duly to perform in drawing the enemy's fire, [even more dangerous than that) of the regular fighting line, He concluded by wishing success to "Our Boys at the front." (Applause). Mr H. Willis responded on behalf of * Our Boys.' He supposed he had been selected on account of having had two boys at the front. He felt very thankful when he received word that day that he still had one boy at the front. (Applause)i If those at the front were cur boys, wfcere did our men come in, Cur Boys had volunteered to fight the Boers, but a mightier foe than the Boers or Kruger had confronted them. It was, indeed, hard tines to bo mown down by a tcythe that could not ba minted, In spite of the disastrous influence of disease the [men had "acquitted themselves nobly. He spoke feelingly, but trusted that none of Our Boys would become enamoured of the Boer frauHeos. He would like one or two Boer relics, but not one of that olasF. He thanked thoie present for the hearty manner in which they had received the toast* (Applause). Mr W. H. Collins proposed the toast of the " Quests of the evening," Troopers Edward Willis and Clark, and in so doing, said he felt very sorry he was not better acquainted with military work, which would have assisted him to better describe tbe duties devolving upon those who had volun teered for the front. He was pleased to welcome back to our midst the guest of the evening and Trooper Clark, who also was a member of the third oontiagent. They bad returned not in the best of health, but we sho.uid be thankful they were without bullet holes. Trooper Willis had worthily upheld the good name of the company (Tbe Guards) and the colony he had been cent to represent, and he was sure Trooper Clark had done his duty well. The deeds of the Third Contingent at Wepener, Bushmen's K^p, and the triumphal inarch from Krooastad {to Pretoria were incidents for history. The names of the New Zmlaud soldiers would ba handed down to postctity. Tommy Atkins with his rigorous discipline had appeared as a new born man before the colonials, and envied them their freedom. He would, doubtieat>, like to be placed on an equal fooling with the colonials. He was pleased to learn thaf the returned troopers would again be snly too ready to jou hands to upbol3 the good old flag. The men under Captain Sparrow had proved of the right sort, and the phrase of old," Up Guards, and at them,' was just as applicable ti-Jay. He referred to the recent strictures regarding General Bullet's achievements, and was glad to hear that he would some out of the campaign with flying colours, Some critics had doubted that General's ability, but his actions had been fully justified. His (the speaker's) brother was thoroughly acquainted with the country on the banks of tbe Tugela, and had testified , to tbe difficulties General Butler had so sue- | cesefully and skilfully oo^ed with. The casualties of the entire armies showed a small percentage of the total strength, diseaie accounting for a large number, and the Mew Zealanden had escaped lightly. He felt sure the Ashburton Guards would ever answer the call of the nation, and acquit themselves nobly. (Applause). Trooper E. Willis, who was loudly applauded on rising to respond, said he felt almost overcome by the reception they had accorded him. He had fulfi led the duty asked of him—to fight for his country—and would do to again under similar oirounv stances The campaign had been a trying one, bat he felt proud, as did Trooper Clark, thab they had done their besb to keep the flag flying. Referring to Lieutenant) Fred Tucker, he said he had proved himself Worthy of a much higher oommlßsion. His tactics were admitted to be as sound as those of experienced Imperial officers of similar rank, and the manner in which ha handled his men at a trying time, when Lieutenant Bourne was captured, had merited the commendation of his superiors. He hoped, his comrades would return safe, and felt sure they would be enthusiastically received.— (Applause). Sergeant •> M»j >r Jones welcomed the troopers. He had set ved undsr Lord Chehns ford and Sir Garnet Wolseley in Africa in 1879, and thoroughly understood the diffi culties to be contended with. He did not wish to pose as the chief figure, like the fly in one of iEjop's fables, but he felt proud of the men he had drilled for service in South Africa. He had stated at a farewell dinner in Cbrtb church to the Tbiid Contingent, thab the men would go anywhere, and do anything; under capable officers, and his prophecy had been fulfilled, (Applause.} Captain W E Dolman proposed the toast of the" Army and Navy " in a brief speech. Staff Sergeant-Major Jonei ia responding, said that as one, who took a great interest in the affairs of the nation, and had been fighting there (South Africa) twenty years ago, he felt proud of the army, Mr Mc- Donald, the lecturer had said that if yon turned Tommy Atkins round three times he would nob know where he was. E^aotly so. Tommy was taught nob to follow his own ideas of locality, but) to follow his officers, and h« would do so, as long as a cartridge or sword bayonet remained. The charge of the Devons, and the Royal Irish Fnsiliera were excellent examples (applause). The use of Mountedlnfantry had been recog nised for some tlm.B. The Duke of Walling* ten bad said at Waterloo, "He would to God, he knew what was behind those hills," Had be possessed our Ruf«, he woo Id hare ■oon become acquainted (applause). The Navy had done a great deal towards the Relief of Ladysinith. Captain Sparrow proposed the toast of "The Visitors," whom he was always pleased to see at such gatherings Mr G F M Wroughton responded. He felb proud of onr boys at the front; and hoped we would give a united welcome to all on (heir return, (Applause) Color Sargeanb Sofa warts proposed the toast of "The Press", and Mr A J Tyrrell Baxber responded, after which a most enjoy able evening was brought to a cloee. Ib may be meniioned that a word of praise is due to Lientenanb Shearman, Color Sergeant Schwartz, and Corporal W B Willis for the manner in whioh the arrange, were conducted, and to those who assisted them to make the gathering so successful. During the evening a number of songs wens sang, those numbers by Sergeant Mr»Jor Jones, Lieutenant Clarke, Color Sergeant Schwartz, Lance Corporal Anderson, aod 0 Willis, Messrs Flower and Aitkin, being very acceptable, MrF Curtii aottd m aooonv'

panisb. It may also be mentioned that a aamber of Volueteers headed by Troopers E Willis and Ctsrk gave the Contingent's War Cry, which was enthusiastically jeceived.

THE ENGLISH ELECTIONS

GREAT MINISTERIAL MAJORITY,

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

(Received October 20, 110 am) London, October 18 The Unionist or Ministerial votes polled ''n Great Britain totalled 2,360,852, being an increase of 93,004 on the last general election, The Liberals polled 2,055,951, an increase of 86,196 One out cf every 21 Liberals in London, and one oat of 80 in England, excluding London, ha« become Unionist since the 1895 election, one out of every IS Unionist! in Wales, on the other hand, has become Liberal;

Sporting.

— • —' ■♦ . • .— ---NAPIER PARK RACING CLUB; United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Nambb, Out 18 The day was showery for <hs second day's races of the Napier Park R.O Meeting, but the attendance wu large. , The tarn of £4406 was pat through the machine. Remits :— Second Hack Hubbli Handicuj-, of 60 soys ; second 10 soys from stake ; one milt and a half--Bushman, 9st 101b, 1 : Moifa. 12at 21b, 2; Chance, 9at, 3. Won com fortably. Time, 3min 6seo, Dividend, £3 12s. Whabebanoi Handicap, of 50 sots 3 seven furlongs -Whiti/ea, 6st 4ib, 1 ; Kits* mary, 8»t 101b, 2 ; Goyt, 7»t 7ib, 3. Tim«, ljnin 34§i«j. Dividend, £2 18s. PuKBTiPc Handicap, of 50 sots ; on* mile—Catabianoe, B«fc 3!b, 1 j Passion Ernie, Sit 131b. 2 ; Bonnie D'E.u, 9*r, 3. Tims, Itiin 60|ieo. Dividend, £4 Bs* RAoifio Cldb Handicap, of 150 sots ; second 15 f ovs from stake ; one mile and a distance-Crusoe, Bit 9!b, 1 ; Materoa, Bst 41h, 2 • Kahowai, 6st 7ib, 3. Time, 2tnin 10| co. Dividend, £4 6s. Caledonia* Hanmoaf, of 50 sots ; six furlotgs—Whifcirea, Ilat2ib, 1 • N*aio,9st, 2 ? Intrepid, 10st4lb, 3. Time, lmis 20teo. Dividend, £2 18s. Second Handicap Hvh.di.bs, of 70 soys s one mile and a half- Whetu, I2st, 1 ; Sylvaons, 9*fc 12lb, 2 ; Little Bille., 9sfc, 3, Time, Smin 4|eo. Dividend, £1 111. Telkphonb Handicap, of 60 soys ; onoe rouod—Ngaio, 6st 121b, 1; Passion Frnlti, Bit 121b, 2 | Jssayer, B*b 121b, I. Time, 2mia 4|«o. Dividend, £2 12s. Grahd Stand Handicap, of 60 soys; seven fnrlongs—Heireis, 7« 7 b, I { Paphos, 7«6 31b, 2; Kisfmary, 7*fe 131b, 3. Time, lmin 35sec , Dividend, £217*.

I. Is reported that Bant Ilario w»ssore after a gallop feat; Saturday, the trouble being in the foot which be injured last year.

Both Malatna and Sant Tlario are eaale r in the betting for the New Zealand Cup.

THE LATEST

Mayfield and Ruapuna.

Our correspondent writes s—The heavy rain of the past few days has done a conside rable amount o? damage. Such rain and auoh floods have not been experiensed her* for many yeare.—'l he Raugitata River is iis heavy good, and the Hinds is exceptionally high—and the fields and roads of (he district have been in sheets of water. Consequently and any standing stacks will have suffered. Lambing being in fall progress in many parts of the district eipecially the hill parts, ewes and lambs have died by hundreds each day* The mailman had great difficulty in crossing the Hinds for the mail on Thursday, only being able .to do so by the foot bridge at Mayfield , crcisinp, the approaches to which on either side were iv a ruthing torrent of water.

Home and Foreign.

United Press Association— By Etectrio Telegraph—Copyright

g Received Wakapiuka Oot 20, 858 a m This Office Oot 20, 11 40 a m

London, Oct 19 The Times announces that Rear Admiral Beaumont, Commander ift Chief on the Pacific station has been transferred to the command of the Australian squadron

The Duke of York's Guard of Honor.

■ — —■* .— , .. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapnaka Oct 20, 8 68 a m This Office 1140 am

London, October 19

The Queen has directed the detach ments representing all branches of the British army to constitute the Duke el York's Guard of Honor at the opening of the Federal Parliament. The Bri tish volunteers will also be represented by fifty-five Victoria and St George's Rifles, who sail for Australia in tht middle of November.

THE TRANSVAAL WAR

T&M Soerg Bulb JiEgmloaifii*

They Strike a Sugg

Bctha Miami Bmintst

United Press Assoolation—By Rieotrto Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Get 20, 858 a. m, This Office 11 40am London, October 19

Lord Roberta reports that a party of Boers entered. Jagersfonteio (Soatk Orange Colony) on the night of the 16th. The British lost nine killed and two mortally wounded. The Been lost their commandant and twenty ont men killed

Received W&kapuak* October 20, 9 4 mb This Office 11 40 » m Sydney, October 20 Sir W J Lyne is commaaicatiag with the Imperial autboritiet with ft . vitw to arranging, if poiiible, for thi return of th« New South Wslu troopi from South Africa in time to take part in the Oommonwtalth inaagtieatiea*

JTHE ASHBUKTON GUAKDIAK: SATtJBDAf, OCTOBEB 2% 190 C



'irst quarter "u!l imion iaat quarter Jew moon i'irat quarter

2 8 41 ai 9 0 48 »i 15 9 21 pi 24 0 57 Ai 31 7 48 pi



Dare October 20 21 22 23 24

Ri'Oß 4 59 4 53 4 57 4 55 4 54

Sets 6 98 6 29 6 30 6 31 6 32



I' 1. JBargrainsi In BICYCLES, i Highest Quality, J atest Designs., For One Month Only OATHS, LOWRY & GO , Z alandb Cycle Works, Burnett Stretb, Ash burton, with tha view of popaUrUing the Zealand is, and A'alsnta Bicycles in the A«hburton District, ha\e decided to iff r 20 Cycleb at the following very great reductions jq price fur one month only. Lob 1 — GBNTLEM.EN'J ZttALAV'DIA ROADSTER, 22 inch frame, 80 gear, Twin Roller chain, West wood steel rims, Dunlop tyros, Brook's saddle, enamelled black with gold lines. Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16 10". 12 months guarantee. Lot 2—LADU'S, 22 inch frame, 66 gear, adjustable handles, spring seat pillar, flexible saddle, Wettwood steal rims, Dunlop tyrcn. Regular cash price £20. Sale price £15. 12 mouths guaranty. 3— 'GKNTS ATALANTA LIGHT RO^DSIKK, 24 inoh frame, 80 Rear, Brook* 828 saddle. We twood *teel rim«, Dunlop tyres, enamelled black with gold linos. R gular cash price £21 Sale price £15. 12 month* ' guarantee. Lob 4-LADYW ATAL4NTA, 22 inoh frame. 64 gear, leather gearccaste t Bro k's saddle, Wtstwood steel rims, Dunlop tyre*. Regular c*sh price £22 S»le price £16 10a. 12 jinontha guarantee. Lot 5 — GSSNL'B LIGHT I:OAD<*TER,22 inch frame, 80 gear, Kelly adjustable baod'eb'ir, gager fi-xible saddle, Wtstwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres. Titular cash price £20. Sale pride £15. 12 months guarantee? Lot 6-LADY'S Z^ALANDIA, 20 ingh framPj 63 gear, Westwood stiel rims, Dunlop tyrrs, Brook'a latest saddle, enamelled daik green with gold lines an>» decorations, Rayular cash price £22. Sa'e price £17. 12 months guarantee* ot 7 - GBNT'R ATALANUA ROAD RACEH, 24 intjh framp, Twin roller qhaia, 84 gear, Weßtwood steel rims, Dun.op tyres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black with gold lines! RrguW cash price £21. Sale price £16. 12 months guarantee. o t B—l-ADY'eJ, 22 inch frame, 68 ge»r, arijasUble handles, spring se»t pillar, Flexible saddle, Weistwood steel rims, Duniop tyrse, enamelled maroon with gold Hi.cc Kegular cash price £20 Sale prico £15. 12 months guarantee. Lot 9-GENT'S ATALANTA, 24inch frame. Twin Roller chain, 80 gear, Weetwood rime Dunlop tyreu, Brook's 810 saddle, eoairelled black with .gold line?. Regular cash price £21. Sale price £16 12 months guarantee. tjot 10 — GKNTB ZEALANDIA ROAD KACER, 24 inoh frame, twin roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood steel ri«rs, Dunlop Ijrei, Brook's 810 saddle, enameHad black. Regular cash price £21; Ba!e pries £16 10a. Also,— 1Q other high olasa BICYCLES, Bimilas to the above EASY T« RMS CMN BE ARRANGED. All the above Machines nrn fitted with Dunlop Tyres acd VVsittwod Bieel R'm». B£IIEMBs;R THE ?ALE IS FOB O«© utbTiiwit & 00- L&rgeet Makers of Cycles in New Zealand. Aibburton Branch, Burnett Stree" — W« A. SOHWARIZ 03 Manager. _ SPECIAL DISPLAY 01 SPKING FASHIONS New Dresses, Hew Millinery, New Eats and Trimming, New Prints, Zephyrs M aslins, etc. MEW GOODS AMD NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. YOU ARE INVITED TO INSPEOTi ASH6URTON DEAPERY CO. AKT PICTURES OP THE G «HBRAL Q,.&0, TRANSVAAL WAR Including IMPERIAL HORSE , CANADIAN DEAGOONS, &c, THE above are Works of Arts and far surpass anything of the kind yet Im ported into this Colony. Persons desirous of Securing a memento of the present Wm will find the above eDgravings very suitable. Price 2s 6d each. I have also to hand an assortment of ABTIBTS COPIED. | which will be let oub to for aDy number of days, » J. WILSON, Sign-Writer and Decorator, BURNETT STREET. nrvy r\{~\ TO on Freehold Se «sb^D\y \J eaeitj, in Sama to suit borrowers. C W PURNELL, lfj IS9 Solicitor, Montgomery s Buildings COMPARR prices at Jubilee fib Shop before buying elsewhere. 9 203



ST. ■ STEPHEN'S CHURCH' Aehburton. 19m SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY (Ocb 21th) II a m—Matins, Holy Communion and Bermt>n 4 p m—Holy Baptism 6 30 pm—Kvening Prayer and Sermon Pieacher afc the Morning and Evening Fervice®, Rev E A Ecott, Vioftr of Syden h"m R. A. WOODTHORPE, M.A, Vioar_



EVERY man likes a nice shirt Then as your laundress bo use the rapid Gloss— Johjt Obr & Co and 6hbarm*n Baos.



A RiHiKDXB—We wish to remind all who may require new salts. &o, " before tbf Show," that we bare already opened oak a large variety of New Goods for the Bprtsg and Summer seasons, comprising the moss '* up to date " best quality worste sultings ( ko, imported direct from the maßnfaotnrsrs. For a number of years we have always bad such a " Rash " of orders- just beiore tbe holidays, that w« found It impossible to ezooute all by the required time; We would therefore respectfully urge ail ocr 1 fritoJ (both old and new) to kindly call and favour us wtbh their esteemed orders as early ai poseibls to prevent disappointmen*, and blige Craxghbad & Bkbbtman, the leading Tailors and Outfitters, Athburion



Yon cau depend on ridding your children of worms with Wades Worm Figs, tbf wtuderful Woim Worriers, Is.