THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton eUUy for— UHRISTOHUROH—at 720 a.m., 11 a.m., 5.15 p.m., 7.5 p.m. (express) TIMARU-at 10 55 a.m., 3 50 p.m. DUNKDIN—at 12 64 p.m. (exprese) SPRiNGBURN-at 4.25 p.m. Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— OHHISTOHUROH-ab 10.45 ».m., 1247 p.m. (flxprees), 8 p.m. TIMARU—at 10.35 a.m., 255 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (expreeß) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a.m.

EPHEMBRIS.

Phases of Mood foz August

SUN.

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wakapuaka August 17, 9 10 a,m (Thie Office 745 p. m London, Auja; 16 Lead—lmports 12,483 tons', including 1950 tons (i ; exports 4156 tonr. Wheat at. Maik Line is sixpence lower on the week. The French export bounties on sugar, after August, will range from 2e 4£d down to li K'^d per quintal.

INVERCARGILL GRAIN MARKET

Uniied Prose Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Invebcabgili,, August 18 The Invercargill Grain Brokers' Associa tion report a steady enquiry from Australia, which anuses the marked to remain firm, but ao far business only of a very limited extent has resulted, and last weeks quotations are unohtnged—A, Is 5d to Is sfcd ;B, la 4|i to Is 5d ; O, Is 4d to Is 4£d ; at country stations. B?ga 5d extra.

ABHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers 1 Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote aa follows on August 17, 1900:— Wheat- Prime milling Fearl .- 2a 3d „ „ Tuscan... 2a 31 co 2a 4d „ „ Hunter's 2* 2d Oata—Duns ,~ la 51 to la 6d Danish Is 51 to Is 6d Canadians le 7d to Is 8d Sparrowbills Is 6i to Is 7d Barley—Malting, prime" 2s Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2% 3d Ohaff—Good oatßheaf 47s 6d to 50s Grass Seed—Oid pabture, 2s to 2i 3d New „ la 6d to Is 9d The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburton.

TIMARU GRAIN MARKETS.

There is unfortunately, no change to re port in the grain and produce markets, and fanners are still holding for a higher price. Grain merchants could effect Bates e.t !a*.e rates if there was any grain tffering, but there is not, or at least very little. During the week tome Fpecialiy good linea of Tuscan have changed hand* nt 2a s|d ; and velvet has been «o!d at 2s 4^-1 ; red ohaff 2-< 4d, in each case 1.0.b., 8&ck» 6d. Ota remain piacticaly the same as last week. Danish are saleable at la 7d ; duns and sparrowbills at Is 7d to In 9d Barley is worth Is lOd to 23 f.n.b. Potatoes are a drug on the tmrket, and top va'ucs are only from 27s 6d to 30* por ton,

Mr D Thomas had in the Arcade today, a quantity of furniture for sale, amongst which were a numbet of very useful hcusehold nquisiteß. Also a email yardi»g of light horses which brought very fair prices.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 1900. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT.

Taken an a wholp, the Financial State ment presented by tha Treasurer to Parliament last evening is perhaps one of th<a moat satisfactory that has been delivered for many years. It has of course, the usual fault of all the budgets compiled by the present Treasurer, chat of being much too prolix ; so much so indeed, that few newspapers whose sp&ce is valuable can publish it in full. Nevertheless, the Treasurer is to be con gratulated upon the genaral nature of his proposals for the future—for it is with that aspect of this state docu ment the people are most concerned. The fact that the constantly recurring surplus shows the taxation to be more than is necessary for the purposes of Government, appears to be now recognised by Ministers. It is some what late certainly; but better late tl>an never. The Treasurer says that the necessities of Government prevented these concessions from being granted (arlier, an assertion which the very existence of a surplus in several pre vious years makes it difficult to under stand. However, we are content to let the past alone, since we are now to have its omissions remedied. Undoubtedly the meat important reduction is in the adoption of the penny postage within and without New Zealand. This is a distinct gain to those who have much correspondence, and it is satisfactory to know that New Zealand is the first of these southern self-governing colonies to adopt the penny postage system. We have our doubts, however,as to whether the loss of revenue will be compensated for by an increased number of letters. Thi8 s however, is by the way. The public will accept this concession thank fully, and will appreciate the fact that the right honorable gentleman, at the head of the Government, has recog nised the obligation resting upon the ministers, to see that the taxation shall not exceed the actual necessities of the State. The abolition of the duties on such necessaries of life, as rice, coffee, cocoa, salt, etc., also on machinery for agricultural and saining industries, and the remission of half the duties ou tea, currants, raisins, caadles, etc., was a wise and statesmanlike measure which the Treasurer is guile entitled to take credit for. ilt will be noticed that Government intends next year to double this year's outlay fpc close settlement; but we should like to gee an assurance that pact of this expenditure would be in Central Canterbury, where, so far, very little land has been ac quired for some years. Toe proposal to give relief to the public school teachers by making provision for a more equit able scale of salaries, will meet with general approval; trad it will be

especially satisfactory to the members] of the teaching profession to kiow that the head of the Government so fully recognises the value of their services to the state. It is evident' that tf clinical education also, is to be properly looked after, Tt is of course, no new thing for Mr Seddon to look forward to securing the principal share in the trade of the Pacific Islands; and we were of coarse prepared to find that some proposal to effect that object, would be put before Parliament, He believfs in getting in the thin edge of the wedjje, and expects the rest to follow. New Zealand should, owing to her position, be able to hold her own against all comers in the Islands trade, and we doubt not, that if judicious measures are carried out, the desired end will eventually be alt*iued. Space will not permit us to deal more fully with the Financial Statement, but we think that it will mpet with general approval throughout the colony. No thing that Mr Seddon has done in the course of his political career reflects such credit upon his tact and states manship as the Budget of 1900.

Local and General.

%* Interesting reading matter wil! be found oa the first and fourth pages of this ssue.

, A Bonds. —Men of the Colonial forces will receive a gift of £5 at expiration of service.

Weathbb Forecast — Captain Edwin wires :—North to west and south west gale, and glass full ; indications of much lain

Practical Sympathy.—The coloured lepers on Robbin Island have tent ft (sub scription of £5 ss, for the wounded aoldiers of Her Majesty's force.

On Business—Mr Hayes, of the Inoome Tax Department, is in Aanburton at present.

Despatch Cyclist*—Cyclists who o-vrry despatches in South Africa make about 12 miles an hour on rough and sandy roads.

Tree Planting in Sweden — About 600,000 trees are annually planted by Swedish school children under the guidance of their teachers.

S.CJ.C—The Spring meeting of the South Canterbury Jockey Club will be held on September 5 and 6. Nominations close on Monday next.

Cattle Sale—The New Zaaland Loan and Mercantile Agency Company will sell at Pleasant Point (12 miles from Timaru, on the branch line) on Monday, August 25tb, 150 fab and store cattle,

A Grievance. — The Star Submarine Mining Corps has decided to disband on the ground thab the Defence Department refuses to ailow any alteration in their uniform:

Penny Postage at Lasx—The Postmaster- General will establish a penny postage for letters posted to places within and without tha colony from January 1, 1901. This concession means a reduction in revenue to the department of about £80,000 a year

Ger/vlmne Stock Sale—-Ab the Geraldine stock sale on Wednesday nexb the Canter bury Farmers' Association, in conjunction with the National Mortgage Company, will offer a line of 700 f-bred ewea in lamb, and Messrs Mating ana ShsJlorass will offer 200 f-bred ewos in iamb, and 600 4, 6, and B looth ewes.

Stavblhy—'A ball-was held in the Sfcaveley Hall last evening. Dancing was kept up until early this morning. During the even ing songs were sung by Mr Allan and others. The musio waa supplied by Messrs Symes and Starcifs, end refreshments were provided by the ladies. The proceeds of the ball are to go towards the making of a naw floor for the Hail.

The Financial Statement. — The Colonial Treasurer delivered the financial statement last night. The doaument ran into the modest number of 17,000 words (which we condense into a 3000 words summary), and we have to heartily thank Mr Ktnner and his staff for the excellent "copy" they provided us with, and the courteous and obliging manner in which they carried cub the extra work entailed upon them.

Stamping Bank Receipts—Mr J. Miles Verrall writes as follows to the Lyttelton Times: "'ThJ-re is a heavy penalty forgiving im unstamped receipt for any amount over £2. What penalties ought the banks then to p-*y if they have been wrongly girirg receipts (as they do to those who require it) for m my years without paying for a single stamp ? And there ought; to be heavier penalties for taking money without giving any receipt at all. There ought to be a nice little windfall of a few thousand pounds for the Treasury."

Volunteering in New Zealand—Speak at the Volunteer gathering last evening on the general progress of volunteering in New Zaaianri, Lieutenant Hayes eaid that on his arrival at Wellington, previous to the Parihaka "war," the battalions had been armed with the old Enfield, and the Snider having been substituted, he was the only non-com, who understood the musketry instructions with that weapon, having been accustomed to its use in the old country, and had to undertake the instruction of 250 men. Although they were better treated now, we are far behind the old country in up-to date weapons, which would certainly hamper a company if called for active service in Another land.

The Concessions on Dutiable Goots.— The duties on kerosene, rice, salt, coffee, and cocoa, mining, agricultural, and dairying machinery, and engines and boilers for the mining and dairying industries, and on portable and traction engines have been abolished, while half the duty on tea (exnepb in small packages), currants, raisins, candles, wax matches, has been remitted. Patent medicines have been reduced from 40 per cent to 15 per cent, and drugs, druggists' sundries, and chemicals from 20 per cent to 15 per cent. Ihe total concessions amount to about £157,000 per annum.

An Impromptu Cartridge Pouch—Ex- Corporal Loitch, speaking at the volunteer re-union last evening, mentioned an incident that occurred at a sham fight; at Chtiatchuieh some jears ago under Major Lean, One member an Ashburton man, was without a cartridge box and in order to or,joy the battle placed the cartridges in his forage cap. The veteran mjir noticed something out of order, aud asked in an vx .ittd way s " What the duce does tbab man mean by removing his cap to fire every elmt ?" When he was enlightened, he enj >yed the joke as much ac anyone.

A Painful Ordeal.—Referring to the case in the Supreme Court against Divera for the manslaughter of Daly the Press says: —It was almost) painful to those sitting in front of the man Divers to watch his face while the jury were returning iato Gourb with their verdict on Wednesday afternoon. As they filed into their seats the prisoner watched each man's face as though be would find the verdict written thereon, while his own face unconsciously took on a pale, drawn, haggared expreision. The words " Not guilty " had barely left the lipa of the foreman, when an exceedingly happy smite broke over Diver's face, and his eyes fairly sparkled with pleasure. That the verdict was a popular one was shown by the instan taneous burst of applause which broke from the crowd. The demonstration was quickly suppressed, however, by the Court officials. Outside the pourt, Divere was congratulated by a number of his friends.

Salvation Abmy Proceedings.— We desira to remiod our readers again of the approaching vUifc of Adjutant Dutton of Salvation Army fame who will arrive in town to-day. The special series of meetings to be led by him will commence to-night, when a huge open air meeting will be con ducted in Burnett Street. To-morrow morning the meetings will be in the local barracks, and the afternoon and night meet ings will be held in the Oddfellows' Hall, 3?he wonderful kinemaUgraph and limelight will be brought into effect at the Oddfellows* Hall on Monday night, in thu same building a remarkable meeting will be held. " The Passion," " The Prodigal Son," etc., will be prominent features in the kinetnatograp exhibition. We refer our readers to our advertising column* foe further particular*,

T*B $ty«hK Case— At the Supreme Court), Chnatchurch, yesterday morn ng, the two -ureties for bail (£SOO each), ia tlie case against Henry Vincent Styche, appeared and signed the ua«al bonds, after which his Honor formally adjourned the tiial of nccufcCG till tibx*) criminal sessions of the Supreme Court, opening on November 12. Tha boademen were two brothers of the accused —Messrs A L ami C J Stjche.

irmvßN Fisktof Omeletth—A company of the third Afr.can battalion stationed al Xt»" ( Tuftits) has just enjoyed the moat gigantic omelette ever made. At the request of the farmers in the neighbourhood the soldiers were sent on an expedition to annihilate the swarms of sparrowa which were playing havoc with the crop. Their work finished, ihoy brought back as spoils of war's,CoQ eggs, which the regimental cook mixed with many pc-uuds of other ingredients, and made into an omelette nearly 7ft in circumference.

New Music—Mr Horace Gates has re" oeived from the publishers copies of Mr Llewellyn Owen's new wait?, " Euterpe, 9 which has already met with such favourable notice from the musical critics. It is of oour.e almost unnecessary to lay that in Ashburton Mr Owen's musical reputation is a sufficient guarantee that the composition possesses exceptional merit. It goea with an admirable swing, and those who have heard it are charmed with this delightful composi tion, which we understand is the third which the same author has published. As we learn that more than half of the present edition have been sold already, it is evident) that the piece is thoroughly appreciated.

THE FINANCIAL STATE MENT.

In Committee of Supply, 17'h August, 1900, the Colonial Treasurer, the Right Hon. R. J. Seddon, read his bMcaaoial Statement, of which the following ia a Eummarj :—-

It> is with confidence and pardonable pride thit I submit my fifth financial statement since holding the position of Colonial Treasurer, &a& ia ib, us iv those preceding it, a very satisfactory condition of affairs is demonstrated The results of last ysar's operations show that the elasticity of our finances w»s understood, and the record turplus of £605,351 exceeds the expectations of the most optomistic of our colonists which was both to them and to me a most agreeable Burprise.

Ths phenomenal returns from railways and customs clearly establish the increased spending power of the people, whilst the in creases from land and incomes prove the increased value of real estate j they also show that salaries have increased, and that thope whose incomes are derived from trade, commerce, and the professions, have prospered. During the year the savings through the under expenditure of moneys appropriated in the various accounts go to prove there has been careful administration and supervision. And ib is quite consistent withgoodgovernment thafc whenever owingbo altered conditions expenditure of public monies from the consolidated fund can be avoided without injury to the public service, a real and tangible saving is effected. In this as in the preceding statement it is deemed desirable to adhere to finacee on matters closely allied therewith and to place the financial position and proposals before mem bers in a plain matter of fact and business like form.

I INCBEASKD EXPENSE NEOESSART. I I may as well etate ac this point that an ! increased amount will be required from the consolidated fund, which will perhaps strike , members as being unusually large, but this I should not take them by surprise. Ib must be remembered that increased new charges, such as old age pensions £209,000, payment of our contingents, harbor defences, and 1 defence forceß £253,000. contribution* to Ottawa and India £10,OCO, public health £5,000, land and surveys £140,000 have to be met, and that such increased expenditure is desirable and in the beat interests of the colony. For orphanages and inebriate homes, I am also providing a new item of £15,000 This expenditure ia necessary, and will provide for a long fait want. I am pleased to announce that notwithstanding the disturbed condition of China and the war in South Africa our revenues are more than ■quil to meet the strains of our increased expenditure and members will be glad to hear that after miking due provision for the increased charges I have just enumerated I »cc my way to fulfil the pledge given that th^re should be a reduction made by remission »f eustoma duties on the necessaries of life, details of the proposed reductions will be subsequently disclosed, SURPLUS

After alluding to the custom of expending the year's surplus in public works the fol lowing year, the Treasurer went on to say : —It muat be clearly understood that I do not favor piling up a Hugo public debt and trusting to posterity to pay, Indisorim • nat.o borrowing leads to squandering, and infUfclon and booms caused by a large ex penditure of publij moneys end in disaster. The lessons taught in the past in this respect must Hot p»Bs unheeded.

PROPOSED LOAN. It would be unwise to place a large loan on the market under the existing conditions, and prudence demands that we should only ask for sufficient authority to meet pressing demands. I regret to have to mention that there has been do favorable opportunity up to the present to float the loan authorised lait session Temporary arrangements have been made under which monsys have been obtained with which to carry on our public works, to meet the requirements of the advances to settlers office, and to complete the purchase of lands under the Land for Settlements Act. It seems impossible toguage the time when we can with advantage face our new loans with reasonable prospeotof sucoesi. Under these circumstances I trust members will concur with ma in agreeing this year to the moderate proposals submitted. Having generally outlined the situation, I will now proceed with the details of the

RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE As a fitting close to the finances of the 19th century, bo far as they relate to this oolony, I am, aa previously stated, able to congratu late the country upon a record balance at the end of our last financial year. This balance amounted to no less than £605,351, and emphatically demonstrates the magnifi cent progress this colony made in developing its internal resources, The revenue for tha year amounted to £5,580,386 and the ex penditure to £5,140,128.

PROPOSED REDUCTIONS IN DUTIES After dealing with tha various sources of estimated revenue and items of proposed expenditure), the Treasurer proceeded ;—I therefore propose to take off the whole of tho dudes on kerosene, rice, Bait, coflhe and cocoa, mining machinery, agricultural machinery, dairy machinery, dredging machinery, enginps, and boilers for mining and dairying, and portable and traction engines. Further I propose to remit half .the duty on tea (other than that in small packages) half the duty on ourrants and raisons, half the duy on candles, half the duty on wax matches, leaving the duty thereafter equivalent to an average of say 30 per cent on "the value and that the present duty on patent medicines of 49 per cent shall be reduced to 16 per cent, thab the present duty on drugs and druggists sundries and chemicals ehall be reduced from 20 per cent to 15 per cent, the remissions on these heads amount to about £157,000* I had hoped to have granted remissions on other articles, but the abnormal expenditure this year under several headings does not permit my doing so.

EDUCATION The inequalities and anomalies in the salaries of public school teaohers, who are in many oases in receipt of pay that is quite inada qu>to to the work they do, have been for sometime past little short of grave injustice, and call strongly for redress. From causes which ito will ba oub of place to discuss here, the total number of children attending the schools in many of the districts show little or no increase. The number of schools to be maintained is, however, greater than ever it was before. On this account, and In conse quence of increased irreguladty of attend ance, and of the large proportion of Email | schools in those parts of the colony where i population is sparse, and especially whers settlement is spreading, the strain on the I finances of the Education Boards is so great they are unable, with the present grants, to do justice to the country schools, or to the teaching staff. We propose, therefore, to increase the total annual grant by aborjfc £23,000, which ia equivalent to 5s per head for the number in average attendance in all the schools of the colony, and to deal

with ib in such & way as to remove the in equalities and anomalies which I have 1 referred to. TECHNICAL RDUOATION So much has been spoken and written in favor of manual instruction and technical education for t'-e youths of the colony that' it does not require more than for me to say that substantial financial assistance will be | given to the existing technical schools, and > for the extension of technical education into other parts of the colony, including hand and eye training for the pupils in our schools, and special training required for manufac turing, agricultural, mining and commeroia! pursuits. In recent years the superiority of ' Germany and America as manufacturing nations has been e'early demoostratdd, and if the youths of New Zealand are to hold their own in engineering, skilled handicrafts and industries, a comprehensive system of technical education is of paramount im portance. The Bill ia now in course of pre paration by the Minister of Education:

NEW MARKETS The Treasurer then referred to the pro spects opened up to New Zealand by the events now occurring in South Africa and . China, fie expected a steady outpour of our products to these countries: DEFENCE. The Treasurer outlined hit soheme for defence, from which it appeared that the amount) required would be £253,141; we should have 20,600 rifles ; one of the four field batteries had arrived; ninety addi tional corps had sent ia applications for enrolment. PREFERENTIAL DUTIES. The statement proposes th»b preferential i duties should be imposed, with a view to encouraging trade and establishing reci procity. THE ISLAND TRADE The Pacific Island trade was worth trying for, and itwastheintentionoftheGovernment to ask for an appropriation to subsidise a mail steamer to ensure regularity and low freights in this connection. SAN FKANOISCO MAIL SERVICE

The contraob which expired on 31st March last had been renewed with the Union Company until March 31, 1901 Spreckloi Co., which has been associated with the Union Company in carrying out this contract has now secured from the United Sbates Government a ten years contract for a service between Frisco and Australia. Messrs Spreckles and Go have offered to perform & seventeen days service between Auckland and San FranciEco and a twenty days between Sydney and Ban Francisco every three week*, an essential condition being that the service should be performed by vessels registered in the U.S.A. This could not be agreed to as ib conflioted with a resolution of ihe House that at least nne British owned steamer should be employed in the Eervice. The matter is still in abeyance.

PACIFIC CABLE There is now every reason to anticipate that the construction of this work will be i speedily proceeded with, and tenders will probably be called soon for laying the cable. ! PUBLIC HEALTH Ib is a matter for congratulation that bo far this colony h»s escaped the plague. Legislation of t* somewhat drastic character was rendered necessary by the nearness of the danger. Considerable outlay had been incurred, bub no right thinking person would object to that. It is proposed to bring into I existence a Health Department, with full powers and responsibilities. CROWN TENANTS. It is proposed to grant conditionally to Crown tenants one-tenth on tha half-yearly payment of rents, equal bo £ per cent. Ib is also proposed to submit proposals later in the season, that from and after 31st Maroh next the mortgage tax should be reduced by £d in fche £ PENNY POSTAGE It was pleasing to be able to announce that on and after the let. January, 1901, a penny postage system will be established within and without the colony, which will therefore be the first in Australasia t < have a universal penny postage. The Treasurer estimated that the lors of reveuaa would be only temporary. THERMAL SPBTNQ3 The Statement) pointe i pud that She value of the thermal springs of New Zealand was hardly appreciated by the people, and it is suggested that money be voted for the improvement of these surroundings. BACK BLOCKS It was proposed to allocate £150,000 to make roads to and from the back blocks to enable settlers to get their produce to market*. MAIN TRUNK "'LINES OF BAILWAYS It was proposed to allocate £500,000 for the construction and completion of certain lines of railways, including the central route of the North Itiand line. C OSB SETTLEMENT

The sum expended in the purchase of private lauds last year, including expenses was £374,143, a mm far too small compared with the demand for close settlement. The H&tama Estate in Hawkes Bay will be purchased next year. The five districts in which land is mosb required are Hawke's Ray, Wairarapa, M*rlborongh, North Can terbury, and Obago, and it is the intention •f Goverumeut this year to double the parch^Bß of last year. . . Whers lands at* mi table for close settlement, it is proposed to carry out a vigorous land for settlement purchase policy, which will be dona both in the intereats of our farming community and our wage earners. The Crown tenants will be relisfel by rearranging the conditions. Rents must be paid more punctually. Out of 16,406 tenants 1709 were in arrears. To encourage punctual payment it U proposed to allow a rebate of one-tenth of each half-yearly instalment of rent paid within one month after the day appointed.

| OUR BOYS AT THE FRONT. | Under this heading, the Treasurer paid a high compliment to the young New ZaaUnders who had given up so much to uphold the honour of the Colony and the Rmpire, and eaid thab he hoped to see the end of the war before the session closed, and to arrange for Parliament) to have the opportunity to tender to " Our boys at tha front," and their relatives, the Golony'a heartfelt thanks and appreciation of their service*.

DREDGING Tha large extent of gold bearing alluvial rivers found to exist and to be profitable under dredging operations having marked an unexpected derelopmenb in gold mining, the great drawback is the cocfliotiun of interests between landowners and holders of riparian rights on the cna hand, and those holding licenses for dredging claims on ths other. It is intended to devise some schema to meet this difficulty. RAILWAY IMPROVEMENTS Daring the last five years the annual revenue of the department has increased from £1,150,851 to £1,623,991. This iaorease necessitate* very large additions to our rolling stock, and it is proposed to ask for authority to speed £500,000 per annnm during the next five years. RAILWAY CONCESSIONS Tha concessions made in the ordinary passenger fareß this year amount approxi mately to £75,200 per annum. Previous reductions totalled £294,239, tha whole amount therefore reaches £369,439. <& CONGLUSION This Statement showed the taxpayers had received reductions unprecedented in the history of the colony. It had not fallen to the Sot) of any previous Treasurer to announce reduction* to the extent of £350,000. Circumstances over which Government had no control prevented any further concessions at present. We must have lands suitable for close settlement, and future aoiaon will depend greatly upon how the large land 1 owners meet) the position, The Treasurer having summarised the proposals of the Government as sets forth in the Statement, concluded as follows : " Seeing that there is on these benches a stable Government) composed of men whose only desire is to serve the people faithfully and well, who shall wonder that our country is prosperous and its inhabitants happy, comfortable, and contented?''

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

United Piesg Association—By Elcctrlo Telegraph Wellington, August 17 The Council met at 2 30

The Imprisonment for Debt Limitation Bill was recommitted for the purpoes of further considering clause 3 " No order of committal agiiiust a judgment debtor in certain c*Be?." Mr W U Walker moved an amendment, the effect; of which would be to limib im prisonment- lor d' bt to cases in which debts were incurred by fraud. The amendment wag agreed to by 12 votes to 11. 'J he clause as passrd reads a? followß—' Except in cases which by section 3 of the principal Act are declared to be exempted from Che operation of that section, and except, also, in case* where debt has been incurred by fraud, no order of committal to prison for default in payment of a judgment debt, or of any instalment thereof, shall hereafter be made under the principal Act, against a judgment debtor ' The third reading was fixed for Tuesday The Agricultural und Pastoral Societies Act Amendment Bill (Mr Pinkerton) was considered in Committee, and reported with amendments The Council rose at 3.40 p.m

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wellington, August 17 Tb« House met afe 2 30 p m Mr McLacblan gave notice that he would ask for leave to introduce Libel Bill No. 4. He explained that while he knew lifcble about the law of libel, he thought it time a stop was put) to the slanderous and libellous statements publiehed by some newspaper proprietors who were too poor to obtain satisfaction from when judgment was ob tained ftgaiust them in &a action, aud his Bill would provide for t-uch cases After oome diaoussion Mr R MeKenzie moved the adjournment of the debate, which was carried on the voices ;■ QUESTIONS

Replying to questions, Ministers said that plans were completed and tenders would be called for Tongoporuta bridge, which would complete bridging rivers on the road between Taranaki and Auckland; that the Land Purchase Board would be instructed to report upon the advisability of acquiring Heddon Bush Estate, Southland, for olose settlement; that the Minister of Eduoibien would put in hand a scheme for provid ing a uniform scale of educational salaries throughout) the colony ; that it was the intention of Goverment to intrr duce a Referendum Bill this session ; that Govern ment did nob intend to introduce legislation providing for the issue of State notes guaranteed by Government to the vatious municipalities, tqu&l in amount to - their overdrafts, as Government had enough to do with its own loans; that Parliament would be given an opportunity to discuss the question of Federation this session ; that an effort would bs made to introduce an Early Closing BUI this session, dealing with night work in shops, banks, and mercantile offices; that Government would assist in providing for memorial tablets in com memoration of New Zealandere who fell in South Africa; that practical steps were being taken to prevent an iufi x of Austrians. 1 he House adjourned at 5 30. The House resumed at 7,30 pm. Mr Ward moved the second reading of the Civil Service Examination Bill. He ex plained that the Bill was intended to rectify some anomalies in the Act. At present officers who had ptsaed the junior civil examination were limited to a maximum salary of £100 a year, and it was intended to extend the amount to £200, until they passed the senior examinations, Captain Bastell moved the adjournment of the debate. Carried.

The House went into Committee ou ways and means, when Mr Seddon delivered the Financial Statement. Resolutions confirm ing the altered and abolished customs duties were passed and reported. The House rose at 9.50 p m.

Transvaal War

United Press Association—By Electric telegraph, Wellington, August 17 The Agtnfc-Geueral has oabled to the Premier, under yesterday's date, as follows: —" The British casualties in South Africa up to date total—Deaths from all sources, including 150 invalided men, about 9300; prisoners now in hands of enemy, 2850; invalided home, about 25.0C0. There are probably from 6000 to 7000 sick and wounded in the hospitals in South Africa.' " The money market generally ia improv ing, owing to the brighter outlook in China,"

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association -By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wakapuaka August 17, 9-2 am, This Office 736 pro) Hong Kong, August 16 Suikunijo, the Viceroy of Shanghai, ia ready to welcome the British to Shanghai, but objects to an inter national occupation of the city. Many native merchants returned to the city when British protection was promised. Admirai. Seymour ordered three transports in the river not to land troops, pending a reference to Lord Salisbury.

The defences of Oanfon are very formidable. The river is mined and a number of torpedo boats at Whampoa are ready for action. The Bogue forta threaten to fire if another warship is •eat.

St Petersburg, Aag 16 It is officially announced here that the Ozar has assented to Count Walder •ee's commanding ia the operations against the rebels is China.

The Ozar fully adheres to the policy about which there was a complete understanding with France and the other Powers. Russia strives only t© secure the speedy restoration of order, and the best relations with its neigh bour, China.

(Received Wakapuaka August 17,11 p.m, This Office 1.15 a.m) Paeis, August 17 It Is semiofficially announced that Franca has informed Germany that General Wa'dersee's exalted rank natur ally entitles him to become Commander in-Chief.

Hongkong, August 17 Li Hung Chang, answering tha reply to the edict appointing him, has appealed to Washington to urge the allies to halt at TuDgchou, lest by entering Pekin they wound the whole people's feelings and shake the Empire to its foundations. He added that a Pekin envoy would meet the allies at Tungchou, and negotiate an armistice. He w< uld himself proceed to Ptkin Replyirg to the Dowager and Li Hung Ohacg, Washington stipulates that the allies must communicate wirh the Legations, and ascertain the prospects of the safe transfer of the ministers and others to the inner gate, a distance of three hundred yards. If satisfied on this point, an armistice will thereafter ha arranged, and when Mr Conger is delivered, the United States will instruct her troops to cease host Hide , with a view of arranging peace,

■ Hong Kon«, August 17 A desperate fight occurred at Sanz shan, Manchuria. The Russians, though outnumbered, Ejected 4000 cavalry and twelve guns from a strong position. The allies have captured Ohang- Ohj»w»R witb flight lon j 500 Ohitttie

J were kilted, and ihe remainder fled, sorao to Tungchou, threa miles north ward, others to Pekiu. Oreatßi ta.n showing an inclination to send the Indian troops to the norihward instead of landing them at Shanghai, British firms »t that pace have urged Lord Salisbury I o reconsider bis decision, which fa calculated to incite the populace. The Consuls are quaily apprehensive of trouble unless S; aughai 18 adfquately protected, and have recommended their respective Governments to support the landing of the British on an international baeia,^ reinforcing the British with troops. Since Russia has undertaken thf provisional administration of New chwang, Japan heartily supports Great Britain landing troopi at ShVngb&i. London, August 17 It is unofficially stated that there are indications that Fekin has been en tered. An oUcial Italian message {states that the allies' attack on the city began on Motday -

Hongkong, Ang 17 It'is believed at Shanghai that the hostile Manchus escaped from Pekin to the westward

Washington, August 17 Mr Oonger sent a cipber message through Witing pang. It proves that he received messages from Washington and that he had himself replied. The authorities herp, with a view to saving time, have informed Admiral Ohafee to progress with Li Hung Chang's nego tiations, and have authorised him in the event of the acceptance of Ameri' ca'a stipulations to relieve the Ltgationi cooperating with the other command ers. The message adds that Mr Con ger announces attacks by the Imperial troops. While they continue, America cannot stop the allies' advance* The Powers support America. Mr Conger's message was presumably despatched between August 5 and August 11. The Legations had been completely bcaieged since June 23' There had only been rifle fighting since July 17, but it was carried on daily, and with it there were frequently desperate attacks.

BANK OF NEW ZEALAND

United Fcesa Association—P>y Electric Telegraph Wellijsgion, August 17 Mr Blair concluded by saying there had be ft a a great expansion of trade in the colony and especially in the gold dredging industry. In the latter which there were great danger?, and he counselled people not to risk more than they could afford to looso. Ho moved the adoption of the report and balanca sheet.

Mr Martin Kennedy seconded. He did nob think the Chairman's anticipations were coloured and did not think the earning power had reached its limit?.' With regard to the Rangiora incident he thought rules could be drawn up that would prevent the recurrence of such a thing.

Mr H Beauohatnp said the polioy the Directors were pursuing wu a safe one and th»t was why they had pitted such a strong reserve in London for a case of emergency.

In reply to a question by Mr Kebbeil, who »»ked what amount would be required to make good the deficiency that uitim&tely arose npon the realisation of the instate* Company's assets, Mr Blair said it wai difficult to cay, as the Board was entirely aS the msrey of the market, but probably between £30-,OGO and £40,000. He further taid that it was an entire misapprehension to cay that the bank business was decreasing. They had simply been weeding out; bad business;

The motion was carried and a vote of thanks was accorded to the Directors.

Interprovincial

Per United Presa Association—-By Electric Telegraph, Auckland, August 17 Tht Agricultural Association discussed the Slaughtering Bill, and resolved that the compensation for condemned stock should not be Issb than two thirds of the value of the stock if condemned alive, and full compensation if condemned after being passed alive ; compensation to be provided out of the public funds. The Association also resolved that the closing of private slaughterhouses is quite unnecessary if riMve efficient inspection is provided* Chbistchukoh, August 17 The Canterbury Kennel Club's show was opened to-day. In connection with this fixture thoN.Z. Collia Club's championships are being decided* In this department Wark and Burland'a Armsbearer gained chief honors, winning 3 firsts and 7 seconds. J Horrax, of Wellington, with his representa tives, Champion Hereward, and Honeymoon, secured three firsts, two seconds, and one third. The field dogs were a good olasa. In English setters the chief prizes went to P Hunter, of Porangahau, while in retrievers T)r Newman took the silver cup for the best retriever in the show- Waihopai Kennels were the successful exhibitors in cocker spaniels. Dr Newman also won first and special with his Airedale terrier dog. DCNEDIN, AugUS; 17 The directors of the Wesport Coal Com pany have declared an interim dividend for the half-year ending June 30 of three and a half per cenb. The directors of the New Zealand Refrigerating Company reoommend a divi dend of fix per cent on all shares ; to write off on building, machinery and plant £5000 ; the balance to be carried forward.

News in Brief.

Up till the 25' h, startling reductions in general and fancy drapery, clothing, boots, eta., ara announced at the great winter sale of Andrew Qrr's

It doesn'o do to look a gift horse in the mouth, buii when the gift happens to be a public boon, to be retailed ab so much a bottle, it becomes not only advisable, but a duty to look ib carefully in the mouth before pronouncing ac to its merits. In connection with this, Mr E G Lane's newest lung speci fic—the Creasoted Emulsion—feai 8 no ex amination. Some time ago Mr Lane submitted a bottle of this preparation to a loading Dunedin doctor for examination and report. The doctor in question examined id carefully, and reported that he found it better emulsified and containing more cod liver oil than any emulsion he had previously examined. This, with the addition of the creasote, made it a great improvement in ordinary emulsions. This verdict has been generally endorsed by the public, who have shown their appreciation of the pronounce* ment by their orders, and have expressed ib in writing from all parts cf the colony.

" OUBSBLVHS AS OXHSB S»E Us."— Our friends are generally too polite to tell us our faults; bub they seldom fail to obiervs tha fit and style ot our clothes. Young men who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind that " appearance goes * long way." An ill-fitting Buit is uncomfortable, and an •• eye-sore "to your friends. Don't risk itJ If you are a stranger here, the first well dressed citizen you meet will gladly direct you to " The Loading Tailors where you will always find a large assortment of 'Up to date' 1 suitings to aeleot from, and. where you can always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and still increasing business done by Messrs Craighsad and Bebryman speaks volume?, This n>m has juab imported probably the finest stock of new teutons tailoring goods ever shown in Aahburtoo, including a beautiful range of the new rain proof Beavers and Melt ens for Covert coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both ashi"n-vble and durable.

TEA It iUETON &OARDIAM ; SATURDAY, AUOUSI? 18, 1900



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rpRE VEEDIOT OS 1 PRACTICAL RIDERS IS IN FAVOUR OF Absolutely Beat Built in New Zealand. GENT'B £21 LADY'S £22. * -.. ii % BURNETT STREET. tNEW ZEALAND CLOTHING_ FACTORY. Boy's Tweed Sailor Suits from 5« Boy's SeTge Sailor Salts from 7s 8d Boy'd Tweed Melville Suits from 9* v Buy'a Tweed Norfolk Suits f om 12a Boy's Sao Knacker Suits from 18, bd Bey's Oovert Coa** from Ms 6d Boy's Tweed Overcoats from 6 s 6d Boy's Reefer Jackets from 6» 6i Boy's Football Jer.< eys ix<m 3* 3d Boy's Caps 6d each Boy's Sailor Tama Is each FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRIOE MEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAOTORY. 20 21 22 23 24 «^s_ MSWWeIIongW REMEMBER AUGUST 25th LAST DAY OF GREAT WINTER SALE STARTLING BEDUCTIONB In' GENERALS FANCY DKAPEKY, CLOTHING, & BOOTS. fplendid Opportunity for Cash Purchasers. ROSLYN Blankets from 16a 91 English Blankets 8s 6d to 12s 9d Men's Saddle Tweed Trousers Colonial, 10s 6d to 12a 6d Men's All Wool Kaiapoi Trousers 5? 6d, 6* 9d, and 7s 6d Mon s Waterproof Coate, Sewn seams, greatly reduced Ladies' Jackets, Gtopep, and Mantles half price 60 Maids' Macintoshes at 4s 6d; Ladieb' 7a 6d Black Caehineie* from Is 6d per yard Grand of Ladies' Corsets much under usual price Navy and Black Serges, all wool, much reduced Every Article in Stock largely Discounted TAILORING DEPARTMENT.— Having secured the services of a firsts-class cotter, Suite now made from £3 Bs, perfect fit. DRESSMAKING. —Thia Department is giving every satisfaction ; fit and style, at moderate prices. AND R E W ORR,



G. MEDDINS «THE PEOPLE'S IRONMONGER Oppoiite Arckde, Burnett Street, INVITES particular attention to his Stock of Goods especially suitable for the Sprlag Season, including Dutch Hose, Ga den Trowels, Hedge Shears, Weeding Forke, etc, etc. ladla Robber Hose Pipe. TOOLS S TOOLS! TOOLS j In Carpenters' and Farmers' Tools I have the best selection in Ashbnrton Coanty, afc my well known prices, which lire the lowest. BUILDERS' IRONMONGERY Of eyary depcription, at bedrock prices, noladiag Locks of all kinds. Hinges, Screws, Braas Goods, REGISTER 'SHATES, MANTELPIECES, etc. AGENT far the following Makers' itANGES :— Shacklock's Obion. Baning' ham's Zealaudia.. Scott's Atlas, Crown Iron Wotks Challbnge, Storrier's Champion. lURISISHING AND HOUSEHOLD IRONMONGERY to soic every body. , BRUSHWARE, TINWARE, &o. Dont' forget a penny saved is a penny gained, LAKGK IMPORTATION OF WALL PAPEBS IBAVR iuet reoeived (ex s.b. Pspwca) m, Shipment of theNBWESTIN PAFKR HAKGING, to which I invite inspection. Th«ie paper* »re exceedingly rich in deeigL and colouring. People desirons of decornting their rooms I*ter oq, msy ohosa their Hangings from the preeoot fait Stock, and I will lay than? Mid* until required. J. WILSON, HOUSE DECORATOR, BURNETT STBEET. Artigta' Mater »1 Depot *~ KERNARD & WHITB, City Pork Shop, HaTelock Street, HAVB jastopsaad N«w Business in the Pork Lint). Small goods of all descriptions always on hand. Tho public »r« ipecifcliy invited to oali and inspect Fork Hauß&ges, (fresh.) Daily cash buyers of dairy fed Votk^ 8 104 AT Mrs Alcobn's Sale—A large loi of Jackets and Capes juat boaght at great (reductions wilt be offered much under mual priest to m*ke room for the Builders. AW all her Drees Goods. A choice variety, at priceo from Is per yard doable width, , Flan<iei3itei>, Calicoea, Pinafore aad Dfesis J Ma«Uai til much ;«daoed to ol»»r. ;



< I © lJ m pw <J «* . -§•§ *5 tE . | | YEARS r-- The reliable Family Remedy Woods' Gre»t PeppermiDb Cur? for gh« and Colds— and ?$ d



A CONVINCING ANBWEK 11 hobbled into Mr Blackmon'g drug store one evening, saya Wesley Nelson, of Hamil ton, 6a, ' and ha asked mo to try Chamber lain's Pain Balm for rheumatism, with which I bad suffered for a long time. I told hi "a I had no faith in any medicine, as they all failed. He »aid—' Well if Chamberlain's Pain Balm does not help you, you need not pay for it.' £ took ft bottle of it home, and used it according to the directions, and in one week I was cured, and have not sicoe. been troubled with rheumatism ' Said by Aihbar ton Drug Company



HABIXiKY BHOS. Ashburton, supply . windmill and stand for £13, W«|f, .linking ac moderate rat ft,