Mail Notice.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the neoessarv alterations ;— FRIDAY, AUGUST 8 For Northern Ports, Westport, Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, also United States, Canada, etc., United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Fran eiaco, per Takapuna, as follows :—-For money orders at 2 30 p.m.; registered letters, at 5 p.m ; look 9 and nei»_papers, at 6.30 p.m.; ordinary letters 6.30 p.m.; late fee letters, mail van, express train. Due London Sept 6th. SATURDAY, A<G 4 For Northern Ports, per Flora, at 10 30 am For Northern Ports, and Westport, per Rotomahana, at 8 30 p m MONDAY, AUG 6 Fjr Northern Ports and Westport, Austra lian Colonies (via Wellington), Hawaii, Philippines, British Columbia, United States Canada, etc., United K'ngdom and Continent of Europe via Vancopver (due London Sept 19 , South Afrioa, Ceylon, India, China, etc also Uni'ed Kingdom and Continent of | Europe, via Suez. Due Sydney August 11, due London September 17, per Talune, at j 10.30 a.m. W. H. Rennbr, Postmaster.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— CHRISTCHURCH—at 720 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7.5 p.m. (exprea)) TIMARU—at 10 55 a.m., 350 p.m. DUNh.DIN~at 12 54 r.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m. Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— OHKISTOHUROH-ab 10.45 a.m., 12.47 p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIMARU-at 10.35 a.m., 2 55 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) SPRINOBURN-at 9.45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for August

SUN.

SECOND EDITION Commercial.

FROZEN MEAT MARKET.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Napiir, Aug 2 Nelson Bros reoeived the following oable from the Colonial Consigning and Distribut ing Co. to-day :—Frozen meat market, to-day's quotations—Best Canterbury Z%d, Dunedin and Southland not quoted, Napier and North Island 3f i, lamb, firtt quality, 4_d, second, 4id. -

THE LONDON PRODUCE MARKETS.

By the San Franoiioo mail we have re ceived the following reports, dated June 30, 1900 :— WOOL The market has been quiet here since the I close of the last sales, only a few parcels oi the best descriptions of merinos aod medium orossbreds in grease having changed hands att about last series' closing rates, chiefly on American account. Reports from the wool len districts are not very satisfactory, as values of the raw and semi manufactured article are said to be drooping. A very limited business is passing iv any descrip tion of textile fabrics, as buyers are still holding off for easier rates which producers are usable to concede, and although it is possible that murines and fine orossbreds may sufier a farther deoline of 7_ per cent., and ooarse orossbreds § per cent at the impending sales, ib is doubtful whether manufacturers will give way to any appreci able extent considering the high price of oeal and other commodities, WSIAfI Owing to reports of extensive damage to the spring wheat crop in America, large speculative transactions have taken place daring the last fortnight, and prices have been forced up it to 5s per qr, whioh has not, however, been maintaided, as there is already a retrograde movement to the extent ©f 1» to Is 6d pir qr. Of English wheat there is little offering, and ab some of the coaatry markets, has fully shared in the advance, consequently, millers are now giving more attention to New Zealand samples. The average price is, however, only 25s 9d per 48Qlbs, as compared with 25s 7d in the corresponding week of last year. The final return of the crop results in the United Kingdom for the last year has been published, and the average under wheat is given as 2,052,847 acres, with a yield of 67,260,000 bushels, as compared with an average for the last seven years of 1,895,900 aores, and 58,080,000 bushels. In France, the acreage and condi tion of the wheat crop shows a heavy falling off, as compared with 1899, and several cargoes have been taken at ports of call for Frenoh account, Afloat, from all parts, for tbe United Kingdom the total quantity is now estimated ab 2,465,000 qrs, as compared with 3,025,000 qrs last year, and the quantity on passage to the Continent brings up the total to 3,950,000 qrs agsinsb 4,606,000 qrs in 1899. Iv New Zealand, wheat to arrive, co

transactions have been reported. On spot, prices have improved s', long berried being now worth 335, and rouai berried 32» per 496 lbs ex store.

•ATM o«ts are 61 dearer, the demand for the commoner sorts being good. Tear* are no New Ze&lands in first hands now, and or dinary Bluffm aro held for 24s and 25i, and Canadians 25s and 26s par 384 lbs ex store. Dans are worth 18s and 19s per 336 lbs, but meet with a limited demand. barlit There has been a very fair bntinesß done in grinding sorts at an advanoe of 6d and Ib er qr, but malting is dull and inactive. TALLOW

There has been only three public sales during ihe past month, as owing to the W63,k market, no suctions were held on the 6t>h instant. On the 13th, the demand was moderate, and 304 casks were Eold out of 751 oraks catalogued, at an average of Is 6d per cwt, under the nominal rates ruling on the 30!,h ult. On the 20th, of 1,052 auks catalogued, 599 casks found buyess without change in values, and on the 27th, owing to advanced values ia America, there was a strong demand, the catalogues comprising 1,592 casks, of which 1,490 eaeks were sold 6d to 9d per owt more money, Beefs show ing the greater advance. Fair to finest Mutton is now quoted at 26a and 27s 3d, and fair, to fiae beef callow 25* and 26b 3d per owt.

.ROEItt MEAT Trade at Smithfield has been depressed, for owing to the high prices the demand on the part of the retail butchers has fallen off considerably, 'while the dock strike has interfered considerably with trade, as dealers are nob inclined to operate unless they know they can geb delivery of their meat, and several steamers have been blocked in the docks Added to this, the of heavy shipments to arrive next month, hare made buyers cautious, and values all round have weakened

Prims Canterbury sheep have declined 3d at 4d per stone on the month, and may now be quoted at 3s to 3s 2d per stone of 81bs ex market, a few extra ohoisa carcases touching 3s 3d Heavy sheep are still at a discount, as they are not wanted during the hot weather, but in lighter weights a fair trade is doing, although there is not the same demand there was a few weeks ago

The iamb trade has shown less activity, and Canterbury carcases have been bringing 5d at 6d perstme less money- With the considerable supplies on the way. it is doubtful if values will improve, but we look for a better demand when matters become more settled at the docks Prime Canterbury lambs now make 3a 5d at 3s 7d ex market up to 3s 8d for selected weights '• For frczm beef the demand has not been over strong, but owing to the limited quantity available values have improved, hind quarters being now 4d per stone better Ausbualian fores sell at Is lid, and hinds at 2) lOd per stone at Smithfield <

DEATH

PuKGiss-On Thursday, August 2, at her residence, Cox Street, HELEN MARTHA, the beloved wife of James Burgess, aged 33 years

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Paævalebit FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 1900. CASUALTIES AMONGST COLO NIAIiS:

The groat anxiety caused last evening by the report of the death of one of the young men who so lately left Ash-* burton for service in South "Africa, not only to hia relatives but to all who are interested in the abseut orif s, is suggestive of neglect somewhere. It ia understood that arrangements had been made by the colonial authorities, whereby any casualties to the volun teers from any of these colonies, should be promptly notified by cable. Pro bably in a majority of cases of death from any cause, or retirement from active service in consequence of sick ness, this rule has been adhered to. But recent events have shown that there have been many instances of failure to carry out this important ; arrangement. Men have been fre quently invalid, d, some through I wounds received in action, or in | the discharge of their duties, i and yet their friends have known | nothing until weeks after—perhaps a comrade has incidentally mentioned the circumstance in writing home. We need not specify the cases that have come under our immediate notice, as they are sufficiently well known, but we may say that the uncertainty about the welfare of cur volunteers at the front has been commented upon else where. There is a belief now prevalent that no official intimation is sent to relatives of the men at the front, when they have been laid up by illness, or wound?. This belief has been to som» extent justified by cases of men, who were supposed by their friends to be quite well and at the front, turning up unexpectedly amengst returning invalids. This condition of affairs is extremely disqu sting and it certainly ectms reasonable that the moment it ie clear that a man is missing from his post, or is absolutely laid up from wounds or sick ness his relatives should be in formed. Perhaps the way in which the New Zealanders have been scattered amongst the various divisions of tbe army, may have created rather more than tbe average risk of their casualties not being promptly recorded. But making due allowance for this we ! think the friends of our men at the front ought to be able to feel sure that if anything serious should happen to one of them, tbe fact would be imme diately communicated to his relatives If we had that assurance we should not be so ready as we are now to credit— however unwillingly—reports coming to hand In an irregular manner. We notice that the Premier has recognised that there ia a grievance in the direction we have referred to, having brought the matter nndar the notice of Parlia ment yesterday. He said "he was sorry to say that there were one or two members of the contingents whose deaths had not been reported yet, who, it w*s apparent from letters received, bad p«s:d away." It ii not to 9 much to ask that steps should lie taken to prevent this from happening in the

future.

Local and General.

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

The Population:—The estimated population of the ooloay on June 30 was 800,297- The increase during the June quarter was 1820.

New Chdbch At Dobie :—A movement is on foot to build an Episcopalian Church at Doric. 0 ver £200 has already been oolleoted.

R>JL\y_. Faivss -.—The alterations in the railway fares, rates and charges, to come into force on Monday next, are gazetted.

Pomahaka.—According to our Tapanui contemporary, the Pomahaka settlement is now like a deserted village. No less than fifteen farms are vacant, and weeds are growing in every known variety.

Accident.—A man named Hugh Davis, from Rakaia, was brought bo the Ashburton Hospibal by his brother in the evening train on Thursday, suffering from a simple fracture of the right leg, sustained through a fall from bis horse,

Rainfall a* Alford—The rainfall during July was :—Alford Forest 5 0 inches, Alford Station 187 inches.

Magistrates Court.—At the Court this morning, before Major Keddell,* pnh'bition order was issued against an Ashburton resident for the period of 12 months

Personal .—The Key. Joseph Campbell returned ytaterdny from Auckland, bringing with him his family and will settle down in Tinwald Vicarage for 10 or 12 weeks. He will prßash in Tinwald Ohuroh on Sunday evening!

Organ Recital.—■ We aro pleased to learn that arrangements are being made to hold an organ reoital in the Presbyterian Church at an early date. The organist is a gentleman not only well known in tha musical oiroles of Christchu' eh, but also throughout the colony. The gentleman we refer to is Mr H. Wells, formerly organist ab the Christchurch cathedral, and an unusual treat will therefore be afforded. Full particulars will appear in a later issue of this paper.

Warden's Court—Major Keddell, the Warden, attended at the Court this morn ing and announced that owing to the areas of some of the mining leases applied for on the Ninety mile Beach being outsids of the boundaries of this district, the matter would have to be referred to the Crown Lands Department The canes were there fore further adjourned till 11 a.m.on Friday, 17th inst

Thrke tooth Lambs — The other day there strobed into the office of a Wellington stock agent a young new chum who had come out from home with his pockets well lined, and had secured his little bits of ground up oountry, whioh he now nqufred to stook. His enquiry related to the price of sheep. * Oh,' answered the broker,' two tooth lambi are auoh and suoh a prioe, and four-tooth co and so.' The chappie sucked the end of his walking stick and ruminated. ' Ah—well—don't yer know, it won't quite ran to four-tooth just now : what's your quotation for three-frooth V And he won dered why all the farmers' boys went < S doubled up with laughter.

A Splendid Retort—Shell, the French Orator, onoe startled the House and the oountry when the word * alien ' was applied to him as an Irishman. "On the field of Waterloo," he exclaimed, "the blood of Englishmen, Scotsmen, and Irishmen flowed in the same stream aud drenched the same sod—when the cold, grey morning dawned they lay stiff and stark together ; in the same trenoh their bodies were laid ; the green corn of spring bursts even now from their commingled dust; the dew falls from heaven upon their union in the grave. Par takers in every peril, are we not to be par takers in glory ? Are we to be told we are al iens from that noble country for who;esa!va« tion our life blood was poured 1' The effect of this speech was eleotrio*!.

ExrcHRE Match—ln response to a chal* lenge from tho Fairfield Freezing works, a team frcm the Ashburton Club went to Fairton on Wednesday night to contest a euchre tournament,; On arrival at Wheeler's boarding house, tho visitors were received by Mr Malcolmson. After a very exciting game the Freezing works finally proved victorious, by the narrow margin of two games. As this was the firet time the Club have lost a match, the result was all the more appreciated by the employees of the works. A return will be played next Wed' nesday, when the club hope to be able to turn the tables, A very pleasant couple of hours were afterwards spent, in the form of a smoke concert.

The Contingent^ The Wellington cor respondent of the Pnss says that a list of the members of the various New Zealand Contingents that have gone from the colony to South Africa is to be supplied to each of their next of'kin. Mr Seddon yesterday, in presenting the list to Parliament, said there was < onsiderable* difficulty in tracing mea who had to leave the Contingents through illness or through being wounded. He also stated that the name of one man who was supposed to be dead appeared amongst the list of those returning on the Gothic. On the other hand, he was sorry to say that there were one or two whoße deaths had not been reported yet who, it was apparent from letters received from the officers, had passed away.

Thb Mounted Rifles-—The mounted rifles held their first company parade with uni forms yesterday afternoon tn ono of tho. Laghmor paddooks near Tinwald. Rixty eighfe members we're present, and Captain Buokley was in command and Lieutenant Fooks and Studholme, and Sergeant-Major Gibson were in charge of divisions. The corps was first put through ordinary company drill, then marohed past in divisions, and finished with extended work advancing in divisions. The men acquitted themselves well, and looked smart in their new uniforms, A camp is to be held ab Lagmhor the first week in September. The men will go into oamp on Friday night, September 7, and break up on the following Monday night. An official oamp of instruction will be held in Christchurch on October 6, when several of the companies will be in camp together. We may mention that the uniforms were supplied by Messrs J Ballantyne and Co., of Timaru, who have large experience as military contractors, and they reflect great oredit on the firm, the fit, style, and work manship being first class. The boots and leggings were made by Mr Pannel), of ChrUtohuroh, and give every satisfaction.

The Weak Spot :—M. Siegfried, the French traveller who recently visited New Zealand thus comments on our labor laws. So the Court of Arbitration is over-driven from one year to another j the employers lose valuable time in coming to give their reasons, whioh are not always paid attention to, and a session is rare whioh does not afford the laborers some advantage, whioh is another charge on the country's industry." Then M. Siegfried touches "the weak spot of the actual labor politics." You cannot compel the carrying on of businesses whioh do not pay. X the profits of men of basin ess continue to be limited thoy will naturally be disposed not to embark on ne# enterprises, and even to retire from their existing businesses. He winds up his seventh article by telling the laborers that they are killing the goosa that lays the golden eggs in putting a thousand obstacles in the way of the development of that industry which, in faot, enables them to live.

MILITARY FUNERAL.

The funeral cortege of the late Mr W J Palmer, moved from his parent's residence, Havelock Streeb X yesterday afternoon, and the attendance of friends and the public was very large, and included most of the promi nent towns-people, and also numbers from a distance. The looal battalion of Volunteers were under the oommand of Captain Dol man, Lieutenant Hayes was in command of the Rifles, Lieutenant Clarke bsing also presenb. The Guards, under Captain Spar row, formed a guard of honour and preceded the open hearse, containing the remains of their comrade, whioh were covered with the Union Jack. The local Band played the D cad March,and the^funeral was witnessed by large crowds of onlookers. The coffin was covered with handsome wreaths, ten dered by his late friends, including Mr and Mrs D Thomas and also the fellow employees Messrs Friedlander, bhe Ashburton Guards, Mrs Shearman and family, bhe Bank of New Zealand, Matson's staff, Christchurch, Mr J Friedlander, Mr Robilliard, Mr R Todd. Mrs Devane and family, Mr P Oookson, Mrs- Mollray, Misses Sparrow, Mr Shrimpton, Mrs Cullen, Mr and Mrs R Curtis, Mr and Mrs Lechner, young ladies from Mitchell & Turner's, Mr and Mrs C Jeffs, Mrs Page and family, Mr and Mrs Arthur Bean, staff of Friedlander Bros. Mr G Dickenson, members of bhe A A O & AC Club, Mrs Wm Anderson and family, Captain and Mrs Dolman, Mr and Mrs Rule and family, staff of Farmers' Co-op, Mr and Mrs Flower, Mr and Mrs H Craighead, Mr R Millar, High, Borough, and Hempstead schools. The mourning carriage, containing the father and sisters of deoeased followed the i hearse, and amongst the many who attended to show their respeob for the memory of their late friend we noticed thab Mr Ji G. Resbell, in whose service the deoeased first started his office earner was preseut from Christchurch, and the various clubs and societies of which Mr Palmer was a member were all well represented. A short .service was held at the mortuary chapel at the cemetery, and the usual service at the grave, both of whioh were conducted by Rev Mr Raine, followed by the firing of a volley over the grave fey tbe voiußttwi. «

A DISQUIETING RUMOUR.

Last evening a report was current in town that oue of the most promising of the Ashburton members of the Third Contingent, Corporal Robert Uptou, had been killed by his horse falling with him. Upon enquiry, we learned that the information had actual;j been received by Mr T E Upton, father of Corporal Upton, in a latter from Trooper A. Wilkie, As no official cable notice of this bad reached Mr Upton, as should have been tho case, if it were true, the report is not generally credited. Mr G A M Buckley, on hearing of it, immediately wired to the Premier, and has kindly handed us the reply ha has received :—" Have had no offi oial information of d«ai.h of Corporal Upton Am cabling Capetown " A similar reply has been received from Mr Seddon, by Mi T E Upton, so that the presenb painful uncer tainty will probabfcjbe ended by to-morrow morning.

Football.

The Wairarapa football team passed through by the rxpress last night for Christchurch. They play the Canterbury team to-morrow.

The football match Wairarapa v South Canterbury, *as played at Temuka yester day, and resulted in an easy viotory for Wairarapa, by twenty two points to three. The Wairarapa backs simply outclassed South Canterbury. Regarding the forwards although the Wairarapa reps., showed more dash, the Southerners were worthy of their positions. ShirtcHffe,, f/ynakey, and Miha* ka were a doughty trio for the Southern backs, and the dribbling rush of Faweett and Hobbs, which was responsible for the try secured for South Canterbury, by Fraser, justifies their inclusion in any team of Canterbury forwards.

HOCKEY.

ABHBURTON v WAIMATE

The above match was played ab Timaru yesterday, and resulted in a win for Ashbur- I ton by five goals to nil. Tbe game was fast from bullying aft, Ashburton forcing the ' game, and Watt (forward) soored witfam five minutes of starting, from a neat pass by A Millichamp. On play resuming, Ashburton again pressed the Waimate, while an ex-Sydenham forward, George White, a dashing young player, getting the ball, snored The Waimate team now woke up to the occasion, and by fine dribb ling on the part of Atquith, Wilson, and others, had Ashburton temporarily on the defensive Buc the Ashburton backs were too good for Waimate, and very soon the latter were on the defensive. Half time : Ashburton 2 goals, Waimate nil. On bully ing tff for the second spell Ashburton again forced Weimate, scoring three goals in rapid succession For the winners, A Millichamp, White, G Dodds, and T Adams played well For Waimate, Afquith,Wilson, and Berry were most promiuenb With a little better idea of the g»me, less stick, and better the Waimate team may be expected to hold their own well, as this was their first season and fi st outside match, from which they frankly admitted they had learned a good deal Mr F Clark aobed as referee

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, August 1 Dr Morrison was slightly wounded during the fighting at Pekin, and is now convales cent.

Lord Salisbury, M Delcasae and Mr Hay are agreed as to the urgency of an immediate advance on Pekin. Mr Hay in ordering an advance inf rmed Admiral Remay that heavy reinforcements were coming. A bat tery of the 6ih Artillery from Manila has reached Taku.

The allies are already eight miies beyond Tientsin, and expect to reach Pekin in a week.

Li Hung Chang announces that a decree issued on July 28 declares that the Ministers are safe,

August 2 The limes states that Dr Morrison, in a message dated July 21, describes the Europeans as displaying unwavering courage and epleadid fortitude. The members of the Legations and their families were well, and the general health of the community was excellent. They contentedly await relief. Hostilities ceased on July 13, the Chinese soldiers probably being short of ammuni tion. Tbe enemy continue to strengthen the barricades around the besieged area and the batteries on top of the Imperial city wall, The main body of the Imperial sol diers has left Pekin with a view to meeting the relief forces. Supplies have begun to arrive. The wounded are progressing satis* facborily, and the medical arrangements are admirable, although 150 cases passed through the hospital. The Tsung li Yamen forwarded Sir Claude Mac Donald a copy of the Dowager Empress's appeal to the Queen for intervention, and the day previously it is.ued an Im perisl edict urging the Boxers to continue their loyal and patriotic services. in exter minating Christians and foreigners. The victory ab Tientsin led to a fresh deoree on July 18, attributing Baron Ketteler's death se local bandits, although there is undoubted evidence that the orime was premeditated end committed by an Imperial officer. The besiegers consist of Imperial troops under Ynng Hi and Tung-fu-Bheang. The decrees applaud their gallantry, although ib con sisted in bombarding for a month defence less women and ohiidren cooped within the Legation compound. Shell, shrapnel, round shot and expanding bullets were used. The Chinese undermined the French Legation, whioh is now a mass of rains. M. Pichou, on the firsb day of the siege, took refuge in the British Legation. The Chinese, in their determination to destroy the. British Lega tion, burnt the Hanlin Academy, reducing the unique library to ashes throughout. They then posted a proclamation of neutrality, but the same eight a general attaok was made, in the hepe of surprising the foreigners.

The Times declares that it now rests with the Powers to make China understand thab she is held fully responsible for whatever happened, and if)moro happens to Europeans at Pekin or elsewhere the punishment will be ten times heavier. Ibrejjoioes ab the note of healthy impatience from Berlin a_d Paris against any delay in affording relief.

News in Brief.

Messrs Geo. Duncan &Co, drapers, circu late in this issue a bill, giving particulars of their clearing sal*! Mr Henry Stephenson will held a sale of a bankrupt's stook, comprising jewellery, drapery, and fanoy goods, „b bhe Havelook Street mart* to-morrow, at 2 o'clock.

ANXIOUS ABOUT AUNT ALEX.

Fringe and Princess Christian of Denmark were in France, says the Paris correspondent of the Daily Jfews" when the attempt was made oh tbe Prince. They were uneasy about " Aunt Alex," and telegraphed to knew how she "stood fire." "With the utmost coolness,'' was the answer, afterwards showed feeling." A friend at Copenhagen telegraphs that the Empress Dowager of Russia was more shaken than the Princess. She said the attempt made her live over again the terrible days when the late Tsar was the great mark for political assassins.

Sporting.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy right London, Aug 2 The following is the result of bhe Stewards" Cup at the Goodwood Meeting :—Royal Fluib 1, Amtrleui 2, The Grafter 3

COUNTY COUNCIL

SfiThe nsual monthly meeting of the Ash« barton County Council was held to-day. Present—Messrs C J Harper (chairman), M Stitt, W Morgan, J Johnston, Hago Fried lander, S S Chapman, E Q Wright, 3 Lam hie, GAM Buckley. The minutes of the former ordinary ar,d adjourned aanual meetingt, were read and cot irmed.

chairman's statement The chairman's statement was read as follows:—

A reply from the Hon John MeKerz c to the Council's resolution passe i at lait meeting will be read to-day. The Com missioner of Crown Lands has informed the Council that the piece of land at the mcutii of the Ashburton river, proposed to be acquired for a nnblio re-ort for Ashburton, is a part of R S 7186, and also that he does not know of any available lani .suitab'ein that locality, A espy of the Commissioner's reply has been furnished to the Borough Council. I have arranged with the Inspectors of Slaughterhouses to send in their books and reports quarterly, but they have been init.ruoted to report at once to the Council any matter requiring prompt attention. The Steam Road Roller and Maintenance Race Committees have met and will present their reports to-day. The sum of £473 18s 3d has been paid since last meeting, on account of rates and water charges. Rangers' report! on dairies, etc, were placed on the table and approved of; also a circular from the Canter bury College,

KNGINEBRS* REPORT. The following it the Engineers' report : — Reapuna Water Supply from Rangitata Gorge—gome pretty heavy slips recently occurred in the cutting at headworks neces sitating the shutting off tha water for a clearanct. The depfck of the cutting, and quantity of boulders to be shifted, rendered the clearing process ■omswhafe difficult, but operations are now well advanced, and I expect the water will be turned on again next week. On the other sections of the work,, where the slopes were exposed to last winters frosts, the stuff run in by slips has been comparatively inconsiderable, so thai hereafter, there should not be much trouble from this coarse, and as the percolation has [ also abated considerably, there is now a fair prospect of the supply being available for the distributing races, within a short period Where the slopes have baen flattened through slips, some marraa grass Ac, might be sown next month.

Ashburton Rangitata Water Supply- Ail the races in Ranger Craighead's district are now in very fair or der. Also in Ranger Gallagher's dis triot with the excepbion of seven occu piers, who have only done a little to prevent overflow. In the latter case, I have instructed the ranger to have the overhaul completed, at occupiers' expense, as soon as men can be gob for the purpose. The water is now running in the races recently con structed in the Hinds-Ealing distriot. A good deal of embanking in hollows has had to bo done in order to preserve the low. There is now a fair supply oiroulating throughout the district, bub ib does not appear that there would be any margin for further new races during the summer season. In connection with this question, I may state thab as a result of recent and former guagings of supplies, I find the maximum supply represents about fifty six gallons per minute per mile of race, and bhe minimum supply forty-six gallons per minute per mile. Experience has shown that in such soil and conditions, an extensive system of races cannot efficiently be kept up during ordinary summer seasons with a lees supply than this. So it would appear the present mileage cannot safely be Increased with the present available summer supply. Ashburton-Rakaia Water Supply—Ail the mains and races in Ranger Morrison. distriob are now in good order, also in Rangßr Stewart's, with very few exceptions, whioh are being dealb wittu A good flow has been kepb up at the intakes and varione junctions, and the works generally are in good order;

Mount Somers, Alford and Forks Supplies —These have been kept up satisfactorily during the month. '

County Plantations—The ploughing of 50 acres at Anama has been completed, and also the ploughing and fenoing of strip ab Buooleuch. The sections near Valetta and Spread Eagle are in progress, and tender* for various lots of trees and planting will be placed before you to-day. The contract for filling up blanks at Hacktborne is in hand. I beg to annex plan showing portions of a small reserve at Rakaia to be planted, (Reserve 2065). You will observe that two new roads have been laid off through ib. whioh will involve a good deal of fencing, if both sub-divisions are io be planted. The dead gums in the Fairfield and Dromore districts have been sold as you requested* A few of the settlers near plantation adjoin ing the Maori Reserve 2060, are enquiring after the dead timber there

County Bridges—The Ashburton Traffio Bridge has required the renewals of about sixty deck planks during the month. Tery little repair has been necessary on the other bridges* Soma willow planting and other protective work will be neoesßary at the south approach Mount Somers bridge, bub I will see farther into this matter in a few days.

KtSkfMVk Ib was decided to sow grass seeds upon the elopes of tbe main water race at Rangi tata Gorge, to include marran grass seed. CLIA.MKG BAOBB Mr Friedlander moved that the instructions at the meeting on the Ist of June re cleaning of county races be carried out forthwith. The bulk of the work should have been done then, as the delay affected those lower oa the plains, and [he thought the officers of the Council should have attended to the matter earlier *

The motion was seconded by Mr Lambie Mr Harper pointed out thab the eftcers had nob been dilatory. Owing to the very heavy frosts practically nothing could be done Since the frosts very favourable work had been done

Mr Ohapwian,whilst in sympathy with the motion.statei that farmers, although in structed re cleaning, did not expect to do the work immediately they got notice Mr _ Wright considered the motion a reflection on the Engineer, when he had dene all that was possible considering the frosts, and he objected to any unfair reflec tion on the Engineer The motion was ultimately carried (Lefb Sitting)

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Port Darwin, Aug 2 The police have captured two of bhe blacks who, after throwing the engineer overboard from the launch Wunyullah, murdered a European named Larscn, and three blapk boys Melbourne, August 2 The Peaoe and Humanity Society carried a resolution condemning the New Zaaland Government for discussing the chief of the Mansard staff for his pro-Boer opinions

HOSPITAL BOARD.

A meeting of the Hospital Board was held this morning. Present—Messrs Hugo Fried? lander (ohairman) M Sfcitt, E G Wright, S S,Chapman, A list of present patients ab the Hospital, and those discharged was placed oa the table Ib was decided that the Chairman's action \re Mr Harris's matter be confirmed A letter was received from Mr Jolliffe re* signing his position, and a special meeting was ordered to be called to appoint a sub* stitute, the Chairman to arrange Mr S S Chapman was appointed en the visiting committee vUe Mr Stitt resigned After severol accounts were passed for paymenb, the Board wenb into Cemmittee to consider several matters The Board then adjourned

Trooper J. Haasley writing to his brother states that when the Third Contingent mustered to march out of Pretoria, only 25 answered to their names out of the 250 who left New Zealand. A Press Association wire from Danedin to day state that a man was drowned at Victoria bridge, Cromwell, on Thursday* is name h unknown. The dredgemeu have been warned to look out for hi. body,

THE ASHLsUHTON GtJABDUN,.; fRIDAt, AUGUST 8, 1900



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Berger's Fheep Marking | Composition In Three Colors—Blaok, Red, Blue. "I^HE finest and most economical Sheep J. Branding Oii in the market. Read the opinions of Leading Sheep Farmers In Otago :— i WB INTEND TTSING IT A&AIN j from N.Z. Agricultural C<>„ ' SWaimea House, Gore, May 22 1897 ! 6 Dear Sirs,— We have found Bergers I Marking Oii to be a good and durable heep btanding material and intend using it again, as bo pk cheaper than the prepara tion formerly used for the purpos. P. J. Paierson, Stat. Mgr. VKDOUBTEOIY MORB ECONOMICAL THAW Oil. AND IAMPBLACK from J M McKenaia, Bushy Park X_tat#, Palmerst on. May 19.1897 Dear aits,—-I hay« great pleasure in stating that Berner's fcheep Branding Compound that I received from you haß given me every satisfaction, and is nndoubted'y more economical than oil and lampblack. I MAKE A POINT OF RECOMMENDING IT From Rabert Logan, Maritang^, Hyde, May 30, 1897 Dear Sirs have used Beroers Branding O1 or some years, and have •. ound it so i fac'ory that I make a point of recommend ng it. The liquid in the drums is he same consistency right from top bottom, and requires no ■tirring. ONLY TO PE USED TO BB APPRECIATED om James Taylor, Wairuna, Clinton < 15. 1897 ear Sirs,—l used Bbpoer's Branding black and red, last season on my lock, ann I am perfectly satisfied with the results. To sheep farmers the preparation inv^uable, being alwaye ready and highly economical. Ii has only to be used to be appreciated. GIVEN EVERY SATISFACTION FOR SEVERAL YEARS From Mr John Elliott, Gladhrook Station. Middleirarch, May 18, 1897 My Dear Sirs,—ln reply to your inquiry regarding Bbroea's Sheep Marking Com pound. We have used this Compound on all our fl -cks for several yeara ar<d it has given every satisfaction. It is o even quality and is ready for use. I find it lasts well, being quite legible on ful woollsd skins- It is much more economi oal than brand made with the old materials (lampblack and oil), as owing to its even quality, there fs no waste. Always ready for use Guaranteed not to injure the w 01. Will wash off on tcouring withoub leaving a stain. Sold by! F. FERRIMAN, * AshVurton, N.Z. F- FERRIMAN, TO LET, OFFICES IN HAVELOCK STREET. TWO Rooms with shad, lately eccnp'ed by Mr Joiiiffe, Havelock Street, opposite Mr John Thomas' Grain Store. F FERRIMAN ' TO~LET, TANCRED STREET, ASHBURTON A SHOP with two full windows, together wi;h an a-.tachen dwelling oi 5 rooms, copper, etc. The shop is situated next to Mr Hall, Herbalist F FERRIMAN ~ TO T F T GARTER'S TERRACE.'TINWALD f\ H&T very desirable Property, at 1 p;©3ent occupied by Mr A Hewson, consisting of 4 acres of laid with 9 rormed hoase, detached washhouse and dairy i good stabling, traphouso etc F FERRIMAN , FOH BALE, In Pet pc Street, j A COMFORTABLE HOME, consisting of 7 rooms, with bath and abundant supply of water, detach d washhouse, f acre of good land, planted wiih fruit trees, within three minutes' walk of the railway station. The greater portion of the purchase money can remain on mortgage. F. FKRRIMAN. Estate Agent, Aehburton. FOX SALto i 5 Town Sections, a capital site for building, within 4 minutes' walk | of Post Office F FfiRRTMAN. " WAKANUI ROAAP. FOR BALB HOUSE of 6 rooms, £ acre of land Price £150, £30 deposit. F; FERRIMAN _._ R SALbJ, Alford Forest Road.f HOUSK of 6 rooms and I_l acres of land, adjoins Mr GeorgeJHosken's orooerty : easy terms. j F. FERRIMAN I "FORTsaLK AT ALlihNl'ON, *j A First class Block of Land, containing ] 5_ acres, well watered, long j frontage on a good road. The greater ! portion of the purchase can remain at 6 per cent. Adapted for subdivision. At.yone with a little capital, and half an eye to the future, will inspect and secure this block, F. FEBPIMAN. FOE BALh\ A Four Roomed House and _ acre rf land in the suburbs. Price klbOi F. yKRRIMAN FOR SALE,Burnett Street, "" Ari-joiniriSf Dr Hunter's Residence, O^KR | acre land with House of 7 R.<oms, easy terms. I g. FERRIMAN. , FUR SALE, TANCRED STREET, The HesidentiaJ Street of the Town, A Comfortable Dwelling of 8 rooms ; the section is well fenced, and of good quality. F. FERRIMAN. FARM FOR SALE. Q A Acres, within 2 miles of Ashburton. o~t This should prove a sound invest* ment for capital. Price, £1174. This property will let on a long lease to a good tenant. F. FERRIMAN. |l_ . : . B FOR M I I YEARS I MOATE&QM



II N FULL SWING.] STOCKTAKING SALnI AT " THE CORNER." (COMMENUTNG OUtt LAST 14 DAYS) ANOTBEB BATCH OF KEAL JOB LINES. (Must be Sold) 6 OnljßMen's Tweed Overooats, 7» 6d, worth 21a 7 ( Jnly Assorted Men's Tweed Sao Coats, 9a to J2e, worth 21l 3 Only Trousers and Vests, 12s 63. worth 22a 6d 6 Cardigan Jaskets 4a 9d, were 8a 6d 13 Assorted Boy's Tweed Knicker Suits, 6» lid aad7a6d, fmttJt> beeaea to be valued, worth 125.) Large Turkey Handkerchiefs, 3 for li Silk Striped Mufflers Is 6d, usually 2a 6d 9 Paira Women'a Lace Kid Bonta, usually 12a 6d, now 6s Hi 16 Dozen Derby Scarfs, 4 for a Is (worth treble the money) 16 Only Men's Flannel Unders 2s lid, usually 3s lid (a ml bargain) 48 Paira Women'a Laabher Slippers 3a 3d (Bewn), worb 4i Si, (beat value m Ashburton withoub doubt) 125 Paira Ladies' Kid Fur Topped Gloves, 2s lid, {during sale only) 24 Pairs Men'a Lamb Wool Pante, 4e6d (worth 6s6d) 300 Boy's Tweed Caps, 6 for 1* (look ab these) 46 Hearth Ruga 6s 6d, worth 9a 6d (hard to be equalled) 3 only large Kidder Carpet Squares, 29j 6d (worth 49s 61) 40 Dozen White Turkey Towels, 6d, 9d, Is 60 Dozen Brown Turkey Towels, 6d, 9d, Is 250 Yards Bordored Apron Oloths, s_d, worbh 91 10 Pairs Fay Blouse Flannellettea, 3_d, 4£d, 6d A large lot of Plain Colors at Faie value 22 Dark Tapestry Quilts, 5s 6d 75 White Blanketa, 3s 9d each 80 ftrey Blanketa, 5s 3d each 1050 Yards Oratouoea (all designs) 4_d, 5.d, 6_d 49 Pain Laoe Ourbaina 3s 3d, worth 5a 6d 35 Holland Aprons, Is, la 6d, la 9i \ 16 Ohild'a Tunics, 3s lid, worth 6s 6d Special Seductions during the last 2 Weeks on the Balance of our Ladles' Trimmed Hata, Ladies' Capsa, and Ladies' Jaeketa. 14 Children's Mackintoshes, 3s 6 j to 6? lid, must be cleared 1878 Yarda Wide Fancy Ribbons, for neck wear, 4d, 4_d, s_<% 6d j worth up to 3s per yard 115 Yarda Fry Dreaa Tweeds, 7_l; were Ib 31 66 Yarda Silk Striped Crepon Is 6i a yard (was 2i lid) Ladies' Belt. 3d, SJ, 9d (worth breb'e) 60 Paira Ooraeba, assorted from la lid to 4s 6d, all odd sraas and makes— originally 2s 9d to 9a 6d 12 Pieesa Colored Velveteen la s_d, all shade* 2 Pieces only Black Velveteen, ll^-i 37 Yarda Evening Tioeel Dre-a Sbcff U 3d (was 2s 3d) Perambulator Quilts, new and worth Inspecting. Oob Quilts, new and worth inspecting. Full size Bedstead guilts new and worth inapeoting. SPEND YOUR CASH AT THIS SALE NORTHCOTIf & HEFFORD "THE CORNER." tNEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Boy's Tweed Sailor Suite from 5s Boy's Serge Sailor Suits from 7a 6d Boy's Tweed Melville Suits from 9a By's Tweed Norfolk Suits from 12s Bey's Sac Knicker Suits frc St 18a fed > Bey's Covert Coats from 14s 6d Boy's Tweed Overcoats from 6a 6d Boy's Reefer Jackets from 6s 6d Boy's Football Jerseys from 3s 3d Boy's Caps 6d each Boy's Sailor Tarns Is ea< h FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, lOW PRICE 60 TO THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHISG FACTORY. FENCING MATERFALS. STAKES, STAKES, STAKES Barbed Wire. Plain Wire. IRON STANDARDS to order ia any quantity. COAL. COAL. COAL. TI YOU.Want Good WESTPORT COAL! IF YOTJ Want Good BLACKBALL COAL! IP YOU Want Good NEWCASTLE COAL! IF YOU Want the Most Economical Coal in the get "SHAG POINT." Send your Orders to us, and you will save money, and keep your temper good. We have all the above Coals, and can supply your wants immediately W. H. COLLINS & CO., REMOVED TO MITCHELL & TURNER'S OLD PREMISES, TANCRED STREET GREAT WINTER SALE (For 31 Days) COMMENCING FRIDAY MORNING JULY Bth GREAT REDUCTION i Itf GENERAL k FANCY DRAPERY, CLOTHING, k BOOTS. Fplendid Opportunity for Cash Purchasers. ROSLYN Blankets from 16s 9d English Blankets 8s 6d to 12s 9d Men's Saddle Tweed Trousers, Colonial, 10s 6d to 12s 6d Men's All Wool Kaiapoi Trousers 5s 6d, 6a 9d, and 7s 6d Men s Waterproof Coats, sewn seams, greatly reduced Ladies' Jackets, Capes, and Mantles half price 60 Maids' Macintoshes at 4s 6d• Ladies' 7s 6d Black Cashmeres from Is 6d per yard Grand Stock of Ladies' Corsets much under usual pries Navy and Black Serges, all wool, much reduced Every Article in Stock largely Discounted TAILORING DEPARTMENT,—Ravin/? secured the services of a first-class c'uttkb, Suite now made from £3 3s, perfect fit. DRESSMAKING.—-This Department is giving every (satisfaction • fife and style, at moderate priceß. ANDREW ORR.



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