SECOND EDITION

MAIL NOTICES. Maits close for the following places as : under, sul j?cb to the necessary altera tlons:— THURSDAY, JULY 6. For Northern Ports and Westporr, alao United Kingdom and Continent of Europe (specially addressed per YYaiwera). I've Lonnon August 26.1 i, per Rotomahana, at 6 60 p.m. FRIDAY, JULY 6 For Australian Colonies (via Blufl). per express, to connect with Mnkoia, a 12 30 p.m. Due Melbourne, Jaly 12th. For Northern Ports, Australian Colonies (via "Wellington), South Africa, Ceylon, India, Cnina, etc., also United Kingdom and Continent of Europe (specially addressed via Suez, per Wcatralia), at 630 p.m. Due Sydney July llch, London August 20,h. For Northern Ports and Westporfc. Sam^a, Hawaii, Philippines, also Unifed I States, Canada, etc., United Kingdom, | »nd Continent of Europe, via San | Francisco, per Takapuna, as follows :— For money orders atSpm.; registered I letters, at 5 p.m.; looks and newspapers, j at 6.30 p.m.; ordinary letters 6.30 p m.; j late fee Utters, guard's van 7 p.m. train. j Due London August Bth. ; • W. H* Rennsb, Postmaster.

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1900. TRAVELLING MINISTERS.

In oar article yesterday expressing regret at the enforced retirement of the Hod. John McKenzie from the political arena, we briefly referred to his re marks defending the practice followed by Ministers of spending a large portion of their time in travelling about the country. The hon. gen le man's elaborate defence of a course of procedure which he was aware had been adversely criticised was a tacit admission that he knew public opinion was against it. Mis contention is that by constantly visiting all parts of the country, Ministers make them selves fully acquainted with the wants of the people everywhere. This would be admirable policy if we were under a different form of government-. It answered well, we are told, in the cases of those absolute monarchs, who, in former ages, were a law unto them selves, and the very interesting stories in which Haroun Al Kaschid figured so creditably, illustrate in & very pleasant manner the way tho system worked under certain conditions, But things are quite different under a repre sentative government. Why do the electors cboosepersons tosafeguard their interests in the legislature ? What is the use of having representatives in Parliament, whose chief duty is to voice tho wiahea of their constituents— if Ministers only can do the work effectively ? Surely it is a poor compli moat to the system of popular govern ment which the members of the Cabinet administer, thuß to ignore the chosen representatives of the people. What must the Hon. Major Steward, Mr John McLachlan, and similar active workers for their respective districts, think of the Minister's contemptuous ignoring of their con stant and strenuous advocacy of local ( interests? If the statement of the Hon, John McSenzie about the number of bridges erected and other public works performed in various parts of the colony is to be believed, we fear a good many members of Par liament, iv recounting their services to their constituents, have romanced a good deal. But apart altogether from the absurdity of the contention, that only by personally visiting all parts of the country can Ministers become acquainted with its requirements—the practice is, as we said yesterday-—an absolute waste of power. If we assume, for the sake of argument, that some of the districts are inefficiently repre sented, aed that the under secretaries cannot leave Wellington, surely it would be far less expensive to the country, not to say more busiaessvlike, for the Government to offer every facility to the heads of local bodies to see to the interests of the vairious dxstricts.and communicate their require ments to Ministers. Anything would be better than having to pay for Oab? uot Ministers being constantly on the move, and all the public work of the colony having to be done by telegram. We are of opinion that if the members of the Administration were to remain at their posts in Wellington—except, of course, under special circumstances—-the business of the country would be better conducted, and at a much less expense than at presenf, and we should not so often see Ministers "breaking down,' and having to go sea voyages at the public expense, in order to recuperate. Possibly one result would be that the party in power would hava to depend upon elections being fought out upon the merits of individual candidates, in the absence of Government interference, but the public would regard that as a consummation devoutly to be wished. Now that the Seddon Government is so firmly established, the Premier might saftsly endeavour to abolish the practice which the whole country condemns.

Local and General.

• # * Interesting reading matter will be found on the first) and fourth pages of this issue, The Bainfall—The rainfall during the month of June ab Alford was as follows : — Alford Forest, 2.00 inches ; Alford Station, 0.33 inches. Gbain Shipments—Messrs Friedlander Bros, have chartered the b-rqua Corry vrecken, now lying »b Wellington, to load wheat ab Timaru for England. She is due ab Timaru about the 11th insb., and after load ing, will nail for for the Channel per orders.

Captain Hayhubst—Captain Hayhurst, of the New Zealand Second Contingent), who was Invalided home some time ago and has been recruiting his health ab the Rotorua Hob Springs, returns to his home at Temuka by to-morrow's expresp. We understand that the local Volunteer Corps intend giving him a fitting reception.

An Innovation. —Ab a meeting of mem. bers of the Baring Square Church, held on Tuesday night?, the following resolution was carried unanimously:—" That,in the.opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that Separate cups be provided for each communicant at the sacramental service, and that a com mittee consisting of Messrs Jap. Burr, R. Aloorn, H. M, Jones and Rev. Thos. Fee be empowered to take steps to give effect to fchii rcaoluMoa.

A Liberal Action —The shareholders of the Wuihi Gold Mining Company, at a meeting in London, held recently, unani mously voted £1000 to the widows and orphans of any members of the New Zialand contingents who might fall in South Africa.

Corporal of tub Guards.—At the bat talion parade last evening, Captain Sparrow announced that Captain Dolman had reported the candidates almost equal. He recom mended Private W. Tucker for the position- Private Tucker hod accordingly been ap pointed, and Privates W. Anderson and Claude Willis were appointed Lanoc- Corporale.

Coursing —The arrangements for the forthcoming coursing match t»re progressing very satisfactorily. At a meeting of the stewards held on Tuesday evening it was decided, if possible, to hold the meeting on tho Tinwaid racecourse, and since then '.)• neo SBf»ry permission has b^en obUinea Given fine weather, therefore, there should bs a good attendance of tha publio, as the surroundings are exceptionally favorable.

Thb Coal Question—The Lyttelton limes Wellington correspondent says : —*' In spite of its apparent quiescence, I understand that the coal question, both as regards supply and price, is seriously occupying the attention of the Government, A prominent member of the Cabinet, one of whose departments is directly affected by the coal question, is strongly in faror of the establishment of a 3b»te°owned and State-worked coal-mine or mines. A fact supporting the view th»t early developments may be expected on these lines is that the Minister of Mine*, in his AddresE-in-Rep!y speech, spoke generally in favor of State action, which was in marked contrast to hia remarks when recently visit ing the West Coast.

A Sahyabds Episode—Considerable ex citement, and discussion arose at the Tinwald Saleyards yesterday, as the result of a beb about Ihe weight; of a fat sheep which was slanghtered and weighed in the presence of nearly all the attendee at the eale. Mr George Low, of Lismore, bought a mob of stores from a dealer well-known in the county, under three months ago, and brought in the first draft of the line, 200, for sale, and the bet was made between him and the dealer, the former declaring the carcase would run 90!ba. Although the oaretaker at the aaieyardsmade strong attempts to go on with the s»le, the spectators stubbornly de clined to leave the shed until the sheep was killed skinned and ureased, wheu it was found to weigh 96!bs net;

Volunteers.—The battalion parade for the Government inspection was held at the drillshed last evening. There was an excellent muster of the Rifle*, under Lieutenant T, Hayes. The Guards, under Lieutenant Nicoll, presented a fair muster, in c n^equecco of the previous evening having been their fortnighty inspection parade. Ia consequence of Captain Dolman being incapacitated by a sadden attack of it fluenzj, the battalion was taken charge of Captain Sparrow. Lieutenant - Colonel Bailey, the inspecting officer, arrived shortly after eight, and after inspecting the battalion, the companies were put through the manuttl and 6ring exercises by Lieutenant A. Clarke (Rifles), and Lieutenant Nicoll (Guards). At the conclusion, the Colonel oorrp'iratnbed both companies on their appearanoe and tho efficiency of their drill.

Chukch Meeting. — There was but a meagre attendance at the meeting of members connected with the Baring Square Church, held on Tuesday even'mg, but the interest evinced by those present was apparently in no way lessened by the lack of numbers, Subjects dealing with Church Ufa and work were freely and candidly discussed, and before tho meeting came to a conclusion, a spirit of hopefulness was evoked, which augers well for the future enterprise and expansion of the Wesleyan cause in tho town and district. Under tha genial and energetic ministry of the Rev. Thos. Fes, excellent results ate looked for, «nd the band of workers who aye ready to co-operate with him will have a most sanguine and oapablo leader. A cheerful fire, and the close attention which th members gays to tho subjects brought before them, very probably combined to supply tho reason why the meeting seemed loath to disperse.

HocKEY~The annual match between North and South Canterbury, lakea place to morrow afternoon at Lancaster Park, Christ ohurch. The following team represents South Canterbury. Forwards :—W Fi'z szerald, A Millichamp, M Fitzgerald, H MiUichamp, F Watfc. Halves:—X Marsden, J Smith, J Fitzgerald. Threcquartets : — W Smith, Manchester, goalkeeper D Stock. Emergencies ; Forwards :—B Amos, A Fitz gerald. Backs :—W Hu'ton, C Andrews, ("he team will leave Ashburton by the 7.20 train on Thursday morning. The above team comprises five Ashburton players, five Tin waid, and one Waimate player. Great in terest! is taken in this match aa both sides have wen a match. The following will represent; North Canterbury :- Goai W S Burns; Biclib: —S Ford and L Loe; Half backs ;—Veer, Cropp, and Biackwel!; For wards : -Jacobs, D and A W Rankin, N Strange, and Waifcea. No less than seven clubs are represented in the above team;

Foeestbrs' Doubt, AsnßtrßTGN—The half yearly meeting of Court Ashburton, No, 6729 A.O.F. was held oa Monday night, when a fair number of members was present, Sick visitors reported no sick on the funds At present). The retiring Q.R. |Sro. Hefford, installed Bro. Amos, the C.R. elect for the ensuing term. The C.R. then installed the other officers into their respective chairs, Bro'a Brooking and Kersel acting as con ductors- The six months'balanoe was before tho meeting when the auditors complimented the members on the continued success of the Court. Although being more sick pay paid this six months than was paid all last year, they could report a substantial increase to the sick fund which was very satisfactory. Two candidates were admitted and initiated into the* order, and one accepted by clearance. The Court being closed in due form, the members adjourned to partake of refresh ments provided by Bros. Cox and Young, when all the loyal and patriotic toasts were honoured, intermingled by some capital songs and recitations, a banjo solo by Bro. Wright, a hornpipe by Bro. Hodgion. All the piano accompaniments were ably played by Bro, Bryden» 3? Poultry Society — A well attended meeting of this society was held on Tuesday evening. Snb-committees were appointed to make all the necessary arrangements in connection with the coming show. After discussing fully the master of the place of exhibition, it was decided to uae Mr Bullock's new sale room instead of the Arcade, the former having been completed and enlarged since the Society had decided on the Arcade. Mr Bullock's room wiH make a very cosy show room, and will have the advantage of being warm and requiring no barricading. Mr Edwin Reilly will be present »t bhe show with Manus green bone cutter. Mr R T Clark will exhibit an incubator hatching chickens during the show—this should prove an attractive item. It is intended to hold a " sapper social" on the eveirng of the 20th, and those desirous of attending may obtain tickets from the Secretary or Treasurer at a moderate figure. The Art Union ticket* are finding a ready sale, and the prizes are a really valnable collection, the chief items, of course, beiDg the gold nuggets, for which cash value is offered to the successful ticket holder. It was deoided that the committees Bhould meet on Tuesday, the 17th, when final arrangements will be made. We would remind exhibitors that entries close on Thursday, the sth, but late fee entries will be received up till Saturday evening.

••OURSELVES AS OTHERS SEE Us."—Our friends are generally too polite to tell us our faults ; bub they seldom fail to observe the fib and style of our clothes. Young meu who wanb to make good impressions, mueb bear in mind that " appearance goes a long way." An ill-fitting suib is uncomfortable, and an " eye-sore "to your friends. Don't risk ib! If you area stranger here, bhe first well dressed citizen you meat will gladly direct you to " Tha Leading Tailors . where you will always find a large assortment of 'Up to date" suitings to select from, and where you oan always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and still increasing business done by Messrs Craighead and Berbyman speaks volume?. This firm has just imported probably the finest stock of new seasons tailoring goods ever shown in Ashburton, including a beautiful range of the new rain-proof Beavers and Meltons for Coverb coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both fanhioDfcble and durable.

ASHBURTON A. &P. ASSOCIATION

Annual Meeting:

Tho annual meeting of ihe above Associa tion was held yesterday. Tht>ro was a l&rgs attendance of members. After the routine business had been disposed of the Secretary (Mr VV. Simp?on), read the report and balance sheet; for tha year. 'Iha report generally, wan & very satisfactory one, but. as it wan Komewhnt lengthy and the Presi dent dealt very fully with the subattnee of it, it ia sufficient to aay that it showed the Aeaociation had made exceptional progress during tho year. Tho balance sheot in sum i marisod later. the president's address

Mi G, W. Laadley (President) congratn- I lated the nv-mbsra of the Association on the satisfactory position of tiffdrs during the pasb y'oar- Very few Agricultural Associa tions cmld boast of having £1500 in properly unencumbered, and this fact was matter of surprise to the northern societies, when he mentioned it at the Conference. Mr Leadley drew attention to the email membership on the roll, 150, which he considered should ho doubled, in fact, could be raised up to 500. He considered the time had arrived to take into serious con sideration the matter of a two days' show, (hear, hear), and as one strong reaaon for this measure, he instanced the oaae of the Implement makers, who at present praoti oaliy had only a few hours to transact any business, which was a matter fur regret, and he thought the Association would con sult their interests in carrying out a two days' show. The accommodation for this purpose was nearly sufficient, and when a few alterations were made and arrangements carried out for provisioning and keeping •took during the time necessary in a two days' Bhow t ha was sure the scheme would be practicable, and he made the suggestion for what it was worth. He further referred to the good prices now prevailing for sheep, and also the low rates prevailing for grain, and a hope that we should shortly have * revival in the grain trade. In the former trade the short supply of meat for frae*> ing would, no doubt, reduce freight, and In the near future on the other hand, they might reasonably hope for enhanced figures for grain. Referring to South African afUirs, which had been brought very close to us, he (the President) thought the present ceutury was a remarkable one, and the whole world was deeply impressed by the loyalty displayed by the colonials. We, in New Zea land, have taken & most important part in those defences. Further, money will require to bespent in operations in South Africa which wasatpresent largely fed by other countries. Continuing, Mr Leadley said s "The colonies are no longer spoken of ia that inferior patronising way which used to be too common, but with the free and ready recognition of the fact that we are a part (find no unimportant) part either) of the greatest empire of ancient or modern times, and this feeling bai for us iti commeroi*! value. I do not know—l scarcely think that it may eventuate, as some have pre dicted, in a discriminating tariff in favor of Colonial products. I think the principles of freetrade are too strongly rooted in Engltnd for that, but I do think that it will have the effect of popularising Colonial products with the people of Great Britain, that it will do much to break down the prejudice which has too long existed against things Colonial, and that we shall see in the near future a much increased demand for all our staple products. So far as South Africa itself is concerned, I have no doubt that there, too, we shall have a very large outlet for many of our farm product?. To my mind, this is the grandest opportunity for securing a fresh market which has presented itself j for many years. Practically the whole of South Africa is waiting to be exploited as a field for our commerce. Within the next few years there must of necessity be an immense amount of capital expended there and a large ioflux of British population who will largely require to be fed from other countries, and I consider that we shall bo wanting in enterprise and pluok if we don't make a strong bid for at least a share of the immense business which wi;l ba dono with South Africa. la this connection I would like to suggest that the Association make arrangements for regular supplies of South African newspapers, so that members may keep themselveß in touch with the trend of ev< nts and the state of the markets in that country. Just a word before I close on the recent Agricul tural Conference held in Wellington," Those in a position to know, say that io h»d ; bsen by far the best and most representative conference ever held, There was a large attendance, and the interest was well_*ue taisei! right) up to the finish. The questions submitted were well and intelligently dis cussed, and it is gratifying to bs able to report, that the matter submitted by thia Association were very favorably received, that I succeeded in carrying everything I proposed, and that my respected colleague Mr Cookßon only failed once. The resolu* tion on a " Royal Show " for New Zealand, I withdrew, aB it was last on the order papers and time did not permit of full discussion, We were moat hospitably entertained by the Wairarapa, Manawatu, F&lmerston, and East Coast Associations, and on the last day of the show were honored with a visit and address from the acting Minister of Agricul ture, Hon. Mr Walker, who expressed his thankfulness that such gathering were being held, and said that his Government felt that it would be of great assistance to them in framing legislation, and in gnaglng the wants of the farmers. After the Conference Mr Cookson and myself interviewed the Ministers for Railways with regard to securing a landing stage opposite the entrance to our show ground, and were very courteously received. Mr Ward promised to take the matter into hia favorable consideration. I desire, in conclusion, to thank, the committee for the assistance they have given ma in carrying out the work of the Ashburton, and for the courtesy and consideration alwaya displayed. It hag been a very pleasant and prosperous year, and our intercourse haa always been of a mosb agreeable character." Mr Leadley then moved the adoption of the report, and took occasion to pay very high compliment to the Secretary, from whom he had received every assistance. He thought the time had arrived when the committee should take iato very favourable considera tion an increase of salary. (Applause.) The business to be done had increased very greatly, the correspondence alone had grown very much indeed, and was likely to grow, yet they only paid the Secretary now what they did seventeen years ago. The Secret tary had done hia work faithfully^a»d well, and he (the speaker) thought it war time he received an Increase of salary* (Applause.)

Mr Cooksori, the seoond delegate bo We' lingbon seconded the reporb. He said he understood more business had been done ab the recenb Conference than ever before, and bhey had gob an assurance that bhe Govern ment would try to get through Parliament all bhe Bills required, such as the Noxious Weeds Bill and others. The Conference was to be held in Dunedin nexb year, The Secretary, Mr Simpson, thanked the President for his remarks concerning himself The interests of the Association had always been very dear to him. The remarks they had made gave him courage to go on with his work. The report was adopted. FINANCH

The balance sheeb showed receipts for the year including a balance carried forward of £40 14«_7d, to be £871 19) Bd. The expen diture, including a sum spenb on bhe pro perty ab Ashburton £192 19a 4d, general expenses £140 18s 7<i, and prize money £348 13a, totalled £849 14a lOd, leaving a balance of £21 4s lOd. The assets totalled £1455 18a Bd. There were no liabilities. The profit and loss account) showed a profit on the year's operations of £127 ISa 7d.

Replying to Mr Silcook, the treasurer, Mr B Friedlander, said the deeds of the reserve were in bhe safe.

Mr M FriedJander thought the time had arrived when they should get a safe, as in bhe case of fire t\ie papers might be lose. Mr R Friedlander said the valuable doou ments were always kept ab their bankers till required for the audit, when they were used and then pub back again. He thought a, safe was hardly necessary. Mr Silcook said the old records had been destroyed by a dog. It was a greab loss, ac though the papers might not be of mone tary value, they were of considerable historic interest.

NEW MEMBERS The following new members were elected : —E E Gtouitsiu, S Barber, J W Malooimsoß,

J Jsmieson, VV J Taylor, H W Vincent, F Powell, W Noaworthy, R Noswoithy, H A Mackay, C S Altngton, J Osfaorne, and G Marriott Wateon. 1 he auditor, fAt A Roberts, reported he had examined the books and vouchers for the year and found them correct. It effirded him pleasure to say the books were excel lently kept, and everything put before him ia good order. He had suggested one or two trifling changes, which had been carried ' out. ELECTION OF 07710883 Mr Cookson moved that Mr Leadley be asked to act as President for a second year, Mr T E Upton seconded the proposal. In doing so he eaid Mr Leadley had a thorough i urasp of the busineus, and had done exoel | lent work ia the chair.

Mr Loadley thought they would bo mak ing a great mistako if they re-sleeted him There wsre other firec ckss men, who should be put into the ohair. The motion was carried unanimously, Mr Leadley returned ■hanks for the honour confeirsd upon him. He would do hi» beat for the Association at he had done in tht past. The remaining officers were elected as follows :—Vice-President—Mr 0 Reid, Trea surer—Mr X Friediander. Auditor —Mr A Roberts. Committee—Messrs J Bonifant, E Cookson, John Small, T E Upton, J Bhearer Mawiou Bros, J 8 Bland, J Strlugfellow, ¥ McCufferty, S Chapman, T Langiey, J M Furze, Denis MoKeudry, Joshua Tucker, T F Gibson, E Gates, Daniel McKendry, T Stone, E Horsey, T N Digby, G W Body, J Gilmour, Hugo Friediander, M G Rich. Messrs M. G, Rich and M friediander each received an equal number of vote*. Mr Friediander said it was his intention to go for a trip shortly, and asked for hia name to be withdrawn.

Mr K. Friediander moved rotes of thanks bo th« President and Mr Oookaoa for their excellent services on behalf of the Associa tion at the Conference at Wellington. In acknowledging the vote Mr Leadley britfly reviewed the work done at the Conference. THE BUILDING 9 Mr Bonifonb suggested that if each member would pat his hand ia hi* pocket and give only 5s tha building oould be greatly improved. Mr R. Friediander moved that a sabsorip tion list be opened and a canvas made for | subscriptions to be earmarked purely to I improve the building fund. The motion was seconded by Mr D. McKendry and carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr 0. Reid Messrs I Buckley, B Friediander, J Booifanb, J Studholme, j r., S Chapman and Harrison were appointed a committee. Mr I>. Thomas spoke in favonr of holding an autumn show. He contended that if Asbbarton adopted an autumn show instead of a spring show they would shake off ail opposition and have a show that would attract thousands instead of hundreds. He moved in taat direction. Mr Bonifant seconded the proposal, The Chairman pointed out that the Timaru Association was altering the date for its show and A hburton would probably have to go alone. Mr Max Friediander questioned if any stock owner would keep ennre horses up till the autumn, or who, if sheep farmers, couid show hoggets in tha wool. Mr Shearer thought it would be a mistake. There was usually little feed by the autamn, and stock would not show to advantage.

Mr T N Di«by held that stock could be abown in better condition in autumn.

Mr O Reid strongly opposed an autumn show. He was satisfied stock could be got into better condition in spring than in autumn. Moreover, the farmers were buey in the autumn, bat had a certain amount of leisure in the spring.

Mr W J Sitcack thought the success of the Aehburton show was due, to a great extant, to the other shows going on all round. Stock and implements were got ready for show and were taken round from place to place. Stock owners would not get up exhibits to show at one place and nowhere else. Mr R Fried lander thought it would be a great mistake to change; they might land themselves in difficulties in one year. They nettled to be very careful.

Mr M. Priest, representing Messrs Morrow, Basfiett and Co, was satisfied the implement makers would not get up implements for one show only.

Mr G A M Buckley thought an autumn show would be a jnistake. Take hunters alone. Owners woiiVi not got their hunters into condition and jump thorn over hard ground in the autumn.

,gj»Pys OfcvxgiaiLihonght:. the sucoess of the rabhburton ghovrv^ljy^seily due to their holding it early. They had learned in the North is'and that the implement) * makers were not going to show at the email shews, Aahburton otighb to keep the good thing they had got. Mr Thomas, in reply, claimed that aa autumn show would be a vasb improvement on the present one. He instanced the sucoess of autumn shows in Victoria, He was satis fied members would yet change their opinions and a'iopt his view. He intended to agitate for the show till he got it. He also strongly approved of the establishment of a Royal show.

The motion, on being pub, was loeb, only the mover and about three others voting for it. NEW MEMBERS Mr T. Bullock strongly urged that every member should endeavor to obtain one other member. He contended that in such an Association they should have ab least 500 member*, Thia was a most important question* The chairmaq paid a compliment to Mr J S Bland for his endeavours to obtain new members EDUCATIONAL

Mr W Harding brought up the matter of ■eoond teachers in the public schools. He said ib was becoming a serious question. They were now losing the services of second teachers in the country t ohools, and he thought Government should be approached on the subject. Formerly they gob a second teacher for thirty-six scholars, now they only got one for forty-one. The result was the country ichoola lost their second teaohor, and he thought the question might well be oomtdared by the members of the Associa tion. He moved " That this Association oall the attention of Government to the matter, and ask them to take such measures *% will give second teachers or easier terms in the small country schools." Mr Jan. Allen seconded the motion.

Mr Leidley thought the difficulty had been caused, to a great extend, through country settlers wanting schools within a few mi 88 of each other. If they had been willing to let their children walk a little further to school they would have bigger schools, and consequently teachers of a better status.

Mr C Reid was of the same opinion. Schools had been built everywhere, and big houses, fit for men with large incomes put up for the masters.

The motion, on being put, was carried. VGTBS OF THANKS

On the motion of Mr Harrison, votes of thanks were accorded the President, th« officers, and the outgoing Committee, aud the meeting terminated.

MAYFIELD.

From Oar Own Correspondent

Since I last wrote we have had exception ally severe weather in the shape of hard frost. The ground was frozan Bolid for several weeks, consequently all farm work was at a standstill, and feed for stock, except turnips, ia very scarce. THK GRASS GRUB Moat of the grass paddocks at present are in a Eorry plight, being badly invested with j grub, which'appears to be worse this year than usual; Some of them may recover in the spring, but the majority will have to be re-sown, causing additional expense to the farmers, also loss of time and labour, WEDDING

A very pretty wedding took plaoe here in the new Ctmroh on Wednesday last the con tracting parties being Mr John Huston, eldest aon of Mr A J Huston, and Mies Maggie Brennan, eldest daughter of Mr Hugh Brennan. The marriage ceremony was conducted by the Rev H Furohaa of Mount Somera. The bride was dressed in a beautiful cream corduroy cloth, and leaked exceeding handioma. The bridesmaids were Miss L Brennan, sitter of the bride, and Miss M Huston, sister of tha bridegroom. They were attired in handsome drenes of green avniTtiliPg} •«$ fMb won ftg«Ul

brooch the gift of the bridegroom. The bride was given away by her rather. The happy couple left the Church amid titowers of rioe, nn.l to the strains of the" Wedding March," played by Mrs Purohas. After the ceremony the frieuda of the couplo repaired to the residence of the bridti'-; parents, where a sumptuous breakfast was laid out after ample justice hal been dono to "«he good things provided, and the nsual toaals had been honoured, the presents which were both numerous and costly were i&spec reiL In tha evening a dance in honour cf the occasion was held, when the young people to the number of about 120 er; j them selves for some hours. The gathering broke up after singing " For He's a Jolly Good Fellow," and giving three cheers for t,ha bride and bridegroom. The hippy couple left thu next morning on their honeymoon en route for Ohristohurch* OONTALESOKST I am glad to aay that Mrs Burgesr, who was injured in the late trap accident, is fasti recovering from her in jades, and ia now getting about again, She had a narrow escape, and but for the timely assistance of Miss Winnie Low, things might hay« been much worse. The little girl pluckily crawled under the overturned trap, the horse struggling the whole time, and re leased Mrs Burgess from her perilous position.

Magisterial

GERALDINK—TUESDAY, JuwS.

(Before 0. A, Wray, Esq., S.M.) AU.K9KD DBDNXIKM'XSS OK LICJCKBID PREMISES. : ' \C-<

John Farreil wa« charged on the informa tion of Constable Mulfanej with having permitted drunkenness on his licensed pre mise*, tl»« Orowa Hotel, Geraldine, on Jun« 2nd uls. Mr Raymond appeared for defen dant

Constable Mullaney, for tht police, catted —Charles Kelly, labourer, who deposed that on the day in question ho cams to Geraldine with -a cheque to the value of £1. He waa perfectly sober, end went to the Crown Hotel at 3 p m, and had lotne drink there, ' but could not say how long he remained, or if he went to any other hotel after 7.30 p in, which was the latest hoar he could remember that night. He spent the £1 in supplies at; a stoic, and borrowed 2« from Mr George Me'calf, who also shouted for him at 730 pm. Witness bought from Mr Farreil 2* 6d worth of whiskey to take away with him, but instead of taking it away he drank it in the township, and got drunk. He then went back to the Crown. It waa about Bpm when he bought tbe whiskey. Remembered that Mr Farreil told him to go home. Be membered having four drinks of whiskey before he bought the half-crown task. William Sculley deposed that he saw Charles Kelly at tha Crown on the Saturday night in question, but as he did not apeak to him could nob say whether he wkb drunk or sober.

George Met calf deposed to lending Kelly 2s at the Crown Hotel. Was only in the hotel about five minutes himself. Kelly was sober at shs time, but appeared to have had a drink or two. Keliy worked for witness' father, and when he got « cheque generally "knocked it down." Kelly was not the man he would trust with a bottle of liquor. Kate Taylor, housemaid at the Geraldine Hotel, deposed that she had charge of the bar ab Mrs McLean's from 11.30 am till 7.30 p m, and was sura Kelly had not visited there on June 2,

Constable Mullaney deposed that) en Jane 2he saw Kelly at Farrell'a at 4p m. At that time he was slightly under the influence of drink, and at 6 p m be was much worse. At 8 p m. he saw Kelly come half through the bar door leading on to the street, when he was pretty drunk, and Mr Farrell was in the bar at the time. He passed the place repeatedly up till 930 p.m., and heard Kelly's voice repeatedly in the bar during the night. At 9.30 p.m. the noise and rowdyism got bo bad that he went Into stop it, and found Kelly lying on the floor in a state of drunkenness. Kelly fell several times after being assisted outßid«, and wit* nose afterwards locked him up. John Farreii, licensee of the Grown Hotel deposed that Kelly came to him at 4p m perfectly sober on June 2. During the afternoon he had about four drinks and the last drink witnos* served him with was at 7.15 pm. Before 7pm witness sold Kelly 2a 6d worth of whiskey, as he said he wan going home and had a cold He had not drunk the whiskey, when witness served him with the last drink. At 7.30 p m Keliy returned by himself and wanted another drink, when witness refused St and ordered him hornet Did not see Kelly again till between 9 30 and 10 o'clock, when Constable MuUsnfcy nenJb^ for him to come to the bar where Kelly wite^-wok. Told the Constable he thought) Kelly h£&>econe horns an hoar ago. Was attending to oustOurera in another part of the house that night, Rnd\v»s not serving in the bur himaelf from 7.30 pm tilt Kelly was found by tha police. Alexander MoPherson, farm hand, gave evidence aa to seeing Kelly at the Grown a.* 730p m. He asked for & drink but was refused, and was ordered home by Mr Far rell, Kelly had a drink or two bat was not drunk. Witness was in the bar again about 10 o'clock, when Kelly came and sat oil the teat, but the bar keeper did nob seem to notice him, and did sot offer him drink or address him. A few minutes after tha Con stable came, Kelly fell on the floor.

Corroborative evidence was given by Patriok Srophy, Fred Coskie. and tteorg* Campbell.

His Worship reserved his decision.

TERRIBLE DISASTER.

The New York Fin.

Ofce&t Loss of Life.

Awfal Scinofl.

Halted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Nkw York, July 2 Details of the fire at the Hoboketi Dock chow that it was caused by the explosion of a carboy of acid, which ignited a quantity of cotton bales. There were 1500 visitors and workmen about the docks at the time of the outbreak. The lamea spread with incredible rapidity, burning three piers belonging to the Norddeutscher Lloyds, and destroying their steamers, Saole, Maine, Bremen and Thiogvalda. It is estimated that between 200 and 4»0 persons perished. The same line's steamer Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse was just saved through the splendid exertions of the Gaptain and crew. The Homhurg American Company dynamited one of their piers, thereby saving their vessels. The people on the piers jumped into the Hudson by hundreds. Similarly, " all who could do so jumped from the vessels, and boats and barges rescued a number of them, one lighter having a hundred on board. Scores, however, were drowned. While the Saole and Bremen were hauling Into the stream men, women | and children below were seen through the port holes shrieking for assistance, but the flames rendered help impossible. Seven men were imprisoned in the Maine's coal bunkers for hours, and had a marvellous escape. They were rescued after the vessel wai beached by cutting through a steel bulkhead. Fifty unrecognisable bodies have been recovered from the Saole. A number of stokers perished in the hold after indescribable horrors. Twenty nine escaped by climbing on each other's shoulders. Aboard the Maine a terrible struggle was witnessed amongst the unfortunate people in their efforts to reach the port holes. The damage will amount to at least tec million dollars,

TEEf ASOBURTONIIGUAItDIiB : WEBKEbDAf >gJVhY 4, 1900



PROCLAMATION. OF PEACE! ■ ■ ;o:' . THERE is nothing rmre conducive to peace than to give the Ladies Goods at Bargain Prices. Then to the thrifty and wise who want to save money, go at once and unlike y^ur purchases irona GKORGE DUNCAN & C0., ---"THfi PtOPLVS DRAPERS," T-\NC'.<KD STREET, ABHBURTON, OPPOSITE AROADE. JUST ARRIVED—Special Shipment of job lines in Faced Meltons and Serge Dress Materials, 42 ionhsg wido, fashionable co!o;b. Now note the priGa—4s lid the full Dress, better qualities at 6i 91 »■ dßa lid full Dreßß, worth double ; come and see Job prices to clear Ladies' Gapes and Jocketa from 5s 9d upwards ; prices will tstonieh you Ladies 1 Fur Necklets (special purchast?) from 23 63 to 6' 6d Women's Black Cashmere itibbed Hose, eeamleits feet, Is pair While Mus'.iu Apron (timbroid«ry trimmed) Is and 1^ 3d, going quickly Ludies' Black Cashmere Gloves 6d pair ; Lawn Handkerchiefs is 6J dczen NOTICF. I—GJeo*ure Duncan &> C?o» have got the reputation for Belling Colonial White 'BLANKKTS Cheiper than any firm in Canterbury. Proof is the prices—Single Beds 13b lid pair, Double Bads 19s lid pair ; please note, cannot be replaced under 4a to 6s more per pair when our present stock is sold out SHOWING EXTRAORDINARY GOOD VALUE IN THE FOLLOWING LINES, viz.— Colonial Flannels from lOfd, Flannelettes from 2|d. We are the noted bouse for theie Goods 2 Yard! Wide Fine Grey Twill Sheetings from 10|d Unbleached Linen Tabling lljd ; Art Muslins, in great variety, from 2£d yard Cretonnes 3| 1; White and Grey Oal coe3 from 2d yard ; Roller Towelling 3Jd SPECIAL NOTICE FOR DRESSMAKERS—SIate Linings from S^d, Al value White and Grey Turkish Towels from 4|J, Toilet Covers from B|d, AnDimacceßwri from 7Jd Ladie^' Corsets from 2* 61, Ladlei' 'hard wear" Umlwllaa from 2s lid Exceptional good value in Ba^h aud Bed Ruga from 6s 6d White Satin and Honeycomb Quilts from 4< 6:3, Tapestry Quilts from 5s 6d Direct shipment of Nottingham L%o» Curtains from Id 6£d, lovely patterns, and at job prices; Reversible Cretoune Curtains 5s 6d pair MEN'S AND BOYS' CLOTHING-Note Prices I Ooehunga Tweed Trousers 7a 6d, New Sac Suits 32s 6J, Boys' Knicker Snits 13s 6d Men's Denun Overalls Si lliJ, Mole Trousers 5j lid, Persian Ci'rd Trousers 6s 6i _ ; Men's Brown Cotton Drawers 1? lid, Men's Merino do. 2i 6.1, Lambswool do, special job ' Hue, 2i 9d, Colonial (Kaiapni make) 3i 6i upwards Fancy Cotton Shirts, Cols, In lid ; Leather do, 2s 6d upwards; Union do, 23 lid op* wards ; Flan"a! Unders 3s fid upwards; Kaiapoi PiaidiDg Drawers 5^ 61 Mea'e MiifilirH from Is; iSamson Braces. Boys' 6J, Men's la Men's Wool Koicted Booke, double heela, ll|i pair; Men's Handkerchiefs 4^dupwards



NEW TAILORING DEPART MENT. A T the request of a large namber of my Customers I hare added the TAILORING DEPARTMENT TO MY BUSINESS, and having secured a FIRST CLASS CUTTER, Gentlemen mny rely on getting an excallect fit and etyle at moderate prices GOOD SUITS FROM £3 3s. A N D R E W ORE. NOTICE TO FARMERS. ■^7-E ake GASH BUYERS OF \ PRIME MILLING WHEAT^ IN ANY QUANTITY Pleaae take your Samples to the Mill We can supply Oornaacka at cost price. CANTERBURY ROLLER FLOUR MILLS. (ROLLITT AND C 0.,) J. B, HOBART, Manager 17th MarA 1900. GOOD HEWS FROM 7 HE FRONT. Uruger learns that tii@ British mean to get Justlce^for^'all in South Africa. WE HOPE the People of Ashburton have learned|that we give Justice to oar Customers in all our numerous lines. We have just landed, per the sb «•" Whakatane," the finest assortment of Brass and Iron BEDSTEADS ever landed in Town. Latest styles and designs. Direct from the Manufacturers in Birmingham. Oali early and see for yourselves. About 100 Bedsteads to choos© from j all sizes; all prices. BEDDING of all kinds kept in stock and made on the premises. We hive also just received a choice shipmeat, per the c a Rangatira, of TAPESTRIES, SERGES, PLUSHES, UTREOHT VELVETS, HRBTTONES, Etc , for Furniture, And having secured the services of a First-class Upholsterer (Ute of Mel bourno), we are prepared to make New and Repair Old FURNITURE in up-to-date styles, at lowest prices, on shortest notice. Linoleums, Oilcloths, Rugs, Mats, Matting, Carpets, etc, juat opened. New pattern?, grand designs, per ss" lonic' At the requpst of numerous Customers, we have imported a choice assort ment of OILCLOTHS for Dados, which have just opened up in splendid order, d Vi and inspect them. For Bedroom Ware, Dinner and Tea Ware, Fancy Goods, Pictures (framed arrf anfr»»med), Photo Frames, Vases, etc, see our stocks before buyiDg else- I- 1-: ■■■;.;■., r >ri f. sryr-i in Infest styles. Largest stock of Mouldings in Town to : . , \ : ■;;- 0..: i^triMn Chiijc=, Folding Ohairs, Camp Stools and .- .<, .....' !':,.:,' K( «.i(d Fi^'W^r StanHg with fancy stand and .>!.,.;:•„ ; -. . 4; ,.:. -i: w Bamboo Ovemi fintles. Bamboo Cornice Poles, »1' sizfty and pricta Duche,fcße Tables and Chests, Washstands and Wardrobes, kept in stock and made to order in any design. Perambulators, Go-Oarts, Children's Ohairs of all kinds, at varions prices, LIBERAL DISCOUNT FOR GASH, AT T. H. -UNDRILL & CO., t/AHTNKTMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, & UNDERTAKERS, TANCRED STUET, opposite Aeoadk.



PUBLIC NOTICES. ~~ MONEY TO LEND. IHA.VB Trust Monies for Inveatmenb in sums of £500 to £5000 on FIBSX Mobtgaqb at lowest current rate?. DAVID ZA.KDER, 6 119 Tarored Street. EGrGrS. MINORCAS are recommended by the Government Expert as beiDg the beßt layers. I have Purebred Minorca Cockerels for sale, cheap, bred from first priza Stock. 71 H. G. BERRY MAN. ~ PUBLIC NOTICE. (1 EO. WORNER, Batcher, begs to "X notify the Public of Ashburton and surrounding Districts, that he has com menced BuHoe c 8 on the Premises lately occupied by O. Digby in East Street. First Olass quality Meifc always on hand. Small goods kept. Families waited on daily. | 1 * i k: -S .s o 2 C SB p» GC g .-g , H °3 gsii^ 3 a rv a s S Q 3 a « g <J 3Bf g a I—| so m-* 1 ij h O "si S L"TJ Hi es no r^^ w r E7 *1 cq 1 m I 53 § I WTT SOW HOUSE DECORATOR, BURNETT BTJKEET. j HAVING secured the servic a of a first class Picture Framor, I era now in a position to receive orders for all classes of PICTURE 'FRAMING. LARGE STOCK OF MOULDINGS TO CHOOSE FROM. Telephone 65< P.O. Box 16 RE TATTRBSALL'S COESULTA TION. HAVING been seriously congratulated by a host of friends (move than I thought I had) owing to a paragraph in your paper on winning a substantial priz >, I "with the public and all my friends to know that I am not the in&ky individual referred to, and that euoh & trifle of £300 odd would not upset my equilibrium as much as it has dona my friends. The only thing that would annoy me would be for my friends U just drop in and give us an order for a Bath each, and thus compel us to employ more hands, This, I take it, would be a real friendly action of my numerous friends. O. E. HARDLEY, Plumber, East Street, Aehbnrton. "eOTOR MACDONAIF, Sir Redrew Buller, Lord Robert, The Natal Campaign, Capetown to Ladysmith, Fight for the Piag in South Africa, Stories from the Front, On the eve of the War, Wallet of Kai Lung, Maker of Nations Story of Han nah, Ihe Plunderers, Haromi (a New Zealand story), and other new books. The Siege of Ladysmith, in 64 photographs. Pearson's Strand, Wide World, Cassei's Royal, Wind sor and other Magazines for May.— H. M, Jones. FOR g\ I YEARS ILff I MOATE&GM SHEARMAN BROS* have large stock Loasbys Wahoo, Benjamin Gum, Koolibah, and Cinnamon Cure MOTHERB ! Have you delicate children who are always taking cold and sub ject to croup? If so, try Tonking's Linseed EmulßloE, whloh will cure where all other medicines fail. Sold by local ohemists and grooeri la bottlei, |g 6d and 2a 6d, 3 246