Mail Notices.

Mftlit clot* for the following placer m undar, subject to the o^ceuary alteration!;—

THUR DAY, AVG. 2

For Northern Ports anl Wsstport, per Rotomahana, at 6.30 p.m. FRIDAY, AUGUST 3

For Northern Ports, Weßtporc, Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, also United States, Canada, etc., United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Fran •Isco, per Takapur.a, as follows :—For money orders at 2 30 p no.; registered letters, at 5 p.m ; kooks and newspapers, at 6.30 p.m.; ordinary letters 6.30 p.m.; late fee letters, mail van, express train, Doe London Sept sth. W. H. Rbnnkr, Postmaster.

THE ASHBUKTON TRAIN SERVICES

.Trains leave Ashburton daily for— UHRISTOHUROH—at 720 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7.5 p m. (express) TIMARU-at 10 55 a.m., S 50 p.m. DUNtDIN'-at 12 54 p.m. (express) SPR£NGBORN-at 4.25 p m.

Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— GHKISTQHURGH-at> 10.45 ».m., 12.47

p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIMARU-ar 10.35 a.m., 2 55 p.m. DONEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases ot'Moon for Augu. i

SUN.

SECOND EDITION Commercial.

ASHBURTO N STOCK MARKET

Messrs Friedlaader Bros,, Ltd., report upon the lire stock market or the week ending August 1, 1900. The usual weekly sale was held at the Tinwald Yards on Tuesday last, whsa there was a fair entry of stock, consisting chicly of ewes is lamb and forward wethers, with only a moderate entry of hutohers' aheap. The demand for ewes was fairly brisk, moat of those entered changing hands at price* well up to late rates, Sound, mouth merino ewe* sold up to 11* 4d and half bred *wes from 13s 6d up to 15§. The totals yarded for the day consisted of 3474 sheep, 16 cattle, and 7 pigs, whilst oar entry was mads up of 1397 sheep, the whole •! wbioh we succeeded in disposing «f at the following priees:—l7 fat crossbred wethers 13s 6d, 20 fat erosabred wethtrt 16s t 13 fat orossbred wethers 15s Si, 21 fat wethers lit 9d, 53 fat merino wethers lls lid, 60 srossbrtd ewes in lamb 12s, 171 fat merino wethera lls 6d, 101 merino ewea lla 4d, 260 merino ewea lls 3d, 144 halfbred wethers 15s 7d, 160 halfbred wethers 15iGd, and 101 crossbred ewes ia lamb 14a 9d. During the week we sold privately 200 merino ewes Hi 3d, and 640 orosibred hoggets 12s.

GERALDINE STOCK SALE

There was a large attendance of buyers at the Geraldine Farmers' Yards yesterday, and the sale was a good one, everything selling •xosptienelly well* tEhe eolry o( cheep wm 3000. Average nuggets aoid from lie lOd to !!■ 4d, and an exceptionally good lot of 200 •old at Hi 4d. Store wethers brought) 14s 4d to 15s 3d, balfbred and thr<Beqtiarter«bred ewss fetched 14s 9d. Mr WP Studholme's sheep were disposed of at good prices, the sale of these exciting great iotcrest. The prioes realised were—2l9 two-tooth ewes 14s 6d, 293 four, six, and tight-tooth ewes i» lamb Ida 2J, 500 do. 17s 4ii. There was ao entry of pins, but viair entry of cattle. Steers And heifera, 15 months old, brought £2 6s to £3 2i 6d. A draught mare aold at £9 10*.

AUSTRALIAN GRAIN & PRODUCE MARKETS

United Prese Assoolation—By Bieotrio Telegraph—Oopyright

(Receired Waktpuaka August 1, 1010 *.m Thiß Office 7 53 p.m ' Sydkby, Aagu«t 1 Wheat, chick r2s id to 2« 6d ; milling, 2tlod. Flour, £6 5« to £7; Manifcoban, £11. Oftt«, prime New Zealand feeding, 2i 2i to 2* 3d. Barley, Cap* 2s 2d to 2s 3d ; M»it«, 2s 7d; bran aad pollard 7sd to Bd. Potatoes—N«w Zealand Early Rose (seed), £3; Taim»Di»n, £3 ss. Oaiona, Yiotorian prim*, £3 10s to £S 15a; Butter—Dairy. 9J ; creamery, lid. Ghaeae, New Zialand prime loaf, 6d; extra large, s£d ; medium, s|i Th« *boTe quofcationa 'are thoae rating between merchant and retailer, and do not represent the slightly lcwer TaluM obtained or reevgniied by brokera. Mxlbourkk, Angnat 1 Wheat, 2i ll^d ; flour £6 It 6d to £6 l(k j e«ti t strong demand fotr China Algerian, 2* 2U t0..2e 4id, 2000 baga loldatgaSd to 2? 3|d; w*\pi, 2i 3^d ; barjey (malting) 2i fid !to 3* 6d ; bran, 9Jd; pollard, 10H : oniont, priitfe, £2 101 to £2 Isi. ¥  Adelaidb, August 1 Whmt, dull, 2i 10d; flour, £6 15a ; o»t«, Algerian, 2% 3d to 2i 6d; bran, o|d to 10J ; poll»rd, 11^4 to It. »

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

United Preaa A^sooiation—By El«-jtrio

Telegraph

Christchukck, Auguet 1

The entries for \ddingtQn market were 4200 f*fcwh«ep, 100 fat lamb?, 1450 store aheep, 670 citfe'e and 441 pigs, Cattlk—The fat cattle comprised 246 head, all looal cattle, the balk being light to h indy weights. Good prime beef fully upheld last week's piioes, and lighter sorts of good quality showed a alight improvement. Prime, 20* to 23s per 1031b, other sorts from 15s 6d t'> 19% prime ttoer« up to £8 7s 6d ; others £5 10s to £7 5* ; heifers, £4 15* to £617 i 6d, and cows £4 to £7 and up to £8 5a for an extra g-mci oue.

Pheep—The fat sheep were a mixed yarding, and included some good linen of frerzira, also some prime heavy weight and iits good ewer. Freezers were operating sparingly, and this class was slightly easier, but good ewes firmer. Extra heavy wethers, 20* to 23s 6d ; fretusrs 17s to 19s 6d, lighter 15a 7d to 16s 6d, extra heavy ewes 20s to 23% ' good 15s to 17s 6d, others 14s to 16? 6d, merino wethers 13s 7d to 17s 4d. The fat lambc yarded numbered under 100 and the quality was only second rate. Ail war* taken by butchers at from 12s to 12s 6d The store sheep were mad* up mostly of little lots, all olasser meeting fair demand. A good line of forward wethers was withdrawn at 15s 9<i ; small lota not so good changed hands at 14s 6d, 14s 10(1, and 14s lid; wethers and maiden ewes 12< lid; good breading ewes, 13* to 13s 2d ; aged, lOi 6d to 12s 2d ; hoggets lls 5d to 12« lOd, accord ing to condition ; merino wethers, lls Id ; and ewes 917 d.

Fig*.-The yards were well fifed, but fat sorts were of a very mixed quality; better classes selling well. Brores also showed an improvement. Basoners ranged from 33s 6d to 425, equal to 3d to 2£d pur lb ; porkers 24s to 29s 6d, equal to ,3§i to 3|d ; stores 12i 6d to 18s €d, suckers and weanere 6i 3i to 10s 6d.

BURNSIDS MARKETS.

United Preaa Association—By Electric Telegraph DUNKDIN, August 1

Bumiide market.—Fat cattle—ls4 head were yarded, only a moderate proportion really prime. Sales opened at about last week's rates, but there was a decided ad* vanee towards the olose, and the sale finished firm. Boat bollocks £3 10i to £9 10s, extra heavy up to £10 10s. good £7 to £8 15;, best oows and heifers £5 10s to £6 10s, extra heavy up to £7 12s 6J, good £4 10s to £5 ss. Sheep—2l62 were penned, which was about equil to repuirementst S»les opened well at about last week's rates, and continued good, finishing up firm. Best wethers 17s 6d to 18s 6d, extra prime up to 20 1, good 16s to 17a, best ewes 15a to 16s, extra prime up 'to 17s 6dt, good 13s 6d to 14i 9J. Pigs—l 63 were pinned. All classes found buyers at low rates. Suckers 6s to lls, slips 13* so 16?, stores 17* to 20», porkers 22a to 345, bacoatri 36s to 41s, heavy pigs up to 83s.

TIMARU SKIN SALE.

There was a laige entry at) the usual fortnightly skin and wool fftle yesterday. Business was good and price belter than have been ruling of late. The following indicate the prices ruling:—Crossbred butchers' skin?, 3s, 3s 9d, to 4s; halfbrbd butoherb', 4s, to 4* 3d ; three-quarter-bred hoggets at per lb, 3£ to 4d ; farmers half bred skins, 3a 9d to 4s ; do. lorosebredi 2s 6d, 2s lid, 3) 3d, 3s ss, to 3a 6i ; merino skins, 4j. Pelts, Is 7d, Is lOd to 2s. Wool trimmings, 3&, and fleece, 4£d. Some fat sold at 14i 6J per cwt,

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Paævalebit. THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 1900. THE PRICE OF COAL.

The recent shortage of coal all over tha colonies, and (he high pricei which have ruled in many parts of New Zealand have directed attention to the coal question generally, and correspon dence hM been going on in the oolamna of tome of the newspapers on tbic subject. Naturally, there haa been ranch criticism of ths action of the coal dealers in Ohriitchurch in charging such exceptionally high prices; for, if we mistake not, prices there reached a higher point than in any other part of New Zealand. Some ef the writers on the susjeot, professing to be well informed, want to know why coal should be so dtar as it alwajg is in this colony, seeing that the Newcastle article, at anyrate, can be landed herd at very little more than half the retail price to consumer*. The following figures are given by a writer I in the Press,— -who says his " source of informational uniaipeaehable"?-to show that the cost of delivering Newcastle coal to th» retailers in the Empire City, is as follows; —F.o.b, Newcastle 10a a ton, the freight to Lyttelton about 7s 6d a ton, the freight to Ohristchurch 4s QA a ton, and emptying at Ohrist church 6d a ton; or in all, say £1 2s 6d a ton, which, at $% a ton, the present retail price in Ohristchurch, is equal to 17s 6d a ton profit. Another calculation by a coal merchant in defence, shows that the oest of the Westport coal to the dealers ia Ohrist church is £1 9* per ton, cost at ship's side at Lyttelton being set down at 25s (wholesale), and freight, etc., 4s a ton. These figures go to show that Weatport coal, although not so profitable to the retailer aa Newcastle, yet gives the handsome profit of lls a ton, which is more than the whole cost of a similar quantity in the Old Country. Those who contend that the retail price should be less than it is, hare apparently some reason on their side; for it certainly does seem a remarkable state of things that the profit to ccal merchants in this colony upon Newcastle coal should be nearly double the price at the pit's mouth, while that on West port coal is about equal to the price of the article at the mouth of the pit. On the other hand we have the statements of the Ohristchurch dealers that the apparent profit is not all profit, aince the accumulations of slack, bad debts etc. reduce their gains materially. But we think a good case has been made out in support of the contention that a coal ring exists in this colony, whose operations pr«Ba heavily on Vue poorer classes of the community. It may be that the retail dealers are not concerned in bfinginig about this state of affairs, but $b anyrate the public would be glad to have some explanation of it, for, as the matter stands—as turning the figures we have quoted to be correct—« the price charged to consumer! of coal

in Kt;w Zealand appears to be simply preposterous. We are not in favour tf the State interfering with private en terprise, but we can Rcarcely wonder that, iv a country whose Government adopts that system it should be seriously proposed that the State should own and work the coal mines s in order to give some relief to the poorer clagge*. We maysftyin conclusion that our com ments are based upon calculations that have been supplied to us by an expert', aa well a 8 upon the statements that have been freely made in the public journals. Further, we have good reason for belirtving that if there really is a coal ring in existence in this colony, the country dealers are not in i?\ This was made very clear the othor day when the price of coal was put op in ! Christchurch, to 60s a ton (retail), but remained at about its normal figure in Ashbarton and some other ialand centres namely 88a to 40* a ton.

Local and General.

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

Thb Bkal Season :—A seal, about Bft long was found dead on the beach near Timaru a day or two «go.

Frhco Mail—The Friioo mail arrived at Ashbutton this morning, by the early train from Ohristchureh, end was promptly sorted by the Post Office officials.

An Epidemic—A peculiar epidemic of vomiting, combined with severe diarrhoea,

is general at present in the Kawhai district, and the sauce teems wrapped in mystery. Wkathbr Fobioast — Captain Edwin wires:—Moderate to strong southerly triad, bat changing after 12 hours from now to be tween norik and wait and aouthweit; glass foiling again. Mounted Riflei—The Ashburton Mounted Aifles paraded at the drillshed last evening, under Lieutenant A A Fooks. They were treated to an hour's mefui drill. The members paraded for the first time in their new khaki uniform*, and presented quite a scrvioe-like appearance. Good Pricks—The prices of fab sheep still continue high, aa evidenced by the rates obtained at the Tinwald market on Tuesday last, when 18s 6d to 23i 3d per he»d was made by the Farmers' Co-operative Association for Mr A J Huston of Mayfield. Lakh Ellksmkre Cotxing :—Lake Elles mere was mailing yesterday with a rlae stream through the new cutting, which has just bean completed by the contractors, Messrs Millar and Dobbin. The outting has been closed up by the heavy seas se fetal times, bub the contractors are of opinion that it has been seourely opened this time. I O.G.T.—An open Lodge entertainment was held last evening in the Templar EUll, when a capital programme was gone through. The Wakanui friends gave a good temperance dialogue, and Mr M&rsden contributed largely to the programme with his gramma phcne. The Rev Mr Fee made a real up-to date speech on the temperance aspect, and the meeting closed in tho usual way

DIATH AT THE HOSPITAL.—At one o'clock yesterday morning a death occurred at the Ashburton Hospital, the patient being Mr Cornelius Fanning, aged 55. He had been confined to this establishment for the last seven months, his complaint being cancer. Before coining to Ashburton his tongue had been removed as the result of his disease, snd ho ultimately sucoumbed on Wednesday morning.

Catholic Litibary Society-—There was a fair attendance of members 116 the usual weekly meeting of this society, held on Wednesday evening. Mr L Hunrahin, the president occupied the chair. The business of the evening contested of a debate, namely —"Is it advisabe *o light tha borough by electrioty," The subjjct was discussed with great spirit by the member?, and after the question having been fully dealt with a vote was taken with the result that it ended in a tie, and the meeting was brought to a close in the usual manner. Rich Culture Ik Queensland: -Rice culture in Queensland is rapidly becoming an industry of importance. In 1397 the total acreage under cultivation amounted to 446 acres. Last year this had increased to 865 acre*. Very little of the rice grown ever reaches Brisbane, being mostly »b ---sorbed in the districts where it ia produced. The Agricultural Department has lately

received samples of rice gr<>wn on Pimpama Island in the Logan district, and describes it as being of first-olaaa quality. It yielded 3Qowt of rice to the acre.

Remarkable Coincidence :—An extraor ; dinary coincidence says the Auckland Herald occurred tha other day at the ballot for land in the Whatitiri block, Whangarei district. Three allotments adjacent to each other were of 314, 334, and 357 anres respectively. For the first) there were 26 applicants, for the setond 24, and for the third 29. Yet all three feil to three brothers. It would be ourious if some adept at calculating ehanoee would show the odds against this occurring. For another allotment, for which there were a large number of applications, the owner of an adjourning farm was suooessful.

Fibatis Football Clue's Ball. — Th« Pirates Football Club'a Bail, which took place at the Oddfellows' Hall last night, wni a decided success. The Committee—Messn IBaigent, D Wilson, R H Boyle, Q Par sons, F and J Pritchard, H Fawcett, W Dardis, and W Fitzgera'd, spared no effort la the direction of providing for the comfort and enjoyment of all. The hall was very tastefully decorated, the Club's insignia, footballs, and other embloms of the old English pastime, also fl»gs and evergreens being well blended, and reflaoting great credit on decorating commitee—>Messri Fjkwcett, Bedford and Dardh, — while the stage was furnished in drawing-room ityle, and utilised mainly for the reunions of the older folk. Fox's band, from Chrittithureh, supplied the music, while the catering was in the hands of Mrs Morton, and certainly wat a oredib to that lady. Dancing was enjoyed ta aa early hour this morning, everyone apparently agreeing that the Pirate Football Club were to be praised for the manner in which they had provided for the lovera of the ter.psichoreau art. Shakksfikiah Recital — The Orange Hall was well filled last evening on the oc casion of the visit of the giftad Amerioan elocutionist, Mr Hannibal A Williams, who held the audience thoroughly interested for over two hours. His subjaot was Bhake speat'a historical piay •'King Henty the fourth," one of the most interesting of the author's works, and Mr Williams throughout interpreted the ideas of the play with great suooeae. The elocutionist" has been well endowed by nature, having both a pleasing appearanoe and a flexible voice, which rang tha gamut of changes from iafiaite pathos to soathirg sarcasm, whilst his humorous touches as shown in the character of Falstaff were charmingly natural ,An announcement) of the change in dates of Mrs Williams' re citals, as advertised, wat made at the close of the performance. That lady will give

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By I leotrio

Telegraph—Copyright.

Received Wak*puaka August 1, 9 50 p m Q his Offirell 41pm

London, August 1

Mr Bn.d< rick infnrmed the House of Cim-ii n* thin according to his latest advices G nortl G=B;iee, in command of the Indian tru ps. contemplated 'ru immediate advanco n Pekin, hoping the allies W"Ul.i cv np^ra « wi h him.

High Uhinf go effioia's in London declare that the Boxers, momentarily uppermost, sheltrd the L< gatimip, !he Government is now u;k erm< st,. bat is unable to dispense with General Tung-fu-Hang's services He p->s»ib'y imposed conditions oa the Emperor involving the m.ssacre of foreigners if the allies advance.

Hong Kong, August 1

LI Hnnt» Char.g and the Viceroys are pressing the Government to expedite the transfer oi Ministers 10 Tientsin.

The Mohawk is rescuing foreigners at Hainant.

The Wallaroo has arrived her*.

Sheng annoancea that the Tseng Li Yamen declines to transmit the Legation telegram* unless in plain language The Missionaries report all Americans in Pekin and Tungchoa ara safe at Pekin, bat mission buildings are destroyed.

A private message reports that General Yang Lv enquired of Sir Claude MacOonald if he would agree to a truce. 'I h" latter olid so, and everything is quite. There is plenty food in the shape of rice and horse*, ihe grfatesb danger is leak tho Chinese defeated at. Tientsin should enter Pekin. The Americans gallantly sortied on the night of the 3rd, and punished the Chinese.

Change of Front

Received Wakapuaka August 1, 10.35 p m

This Offioe 11 49 p m)

HONGKONG, August 1

An Imperial edict commended the Boxers, ordered the missionaries to quit the interior, and commanded the Viceroys to help Pekin ; a further edict od the 18th enjoins the pro tection of foreigners, and promises com pensation for outrages already perpetrated. This change of front is due to a report that a large relief force was coming.

(Received Wakapuaka August 1, 10 20 p>m, This Office, August 2, 12.17 a.m.)

Hongkong, August 1

A private message from Pekin, dated 21st, says :—" First news from the outside world reaohedPekin on 13th. The failure of the relief expedition under Admiral Seymour originally imperilled the situation. The Tsung Li Yamen broke off relations with the Legations on 19 oh June, and war was declared on Ihe 20oh, four attempts wera made to burn the Legation, but the cowar dice of the Chinese prevented them from rushing the buildings. Professor Francis James was murdered. Tho total dead were Germans and Japanese ten each, France eleven, British five, .Russians and Austri&ns five each, American and Italians seven each. The Americans hold a strong position sear the city wall. There is sufficient provisions andtxoellent arrangements." Diplomatic and other despatches from Pekin have reached Tientsin corroborating previous newi. Mr Conger on July 21 reports that since July 16 a mutual truce has been observed, and the Legations have been provisioned for Beveral weeks. There is little ammunition, and if they were shelled at before they would be unable to hold out long, and a complete massacre would ensue* It was hoped that relief would be ipecdy. All were safefand well. This refers to Mr Conger's family. Sir Robert Hart sent word that he and his family were safe. The missionaries report that all the Americans at Pekin aud Tungshou were safe at Pekin, but the mission buildings had been destroyed.

When Tientsin was captured the British seized * river steamer and 200 junks in anticipation of an advance on Pekin.

Colonel Shiba, the American military at'ache at Pakin, on July 22 sect a depairing message that unless reinforced in less than"* week the Legations would probably suc cumb No mention was made of a truce, and the writer declares that " since June 20 the Chinese soldie s from upwards of ten encampments wtro continually attacking the foreigners, but by a supreme effort the Europeans were still defending the Lega tions. When reinforcements arrive the EmpresE-Downger would probably flao," Admiral Conrrijulles, the French Naval Commander at Chefoo, telegraphs bhat there are strong signs that matters are quieting.

An ediot dec'ares that the Government has done its a* most to maintain peace, and is resolved to keep its treaty obligations.

Transvaal War.

Boers Surrendering and then

Rejoining Commandos.

Ifethuen Active.

(Received »Wakapuaka, August 1,10 20 a.m. This Office 7.55 a. va.)

Lohdom, July 31 Two hundred and fifty of General Olery's infantry repulsed a strong commando near Heidelberg on Saturday, killing 10 and wounding 12. The Boers who surrendered in tho Rustenbnrg district are re joining their commandos and threatening Zjerusb, Janies McOlure, a Victorian, died of his wounds at Ilastenburg. Lord Methuen is marching on Frederickst&d and Potchefstroom : fighting all Sunday, but thegcasualties were few. Stdnbv, July 31 It wan to Captain Watson, of the New South Wales Second Contingent, that the task of demanding the surrender of Pretoria was entrusted.

(Received Wakapuaka August 1, 4-30 p m This Office 7.30 pmi Sypney, August 1 Sir W. Lyno cabled to the Imperial authorities viewing with disfavor any attempt to induce New South Wales troopa t"> settle in South Africa. Albany, August 1 Arrived the Persic with invalided soldiers, Including three New Zealandera. (Received Wakapuaka August 1, 1035 pm, This Office 1149 pm) London, August 1 Lord Kitchener has gone to Krugersdorp to organise the relief of Ruatonburg. Lan Hamilton'! column marched through Pre toria. ,

London, August 1 Commandants Prinsloo, Yilliers. and Crowther and 986 men, ohiefiy belonging to the Fickaburg and L%dybrand oommandoe, with 1482 horses, 945 rifles, a Krupp nine pounder, and 50 waggons surrendered to General Hunter. The toaue recalled the «urr*nderab Cronge's laager. The Boere, laden with blankets and cunp utensili, rode sullenly between two lines of troops, and bhrew down the:r riflta. The laagers are guarded. The Boers deolared'that they were surrounded, otharwiae they would never have surrendered. , Some of the leaders in the hills are recalcitrant, olsimiag to aob independently of Priosloo. Lord Roberta has ordered the resumption of hostilities, warning Prinsloo that ho will be held personally responsible for the delivery of every gun. Some of the Boere surrendered to General MaoDooald ab Nauwpoorfc's Nek. The Harrismith and Trede commandos are -still unoaptnred, and Urge numbers of the enemy ar» escaping but of thej Caledorr Valley at night.

United Pre»» A«aaei*ticn—By Eltotrio Telegraph Wellington,, August 1

Government) is advised that the Gothic left Capetown with the following invalided members of the New Zealand contingents :— C»ptain Tanner, Lieutenant Ross, Vetinary Surgeon Trenary, Sergeaats(64B)Hodger«oD, Invercargii!; (533) Garland, Waikata; Corporal (373) Hwlfield, Martoo; FriYUfcei

(59) Tow-good, Peimaaent Artillery; (665) Alatkay, Cnierbuiy; (507) Freeman, i Waimate ; (359) B'ndersos, Christchurch ; 1(673) Mclntosh, W, imate; (82S) Collings, | H«wk(?8 Bay; (725) J Stewart, Feildingf | (357) H ckey (?) (453) Malcolm Duncdin.

MY Lady's Satchel.

[by te kawena.] As utu*', we were much too early at lhe Stuion ibis morning; to be so ia My Lady's idta of being punctual. Upon unclasping her satchel I espied a new book—-The lay of a eca-waif" by ¥. Bullen, I opened it. It looked inviting I began to nad and coming upon an interesting paiogreph 1 was infatuated enough to read aloud, in aa a< flertone of course. But instantly and emphatically 1 was checked. "For pity's aukb, dont! you re»!!y can* read. The art of reading ia nearly lost and it is a great shame that it should be, bi»t who studies to read aloud, Do you know one persfn?" and before I could answer she continual severely ''why dont men, and those who would like to be considered such (while saying this she did not look at me, bub straight at the snowy summit of Mb Somerß) make use of their opportunities." They appear to hare heads, why wont they uee them I" I couldnt ant war, so dfdnr, at the moment I was trying to discover what could have occurred to roffl) a temperament usually so serene. "They actually find them," the went on, trying to Hunter some art or science before they have learnt to read. Did lever mention to you that my father won my mother's afftotions by reading to her that perfect poem of Ooleridgea "Ail thoughts, ail passions, all delights" ! Now if young men had" such charming things on their lips instead of those disgusting little cigarettes dangling from them 2 What * difference it would make. Really, when I see them mouthing those nasty things, lam always reminded of those other abominations, known as " The Infants Comforter," and * say to myself as they go past, '• IMdems then ( H» couldn't be happy without this pretty pretty for 'ims tposy poosies S" I could afford to laugh, for I am cure it is years since I enjoyed doing East Street with a penny pendant in my mouth* Still I deemed it advisable to change the subject), and taking out her note book, asked her if she really thought a man's temper could be ' kept in nice order by means of his palate. " Certainly " she responded with a smile, it most be done with taste." I think it has been remarked before that our guardian angel is occasionally " variable, as the shade by the lighb quivering aspen made." I was relieved to see the return of sunshine and humbly murmured, that w« didn't half deserve the case bestowed upon us, which she didn't seem to hear, for, she said, "Give me that book a moment, I want to add one item more to that recipe for keeping a hus band's temper sweet, so she wrote. A good supper, children early to bed, in fuie<i ami something plecuaut to tell him when he etmes in-

Don't tell him (even if it it true) that you have been on your feet all day and don't know how to stand ; that you are sure that Tommy it taking the bubonio plague, and that the new girl is quite the worst you have bad yet, and It driving you insane. If yon must give him these details, wait until he hat had a good tea." " Very good," I aaid, " and have you no recipe for keeping' & wife's temper in nice order ?" " Oh, yes, here it is," and she read out. How to keep a wife'i fcempar in nice order—Praise her when she has taken pains and done her best to make things pleasant for you, and when she askt you if you like that new dieh Bhe has tried, don's say it might have been worse, but «h« ought to see how they cooked kegeree in Cambridge, for she may make a enappith reply, and then if you are indiscreet enough to remark that matrimony hasn't improved her temper, she may say she wished it had never been put to the test, and then the domestic pottery works are sets a-going." "Domestic pottery works?" " Yee, they begin making family jars for the use acd amusement, or distress and consist ration, of all whom it may concern, and many more whom it doesn't. If you ahould ever get a wife, and she tries to please you, praise her. Praise isn't flattery, neither is rudeness candour." Then she took up her pencil and wrote into her little note-book.

Although spring seema to be here, we have nob yet had our annual snowfall. It is not unseasonable to enter a good cure for chilblains—Mela together equal parts of fresh butter and bees wax, mix well, and rub well into the part affected, hands, feet, ears, or nose, as the case may be.

MIYFIELD ANO RUAPUNA

From OurOwnOorreiponileiii

HAKDSOMH DOXAT OK.

Mr and Mrs John Burgess, of Mayfiald, have made another handsome donation to the Preibyterian Church »t May field, in the form of another quarter aore of land. Tha section on which the Church stands is too small to allow of a belt of trees being planted, still leaving room for all the horses and vehicles with which it it crowded every Sunday, so Mr and Mrs Bnrgest kindly granted another piece, which is being ploughed and trees pub in; TKK WIATHER We arc having such lovaly weather that one is apt to forget that) this is tha middle o winter, th Mights arc mild and th« dagi quite warm. Grata is beginning to look green and fresh, and on several farms about Mayfield and Hekeao young lambs are to be seen. Early lambi indeed, and too early if we have rough weather before long, which is i to be expected after this unusual spell of ' Spring out of season. SHKXP. Sheep seem very scarce, and turnip feed, instead of being very scarce and dear as was expected in the Autumn, seems to be plenti ful, several farmers who did nod think they would have enough are now offering some for sale, SCHOOL MATTEBS. The Board of Education ars making in)* proveinents in the district by painting the schools aad dwelling houses &t Mayfield and Buapuna, and also enlarging the Ruapun* school house, . - SICKNESS. ' : ' , There have been several cases of eiok&esa at Ruapuna lately, but nothing of a serloaj nature.

CABLE NEWS.

(Joited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph i—Copy right

Reoeived Wakapuaka, August 1,10 20 a,m I his Office 10.20 am)

Sydney, July 31 The N.S.W.Government has nominated Mr Copeland to succeed Mr Solomons on the Pacific Cable Board; Victoria h*s agreed, but Queensland wishes Mr Tozser to fill the vacancy. -, A meeting of the Chamber of Commerce and representatives of members of labor employing organisations resolved thai; in view of the dangerous and 'inequitable provisions of the Industrial Arbitration Bill they are of opinion the industrial laws should be uniform throughout; Australia, and urged the rejection of the Bill.

Adelaide, August 1

The Colonial Treasurer has snnounced thafc the revenue for the year was £2.780,000, while the expenditure was £2,778,000

Melbourne, August I The steward of the Norwegian steamer Nordfarer, bound from New York,entered the small hold, where naptha was stored, under the poop, shortly before her arrival here, and took a light with him. A terrific explosion took phce, which tore the iron deck like dyuamite. The steward was f onnd badly injured, blown through the hatchway. Io took an hour and a half to extinguish the fire. Parliament pisaed a'"resolution of aynopuhy with the Queen of Ifcsly (R-rceived Wakapuaka Angus* 1, 10 20 a m, This Offiop, August 2, 12.17 p m)

London, Auguafc 1 Wray add Towns, the Australian scullers, row f<<r the Sportsman's Cbaifoug s Oop anJ 12 0 a side on September 13.

The wheat atil iiijur afloat are—for the United Kingdom, 5.335 000 quarters ; tor the Continant 1,400,0^0 quarters*

«B ASHBUBI'ON atJAftDiAN t tfHUKSOA?, AUGUST 2, 1900



First quarter Fall mtioo Last quarter New moon

D H M 4 4 16 Am U 9 0 am 17 11 16 pm 25 3 23 [im



t>*te August 2 •> 3 ». 4 „ 5 ,» 6 >. 7 „ 8

Ri«st 7 15 714 713 712 711 7 10 7 9

Pets 4 59 5 1 5 2 S 3 5 4 5 5 5 6



Berger's S^heep Marking 1 Composition , la Three Colors—Black, Red, B'oe. Hj^HW finest and moat economical Sheep JL BranHir.g (Jil in ihe market. Read fche opinions of Lea ii g Sheep Farmers in Otasjo :— WE INTRND U.*IN« IT A«AIK From N Z. Agr cu!»nr»l ()<>„ Wairoea House, Guru. M»y 22, 1897 | Bear Birs.— We hnve foand Bergers fiiirking ni\ to be a «ooq »rd durable hwp biftnr'ifH' mueif-il »nd it)tend using tbftgaiu, »h lie'DK chea^e 1" th*nt.heprtiparfe tlon fuimeri? un^d Hir the porpoe P. J PatehsoW, Stat. Mgr- VNDOUBTBOLY WORK ECONOMICAL THAK OIL AND lAMPBLACIC From J IVf WoKenait*. Bushy Park Estate, Palmwrroa. May 19 1897 Bear »iis,—l h<»v« greftt pleasure in itftring that Bbbnbk's Blioep branding Compound rhab I received from you has given me every satisfaction, and h andoubtpd'y more economical than oil and lampblack. I MAKE A POIHT OF KECOMSIENDINO IT From ksbert Logan, Maritangi, Hyde, May 30.1897 pear b'irs have used Bskoehs Branding O 1 or some years, and have . ound it so I factory that I make a point of recommend tig it. The liquid in the drums is he same consistency right Jrom top bottom, and requires no stirring.



ONLY TO SB USED TO BK APPRECIATED om James Taylor, Wairuna, Clinton 15,1897 et»r Sirs,—-I used Bkbgbk's Branding black and red, last seasm on my lock, ann I aro perfectly s%tis6ed with the results. To sheep farmers the preparation Invaluable, being always ready and Highly economical. It has only to be used to be appreciated. «UVKN BVBRY SATISFACTION FOB SEVERAL YEARS From Mr John Elliott, GiarlHrook Station, Midaieirarch. Ms>y 18, 1897 My DearSirß,—ln reply to your inquiry regarding Bebgeas Sheep Marking Com pound. We have used this Compound on all our fl jcks for several years and it hag given ©very satisfaction. 1b is o even quality and is ready fur use. I find it lasts well, being quite legible on ful woollsd skins It ia ranch more eeonomi crl than brand made with the old materials (lampblack and oil), aa owing to its even auality, there is no waste. " Always ready for use Guaranteed not to injure iho w..01. Will wash off on tcouring without leaving a stain. Sold by F. FERRIMAN, Aehburton, N,Z. F« FERRJMAN. TO LET, OFFICE? IN HAVELOGK STREi/F. TWO Rooms with shed, lately eccup!ed by Mr Jolliffa, Havelock Street, opposite Mr John Thomas' Grain Store. r F FERRIIiAN TAHCR&D STRKKT, &SHBURTO£i i A SHOP with two full windows, together wi;h an a'tachen dwelling ol 5 rooms, copps r, etc. The shop is situs ed next, to Mr Hall, Herbalist F FERRIMAN " tTPlet, CARTER'S TERRACE, TIKWaXD ft BUT very desirable Property, at J p;e3enfc occnpkd by Mr A Bew.ion, consisting of 4 acres of laud with 9 VJt m d house, detached washhouse and dairy, jrood stabling, traphcuse etc F FKRRIMAN



FOB bAljti, In Pete? Street, A COM FORT A BLS HOME, conaistlng J\_ if 7 rooms, win ba^h and abundant bmpply of water, deUch d wafrhhoaie, £ acre of good knd, planted with frait trees, within three minutes' wn'k of the railway station. Tho greyer portion of the purchase raonty can remain on mortgage. F. FERRIMAN. Es-ate Agent, At-hburton. 5 Town Stctions, a capital aita for bnildinE!, within 4 minutes' walk of Post Office F FERRIMAff. WAKaKUI RO&AE. FOE 8ALB? HOU3® of 6 rooraa, acre of land Price £150, £30 depoelfc. ______ E, FERRIMAN. foE~bALhi, Alford Forest Rosd,S HOUSK of 6 roorag and 1^ acres of land, adj >mB Mr GdorgeJHotken's property; easy terms. F.FERRIMAK "TORTSALK A'i ALLtNIOJS, A First clas» Block of Land, containing £»£ acres, well watered, long frontnge on a good io.^d. The greater portion of the purchase can remain at 5 per cent. Adapted for subditlelon. Ai.yone with a little capital, and half an eye to the fntnre, will inepcct and secure this block, F, FERPTMAN.^ " FOX bALE, A Four Roomed Houae and \ aero of land in the suburbs. Prtoe £150. F, FERRIMAN '~™ FlsirtiALfc, TSurnett Srieet^ Arijoinin? Dr Hanter'a Rt-ddonce, OVER, £ acre land, with House of 7 Rioms, easy terms. F. FERRIMAN. •



FOR SALE, TANORSD STREET, Tho Kesidentia! Street of the Town, A Comfortable Dwelling of 8 rooms ; the section is well fenced, and of good quality. F. fBRRIMAN. KAKM FOR "SALEt Qi Acres, within 2 mllea of Ashburfcon, \3~3Z This should prove a sound invest' menc for capital. Price, £1174. This propsr'y will Jefc en a long leaap to a good tenant. ■ F. FERRIMAN. FOR i\ | YEARB P. -MOATE&O^I e«* * i i»fcS\M h lISIBB iij c3 1 »jH H 3e^l



IN FULL S W I IN G.j STOCKTAKING SALE' AT " THE CORNER." (00MMKNOING OUH LAbT 14 DAYS) ANOTHER BATCH OF HEAL JOB LINES. (lust be Sild) 6 Ou!y*Me»'s Tweed Overcoats, 7s 61J, worth 21a 7 i-nly Assorted Men's Tweed Bno Coats, 9s to 12*. worth 21* 3 Only Trousers and Vests, 12« 6d, worth 22s 6«i 6 Cardigan Jackets 4* BJ, were 8i 6d U Assorted Boy's Tweed Kaiokw Bui », 69 lid »nd7*6d, (matt b« MM to be valued, worth 12s) L*rgo Turkey Hcndkerohiefs, 3 for la Bilk Striped Muflbrs l«6d, ÜbUally g« 6d 9 P*irs Women's L^cn K-d Boots, nsnally I2t 6d, sow 6a 114 16 D< Z9O Derby Scarfs, 4 for » 1b (worth treble th« munty) 16 Only Men. Flannel Undera 2) lid, uatully 3a lid (* tnl bargain) 48 Pairs Women. Leather Slippers 3s 5i (Sewn), Wort #a 9d, (beat raid* la Aehburtoa without doubt) 125 Pairs Ladies' Kid Fur Topped Gloves, 2s lid, (daring «»!• only) 24 Paire Mea'a L»mb Wool Pants, 4s 6d (worth 6s 6d) 300 Bay'a Tweed Caps, 6 for Is (look s>« these) 46 He&tth Buga 6*6 d, worth 9> 6d (hard to be aqua Usd) 3 only liirga Kidder Carpet Squares, 29i 6i (worth 49a 6<J) 40 Dozan White Tqrkey Towels, 6d, 9d, Is 60 Dosea Brown Turkey Towels, fid, 9d, la 269 Yards Bordered Apron Cloths, 5^3, worth 91 10 Pairs F*y Blouse FUnnelletfeca, 3|d, 4^d, 6d A large lot of Plain Colors *t ?&le v«,tue 22 Dark Tapestry Quilts, 5s 6d 75 White BUnketa, 3a 91 each 80 Grey Blanket*, 5* 3d each 1050 Ysrds Cretonnes (all daaigns) 4|^, Sid, 6j i 49 Piira Lace Ctrtains 3s 3d, worth §s 6d 35 Holland Aprons, Is, la 6d, Is 94 16 Child's Tunics, 3a lid, worth 6s 6d Special Reductions during the last 2 Weeks oa the Balance of our Ladies' Trimmed Hats, Lidiea" Opes, and Ladies' Jackets. ! 14 Children's Mackintoshes, 3s 63 to 6s lid, most ha cleared I 1879 Yards Wide Fancy Ribbons, for neok wear, 4J, «H s|l, 6i j worth 1 up to 3s per yard 115 Y»rda Fry Dreas Tweeds, 7JI; were Is 31 66 Yftrda Silk Striped Crepon Is 6d a yard (was 2a lid) Lewdies' Belts 3d, 51, 9d (worth treb'e) 60 Pairs Corsets, aseortad from 1« lid to 4i 6d, all odd s'^a a>nd makes— origiakUy 2a 91 to 9s 6d 12 Pieces Colored Velveteen Is s^l, all shades 2 Pieces only Black Velveteen, 1 l|t 37 Yards Evening Tiaaal Dreis Snuff Is 3d (was 2« 3d) PerambaUbor Qmlts, new and worth inspecting. Cot Qailtt, new sod w«rtk inspecting. Full size Bedstead Quilti new and worth inapaoting, SPEND TOUE OA^H_AT THIS SALE NORTH COTR W& HEFFORD "THE CORNER."



»NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY, Boy's Tweed Sailor Snita from 5« Boy's Serge Sailor Suits from 7b 6d Boy'a Tweed Melville Suits from 9« B< y's Twred Norfolk Suiti f'om 12s Boy's Sac Kircker Suits from 18i fed Boy's Covert Coan. from 14«6d Boy'a Tweed Overcoat* from 6* 6d Boy'B Reefer J^keta from 6» U By's Football Jerseys from 3s 3d Boy's Caps 6d aach Boy's bailor Tami la each FOR GOOD VALUF,, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRICE 00 TO THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. FENCING MATERIALS. STAKES, STAKES, STAKES Barbed Wire. Plain Wire. IRON STANDARDS to order ia any; quantity. COAL. COAL. COAL. Tt YOU Want Good WESTPORT GOAL! IF 7OXJ Want Good BLACKBALL GOAL! IF YOU Want Good NEWCASTLE COAL! IF YOU Want the Most Economical Goal in the ;market, get "SHAG POINT." Send your Orders to ua, and you will sare money, and keep your temper good, We hare all the above Goals, and can supply your wants immediately W. H. COLLINS & CO., REMOVED TO MITCHELL & 'JUBNEK'S OLD PREMISES, TANORKD STREBT



GREAT WINTER SALE (For 31 Days) COMMENCING FRIDAY MORNING. JULY Bth GREAT REJDUGTIONi~I^"iENEBAL k FANCY DBAFMBY, CLOTHING, & BOOTS. Splendid Opportunity for Cash Purchasers. ROSLYN Blankets from 16a 94 English Blankets 8a Qd to 12s 9d Men's Saddle Tweed Trouaew, Colonial, 10a 6d to 12r€d Men's All Wool Kaiapoi Trousers 5a 6d, 6s 9d, and 7« 6d | Men b Waterproof Coate, sewn learns, greatly reduced j Ladies' Jackets, Gapes, and Mantles half price j 60 Maids' Macintoshes at 4s 6d ; Ladies' 7s 6d Black Cashmeres from Is 6d per yard Grand Stock of Ladies' Oorsets much under usual prictt Navy and Black Serges, all wool, miich reduced Krery Article in Stock largely Discounted TAILORING DEPARTMENT.—Having secured the service! of ft first-class cottbr, Suits now made from £3 $&, perfect fit. DRESSMAKING.-—Thia Department is giving every satisfactioni; fit and style, at moderate prices. ANDRE WORE.



« < I O S g P



Property Sales—Mr F Ferriman reports the following sales of properties :—On ac count of Mr Henry Hooper, his property on the ASford Forest road, to Mr George Elliott; on aooount of Mrs Bleeman, her property in Peter Street, to Mr Henry Hurley; on account of Mr A Hewson, his property on Carter's Terrace, Tinwald, to Mr J M Furz«; on account of Mr William Piftfct, Ohrist ohurch, three town sections—two adjoining the Roman Catholic Presbytery, and one in Havelook Street, West.



HARDLE7 BROS. Ashburton, supply windmill and stand for £12, Weil linking Kb moderate rates.



one of her best, recitals on Augmit 7. "OwRSHLvas as Other She Us."— Oar friends are generally too polite to tell us our faults; but they seldom fail to observe the fit and style of our clothes. Young men who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind that) t( appearance goes along way." An ill-fitting suit is uncomfortable, and an "eye-sore "to your friends. Don't risk it! If you are a stranger here, the first well.dressed citizen you mesh Will gladly direct you to *• The Leading Tailora where you will always find a large assortmont of ' Up fco date" suitings to select from, and where you can always depend on getting satisfaction. The large and still increasing business done by Mjsssbs Craighead and Birktmam speaks volumes. This firm has just imported ptobably the finest stock of aew seasons tailoring goods ever shown in Ashburton, including a beautiful range the new rain proof Beavers and Meltons for Covert ooatß and Chesterfield overcoats, both ashionable and durable. r A Bill "with reference to Messrs B&llantyne j and Company's Sale, now on, in Christ church, it circulated with this issue. timoke New Venus Wade's Worm Fig the wonderful Worm Worri«ri r never fail lor adults or children