EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for September

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Aahburton daily for— CHRISTCHURCH—at 720 a.m.. 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7 spm. (express) TIMARU—at 10 55 a.m., 350 p.m. DUNKDIN—at 12 54 P.m. (express) SPRtNGBURN—at 4.25 pro.

Trains arrive dally at Ashburton from—• CHKISTOHURCH-at 10.45 ».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) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a.m.

SECOND EDITION

Mail IToticee.

Mails close ior the following places as under, t abject to the necessary alteiatlons: —

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Foi Northern Ports, Westport, and West Coast, per Rotcmahtna, at 6 30 p m WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 For Northern Ptrfcs of New Z-aUnd, Westpott, also South A frioa, C yion, India, Ohm», etc., and Unite! Kingdom, Continent of Eu epe, etc, (specially addreised via Suez}, per Waikare, at 10.30 a.m. Duo Sydney September 25th.

Commercial.

LONDON MARKETS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received September 17, 8 5 p.m)

London Sept 16

Frozen mutton—Crossbred wethers and maiden ewes, Canterbury 3 11-16 d, Dunedin and Southland 3 9-16 d, North Island 3 716 d. Lambs—Prime Canterbury 4£d, fair average (iocludirg Dunedin, Southland, Wellington and ssaondary Canterbury) 4£d, River Plate mutton—Crossbred or merino wethers (heavy and light) 3£l. New Zealand beef, 1801b to 220!b per quarter, fair aveiage quality ox fortquarters 3§l, ox hindquarters 4*d.

At the sheepskin sales there was poor competition, with a s/neral decline of 10 per cant. Wheat — 11,000 quarters of Victorian September and October shipments were sold at 32i 3d per quarter.

ABHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association ot CanterJ bury, Ltd, quote as follows on [September 17, 1900:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl —' 2s 3d to2s4d „ „ Tuscan.„ 2s 3d to 2s 4d „ „ Hunter's 2s 2d to 2e 3d Oats—Duns .- Is 6d Danish Is 61 Canadians la 8d Hparrowbills Is 7 J Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Poas—Partridge, 2* 3d Chaff—Good tatsbeaf 47a 6d to 60s Grass Sood —Old pasture, 2-. to 2s 3d New „ Is 6d to Is 9d The above are prices current paid to farmers on tni'ks at Ashburton.

ASHBURTON STOCK MARKET

The stock sale was held to-day at_the Ashburton yards. As a result of the bright morning, there was a vsry large attendance, Farmers, dealers, and others, collecting in Urga force. The entries for both cattle and sheep was very limited, the yarding of sheep being the smallest brought forward for a very long time. In the cattle pens, the prices obtained were as follows :—Fat heifers, £610j ; small sorts of heifers bringing £2 5% £2 6s, and £3 6s ; cows, £3 5» and £3 10*; steers, £3 2i 6-1; springers. £5 10?, £5 6a, £6 ss; backward sorts, £2 10s ; calves, 18s to 20s. Coming to the sheep department, the entry of fat sheep in the butchers' pens proved a record one, only one sheep being yarded, for which Mr Band obtained 2ls ; and the only entries in sheep sold were twenty seven crossbred ewes and lambs 8s 6d ; and 105 at 8i 7d, all counted, and 100 per cent of lambs in each case ; another line of about 150 ewee with lambs at foot, were passed at 16s Sd, charging for ewes only. Pigs—Baoonors, 355; stores, 18». A mixed lot of store cattle brought 27s per head. .

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY. SEPTEMBER 18, 1900. OUR LEGISLATORS.

It has been the practice for a pood many people to look upon Hansard, as an altogether worthless publication, and it is quite safe to say that not more than one in every hundred of the population read it regularly. There is however, something to be said in favor of the regular perusal of Hansard, at anyiateby those whose names may be on the electoral roll. It is true no doubt, that Hansard does not tell us precisely what our representatives have said on any subject under discussion, nor exactly how they said what is re ported, because we know that every member corrects his own proofs, a prac tise that has come to mean that we only see what they intended to say. But it may be assnmed that, if some of the utterances of our representatives in the House may not be known outßide, the gist of other sayings of theirs will be found in the pages of this legislative chronicle. * Now if the electors would keep themselves posted up in the doings in the House, more closely than they could do by merely reading the Parlia mentary news- published by the Press of the colony, they would know a good deal more than they now do about the way things are managed, particularly about the way the Government man age the representatives of the people. A careful perusal of Hansard would also open the eyes of a good many, as to tbe peculiar ideas held by some of the members of Parliament, concerning the duties of a representative of the people. Tbe pages of the New Zealand Hansard abound with evidence* that political economy, as taught by John Stewart Mill, Herbert Spencer, and others, is an unknown science to a majority of our legislators. Ignorance of its fundamental principles, is shown in crude attempts at legislation, and the Government is continually asked to do things quite outside of the pro vince of the State. It is very am using as a rule to read the speeches of some of our representatives, when they are putting questions to Ministers, This is when they shine. The most com mon style of question is an enquiry

whether Government will provide em ployment— that is State pay — men who don't like competing in the open labour market. One cannet take up a single copy of Hansard in which questions are asked and answered, without finding examples. Here is one from No, 21, Sept 4 :—"Mr O'Meara (Pahiatua) ask' d the Minister of Lands, whether he will make immediate provision to find employment in Iho Pahiatua electorate for impecunious settlers, who were promised employment when se lecting their holdings?" Another common form of supplication is for concessions to some member's consti tuents which are not enjoyed by other people. For instance, Mr T. McKenzie afked that the men on Go-operative works in theWaihemo electorate should have electoral rights issued to them, so tbat they would not have to leave their work, to record their votes, but just toward the voting papers by post as seamen do. This might be a convenient and very desirable arrangement for Mr McKenzie's constituents, but why should it be specially given to them ? The same member asked for railway concessions to co operative workmen so that they might travel to and from their work at excursion fares. Again very nice for Mr McKenzie's constituents ; but why should they be specially favoured ? It may be that representatives are expected to get all they possibly can for their constituents, but surely this kind of thing is opposed to all ideas of good government. Ministers, yield to the importunities of members much more than is just to the country at large ; but they recognise the necessity to draw tbe line somewhere. For instance, Mr Duncan (Minister of Lands), is reply to the member for Pahiatua, said that up to the present date the applications for roads and bridges for his district amounted to i £68,282, and if the requirements of every member of the House came to the same amount it would take a sum of £5,600,000 to meet them. Mr Dun can added that he had received from one single member of the House no less than 126 letters asking for some thing for his district. And tbe Min ister had only been about two months in office! It would be interesting to calculate how many letters he might expect if every member of the House addressed an equal number of epistles to him per month for a year. A crude idea is that of Mr Hogg, member for Masterton—and not even original—that Government should es tablish state farms all roved the chief centres, This is how be would utilise them. " They would tend to prevent the formation of tlums. . . and afford aid in times of depression to the unemployed. . . Would diminish crime. . . These farms would be safety-valves for our industrial mac hinery, and, besides being of value to the class who require astistance at times among the labouring population, they would help the residents of the cities by providing them with fresh food, vegetables, fruit, and dairy pro duce." It would seem that Mr Hogg (who by the way was lately mentioned as a probable Minister), would provide these farms to put the people from the slums of our cities upon them, and assist them to supply, the residents of the cities with fresh food, etc. It does not concern this legislator that these slumites would expect to live re it free, and would be paid by the taxpayers to compete with bona fide formers for the food supplies of the centres of popu lation. We recommend the electors to give a little more of their attention to the doings of our representatives in Parliament. And if we are not me taken, they will gain much useful infor ms tion on tbe subject of Parliamentary Government in New Zealand;

THE COUNTY COUNCIL STAFF.

SoMB time ago a few of the memberß pf the County Council suddenly awoke to the belief that the officers of that body were paid too well, and they seem to have felt it to be their duty to the ratepayers to move in the matter. Accordingly they, actiug entirely on their own motion, devoted a good deal of attention to the subjrct of office salaries, and handed in a report to the Council. A special meeting of that body was held yesterday to consider this report, and after a long discussion the Council almost unanimously de clined to accept the recommendations made by the Committee. Under ordinary circumstances the matter would have ended there. But a new departure has been made by the Council, as our readers will see on reference to our news columns, where the rejected report, apparently a con fidential one, Is published in full, at the request of the Council. This is certainly a very unusual course to adopt with regard to a matter of that kind, and is all the more remarkable as the Press was not admitted to the meeting. We can only assume that the Council had some motive—occult, but doubtless good—in so dealing with this particular report. However, as the report is now to be public property, it is open to criticism, and we think our readers will agree with us that it is very much; rpen to criticism. The very first clause, which tabulates the annual expenditure for salaries, shows the total to be £877. We suppose that this amount appeared to the Committee to call for immediate reduction— entirely in the interests of the rate payers. Well, we happen to have a list of tbe salaries paid by the Selwyn County Council, Jand it totals £976, with tvo free houses. The Ashburton County Council has 1300 odd miles of water races to sYtt'nd to, as against J.IOO in the Selwyn County. In that county two officers, who are paid respectively £275 and £200 each, with a free house, do some of the work which the Ashburton County Engineer performs. But the latter has a much larger number of bridges to look after. However, it is unnecessary for us to say more on this point, which we only allude to in order to show that the talk about "duty to the ratepayers," etc, scarcely fits the case. The second clause in the report looks as if it was rather too previous. It is a statement that no new works are likely to be undertaken by the Oouneil for some time to come. Reed in the light of tbe fact that the question of bringing water from Lake Heron, a large and costly work, will be under consideration at the next meeting of the Council, the Committee's assertion is rash—not to aay dogmatic, There i« one other

point in connection with the recom mendation of the Committee which suggests want of experience on tbe subject dealt with. We refer to the proposal that the County Clerk should bft a properly qualified solicitor with a salary of £250 a year. Does anyone really think that a properly qualified solicitor could be induced to accept £250.ayear .'And do the members of the Committee know of any case where the legal clerk has been a success. We can tell them that in nine cases out of ten, where this scheme has been tried, the local bodies have had to pay much more than the ordinary solicitors' fees in trying to get out of the holes their law clerk has got them into. We are, as we have said, surprised at the pub lication of a report of euch a nature as that under review when it has been rejected ; but we are not at all sur prised that the Council refused to accept it. Th« ratepayers do not want any cheese-paring to be adopted with the Council's employees. They only ask for reasonable economy on the I' part of the Council and honest service on the part of the staff; and so far they think they have had both.

Local arid General.

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

Leotork—The eighth lecture of the course on English literature will be delivered by the Rev R A Woodthorpe, M.A, in St. Ste phen's schoolroom to-morrow afternoon at 345p m. Ihe subject of the lecture is "The poetry of Tennyson."

AspAiuous.—There seems to bs hardly any limit in sz« to which asparagus may be grown. At a recent show in England the firat priza was awarded to a bundle of 100 Dtalks which weighed 22ib, the second przs 19fclb, and the third prize lot 171b liz The pr z3 for the bravest bundle was awarded to one weighing 28£lb. Exhibit of apples—A magnificent ex hibit of apples grown in the United States of.America is about to be made at Paris. About 2,500 barrels of this fruit have been sent forward, all the samples double wrapt til first with parchment butter paper, then with regular fruit wrappers made oi Manila tis?u9.

Mobb Returning Invalids—The Premier has telegraphed to Mr Henry Willis that he is advised by cable, that Trooper Willis of the New Zetland Rough Riders, has been invalided home, and left for New Zealand on the 11th ins*-. The Premier added he hoped Trooper Willis would soon be restored to his usual health;

Tht Coal Output-—The output of coal from West prt last week was 9284 tons 12c wd, of which amount the Went port Coal Company shipped 8846 tons 14owt, and the Westport Co-operative Company 437 tons IScwt. From Greymouth the Blackball Coal Company exported 1858 tons llcwt coal, and the Brunner Company 2662 lodb 19owt coal, 26 tons 18cwt coke and 25 tons bricks.

Thk Govhrnor. — His Excellency the Governor has accepted the invitation of the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association to be present at the Agricultural Show at Christchurch on Thursday, Nov. 8, and he will also be present at the luncheon next day.. The Governor, accompanied by Lady Constance Knox and the Hon. Hill Trevor, will be absent from Wellington until Tuesday week. The Hinemoa has taken the party for a cruise in the Marl borough Sounds.

Military Tournament.—At the parade of the Guards last evening, Lieutenant Niooll stated that a military tournament would be held in Duoedin on Boxing D-y, and that both of the local companies would endeavour to be represented. With this end in view the services of Staff-Sergeant-M»jor Jones would in all probability be secured for Fridty evenings for at Tleast. a month, to instruct intending teams of both companies.

Flgin Sunday School Concert— The annual concert in aid of the pr'jo fund of the Elgin. Sunday School was held on Friday evening last. The superintendent, Mr H. Hardley, occupied the chair, and the meeting having been opened with hymn and prayer, a miscellaneous programme was sub mitted to a fairly large audience. The following scholars gave recitations ;— Percy Smith, Flo Smith, Lily Choak and Clara Smith, while the last named with Aliod and Jennnie Protherot contributed a song. Mr Priest gave an interesting address on Sunday Sohool and Band of Hope work ; and Mrs Marsden, Mrs Rsioe, Miss Trevurz*, Mr J Butteriok and Mr Tre^urzi filled up the eveuings entertainment with songs. The ladies connected with the Sunday School provided.and handed round refreshments at the conclusion of the concert.

Lagmhor Minstbbls—A concert and dance was held at Lagmhor on Friday nigh is, the proceeds of which went to the Hall window fund. Although the night did not look any too promising, the hall was packed, some having to stand in the porch. £10 was taken at the door. The first part of the programme consisted of songs and recitations, nearly all the performers receiving Most hearty encores. Mr Buckley's shadowgraph was also the cause of much amusement and laughter at intervals during the first part of the programme. The Lagmhor Minstrels made the second part very enjoyable with songß, ( darjoes, g»K«, etc They would have been a credit to a much larger community, and deserve great praise for their part of the performance. The concert ended only too soon, even though it was after eleven o'clock; The audience then proceeded to where refreshments were provided. The remainder of the night was spent in a most enjoyable dance, the fl»or and musio being all that could be desired. Auld-lang-syne was sung at 4.30 a.m.

A Reminder—We wish to remind all who may require ntw suire &c, " before the Show," that we have already opened out a large variety of New Goods for the Spring and Summer seasons, comprising the most "up to date " best quality worsted suitings, &a, imported direct from tbe manufacturers. For a number of years we have always had such a*• Rush " of orders just before the holidays, that we found it impossible to execute all by the required time. We would therefore respectfully urge all our friend (both old and new) to kindly pall and favour us with their esteemed orders as early as possible to prevent disappointment, and oblige Cbaighrad & Bhrrvman, the leadiug Tailors and Outfitters, Ashburton

New Zealand ami the Islands.

Sydney, September 17

The Fiji Times of August 29 th publishes a letter from Mr Seddon, dated August Bth, in reply to communi cations from Messas Riemen, Schneider and La?*rus, ir. reference to New Zealand Fijian federation. Mr Seddon says he immediately placed the communications before his colleagues, and that thn New Zealand Governmrnt is favourable, and will eo operata to bring about what is desired. He would therefore recommend that intimation should b» given as soon as possible, and whilst the New Zealand Parliament is sitting,

Another letter in the same issue, commenting on that of Mr Seddon, urges that a public meeting should be held at an early date to consider the matter.

News in Brief.

We wish to draw attention to the fact that Mr D Stock of the Jubilee Book Shop, Burnett Street, has a varied assortment of boots and phpea for sale, also that all his re pairs are done in a thorough workmanlike manner.

Messrs George Duncan $Cc, ready money drapers, Tapered Street, intimate that hav ing secured a lease of their premises, they are now opening a new stock of goods direct from the home manufacturers which they intend setting at rock bottom priest.

The Martinborough Fire.

Wellington, Sept 17

The little boy Eric Wilson-Smith, another of the victims of the Maryborough fire, died at the Greytown hospital to-day, making the fiffeh death occasioned by the fire The who'e of the Wilson-Smith family—father, mother, and two ohildren—are now dsad The condition of the girl Ethel Lack, one of the housemaids, who esoiped from the bnra jug building, is still serious.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric^ Telegraph Ion»on, September 16

At the Confectioners' and Bakers' International Exhibition, which is being held in London, the New South Wales Government was awarded a grand diploma of honour for wheat and flour exhibits

Melbourne, September 17

G. Blake, of the Melbourne Harriers, won the Ten-miles Cross Country Championship of Victoria, covering the distance in 61 rein 27£ sec. Sydney, September 17

The Hawea, which left for the Bluff, put back to obtain medical assistance for Charles Perry, & don key man, who had both bis arms broken by falling from a beam.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy right

BOTHA RESIGNS.

FRENCH'S DARING FEAT'S.

(Received Sept 17, 8 5 p m)

London, Sept 16

Some engineers who were engaged repairing the Lydenburg telegraph line were attacked by the Boers at Croco dile River. They returned to camp, but nineteen Hussars who were escorting their convoy are missing. Lord Roberts reports shat he has heard that General Botha has tempor arily resigned the chief command of the Boer forces owing to illhealth. The German newspapers commend Lord Roberts' humane warning to the Boers.

Details of General French's capture of Barbertou showed that he crossed the mountains, surprised the town and intercepted large convoys, while tbe bulk of his force was thirty-five miles behind his cavalry owing to the difficulty of bringing the waggons over the mountain pass. Owing to the annexation of tbe Transvaal, the. Portuguese Government refuses to recognise Mr Pott, formerly the representative of the Transvaal at Delagoa Bay. The British cruiser Philom has arrived at Delagoa Bay.

500 BOERS CAPTURED.

DE WET SAID TO BE KILLED.

THE NETHERLANDS RULWAY

TAKEN.

KRUGERM HEALTH NOW.

(Received 1130 pm) ! I ©ndost, Sept 17

General French captured 500 prisoners and ten thousand poonds* worth of specie at Barberton.

The British have occupied Nelapruit.

De Wet's Kaffir servant, who has arrived at Verlenlglng, declares that he saw De Wet killed on the 7th near Potchefstroom.

The military authorities have officially taken over the Netherlands railway.

Tbe Boers generally wish to surrender, but the foreigners and rebels are deter^ mined to resist.

Fam'ne p^ ices rule in Johannesburg. Kroger has cabled to the Dailg Express that he b coming to Europe for his health. Portugal has nurhorlsed Kruger's departure from Delagoa if the Governor ia convinced that Europe is his real destination.

MACDGNALD CAPTURES WAGGONS AND ANMUNITION

KRUGER OFFERED A PASSAGE

KITCHENER'S EVIDENCE

Received Wakapu*ka September 17, 1010 pm, This offioe 1150 p m London, Sept 17

General Mscdonald on Thursday pursned 800 Boers with three guns between Winborg and the Vet River. He captured thirty-tsee waggons, comprls:ng half of the enemys transport, and much ammunition and stores.

Colonel Paget captured two thousand cattle at Hebron.

The Netherlands Government has offered Krnger a passage to Europe In a warship. General Kitchener gave evidence before Hospital Enquiry Commission. He supported Lord Roberts' evidence. He statrd that 1680 tons of hospital appliances accompanied Lord Roberts' advance, and that more was impossible.

Speaking at Ladybank, Fifeshire, Mr Asquith said tbe annexation of the South African Republic was inevitable. He protested against hustling on the general elections- The Times says the Queen's proposed review of colonial troops is hailed with pride and delight

RETURNING INVALIDS

Received Wakapuaka Sepfo 17,10.40 p.tn t This Office 1110 pm HoBART,Sept 17 The Kutnara brirgs another batch of invalided soldiers, including the following New Zealanders : — Troopers Cullan, Edwards, Furlong, and Nightingale.

INVALIDED SOLDIERS.

Wellington, Sept 17 The Governor has reseived the following cable from the General of Communication —Capetown, September 16th—Wakanui left Capetown on September 11th. She has on board the following invalids from the New Zealand Contingents:—For Welling ton—Troopers Woodley, Cobat, London, ffraser, Willis, Clarke, Templeton, Cubitt, and Farrier Wallace, For Lyttelton— Gunner Colhorn. For Auckland—Lanoe- Oorporal Williams.

Chief Justice of Samoa.

United Press Association—By Eieotrio Telegraph—Copyright Sydney, September 17 Advices have been received that Dr Schney, German Imperial Judge of the Bismarck Archipelago, has been ap pointed Chief Justice of Samoa.

Sporting.

United Presß Association—By Eleotric Telegraph—Copyright

A HANDSOME DONATION.

Sydney, September 16 • At the set ling over the Spring Meeting it was announced that Mr Halt, the owner of the winner of the Metropolitan Handicap, had donated £1000 to the Children's Hospital.

ASHBURTON COUNTY RACING CLUB

Acceptances for the first day's handicaps, also entries for the Fairfi«!d Plate, close this (Tuesday) evening, at 9 o'clock, at the Secretary's office, Arcade.

Interprovincial.

Auckland, Sept 17 In the Supreme Court, Agnes Hendry, a young woman entf»ged in domestic duties, sued Frank Edward Brooker, of Opahuhu, for £250 damages for breach of promises Judgment was given for £200 and costs. la the PoHce Court to-day a sly grog selling case was heard, in which Constable A A Mitchell, in plain clothes, accompanied by a man named Williams, went to Catherine Lock's house on instructions of Sergeant Forbes, to endeavour to get a conviction. Both Mitchell and Williams stated tbey purchased the said beer from tbe defendant. This the defendant denied, and at she close of the case her solicitor handed the Magis trate informations sworn by Mrs T ock and a Mrs Guintel, charging Mitchell and Williams with committing rape on the occasion Id question The sly grog selling case was adjourned, and Mitchell and Williams were remanded till Wednesday. Bail for £10© saob. Wellington, 8 ptember 17 The evidence against Mrs Henderson is practically the same as at the inquest. The witnesses were not cross-examined. The hearing is unfinished. At a meeting of representatives of the local bodies it was decided to ask the Government to introduce legislation vesting the control of the road from Wellington and Patone in the local bodies, it to be put in a proper state and maintained in repair. At present it is in a most disgraceful oondition. At a meeting of persons interested in dredging, resolutions were passed Bimilar to those elsewhere, asking for an extension of time where owners are unable to begin work through inability to procure plant. King Mahuta and party were welcomed by the natives of the Wellington district, Napier, West Coast, and Middle Island, to the number of about 200, at Sydney Street Schoolroom this afternoon. Amongst those present ware a large number of members of both House of the Legislature. Heu Heu Taupo presided, The welcome was carried out in accordance with the Maori custom of the natives. Minister Carroll represented the Government, nnd Mr Duncnn was also present. Chants and addresses in the native language were delivered by Mr Carroll and Wi Pare Pirats. Horns Heke hoped the King and Chiefs of Waikato would forget their past troubles, leave their isolation, and combine with tbe other natives of the colony and the Gov rnment in framing measures for the welfare of the race generally. Mahuta replied to the welcome speeches givea by the chiefs, and agreed that there should be a new birth. If there had been mistakes in the past they should be rectified. He had not come to obtain an advantage over the o'ber tribes, but to act in the interests of a!'. After the speeches had been delivered, a*l those present weie presen'ed to Mahuta. The brass band which accompanied the party played selec tions of music.

Christchurch, September 17 The Committee of tbe Jubilee Exhibition has received advice from the railway authorities that the goods intended for exhibition will be carried fiee on tbe rail ways but at the risk of the sender.

BOROUGH COUNCIL.

The usual fortnightly meeting of above w»s held laut evening:—Present—The Mayor (Mr H Friedlander), and Councillors J Davison, H M Jones, E J Paul, H Davis, H Willis, J Scaly, J W Timmins, and Robert CUrk.

The debit balance at the Bink was stated to be £1210 19s 2d. Revenue receipts during the fortnight were £63 12* 3d. NEW COUNO'LLOBS The Returning Officer reported tr c election of Messrs Scaly, Davis, Timmins and Ciark. 00BRESP0NDENC8 Correspondence was read from the Ash burton County Council, asking for £10 for contribution to the hospital.—Decided to pay From Ashburton County Council, enclosing account towards traffic bridge, and asking for this Council's contribution. — Also decided to pay From Hospital Board, stating that Cr Scaly had been appointed to the Board in place of Mr Joliffe—Received From General Post Office, acknowledging letter re site of new Post Office—Received

From Alfred Harrison, asking for channel* ling to be completed in Peter Street—lt was decided to reply that the work will be done in due couria

From W H Arrow, asking for permission to drain into Winter Street—Referred to the Works Committee with power te act

From Turn bull and Jones, electrical engineers, intimating their Mr Turnbull would visit Ashburton oa Tuesday. A committee was appointed to meet Mr Turnbull.

Applications for enrolment as burgesses were received from Mrs Fee, Mr R Hill, J Blackler, and Mrs A Hill SANITARY The Inspector's general and sanitary re port was lead and received.

Cr Jones referring to a recent statement it a nuisance existing at the railway station in eooteation with the urinal, though if it were true—steps should be taken to abate it

The engineer reported the drainage and water supply there wets in a satisfactory state

The Mayor pointed out that the Inspector of nuisance*, who did his duty well, had not reported adversely on this place

Cr Jon re wished to know when the croir ings from footpaths were to be made from East to West street

Or Paul wished'to know if after Dr Symes' report on the rubbish dumping ground in the riverbed, any steps had been taken by the Coucnil to put a stop to this The engineer stated the rubbish was placed in the riverbed, not on the island* but Cr Paul denied thie,' as at present it was a disgrace to tbe town

Tbe engineer said he had advocated for a Ion? time past, the removal of this rabbish depot

ALfORD FOREST ROAD RACE

The Mayor wished to know what the Council wished done with respeot to the decision at the last meeting, as to placing pipes in this road, and the proposed loan of £2000 required for the work. Considering the cost of piping, as compared with the cost of fencing the race, he would advocate under the circumstances, that It would be preferable to undertake the latter. If a high pressure supply was arranged for in the future, the temporary feaoe would be but a small expense, ai compared with the other scheme. He could not support the idea of piping this channel. Cr Willis moved that that a legal opinion be taken to ascertain if this fence would protect the council. Cr Andrews supported. The Mayor suggested that the ratepayers at Allonton be asked te meet the council and see if some satisfactory arrangement could be arrived at respecting the treatment of this race question. He was anxious to ayoid any Unnecessary expense in the meantime. He asked if Cr Willip would agree to this. Cr Willis withdrew his motion and it was decided that a meeting at AUenton to discuss thle matter with the interested ratepayers be at ranged. BTJBBiSK Cr Paul moved that the council take steps to remove the nuisance at rubbish dumping 1 ground on riverbed, and oounoil inspect the looaliiy—Carried, Cr Jones gave notice of motion for the seleotion of a new night soil depot. Cr Willis suggested that these matters main over until after the passing of the Health Bill, which would affect the

Council's pow*r", aud hi sugges ed •lotice be withdrawn m-»r»ime, and this >vt,s agreed to. An a,>pl:caMon of Or. Jonfs tooonneob drainage of Board school whh aide channel, was referred to Works Committee. *$»$ RBBBRVSB Or Jones wished to see some improvement rntdf 1 in Baring Square and other reserves, *nd question of beautifying these places was urged by him C< Paul in support, stated £50 had been offered in respect of thi* matter. The council should tske the initiative, there was plenty of money to be obtained for the ghjqrjt.—Rrf'rred to Works Committee* The Reserves Committee's rsport was adopted. , Or Scaly objected to reserves being let for one year, as being objectionable, as. they were left* in bad order, and he moved that reserve 298 be leased in the present iastancs for three years—to be offered by tender, the Reserve* Committee to draw up conditions, The Engineer's report, as amended, was adopted. TENDERS Tenders for outfall diain reserves were openrd. A. Spring £4 5» and R. Fj Lswis £4 10s, the latter being accepted. For section in East Street, R B Restell offered £2 10s and A. Spring £4 10s, the latter being accepted. The Mayor thought that es the town was going ahead tbe question of disposing of these leases should be referred to the Reserves Committee, for the purpose of deciding if reserves should in future be put up by public auction. For formation of Wills Street, 16 chains, two tenders were received-Fleming and Spicer £57, George Bright £31 18s. The latter was accepted. W H Collins 4 Cos. tender for a supply of timber was accepted.

COMMITTERS Councillors were appointed on Committees as follows: —

Works—Scaly, Jones, Davis, Andrews, Davison. Domain—Sialy, Jones, Davis, Andrewr, Davison. Reserves—Willis, Paul, Davisor, Clark, Tfmmins.

Lighting—Davis, Clark, Timmliss, An drews, Jones. By-Laws—Paul, Scaly, Willis, Davison, Andrews.

Fire Brigade—Clark, Paul, Davis, Jonss, Timmins.

Finance—Jenes, Davison, Willis. Library—Davison, Timmins, Clark, Paul, Willis.

Hospital Committee Delegates — Ths Mayor and Or Be»lj< Mr Dorm was appointed Fire Inspector.

Cr Scaly expressed surprixe that no repo r "f Dr Symes on the Hospital drainage had been received.

Accounts were passed for payment amounting to £712 3b sd, which included Messrs Friedlander Bros' account for sentient.

DOMAIN BOAFD.

The Council then eat as above. The Curator complained th+fc bird nesting (thereby destroying trees), and alee flower stealing were prevalent in the Domain, and recommended that steps be taken to prevent this.r-It was decided to take steps.

THE HISTORY OF A POOR.

At the meeting of the Borough Council last evening, the Mayor, before the general business started, referred to a letter of Mr W H Collins' which had appeared in the Guabdian :—At a public meeting Mr Collins had stated that the Mayor did not know what he was calking about. He read Mr Collin's letter with respect to ths door for the Council's strong room, No estimates had been obtained.

Tbe Engineer hers stated, a good many enquiries were made outside, although there were do competitive tenders called. The Mayor continuing said in justloe to the clerk he had brought up this mat. ter. He noticed the Council had not carried out the clause 222 on more than one occasion lately, and referred to the order for tar sent to Duaedn. Did tbs Council take this clause into consideration then? If they were to carry out that clause strictly they would have to call for tenders for tar. Cr Davis pointed out that tar was wanted at once, and a resolution of the Council had decided to obtain the tar first from Christ church. He added there was a difference between tbe action of the Works Committee and a resolution of the Council,

The Mayor s id this did not deal wi'h the point raised. The Council had apparently agreed that nothing be purchased over £20, and the tar weuld require to be tendered for.

Cr Scaly said the tar could not be obtained elsewhere than in Dunedin.

Cr Jones confirmed this, bat to keep within the Act he advocated catling for tenders as suggested. The Engineer here stated the tar had already been ordered, The Mayor s—" Well, I havedonemy duty in the matter, ael did not want this brought up again by?and-bye." The matter then dropped.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

AUSTRALIANS AT THE FRONT

United Press Association-By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright.

(Received Sept 17, 8.5 p ».) Hok« Kokq>, September 16 Tbe transport Salamis, with the Australian troops on board, has arrived at Wei-hai-wei, and will proceed to Taku.

MANCHURIAN RAILWAY DESTROYED.

RUSSIAN TROOPS LEAVE

PEKtN.

SIR ROBERT HART'S WARNING

WHERE THE EMPEROR IS.

Received Wakapuaka Sept 17, 10 10 p.m This Office 11 45 p m) Ho?ra Kong, September 17 Two hundred miles of railway has been destroyed in Manchuria. Many Russians were killed. Five Russian regiments have left Pekin, and are marching overland to Manchuria, reducing the Russian troops at Pekin

to 3000; Oolon'al Doward's expedition has returned to Tientsin.

Ministers have decided that they are not empowered to treat with Prince Ohing. Sir Robert Hart has warned the Generals of the allied troops that the Phinese Imperial troops are concen trating between Fekia and Tientlin, Prince Cbing asserts that the Emperor and court are at a Tillage sixty miles from Pekin, and are anxious to return and make reparation. Through Russian intervention Li Hung Chang obtained a long interview at Shanghai with Dr Munn, the new German Minister to China

Yielding to menaces of indefinite German occupation, Li HungCbang memorialised the Throne impeaching Prince Tuan Tsilan (Tuan's brother) Kangyi and Chao-chu chiao, the chief culprits in the attacks on the foreigners. Mr Rockhill, American Special Com missioner, and Dr Munn, convinced Li Hung Chang that it was useless to dis cuss a settlement excluding the ppnisfa n^ent of the Eutpresj and her chjef ad visers

ME ASBBUftlOli GtIARDIAj;: TfcE&DA*, SE^TEMBfefc 1&, 190 D



First quarter Full moon Last quarter Now moon

D 2 g 16 ~24

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September 18 „ 19 20  21 „ 22 23

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THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY TTTAVE r> few Job Lines thrown out at Stocktaking, which]'they »r§ Selling at GREAT REDUCTIONS Men's Hard and Soft Felts la 61. Is lid and 2>. 6d Lidiei Sailor Straws rt duostd r.o Is Brown Mo'esk'a Trouserß redncsd to 5^ 111 Men'B Bout Crup Corkhams 26i 61 for 19; 61 Women's Oanvas Shoss reduced to 3a 6 i Children's Canvas Shoes reduced to vs 63 Mao's Silk Ties redu-«d to 61 and Is N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY, F. H, BE'.KINGSALB, Manager. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm^mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm^mmmmmmmHmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm LINOLEUMS. LINOLEUMS. /-\UR FIRST SHIPMENT FOR THE SPRING NOW LANDED, EX 8.8 GOTHIC Choice and Novel Designs in all Widths. Remnants of Last Season's Goods at Reduced Prices. CARPETS, CARPET SQUARES, RUGS & MATS. MITCHELL AND TURNER. CROWDED WITH NEW GOODS FROM FLOOR TO CEILING. Having just opened 25 cases ex b.s* 'Gothic' and *Rangitira,' we are now abb tc ask our Clients' inspection of a WONDERFUL VARIETY OF FRESH NOVELTIES; COMPRISING :—New Mantles, New Jackets, New Skirts, New Blouses, IN DRESS GOODS We have the latest Black and White Effocts, Lastres and French Foulls. In BLuUSE FABRICS We show Fancy Muslins, Vjlenciennaa Muslinß, Organdie Stripes, Merceri«ec Sateens, Silk Zephyrs, Crepe and Chiffon Stripes, as>o a very pretty range of NEW PRINT 1 Ni:.W MILLINERY ! NEW MILLINERY ! Must be in» pecked to be (We make a Speciality of Children** Heac Gear.) WHITE AND CREAM PIQUE COSTUMES In the Litest Shaped, Oowe?, Marlow, Keswick, etc. LOVELY LACKS Vory choice ; in Valenciennes, Guipure, Torchon and Omental, and Insertion! to m»tch, FANCY OVERALL LACE (very chaste) UP-TO-DATE VEILIKGS In M«igp re, Oream, Whie and Black), finest lot yet ehown at The Corner. NEW BKAID TBIMMINGS (specially selected) The L .tept in F.Bchus, Scarf*, Buffs, Bows, Vests and Fronts. A smart lot o! Child KHAKI BLOUSES and CAPS to match NF/W MjNSBaDES. Pretty White Xi I Boots and Shoe* for Infants, T&Bt'ul Tan Shoes in Strap or Lace Mi«»3eF, L d>p' G'ac Kid Shoes (French and American), in Lvse, Button and Strap JUhT ABRtVED from the famous Moegiel and Wellington Factories .— ■ BOYS CLOTHING Of Kbski (relation cloth), Serge and Twead, in Transvaal, Baden-Powell and Siilor Shapes LADIES NOTE IHAT «OUR DRESS-MAKING DEPAKTMNT," Under Miss Oubbik (from Wellington), is now in full swing: Kindly plaoe your Ord n for the Show and Races EABLY, to avoid disappointment NORTfICOTE & HEFFORD, "THE CORNER, EAST AND TANCRED STREETS LINOLEUM. LINOLEUM. JUST AP.BIVED PER 'S.B RANGATIRA,'AT T. H. UNDRILL & CO.'S. LINOLEUM. LINOLEUM. NTLW <fe CHOICE DESIGNS AND COLOURS. LINOLEUMS AND OILCLOTHS. The Largest Stocks to Choose from, at Prices to suit all, at T. H. UNDRILL & CO.U Ako, Some Remnants at greatly redaced prices; also, a Large Assortment of Oilcloth for Dados. BEDSTEADS7~BEDSTEAD^. We have jusl opened another Large Shipment of Brass and Iron Bedateadi in the latest dssigas, direct from the Beit Manufacturers in Birmingham, which enables as to give yon the best possible value. BEDDING & FURNITURE of all kinds made on the premise* from the beat material. We invite all to iuspeob our Stocks. No one pressed to bay. T. H. UNDRILL & CO.. CABINETMAKERS, UPHOLSTERERS, PICTURE FRAMEKS & UNDERTAKERS, TANCRED STREET, Next Building Society's Office _. ...,„„,- r.- . • mm n . I AT Mbs Alcorn's S»le—Trimmed Mil- TUOT OPENED-* ishing Tackle, ler ..s. j  hM prf FeJti> StraWf 9 R ib bon« tP Kafamea 'jom London. Ihe Ifcteat w togs, Qailb, Flowers, all greatly reduced* Bods Muinows, V n-?'?' ff CT ?Z!J Btfil Special bargains in Laces, Embroideries and Early mspeobion invited—HAßDLiv BROS. Ua derolofching. Corsets from 1» lid. 10 per . . —— cent discount on stamped work, Berlin A I Mbs Alcokn's Sale-A large lot of Woola, Perlioes, Silks and Arasenes during Jackets and Capes just bought nt great bhjnsale. . reductions will be offered much under osual -tr- A T£S ac d Mimmo and Blair's Garden prices to m*ke room for the Builders. Jr_ Seeds from Id per packet. • Iron Age' Also all her Drees Goods. A choice variety, ge(|d , Jril j Bt Whee , Hoeg Cultlirators +t prices from la per yard double width, from 21(? Oarjow & Co. 967 Fiannelettea, Calicoes, Pinafore and Dreas .. -Muslins all much reduced to clear. / Smoke New Venus



PIANO £17 10a cash, English make, good tone; Dora Pianette £20, in good order ; a magnificent Orchestral Organ, 18 stops, £28 10s ; Organs from £8 10* ; Pianos and Organs sold on monthly pay? ments of 10s and upwards. The Haake piano is not excelled by any for value j violins, accordions* and music—H M JoHIS



BUILDERS will fipd it to their advantage t." g t estimates (or Ironmongery from HABpLEJf BKOS