Mail Notices.

Math close for the following pieces as under, subject to the necessary akeiations :— TUE DAY. JULY"3I For Northern Ports per Oorunna, at 6 30 a m WEDNESDAY. AUG. 1. For Chatham Islands, per Toroa, at 6 30 pm FRIDAY, AUGUST 3 For Nor! hern Ports. Wefrtporc, Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, also United States, , Canada, etc, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Fran cisco, per Takapur.a, as follows :—For money orders at 2 30 p.m.; registered letters, afcs p.m ; tooks and newspapeis, afc 6.30 p.m.; ordinary letters 6.30 p m ; late fee letters, mail van, express train. D«e London Sept sth. I W. H. REJ.HBK, Postmaster

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— OHRISTC!HURCH—at7 20 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7 spm. (express) TIM ARU—at 10 55 a.m., 350 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 12 54 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-at 4.25 p m. Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— CHRISTOHUROH-at 10.45 ».m., 1247 p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIMARU-at 10.35 a.m., 2 53 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) SPRINOBURN-at 9.45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for August

SUN,

SECOND EDITION Commercial.

TIMARU GRAIN MARKETS.

There is no change to report on the week so far ai the local markets for grain are concerned. Values remain as ati last report, namely :—Wheat, Tuscan 2» 6Jd, velvet 2w 4Jd, red chaff 2i 4d. Oats, Danish Is 7d to Is Bd, short oats of all kinds Is 8d to Is 9d, f.0.b., aaoks extra. Barley, Is 9ito la lOd. Potatoes are nominally 30« per ton.

HAVELOCK STREET MART.

Mr Henry Stephenson reports his weekly sale as follows :—I had a very large lot of pigs, poultry, produce, furniture, etc, last Saturday. There was keen competition among some of the prizo fowls ; pig* also were in better demand, prices being much higher than the previous Saturday ; produce, furniture and sundries also were in batter demand; there was a very large attendance of the public and competition being keen, good priesc s were realised, keeping me going up tilt nearly five o'oloek. Following are some of the prices :—Fowls, Is4d, ls-6d, 2a, and roosters up to 2s 6d to 3s pair ; Indian game roosters 11s each, Minor ens 6s each, Plymouth Rocks 4* each, Wyandottes 6s 6 < pair, gee*e 4 61, Turkeys 10j to 15», duck* 3s pair. Pigs, a large yarding ; suckers si» weaners 6s to 84, stores 9j to 12", large snores 14a 6d to 16s, porkers 20) to 25s each. P.Oduce, potatoes 2s 6d to 3s lack ; onionr, |1 ib; carrot*, 2* to 2a 3d sack; wheat, 7§ tn 81 sack ; barley, 7s 6d to 8s ; mangol is, 18s ton; d*a<l pork, 3d, 3£i, 3|d, 3| J,3*l, and 3§ 1 per 1b ; beef, 2d ib ; apples, 21 lb, and bi 6d and 6s per case; oranges, 7« 6d to 8) case ; lemonß, 10j case. A large quantity of furnituro, harness, bicycles, sundries, etc, 1 r tight satisfactory price*,

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Paævalebit MONDAY, JULY 30, 1900. AN OPPPRTYNITY FOR REFORMS.

In a country where experimental legislation is the delight of the benevolent reformer, it is a matter for surprise that one very important question has been entirely neglected, let tbt eonstapt trend of New Zea land legislation has emphasised the necessity for dealing with it. We refer to the faot that the domestic training of girls is pot provided for in such a manner that will enable them to dis charge the natural duties of wives and mothers in a befitting manner. That there is something wrong in a social system which has created such an almost universal distaste for the domestic duties of life must be apparent to all. This condition of things is much more serious than some people may suppose One immediate and obvious result is the difficulty of obtaining girls for domestic service at all, and the still greater difficulty of meeting with one possessing even an elementary know ledge of the duties of the position. This has become so pronounced in this colony, tint, in many well to do families all idea of keeping a domestic has been given np. There are two chief causes for this unsatisfactory state of things. One is that the daughters of people who have to work for their livings in New Zealand look upon domestic work as beneath them. They would much rather go into » factory or a shop, notwithstanding that the wages are so much less. We need not laugh at what is, of course, a comical social problem, for we have assisted to create it, partly by neglecting to provide for proper instruction in the most important duties of future wives and mothers, and partly by the character and direction of all our recent labour legislation. There is another reason why girls having to work for a living prefer anything to domestic service, and that is due to the attitude of some of the mistresses towards their servants. In many cases they are themselves more ignorant than their employees, and in some instances they treat thejjj as if they were an inferior order of beings. There ia no wonder, therefore, that the daughters of our democratic electors should rasent such an attitude. The difficulty with regard to domestic servants ie, however, the least evil of the present position we have been discussing, since if that were all the matter might be remedied. A very practical suggestion Was made by a of a contemporary, which jyaa that Government should be approached with the object of getting it to communicate with Dr with the view of inducing that gentle man to send some ©f the girls from the institution founded by him to thi? colony. Large numbers of these girls, who have been thoroughly trained io

domestis duties, and brought op to labits of cleanliness and obedience, have bfeu sent to C*nadp, where they have earned a name for themselves and their former trainers, which cannot fail to pove gratifying to all parties. But the mist; serious phase of the subject is the fact that the almost total ignorance of the young women of the poorer classes of those domestic duties wh eh must devo'vo upon them as wi%'es and mothers, must have moat deplorable fffecti hereafter. As a gbneral rule the y will marry men who cannot afford to keep someone else to do what their wives should do but cannot; and discontent and unhappiness will prob ably be the result. The factory girl on her marriage must find herself in an unfamiliar and difficult sphere, but the girl who has been trained in the duties of the home, under a good naistreFß, will take up her rew career with confidence, and to the satisfaction of herself and her husband. It if much to be regretted that there are appar ently so few amongst our social reformers who can realise how recent legislation in this tountry and the economic disarrangement it hat caused, have interfered with the social relations of the people, and have dislocated the conditions under which labour and capital may combine to work together. It is thus made impossible for New Zealand to become a manufacturing country, for it can never compete successfully with those in which the laws of supply and demand have not been interfered with. With regard to the subject we have been discussing, it is of sufficient importance to the general welfare to demand the most careful consideration at the hands of the conn try and the Government.

Local and General.

* # * Interesting reading matter will be found on the first and fourlh page* of this issue.

Railway Ball.—The members of the Railway Department at Ashfourton, intend holding a ball early in August.

The Poet 0* Timabp—The barque Cor rievrecken arrived at Timaru on Saturday, to load wheat for the Home markets for Messrs Friedl&uder Bros, Ltd.

Weather Report-—Captain Edwin fort oasts to-day:—'* Moderate to strong westerly winda ; glaia fail. Glass fall after 12 boura from now."

Ma* or China—With to-day's issue we present our subscribers with a map of China, so that they may follow with greater interest tke events at present happening there.

Jhs Mild Weather—As an evidence of the unseasonably fine weather we are ex periencing, it may be mentioned that in a well-sheltered garden in Timaru ohrrnnthe mums are blooming a aeoond time, and some apple trees are not only showing blossoms, bub forming young fruit.

Cablk Imebkufeion,—We have received the following from the Telegraph Depart ment :—The Cable Company have advised that between Kurachee and Bombay oom municatlon ia interrupted, cutting off the Hindoo-European, and Turkish route, Thir will cause further delay to traffic.

Thk School Capitation Grant.—The payment! of the o»pitation allowance to education boards for the quarter ending Septemb r 30, 1900, Is to be according to the working average attendance of the quarter ending the 50th June

Technical Classes—We would draw the attention of those interested, to the fcime f,ab'e of the Technical Glauses published in our advertising columns. Mr Dixoc, of Messrs Friedlander Bros., has taken charge of the Book-keeping class which meets on Wednesday evening, at 7 30 p.m.

Obitoart.—We regret* to have to record the sudden death c>f Mr Jets. L Smith, of the Railway Department, wha succumbed yester day to a severe attack of inflammation of the bowels. Mr Smith was deservedly popular amongst his fellow employees and the public, and his early death has created general regret. A brother of the late Mr Smith, Trooper Charles Smith, was a member of the Third New sS»aland OaatiDgeut, and his mother is a muoh respected resident of Tinwald. The funeral takes place on Wed nesday, at 2 30 p m

Progbkssivk—A special general meeting of members of the Timaru A and P Associa tion on Saturday afternoon authorised the general oomtnittee to erect buildings, horse* boxes, and pig pens, at a cost not exceeding £1000 ; aud to raise the money by means of debentures of £5 each at 5 per cent per annum, the currency of the debentures to be ten years, but redeemable at any time within that limit; The Treasurer reported that eighty debentures had been already subscribed for, and an offer to take dehen* tures in payment for timber required, would, if accepted, be equal to about 100 more.

Rakgitata Rqad Board—A meeting of the Board was held on Thursday, July 26th. All the members present. Several complaints were received as to the large cumber of stock wandering' on roada throughout the district. The clerk *as instructed to notify the rangergi Resolved not to allow con tractors or others to camp or place obstruc tions on roads. Tenders were accepted for stone picking on Ealing-Montalto and Cree's roads ; tenders were ordered to be called for metalling p*rt of Winnlow road. The pay sheet, amounting to £98 9$ 7d was passed for payment, and the Board adjourned.

Gas Ehgikis—There it some proipeob of the obnoxious clause io the proposed amend ment of tbe F*etories Act, referring to me of gas enginea being struck out; of the Bill, as Mr Seddon promised to modify the clause. There oin be little doubt that certain classes of engines should be exempted from the pro posed legislation, among these gas engine*, of which there are large numbers in use throughout the colony. Id would not only be a great hardship on people who use these engines to pat them to the absolutely need less expense of employing certificated engine drivers, but as many of the industries and businesses in which they are used are struggling, the probability is that some of them which are in a small way would hare to close up altogether.

Accidents—An accident which might have proved serious, happened to Mr J. MoKenzie, assistant to the Presbyterian body in Ashburton and county. Whilst being driven by MrDonk on the Beaoh Road, the horse became somewhat restive, and tbe remit was bhat Mr McKeozie was thrown out of the trap. He was ' taken to Mr Doak's residence, where for a time he remained in an insensible condition, We are pleased to learn that he is now about agtin,— On Saturday afternoon a lady driving on the wrong side of the road along Cass street, ran into a bicyclist (Mi R S Slston) at the Bank of New South Wales corner. The unfortunate wheelman was eapsizad by the trap, and landing upon hie face, had it badly bruised. He naturally complains that some drivers of vehioles—if they will take the wrong side of the road—are not careful at street corners to slacken the pace somewhat.

Mb Oates in Paris,—Mr N Oates, who is on a visit to the Paris Exhibition, sent a letter laßb week to his partner, Mr Lowry, {both of the well-known cycling firm who have a branch at Ashburton), in which he gives some lively incidents of his stay in Paris and London, "Jn Paris the difgculty to get accommodation is awful, and the 'Frenohles' are simply robbing visitors by excessive charges." He had to sleep in a garret, and was charged 8s 6d anight. Breakf«sb (two rolls and a cup of coffae) cost 4s 2d. He sayß that the motor cars are beating cycles bidly and are coming quickly into favour. He intends to bring one of the best out with him. He heard nothing about Sutherland, bub expects the Paris expenses to break him np in a couple of wesks. He had seen several of tha wholesale cycle houses in London, and intended to pall at Birmingham, leaving on his retur^tjcip to this isot'ony ne^to month.

Lead Poisoning —A British Par'iamen-1 tt,ry return of cases of lead poisoning which / have occurred during the past three years in 1 the earthenware and china industry and other tradee.states that the totals in earthor wivr^ and china industry were in 1898, 457; in 1899, 240; -nd for the fiisfc three months of 1900, 62. In all other trades the cases numbered respectively 819, 1,009, and for the first three months nf 1900, 200. This total does not include 40 oases among house punters, not strictly under the Factory anl Workshop Acts Drowoht is Qubrnsland —The terribla drought from which Queensland has Ren vnfftfring has been disastrous to several of the big pastoral companies. The last year's operations of the Scottish Investment Company (s>y« the Queemlander) unfortu nately 1 luatrate this too strongly. On account) of the lojscb sustained during the year the company has been compelled to write off £100 000 a» a result of the year's work : this amount having to be taken from the reserve, reducing this to £10,000. This leaves the company to carry forward a surplus of £2499. List year 'he company, after paying 6 per cent on £200,000 stock, 5 per cent on £400,000, 4 per eeat on £200,000 perpetual debentures, p»id 2£ p»r oent on £500,000 of ordinary stock, and carried forward £2491.

SIR GEORGE WHITE.

An Autograph Letter

We have before us, kindly placed in our hands by Messrs Oow and Donald ttoLe&n, an autograph letter from the Hero of fAdystnith, General Sir George White, of which the following is a copy :—" I have only just received your most kind letter, written on March 29 tat. The letter went to South Afrio-j, and hat, followed me here* I »m exceedingly grateful to yon for your kindneii in tending me such a handsome and such an interesting present, and one that could only hare come from your own neighbourhood. Is is particularly pleasant to me to hear of aueh loyal aad patriotic feeling on the part of our countrymen in Mew Zealand, who have not only proteased loyalty to England's great Queen, but have also sent suoh material help in the splendid contingents that are now fighting shoulder to shoulder with our regular army, and are maintaining the military ascendancy of the Empire in South Africa, I am glad that the givers of my pretty gift are Scotchmen. I was in the Gordon Highlanders very nearly all my regimental carter, and I owe the position I hold to the valor, and to the honor of Scotchmen.— Believe me dear sirs, yours very sincerely and gratefully—Geo. S. Whitb.

Football.

The football macb, Soutk Canterbury v Elleimere, was played at Southbridge on Saturday, and resulted in a win for the Southerners by a try (3 points) to ail. H FawceU, M Fuzgerald. and D Wilson, the repi from the Pirates CJlub, are atated to have played exceptionally good games. H Fawcott secured the try for South Canter bury The play off for the senior championship at Christohureh between the Sydonham and Ohristohurch Clubs on Saturday resulted in a win for the Chriatchuroh Club by 11 points (a penalty goal, a try, and a goal from a try) to 6 points (2 tries). The Christ church Club well'deserved their viotory. Last season they acted as runners up to Linwood

The Winchmore Football Club intends lending a team to Ashburton on Thursday to try conclusion? with the Pirates Second Fifteen

The Wairarapa representative team will play South Canterbury during their present tour

The arrangements for the Pirates Foothill Club ball, which takes place on Wednesday evening, are now complete, and it promises to be a decided success A number to whom invitations were sent in varioua parts of Canterbury hare signified their intention of being present A special Committee has made the necessary arrangements for decorations, while the music provided will bs of the best The following team will represent th« Pirates' second fifteen in the match wlh Winchmore on Thursday next, in the Domain, play to oommenoe at 2,30 p m. :— C Kendall, Boyle, Clark, Baker, Stribbling, F Pdtchard, B Healy, A Childe, Culver houiSj Hefford, McKerz;e, W Pritohard, A Gates, P Cullen, and Hodgson; emergencies —J Samuel and Nolan.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. DpitSDiN, July JO

In senior football. Alhambra ten point*, beat Southern nil ; Kaikorai fourteen point! boat Dunedia 5; Union and Piratos a draw, do scores. Alhambra has therefore won the senior championship.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. London, July 29 The Queen has congratulated Colonel Willoocks on the relief of Kamassw The appeal case, E G J&Uiooe versus the Wellington Law Society, is being discussed. Perth, July 23 The Ooolgardie Chamber of Mines has cabled to London asking mining companies interested in Western Aus tralia to subscribe £2000, urgently wanted to conduct the Federal earn paign, and stating that if Federation is rejected disaster will result, and tbe market value of property will be reduced.

Melbourne, July 28

O'Ktefe has been acquitted of the charge of manslaughter of his brother* in-law, Oohen.

Sydney, Joly 29 Mr Taylor defeated Mr Smith in the fresh election for Canterbury*

The Cost of War.

THE BRITISH ESTIMATES.

IJnited press Association—By Electric

Tilegraph-^Copyrighb London, July 29 The House of Commons has voted the Supplementary Estimates. Mr Wyndham explained that these included three millions for the opera tions in Ohina. Lord Robert estimated the permanent garrison in South Africa at 30,000, besides 15,000 Colonials and Reservists remaining to settle. The total direct charges of the war to the end of February next were sixty on* million pounds.

Sporting.

LIVERPOOL JULY MEETING.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright London, July 27 The following is the result of the Liverpool Cop, of 1000 boys ; cup course, of one mile and three furlongs. Skopos 1, KUon 2, Bread Knife 3. |n the Liverpool Cup, Malutna slipped and fell, and injured his shoulder. Io is be lieved the horga'i racing earner ia finished. Sloan, the jockey, was severely shaken,

Labour Troubles in Australia

United Frass Association—By Eloatrto

Telegraph—Copyright

Sydney, July 29 There is little prospect of tha miners accepting Sir W Lyne's hewing raie doinpromise. There are indications fcnat unless an immediate substantial advance ia conceded, a general strike ia probable,

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

(Jolted Proas Aaßooiation—-By Kieotrio Telegraph—C'pyrigbt Paris July 27,

The number of French officers and men volunteering for service in China is far beyond requirements. Berlin, July 28

The Fmperor, in a farewell speech to the German bo ps for China, prior to their embarkation At Breraerhaven, said : " Your mission is to avenge tLe death o! the Ambissndo s and other Europeans. When you close with the enemy, remember that no quarter is to be givi'ii, no prisoners taken. Use your weapons so that for a thousand years no Chinaman will look at a German askance. Prepare the way for Christian civilisation. Good-bye, comrades. '*

London, July 28 Great Britain, replying to the Em peror «f China's request for mediation, stated that she would hold do commu nication with China until Sir Ol&ude Man Donald's safety was assured. Hong Kong 28 Li Hang Ohang has memorialised the Court at Pokin, requesting the escort of the Ministers to Tientsin i Washington, July 21 America refuses to fall in with Li Hung Chang's suggestion to stop the | Allied expedition to Pekia, conditional upon the Ambassadors being safely j delivered at Tientsin, Mr Hay, Secre i tary of State, being concerned about ! their safety during their transfer from Fekin to Tientsin. Berlin, July 28 It is semi officially announced that Germany and Russia consider that collective action, inflicting exemplary punishment upon the Chinese, is imperative.

Lonoow, July 28 The Times, ridiculing the announce ment of Sheriff, Director of Telegraphs, that Ministers were safe on Tuesday,' and that the Chinese were courteously supplying them with food, fruit and vegetables, suggests a better supply of telegraph forms. Baron Ketteler's groom declares that the Legations were still defended on July 9. A newspaper states that the Chinese report that * large section of the Boxers, favouring the overthrow of the Manchu and the restoration of the Ming dynasty, fought, killing Prince Tuan. Sydhet, July 29 The Third Contingent refuse to par I ticipate in the China expedition unless sent as infantry under its own officer?.

TRANSVAAL WAR.

United Presi Association—By Kleotrio

Telegraph—Copyright

London, July 27

In connection with the British advance from Pretoria General Hector Macdonald and General Bruce Hamil ton,with the Highlanders and Mounted Infantry Brigade, necarely blocked fnguwooni Pass and Golden Gate,while General Bundle reconnoitred dirt rnando Nek, the southern exit of Brand Water Basin After a sharp artillery contest the Boers evacuated Witnek, the north westerly pass out of Brand Water Basin General Bundle believes that this portion of De Wet'a commando is now surrounded

Oapbtown, July 27

In the Cape Parliament, during an incidental division in connection with a Treasury Bill, the Government had a majority of 4 Meesr Schreiner and Solomon and J Sonnenberg, Wessels, and De Waal, members of the Afri kander Bond, voted with the majority. The Africander Bond has ejected Mr J X Merriman from its lead«rship,and rejected Messrs J W Saner and F De Waal The last two are approtching Mr Hofraeyr,who advises inaction London, July 28

General Hunter has occupied Four iesbsrg f where he found Mrs Steyn, wife of the ex President 1? De Wpt.a Free State commandant, and brother of Commandant Christian De Wet, surrendered to the British at Kroonstad The British have occupied Middle burg A thousand Boers are trying to surround Potchefstroom, upon which Lord Methaen ie advancing

The British have evacuated Klerks dorp,where some troopa were captured

It is officially announced that the Boers have evacuated Middeiburg. The retreat is described as a disorderly trek, the roads being blocked with fugitives. Torres)ta of rain prevented the British pursuing; The weather on the night of the evacuation was terrible. Qne pfiicer d^ed from rxposure. Lord Roberts report! that, despite their hardships, the troopa are in famous spirits.

Tn the House of Commons, replying to strong remonstrances with reference to the suppression of despatches in connection with what was termed a regrettable incident, Mr Wyndhau promised a searching inqniry at the close of tbe war, especially into in stances where there had been very large surrenders. He added that there would be no further publication of despatches till the war bad ended.

Two hundred Boers hare surren dered at Hcksburg.

The calamities at Kosk'g River en Jnly were—-Killed : Pruben, Goodman, Watford and Oliver (Victorians): Cameron (New Sooth Wales). Woun ded : b Victorians, § New South W§les men and 9 West "Australians. The casualties at Stinkhoutboom on Jnly 24 were:—Killed : Tato and Nicholas (Sooth Australians). Wounded: Moon mortally, and two others slightly {South Australia]', Tfthill aad four others (West Australia). 0, E. Enderby. a Neir has died at Pretoria.

Sydney, July 28

The Baden • Powell Presentation Committee haa selected the well known hunters Demos, at 150g8, and Orarai, at £100, »i mounts for the hero of Mafekiag, conditionally on their pasting a veterinary examination.

The War Office has promised to consider the New South Wales Govern* men^i application for a portion of the Mauser riflts taken from the Boers,

THE CHURCHES.

Five services were held a*i St Stephen's y<»6. rday, all being well attended, and &t which offertories were taken for the Church Miason fund. At the evening sermon the R<-v Mr Woodthorpe dwelt upou misuioo work, and made references to the present) Oi iaeee difficulty. At the Presbyterian Church, tha Rev R Mackie, of fit Andrews, near Timaru, offi ciated, proving himself an ablo expo- cub of iha subjects placed before his hearers. la referring *o this Chinese and South African Wars, he staled that throughout the rmou« universities a great impetus had been given to micsiou woik, and this wou'd be mill further increased la the two fields men tioned, together with India, were the greatest scope for reformation which would firsft.be brought about by the sword and followed by •trcng mission work

At his evening service Mr M&ckte dealt with grest force upon the social influences brought to bear upon young men, and th* pressure of the present age leading to tomc what doubtful results. He had been told that candidate* for our Parliament were not supposed to be too scrupulous in their principles He had also been informed the same applied to suooessfbl business people nowadays He made an eloquent appeal in the direction of inducing young men to endeavour to resist the pernicious portion of social influence

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIA TION.

Ashburton Branch.

The second lecture of the first aid course look place at the Society* Room on Batur day, July 28, in the afternoon: The cla» having increased to some 40 members since last week, which wai very encouraging to the promoters of the Society.

Ihe lecture was a mo»t interesting one, ■o much io that it vu torn* time [ u>> the usual boac when the members left (he leotute room

A Committee meeting Wai afterwwdi held. Present—Meedames Davison (ia the chair), Baxter, Misses Orr, Mulholland, and the Secretaries, and at which several matters were discussed. Amongst them its waa decided that the Fire Brigade and Volunteer* should have the use of the skeleton for the lecture to be given them at their Ambulance Clams. It was deoided that as all encouragement had btiea given to those wishiog to form an evening class if sufficient members had not enrolled by August 2nd the Society could not move in the matter, and that they would 1 abandon the idea of doing anything more in

that direction. The question of an ambulance carriage for the county was brought before the com* mittee by Mr H M&ckay, who stated that when classes were first established here some years ago, a hand ambulance stretchnr had been obtained. He was of opinion that the committee should, during the present se« sion, consider the advisability of eeHlng the present conveyance and procure a complete carriage, to be drawn by horses, for the ust of the public in the county. The cost would no doobb be considerable, bub if a strong effort were made, it was hoped a successful result would eventually ensue.

Several accounts were patted for payment, and the meeting then closed.

MINING

United Press Association—By Klecbrio Telegraph.

Dunedin, July 29

The following are the dredging returns:—• Junction Electric 11, 89oz Sdwt; Cromwell, 77. z lOdwt; Golden Beach, 630z 13dwt; Alexandra Eureka, tic 7 ,; Hartley and Riloy, 6Ooz 12dwt; Earnsoleugh If, 520z lOdwii; Vincaat., 460z lOdwt; Junction Kleotrio I, 45cz; Molyneux Hydraulic, 40oz lidwt; E&roßclough No, i, 36cz Idwt; Success, 25 z 3dwb lSgra ; Chatto Greek, 250z Idwt; Golden Point, 240z 4dwt; Waimumu Central, 22? 2 3dwt; Perseverance, 22rz ; Golde* Treasure, 21oz 12dwfc; Magnetic, 20cz; Oharlton Creek, I7*z j Chicago, 15'z 7dwb 12grs ; Nil Desperaudum, llrz 7dwt 12^rt; Waimumu Extended, 10 z 13dwt; Morning 81 ar, 9oz Idwt; New Alexandra, 9 z 3dwt; (dopeka, 7oz lOdwt; Shotover, 6oz 3dwt. July 80 Today'i aalei:—Electric 5Sa, 53s 6d, 54s ; Electric Extended IBl9d, 13$ 6d, 19j ; Gold Queen 38i; Hartley and Kiley £11; Junction Electric 40s; Vinoenb 635, 65a 6d

Mr W J M Hopkins, sharebroker, of Chnatehurch, was la Qamaru on Friday and, Saturday, and completed fche purchase from Mr James Craig of that well known Wesf Coast mining property known aa *' Craig's Freehold." This property enjoys % big repu tation from the hoi that dating the fait) 10 years about £84,000 worth of gold has been won from the terraces. A company has now been formed of £30,000 to place three dredges on the flats th&t the rich terrace leads run into, some of which ran as high as scz to the load. The company will be put on the market at an early date, with Its flotation guaranteed.

The European Situation.

DANGER PREDICTED,,

Loxdov, July 28

In the House of Lords the Earl of attache had declared that it was all important that England should be in a strong and unassailable position by November next,

Lord Sa liibury, replying, con demned the making of anonymous and alarmist quotations A great collection of shooting stars was the onlj peculiarity he knew of to be apprehended in November, Ijjwas, of course, impossible to assert that there was no real substantial danger unless Lord Wenyss indicated to the Government from which side the attack wag to be expected. The British, defences were in as thoroughly effective a condition as ever.

Lord Rosebery a^ked for ex part assurances on this point,

Lord Lansdowne announced that despite tbe calls made by South Africa, there were fifty thousand more men under anna than there was; barrack accommodation for.

Friendly Societies.

m tEhe tweny-third annual report on Friendly Societies by the Registrar shows that four teen naw societies were registered 'during tha year 1899, distributed as follows:— M.U.1.0.0.F., five lodges; A.OP., four courts ; U.A.0.D., two lodges ; 1.0. R., one taafc; T.F.S., one society; W M.0., one olub. Tha total number of lodges of all friendly societies wm 410, controlled by 35 central bodies. The number of members of thtsa lodges at the end of the year was 35,501. The total funds of the societies were £678,745, cf which no less fchaa £625,474 w»s represented by the sick and funeral funds. The various sooietien have £519,159 invested a» follows :—^Tith the Poab Office Savings Bunk, £46.044; on de posit with other banks, iB5O;057; on mort gage or freehold property, £405,777.; in Government and municipal debautUree,' £10,757; and in other investment»|" £.8524; Ths accumulated savings of the various friendly societies represent a substantial eurri, which speaks roluinee for the habit of t^tilj annongst a large section 6i the people Tha Registrar points out that tho statistics of frleddly societies everywhere exhibit the sffeob of tha ocntinuous fall in. tha rate of interest on investments, and the income of New *Za»l»nd sotieties has bean largely affected from that cause. " Notwithstand ing that the percentage of capital bearing interest is greater, and that a greater percentage of such capital Is invested on mortgage Jof freehold property, the mode oi investment yielning the highest rate of interest, tha average rate has dec'incd during 10 ye^rs 1£ per cent Asf Ihowever, the avers rp rai% of interest ok mortgage is qeatly 6 per cant, it has not been considered necessary to reduce the rate assumed for the purposes of valuation." labuUtid statemescs show ths poiition o{

THE ASHBURTON atIA&DIAN ; MoNDAt, JULY SO, 19«



First quarter Full moon Last quarter New mooQ

D H 4 4 11 9 17 11 25 3

I M I 16 »ti } 0 an I 16 pti 5 23 {it!



Dftte July 31 August 1 „ 2  3  4 i. 5 „ 6

Ri»eg 717 7 16 715 714 7 13 712 711

Petß 4 67 4 58 4 59 5 1 5 2 5 3 5 4



afafcy— «■!£» tfiliW. .^rffiWin-I.**. H"tu »*' *»■ —i !■—■■■■■ i. *»■**,****. w« Bergcr's Fheep MarkiDg j Composition » Je Three Colors— Black, Red, B'ue fT^HK finest and imst i c noir.icjl Sheep X. Branding Oil in tho market. Read the opinions of Leacit g Sheep Farmers in | Otago :— WE INTFND U?IN« IT AftAI.V Jfrom N.Z. Agricultural Co,, Waimea House, Gore, M«y 22, 1897 Dear Sire,— We have found Bergtre Marking Oil fo be a good and < urable j heep branding mtterial and intend using ! it again, as ba*r>g cheaper than the prepara tion formerly tt*ed for the purpos P. J Paiebsos, Stat. Mgr. UNDOUBTEDLY M >RS BCONOMICAt. THAN OIL AND LAMPBLACK from J M McKenssta, Bushy Park Estate, Paimeraton. May 19 1897 Bear Sirs,—l faava great pleasure in stating that Beenek's Sheep branding Compound that I received from you has given me every batiafacyon, and ia ondoubted y more economical than oil and lampblack. I MAKE A POINT OF RECOHMEVMKO IT From Habßrt Logan, Maritang-*, Hyde, M*y 10, 1897 Dear Sire have used Beeqeh's Branding 01 or some years, and have . oucd Itßf> t fae ory that I make a point of reootnmen 5 ng it. The liquid in the drams is he same consistency right from top bottom, and requires no •tirring. ONI.Y TO ?E UiSED TO BK APPKBOIATED om James Taylor, Wairuna, Clinton 15,1897 ear Sirs,—l rased Bxeoek's Branding bUck and red, last seas >n on my lock, a&n X am perfectly satisfied with the results. To sheep farmers the preparation Inva'tiabltt, being always ready and Highly economical. It has only to be used t* he appreciated. CtIYKK EVERY SATISFACTION FOR SEVJSR4X TBAES From Mr John Elliott, Gladhrook Station, flliddleirarch. May 18,1897 Mjr Dear Sira,—ln reply to your inquiry Bekgea's Sheep Marking Com jtonnd. We have used this Compound on ail oar flocks for several years ai>d it has given every eattafaction. 1b is o even quality and is ready for use. I find ifc lasts well, being quite legible on fal woolled skins It is much more economi cat than brand made with the old materials (iampblack and oil}, as owing to its even quality, there is no waste. Always ready for use Guaranteed not to injure the w. 01. Will wash off on esoaring without leaving a stain.



Sold by F. FERKIMAN, Aehburbon, N.Z. F. FERRIMAN. In Peter Strßet, A COMFORTABLE HOME, consisting JoL. if 7 rooms, with bath and abundant supply of water, detachtd wathhouso, J •ere of good land, planted with fruit trees, within tfarte minutes' walk of the railway station. The greater portion of the purchase mom y can remain on mortgage. F. FERRIMAN. Es ate Agent, Afchbarton. For. $aljjT~ 5 Town Sections, a capital site for building, within 4 mutates' walk of Post Office. JgV FlCßftlMAff. ' WAKaJNUI ROAAr. FOR BALF HOUSES of & rof-nH, $ aero of land Price £160, £30 ifeuorit. F. FEBRIMAN. FOB SAL hi, Alford Formal Road, HOUtiK of 6 room 1? and 1| acres of land, a^j -ins M GjorgeJHosktin's prop rly ; easy terme. V F. FBRRIMAJS ■~FOR"SALK AT ALL"NION, A First class Block of L^nd, containing b\ acres, well watered, long frontage on a good ro*d. The greater portion of the purchase can remain at 5 per cent. Adapted for subdivision. Ai-.yjne with a little capical, and h*li an eye to the futare, will inspect and secure this block, F. FERFJMAN. ' "foE SSALH 1," AFoar Roomed House and \ acre of land in the suburbs. Price £lbO. F. FBRRIMAN * #OK &AL&, Burnett Street, Adjoining Dr Hunter's Residence, OVfCR I acre land, with House of 7 R wns, easy terms. X. f ERRIMAN. * FOR SALE, TANORfID STREET, The fceaidential Street of the Town, A Comfortable Dwelling of 3 rooms ; the section is well fenced, and of good qoalUy. * F, F&RRIMAN. FOX SALE, G)f\ Acres of Land, with new houae of 9 Ax) rooms, stable, and every modern convenience, F, FERRIMAN. ' FARM FOR SALE." ' Q>| Acres, within 2 miles of Aehburton. O~t This should prove a sound its vest* ment for capital. Prico, £1174. This proper'y will let en a long leasn to a good tenant. F. FERRIMAN, " FOB SALE, A Good Sheep Faim of 650 Aerea. A Good Sheep Farm of 300 Acres. A Good Sheep Farm of 320 Acres. F. FERRIMAN. - FOR SALE; ~' I Acre at Tinwald, near the pareonage. _J_ F. FERRIMAN. FAIRTON. ' A Small Paddock, well fenced. Price £30 F. FERRIMAN. PELHAM POULTRY YARDS. rPHK Proprietors are largely ' reducing JL utock, to make room for coming season yousg birds. Some first olass Andalusians, Houdaos, Orpingtooi (buff and black), Gol den Pencilled Hamburg*, and Partridge Oehins will be for sale ior a abort time at extremely low prices. 7 168 OWING to a great increase in buiineaa we hava arranged for extension of prttßiaes, and to avoid removing and etoring * lob of our Stock, will hold a Genuine Clearing Sale For One Month, previous to the builders commencing operations. This Is an opportunity rarely met with of obtain icg New and Seasonable Drapery and Oloth- Uig at Greatly Reduced Prices,—'Fobert Alcorw. WAN t'«;L>- Btsyers to see our value in Dress Goods. We have a well selected stock, bought by our Locdon Agent for oash io the best markets aud we oonfi dently invite inspection and comparison. First-class Drees making on the Premises. ' —Mitchell & Ttrassß.. 4 Cinnamon Cure, Wahoo, Eooiibah or Bei.jamiDj Gum s"> 2 Asubobton



IN FULL SWIM.j STOCKTAKING SALE AT " THE CORNER." (COMMENCING OUK L^l^T 14 BAYS.) AKOTBBR BATCH OF REAL JOB LINES. (Must be Sold) 6 Only Men's Tw«ed Ov«rcoafc«, 7s 6d, worth 21« 7 Cnly Aaaorted Mtn'» Tweed Sac Co»t», 9t to 12f, werth 21t 3 Only Trouaora aud V«st», 12i 6dl, worth 22* 6d 6 Curdigan Jasketa 4s 9d, were 8a 6i .... 15 Amorted Boy'« Tweed K-lek«r Soit»,6a lU »»d7«6d, {mvab be III! to be vaiutd, worth 12s J Large Turkey Handkerchief!, 3 for Is Silk Striped Mufflera li6d, usually 2a 6d 9 Pair* Women's Laos Kid Booti, nanalty 12s 6d, now 6s lid 16 Doz«b Derby Bearfa, 4 for a 1« (worth treble the m »ney) 16 Only Men. Flannel Under. 2» lid, usually Ss lid (» r«*l bargAin) 48 Paira Women* Leather BHppera 3s 3d (8sw»), wort 4a §d, (bent rains in Ashburfccm without; doubt) 125 Pair* Ladiaa' Kid Fur Topped Gloves, 2« lid, (during a»ls only) 2a Pairs Men'i Lamb Wool Pants, 4i6d (woitb 6s6d) 300 Boy'a Tweed Capa, 6 for Is (look at these) 46 Hearth Rugs 6s 6d, worth 9; 6d (hard to be «qa*lled) 3 only Urge Kidder Ostrpet Squares, 29) 61 (worth 49j 6d) 40 Dssseo White Turkey Towels, 6d, 9d, la 60 Dozen Brown Turkey Towels, 6d, 9d, la 250 Yards Bordered Apron Cloths, s£d, worth 91 10 Pairs Fay Blouse b'lannelletfces, 3Jd, 4|d, 6d A large lot of Plain Colors at value 22 Dark Tapestry Q lilts, 5a 6d 75 White Blankets, 3a 93 enoh 80 Grey Blankets, 5* 3d e»eh 1050 Yards Cretonnes (ali designs) ty*, S^d, 6£d 49 P*lrs L»ce Cnrt&ins 3s 3d, worth 5s 6d 35 Holland Aprons, Is, Is 6d, Is 91 16 Child's Tuntos, 3« lid, worth 6s 6d ' Special Reductions during the last 2 Weeks on the Balance of our Ladies' Trimmed Hats, Ltdies 1 Opes, and Ladies' Jackets. 14 Children's Mackintoshes, 3s 6i to 6s lid, must be cleared 187S Yards Wide Fancy Ribbons, for neck wear, 4d, flfi, s|l, 6d| worth up to 3s per yard 115 Yards Fiy Dress Tweeds, 7| 1 ; were Is 31 66 Yards Silk aidped Orepon Is 6d a yard (was 2s lid) Ladies' Belts 3d, si, 9d (worth treble) j 60 Pairs Coreets, assorted from Is lid to 4i 6d, all odd s:z« and makes— originally 2s 9d to 9s 6d 12 Pieces Colored Velveteen Is s£?, all shades 2 Pieces only Black Velveteen, 11| I 37 Yards Evening Tinsel Bvts S xtt la 3d (was 2s 3d) Perambulator Q'ltlts, new and worth inspecting. Cot Quilt*, new and worth Inspecting. Full size Bedsteal Quilts new and worth inspecting. SPEND OABH_AT THIS SALE ISORTHCOTIf & HEFFORI) "THE CORNER."



tNEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTOBY. Boy's Tweed Sailor Suits from 5s Boy's Serge Sailor Suits from 7s 6d Boy's Tweed Melville Suits from & Boy's Tweed Norfolk Suits from 12s Bey's Sac Knlcker Suits from 18» bd Bey's Covert Coaw from 14s 6d Boy'e Tweed Overcoats from 6« 6d Boy's Rewfer Jackets from 6s 6d Boy's Football Jerseys from 3a 3d Boj's Oapß 6d each Boy's bailor Tarns Is each FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRICE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. W. SXHtAIMGrE*] Bole Pabtners asd [X, COV£3KI>A.I-ilil Propeibtobs. ; .—— ;%■ .—i.... THOUSANDS Will be Interested to Know that Our Monster Stock-taking Sale IS nzN O W ON= AT CHRIBTCHURCH. A T this GREAT SALE it it our Caitom, ewy fu to SAORIFIOE Ihf ENTIRE BALANCE OF OUB WINTER STOCKS In order to effecb as complete a elearanca as possible, w« shall make SW! EPING RED UCTIONS in EVERY DEPARTMENT. Even plain Household Goods, saoh as OtJimi and Cottont generally C«na«ie and uamade) will be reduced; aleo the price of Buta aad Single Gunrati, both to order and ready-made, Furniture, Bedding, an* everything we make and sell, GOODS OF FASHION. The same remark applies to » GOODS OF FASHION," such at our EMuMta Lentoo and Parisian MODEL MILLINERY, our Stylish Winter Dresses and Dress Goods for Evening Wear and our lovely Winter Jackets, Muntles, Capes and Macintoshes, all of which Mast be Sold for what they will Bring, ai we never carry overmuch goods from season to ssaaom Cuite possibly you may exolaim, o« reading the above, «OJH, I AM HO SORRY! 1 But I live bo fsr away from Christohurch I can'c get thereto attend the S*l*." That doesn'i matter in the least, since you can do as HUNDREDS already do, SHOP WITH XJS BY POBT if you can't shop with us in person ! GET A CATALOGUE. Th« first thing to be done is to get » Sale Catalogue {they have been well oirculaied already, but if you haveo'b got one we will send you one Posfc Free on apphoation) Having got your Catalogue read it carefully through j[you will find it really Bteresting), make yonr selections, write down yonr requirements »s plainly as possible, enclose Stamps, P. 0.0. or Postal Notes to value of Goods, and-drop your letter jn the Post #ox, and WE WILL DO THE REST By return Train, Toat or Coach, »s the caae may be, your Parcel shall be forwarded and we will token much c»re to please you as though you walked up to one of our counur. all mS: your purchase pereo^Uy. If w. «c Sold Out of th. pr.mee Uu. you want W8 will send the Nearest ThiDg to it, and it you are not satisfied then, we will return you your money ! DON'T MISS THi CHANCE this Sale presents to you to secure HXTftAOBDINABY BAKGAIMB. THE SALE WILL SOON BE OVER, A 8 IT POSITIVELY ENDS ON August 31, 1000 STRANGE~^)~COMPANY, OHKISTOHUKCH-



Smoke New Venus