Mail Notices.

Mails: close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations: - THURSDAY, J' in 26 For Northern Por;s, Wesrpott and West Coast, ocr Rotf mtharsa, at 6 30 pm FRIDAY, JULY 27 For Northern Ports and Westport, Auß'ra liati Colonus (via Wellington), South Africa, Ceylon, Iridia, Chir.a, etc , also United i Kingdom and Continent of Europe, specially addressed " via Suez," per Mokoia, at 10.30 a.m. Due Sydney August 2nd, London September 11.

For Australian Colonies (via Blnfl), per express, to connect with Westra'ia, at 12 30 p m. For .Northern Ports, Wesfporc, Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, also United States, Canada, etc, United Kingdom, and Continent of Europe, via San Fran cisco, per Takipar.a, aa follows :—For money orders at 2 30 p.m.; registered letters, at 5 p.m ; Looks and newspapers, at 6.30 p.m.; ordinary letters 6.30 p.m. ; late fee letters, mail van, express train. Duo London Sept sth. W. H. Kekner, Postmaster.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Aahburton daily for-— CHRISTOHURCH—at 7.20 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7.5 p m. (express) TIMARU—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 Ashbnrton from— CHKISTOHUROH~at 10.45 a.m., 12.47 p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIMARU-at 10.35 a.m., 2 55 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases o! Moon for July.

SUN.

FIRST EDITION Commercial.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Ohristchdrcm, July 25 The entries at Addington comprised 3113 fat sheep, 200 fat lambs, 2000 store sheep, 266 cattle, and 505 pigs.

Fat Oattlh—l77 head included a number of light weight iteers, but the heifers and cows were mostly good sorts. Bidding was keen for anything prime, and for this class there was a rise of 5* per head. Other classes were selling at late rates. 19 North Island bullocks brought from £7 7s 6d to £9 2s 63, local Bteers £5 17s 6d to £7 10s, heifers £4 10s to £7 5», cowt £4 17a 6d to £7 10s, an extra good one £9 15s,

Stork and Paiky OATTLR—There were email and mixed yardingg of store and dairy cattle, and not much business dous. 2£ year cattle broaght) £3 17a 6d, 2 year £2 7s 6d, 18 months £1 16s, yearlings £1 2i to £t 4», dry cowa £1 7s 61 to £2 15b, dairy cowa £3 to £7.

Fat IBheep—The yardfng waa mostly of light weight wethers and very few primfl ewes for freezing, buyers only purchasing when they could get linss cheap, but butchers' sheep were very firm sn consequence of the short supply. Heavy wethers brought up to 225, heavy freezers 19a to 20s, lighter 16a to 18a 6d, maiden ewes 16a 6d to 13) 6d, prime heavy owes 17s to 20« 6i, good ditto 16<j to 17a 6d, others 143 to 15b 6 !, merino wethera 16s Id to 17s 6d.

Fat Lambs—The competition was mostly in the hanck of tho local trado, only a few fxbra good were taken for export. Prices ranged from lla to 14s, and up to 153 Id for extra good.

Storb Sheep—A few small lines of welhers changed hands ab 13a 4d to 15s Id, wethers and maiden ewes 14] Id, 906 North Island ewes wera withdrawn at 12* 91, good young ewes sold at 14i 6d to 16s lid, a few hoggets Us 61.

Pigs—Fat pigs were either too large or too smili for the bacon trade, and the sale was somewhat irregular; Average baooners from 32a to 42^ 6-i, equal to 3d to 3£d per Ib ; porkers eoid well at 22* 6d to 31s, equal to3-|dto3£l. A better demand for stores, 12s to 13a, and suckers and weaners sold at from 6s to lOi 6d.

WOOL SALES.

Messrs Dalgaty and Co. (Limited) have received tha following osble from their head office, dated London, July 20, 1900 ;—"The wool sales closed without) any further change. Out of the net quantity available, some 73,000 bales have been sold for Home consumption, 50,000 bales for the Continent, 2000 bales for America—leaving 158,000 bales to be carried forward to the next series; For the bulk of greasy merino wools prices are on the average 8 par cent lower than the closing rates of last series. Medium and inferior greasy merino and fine crossbreds are 10 per cent lower. Medium and coarse crossbreds are on a par with closing rates of last series* The first series of the next year's wool sales have been fixed to open on January 15. The quantity of new arrivals is not to be limited."

GERALDINE LIVE STOCK MARKET.

There wan a good attendance ab the Geraidine live stock sa-e in the otd yards yesterday. The entry of sheep was 4500, the biggest portion of which was of ex cellent quality, and the competition was keen for all Hues, a clearance being effected of nearly every lot at the following quota tions, being a rise of quite Is per head on late rates :— Sheep—Hoggets 10a 2d, lla 2d, Us 71 to 12s lid; half-bred ewes in lamb, 16a, 14s, 143 lOd to 16b 7d; 2 and 4 tooth cross-bred wethers 16s Id; ewes and wethers 15s ; fat cross-bred wethers 14s Id to 16s 3d ; old ewea in lamb 10s 3d to 10* 8d; merino ewea 7a Bd. Cattle—Stearß£3 7» to £2 Via for not the best quality ; fat steers £4 2< ; 2 year old steers and heifers 35b to £2 17«; fat cows £5. Pigs—Sow 30a; stores 11s 3d to 12s ; weaners 7a.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1900. PAYMENT OF LEGISLATORS.

There will probably be no objection on the part of the taxpayers to the pro posal to increase the salaries of Miuiaters of the Grown, provided it be distinctly understood that the cost to the country of such Ministers shall not be indefinitely increased by their travelling about the country at the expense of the public, and at the same time necessitating a larger staff of officers at the seat of Government to do the work thus neglected. We hare no doubt that the taxpayers will readily consent to an increase of the renumera tion paid to Ministers if they will ODly stay at their pos s. Trips to the other colonies and trips to England, and the South Seas soon run into thousands, and although it is doubtless a very line thing for New Zealand to have a show Cabinet Minister constantly before the

admiring eyes of other parts of the Empi-e, it cannot be det.ied that it is an expensive luxury. But as we said before we arc quite willing that Ministers should have higher salaries, if they will honestly dovote their time to looking after the public interests. Of course there will bo found people unfeeling enough to compare the salaries of members of the Government of a State containing only three quarters of a million of people with those of the highest officials of a great country like the United States with its forty millions. Bufr the legislators of New Z aland don't consider a few thousands unless in connection with expenditure in the interests of the hutubier classes of the communi«y. An evidence of this hasjust been furnished by the modest proposal to raise the honorariums of the members of the Lower House from £240 to £300 a year. A more audacious proposition has not been made by members of the Assembly for some time, and it does not speak well for the new Parliament that any member should think such a proposal would be acceptable to the majority. This increase ie contemplated at a time ' when serious reductions are about to be made in the pay of a much harder working section of the pubhc than members of Parliament, namely, the State school teachers. We have juat learned that large retrenchments are to bo made in the salaries of the Wellington teachers, while the Wellington legislators propose to take more money out of the public treasury to increase theirs. Cur representatives may rest assured that any attempt to carry out this proposal will be resented by the people of this colony, and that should it be adopted, the views of the electors upon the subject will be pretty plainly expreesed at the next general election. It is satisfactory to note that so far as the press has referred to this greedy scheme, it has been severely criticised, and we may conclude by quoting the following com meats from the Dune din Evening Star. " Our own opinion—and we thiak it will be shared by most of our readers— is that members of the House of Re presentatives are handsomely paid for their three or four months' work at £240 per annum, and that the proposal mooted at yesterday's caucus is a symp tom not only of personal greediness, but also of reckless irresponsibility as regards parliamentary guardianship of the public funds."

Local and General.

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

(Sik Robert Hart—Sir Roberb Hart, the Inspector-general of Chinese Customs, who waa among the vicbims of the Peking massacre, was a brother of Mrs S 3 Qa bnrne, New Plymouth.

Larrikinjsm PAMPANT—A severe out break of lamkinism is just now troubling Fielding. Clothes lines are stripped, meat safea robbed, aod property waatonly de stroyed. A vigilance committee is talked about.

Foots vLt—The South Canterbury repre sentative team procaeded to Christchurch by lash evening's express. They play the Canterbury team at Lancaster Park to-day. The final match to sottle the championship between the Sydenhatn and Chriatchnrch Club's will be played on Saturday afternoon.

Biltong—Mr W Gunn, chemist, of Timaru, has reoeived from Dr Thomas, who ia in South Africa, on his way with a force to join Lord Carrington at Petersburg, a sample of " biltong," as used by the Boers. The sample includes two p eces, one piece being somewhat of the shape of a hare's foreleg aud tho other not unlike a piece of Bfcoak,

Presentation—On Saturday Ja9t a very pleasant ceremony took place in the woolshed ab Coidstream, when Mr G. Peterson, on behalf of the employees of the Ooldatream estate, in a few well chosen words, presented the o'erk, Mr Cole, with a handsome silver tea and coffee service on the occasion of his marriage.

Ambulance Classes—ln order to make arrangements for the establishment of an evening class during the weak, a meeting of ladies and gentlemen is called for this evening. All who wish to attend an evening class are requested bo be present. The nexb afternoon lecture to ladies will be given on Saturday, at 3,30 p.m. Intending lady students are reminded that this will bs the last ohanoe of joining the present afternoon course of lecture?.

DbOMORB LITERARY AND DEBATING Societt.—A meeting of the above Society was held on Monday evening. There was a gooi attendance of members, and several visitors were also present. Papers were read by Mrs Max wall on "Beauty," and by Miss Cameron on " Intellect" A discussion followed, and then a rote was taken as to whether beauty or intellect were the better gifts to posses*. SGhe voting resulted in a majority for intellect. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the ladies for their able papers. The rest of the evening w%s taken up by the ' Editor's Box," and a number of interesting questions ware well answered. At the next meeting of the Bociety & paper will be read by the Presi dent.

Cooper's Lagoon—The new drainage eu' vert recently constructed through the Ninety Mile Beach, at Tamutu, to drain Cooper's Lagoon, stood a very severe test daring the late heavy sou-wester. It was feared at one time that the culvert would hay« been swept clean away, as very heavy sesa were running clean over the top of it, and pouring thousands of tons of water into the Lagoon, but after the seas moderated, it was found, on examination, thab only one end of the approach was damaged—the culvert itself was intact. The work was passed out of the contractor's hands on Monday, and on Tuesday the damage was done. The way the structure stood the severe toßt spoke well for the work put in by Mr Forbes, the contractor.

Peksonai—Mr James O'Neil, who for some seven years has been chief olerk at the Rakaia railway post office, has received notice of a shift bo Nelaon At a public meeting held ab the Library on Tuesday, there was a fair attendance considering the short notice. Mr Oxley waa voted to the chair; It was resolved to show the appre ciation of Mr O'Neil'B services, not only aa a public officer, but as a private individual, by giving him a good send off and a reminder of Kakaia district. A strong committee was appointad with power to add to its number, and the matter will be taken in hand ab once. Another meeting will be held on Tuesday evening next. Mr Oxley was appointed chairman of the committee, and Mr George Eardy, secretary and treasurer.

Lake ELiiESMBBE—Lake Eliesmere hai risen very rapidly during the last ben days, and now practically all the Lake settlers' low-lying properties are under water. The settlers are anxiously waiting to hear fchab the outlet into the «ea has been successfully made. The late heavy sou wester made the Lake rise rapidly, and proved a very anxious time for the settlers. The contractors, Messrs Dobbin and Millar, have again made a good start with the opeuiDg through the beach to let out the lake. With two days' easterly weather it should be let out satis* factorily. There has been a week* very rough sea on the beach. The seaa were running clean over the beaoh into the lake. On Tuesday week the catting was made through the beach, leaving only a wall on the sea side, when the heavy seas on Wed nesday completely filled it up again, and the contractors had all their work to do over again. j

Ambulance- -The first lecture to the Am bulaucs class ia connection with the Fire Brigade and Volunteers, was delivered by Dr Maude ou Friday list at tbe Brigade meeting room. The lecture, which was practically illustrated, proved most instruc tive and interesting. The next meeting of this class will be held on Friday, the 3rd August at 8 p.m. There will be no lecture this week.

Telegraph Communication.—The Tele graph Department notifies that the Cape Coioay Administration advises that telegraph communication via Delagoa Bay with those parts of the Transvaal occupied by the British troop* is interrupted. Private telegrams may, however, be addressed to Pretoria, Johannesburg.Germiatoo, Vereeni {?iog, and Heidelberg via Caps Colony, if they are written In plain English.

A Mystery of the Past—A mystery, which has remained unsolved for forty years, has been revived by the discovery of what is supposed to be part of the skeleton of a mm, and a watch, on Kangaroo Island (South Australia). In 1360 a young man named Pennington, with a number of com panions, went from Adelaide to the Island on an excursion, and Pennington got lost in the bush. The remains are supposed to be Pennington's.

Insubance Companies Amalgamate.— Negotiations have lately been completed for the amalgamation of the accident insurance business of two of the companies which are operating in New Zealand. Tho Ooean Accident: and Guarantee Corporation, which, although the most recent arrival in the accident insurance field of New Zealand, has proved to be nob the least energetic, has acquired the accident business of the Scottish Metropolitan Life Assurance Company.

Eating And The Wbiqht of The Bony— It has beea seriously asserted by many peo. pie thab we ara naturally lighber after a meal, and they have even gone the length of explaining this by the amount of gas that ia developed from the food. Average ob servations, however, show that we lose 31b 6oz between night and morning ; that wn gain lib 12 z by breakfast; that we again lose about 14oz before lanoh ; that lunch puts on an average of lib; that we again loss during the afternoon an average of 10<?z ; but that an ordinary dinner to healthy persons adds 2ib 2oz to their weight.

MINING

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Donedin, July 25 Sales—Boundary Creek, 3s Sd ; Chstto Creek, 23a and 23s 6d ; Dart River, 2s 6d die* count; First Chance, 18a; Junction Electric, 44s ; Mokota, 21b ; Second Magaetio, 36a ; Vincent, 74s and 735.

"The Christian."

The Douglaa-Ancelon Dramatic Oomp»ny mob with a good reception on Tuesday even lag at the Oddfello it' Hall, when Mr Walter Bentley appeared for the first time before an Ashburton audience in 4t The Christian." The building wai well filled, the inter mediate and back seats being inconveniently crowded As bo many of our readers must have read Hall*Oaine's famous book, " The Christian,' 1 it is needless to enlarge on the plot of this atory, which has created a good deal of controversy on account of its free treatment of certain phases of society and certain human frailties not usually brought under public n>tioa There were evidently divided opinions about the question as to the propriety of brin^iug such subjects so very prominently under the public eye But there can, we think, be no doubt at «U that the dramatic version given last evening is a portrayal of a very objectionable phase of society not at all calculated to improve public morality, or to refine the tastes of the community It is bad enough to have to acknowledge that dudes like Lord Robert Ura exist amongst the higher classes of sooiety in England, but that females should be seen sharing in their orgies is not a matter to be proclaimed from the house tops and given as illustrations of the national character As for the dramatists conception of the characters of the story, we are inclined to think they wera exaggerations of even HalLOainft't ictala His John Storm, in the earlier scenes at leoat, is a dignified

English gentleman, and his Glory is never absolutely vulgar _ and she U »lw»ye woman y . But the Glory of the play espeo'tllyin h.first soeneof thesecond futare career on the atage.

THE NEW SOUTH WALES MURDERS

A gentleman now in Ashburbon informs as thab he knows the country in which the recently recorded outrages by blacks have been committed quite well. The scene of the first murders, GHg&ndra, is about forty miles north of Dubbo, in a sparsely settled oountry, mostly pastoral, with rough, rugged iron-bark ranges, nob more than ten miles distant, In which the murderers oould easily conceal themselves. The locality in 6he past has been a favorite hiding-place for outlaws seeking to evade capture. Some of the episodes narrated in " Bobbery Under Arms " are said by the inhabitants of the district) to hare actually occurred there, and those who have re»d thab story know thab Its author professed to have founded ib on faats. Last December a "swagger," who was passing through thab oountry, left his swag on the side of a road do soak water in the bush and was lost, over a week elapsing before a search party found hie dead body* In view, therefore, of the wild nature of the oountry, it can be well understood why the ! residents thereabouts are ia a state of alarm, as stated in a cable message received yeeberday. Ib may be mentioned thab ou informant knew Mrs O'Brien, who has been murdered by the blacks. Her husband was ft selector, who, like many others, took up land in the vicinity, and began in a small way to make a home for his family. From two bo five thousand acres are regarded as small holdings in thab locality, and a man ; might leave home in the morning and be working a mile or more away during the whole day. The nearesb neighbour to O'Brien ia some fire or six miles away, and hia land borders on scrubby, hilly country, rarely traversed by man. The house is situated about ten miles from Mr Low's station, Merriwa, and was evidently entered by the blacks on aooount of its lonely posi tion. Until this incident occurred f however, people felt as secure from harm as a farmer's family might ten miles from Ashburbon.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph The Council met at 2 30. Wellington, July 24 CIVIIi SERVICE EXAMINATIONS. The C vil Service Examination Bill was pasted through Committee without amend ment, read a third lime, and patted. The Council rose at 2.55 p.m. Wellington, July 25 The Council mot at 2-30 p.m. The Hon W 0 VWike , in rep'y to Colonel Pitt, suid it was the i^reution of the Govcrc meufi to introduce during the current session a Bill to amend the Gaming and Lotteries Aot.

On the motion of Mr A L Smith, the Miilers Houra of L-fcumr Bill was read a first time. Mr Pinkfirton moved the second reading of the Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act Amendment Bill. After remarks by Messrs W G Walker, Pitt, Bowen, and Bolt, the Bill wat read a second timo and reftrred to the Statutes Revision Committee. The Hon W 0 Walkar moved the second reading of the Westpurfc Harbor Board Loan Bill.

In freply to Mr Shritnski, who said ht thought the Board had already borrowed sxoets've mm!, several members spoke of the success of the harbor work* to for carried oub at Westporr. The second reading w&i agreed to. On the motion of the Hou Mr Pinker ton, the Dunedin City and Suburban Tramway Bill was read a second time. The Hod Mr Ksrr moved the second reading of the Greymouth Harbor Board Loan Bill, which was agreed to. The round 1 rose at 3.46 p.m. nod sdj-turned till 8 p.m. -The Council met at 8 p.m. The Imprest) Supply Bill patted through »U its at ages, and the Council rose at 8-15 | p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, July 24 The House met at 2.30. THK DEFENCES.

Mr Seddon moved that a Joint Committee of both Houses should be appointed to whom shall be referred the question of defence. This was carried. LKAVJB OF ABSENCE

One week's leave of abssnoe was granted Messrs Napier and Witheford.

NEW BILLS.

The Wellington City Leasing BUI and tho Institute of Suiveyors Bill were read a first time.

QUESTIONS. Replying to questions. Ministers said that: —They could nofc authorise a higher rate of pay for casual labour on the railways, bat » uniform rate of pay, Is per hour, would be adopted throughout the colony—A Rsfer «adum Bill would be introduced thi« session, to enable tha will of the people to be ascer tamed on the question of Bible-reading in schools.—An amendment of the Old Age Pensions Act would be introduced, regarding which suggestions would be naked from the Stipendiary Magistrates—The Government had no formal offer from a prirate firm for the construction of a r*ilway from Sentry Hill to Te Kuiti.—A Technical Education Bill would be introduced this session.—The Government did not approve of selling the freehold laad in town and suburban sections which had been reserved for settlement pur poses.—Facilities would be given for having some of the youths in the colony instructed so as to qualify as meat) inspectors.—The Government was aware that 287 native born persons had died during the year 1899 from phthisis, aud suggested that the way to meet the case was to introduce an Undesirable Immigrants Bill, to prev«nb people who were suffering from such a complaint enter i°g the colony, 'A'ho House adjourned at 5,30 The House resumed at 7,30 p.m. ministsrs' salaries _ . , , _. . P n the motion oj the Vremler, the Mia.sters Salaries and Allowances Amend me«* BjU WM withdrawn

the governor's SALAKY and ALLOWANCES, The p remier moved the Beoond refcdi 0J the GoverDOr ., Salary aud Allowances Bill ani iUtad that when the Governor's salary colony Uabil the Home w»e in poewwloß of the true finaccial position of the colony members were not prepared to decide upon the matter. Before deciding upon the Bill the Hoaie nhould know what reduction would be made in the Cuitomi duty and other taxes. Until he wai satisfied apon these points he oonld not) vote for the second reading of the Bill, Further dkouision ensued. Eventually the amendminb. wai lost by 48 rotes to 12 On the motion that the Bill be read a second time, The Premier, replying, said ife was nod right that a Governor should be called upon to draw upon hia private means to support his position, and the democracy should not) be put under such an obligation The second reading was carried by 43 votes to 15 Against: (15), Atkinson, Buddo, Oollins, Gili, J Hutchesoo, Lanreaaon, Lewis, Meredith, Monk, Piraai, G W Russell, Symes, Tanner, B Thompson, J W Thomp son

I The House rose ab 120 a.m. Wellington, July 25 The House met at 2.30 p m. The Speaker intimated as the result of the poll taken amongst members of both Houses of the Legislature as to whether or not alcoholic liquors should be sold within the precincts of the Parliamentary buildings a majority of 34 was in favour of the proposal. The Premier said he had received a cable from the Premier of Tasmania, stating that he had agreed to the request that the members of the Taamanian Contingent be allowed to join the South African Mounted Police. Mr Seddon said he had received a similar request, and his reply had been that he did nob agree to discharge the men of the New Zealand Contingents to enable them to join that force. The men bad been sent to Africa j as soldiers, not as police: There had been some diaconteni amongst the men on account of their being drafted amongst other men and losing their individuality as a corps. He thought the South African authorities should first have consulted the Government before engaging the men for the police force. He explained that the men were engaged for throe months at 10i per day, and to find their own horses, with liberty to join their own corps at the end of that time. An Imprest Supply Bill No. 2 for £520,000 was introduced. Captain Russell compUi&od that with the sum named the House would have passed by way of imprest £750,000, and he thought the Government should give the House some idea when the Financial Statement would be brought down. Although one-third of the financial year had passed, the House knew nothing about the finances of the colony, Under such circumstances all other business should be postponed until the House had dealb with the finaooai of tht ooloay,

Mr J Allen complained of the waste of lima in Government, cot bringing Important Bills earlier in the session, instead of leaving them till the dying hours of the session! Mr Herriea rook exception that of the amount voted last year for roads and bridges only about one-third had actually been expended. He hoped the new Ministers would see in future that moneys voted by Parliament were expended within the financial year.

Mr W Fraaer blamed Government for not bringing down the long promised and much meded Local Government Bill.

Mr Pirani wished to know what was the intention of G varnment with respect to the mi lion loan authorised last year and which had not yet b&en floated On the metion fi.r the third reading of the Bill Mr Seddon said members were only vol ing that day on expenditure authorised by the House' last year. The principal in stalment of the Local Government Bill was already before the House in the shape of the Municipal Corporations Act Amendment, and others were ready for introduction but he did not wish to feed the Opposition too fast. As co bringing down the Financial Stata. tnent, members already possessed informa tion regarding the finances of tht country as published in the Gazette, As to tht pro posals of the Government, he was satisfied they would be of snob a nature as to prove acceptable to the House. He contended that legislation was very far forward this session, and he hoped to Me both th« Looal Bodies Bills passed before tht session ended.

QUESTIONS Replying to questions, Ministers said,with regard to a higher rate of pay to casual hands in tht railway sheds for the work they perform outside from 8 a.m. to 5 p m., they were in sympathy with any employees cot in receipt) of sufficient wage* for ■ervioci rendered, and would make enquiries into the matter; that it was a matter for tht Educa tion Department, tbt question of iMßiog free pastes on railwaye to teaohers while 1 attending classes instructing in drill; that an amendment would be made in the Land Aot to enable village settler* to acejuire an adjoining holding; that the matter of giving a local body & for £ subsidy for ths purpose of forming bicycle tracks on any existing road would be considered; that tht Government bad sol been asked for com pensation to Mr JGrnttan Grey, the Hansard reporter, for loss of offioe, but the dootrint that an officer of tht House could bt guilty of insubordination and then ask for compen sation, was not sound in the interest of tht ef&oie&cy of the public service; that volun teer corps were supplied with small arms in the order of priority of application.

On the motion of Mr Alien, that a return showing moneys raised by loan on debentures since Ma*ch, 1899, the Premier objeottd, m it would prematurely disclose the financial affairs of the colony,'and he moved the adjournment of the debate, whioh was in* terruptsd by the 6*30 adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30 The School Attendance Bill (Mr Piraoi) was read a second time pre forma'

Mr Collins moved the second ."reading of the Abolition of Capital Punishment Bill, and the debate .was proceeding when the telegraph offioe closed. •■

Interprovincial.

Wellington, July 25 The trada unionists have made a presenta tion to the Hon John Bigg of an illuminated testimonial and a purie of sovereigns in recognition of his appointment for the second term as a member of the Legislative Council. The Mayor of Wellington paid a visit to the Papanui this morning and officially welcomed the invalided soldiers, The.officerc and men deoline to be interviewed as they are still under military control.

Steps have been taken to form a corps of military engineers here. Colonel Pole Pea ton has intimated thab the services of the corps will be accepted at once by Govern* ment.

Professor Eaaterfield and the Agricultural Department have been conducting sxpari ments on the poisonous tutu plant with the view of obtaining a complete knowledge of i?B properties. Ibis thought euch knowledge will be of value in medicine, and a (ample of the drug hai been forwarded to the University of Sfe Andrews, Scotland. A valuable tannin extraot can alio be obtained frcm the bark of the Tutu, and from th« fact the plant has been pat to various uses by the Maoris. Tbere Is a poiiibility of establishing an industry from its cultiva* tion.

Messrs Seddoo, Ward, Hall-Jones, Dun* can, Walker, Carroll, lfcGowaa, and Col onel Pole-Penton attended the Cabinet room ab one o'clock, to receive Lieutenants Vernon (New South Wales) Canavan and Feather, and Trooper Sannders ; Mr Seddon said he wbb delighted, on behalf of the colony, to welcome the men baok, and he hoped they would soon be restored to perfect health. The whole oouotry recognised that they had done credit to the colonies which sent them away. Colonel Pole-Penton, in the course of his remarks, said the foroei of the colony were frond to welcome them baok as comrades. Lieuten ant Canavan returned thanks for the hearty welcome that had been extended to the party. Lieutenant Vernon also ezpreised his appreciation of the kindly treatment he had received in New Zealand, and he was glad to visit a colony, whoie men had done so well in South Africa. He considered that New Zeaianders ha* done better than the other colonial contingents with the exception perhaps, of New South Welshmen. The party were afterwards entertained by the Premier at lunch.

The arrivals in fche colony for Jane wire 784 and the departures 1032. Government) haa declined to give the Education Board the amount necessary (tome £6000) to rebuild the Thorndon Mbool, recently burned down, in brick, bat bat allowed £4826 to replace it it wood. The President of the Arbitration Court hae given ft as his individual opinion that prefer ence to unionists did not mean that ft non unionist who had been given continuous employment in the absence of an eligible unionist was to be turned off as soon at • unionist beoame available. This is important, as in some quarters a contrary impression prevails,

Auckland, July 25 In the oMt J»b Brennan t Jm ftoa»(by f ariainft out of the Onehunga ■bootiog caw, 2a which plaintiff was badly wounded by defendant, the jury found that the defendant was » lanati cat the time he shot Brannao, and that plaintiff was entitled to £750 damage! from defendant far injuries received. Argument) was proceeding on the SL«estten : Can damages be recovered from a unfttio

TiMAjtv, July 25 R. Y. Ferguson, late manager of the Geraldine branch of the Farmers' Associa tion stores, has been committed for trial for embezzling £247 in May and June laii. Other sums are mentioned. Bail was allowed in two sureties of £160 each.

Waimatk July 25 ' The Times office, was burned down shortly after four this morning. Nothing waisaved. The business was leased by M Smith, who had no insurance on his stock, he estimates hit loss at about £150. The building and plant was insured* bub the amounts are unknown here. Incendiarism is suspected. A suspicious fire occurred In the office three weeks ago.

THE ABHBDHIUN GXJABDIAN t ThCJBSDaY, JULY 26, 1900



'if st quarter 'till muon iast quarter

6 11 13 0 19 5

44 am 52 am 1 pm



Date July 26 „ 27  2S  29 „ 30 „ 31

• •

7 22 7 21 7 20 719 718 7 17

Sets 4 52 4 53 4 54 4 55 4 56 4 57



Bergers theep Jtfarking j Composition » In Three Colors-Black, Rei, 800 | 'I^HE finest and moati c nomical Sheep JL Brandiisg Oil in the market Read the opinions of Leading Sheep Farmeru in Otago :— | WE INTV.KD USING IT AGAIN j From N.Z. Agricultural Co,, j Waimea House, Gore, May 22 1897 \ Dear blr?,- We have found Bergers Marking Oil m ba a good and < urable htop b^andin^ material aud intend using It again, as bo>PR cheaper thanchepttpdirsn fclon formerly u^ed f<»r tho purpos , P. J. Paieesow, Stat. Mgr.



tTNDOUBTEfIIY M'JRB ECONOMICAL THAN J 010 AND LAMPBLACK : From J M McKenzie, Bu-hy Park Estate, Palmers 1 on. May 39 1897 # \ Bear Shs,—l hay» great pleasure in - stating that Bebher's Sheep branding ' Oompound that I received from you haa j given me every satisfaction, aod is > undoubtedly moire economical than eil and ! lampblack.



1 MAKE A POINT OF RECOMMENDING IT From Kabert Logan, Maiitang*. Hyde, May 10, 1897 Dear Sirs have used Bbrgers Branding O 1 or some years, and have j . oand it so t fac ory that I make a point j of recommeni ng it. The liquid in the • drums is ha same consistency right . ifom top bottom, and requires no i stirring. j ONM TO TB USED TO BK APPRECIATED orn James Taylor, Wairuna, Clinton | 15,1897 I e»r Sirs,—l used Bepgbr'b Branding ' black and rid, last aeas m on my flock, ann I am petiectly satisfied with the ; results. To sheep farmers the preparation j Inva'oable, being always ready and ; highly economical. It has only to be uted to be appreciated. «IT£N BVJBBY SATISFACTION FOE SBVJBiKAi YEAE3 From Mr John Kliiott, Glad brook ; Station; Middlerrareh. May 18,1897 My Daar Sirs,—ln reply to your inquiry regarding Berge^'s Shepp Marking Com poand. We hare used this Compound on all our fl icka for several years and it has given every satisfaction. It ie o even j quality and is ready fur use. I find it Isstfl well, being quite legible,, ou ful woollad skins It is much more'&conomi eal than brand made with the old materials ' (lampblack' and oil}, as owing to its even j quality, there is no waste. Always ready for use Guaranteed not to injure the w< 01. Will wash off on icooring without leaving a stain. Sold by F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton, N.Z. F. FERRIMAN. " FOB ™~'j In Peter Strnet, A COMFORTABLE HOME, consisting! JLJL of 7 rooms, wi.'h bath and abundant j supply of water, detach d wafhhouse, j' •ere of good land, planted with fruit trees, j within three minima' walk of the railway Station. The greater portion of the purchase mom y can remain on mortgage. F. FERRIMAN. Es fate Agent, Ashbnrton. FOX SALft ) 5 Town Sections, a c-tpltal site forj building, within 4 minutes' walk of Post Office. | f _____ F FERMMAN. i WAKaNUI ROAAE. FOR BALF. HOUSE of 6 roi>m%, £ acre of land- Price £150, £30 deposit.. F. FfiRRIMAN. FOB SAL Hi, Alfotd Fores* Boad, HOU^K of 6 rooms* and 1\ acres of land, acj dns Mi George Hoskan's | rop. rty : easy termo. F. FERRIMAN



TN THE COURSE OF THE NKXT FEW DAYS OUR Travelling Representative, M C. Molntoah, Will call on you, soliciting yoar order



FOESALK Al ALLr'NION, A First clas» Block of Land, containing 6| acras, well watered, long frontage on a good road. The greater portion of the purchase can remain at 5 per cent. Adapted for subdivision. Ai-yona with a iittle capital, and h^lf an eye to the iutare, will Inspect and aecare this block. F. FEBPIMAN. FOX BALK," AFoor Roomed House and acre of land in the suburbs. Price £'lbO. F. FBRKIMAN "FUk" SALfci, Burnett Street, Adjoinin?; Dr Hunter's Residence, OVKRi'acre Jaod. with House-of 7 R>oms, easy terms. F. FERRIMAN FOR SALE, TAtfOßtiD STREET, J The Residential Street of the Town. A Comfortable Dwelling of 8 rooms ; the section is well fenced, and of good quality, F. ffBRRIMAN Jb'Ult bALH., €}(T\ Aores of Land, with new house of 9 £i\J rooms, stable, and every modorn conrenlenoe, F. FERRIMAN. FARM FOR" SALE." ' QA Acres, within 2 miles of Ashbarton, O4lr This shoald prove a sound invest ment for capital. Price, £1174. Th'B property will let en a long lease to & good tenant, j F. FERRIMAN. | ' FOR SALE, "~ I A Good Sheep Farm of 650 Acres. A Good Sheep Farm of 300 Acres, A Good Sheep Farm of 320 Acres, F. FERRIMAN. - ~~ fqr~"sale; I Acre at Tinwald, near the fareonage. __ F. FE-RRIMAN. FAIRTON. A Small Paddock, well fenced. Price £30. F. FERRIMAN.



We are Agents for the Celebrated " MoCormick'' Binders, Big 4 Mowers, AND Daisy Beapers. Also the— P. & P. Manures, The Finest Fertilizer ia the World. SOILS ANALYSED FBSE OF OHABGR. Morrow, Bassett & Go ASH BURTON Man o ing & (Jo's NEW SEASON'S ! BOTTLES ALES AHD STOUT, IN QUARTS AND PINTS, THE BEST IN~THE MARKET j Equal to the Leading Brands of ENGLISH ALES. Agenta for Ashbarton—Messrs Shear man Bkos. W8



HARDLEY BROS. Ashbarton, supply windmill and stand for £12, Well- Making $,b moderate rate*. TINWALD F()R SALlL—Good Building site, corner of Anne Street and Lagmhor Road, being lots 238 and 239, containing £ acre. ALSO An acre adjoining, being lota 234, 23b, 236 and 237. To be sold »s a, whole or ■eparately. T. BULLOCK, Fob this Blood is tksi Life."— CLABKK'S WORLD . FAMED BLOOD MIXQDUKE is warranted to cleanse the blood from all impurities from whatever OKHB9 aritiog. For Scrofula, Scurvy, Bo zems, Skin end Blood Diseasee, and Sores o nl! kinds, its iffecte are maiveiloua. Tljoub ands of testimonials, Bold in. bottles, 2- Sd feud lla each, by Ohemiets and Patent Medicine Vendors everywhere. Sole Pro prietors! The Likoolh and Miolaihd Coun- KISS Dbuo Co, Lincoln,, England 4OintaamoD Core, Wahoo, Koolibah o BeDJsmin Gum p" 2 Ashburton



II | YEARS I MQATE&Cqsj



SALE FOR ONE MONTH j AT j " THE CORNER." / g \ T1| __ XfcTft WILL OF FIR SPECIAL INDUCEMENTS to redace our Stock — PRI R TO STOCKTAKING 100 Yards Bkck Ca^hrasres, oach, Sale Price la lld,"> 6d, 2slld, 3s Ild 40 Yards Biacq Fancy Dress, S*le Price Is 36 Yards Black Silk Striped Credon, Sale Price Is 6i 80 Yards Bl*ck Fancy Brocade, Fale Price Is lid 200 Yard* Fancy Dress Iweede (til tjh\des) B|d yard, wonh 3s 125 \arde Check Dress Tweeds 1% u-ua% Is lid 100 Yards Heavy Melton Cloths (new shade?) Is Idd 2 Pieces each Black Velveteen ll£d, U 9d, 2 1, 2, lid yard J Piece each (*tt shades) Colored Vvlveieen la 6d and 2-> 6d yard 25 Piecea Wue Fancy Gibbon from Is to 2s yard, Sal« i'rice 4^d ' 65 Pieces New Shades Fancy Ribbon 3s, Sale Pr!c« 6£d and 8$ 20 Dozen Children's School Handkerchiefs Is 6d per dozen 50 DoEefl Women's Black Cashmere Gloves, 6 pairs for la 18 on^y Ladies' Silk Scarfs la each 10 only Girls' Mackintoshes 7a lid, 8* lid. 9s lid a Job 25 Ladies" Flannellette Nights 3s lid, 4^ lid each, Job 6 »mly Ladies' F.annellette Skirts, Sale Price 3a 61 200 Pairs Ladiea 1 and Children's Corsets 2, 6d 40 Ladies' Capes (to be cleared) 6*. 9a lid 14, lid 65 Feathers ranging from 2s 6i to 7s 6d, in 61 and la lots 6 only Ladies' Trimmed Hats 4^ lid, worth 13. 6i 6 only Ladies' Paria Hats 12a 6', worth 261 6d 12 only Child's Cloth Tunic 4 lid, wo»th 7s 6d 10 Pairß only Men's Tweed Tronsera 4i 200 P<»ird Men's Colonial Twaed Trousero 5i 6i, 7d 6d, 8, 6d 20 Dozen Boys School Caps 3i each 100 Dr zen Bow Ties 6 for In 30 Men's Regatta Shirts 2a 61 each 300 Ladies' and Children's Slippers Is each pair 2# Pairs oaly Women's Calf Siioes 3i 6.1 pair, very sp eta. 225 Yards Fancy Art Muslin 3J and 4|i 800 Yards Cretonnes (new goeds) 4Jd, fid, Bjd 60 White Quilts 5a 6d and 6a 63 40 D. zeo Wtiite and Brown Turkish Towe's from 61 e*eh 75 Pairn White Blankets 7s 6d and 12s 6d per paic 1 Pleca each Hemp t'arpet 4£d, 7^d, and 1m 250 Pairs Lace Curtains from 2s 6d (apeciaHy remarkeel) 50 Pieces Striped Fiannellettes 2s lid 3 lid, 4-* lid, 5a lid dozen 21 Pieces Fancy Blouse Flasnellettes 3|<i, 4|d, 6d, Job 4 Pieces Bordered Apron Cloth (to clear) 61 A Line of Ladies' Straws at Is lid, were 3s 6d. Worth your special notice j NOTE THIS SALE, AND CALL EaBLY TO SECURE NIBBLES. SPECIAL. i DRESSMAKING AT 10s Oil FOR ONE MONTH. ■—(x) ISORTHCOTE & HEFFORI) tNEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY. Boy's Tweed Sailor Suits from 5% J Boy's Serge Sailor Suits from 7s 6d Boy'a Tweed Melville Suits from 9s Bay's Tweed Norfolk Suits from 12s Bey's Sac Kivcker Suits from 18a 6d Bey's Covert Coa^e from 14s 6d Bi;y's Tweed Overcoats from 6s 6d Buy's Reefer Jackets from 6s 6d Boy's Football Jerseys from 3a 3d Boy's Caps 6d each Boy's Sailor Tarns Is each FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRICE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHINGjFACTORY.



MBS HU&T. REFRESHMENT R0 OMB Mkals at All Hours ; Tancred Street, oppos^e McConell's S-.ables. 6u«teat shop in tows. 7 30 j 1" WANTED KNOWv€ J. L. HIGG3 HAS Paints, Oils, Turps, Glass, Scrim, &c., also choice Paparhangings. PRICES LOW. High Class Decorative Work a Speciality. Don't forget. —- 7 64 Coleman's Building, Taocred Street. APPLES, PEARS, BANANAS, ORANGES, LEMONS, WALNUTS, PUMPKINS, ONLONS, POTATOES, OHIOKFEED, Etc] _ g k ftVe ma( } e arrftngementß with growers for Regular Supplies of all descriptions of Fruit and Produce right through the Winter Months, and ' «an now supply in any quantity at Lowest Market Prices. NICOLL BROS. Grain & Prolu.ee Merchants. ASHBURTON



v ft. | . £ M g O go °;. o GO go S g « • if £* a •pi hp 3 rtj eg S



Smoke New Veniw



Zealandla's sons have shown such pluck And steadiness when under fire, That more are on to try their luck Against) the Boers in war attire. It's my advice that ere they start, I Sound health and strength they will secure, All coughs and colds will soon depart) On taking Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. The reliable Family Remedy Wooda'Grea Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Ooldß— ,Is 6d and fa 6d Sffiok New Venus ;



DON'U Natori may curs you* NEGLKOT cough without aid, but you COUGHS, oan'ti afford to ohanco ih A cough that ii lefb to core itself is eUwly overcome at best, and there It apt to be lomi weakness left to make the next coach oome eanier. We have two really good remedies for coughs and colds. BENJAMIN GUM is specially suitable for recent ohilb. Ife is pleasant to take, cures very quickly, pre vents inflamatory symptoms and allays annoying tickling and hacking oeughs. TOWNEND'3 CINNAMON CURB is upeoially. suitable for chronic coughs, though it will break op a recent attack as quickly as any o!her medicine made-Cinna mon has been proved in Pastenes Institute to possess greab destructive power over all bacilli, whilst being perfectly harmless to human beings. vVe have received some Battering letters as to its efficacy in oon | sumption, bronchitis, asthma, dysentry and in typ'ioid fever. BeujuninGum Is 6d and 2*6 d. Cinna mon Cure 2a 6d; Obtainable everywhere • Bole proprietors and manufacturers—Loasbv't Wahoo M.P.G, Ooy, Lid, Duo»dia, 7