Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places ac under, subject to the necessary ake> ations t - THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 For Northern Ports and Westport, also to connect with Papanui for South America, and specially addiessed correspondence forUuited Kingdom and Continent of Europe via Monte Video, per Rotomahana, at 6.30 p.m. Due London October 9th, MONDAY, AUGUST 24 For Australian Colnniea (xia Bluff), youth 'Africa, Ceylon, India, China, etc, also United Kingdom and Cont meat of Europe, (specially addressed via Suez), per express, to connect with Talune, at 12.30 p tn. Dae Melbourne September 3rd ; London Ociober 9th.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Aanburtou daily for— UHRISTOHUROH—at 720 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7 spm. (express) TIMARU—ab 10 55 a.m., 3 50 p.m. DUNbDIN—«t 12.54 p.m. (express) SrRtNGBURN-afc 4.25 p m.

Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from—• OHRISTOSUROH-ab 10.45 ».m., 12.47 ! p.m. (expfeie), 8 p.m. I TIMSRU—»t 10.35 a.m., 255 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phase* of Moon for Augutfc

BUN.

FIRST EDITION Commercial.

GERALDINE STOCK SALE.

Tho was a fair attendance at the Geraldine live efcook sale yesterday, when the entry of sheep was about 4000, bat prices were a little easier, Two acid four tooth ewes brought from 148 8d to 18s 2d, tour, six and eight tooth ewes 14s Bd, 16? 6i to 17b 4.i, fat and forward wethars 15s 6d to 16s 6d, three quarterbred hoggeta up to 12s 6J. There was a fair entry of cattle, the demand bsiug about the same as usual. There was also a fair entry of pigs, weanere fetched 53, and stores Sh to 14a.

AUSTRALIAN GRAIN & PRODUCE MARKETS

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Roceired Wakapuaka August 22, lOSa.m, This Offioo 7 50 p m Sydney, August 22. Wheat—Cnick, 2a 3d to 2s 6£i ; millin?, 2»9d to 28l0d; fbur, £6 5t to £5 15 j» Oats—Feeding, New Zsaland, 2s to 2i 3d ; loo*!, la 7^i to la lid, B*r!ey—Capo, 2s 4d ; English, feeding, 2$ to 2i 21. Pear— Prussian Blue, 3s 2d to 3a 41. Maize—2s 6d fco 2s 7d, Bran «nd pollard—-7£d to 7£<3. Potatoes—Circular Head!!, S3 10s; early rosa, £3 lSi. Onions— Scatce, choice, £b. Butter—Dairy, 8f 1 } creamery, 9Ji to lOd. Cheese—Medium, 5| I ; lo^if, 61. Bacon- New Zealand rolled, 6d ; fl tchea, 51 to s|d. Tha above quotations rre tho c ruling between merchant and retailer, and da not represent slightly lower valoos obtained ty recognised brokers. ■ Melbourne, August; 22 Wheat—2i 10^1 to 2s lieU Oats-Strong and advancing, Alguriun aod stnnt, 2< 4d to 2? 6(J. Barley—Feeding. In lOd to 2s 3d. Maize, 2< 4rt ; bran, 1O<1; po!Ur<!, lid; petatoes, £2 10s; onions, £6 to £6 10a Adelaide, August 22 Wheat—2i lOdto 2a 10|d. Flour, £6 15b. Oats—Dun and Adrian, 2s 3d to 2s 6d ; itaufc, 2i 6d to 33. Rran 91, pollard 10|d to Ud.

ADDINGTON STOCK MARKET

United Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph Chbistchurch, August 22 There were very small yardings at Adding ton, only 2600 fat sheep, a dozen fat lambs, 920 store sheep, 280 cattle, and 260 piga coming forward. CatMiE—Pat cattle comprised 97 haad, only ten steers and a few extra prims fat cows. The paucity of the supply caused a sharp aivancein all sortß. Good to prime beef 25a to 27s per 1001b; cow and secondary sorts from 18s to 25?, prime steers brought £9 15s to £10 2s 6d and others down to £7 15s ; best heifers £7 to £8 12« 6d, and others £4 10? to £6 10«, extra prime cows £9 to £10 153, good £6 10a to £8, and others from £4 10s to £6

Sheep.—F&b sheep—The few which came forward were mostly wethers of good to prime quality, ewes being very scarce. Business was almost) confined to batchers, as supplies are now so short that in a few weeks factories will have to shut down, very few being secured for freezing. Heavy weight wethers up to 21b, freezing quality 17a 6d to 20i, lighter sorts 16s 3d to 17s, hoggets 15s to 16t), besb ewes 17s to 19 i lid, others down to 15s. Fat lambs—About a dcztn new season's lambs came forward and all were taken by butchers at from 12a 3d to 15a. .Store sheep—Only three lots of store sheep. Of a line of 840 wethers 200 changed hands at 14a sd, the rest were withdrawn. Little lot name price. Sixty-six good four and six tooth halfbred ewes in lamb 19s 9d.

Pigs—Although there were good entries of fab piga the quality wai not so good, but values were well maintained, baoonera bringing 27s 6d to 3Sa 6d. equal to 3£d to 3Jd per Ib ; and porkers 22s 6d to 30s, cq'ial to 3i<i to 3| 1. 'i here was a fair demapd for good stores, which io!d at from 13s to 20a ; buti as suckera and weanere were eoarce they were firmer, realising from 10s 6d to 12s 6d. Owing to the increase in the pricss of beef and mutton butohers have raised mutton by another halfpenny per 1b and have also put Id per 1b on beef, taking effect) from t>o-d»y.

BURNSIDE.

Per United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph. Dunedin, August 22 Fat Cattle—l4s head were yarded, com prising all sorts, from very medium to good, but only a few prime. The demand was good, and prices were qui'e on a par with last week'B* Best bullocks £9 10s to £10 15s good to best £7103 to £9, medium £5 10a to £6 10s, beat cows £7 2s 6d to £7 10?, good to best £6 2s 3d to £7, medium and aged £4 fco £5155. Fat Sheep—l96o were penned, mostly erosßbred wethers. There were a few crossbred ewes, and two or three pens of . merino wethers, mostly good to prime The j demand was cod fined to trade requirements, | but tha entry was quite sufficient. Prices were on a par wi h those of last week at the opening, but fell away at the close. Best croHsbred wethers 17a to 18s 63, extra heavy 19s to 20s, medium to good 14s 9d to 163 9i, best crossbred ewes 15s 6d to 17a 6d, medium 13s 3d to 16s, merino wethers lie to 13s 3d. Piga—2oß of all sorts were penned, the larger portion porkera and baooners. There was a very fair demand, bat there waa no improve ment In prices. Suckers 4a to Us, slips 133 to 16s 6d\ storee 18s to 22a, porkers 25s to 31b, baeonera 38s to i 73, extra heavy to 53a.

NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENT.

Ratepayer No 3—"Sour letter will appear to-morrow.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 1900. THE TARIFF ALTERATIONS

That the late alteration in our cus toms tariff should have a serious effect upon the prices of the commodities aleeted, was of course to be expected. Such changes always do upset prices !at first ; but not always in the same way. When the duty on any class of goods is suddenly increased, the mer chant or owner who may have such goods in bond would have to lose U»e extra amount put upon then, if he does not add it on to the selling price; but, as the retail price always risea in such cases, the holders of Urge stocks of duty paid goods would be the gainer, since the consumer is called upon to' pay » higher price. Many amuung episodes have occurred owing to some fortunate holders of bonded goods getting early information of the inten tions of the Government, and taking them out of bond before the increased duties were passed. Some years ago j a well known merchant in a New Zealand seaport was understood to have got an early hint of an ia tended increase of duty on a certain line of goods, which enabled him to make hundreds of pounds. Of course the poor con sumer obtains no benefit, from these smart proceedings. They pay fot the goods under the increased rate, The profit is made ouft of the public revenue. The present case, however, is the converse of the other. The duty on some articles has been reduced or abolished altogether. All the existing stocks held in the colony, not in bond, have paid the duty, and have therefore coat the holders as much more than the present import price as the duty amounts to. The consumer is affected in this instance, inasmuch aa the retail price should fall as much as the duty is taken off. The losers in this case are the holders of stocks upon which duty has been paid; There is no consumer m«de to pay the piper—• unless the holders of duty paid goods can make a ring, and bay up incoming shipments—a thing by no means impos sible, by the way. It is not a matter for surprise therefore, that the holders of stocks of the goods affected by the tariff reductions are up in arms through out the eatire colony. Protests are being showered upon the Government from all quarters, and most of Minis ters' time lately has been taken up receiving deputations from theseill-used individuals, some of whom were pro bably amongst those who profited when tbeduties were raised. The Premier has, so far, given no promise to agree to the proposal that the new tarift should not take eflect until January 1 j but as pressure is being brought to bear upon him by some of his most influential supporters, his position ia a somewhat difficult one. There ia also another aspect of this matter of abolishing and reducing duties, referring to certain goods that are at present manufac tured ia this colony; But this is a large question, and cannot be dealt with ia this article. The whole subject must be one of considerable anxiety to the Government, and it ia to be hoped Ministers will be able to withstand the strong pressure being brought to bear upon them

THE CEMENT QUESTION.

Since our article dealing with thit question was published, we have seen the invoice for the cement iold to t>ie Borough Council by Messrs Friedlander Bros., and in justice to the Mayor, we may state that the account gent in by them for £550 IS) Si represented the neb amount paid by tho firm for iht cement. The items were aB foliowa :—750 casks at 8s 9d, £328 2% 6d ; duty at 2a £75; Pc charges 15s 9i, exchange, 10a 8d ; hi ighfc Lyttelton, £146 4s lid j total—£sso 13s Bd. The transaction was *• prompt neb oash," consequently Messrs Friedlander Bros., gave their own cheque to carry out the con ditions cf sale. This explains how the aooounb for that amount was prenented to the Borough Council in tho name of the firm, and the figures show conclusively thab Messrs Fried lander Bros., did not deal with this matter in the ordinary way of business. We are sure that no member of the Borough Council doubted the Mayor's etatemant to this effect. But lest some of the ratepayers should no*) quite understand the matter, we publish this statement of the actual faeti. We have reason to believe that had the M*yor vouchsafed to the Council, the information he has been good enough to supply to us, the account for the cement would have been passed unanimously by th« Council.

Local and General.

* M * Interesting reading matter will be found on the firsb and fourth pages of this issue. Mui/cifobm—The raoo horse Maltiform, returned in the Gothic in charge of Mr Franks Thk Paint's Cot—An Oam&ru Jboy with the second contingent, writing to hits parents, says the uniform of the contingent, in ap pearance, is shabbier than that worn by the shabbiesd swagger in the Waitaki district.

Ashbubton Rifles—'The parado Btate showed fifty of all ranks at the inspection of the Rifles on Tuesday evening, Lieutenant T Hayea being in command. SeJgeanb H Baker pat the Company through » few preliminary movements. Lieutenant Hayes then subjected the company to half an hour's company work in half company and section drill. Lieutenant A Clarke's portion con sisted of flick movements, diminishing front and defense in close order. Testimonials—"Testimonial" found an item in the discussion at Monday's Borough Council meeting. A scornful member who is about leaving the distriob remarked that the biggest thief and rogue could sometimes obtain the very highest references, where upon another promptly expressed hia regret that he had recently given a testimonial to the Baid speaker; Thb New Tariff — Deputations from Chambers of Commerce waited on Ministers yesterday in Wellington and on the Premier in Christchurch, asking that the reduced tariff on certain articles may not come into force until January 1, 1901, to give holders time to dear their stocks. Ministers thought' that sufficient notice had been given to j enable holders to protect themselves, bnt would give the matter their consideration. Shed Potatqbs—Mr Fullarton, of Ash. burton, representative of the government Agricultural Department, has the following varieties <f seed potatoes from Waihao Downs for free distribution to bona fide settlers: — Findiay's Challenge, Northern Kidney, Saov<flak 1, White Rock, Brown Rivers, Findlay's up to date. The above are available in lota of a few pounds each, a,ne those desiring to have them mutst taka theit own bags and also pay any charges incurred from the point of distribution)

Football—The football match Asbburton ¥ versus Dunaandel o>ub, arranged for Saiut- \ day next, is postponed owing to the northern club members being unable to come down. Thb Mails-The.colonial mails, dated July 18, per Britannia, from Melbourne, were delivered iD London on August 20— their due date. War Trophies—News has been received from South Africa to the effaeb that a batch of aims captured from the Boers has been consigned to this colony. They will be shown in the defence court ab the Canterbury - Industrial Exhibition at Christchuioh. Hon. John McKenzilb—The Eton John MoKeuz-e, when the Premier visited him, was better than had been expected. He had had two or three days of comparative Give, and was bearing his illness with admirable fortitude. The PaiCE OF Meat—ln consequence of the high prices now ruling for fat cattle and j sheep, the Chriatehuroh butohera, at a meet ing yesterday morning, decided to increase { the price of beef by Id per In, while ft further § 1 per lb his been pub on mutton. Personal —Mr and Mrs Isaac Sargent are on a visit) to Ashburton. Mrs Si rgent rnuoh prefers the Aehburton district) to where their family now resides, but hopes spring and summer weather will make the country in the Bouth look brighter than it does, in the winter

Police Court—Only one oase was brought) forward to-day before two Justices, Messrs R Alcorn and Qeo. Ooleman, when a cyclist named Hart was fined 5s and costs for ridiog a bicycle on the footpath.

Oddfellows' Ball—The ball in celebra tion of the twenty-seventh anniversary of the Loyal Ashburton Lodg^, 1.0 OF., M.U, took piaoe in the Oddfellows' Hall last even ing. The hall was gaily decorated with bunting and evergreens, the blending being well executed, certificates of the various grades of cffiof, and lodge emblems also having prominent positions on the side walla. The attendance of lodge members and friem-s was indeed satisfactory, quite eighty cjuplea tripping the fantastic to the muaio pi Misa Simmonds' band. The commissariat arrange* meats which were«utrusted toMrsHanrahan, left nothing to be desired, while the wants of visitors were attended to by the indefati gable Secretary, Bro Colin Campbell, and the N/or., Bro J Newman. Bro. J Niaholas was marshal for the dances, and was assisted by Mr J Harper. Altogether a very pleasant night's e-joyment was provided, and the lodge have every reason to be proud of tint manner in which their celebration of the anniversary was received,

Thh Laib Cobforal R. Upton—The following is a copy of the letter forwarded by the chairman of the Ashburton A and P Association to Mr T E Upton, In terms of a resolution, on Tuesday last i— v T E Upton, Esrq., Ashburton—Dear sir,—On behalf and by direction of the committee of this Association I beg to forward you the enclosed resolution which was unanimously passed by the committee at its meeting on the 2lsfc hist—Resolved that the Association desires to tender its sincere sympathy with Mr T E Upton in the sad bereavement he has sust wned by the death of hit son, Mr R H Upton, while serving with her Majesty's forces in South Africa. In for warding the above I desire to express my own personal sympathy with you in this sore trial. It is very sad to think of the many lives which have been sacrificed in this struggle, and the loss is brought more vividly home to us when those whom we have known are amongst the number. It is some reliefr to know that the lives thus lost have been surrendered at the call of duty, and in the service of a great and noble came, the cause of' universal liberty and justice for mankind.—On behalf of the committae —Yours in sincerest sympathy — G W Lkadlet, President ; O Bbid, Vice- President.

11 Opksblves as Othbb Sbe Us."— Our friends are generally too polite to tell us our faults; but they seldom fail to observe the fit and style of our clothes. Young meu who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind that '• appearance goes a long way." An ill-fitting suit is uncomfortable, and an " eye-sore "to your friends. Don't risk it! If you are a stranger here, the first well dressed citizen you meet) will gladly direct you to " The Leading Tailors where you will always find a large assortment of ' Up to date" suitings to select from, and where you can always depend on getting Satisfaction, The large and still increasing business done by Messrs Craigiiead and Berkyman speaks volume.". This firm has juafc imported ptobably the finest stock of new seahons tailoring goods ever Bhown in Ashburton, including a beautiful range of the new rain proof Beavers and Meltons for Covert coats and Chesterfield overcoats, both ashionable and durable.

LETTER FROM THE FRONT.

Wellington, August 22 A private letter from a member of one of the Contingents sayi that when the First Contingent left Bloemfontein they were told they would be back in two or three days, consequently they left behind all those men and horses not perfectly fie, and only started about 70 strong. The men were ill equipped and none of the horses being really fit for long hard work their number through sicknosaf and loss of horses were soon reduced. The two or three days proved a myth, at they went right on to Pretoria, and never again till actually there saw those they had left behind, and then only very few of them, at corps had a few men and a large proportion of officers. Captain Madooks was ordered to go as officer to General lan Hamilton, and remained with him, intending to rejoin as soon as the numbers of tho contingent increased. However, this they never did, and at the date of the letter (July 9) it was only 25 strong. Captain Madocks was, therefore, retained by General Hamilton as A.D.C., and is probably with him in his advance towards the east. The writer adds --r* If ©very New JSaalander were to write his own account of his own particular participation in the war, it would, I believe, form a mont complete history. We are scattered from Capetown to Victoria, with out mentioning Beira, and I believe have had one in every column and every battle, excepting, of course, in Natal." At showing the difficulty of getting news he abates that he had just reoeived a small batch of lebters, for the first time since April 23» He believed most of hia letters had been captured,

The Plague.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received August 22, 926 a.m This Office 7 52 a m) Brisbane, August 22 Jemima Warnock has been smitten with the plague. ______

Interprovincial.

Wellington, August 22 The Conciliation Board is 'hearing the tailors' dispute in tht absence of the employers who have withdrawn from the oasis on the ground thab the tailors' union has set aside the log which, was drawn up by a conference between the masters and men some time ago, (Che union on the other hand oontandt thab the resolutions of the conference were only in the nature of recom mendations. The employers intend to have the case thrashed out before tho Arbitration Court;

A Conference of the candle manufacturers was' opened here this morning, to discuss the proposed reduction in the duty of candle?; The proceedings wero private, but tha resolutions will be communicated to the presa later on. The Chamber of Com merce meets thia afternoon to consider the tariff alterations.

Auckland, August 22 A telegram from Mangenui states that ab Fair burn Captain Rogers fired throe shots at Mr W A Gardiner, one shot taking effect, but tbe wound is not serious. Rogers is Biid to have taken poicon afterwards. The parties were rival carriers and jealousy is aaid to be the causa of the quarrel. ,

Napieb, Aug 22 The Roman Catholic social at the Gkiety Theatre was brought to a sudden olosa thia evening by a most unfortunate incident; Mrs Tarley, a middle ag«d woman from Grey mouth, who was on a visit to » married daughter, J4rs Mcßryde, w*a present, aud suddtnly dropped dowp daftd,

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

Wellington, August 21 The Council met at 2 30 Or* the motion of the Hon W C Walker, it was agreed that the Council at its rising should adjourn till Wednesday, August 29. The Hon W C Walker moved the third ' reading of the Imprisonment for Debt Limitation Bill. After discussion a motion for the arljiurn ment of the debate was oarried on the casting vote of the Speaker. The Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Act Amendment Bill wan read a third time and passed. The Council rose at 3.30 p.m

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wellington, August 21 The House met at 2 30 p m Mr Mills moved that the amendments made in the Bank of New Zealand Officers' Guarantee and Provident Association Bill by the committees should be approved of. Carried. The Bill was read a third time and passed. Mr Massey %sked if the Government could see its way to set apart blocks ot land suitable for ostrich farming, leasing them at) a small interest! for twenty-one yean with the right of purchase? The Hon 1 Duncan replied that he recognised the importance of the matter. An Act would be required to be passed, and he would make enquiries into the matter. Replying to Mr Hogg, the Hon, J G Ward ■aid that the redaction in postage to one penny applied to Home and intercolonial as well as to New Zealand correspondence. Id reply to farther questions, Ministers said —That the preprietors of the Greymouth Point Elizabeth mine had been given notice that if the work was not carried on befot c the end of August the lease would be t cancelled. That the multiplication of free beds at Rotorui Sanatorium did not com mend itself to the Government, as no matter what number was supplied they would be rushed. That the Government had so far been able to get along without the disturbing element of an Attorney General, but that when the Government did make up its mind to make such an appointment it would duly acquaint the member who asked the question. That the Government could not see its way to band over to the municipal authorities at Ohristohuroh the Provincial Council Chamber as a gift to mark the Jnbiieo year of the province. That the Government! had not yet arrived at a decision as to what allowance would be made to the relatives of those who had fallen in South Africa, but that they folly recognised their responsibility in the matter, and would not be neglectful when the proper time came for its consideration. A discussion on the Civil Service Examina tion Bill occupied qhe House until ths 5.3t

adjournment. The House resumed at 7.30 The debate on the Civil Service Elimina tion Bill was renewed, and a nambar of members took part in the disomaioa. Mr Ward replied and the Bill passed its second rending by 34 to 25. The House went into committee on the Animala Protection Acts Amendment Bill. In reply to a> suggestion by Mr Carßcrois, that the date of opening the shootißg sca ■on for the Booth Island should be April 1, instead of May 1, and one by Mr Monk that the date for the North Wand 'thovld be May 24, the Hod. J. G. Ward said that he could not tee hie way to alter the date named in the Bill, and that even since the second reading of the Bill he had receired a number of telegrams from Acclimatisation Societies approving of May las the open ing date, Clause 2—Mr Morriaon moved an amend ment that the season for the South Island shall begin on April 1 Lost by 49 to 8 Clause 3—Mr Wilford referred to the wholesale killing of pheasant", which would result in the extermination of these birds, and moved an amendment Absolutely pre venting the sale of pheasants. Lost on the voices. Mr Millar moved to report) progress, as a protest against tho openiug date being May 1. If it were intended to protect game, let a clone season for three years be declared, or shorten the length of the open Reason ; bub he contended that if there was to bs an open season the dato should be such aa would suit all classes of the community. Lost on the voices Mr T Maokecz'e moved an amendment that no native game should be sold Lost on the voice i Clause 4—Mr Ell moved aa amendment that it shall nob be lawful to liberate any stoat, weasel or ferret in any park of the colony. Lost by 32 voteß to 18 Mr Willis moved a further amendment, removing the restriction agiinst killing stoats, weasels or ferrets Carried on the casting vote of the Chair man, Progress w»b reported, and the House rose at 1.50 a.m.

Wellington, Auguib 22 The Home met at 2.30 LEAVE OF ABSENCE Mr A. L. D. Fraser was granted one week's leave of absence Mr Hogg aßk*d the Minister whether he will take »tepß to have the family bible said to have been looted from the Traaivaal and now in Wanganui Museum returned to the owner*. Mr Hall-Jones said Government had no knowledge of the subject, but now that their attention had been called to the matter they would make enquiries with a vlsw to the bible being returned to the owner* Replying to farther questions Ministers said that the prisoners had no* commenced work on Mount Cook with a view to ths building there being converted into barracks, but that temporary arrangements ware being made for the acsomtnodation of members of the Permanent Artillery and for the field battery shortly to arrive. Mr Fisher asked if Government would give precedence to the motion challenging the Speaker's ruling on the subjaob of the Judges given during the debate on the second reading of the Supreme Court Judge Appointment BUI. Mr Ward replied that he recognised the importance of the question and upon the return cf Mr Seddon would give a definite reply. In reply to Mr Meredith, who asked to what extent Government was responsible for the audit of the accounts of the Bank of New Zealand in reference to a case of embeae'e | ment of £4583 by officials of the Bank at Rangier* Mr Ward said Government was not responsible, and that apart from the auditor, the Inspectors Department was responsible for detail of the audit branch of the bank accounts. In any case the bank would nob be a loser, as the guarantee fund would bear the deficiency, In reply to a series of questions, finishing by a request that Government would hold a further enquiry into the management of the Stoke Industrial School, Mr Hall-Jones said the evidence taken iv the recent enquiry would shortly be in the hands of Government, and it would be desirable to wait until then before giving a definite roply to the request. Replying to other questions the Minister said they did not intend to introduce legislation with the object of removing all the civil and political disabilities of women, believing that women did not desire such a measure. That Government did not propose to reimburse the Co-operative Dairy Coys for the income tax paid on last year's return, but that the tax would not be imposed in future ; that Government would enquire into the alleged offer by the late Hon Ballance to set aside 50,000 to 100,000 acres as an endowment to the New Plymouth

Harbor. Mr Hornsby moved the adjournment of the House, contending that the s>newer of Ministers to question with regard to reinv burning the Co-operative Dairy Company's for income on last year's returns was unsatisfactory. Mr Ward said thai Government fully recognised the importance of the dairy industry, bub such a thing as returning taxation was unprecedented. The taxation hitherto levied on eo-operatice dairy factories would he said not be repeated. After discussion the motion for adjourn ment was lost. The business done during the evening Bitting was unimportant, a discussion on fche State School Children Compulsory Drill Bill occupying the time until the adjournment. The Impounding Act Amendment Bill was advanced, i

The Deceased Hußb^nd's Brother Ma*ri»ge BUI was finally passed o The House rose at 1335 &m

TRANSVAAL WAR.

United Press Association—By Electrto Telegraph—Oopyriphb. Received Wakapuska August 22, 9 25a.ni! This Office, 7 52 a.m London, August? 21 The following ate the casualties at Elands River:—Ntw South Wales— Privates Duff and Wardill, killed.: Private Walker an<i Sergeant Major i Mitchell died of their wounds ; Private Balaton, severely wounded. Queens landers — Lieutenant J W Annot, killed ; Privates Uarth and MastertOß and Corporal Davidson, severely wounded. Victorians—Private Norton, died ot his wounds. The casualties elsewhere are — J Petersen, New Zealander, severely wounded at Wondersfontfin; Private Blewetfe, Queenslander, slightly woundedj Privates Maxwell and Hanson, New South Wales, missing. De Wet h*a reunited his scattered forces, and passed Hebron, some distance north east of the Crocodile River, travelling east. There are indications that he has effected a junction with De La Rey. , General Baden-Powell has reached Watervaal, August 22 The Mansion House War Relief Fund has reached a million The Standard states that the Boers have evacuated Machadodorp. General Paget engaged De Wet's rearguard on Monday. Sydnky, August 22

The Commandant reports that the war in South Africa has had the effect of increasing the value of horses about 30 per cent; The colony sent 2560 horses to South Africa. The Imperial Remounts Committee has purchased about 7000 horse?, chiefly in New South Wales,

United Preis A»sooißitJon~By Eleotrio Telegraph Wbllinbton, Auguei 22 A private cable statea that Lieutenant Collins, who was wounded in the Ottoshoop engagement, only received a iesh weund and is not in danger.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Wakapuaka August) 22, 9 2a ft m This Office 750pm ! HOH« KONO, August 21 | The famine and drought, combined with the hostility of the Mahommedans in the Shensi district, reader it doubtful whether an Imperial Court will be established in Siaofu in response to the appeals. Four hundred Italians and a detachment of Germans are making a forced March from Tientsin to Pekin, According to the Italian official reports fighting is going oa within Pekin, On Saturday, the Russians, under General Orloff, after severe fighting, occupied Meducei in Manchuria, dispersing 7000 Manchurian troops, Tokio August 21 Japan is floating; a loan of twenty million sterling.

Reoeived Wakapuaka Aug 22, 10 30 p in, This Office 11 20 pm) Hong Kong, August 21 The pareons beheaded by order of the Empress include Hautung and Vi Lien Yuan, both ftnti-foreigner?, and Lisbon, a pro foreigner. Japan and Germany are arranging to land 1 marines at Shanghai. Tie French reinforce ment tent to China will land at Tonkin, and await events. Pahs August 21

; Figato says the climate of Tonkin ia excellent, and adds that the reparation due to Germany sxcaeds that of the other Powers. The Germans are strong enough to strike hard and the other Powers can help if necessary. The Japanese newEpapers dis tii ust Germany and Russia. : (Received Wakapuaka August 22, 1060, p m, This Office I'd SO am) Hong Kong August 22 The walls of the inner oity of Pekin were dynamited, and the place was oaptured on the 17th. There was no sign of" the Dowager. Stubborn street fighting con tinues. 4000 armed Oaristiau converts assisted the allies. * Mr Gongsr declares that the Boxers' pretended attack on the legations was wholly a governmental movement directed by the Dowager's confidential adviser. A desperate effort was made to annihilate the legations on the night pre ceding the relief, but it ceased when the allies entered the city. Sir Claude M«u Donald states that the Chinese broke every engagement, and did not furnish the legations with food, ©ace they ojfared vegetables, which were refused. A letter was disoovered addressed by Yung Lv to Tungfuhßiang, swearing to mvrder all foreigners with the aid of millions of Boxers. Tnngf uhsiang agreed to participate. Li Hung Chang, in* a circular note to the Powers, suggests that since the «>vow«d objeob of the advance of the allies is achieved and the Ministers fonnd in good health, the Powers should cease hostilities, and appoint plenipotentiaries to negotiate wibh himtelL The United States Government has deoliAfd to entertain the suggestion* Large foroeo from Honan Province are massing in the rear of the allies. Is is believed that the Pekin Tientsin telegraph line is interrupted.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received Wakapuaka August 22, 925 am, This Office 7*52 p m) Sydney, Ang 22 The ra.ilw*y revenaflfor the year has decreased by over £50,000 compared' with thd previous ysar, Adelaide, August 22 The police forced an entrance into a house of an old couple named Ooleman and found the decomposing body of the man lying on the floor and the woman, a helpless imbecile, in a filthy condition. Melbourne, August 22 A statement has been made that two outside steamers will be placed in the New Zealand trade to bring cargo to Melbourne, Received Wokapuaka, August: 22, 925 am This office 752 p m Rome, Auguat2l The King of Italy is relinquishing to the State several palaces, villas, castles, and parks. By this means a quarter of a million sterling will be eared to the Treawry.

Bulgaria and Roumania.

United Preea Association—By Electric Telegraph— (Jot yright (Received Wakapnaka August 22, 10 50 pnt, ihU Office 1120 pmy BuCHAEkST August 21 The relations bbiwetn Bulti»rl» tmd Roum&nia are gravely strained owing feo extortions practised upon Roumanians a<t S fia, and Bulgarian toleration of political committees inimical to Roumania. The King has ordered Roumanian officers to join the culnuis, and has appealed for the Sultan's intervention* Sofia, August 21 The Bulgarian Government has promised to investigate the charges of extortion.

The Murders by Blacks.

United Press Association—-By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright) Sydney, August 22 Jackey Underwood was committed for trial on » charge of murderiog the Mawbeyi. He gave a long account oi the tragedy, in which he admitted participating. He struck one of the girls, but did not kill her. He ■aid Jimmy; Governor did all the killing, Jimmy afterwards wanted to kill his wife and child, and Jackey Porter declared he meant to be the biggest murderer in Aus* fcralta. The murderers last night fired tsvtral shots at. the house of a settler, and robbed two other houses.

THE LATEST Austalian

United Press As»ooiation—By Electric Telegraph > m ~ mmmmmm f (Received Wakapu&ka August 25, 9 40t«m ( This Office 10.13 a.tn) Sydney, August 23 In the Assembly Mr Reid made ft lengthy defence of himself against the report of the Finance Committee. He read a report of a committee of ac countants, appointed at hia own expense te examine the accounts. This com mittee justified Mr Reid's cash system antl surplus -*.. Hobart, Aug 23 Two men perished in the show at Mount Arrowsmith Perth, August 23 The final referendum returns give a majority of 25,009 for federation . Bbisbanb, Auk 23 In the Assembly the adult vuffrage Bill was introduced. Provision has beea made against any female sitting 1 in the House.

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do nob bold ouweives reap»niible for opinions oxprwsed by our corr ««jxmdents

MUSICAL UNION CONCERT

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l noticed at the Musical Union Oon oert on Tuesday night, that several of the members whose saints appeared ia the programme as vooalisbt, had shirked their duty, and were sitting among the audience. I wonder if it) has ever occurred to these members that their action is selfish in the extreme. Had they any consideration foe the conductor and for the Society, such ft thing would never have happened, and I consider an apology is due to those who suffered by their absence.—l am, etc. Honorary Member

TO THH EDITOR Sib, —As ons who bn more than the average experience of concert and solo muiic, I am glad to express my hearty approval of the style and fairness of your report of the Musio*! Society's concafct, on Tuesday even* ing. I think the Orchestral SooieSy'a rendering of Jonas' Geisha above the average ; it was a credit to the oondnotor and performers alike. I trust your report* of future musical evenings will ba in the same critical strain. The best way to improve amateur musicians is a criticism ia the style you have adopted.—X am, etc., ' - Binso,

ASHBURTON TECHNICAL CLASSES

At a meeting of the committee held last ztight, the secretary reported that the work had now been going on for the past five weeks. Twelve olasses were meeting regu larly, namely ;— Literary—English Literature, Grammar, Composition, Latin, and French. Commercial—Book-keeping, Shorthand, Typewriting, Arithmetic. (Deohnioal—Mechanical drawing, Mathe matics, Chemiitry, Electricity. The number of students at present; is 83, the Literature and book-keepiug olasset having the largest atend&nee. All the teachers have reported most favourably' on the spirit of work embracing their classes. The ohairaan, (Rev R. A. Woodthorpe), expressed the hope that the astooiation might soon be able to announce the establish ment of University extension lectures. Mr Hugo Friedlaader explained that though the seheol would for this term be practically self supporting, it would be advisable to have some money .in hand for next-, year. Mr D. Thomas supported this view and on his motion Messrs Charles Reid and F« Ferriman were appointed a collecting com* mittee. These gentlemen will therefore be very ploaee' to encare any subscriptions.

My Lady's Satchel.

By Te Kawena

•Whafcttbhab book which is engrossing you to, lately V I asked of my Lady as she •gain drew a peat little volume from bar satchel. * Whifctier's poems,' the replied. 'I hare been memorizing some of my favourites. I have begun to think how dreadful it> would be to grow old, aud have nothing beautiful stored away in enei' memory, to think over, when too weary to read. lam trying to learn something ever? day. I can repeat fire or six pieoas already. 1 1 You are beginning betlmbs/1 said, * and I with yoa would'nt take for that purpose the few moments, I get with you in the week.' 1 ' Oh, you know how little leisure I get. I | am studying hard always in the train, and 1 one gets so tick of lesson-books, a little poetry sweetens toil; and Whittier is such a, dear. Isn't it curious that he ii compara tively liitla known? For twenty penona who read and love Longfellow, you oan hardly find one who knows Whitfeier.' 'It ! is curious,' I responded, * when he & wittier.' i * Don't be silly, and tell me how many of these ' technical classes' you are attending V 'All of them/ I replied promptly, quite forgetful of Aunt Tit's remarkti * Don't fib,sir ! That means yoa are attending none. lam ashamed of you. You grumble about having few advantages; about the public library having nothing worth reading, and now, when opportunities are made for you, you won't take them.' * You are wrong. I inve made up my mind, (I did it while she was talking) to attend those for latin, mat hematics, English literature, and elocution;'

1 I don't believe there ia one for elocution*' ' Well, there ought tc ba. You are to very critical about my reading,! wonder what you would aay to my publio speaking/ * Publio speaking,' ia a tone of horrer. • Ysu\ Do you apeak in public?' When? 4 Nob jaafc yet, but I'm preparing for emer gencies. Oar Right Hon Richard can't always be Premier, so, like yon, I'm pre« paring for my old age. Yta getting ready tor a aeal in Parliament. I disclaim in our back garden every flight, * my dear girl, (aft this my L»dy smiled, and looked dignified), you may learn j?onjeihiog from a'stupid hoy,' as you are pleaf ed to oall him' It will improve your very stout voice, very muoh, if you wiii take the trouble to read »laud for half »n hour a day, with a large cork between your teeth, it strengthen! your lunga a«d UrjD.^ without «vtr>ex«rtiog youc i\xa%\ %

THE ASHBtIRTOft GtIAEDiAN : .ll&tJftSto?, AUGUST 23, i§oti



Firat quarter Fall moon Last quarter New mooß

D H M 4 4 16 am 11 9 0 am 17 11 16 pm 25 3 23 pm



Date August 23 „ 24 „ 25 „ 26 „ 27 » 28

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Ri«es 6 46 644 6 42 6 40 6 39 6 37

Seta 5 21 5 22 5 23 5 24 5 25 5 27



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Smoke New Veuus



The Rev A S Morrison of Waimate I» announced to lecture on " A Miniiter of the Old School" io the Orange Hail on Monday evening next, New Yen as ! TO THE DEAB^-A rich lady, cured of her Deafoeu and Noises in the Head by Dr Nicholson's Artificial Ear Drums, gave £508 to hia Institute, so that deaf people unablo to procure the Ear Drums may have them free. Address No, 6670. The Nioholaon i Institute, itopgoott, GttsnwibHry, London,