EPHEMERIS

FhMM of Moon for November

1 BUN.'

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

■ Trains leave Ashburton daily for— CHRIBTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, lla ro,

3.15 p m, 7.5 p m (express) TIMARU—at 1055 am,3 50 pin DUNEDIN—at 12.54 p m (expreaa) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m

Trfcini arrive daily »t Aahbnrtoo from— OHRISTOHUROH-ab 10.45 » m, 12.48

p m (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 pm (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9,45 » mf

SECOND EDITION Mail Notices.

WEDNEBDAY, NOVEMBER 21

For Northern ports and Westport-, per Tarawera, at 6 30 p.m.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22

For Northern Porta and Australia (due Sydney November 28th), also India, China, Japan, United Kingdom, specially addreaaed vlaßrindisi (due London January 6th) and Continent of Europe, per Mokois, at 10 30 am

Note.—Ohriatmas oarda to pasa at book ratea, muet be poated in open cover with flip tamed in, or tied with string. If closed ag&iast inspection the postage must be paid at letter ratea.

Important—There will bo no despatch of English mails via San Francisco In November, bat arrangements have bean made for close connections with Federal and Vancouver eer vices. The new service, every three weeks, via San Francisco, is expected to start with first steamer leaving Aackland ahont the Bth December. On acconnt of there being no despatch of San Francis^ mMI In November, parcels for Utrited aiates of America cannot be sent nntil the despatch of mail leaving Aackland Bth December.

Commercial.

TEMUKA STOCK SALE.

Then was fine weather for the fortnightly stle and a representative entry in all classes. The attendance waa good and there was aetire competition in the sheep and cattle sections. Figs, 'the entry of wbieh was eon* fined principally to weaners and stores sold freely at quotations. Butchers cweff and wethers* 2Qs 6d extra fat ewea 20s 3d to 20a 6d; fat ewea, 17s 6d to 19s; ewsß with lamb (all counted) 9s ,10s, 10a Sd, 11s 6d

Piga—weaners 5a to 10s ; stores 13s to 16a

Cattle—forward dry cows £5 to £5 7a 6d, £5 10s to £5 15a eighteen months steers and heifers, £2 6s to £2 10s; yearlings, 30s to 353.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Qaotatioaa are aa follows: — Wheat—Hunter'B s pearl and velvet, 2a 4d to 2« 4^d, and Tuscan 2« 5d to 2a bid.

Oats (nominal)— Milling Canadian la 9d, abort feed la 3d to la B|d, Duna la 7d to la Bd, Danish la 7d to la 7Jd Barley (nominal)— Malting 2a delivered Floar (millera' quotations nominal)— Roller £7, atone £6, sharps £3 10s, bran £3. Oatmeal—£lo Beaoe—2» 4d to 2a 5d

Peas—Prussian Blues 2i to 2a 3d, part' ridge 2s 4d to 2a 6d Potatoes — Derwenta 27a 6d to 30a, at country atationa Oataheaf Chaff — 45s ab nearj country atationc.

Hay—£3 5a to £310 i, delivered : primeat baled £4, f ob

Seeda—Ryegraaa, farmer*' lots Is 9d to 2a, prime heavy, town dreased, 8i 6d to 3t 3d, Cocksfoot, 2£d to 2|d for bright seed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dreaaed 16lb to 17lb aeed, 3jd to 4d, cowgraaa 5d to 6d, extra choice 6|d, White clover, 6d to 7Jd. Dairy Produce—Oheeie, dairy 5d to sid, factory 5d to 6d. Batter—factory, local, lOd, dairy 8d to 9d, salt, in boxes 6d to 7d for prime. Bacon and hama s£d to 6d, factory bacon and hama, £d per lb higher. The above prices, except where other wlae stated, are thoae paid to farmers, f.o.b H Lyttelton.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1900. The State Farming Business

1 Some year or two ago in commenting | upon the Government entering into competition with private poultry breeders, we expressed the opinion that tbe time was not far distant when the Government—if it continued in power —would be found competing with horse, cattle, and sheep breeder?, A telegram from Wellington, published in another column, shows that our antici pations have been realised. Mr Gil ruth is being sent Home with instructions to purchase sixteen stallions, and a dozen bulls of different breeds, We wonder what the breeders of this class of stock in this colony, some of whom, recognising the increased demand for it, have doabtless already mad* arrangements to meet it, will think about this method of expanding the baainesa of the State. It must be (evi dent to the most enthusiastic admirer of the policy of the present Ministry that this sort of thing must soon kill all private enterprise. Is it likely that private breeders of stock will continue to expend large sums in importing new strains of blood from elsewhere, while the Government are employing the pub He funds to compete with them ? We think not. There may be some breeders j bolder than the rest who, foreseeing that after a time, the inability of the State to manage stock breeding suc cessfully will prevent. its stock; from being sought after by the public. But in the meantime before that inevitable reault ban been made generally known a good many persevering and useful breeders will have had their businesses ruined. What makes the position worse is the fact that the cost of this experiment in stock-breeding must be partly borne by the very persons, who will suffer most from it. We are per suaded that the agricultural and pastoral community will never be convinced, that stock breeding can be as successfully carried on on a state farm by a Government department as it can by the natural raisers of sheep, cattle and horses, namely the owners and cultivators of the soil. We fore* told this departure from the ordinary business of Government as we have said, Borne Lime ago ; and we now yen* ture to predict that sheep breeding will be the next branch of business taken up by the state.

Local and General.

Passing Through—The HonTY Duncan, Minister of Lands, passed north by the express last night,

A New Game —Progressive bowling ia one of the latest games. A match played recently od the Mount Eden Oinb'e green, Auckland, eleoited great interest,

Professor Bluhknihaij, — Owing to counter attractions the lecture o! Profeesir Blutaentbal on Marriage was not held. The Profeeaor Ifotnrea in Willowby this evening, when an interesting address will be given.

Thb Dwnbdin Show and Racks. —The Railway Department will issue tickets at excursion fares for the Dunedin races and chow, from November 27th to the 29th. A train will le»ve Dnuedin for Christchurch on December Ist, at 9 pm, setting down passengers at any station north of Oamaru,

Sudden Dsaih.—News was received here last night that Mr Stammers, manager of the Railway Refreshment Rooms, died suddenly yesterday In Timaru, Mr Summers had been suffering from heart affection for some time, and before leaving Ashburton consulted Dr Bolger. The doctor, r we understand, has forwarded a certificate of death.

A Remarkable Occurrence, — The Swanhill Guardian, Victoria, says a shearer named Ooxon had a remarkable experience recently near Otflterton, in V otoria. He was shearing a or >isbred wht>n he suddenly cut in two a brown snake about 15 inches long. It was completely faiddna in the heavy fleeoe about the sheep's neok. ■

An Electric Saw.—Now surgiofal instru ments operated by eleotrio motors are coming into use. The most wonderful is an eleotrio saw, which out I through bone and tissue with lightning spead, Thia machine has already found an extensive uae in large hospitals, and has proved of value in severe operations where the shook attending the use! of the slower acticg handsaw would have frequently proved fatal to the patient.

Angling.—Mr A H Bhury took a run to Rakaia yeiterday morning and spent a couple of hours in the River, but reports thai too much water was flowing for euoeeSßful fishing Altbongh the water is slightly discoloured it 1b in good order and when the volume ia lessened a good time for anglers may. be ex peoted. During the ahort time Mr TShury tried the water he obtained three nice fish and hooked several othera.

The Ties That Bind. — The Hon. J Chamberlain made a great speech at Coven trj recently, in which he referred Ih glowing terms of praise to the effect the assistance rendered by the Colonies in the South African campaign had in welding closer the ties that bind the Empire. A report of the speech appears on our fourth page. Interest ing reading matter also -will be found on our first page.

An Acquisition-—Messrs Mclntyre Bros., of Ashburton County, have purchased from Mr W Q Campbell, of Timaru, hii threshing machine planb, consisting of an -eight horse compound engine, with all latest improve rnenti, and machine of the latest pattern. This plant was constructed by Mesen E Foden and Co, England, to order, and a great part of the work was carried out nnder the direct supervision of Mr CitnpboSl himself, who visited England ltst year for the purpose. Megan Molntyr® Bros, have ■eoured ft good plant, and tha farmer* of Aahburton will have «t their command aa up to date threshing machine.

The Unity of thi Empibi—Mr Jamet Graigis of Timato, offer* a first prize of £3 3i, and second prize of £1 Is for the best poems on * The Unity of the Empire.' The only conditions are that; competitors are to be New Zealand born, and tbab poems must reach the secretary of the South Canterbury Caledonian Society, Timaru, by the 20th December, The judges are the Yen. Arch deacon Harper, the Rev William Gillies, and Mr J G Gow, Mi A, Inspector of schools. The winning poems will be rendered at the Caledonian Society* New Year concert.

LOST-—At the meeting of the Hospital Board yesterday, whilst a member—who certainly doei cob pose aa a humorist—wai speaking, our reporter was startled by a loud smile, which went all round the table ; sojne members' contribution to it might be described as a shout of laughter* Our reporter is aowoopplaining that theeffeofewaa so alarming that he not only lost the bm mot, but the words that followed it. This explanation Is necessary to Excuse ' the omission from our report*

The Breach of Pnosnais Case.—The Supreme Oonrt, Danedin, wai oocnpled on Monday in hearing a case m which Miss Jane Thomson, a ichool teacher, claimed £1000 damages from William Marcott, surveyor, for breach of promise of marriage. Counsel for the plaintiff oocupisd four hoars in opening his case, reading voluminously from letters fchafe coyer some ISO pages of dose type-wrlfctau fooleoap, the balk of which passed between the parties In the first six months of the present year. Evidence fcras gtyen by the plaintiff and her father, who Is a well known resident of Dnnedln, and the ease for the plaintiff ffii then dosed.

Personal—We restreto to h«ar that Constable Stanley or RakaL* is dangerously ill, We trust he will soon be restored to health.

Tbaoiiok Kv&inx ik Tboublk—At upper Havelock Street, yesterday, a traction engine, whilst watering near the W*»b Belt, became jammed at the side of the channel* iing. The concrete has been damaged in several places, and some difficulty was experienced in extricating the engine, which was got out of its difficulties this morning.

The Septic Tank Systkm WThe latesb large city to adopt the septia tank system as a means of disposing of Its sewage is Manchester, in England. The system will deal with 24 OOO.OOOgaI per day, but in wet weather this large quantity will be still farther Increased. What Is known as the bacteriological rest hod of treating the efficient will also ba introduced, involving the construction of no less than 31 acres of bacteria beds. The amount borrowed for the carrying oat of the necessary works is £487,000.

Ori«m—TtaeA«hburto»irtiperUlCrlckeb Olab will pUy two matcme* tomorrow afternoon. The firsb sieves will play the Ashburton Tennis Olnb, and the Joaiore wit) play the High School. The)*following will represent tha first eleven :— & Andrew*, T Richards, B Amot, J Bmlth, E Kiooll, P Fritohard, A PUbrowy W Drummond, h F Andrewes, GAndrowt, J Beckett. Etner- Kcnoiei—D Grant, I Baigent, D Amos, W Kidd, H Griffith, R Shields. Play to commence at 2.50 pm. The following will represent) the Juniors:—»G Robin tou, R Johnston, W Berryman,:W Amos, P White, T Adams, G Dcdds, S.P»n* f A.Andernoc, D Church, G Allington. Emergencies—E Barrett* L Coster, W Andrews. Play to commence at 3.3o.—The following will represent the Ashburtoa Tennis Club:— Oox, Crisp, Salmond, Watson, Seldon, L Nicoll, Fi»her, C Denshire, Grant, Bone, Fooks. Emergencies — Hcbbo, Thompson, Douglass

Bowling Notes.—The following is » description of the new game known as Progressive Bowls. -Pairs. Flayers to be divided Into skips and seconds. Partners then to be drawn by lob. Ten points to a game. No game to start until the bell rings. After each game winning pair goes up—thus, No. 3to No. 2 No. 4 to No. 3 No, 5 to N©.4and so on, except No. 2, who goes down to N0.7. The rink which first soorss 10 points rings the hell, when all play ceases, unfinished heads .not counted. When all winners have 'gone up the bell rings, and another game begins. To save time, a jaok at each end may be used, to be placed by skip, winner of previous head, bub nob nearer ditch than 6ft. Heads should be played as quickly as possible. Flay to cease ab six p.m. The pair winning most games bakes trophies. Ties ab end of a game to be decided by playing another head. Ties at and of match to be played off In the usual way. In the programme for the tournament to be held in Chrlstchnrch on January 14,16,16,17, and 18, 1901, the only novelty is the introduction of an later island match "to inaugurate in connection with the Canterbury Jubilee, what may afterwards bo an annual fixture.

HOSPITAL BOARD.

A epecial meeting of the Aahburton Hos. pifcal Board was held yesterday at 2 p.m, to consider the report of the Committee recently appointed to deal with the subject of hospital dfainage. There were present—Mr £ G Wright (chairman), Messrs Harper, Chap man, Andrews, WilUs, Stilt, Davis, Back ley, Lambic, and Jones. The chairman explained the business before the meeting. He had had the report printed and sent to each member of the Board, and he called upon Mr Lambie to move its adoption. Mr Lambie asked the Board to take the I report as read, which was agreed to. - He : said that it spoke the mind of the Committee, and he thought that aithongh the scheme proposed was nob perfect, it would meet the case for a number of ye*»rs. He said the members had given a good deal of thought to the subject, and had to acknowledge valu able assistance from Dr Trevor. The question of ways and means was the chief one that would probably present itself to members, but the main question was that dealt with in the report, namely, the disposal of the sewage. He moved ihe adoption of the report, which was as fol lows :—

Sir,—l have the honour to lubmit the report of th« Committee appointed, by your Board to examine «nd report; on the drain age of the Ashburton Hospital, and the disposal of sewage,, as referred lo by Dr Symei, Health Ootnmisflioner for Canterbury. Your Committee met on the 13th inst and, in company with the Mayor of Ashbnrton, Mr Baxter (County Engineer), and Dr Trevor (Surgeon Superintendent of the Hospital), examined aud inspected the several defects in the drainage system of the hospital referred to in Dr Symes' report. Your Committee regret that there it no ground plan available for reference showing drains in the hoipiul buildings and grounds, and would recommend ' that such a' plan should be obtained without delay. Your Committee oonsidered tbe several schemes for disposal of the hospital drainage, viz.—By means of underground pipes from the hospital to the Ashburton riverbed, and also tbe plan of connecting, by open concrete channelling with the Borough system of drainage, ooth of which are open to many objections, and would entail a heavy outlay. On the advice of Dr Trevor, we inspected a semi-detaobed portion of tbe hospital grounds, distant about six chains from the hospital buildings, and comprising an area of something over an acre in extent, which presents many.natural advantages for the disposal of the hospital sewage, there being a. natural fall from the hospital to the ground. The soil of this plob is apparently of good quality and admirably adapted for a vegetable garden in connection with the hospital. Also, it may, at a trifling expense compared to the more elaborate proposals, be made a valuable asset to the Hospital Board. At the same time it present! a means of efficiently disposing of the hospital sewage (on a modification of the plan pro posed by Dr Symes, the Health Commis sioner.) Your Committee, therefore/ recommend that the present system of sewage disposal should be abandoned, and that all sewage and storm water should be carried in an open concrete channel from tbe hospital and discharged on the piece of land referred to, where it should be thoroughly incorporated with *ho soil, by the hospital gardener, or by other arrangement. Your Committee recommend that all existing sumps, drains, and underground tanks in connection with the hospital build ings should be fi led up, and open concrete channelling substituted, and further, that all roof water from the buildings should dis charge into the open concrete channel to assist in flushing

Your Committee are unanimously of opinion that the foregoing recommendations, if adopted, will provide a satisfactory drain age system ab a minimum of oost» The total length of channelling required will be about ten chains, including about) one chain of fiumsug, the total cost probably not exceeding JBbO. Mr Andrews seconded. He said the Com mittee was about unanimous as to the scheme proposed in the report, of Mr Baxter, as a practical man thoroughly approved of it Mr Harper defended the present system. It had served for twenty years and he had never heard of any complaint). Il was not per fect, but was the only scheme at presenb feasible. There was no smell, and any objectionable matter drained away through the town. The committee now recommended what really amounted to a sewage farm or garden. He thought they would 6id a sewage garden would be much more oftennive than the present system. In theory it might be all right, bat nob in practioe. He did not wish to oppose the scheme, bat he saw that in spite of the earnest and good work of the committee, they had only done what he expected, namely proposed a schema that was no improvement on the present system Mr Davit asked If Mr Harper, who said there was do small, had ever been at the hospital in summer (Mr Harper : Certainly) (Dhea all he cpuld say was that his nose was Dot at good m his tb« spnksp's)'

Mr Stitb agreed with Mr Harper. He j thought thab until the sewage could bo carried to the river in pipes, the present system was the better of the two. Sewage was valuable but must) be attended to regularly. He thought the proposed plan was only a put off Mr Jones admitted that the committee had done good work. But members differed, and his opinion was that the only proper system was to carry the drainage right away. He gave some figures In support of a suggestion, that a six inoh drain pipe might be laid from the Hoßpi'nl to the river. Al though there were objections to draining into the river, he thought that wai the only ■aurse open

Mr Chapman could not support this scheme although he was not in favour of (he present eystent. He suggested that eHtimnte* of the cost of the alternative schemes be made

The Chairman said ho had got some estt" mates from Mr Baxter as to the cost of the pipes, In view of these he did not under' stand why the committee said that the outlay would be heavy Mt Lamhie explained thab the Committee had dismissed the question of underground pipes at once. The opinion of all the scientific authorities %hey had consulted condemned them, apart altogether from the question of expense The chairman said the only question before the Board was the adoption of the report. He recognised that the scheme proposed was a considerable advance on the present system. He had noticed that some persons had a most defective sense of smell, and instanced a case, which wend to prove that people could not always depend upon thab to tell them whether a nuisance existed. If there was no amendment he would put the question* Mr Jones repeated his objection to the present scheme, than which an open drain to the river would be preferable. He, however, preferred pipes, and thought the whole report should be referred back to the Committee. He would, therefore, move— " That the report be referred back to the Committee to obtain an estimate of the ooet of six-inoh drain pipes from the Hospital to the river."

Mr Chapman seconded the amendment. He did not do so, however, from opposition tn the Committee. He thought the scheme proposed could only be a temporary one, and he feared it would be money thrown away to adopt it.

Mr Willis desired to protest against any attempt to carry the sewage from the Hospital by means sf an open drain through the town. While admitting that fresh air %nd sunlight might destroy many of the germs that would flourish in closed pipes, he pointed out thab drainage from the Hospital must be very different from drainage from a private dwelling. He would certainly oppose running the risk of carrying the Hospital sewage past private houses. The Chairman explained that Mr Jones' amendment advocated closed pipes, nob open drains.

Mr Willis said that open drains had been more than once referred to in the course of the discussion.

Mr Buckley said that Messrs Harper and Stitb had both admitted that the scheme proposed was a very good one, if it could only be carried oat. He would suggest that if the employees at the Hospital were not found competent) to carry it out properly, the Chinese fee permitted to make a garden on the ground on whioh it was proposed to discharge the sewage. Mr Andrews drew attention bo the fact that the Act lately pissed prohibited pollut ing the river, which would prevent pipes being used. As to the pipes, he said they were always a nuisance, becoming tull of noxious gas and costing a good deal to keep dear. He thought) the Committee had got very well over the difficulty by their proposal for the disposal of the Hospital eawage. Mr Harper wished It to be understood that he had only been criticising the report nob opposing it, But it struck him that the town would have to face the drainage ques tion shortly, apart altogether from the Hospital. That is why he advocated waiting for further developments, and in the meantime, being content with the system. The Chairman said that the pipes might not he a proper method of disposing of sewage, but he asked what becomsa of the sewage taken through pipes in the great cities of ihe world ? The question of adop'ing the report was not so much one of ways and ir.eans as some members seemed to think, seeing that the outlay involved would only amount to about £60. As for the danger of the prompt distribution of the sewage being neglected, that was won remedied. If the person whose duty it would be to attend, to this matter, neglected it, they could easily get somebody who would not do so. Mr Lambie said the great question was ; is the pipes system preferable to the open channel. He certainly did not approve of pipes, and as to the open drains, he did not think the risk of germs from the Hospital being carried past the door of the inhabi tants of the town, was greater than might arise from drains from private houses. He mentioned that the Committee had met with some evil smelling places at the Hospital, and contended that some change there was necessary iv the public interest. The amendment was then pat and lost, and the report was adopted. Mr Lambie moved that the Hospital Managing Committee he requested to carry into effect the recommendations contained in the report, which wan agreed to.

The Board then adjourned.

Salvia Horminum—A Striking Plant.

Amongst the several salvias in culti vation, and all of which are valuable subjects either for outdoor or greenhouse culture, the above named variety is totally distinct in that the flowers for which they are chiefly grown are in this case insignificant. This, however, is more than compensated for in the highly coloured brtcts that surmount the flower spikes, and which though only irregularly formed leaves, gives the ordinary observer the impression that the plant is really a mass of flowers. In the variety which recently came under our notice the bracts were of a warm or reddish purple, and arranged with the silvery grey foliage of cineraria maritima presented a very charming and somewhat rare effect. Although classed among half hardy annuals, this plant, when favourably situated, usually reproduces itself from seed self Bcytn.—Scotmvn,

THE STYCHE CASE.

AOOUSED BRFORE THE COURT.

The hearing of this ca c was resumed yeeterd&y. James Peacook, oterk in th«) employ of Mr A X G Rhodes, gave evidence, stating that on August 4th, he heard the aoiw of something having fallen on the flior, and shortly after acouted called him inb-» thfc room, and said he had caught imwy^nhnvn in the typewriter wnrl knoohiil I*, down. Accused showed wilnoHK ft i«fisk on th«; i\<)<ir, which ho K»f<l hud bf«H catjund ),y Urn machine. Aftot s*yfnK Kumti\h\t% .-ibvM Ujo machine", Bccniod nail »h&1 hi IhnuyhK it, w»B beyond rftfjftir, ami h« \tM vrlthMsto take ib to Ilca!i mid On I*. fc<;n wtiftUmr Un.y would KllowunythiriK un it nwi onlf.r tm-.w one; Ho removed th« ma«ltiri«s •'/ Ui<; pufJc; office, and on H*turdny night J»sm««i ifcit it had been m'ezad by tho po!|u«. In .lariu&ry last, when Mr Hhod«« wa* moving it> Si I* new offices, the typewriter wan dropped downstairs by » carrier, and wk« badly damaged. In was then repaired by Mr Sapsford. The aooused used this mauhine more frequently than any of tho others in the office Witness identified the press copy produced an a copy of the letter which had been sent, ordering the machine. In that a request was made that the stroke above the figure 3 should be f' r"" idioular, instead of on the slope, as iv » former machine.

To Mr Joynt—He was on friendly terms with the accused. He had seen the machine on the Friday, and thought he would have noticed had it been badly damaged* He himself frequently used the machine. The machine usually stood in the plaoe he had indicated to Mr Gilby. It had been placed in other positions, but fae^had not taken particular notice of those positions. It was not Styche'e habit to take the books he wanted out of the strong room each morning; it was usually done for him, some of the books being placed on the table by the type writer and some on the counter.

To His Honor—When witnesi used the typewriter! ha used ib at> tke table in Styche's room. John W Ellison, Inspector of Police, de poied that the anonymous letters which had been produced had been handed to him by Dr Clayton. He had caused an advertise ment to be inserted ia the I*ress on June 16. The machine which had been taken from Mr Rhodes 9! office was the one now in Court. When witness went to Mr Rhodes'! office on the afternoon of August 4, Mr Robs was present, at well at Mr Sapsford. The latter made a note of the injuries to the machine. The machine bad had to be repaired to a certain extent to enable it to be worked. Having a search warrant, witness examined some of the accused's documents, and found the life insurance policy prodaoed. It was a joint policy on the livea of the accused and his wife, taken out in April 11,1893, for £300 in the Australian Mutual Provident Society

Mr Stringer Baid that closed the case for the Crown

Mr Joynt said that he had received a notice from his learned friend which rather embarrassed him

Mr Stringer said that that was a notloe which he had sent, intimating his intention of calling certain other evidence. He had, however, now thought fib not- to call that evidenoe, and he had told his learned frieud

Mr Joynt said he had called tea or a dozen witnesses to rebut the evidence on that point. Mr Stringer Raid he did not see how the learned counsel on the other side could be embarrassed. After examining the evidence carefully, he had come to the conclusion that he would not be justified jn calling it. His Honor said that if Mr Stringer did nob call any evidence on this particular point, it showed that he could prove nothing against the accused. He then asked counsel to open the caie for the defence, CHE DEFENCE Mr Harper opened the case, and in the course of an able address dealt with the impossibility of determining exactly the work of any particular type writing machine. He concluded as follows:—During his married life Styohe had baen improving his circumstances, had been living within his means like many other clerks, and had managed to secure a little home and a nice little property, and witnesses would be brought to show that, as far as outward appearances went, he regarded bis wife with sffeotion, and they were upon affectionate termß. There could, therefore be no Bug gestion of the existence of any estrange meat between them. In this connec tion, there would be brought forth the evi dence of servants who had been employed by Mr and Mrs Styohe, and what better evidence for the purpose could-be obtained? It will be shown that Styohe had not only sponen of his wife in the most affectionate terms before all people, but had always given way to her, and had indulged her as far as his means would allow. In fact, as Dr Olayton had said, there had never baen any sugges tion of any prssple difAgreement between the couple during all tbe years they had been married. In conclusion, Counsel said that evidence would be brought to prove that there could not possibly be anything what ever to connect the accused with having written the letters that bad been read to the jury the previous day, and from the surrounding circumstances it would be difficult for anyone to say that the accused had written the letters, according to the theory of the prosecution. No motive whatever had been set out that would induce the accused to write the letters, and upon the evidence brought forward by the Grown, and in the light of that which would be given in detail by the defence, there was no reason whatever why the jury should say that the accused was the person who had written the letters. Mr Joynt then proceeded to call the evidence for the defence. Thomas Theodore Joy, typewriter repair ing expert, stated that he had served a seven years' apprenticeship in the Government Railway Workshops at East Town, Wanga nui. In 1894 he left for London, and on arrival there he obtained employment with the Wayerley Typewriter Company, with whom he worked for two years and a half, i serving in the different branches, and finally being sent out as repairer. From that com pany he went to the Maskelyne Company, and afterwards to the Westminster Company. For five years in England he had been engaged Bolely by various typewriter companies; Since his return to New Zealand he had been in the employ of the New Zealand Typewriter Company. He had a good knowledge of the following, among other makes of machines*:—Densmnre, Smith JPremier, Remington, New Century, Cali graph, Crandall, Franklin, Eliok, Empire, s Ksaskelyne, Waverley, and Yost. Witness then gave evidence upon the work' of type writers, generally discrediting the theory of the prosecution. Minnie Allsopp stated that she had been married about the beginning of the year, and before her marriage had been two years nervant at Styche's place, Mr and Mrs Styche seemed a very devoted couple, and during the time witness was there, she did not hear any quarrels between- them. Mrs Styche was ailing at times, and the accused then seemed very anxious about his wife's health. He never went pub, except to busi ness, without his wife, who seemed perfectly happy. Styche was a very kind man to wituesi, and bo everybody, James Bursetb, Inspecting Engineer for the Railway Department, stated that he was Stychs's nexb door neighbour for about five years up to October of last year. They were en friendly terms, and witness formed the opinion that he had never known a better suited or more attached couple, or a man who was more attentive to his wife under all circumstances. Styohe showed his wife affeotionate attention without being demon strative, and witness did not think those attentions were compatible with any but real affection. Mrs Styebe was rather deli oate, and her husband used to warn her against over exerting herself. Witness called about June last, when Mrs Styohe was ill, and the aooused then teemed really anxious. He said that he thought the trouble was more serious that Mrs Styohe imagined, and that he had not got much satisfaction out of the doctor. He should say that Styohe was a humane, healthy'miaded man, with strong ideas as to right and wrong. Emma Hassall, (a neighbour), Esther Max' well (a former servant), Grace Baxter (a neighbour). Cash Hasell (a friend), GH Mason (a friend), all gave corroborative evidence. Arthur E G Rhodes, solioitor, atatai that the aooused bad been in bis employ} since about July, 1885, H« oanta first a| o&w

boy, and had occupied many positions, nntll he reached the position of head of hie particular department. Wi'nesit had reposed complete confidence in him, and he bad nlw*y» justified "that confidence. On the occasion of a recent visit to England, witness made ths accused one of four attorn ys, Ho bad always, as far as witness kntw, acted honourably and straight forward'y. The accused and his wife had vitited wit rif'Hu'M huuac ocoasiooaily, and he had always Oiuughti that they «ero very fond of one Until this caso came on he had uhvtst heard abythiog agatasb the accused's moral ohataat.er.

Mr .joynt mid he would aek permission ioc*!l «v:d«uoe to prove Mrs Stycbe's in thfii!,y. h wm obvious that they would hiiv r;,!li;ij her, htkd they been able, and ib v/m *■ rrtwfc deprivation to them that she •*«rt n»jfc &bl» to give evidence Mr .Stricter said he would admit that) l'.<;i; hit iewoed friftnd need nod call evidence upon the point His Honor t*id that if the Crown Prose' eutor admitted Urs Styche's insanity, there would Sjs no need for Mr Joynt to mil medical evidence

Mri Tidyman caretaker, Alex Johnston oar^enfcer, gave unimportant evidence bear* ing upon the portion of the typewriter en the table,

Mr Joint said that he was afraid that he could not go any further with the evidence, until the experts had completed their exami nation of the letters.

His Honor said that it wai very desirable that the examination should be oonduoled M critically ts possible, and as the experte bad not completed their work, he would no* keep the jury any longer that afternoon. but would continue the case it ten ocio?k in the morning. The existing bail of £500 was renewed, and at 345 p m the Court adjourned till 10 a m to-day

McADOO'S ORIGINAL JUBILEE SINGERS.

McAdoo's Original Jubilee Singers, after an absence of almost two years, will again pay us a visit at the Oddfellows' Hall on Saturday and Monday next, and it is certain that a large audience will turn oat to greet them. Mr Notb, the advance represen tative, states that the programme of to day is stronger and more varied than ever before, and wherever there has been an opportunity of Improving,Buch improvements have been made. In fact they are now really giving three entertainments in one. New artists and new features have been added and to-day the company is better «nd brighter than ever; Among the new artists are—Gauze, the wonderful male meeto soprano and character artist, of whom tbe united press agree that his equal hat never before been seen in hie line ; Mm DaMlia Underwood, the American nightingale, whOM beautiful singing called forth the greatest praise in all the musioal circies, and whose singing of 'Swante River' waa deemed perfection ; Mr Robert S Allan, th» eminent baritone, has just arrived from America and what with the fervour displayed in his sing* ing, he is certainly a great acquisition to the Company. Added to these are the old favorites in their quaint jubilee choruses and plantation songs, for which they are famous* In addition to this portion of the programme is a special production of the Passion Play of Oberammeraau. It is from the last prodtfe* tten by the peasants of Bavaria, and is the only one of the kind in the colonies. Ib comprises over two miles of beautiful films of moving pictures. It is moot highly endorsed by the clergy, and critics unite in pronounc ing it the marvel of the age. Last, but dob least, is Edison's loud-speaking grand concert phonograph. This instrument is indeed the most improved ever listened to in this part of the world and is said to be the loudest and most perfect talking machine ever invented. Do not miss the delightful entertainment of this most gifted Company, as it is their farewell visit. Seats are now on sale at H. M. Jones', East Street.

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not bold ourselves responsible for opinions expressed by our correipondentt .

FISHING AND TROUT.

TO THB JIDITOB

Sib, —I rotiee that Messrs Young and Huston had a good day on Friday &t the Rakaia mouth and complained that the reserve intended for the grsz'ng of visitor! horses has been eaten bare by being pied for grezmg sheep and stock. It may be M well to explain to anglers that although the Commissioner of LaDds gave a reserve of about 50 acres acd laid off a road for access to tha fishing ground, ifc has nob yet been confirmed, the whole reserve of some 300 acres being rented by Mr W T Carrathers." It is entirely by the courtesy of Mr Carrotherß that the anglers of Ashbarton have been enabled to feDoe in tbe six aorta of land they have, and during the winter months the Society, by their Gomtnifctet), haye authorised Mr Oarrntherii to gra?e bit rants in the enclosed paddock. The wool* paddock was under water for somt tima during the IbbI; heavy floods and tha gf*sa haa been smothered by silt. Had ib not been for this there would have been ample feed for horses inside th». enclosure. If anglers are not satisfied with that), they are at liberty to let their Dorset wander over the remaining 44 aorta. whtre ( doubtless, they would find plenty of fttd* It has been reported to the Seoiaty by aevtral persons in town that trout have been offered for sale and sold in Athburton. I wonld draw your attention to regulation No. 11, made by Governor in Oounoil 1898, which it as follows :—" No ptraon otherwise than it provided by the regulations for taking lak« trout, Bhall sell or expose, or offer for sale, or have in his possession for purpose of sale within the district to which these regulation! relate, any of the aalmonid«, trout, perch, catfish, or tench, or take, fish for, (fetch, or kill any of the salraonidos, tront, peroh, catfish, or tench in order' to make tale of same. By section 12— Any fish dealer having in his business premisesany of the salmonidts, troub, perch, catfish, or tench, shall be* deemed to have them in his possession for the purpoae of sale. Section 16—The penalty for the fareaoh of any of these regulation! shall be not more than five pounds nor leaa than five shillings —(Signed) Alex. Willis, clerk of the Executive Council." Theae regulation* are la force to the Southern Acclimatisation District, i c, the whole of the South Island of New Zealand.—l am, etc, A. H. Shubt, Hon Sec Aehburton Acclimatisation Society,

ASHBURTON CLUB REFERENCE LIBRARY.

TO TUB EDITOR

Sir,—ln to-night's Gvaedun I notice a paragraph which states inter alia * Slnoe the Reference Library at the Ashburton Club has been practically closed to members, owing to a new rale making it necessary for thoie wishing to refer fpr information, to find first the mamgerj of that Institution and get his authority tq do so.'? This is incorrect, The Library is open to members daily. No authority Is required from me to use it—but to prevent abuse of the privilege—where members have taken books from the Library and kept them for months, it has been found necessary to place the books under reasonable control. The key of the Library can be obtained at any hour of the day, after 10 a.m., en application to the steward in charge.—l am, etc., A. Whitakee, Manager.

November 20,1900,

[We have excised a portion of our correspondent's letter, which Imputes motives unnecessarily. As te thereat, the notice on the Library Is precise S1 enough—Persons wishing to use the books are 1 to " make application to me^' Signed "Secretary,' There is nothing abont where the key may be found,— E».]

THE ABHBURTON GrtJAfeBUU 8 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1900



Full moon Laat quarter New moon First quartet

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WOOL SEASON 1900-1901 WE SHALL BE REPRESENTED a* the Christchorch and Timarn fixtures, an 4 have made satisfactory arrangements for dupoaing of CLIPS privately Athburtoa. If . Cftajsignments will be received at; our Agnhnr'en or Tiuwald stores, and sent onto either Ohristchoroh or Timaru, free of all charges, except railage. Clients who wish to send their Wool direct from iheir nearest railway station will please consign as follows t— If intended for sale at Aahburton—Friedlande? Bros', Ltd Siding, Ashburton If intended for sale at Christoharch—Brown and Son's Siding, Addington If intended for sale or shipment at Timaru—Mill & Go's Siding, Timaru If intended for ihlpment>t Lyttelton-N.ZJShippbg OoXDamping^Shed.lLytteUoii ! WOOLSACKS, TWINE 3 BK AN DING OIL, and all other Shearing Requisites supplied at lowest rates. *^"™"""*0!"" ■"■•' Our First Saie wiil take place, at" Obrietehurch on THUKSDAT, NOVEMBER 22, 1900 JRIKDLANDER BROS., LTD. ZEALANDIA CYCLES. BUJLT with Narrow Tread and Overhanging Sprocket, Patent Head Tube, Batted Tubing Throughout. Genuine English Dunlop Tyres, and Guaranteed for 12 Months. Easy Payments Arranged for. BURNETT STREET, Largest Oycle Manufacturers in the Colony THE COMING HARVEST BINDER. I AM THE AGENT FOR THE Piano Jones Layer Binder —PRICES AFb TERMS ON APPLICATION. * I Guarantee to keep all Extras, E, W, HANMER. J. WILSON, SIQN-WEITEK AND DECORATOR. IMPOP.TEE OF AETISTIO WALL PAPERS. BURNETT STREET, TELEPHONE §5. SOLE AGENT FOR ASHBURTON AND DISTRICT FOR HALL'S "Sanitary WATER PAINT," As u«ed in the principal Bcapitals throughout the world. It will stand washing. It kills insects, and it a considerable saving compared to oil paint. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY MBSM Silk Striped Tennis Shirts from 3fl 6d Men's White Canvas Tennis Sbirte 43 Gel Men's Rinoy Tennis Shirts, splendid variety Men's Straw Hats from 3a Boys' New Straw Hats from Is Men's Frame Hats in New Shades 4s to 12a 6d The Largest Stock in Ashburton. CYCLING SWEATERS in Fawn and White, from 63 Men's and Youths' Cricketing Trousers, all the Latest Novelties, AT THE N-Z, CLOTHING FACTORY- F. H. BECKINGSALB, Manager. DID IT EVER OCCUR TO YOU That- ben so called v Just as Good " substitutes are recommended by your Dealer the motive la for self gain, because of Increased profit, SO BEWARE! I HONDAI-LANKA CEYLON TEA on a SEALED LEAD PACKET is yoar guide and safeguard, Gold Medal Paris Exhibition awarded to Mahwajah Brand No 1, In Commercial tea Class. Local Agents—Messm Shearman Bros , Carson and Son's, Cooch and Co., Ashhurton ; inwaid, Mr Gndsell; Methven, Hibba Bros. ; Rakaia & Cherteey, Meaara Shannon Brbi. BEAD "THE SPORTSMAN," NOW PUBLISHED. OBTAINABLE FROM ALL NEWSAGENTS, Piuge—Thbebfence. Apply lor apecimen copies, which will be given free, to the local office of the " Lytfcelten Times " Oompaay, Ltd, Burnett Street, near Arcade E» NORDONj Ashburton Representative. 2331



ABHBU RTON OFFICE 1 M LYTTELTON TIMBB " « OANTfRBORY TIMES ' "SfAR" " SPORTSMAN ' TTTTHERE Advertisements and Suhaorip- W tiona will be received, and filet can be inapeoted. E. NORDON. Managing Agent for Sonth Canterbury, BURNETT BTREET, (Entrance to Thomas' New Auction Mart) 1110 A. AGKR' 1 ARCHITECT. ARCADE OB AMBERS ASHBURTON. TF yon want a NEW HOUSE, o^Altera tlona, or Newest Stylo of Decoration*, CONSULT MR AGBR. Call and ac« the NEW FIBROSE BLIND Imitation of Venetian, »t half the price. FOR SALE, SEAFIELD ROAD I HATE received instruotione to aell a very deaitable little Farm aituated as above containing 16 Acrea, open whioh ia ereoted a four roomed Cottage, Stable and Pig aty. 10 acrea are in grain 4 acrea are in root crop, and \ acre in Potatoes and peal. The property ia well watered by county races, and only needa an inspection to pVove it ia a good investment either for a home or for letting purposes F FERRIMAN



A ooagh ii nob a ditease bat a symptom* Oomumptioo and bronchitis, which are the most dangerous and febal diseases, have for their first Indication a persistent coagb, and if properly treated m soon as thia ooagh appears, are easily oared. Chamberlain's Ooagh Remedy has proven wonderfully tacooinful, and gained its wide reputation and extensive sale by Its success in oaring the diseases which cause coughing If It is i not beneficial it will nob ooat yoo a cant For sale by Ashbnrton Drop Company j Wade's Worm Figs are most effective tod ' nob unpleasant! children thrive after taking (hem Price Is Unequalled and Invincible—Woods' Grea Peppermint Cure for Conghr and Colds, U 6dand 2f 6d {



Mr J. Wilson, house decorator, has been fortunate in securing the agency for Ablj burton and district of the now famous " Hall's Sanitary Washable Distemper " or Water Faint, as used for renovating all the principal hospitals, hotels, etc., throughout Great Britain and the colonies. Before renovating the Ghriatchurch Hospital some time ago, a competition was held to decide, upon what kind of distemper or paint would be used for cleansing and decorating the buildings. After exhaustive teats and trials "Hail's Water Paint" was considered by far the beat, and has been usad in the institution ever since. It is very suitable for applying to walls and ceilings of kitchens, < whether wood or plaster. It has an advantage over oil paint, inasmuch as insects cannot live near it. It is very easy of application—by simply adding hot or cold water, it is ready for immediate uae, and in three weeks' time 1b washable. Mr Wilson has a shipment just to hand.—(Advt) 11 Wade's Worm Figs, the wonderful Worm worrisra, never fail for 'adults] and children Price Is CONSULTING OPHCUAN Mr Ernest M. Sandetein, DB O A», FS, MO, who has lately returned after six years' special study in England and Con tinent, may be oonaulted on all oaaes of defective eyesight. Daylight not necessary artificial light being used. Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees .moderate. Con suiting rooms, Gashel Street W;, over M Sandsteln, jeweller, Chriatohuroh. 930 to I, 2 to 6 dailyi 4 Cough Cure c Wahoo, Koplib and Benjamin Gum go to Aa rton Dbuo Cb t Smoke N Venus



WANTED KNOWN—That we have exceptional facilities for display ing our Urge Stock of Oilcloths and Linoleums, and intending purchasers »r« specially invited to make an inspection of Few Patterns now landing ex S,B, Gothic, —Mitchell & Tubne^,