Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the necessary alterations: —

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 For Northern Ports and Weutport and West Coast, per Tarawera, at 6 30 pm WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24 For Northern Ports. Westport and Aus tralian Colonies, per Elingamite, at 10 30 am THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 For Northern Ports and Westport, per Tarawera, at 6 30 pm For South Africa, per express, to connect with Longs hip, at 1230 pm FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 For Samoa, Hawaii, Phillipines, Japan, also United Kingdom and Continent of Europe (due London, November 28th), via San Franciioo, also paroei for United States par Rotoiti, at 630 p m ; money orders at 2 30 p m ; registered letters at 5 p m

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for October

SUN.

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— CHRISTOHUROH—at 7.20 am, llam,

3.15 p m, 7 5 p m (express) TTMARU—at 10.55 am,350 pm DUNEDIN—at 12.54 pm (express) SPRINGBURN—at 4.25 p m

Trains arrive daUy at Aahburton front*.*— CHRISTOHURCH-at 10.45 «. m, 12.48

p in (express), 8 pm TIMARU—at 10.35 am,255 pm DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p m (express) SPRINGBURN-at 9.45 a m

Commercial.

FROZEN MEAT.

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright

Received Wakapuaka Oct 22, 8 50 » m, This Office 7 40 p m London, Oct 21 The following prices are ruling :—Cross bred wethers, maiden ewes, Canterbury 4£t), Dunodin and Southland 4d, North Inland 3| 1. L*mb, unchanged. New Zaa- Und beef, 1301b to 2201b, fair average quality ox fores 3| 1, ox hinds 4| L River Plate crossbred or merino wethers, light, 361

LONDON WOOL SALES

Hides, dull, tending downwards.

Wool, dragging sal*, rumeroua with drawals of greasy and scoured merinos. Pr cos baraly maiutaine'l. Catalogued to da<-.e, 123,241 bates; Bold, 113,666 bales- The Lorgburn clip realised ffl.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashbnrton Agency of the Now Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on October 22, 1900:— Wheat- Prime milling Pearl .« 2s 2d to 2s 3d „  Tuscan... 2s M „ „ Hunter's 2* Id to 2s 2d Oat»—Duns .« Is 54 to la 6d Danish Is 5i to le 6d Canadians Is 7d Sparrowbills le 6<i Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2a 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 47i 6d to 50s Grass Seed-Old pasture, 2-. 9.- *' New „ Is 6a u9& The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburton. *

Messrs Dalgety and Company have re ceived the following cable message from their London office under date 19th October : "Since our last telegram prices of frozen beef are (ower by an gi P ef H>«' Frozen mutton prices are dearer, prime New Zealand crossbred benig worth 4|i to 4£<i, and New South Wales merino 3£d to 3f i per Ib. The frozen lamb market ia firm at last quotations. The following London cable message, dated 20th October, has also been re oeived by Messrs Dalgety and Co : — "Wool Sates—Prices of greasy merino and fine crossbred wools continue- firm without farther change. Scoured merino is neglected and prices are in favour of buyers. For medium and course crossbred (greasy) any change in prices is in favour of sellers.''

Ashburton Guardian. Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY OCTOBER 23, 1900 THE RAID ON THE TREASURY.

The first session of the fourteenth Par liament of New Zealand has been made remarkablo by more than one circum stance. It has conclusively shown that whatever may be said in favour of 11 Government by party," under con ditions permitting the minority to have, at least, a restraining influence on legislation, when the majority h absolutely irresistible, as is that of Mr Seddon, government by party becomes an oligarchy. It is simply the Govern ment of one or two of the strong men in a Cabinet, in this case, it is a one man government. The last session has enabled the majority in the House of Representatives to do that, which has met with universal condemnation throughout the colony, namely, to put their hands into the public Treasury, and take out some £4000 of the taxes that have been collected from the people of Nevr Zealand, and put it in their own pockets. Even the strongest supporters of Mr Seddon in the ranks of the press of the colony, condemn this extraordinary proceeding. It is now pretty clear why the Premier brought down the Public Revenues Act Amend ment Bill, which we commented upon recently. There was in contemplation apparently, a general distribution of the public funds, and it was necesiary to prevent the Auditor-General from interfering with anything of that sort, which he most assuredly would haye had to do under the law as it stood. It is openly stated that the Premier had to promise some of bis followers—whose bssistaDce was necessary to pas* the Ministers' Salaries and Allowances Bill —that be would bring la a meaiure to

give them all an increase as well. Only on that condition could ke obtain their support. But, lest the irfluence of publ c opinion should affect the success of such an indecent attempt on the, public purse, it was not made until there was no possible chance of any oppoiition, beyond what might be given by a few tired members in the lasts hours of the session. Those who clamoured for this plunder had not even the decency to provide for the increases not coming into operation until the next Purlia ment is elected. They had—at Mr Atkinson, one of the Wellington mem bers, pot it—no right to increase their own salaries without consulting their employers, the electors. Had this been done, there would, we think, have been little doubt about the result. It would be well for the electors to remember the names of the eleven membern who voted against the increase to their honorarium. They were Messrs At* kinson, Bnddo, Collins, Ell, Htrries, J HatchisoD, Lang, McGnire, Firani, Rhodes, and J W Thomson, When Hansard comes to hand we shall set who the thirty-oao were who Toted, for it. We find it difficult to reconcile Mr Seddon's action in this matter with the general idea as to his aims and aspirations. It was supposed that he aspired to the reputation of a broad minded statesman, and he has certainly posrd as the poor man's friend. How can be c'aina to be that in the face of the recent raid on the Treasury 1

Local and General.

Tboopbb W. Moffatt. — Friends or relatives of Tiooper Moffate, of Timaru, who left for South Africa in the Third Contingent, will heir special news of him ac the office of this paper.

Worth Rbadikg —On our first uiid fourth pages to day will be found some articles with reading. The Jap as a Soldier, An Odd Mar riage Fraud, and the Failure of the O*t Crop in Cape Colony.

A Big Pfcicn fob Sheep—A visitor from the Watmate district iuforim ur thai a private sale of prime sheep from the Totara Valley, near Tim tru, was effected on Satur day at the hiph price of 27s 6d per head.

Betursbd.—Mr Wm Evans, managing director of the Atlas milling Company, Timaru and the Orowß Roller milli.Dunadin' returned from a business trip to South Africa on Monday evening.

The RAiNFAiiti at Alfor» —In our rnporc of the rainfall at Alford it w»s Icadvertently stated that the rainfall was 4 6 at Alford Forest, whereas it should have been Alford. The rainfall at Atlord Forest on Wednesday and Thursday last was over 9 inches, and for the month, so far, 14 inches, as bgainst 4 6 inches at Alford Station, 7 inches further down the plains.

U.A.O.D. —The usual fortnightly meeting of the Star of Ashburton Lodge was held lasb evening. Owing to a number of membsrs being engaged in connection with the A. and P. Show there was a poor attendance. Bro. Gobbe, P.A., occupied the chair. & member on clearance from the Timaru Lodge was received, acd after transacting formal busi ness the Lodge was closed by the acting A.D.

End of the Session—The session closed ob Saturday night.or rather Sunday morning, at fivo minutes to one o'clock, Acoording to a summary forwarded by the Press Association the business tranpaeted during tho session was a* follows'-25 Select Com mittees were set up, 107"Bill« received the Royal assent, 3 were reserved for the Menification of her M&j^Bt}'« p?eaaare, and 107 were dropped or otherwise disposed of. Six hundred »nd seventy petitions were presented, 850 questions were askei oi Ministers, 291 pipara were laid upon the table, and 511 reports* were received from Select Committees The House sat on 75 days, the average leng'h of- the daily sitting being 9 hours 4 minutes

Ft John's Ambblakoe Association — The examination of students in tiie second aid cVses took place fa the Borough School on Saturday, before Dr Hugh Hunter, who reports that &s a result all the candidates du'y passed The doctor mates that fou.r of the papers were particularly good. The following are the names of those who passed) placed in alphabetical order :—Mist Anne BrowD, Mils Minnie KUie M Barrett, Mins Nellie Fooka, Mi-s Dot Fullarton, Miss Ethel Gate*, Miss Neisie Harrison, Miis Agnoe Miss Mab 1 Trez Ts», Midi Isabel Thr<m<>B, Miss M»jiry Williamson.

The Weekly Press—The Christmas Number of "The Weekly Prese' is jttit to hand. In the variety of the suljjcts illut trated and the excellence of the rsproduo tions it eclipses those issued in former years As a Christmas greeting to kin across the sea nothing could be nicer, or better serve to show the high place reached by colonial journalism at the close of the Nineteenth Century. Of special interest is the fine series of piotures of Station Life, which will appeal to everyone interested in Naw Zea land* great paitoral industry.. The Maori pic'uresare of great variety, mining, in Otago is represented by some sluicing pictures, and other parts of the Colony are equally well represented with large and varied pictures. The Number is indeed a credit to the office ieuing it. A Reminder—We wish to remind ail who may require new suits &o, " before the Show," that we have already opened out a large variety of New Goods for the Spring and Summer seasons, comprising the most "up to date " best quality worsto Buitings, &c, imported direct from the manufacturers. For a number of years wo have always had such & " Ruth " of orders just before the holiday*, that) we found it impossible to execute all by the required time. We would therefore respectfully urge all our friend (both old and new) to kindly call and favour us with their esteemed orders ai early as posaible to prevent disappointment, and blige Cbaighead & Bebbtman, the leadiug Tailors and Outfitters, Ashburton

ACCIDENTS AND FATALI TIES

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph : Dunedin, Octobor 22

Thomson, fireman of the train which left for Oamaru at three o'clock, was found to be missing a little north of Waitati. When tearch was made he was found lying on the girders of a bridge with his head cut open and noconacir.us. He has suSared a fracture of the skull, but may recover.

NAPIER, Get 22

The body of a man, found in the harbour has been identified aB that of William Hunt), ag«d fifty-two. He was employed at ac hotel in tho Taupo district. A verdict of " Fouad drowned ' was returned.

THE NEW GOVERNOR GENERAL

Wellington, Ootober 22 Lord Hopetoun has written to Mr Ssddon, acknowledging his letter of congrat ulation, and says :—I am indeed touched and gratified at the manner in whloh you speak of me personally, and you may be sure that It will be my. earnest endeavour to do my duty towards the people of the Australiasian colonies, and to deserve their good opinion."

THE WRECK OF THE WAIPARA.

; -^ _ United Press Association—By Elaotrlo Telegraph—Copyright hokitika. , october 22. The Collector of Customs Is advised py the harbourmaster at Okarito, that torpedo corps yesterday succea if ally bisw up to the river, 3?he removal of the blockage opened the channel, and the Jane Douglas sails for Okarito to-night, bringing back Captain Falconer and, the men. j

PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Wilungtow, Ootober 20

After the Telegraph Office was closed a number of private Bills passed their final stages.

SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATES The House went into committee on the Supplementary Estimates. Class I—Sessional allowance to members of House and Council, £40 each in excess of amount oi honorarium;

In reply to objections, the Hon J G Ward said that he wus quite prepared to defend the vote, believing that, undsr the circum stances, it was warranted. The vote was carried by 31 to 11, the votes for its omission being Messrs Atkinson, Buddo, Collins, Ell, Herries, J. Hntohekon, Lang, McGuire, Piraai, Rhodes, and J W Thomson

The total vote, £259,096, was passed, at waa also unauthorised expenditure of £79,831.

The Home resumed at 9.30 a.m. LOCAL BILLS

All the local Bills dealt with earlier In the morning were put through their final tUg«i At 11.30 a.m. the House adjourned till i.30 p.m. The House resumed at 3.50 p.m SAPK 07 HBW ZEALAND

The Premier said :—Memberi, no doubt, will hare observed from the last balance cheet and- report that the Bunk of New Zealand has made Very satisfactory progress, and it ia with pleasure I beg to announoe that the bank has reduced lti liabilities to the colony by paying off the half million of preference shares. Honourable members are aware that, during the present Parlia ment, the position of the bank and its relation to the colony will require considera tion, and lam assured that ere the time arrives for so doing, if not sooner, the bank's position, so far as its liability bo the colony under the guarantee is concerned, will be considerably improved. After a number of questions bad been asked and answered the House adjourned at S 30 p.m., and resumed at 7.30 p.m. A discussion took place oo the supplemen tary estimate?. The Premier said chat in the Oook Islands annexation resolution passed by the House he had overlooked one small island, Suwar row, which possessed one of the best hatbors lathe Pacific. He, therefore, moved that the House approves of the alteration of the boundaries of the colony so as to include the island of.Buwarrow.

The motion was agreed to on the voices without debate.

The Premier said that he had not made ib quite clear that afternoon that the £500.000 from the Bank of New Zealand had been paid to the credit of the Government in hard 08sh. There was no such thing as conver sion.

At 9.5b p.m. the Appropriation Bill was introduced and carried through all its stages, Captain Russell declining to discuss it at that period of the'session. At 12.35 ».m» the Speaker announced that the Bill had passed th« Upper House. The Premier said that the next day would be the anniversary of the departure of the First Contingent for South Afriaa, and no words of his could adequately express the gratification and thanks of the oniony for the services its sons had rendered. He moved— " That this House desires to place on record its appreciation of the gallant and heroic services of the officers and men of the New Zealand contingent!, who have so bravely fought for and upheld the prestige of our Empire is South Africa, and tenders them the best thanks of this House and the colony, and als» tenders to the relatives of those who have fallen its slncevest sympathy."

Captain Russell, in seconding the motion, Skid that they had all formed ft high opinion of the services New Zaalanders would render, but the services had exceeded their utmost expectations The motion wa« oarrlel unanimously, whereupon all present in both House and galleries rose to their feet, and, led by the Premier, s&ng the first verse o f the National Anthem,

CDOSEOFTHSSiTSSION

The Premier, in moving the adj mrnment of the House, paid that he desired to tender to the Speaker the sincere thanks and appreciation^ members for his kindnosa and courtesy during the lessinn The Speaker, in acknowledging the Premier's tribute, nid that it had been * matter of extreme gratification to htm to fiad that members had, unexpectedly and unsought, thought proper to considerably augment his salary, aod he could assure them th»b hedsep'y appreciated the kindly feeling which had prompted the House to pass the v->te. Headdet that ha had nerer sab in a Parliament in which members were disposed to be so industrious and hard working. The Premier rcmuked that it had been an eventful and a moat profitable session. Tr.e House finally adjourned at 12,55 a;m., and the session closed

CORRESPONDENCE.

(We do not held onnalves reipamibie lor cpinloui oxpri %~A by our corraTondenti

DRUNKENNESS

TO THB KDITOB.

Sir,-. With your permission I would wish jto draw the publics attention to a state of matters that openly exist in oar midst, which an. ordinary, British oubjeot would I hardly expect to take place in a British town without iorne effort being taken to abate it' I refer to the unfortunate persons who are unable to oontrol themselves and who the State has to prohibit from strong drink for those persons own good and those dependent on them. Nearly any of these prohibited persona can be seen about car streets in broad daylight in a deplorable ! state of intoxication, and nothing whatever iis done to try and stop ir. An ordinary drunk is run in when the police find him a bit unsteady on his leg*, bat a prohibited drunk seems to escape. I don't think that anyone who knowa out present Ashburton publicans would think for one moment) that these poor unfortunates are supplied by them. For the safety of their own, trade if I for no other cause, they would, and do [ refuse them drink. Bub there is in Ashbur ten a class of men who are so low down in the scale of humanity that for a few shillings they set at defiance the laws of their country and of humanity and supply these prohibited persons with the drink that they well know is both destroying them and their homes and making them unfit) for human society. Cm the police take no action in the matter? I think it must be quite a parent to all persons that there is some* thing wrong. At one time in Ashburton if a prohibitive order was taken out against anyone it meant that that one would bs sober for twelve montha. But now id means that he will be drunk a good deal of the time; It is a matter of surprise to a good many that our local publicans take no action in the mutter, for they must) know that ib is damaging their trade in the eyes of the public. It was I believe the principal canjg of such a big 7ot« being cjsb against them at the last elecion, and will ultimately be the cause of wiping them out altogether if nothing is done in the matter.—l am, etc.! Lite and Let Liva.

Cricket

CJaital Ptan Association—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, Ocfc 22 At s meeting of the Cricket Association tc-mghb, a letter was read from the Canterbury Association asking that Well ington should arrange for a match at the earliest convenience. Nothing definite was decided, but it is hoped to arrange for a match to be played in the same week of the North and South contest. Some time during Christmas week will probably be suggested.

LOST AMONG THE KOPJES.

Those who have read the descriptions supplied by the speoial correspondents of the newspapers, and troopers at the front, of the South African kopj'B and surrounding country, will understand how easily a ■ stranger cou'd lose himself there. We have | heard of many instances of this misfortune happening to oar troopers, a recent instance befog the case of Lieutenant Beddon. who went out shooting and was lost for twenty four hours. Trooper E. Willis who has just returned from the front gives an account of his experience ia this way. While in the convalescent camp at Norval's, Pont-, on the southern border of the Orange Colony, he and his comrades found it very dull, and so they used to avail themselves of the oppor tunity offered by being allowed out in the afternoon, to go for long walks pros pecting and examining the country in the neighbourhood i One afternoon Trooper Willis and another Bough Rider had arranged to go out together, bub the latter not being quite ready at the appointed hour Trooper W illis started alone, arranging for bis comrade to follow. Accordingly he wandered our, and as almost every kopje thereabouts is exactly like every other, be found towards evening that he had lost himself. He roamed about all that night (Thursday) and all the four following days, with no other covering at night than the uniform he wore, and without any arms. AH the food he had during that time he got from a couple of farms he came across, but at the people on them oould not tpe^k a word of English he could get from them no idea of the locality. On Monday morning he was overjoyed to hear the sound of a British bugle, and soon after found himnelf entering Steynberg. A reference to the map will show that this station on the railway is about 60 mites south of Norval's Pont, and it will readily be understood that Trooper Willis must have travelled more than that distance during hU three or four days wanderings tiunday was very wet, and in oonsequcnee the trooper was wet through when he arrived at Steynberg. The officer in charge treated him with the greatest kindness, gave him food, and had his clotheß dried while he rested. Furnished with a pass Trooper Willis took the train to Norval's Pont, which he reached on TueE day evening. The captain in command was inclined to treat the trooper's absence as a breach of discipline, but relented on the representations of his second in command, who assured his 'superior that getting lost in the kor jes in that country was as easy as falling off a log. However, Trooper Willis had the consolation of learning that he had been extremely lucky in nob meeting a number of marauding Boers or rebels, some of whom had been captured south of Norval's Pom, and had only that morning been brought into camp. The trooper had also jnuch to bo thankful for when he found that beyond a slight attack of fevemhness no ill effects resulted from his adventure amongst the kopjes of Cape Colony.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Bleotrio

Telegraph—Copyright

CHOLBRA RAGING IN AFGHANISTAN. Bombat, October 21

Forty-five thousand cages of cholera have occurred in Afghanistan since April. LORD HOPBTOUN London, October 19 Lord Hope to an has arrived at Bombay. He will start on Monday for Agra and Lucknow, meeting Lord Ourzon at Bombay a fortnight hence, TRAFALGAR DAY The Navy League's wreaths on Trafalgar Day included the French and Spanish colours. NEW ZEALAND AND PENNY POSTAGE. The New Zealand Government has ordered from the Waterloo Company one million universal penny stamps. KING O&.OAR. Stockholm, October 22 King Oecar is recovering. EMPRESS FREDERICK. Berlin, Oct 22 Empress Frederick is improving in health. BRUTAL MURDER AT BALL^RAT. Mei-bournk, October 22 A hawker named McKinley murdered his wife in a brutal fashion at Ballarat. Her head and thro»t were terribly hacked with a butcher's knife. McKinley gave himself up. THE PAOIFIO CABLE. Sydnetz, October 22 The Premier has received a cable message relating to the Pacific cable, Beyond stating that it is of a satisfac tory character, he declines to make it public. ■ ■ '

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

ANOTHER SIDE OF THE QUESTION.

(Received October 22, 8-40 pm) Sydnet, Get 22 Amongst tbe Chinese minionaries returned by tbe mail steamer ia Miss Harrison, of New Zealand. She states that from the time she received orders from the British Government to leave for the coast she had received nothing but kindness at the hands of the Chinese.

THE ANGLO GERMAN AGREE MENT.

H Received Wakapuaka Oct 22, 8 40 ft m This Office 921 am WASHINaTON r Odt 21 The authorities are gratified at the Anglo-German agreement, and are certain to endorse it.

Received Wakapuaka Oob 22, 933 pm, This Office 11 40 p m

Berlin, October 22 The Anglo German agreement is unanimously approved throughout Germany, and relief is felt in the knowledge that the world policy of the Emperor has a powerful friend behind it.

Received Wakapuaka Got 22, 933 pm,

This offico Ocb23 125 »m

A semi-official declaration at Berlin is that the dominant note of the Anglo German agreement ensures com mercial equality, especially in the Yangtze Kiang provinces. Paris, Ocfc 22

The French newspapers eulogise the spirit of the agreement but consider that a secret private agreement con taining a clause apparently aimed at Russia is under the existing circum stances somewhat disquieting.

London, October 22

A Reuter telegram says that it is an open secret in Berlin tbat the relations between Russia and Germany are somewhat cooler. The publication of the agreement is regarded as opportune. Was^inibto^ Dot 22 Mr Hay, Secretary of War, replying to the proposals of M. Delcasse, prp posed giving precedence to the inde pendence of China and also to demand free open commerce. Hp^K^NG, October 22 J Sir J. Satow, the British Minister,

arrived at Pekic, and was escorted by the Australian contingent. London, October 22 There are indications that nil the Powers acquiesce in fche Anglo-German agreement, which is not retrospective, and is restricted to China proper. The Times shows that the French comments are based on a telegraphic error. The third clause is purely a contingent one, relating to an unlikely eventuality. The Berlin correspondent of The Times, says, that in view of Germany's traditional confidential relations with Russia, it is presumable that Russia was informed of the agreement before hand. It is almost certain that the agreement will improve Russo-Germnn relations. Whatever its advantages or disadvantages to Great Britain, it was urgently desirable, and if all adhere to it, it will bring China to reason. The Times hopes a general agreement will strengthen General Waidersee's hands. Othtr newspapers take a sober view j of the agreement. The Standard is congratulatory. Th« Standard's Berlin correspondent states that Herr Yon Bulow called on the Ambassador and returned thanks for Russia's promised assent. Washington, Oct 22 Colonel Hay, Secretary for War, replying to the proposals of M Delcasse, has proposed giving precedence to the independence of China, also a demand for free and open commerce.

Transvaal War

TROOPS, Etc., OFFERED FROM INDIAN PRINCES.

FRANCE AND KRUGER

||TJotted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

London, Oct 21

A Reuters message states that sixty native rulers in India ottered troops, horses, and money, for service against the Transvaal, and many wished to serve personally; Paris, October 21

The Journal dcs Debats deprecatpa a popular demonstration in Mr Kruger's honour, and considers it quite impossible for him to obtain aid in France.

A NICE CAPTURE.

(Received Wakapuaka Oct 22, 9.33 p m, Thit Office 11.10 pm) London, October 22

Lord Methuen, inarching on Zeerust, surprised Commandant Linner and captured 225 waggons and twelve prisoners. De La Bey bung on his flank but avoided fighting. Ex-President Kroger intends to seek intervention in favour of autonomy under British supremacy. Fro Boer processions at Marseilles have been forbidden on the occasion of the arrival of the Transraal authorities

United Pren AMOciation—By Electric Telegraph Wellington, Oct 22 j The Premier has reodvei the following cablegram from the High Commissioner, | Capetown, dated 21st: " Trooper John Sorenson, of the Mew Zealand Rough Rider*, was killed »t Z^erasb ou loth October. ' Trooper W. Scott died of enteric fever at Pretoria on 19th October. | Sownion came from North-met Valley, j Dunedio, and Saotfc from Waipttkuraw. (Trooper John Soreneon joined the 4th Contingent from Dunedin, but waa well known in Ashburton, having resided for some time with Mr Junes Tasker, of this town.)

I The Wellington correspondent of the { Christchuroh Truth it responsible for the following: —When the Military Pensions Bill was under consideration in committee in the House, the position of R M Cuth bertson, of Athburton, was discussed. Major Steward faid he had a letter from Cirhbertaon stating that he had been attached as a lieutenant to the Third Contingent. The Premier replied that Cuthbertaon was refused, and that a cable advioa had been received stating that he had not been enrolled. Eventually Outhbertson was put in the schedule to the Bill as a priv&te> .

Ashburton Agricultural and Pastoral Asso ciation.

TWENTY-THIRD ANNUAL SHOW.

Officers of the Association.

Presides?—Mr G W Leadley; Vick- Prksidknt -Mr 0 Reid ; Hon. Trkasubir —Mr R Fried lander ; Commutes—Messrs J S Bland, G W Body, J Booifant, S S Chap man, E Oooksoo, T N Dgby, Hugo Fried lander, J M Fuiz\ E Gates, XF Gibson, J Gi'm'ur, E Horsey, T Langley, T Mawson, F McCafferty, Daniel MoKsndry, Denis McKendry, M <3 Rioh, J Shearer, J Small, T> Stone, J Stringfellow, J Tucker, TE Upton; Secretary—Mr W Simpson.

After the long spell of rain last week it was quite to be ezpeoted that the Ashburton Show would be held in good weather, bub the hopes of all interested were greatly upset when rain began to fall about two o'olock this morning, and continued pretty steadily until eight o'clock, followed by occasional showers in the forenoon. Towards midday the sun struggled through, and turned what otherwise promised to be a disagreeable day, into a pkatant one,. A nice breeza also sprung up, and helped to dry the ground underfoot. The attendance, which in the forenoon was small, Increased rapidly, as a consequence of the more favourable weather conditions* The a-rangements reflected ih> greatest credit on the officials, and if fine weather had graced the scene, the Show would have been one of the most ■acoessful ever held tinder the auspices of the Society. IMPLEMENTS Dealing with the implements, it is to be regretted that amongst the large collec tion of excellent exhibits under thin heading no advantage appears to be taken of the Preiident'a special prize for' the best new Improvement in agricultural implements and appliance^; Mr Leadley desiring to see brought forward an; new improvement In agricultural implements of real utility and value. The total entries in the implement class exceed those of last year, and it is al most needless to state that the enterprising exhibitors have numerous important im provements to show farmers and others in terested in agricultural pursuits. We treat the entries in the order in which they are catalogued' Messhs P & D Dukoan, of Chrisfcchurch and Ashburton, make their usually inter esting display, their noted ploughs again coming in for commendation, the 7ft Giant cultivator which is specially built for heavy work, twitch eradicating Ac, is a substantial machine and should prove of great value to workers in heavy soils. *■ Their 15 Coulter Eclipse Drill for sowing manure, grain and all email seeds, and capable of sowing rape In 7up to 14 inch rows. It is strongly built and should attraot attention. The firm'g swivel skeiths are from a new design, and the Kaemerer attachment to their sower are all new features. Messrs Booth Macdohald * Co, of the Oarlyle Implement and Iron Works, Christ church, (per H Child*, their local agent), are again represented with their ploughs and hsurows. Their superior disc cultivator arranged so that the pre»sure can be regn<

lated in any marner desired it strongly and yot lightly built. The cultivator on exhibit by them is an implement, which pu'verifies the ground thoroughly, and the price of the machine is specially low. Their steel Q seen disc harrows are shown with an attachment) in front driven by the main wheel for cowing grass seed. It) may be noted their p'ougha stand 2 inches higher In ihe beam than usual, and a strong land lever buckler hai now bean formed on them, thereby combining greater strength. Their superior drill without any change of parts, and owing to both wheels being drivers enable the machine to distribute fertilisers and lime in almost any quantity. A Carlyle junior wool Press, and a star Windmill of bteel with pump and lever were also on exhibition

Plano Manpfacxubinq Compakv (E W ilanmer, agent) are comparatively new competitors in this district with binders, mowers, rakes, eto. They have several improvements to show which are wall worth consideration. Their binder it claimed to be the only one in the market having a fly wheel, by means of which a clearance of straw at the corners is made when fch* horses stop, and further, a steady motion is kept upon the machine* The chain tightener on these implements is also a greafeadvautage. The depth of the machine gives greal crpaoity in handling heavy crops. The Jones chain drive mower, steel hay rake with heavy teeth, and Piano sickle grinder were other exhibits of the Piano Manu facturing Company. Walter A Weos Compart (D Thorns*, agent;-—Mr Thomas has a large collection at this year's show, which attraott a great measure of attention, and the interest it increased by some of the implements being in motion under the power of a traction engine. The harvesters and binders with roller bearings are fitted np with other latest improvements, whioh the Walter A Wood Company are always ready to adopt} and these maohines oarry a favorable report in this district. Mowers, rakes. Tedder's I knife grinders, harrows, pulvsrisers, and other implements make up this manufac turer's collection. The Farmer*' F*Torite drill for towing artificial sheep feed com* manded the close attention of farmers, whilst the Hercules cultivators for ridding paddocks of twitjeh mud sorrel are first olass imple* ments, which, in faithfully doing their work, are also easily cleared of foul weeds. PLANK! J» Tools (U Thomas, »g«t) — These particularly handy implements for gardeners or for nuriery purposes are again to the fore, and those desiring to save labour cannot do better than purchase one of them. The entries under this heading comprise hoen, drills, fertilisers, etc. Rambler Bicycles.—Mr D Thomas hat fpur entries of these well known machines, embracing roadsters and racer*, attractively and strongly built. The other cxibits nnder; Mr ThonW .agency combine a collection of agricultural oils exhibited on behalf of the Vacum Oil Company, and an entry of leather belting on account of Messrs Bowron Bros. Masse? Harris Company, (Frkdlaoder Bros Limited, Agents}, have as usual an attractive display of no less than thlrty'three exhibits some being shown in motion, under the motive power of traction engine. They bad four Massey Harris reapers and binders on thow, noted for strength an! also light draught. The improvements to these art ball and roller bearings, which appear to far* mers using binders ft* a great advantage. The machines were fitttd with track and sheaf carriers. Mowers wih dropper at tachments with ball bearings were alto on view, together with several drills .with turnip and cultivating attachments, and hay rakes. There were also harrows of various sorts, and two to four furrow Jubilee and gang ploughs, pulpert for turnip site* ing or cutting, whi> h run with perfeat ease under their roller bearings. Bicycles of the Mtißsey-Hsrrii Company were on view in a marquee adjoining, including a special Roadster, only 24lbs, and as usual attracted those interested In high cUsa wheels.

Mobrow, Babsett &, Co- Thii well and favourably known firm, who hold the important agency in Ashhurton of the celebrated MoCoriniok harvesters, had an excellent exhibition of fartnicg imp'emfnts on the ground, Tteir latent improved reaper and binder enables it. to deal *pecially with heavy crop?, and the hatidiest part of ! which is peihaps the roller adjustment for s'ackeoing the can vac, a simple yet effective devidfe, eavirg a lot of trouble in the field. It has also a long range on the binder, enabling it to deal with long or short grain, ; These machines are alao fitted with roller bearings, s» lever replaces the old chain and cog, and another favorab'e addition is in a third roller to bring the crop to the binder table with no fear of choking. In addition, the 6rm has also exhibit! or their ordinary machines. In the Mawton's patent divider attachment they have a sociality for treat ing tangled crops, which should apply well in our district with its harmful nor'.wrafcers. Their latest improved mowers fitted with roller bearing! were also the sulject of favourable comment, and a 9ft hay raka with extra strong head implies that it will not ride over the hay at the end of tht ground, and ib also/does not shag. A nice light iron gate for fatm or garden, together with Jones' patent fence, were also on view by this firm, and their list also included a display of lawn mower*, horse hoes, garden cultivators, corn, crushers, bone mill for poultry farms, and a collection of the celebrated Sterling bicycles and accessories.

Messrs Reid & Gray;— This firm wm again well in the field with an excellent display of agricultural implement* of all deceptions, including their "Champion" D. F. plough also treble, double and single furrow ploughs and a bandy four farrow skim and stubble plough. They had also samples of their dito harrows, Una harrows, rollers, drays, and their well known Eureka grain, turnip,.and manure drill. Also th« "Maet" combined drill, which has not been Bhowxi in Ashburten before, This machine it "fitted with glass discs for manure distribution.. A Broadcast seed sower, and an 8 Coulter turnip and manure drill were) also exhibited. The "Federal? 1 cbafoutler and bogger with 13 inch month, double rollers, and the latest appliances, as agenta for Deering harvester company, they also exhibited the "Ideal" reaper and binder, fitted throughout with roller bearing! even to the canvas roller, one of theie machine* was shown working. An Ideal mower rake, and grinder completed this line, A "Slsttna" ball roller bearing lawn mower and a Yellow Fellow racing bioyole were amongst the other exhibits of the enterprising firm of Reid fc Gray. Messr John Orr k Co, (sole Agents for Waverley Oycle»)—This well known brand of machines needs no introduction to the riding public. For many years the Waverley 'has ranked among the leading bicycles of the country, and its reputation among ridari is firmly established. Messrs John Orr k Co, the solo New Zealand agents have now b«n running this oycle for three years and during that time have sold they say over seven hundred machirei over all parts of the colony from Auckland to the Bluff. The new models exhibited are built on thf Hnet of the Waverley of the past, but nrnuy im provements have been added which show | that the manufacturers of these well known I wheels Intend to spare no efforts to keep op the prestige and high grade reputation of this popular machine. Messrs John Orr ft Co, had also on exhibition aome beautifully finished models of Hollis cycles for whioh they hold the agency for Canterbury. These wheels are manufactured by the well known firm of gun makers J Hollie At Son of Bir« miogham and as BSA components are used, this should be a sufficient guarantee to the riding public. The selection of bioyole accessories also exhibited was well worthy of inspection, as all the latest novelties in gas lamps, bells, toe clips, and locks were shown

Up to the hour of going to prass, the principal prize takers were as follows :— SHBEP. In Shropshire Downs Mr J W Rodgers obtained the bulk of the prizss, including the blue ribbon for champion ram nnder 18 months. In fat sheep Mr W H Rule ' obtained three fusts. For five fat iambs by Down rams there was only one eatry, that of Mr D Oroy, to whom wat awarded ths red ticket, , : . PATTLE. In the cattle department Mr J Small took the highest awarus in Shorthorns, obtaining ive firsts % whilst in Ayrshires Mr R piarke ■ecared four firsts In Jersey stock Mr Tucker took the lead, obtainjnfng Ifcwp fi/stf and cue second, Mr W J Silcpok securing the blue ribbon fur the champion hull. In other breeds of cattle Mi M Digby took ♦»•

• THB AiHLUBTON GtURDIAfI i tOEBDA*. OCTOBER JS, ]buu



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Date October 23 .V S 26 27

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NICuLLBROS. 1 F Nicoll E F Nicoll, LA Nicgll. Mercliaiits & General Agents f BUYIfiFS OF FAT SHEEP & LAtfß*. Agents por- Chriatohuroh Meat Co;, Ltd | Islington Fertilisers Little's Shepp Dip Ocean, Accident acd Guarantee Corpora tion, Ltd Unli.ed Insurance Co., Ltd {Fire anil Marine.) GRAIN BOUGHT AND SOLD ON COM MISSION Wo shall fee plwaßed to rrcejve samples from farmers who have parcels for disposa'. Station Books Kept ajnd Audited. We have received earns of Trwst Monies, ranging from £100 to £1000, to lend on Freehold Securities ato£ and b per cpo>. FRUIT. Wa reoeive rcgutnr Consignments from Auckland, Hydt>ov, and the Islands .and have in stock Apples Pears, and Fruit in season al* the year round. S E E D S. We slock Clovers, Ryegrass, Bape, and Turnip Seed of reliable quality. THE CaRISTCHUROH MEAT CO, LIMITEP. ISLINGTON MANURES Especially prepared for WBUiAT, TUKNIP-, BAPB and any other crop, and to suit any description of soil. Greatly incr ased production wherever used. Satisfaction given everywheret NiCOIA Bros store five varieties of thi celebrated fertiliser. Price on application Allowance nude for quamiiiec Letters will receive prompt attention. NICOLL BROS, District Agent*. BAKER BROS., CIURNTSH'NG TTNDERTAKRRH C URNISHING \J NDERTAKERF, DIRECT Importers cf Best and Latest Designs in FUNERAL FURMSHINO*-'. FUNERALS «ondaaied with the greatest care and satisfaction, at most reasonable charges. Corner of Wakanai Road and Caeß Streets, and Baker and "rown's Coach Factory. * ft*. MoBHIDK, ** Monumental Seu'ptor, 60 S'tifijrd S\ Timatu a A LWAYS in Stock—A fir»t \7 XX. class Belectlon of Matble J-jL< and Granite Monuments, j | Designs and Estimates for- II warded on application. " Letter Cutting in any style. 10 25 John Orr & Co. Tjn-E DO NOT STOCK ELEPHANTS Bub havo a very, varied andK«Beful selecticn OF 'TRUNKS And Travelling Boxes, which we are quot ing at extremely Low Prices, and will be glad to show to ftDy of our customers. JOHN ORR & CD Have a large Stock o LAWN MOWERS FOB CUTTING nil kinds of grata. Oar latest patterns, like THE BOERS, move very rapidly over the ground whin pushed a little. The grass is cub DOWN like magic. Prices from SOB, JOHN ORR & CO., Ashburton. THE MOST WONDERFUL BABY IN THE WORLD Certainly deserves a Good JP©r ambu 1 atov o» Mail Cart, euoh qb may be obLalnod from » OHR & CO, ASHBURTON. 10 45



13argrains In BICYCLES. Highest Quality, latest Designs, For One Month Only OATBS, LQWRY & GO., Zealand!* Oyole Works, Burnett Street, Ash* burton, with the view of popularising the Zea'andia and AtaUnta Bicyoles in the A-hour ton District, have decided to offer 20 Cycles at the following very great reductions in price for one month only. Lot 1 — ORNTLEMEN'd ZBALANDIA ROADSTER, 22 inch frame, 80g«ar, Twin Roller chain, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyrec, Brook's saddle, enamelled black with gold lines. Regular oash prioe £21. Sale price £16 10>. 12 months guarantiee* liot 2—LADY'S, 22 inoh frame, 66 gear, adjustable handles, spring seat pillar, flexible saddle, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres. Regular cash price £20. Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. i ' 3 — GENT'S ATALANTA LIGHT ROADSTER, 24 inoh frame, 80 gear, Brook's 828 saddle, Wextwood steel rims, Dunlop tyres, enamelled black with gold lines. Regular cash price £21 Sale prioe £15. 12 months guarantee. Lot 4-LADY'B ATALANTA, 22 inch frame. 64 gear, leather gear case, Brook's saddle, Westwood steel rimn, Dunlop tyres. Regular cash prioe £22. Sale prioe £16 10s. 12 months guarantee. Lot 5 — GENT'B LIGHT ROADSTER, 22 inoh frame, 80 gear, Kelly adjustable handlebar, Sager flexible saddle, Westwood steel rims, Dunlop tyre*. Regular cash prioe £20, Sale price £15. 12 months guarantee. Lot 6-LADY'S ZEALANDIA, 20 inch frame, 63 gear, Westwood steel lirns, Dunlop tyres, Brook's latest saddle, enamelled dark green with goid lines and decorations. Regular cash price £22. Sale price £17. 12 months guarantee. ot 7 — GENT'S ATALANTA ROAD RACER, 24 inoh frame, Twin roller chain, 84 gear, Westwood steel rims, Duolop tyrea, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black with gold lines: Regular cash prioe £21. Sale price £16. 12 months guarantee, ot B—LADY'S, 22 inoh frame, 68 gear, "adjustable handles, spring se»t pillar, Flexible saddle, Weßtwdod steel rims, j Dunlop tyres, enamelled maroon with j gold Href. Regular cash prioe £20. Sale prioe £15. 12 months guarantee. Lot 9-GENT'S ATALANTA, 24inchframe, j Twin Roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood J rims Duniop tyres, Brook's 810 Siddle, enamelled blaok with gold tines. Regular cash {trice £21. Sale price £16 12 months guarantee. r4ot 10 — GENT'S ZEALANDIA ROAD RACER, 24 inch frame, twin roller chain, 80 gear, Westwood steel rinrs, Dunlop tjres, Brook's 810 saddle, enamelled black. Regular cash price £21; Sale price £16 10s. Also,— 10 other high class BICYCLES, similar to the above ' EASY TERMS CAN BE ARRANGED. All the above Machines are fitted with Dunlop Tyres and Wastwood Steel Rimp, RjMKMBBR THE SALE IS FOB One JMLontii Oxly. iTIUOWM & 00. largest Makers of Cycles in New Zealand. A eh burton Branch, Burnett Street— W* A. SCHWARTZ 00 Manager; SPECIAL DISPLAY or SPRING FASHIONS New Dresses, New Millinery, New Hats and Trimming, New Prints, Zephyrs Muslins, etc. NEW GOODS AND NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. YOU ARE INVITED TO INSPECTS ASHBURTON DRAPERY CO. ART PICTURES OF THE G MINERALS, &c, TRANSVAAL WAR Including IMPERIAL HORSE, CANADIAN DRAGOONS, &o. THE above are Works of Art and far surpass anything of the kind yet im ported into this Colony. Persona desirous of Securing a memento of the present W*r will find the above engravings very suitable. Price 2s 6d each. I have also to hand an assortment of ARTISTS COPIES. which will be let out to for any number of "yJ. WILSON, Sign-Writer and Decorator, BURNETT STREET. ' Wo~Fby7' QCh F\f\f\ T0 Len<J on toehold Be ob&V\J\J ourity, in Sums to suit borrowers. 0 W PURNELL, 10 159 Solicitor, Montgomery c Buildings /COMPARE prices at Jubilee Bo \J Shop before buying elaewhere. 203 ,



HANMER & BRIDGE, AUTHORISED & LICENSED SUR VEYORS, ashburton and ax 207, hereford subset Christohuroh, TT7E beg to announce that we have appointed MR A. A. FOOKS to act as our Agent in the Ashburtou District. September 24,1900 ; ..



MRS ALCORN is now showing a 1 beautiful assortment of new Millinery new Mantles, new Dress Gobc|s, new Silks etc., in the enlarged premises. Ladies and ohildrans Pinafores, Aprons, and Under * othing in stock, and made to order ! Smoke New Vena* J