THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Asbburton daily for— CJHRISTOHUBCH—ftfc 7.20 a.m., 11 a.m., Z-.lb p.m., 7.6 p.m. (express) TIMABXJ—Iife 10.55 a.m., 350 p.m. DUNtDIN—at 12.54 p.m. (express) SrRINGBDRN-ab 4.25 p m. Trains arrive dally at Ashburtoa from—* OHRISTOHURCH-at 10,45 «.m. t 12,47 p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TlM^RU—at 10.96 a.m., 255 p.m. DUNEDIN—%«• 6.57 p-m. (express) SPRINGBURN-at 8 45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon for Aufwii

SUN.

Mail Notices.

Matte close for the following places m ander, subject to the necessary alterations: — MONDAY, AUGUST 27 For Northern Ports, per Rotorua, at 6 30pm TUESDAY, AUG. 28. For Northern Ports and Australian Colo nies (via Wellington), per Monowai, at 6.30 pm. Due Sydney September 3 For Northern Ports, Westporb, and We&fc Coast, per Rotomahana, at 6 30 pin ' FRIDAY, AUGUST 31 For Northern Ports and Weatporfc, Samoa, Hawaii, Phillipines, Japan, also United Kingdom and Continent of Europe, via San Franeisoo, por Takapuna, as under:— Money orders, at 2 30 pm ; books and news paper* at 630pm ; registered letters at 5 pm, ordinary letters at 630 pm: Due Lou don October 3

Commercial.

TIMARU GRAIN & PRODUCE MARKETS,

During the week the tone of the grain market has been firmer, and {or oats par ticu'ar'y there is* keen enquiry. A good many oats have changed hands at 1b 7£<i to Is B<i for best samples of Danish. Sellers, however, are firmly holding, and as some large lines are required, it ia quite likely that the market will ri«e within the next few days. In wheat there is very little doing indeed, and there ia next to no enquiry for birley and potatoes. Quotations are as follows :—Wheat—TnaoaD, 2s s£d ; velvet, 29 4§i ; red ohaff, 2i 4d. Oats—Danith, Is 7d to la 8d ; short oats of all kinds, Is 8d to ia 94, f.o.b, sacks axbra. Barley, Is 9d to Is 10.1. Potatoes are nominally 30s a ton.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 1900 THE PUBLIC HEALTH BILL.

We believe thoroughly in having effi cient sanitary regulations in order to brinimise the riske to the health of the people which are due to preventable caases. Bat we mast confess that ths Public Health Bill introduced by the Hon J Gt Ward goes a little farther thenwelike, fn its present form it appears to be much too arbitrary a measure, a»d altogether too much of a good thing. We have already a larger number of persons exercising great powers than seems to be quite aonsistenfc with the theory that we live iu a free country. Nevertheless we have until -lately cherished the old fashioned notion that we live in a country where every, man's house is his e*stle» But this bi lof Mr Ward'* is an eys opener ; and thews si what a delaiion this is is a thoroughly democratic country like New Zealand. The Bill contains 178 clauses, and is divided into four parts. Part I pro vides for creating a Department of Public Health, the appointment of a H«».Hh Officer, and the division of the coioay into health district!, Part II deals with prevention of disease, hospitals, morgue?, Bcavengering, and cleansing, nuisances, offensive trades, etc. ; Part 111., quarantine; and Part IT, vaccination. The creation of a Health Department is cettaialy a step in the right direction. But there is shown in this Bill the usual tendency of New Zealand legislation, to give a State official too much power to harry the public The Health Officer is to be clothed with remarkable powers He may d«elt»r« any laid, building, or thing to bo insanitary, t to be pulled dowa, destroyed or other wise disposed of as he tninks it. Ho may require persons to report theas selves or submit themselves for medical examination at specified times and places. Hi may require animals of any description to be kept only in specified parts of the Health District; (which may be the whole couaty), or not kept at all within it. Whoever does anything which the Health Officer disapproves of, refuses or delays to pronpily and satisfactorily comply with any direction or requirement of the Health Officer, is liable to a fiae of £60, and £60 for every day on which the offeocs) is continued. He may at any tiuse enter on lands and buildings and inspect and examine the same, and all things thereon or therein. There are a host of other provisions equally imperative, aad the penalties are pretty heavy all round, For ex ample the negleot to pot a covered ashpit on premises on erecting a house, will incur a penalty of £20, The powers of the Health oftcer are, as we have shown much greater than we have been accustomed to lee entrusted to officials, but this is doubtless due to the revelations mad«, when the near ness of the bubonic plague compelled the people throughout the colony to put their houses in order. It has been urged, that only strong measures will keep up to the mark those who had so utterly neglected sanitary rules in the past. The drastic provisions of the Public Health Bill may be very useful and even necessary in the case of such as these. Bub how about those who have always understood and performed their duty in this respect? This ever' lasting supervision will be tery galling and inconvenient. There is one sav ing clause in the Bill, however, which to some extent minimises the most objectionable feature of it, and that (Olaaie 29) reads as follows :—

Except where otherwise sneoiaMy autho rised by the District Health officer or an order of the Magistrate, the following rnlei shall be observed with mpeot to the entry and inspection of say premises other than vacant or unoccupied premises : — (I) In the oase of business premises, the entry and inspection shall be daring ordinary bwincu hours.

(2) In the case of dwelling premieet, the entry and inspection shall be between the houra of eleven in the forenoon and four in the afternoon, and no room of the dwelling-house shall be entered unless the occupier consents. (3) In every oaae the entry nnd inspection' shall be so made as to interfere as little a« pofsible with the occupier or his business. The Bill, as a whole, is no doabt a useful measure, and if the drastic pro visions we have referred are toned down somewhat in c mmittfie—-its passing would probably be beneficial to the country. Clause 26, if faithfully carried out, should certainly be advantageous to the public health* It contains eight sections, which provide that whenever in any house a pergon is found to be sick of an infectious disease, or of any sick ness, the symptoms of which raise a reasonable suspicion that it may be an infections disease, the occupier shall at once give notice to ths I health officer under a penalty ©f £5. The medical practitioner ii enjoined to give notice, on the day he ! becomes aware of the nature of the : disease, to the occupier and to the | Health Officer. Failing to notify the latter he may he suspended from practice for six months, and nay also be fined £10. Another wise provision is that vehicles that have been used for conveying infected persons or things shall not he used for any other purpose, until the Health Oficer or Inspector certifies in writing that they have been properly disiafeoted. We are convinced that great riiks have been run by persons travelling in vehicles that hare previously conveyed infected persons. A further necessary enact ment is that persons gelling or lending things/or selling or letting houses that have been exposed to infection and concealing that fact, and neglecting to thoroughly disinfect, will be liable liable to a penalty not exceeding £20. It will thus he seen that there are no half measures about this Bill, and that however inconvenient some of iti pro visions may be, it will certainly safeguard the public health.

Local and General.

%* Interesting reading matter will be found on the first and fourth pages of thia iebue.

Weather Repobi—Captain Edwin wires: —Korth-east toweitand west gale; glass fall.

Thh Midland Railway.—The Gasette announces that on August 27th the Midland railway will be merged into the Government) lines and worked at the rates common to the reet of the New Zealand railways. Football — The football tournament, unfinished last Thursday ab Temuka, will be played off on Sep tember 13th at the South Canterbury Athletic Club's grounds, Timaru.

Wilcomk Rain—A nice soft rain with an occasional heavy shower has prevailed in the Ashburton County since Saturday night, and ttill continues. Farmer* la the district will welcome the making the ground has obtained thereby. (Trooper Heaslit.—Trooper Heasley, an extract from whose letter we recently pub lished, ia again in the thick of it, and this time, we are grieved to learn by cablegram, he has been wounded. Gommwnion Cups—At the monthly sacra mental service, held at the Baring Square Wesleyan Church, on Sunday night, separate communion cups were used for the first time. The innovation did not mar in any wise, the solemnity of the serviee. The cups are in the shape of diminutive wine glasses, and f>h« new order of things appears to give universal satisfaction, e» far as tht above congregation is concerned, A Suggestion—Some time ago, two residents of Ashburton were at a theatre in Christohurou, when a postly eld lady created gttat irritation ia the stalk by per sisting in standing up. No hints, however broad, that sb« shoald sit down and give fchoie at the back a show were of avail, and they were in dispatr. Suddenly somebody shouted out from the pit in a high.treble, " Puncture her tyre." This brought down the home and the old lady too— and she never rose again* Nxw Zdalind Eksigm—The Premier has introduced a bill bearing the title ;*'New Zealand Ensign". The second clause of whioh rtada, tbcra is hereby established an ensign to be called the "New Zealand Ensign" and the next clause describes ib as follows:—The blue ensign for the New Zealand Government vessels, of Her Msjeaty's flaefe with a white diso on the fl*y thereof t containing the Southern Cross as represented by four, five'pointed red stars for merchant ships registered in New Zea. laud, the same but red; for uss on those in New Zea'and the same, the blue navalensign bat without the disc Anybody defacing am •nsign by patting any sign, representation, or letter thereon, should be liable lea penally of sot less than £5. The Premier does nofe intend to allow anybody to poke fun at our local fl%g. ** Oitkshlvw as Othbr Sbe Us."— Our friends are generally too polite to tell as our faults; but they seldom fall to observe the fit and style of our clothes. Young men who want to make good impressions, must bear in mind that "appearance goes a long way*" An ill-fitting suit is anoomfortable, and an " eye-sore "to your friends. Don't risk it! If you are a stranger hcre s the firsto well dressed citizen you meet will gladly direct you to " The Leading Tailors where you will always find a large assortment of 'Up to date" suibings to select) from, and where you can always depend on getting' satisfaction. The large and still increasing business done by Messrs Gbaighbad and Bsbbthak speaks volumeo. This firm has just imported probably the finest stock of new seasons tailoring goods ever shown in Ashburton, including a beautiful range of the new rain proof B savers and Meltons for Covert ocats and Chesterfield overcoats, both shlooable and durable.

NAVAL ACTIVITY.

THE CHANNEL SQUADRON STRENGTHENED. United Presa Association—By Electric Telegraph— Copyright London, August 25 Tbo Channel squadron has been strengthened, The admiralty are forming reserve squadrons for ffom« defence, enabling the Ohasmel squadron to cruise between Great Britain aad Gibraltar in rtadi 1 boss to reinforce the Meditelraneaa or Home iquadrons. j Paris August 21 A number of French cruisers are stationed at Calais. j

FIRE AT WAMATE.

THREE BUILDINGS DESTROYED. INCENDIARISM SUSPECTED. United Presfl Aasooiablon—By Eleotclo T«!egraph Waimate, August 26 The Waimate Times, the Library, and the Salvation Army Barracks, were burnt this morning* Inoendiarism is impeoted. [It will be remembered that it is not a month eioce the Waimate Times office was burned to the ground, and the proprietor had only just got re-established in new premises. Fires have been very frequent of lat* in j Waimate, and this the latest, is bausing ao little a»xitty

AN ASHBURTON SENSA TION.

Various startling rumours prevailed in Ashburton on Saturday, implicating Mr Fdward Stephens, the manager of the Ash- ■ burtou Permanent Building and Investment j Society, in serious irregularities in his acoouote. The Society transacts a very ex tensive financial business in Asbburton and throughout the County, receiving and lending money at interest upon freehold security, and hitherto the official in oharge haa had the entire confidence of the large clientele of the institution, as well as of the directors. The directors have by their care gradually built up an exceptionally I strong and profitable business, which we are pleased to learn will not be affected by the irregularities brought to lighr. We purpouely withheld oummeut on this subjact until we were in possession of reliable faots, and, reverting to the rumors and reports current with re vpect to the amount of the defalcations whins have been discovered during the last few days, we have the best assurances that they are vmreliable, and, we are gl*d to state, considerably exaggerated* We can further aonvey assurances th»i the depositota with the Society are absolutely safe, and that the poaition of the Society generally in finance, is thoroughly sound. When the Booiety receives the amount of the manager's fidelity guarantee, which is now available to them, and when the Direotors also realise the assets and propsrty in which the manager is personally interested, the amount of the defalcations will be reduced to a sum which i oannot possibly shake in any measure what ever the financial position of the Society. The auditors' inspection and their responsibility in reapeot of the action of the manager has come under criticism, but it may be stated that the system car riod on by the Manager was on all fou b with that worked by the late defanltiug Bank of New Zsatand officials at Rangiora In thia instance a separate deposit) receipt book was kept by the Manager and receipts given by him to deposi ors out of this special book, and by keeping a private and separate set of books at his own houae he thus kept the auditors from having any knowledge whatever of such transactions. A meeting of the Directors, which includes Messrs Dr. Trevor (chairman), T Bullock, H Friedlander, Wm. Baxter, Alfred Harrison, and J Ward was held this morning. The Manager wai present, and also Messrs Purnell and Crisp solicitors.

The manager admitted the misappro priation of £4500, which the directors have evary reason to believe includes the total amount of deficit, and when his bond and other effects are realised, a very consider able reduction will be made in the gross amount at stake. The manager is giving every assistance ia preparing a statement, and in other necessary work, and the direotors are having all things carefully brought to a point, and when this work is completed the intention is to call depositors and shareholders together. Meantime, depositors are assured that neither their principal nor interest will be in any way affected.

The business of the Society is being car ried on under the acting management of Mr Albert) Roberto.

Interview with Hon. J. G. Ward

The New Post Office

The Mayor of Aehburton proceeded to Cbristcharch by the early train on Saturday to have an interview with the Hon. J. 6. Ward, and accompanied the latter back in the express for the purpose of bringing before bim local matters of interest. Amongst other subjects, Mr Friedlander reverted to the Poeti Office, and the agitation, he under stood, wae being created in the direction of having the sew office built on the block opposite Saunders' Buildings, ab the corner of Bast and Wills Streetß. The M*yor strongly urged upon the Minister that the original intention to erect the building on the corner of the present Post Office block, nearest Baring Square, be adhered to. The business part of the town was ucqueetionably between the present Post Offioo and the Police Barracks, and the Ashburtcn people were entitled to have the new building erected within those two points. TELEGRAPH HOURS With reference 10 the notice that several i other places, including Timaru, were to have an extension of all nighb telegraph hours, the Mayor also pointed oab to Mr Ward that considering the size and importance of Ash burton and its volume of business it wae entitled to the same extension. The Minister promised to give the matter his serious consideration end th*b he wonld probably include the town in the late list.

Letter From The Front.

! Extraob from letter by Trooper HJ 0 ' Harper:—Pretoria, July 20. I Since last wriiiog to you we have had a | great time—more fighting than we have had all through the wan We have been about 30 miles east of Pretoria under General Hufcton, and for three weeks we have been ia touch with the Boers nearly every day. We were used for scouts and patrolling Work mostly, and so have gob our fair share of the Boer fire Our last fight! has been the best thing we have been in for those who gob out of it Ib took place on the 16th of July. I expect you will get full accounts of it in the newspapers, so I shall not give you a very full account of It. About 200 of the Irish Fusiliers were ia a strongly entrenched position on a kopja, and 60 of us (New Zealanders) were camped just underneath them to patrol. The ridge we were on was one we had taken from the Boers a few days before. We had a f ronb of about twelve miles held by outposts like ourselves several miles apart, the main column being four miles to the reari On the 16th, Heasley and I were on patrol to cover one of the outposts, and as we were returning we suddenly came acroßs fifty Boers at 200 yards dutaaoe. Whether they aaw us or nob we did not wait to nee, we think they muab have. However, we got behind a ridge and wenb the opposite way to which they muab have thought we had gone, and we made the pace for a mile or so. We got safely back to camp and warned the rest of the men. Then our troop waa sent on to a kopje under Captain Bourne ; we ■umbered 45, and we held the hill for about two hours under a very heavy fire from 500 Boars, who had a pompom and a Maxim. The oaly thing that taved us from being passed out wag, that 100 yards behind us wera a lob of stone barricades and most of the Boer fire was directed at them. We lay low. After about two hours the Boers aneaked up on the right flank without being seen, and appeared for a ohafn or so oovering the mac there, bo Captain Bourn, Lieutenant Cameron, and seventeen men had to surrender. Lieutenant Cameron yelled out " Make for your horses," and the rest did, being hurried by bullets. They bad 300 yards to run, and when they got to the horsßS, a minute saw us galloping away with » hail of bailees whistling about ours ears; five horses were hib on the way down. I was horn holding with some others, bub we gob our fair share of fire as well as thoße on the kopje* We were congratulated by tho Colonel who actually saw ib, and by the General who had full particulars. Yester day all the New Zealand era were senb in to Pretoria to get New Zealand remounts, they did nob trouble me though, as I have as good a mare as there is in the contingents, and she is seasoned into the bargain. I am getting on grandly myself, bub lam sorry to say the Third Contingent is almost a thing of the past, what with the sick, cap* fcured, and those gone into the police,

Transvaal War

United Press Association—By Eleofcric Telegraph—Copyright, Lond»k, August 22 De Wet, without waggces,. followed a bridle path over the Magalissberg southwards towards the Free State Powell's previous hard marckiag heading Pe Wet off is much praised A Bofr gun on the Transvaal side of the Buffalo river, commands th« town of Dannhauser in Natal Major General Baden Powell fought an engagement at Warm Baths Station, some miles north west of Pretoria, and rescued 100 prisoners. H« captured 25 Boers, ineludidg a German artillery officer and the Free State artillerist, Captain Vandermerwe Handle's Yeomanry patrols at Broadwater, in the Bethlehem district, unearthed 146,000 rounds of Mauser ammunition, and twelve Krupp shells They arrested several concealed Boors August 26 Gtaeral French is moving east of Maehadodorp General Bailer is at Leeuw kloof, six miles ioutfe west of Dalmanthaa He reports that through a mistake on Thursday evening two companies of the Liverpool regiment, advancing in a hollow, out of sight of the main body, got surrounded. Ten were killed, 46 wounded, 82 missing

Seventeen other casualties occurred at Leeawkioof Lord Roberts confirmed th« death sentence panged upon Cardna, and Cardna has been shot

The engagement in which Colonel Spreekley was killed took place on the both veldt The density of the vegeta' tion prevented those engaged from seeing many yards ahead London, August 24 Dr Olark, member of Caithness, was refased a hearing by bis constituents on aocoaot of his pro'Boer utterances. Be was hooted and stoned to bis carriage John Heasley,New Zealand Mounted Infantry, has been dangerously wound' ed at the Crocodile river Mblbovbnk, August 26 The Damascus hae arrived with SO invalided solpiers, iu«ludiog Privates Bennett and Lome, New Zealanders Amongst invalided New South Welshmen who arrived by the steamer Damascus is Private Campbell, who claims the honour of being the first of the British to enter Pretoria. He had a race with Mr Bennett Burleigh for the coveted honour, bat the latter gave up when he saw Campbell raeet two Boers, whom ho thought had captured the New South Welshman, but the latter disarmed the Boers and got into the city.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press AsßOolabion—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright! Honcj Kong, August 24 , I©ndojk August 25 The Pekin correspondent of 2he \ Times states that the Dowager Empress, the Emperor and Prince Tuan are at Taiyuenfa, the capital of the province of Shensi ; The French and Russian flags are I flying over the best portion of the Imperial domain in Pekin, where it is believed the Imperial treasure it buried. Looting in Pekin hag been systematic The Allies respect the Forbidden City, but consider that unless it is occupied, the punishment will be ineffective, HqnoKong, August 25 The Japanese seized a hoard of silver at Pekin valued at a million and a half taels International military administration has been established in Pekin. Bach ally is represented by one member The Allies' sentries are posted at the Imperial palace.

Oelonel Dor ward, commanding 250 British infantry, 200 Japanese infantry, 500 Americans, and 25 Bengal cavalry, defeated a large body of Boxers, six miles south ea«t of Tientsin, on the 19tb, killing 800 and capturing 64

The Allies burned the Tillage, {Hun dreds of flagi, spear*, and sword* were taken The only casualties were six Japanese and five Americans wounded 1 Lokdon, Augußt 25 The so called reformers beheaded in Wuohang were really anti dynastic agitators. The Viceroy is maintaining order in the province The British and American missions near Amoy have been looted and burned, also a Japanese temple. Berlin, August 25 Count von Balow, Foreign Minister, reports that the Legations have recom mended the capture of the Imperial ity at any price

THE MAPOURIKA FLOATED

Per United Press iasocfation— By Electric Telegraph. VVellinoocok, August 26 The M&pourika was successfully launohsd off Mahal Island, Pioton, at nine o,clock to night, She proceeds to Wellington at daylight.

MAYFIELD

(From Our Own Correspondent) The Presbyterian Churah grouods at Mayfield presented a very active sight on Thursday, when the committee met to fenoe and prepare the ground for the tree planting. Mr John Trethewey has very generously made * present of the tree*, which are of valuable kinds, lausUnae and macrocarpas, &c. The ladies irere in attendance in large numbers with a bountiful supply of tea, sandwiches-and oake for the workers. The echool children were let out) half an hour earlier than usual to join in the tree planting, and very eager and interested they were in the work, each child holding a tree and waiting its turn to pub it in. To one who had never seen an Arbor Day before, it was indeed a pleasing eight!, acd one which will be long remembered with interest by all those present. Bnt first the children were regaled on cake and lollies, to which they did ample justice* Then the tree planting began, proceedings being opened by Mrs Ham planting the first tree, the next in order were planted by Mr Hain, Mrs Burgess, Mr Burgess, Mra Kellahan, Mr Keliahun ; aiter which the children were allowed to proceed, Mr Cooper and Miss Eight very kindly giving great assist" anoe in organising and superintending the ehildren, and a very buiy time followed till dark, when everything was completed satisfactorily

ASHBURTON A & P ASSOCIA TION

A special meeting of th#> general Commit; tee of the above, was held yesterday after not n for the purpose of reconsidering the question of the date of the Show. There) w»h a good attendance. Ihe chairmani (Mr Leadley) explained thub the matter had been brought before them by various parties, »nd farther, ate the Instance of Mr G A If Buckley, who could not be present if the Sho* Day were held ou November 2, on account of the Jubilee Exhibition, which was to be opened on November 1, tke local mounted corps having to proceed to that opening function. In addition to this the foundation atone of the new cathedral is to be laid on the 2ad, which Btill further oompUaatei matters, in regard to th« Ashburton Show Day. He aieerted thai) tboee people from thii dutriiot who went to Cbnstchurch would not oome back to the Aahburton Show, and ihe«e new features formed the necessity of their re-openiua this question. Mr ftibion took it that they all wiiasi to see the looal Show a big luooeas this year, and when they considered the fact fhat there would be to many of our young farmers and other men away, thsy should aee if a more euitable day oould not 1 be arranged* Mr Rudolph Friedlander, in eadoreing th» remark* of the former speakers, added that aa they had always received large entries from outside districts he did not iee thai any harm would arise if a day were fixed betor* ! the Timaru Show whereby they t would then catch people on their way from the north. The matter he thought required their i greatest care and he considered if the date were altered, it ahould be put a week earlier. Mr C. Reid was afraid they would prove loßers whichever way the matter was decided I bub from the information now broughti for ward he was of the opinion tha date should be alfcered By putting the show forward a we^k tbeimpio>mentntak*rß would not have stsfficttftt time to get; their exhibits ready and it was junto a quasi ion whioh w*e fcho better course. Mr Friedlander here interf osed that »» the show had not yet been ftdverUsed, asd would not be held for two months, holding ife a week earlier would make licfele diffe renop, He would therefore suggest that the show be held on October 23.

Mr Furze thought a mistake would be I made in now altering the date, as Mr Grigg I had been present at « former meeting and 'agreed to the original date. He could not understand his supporting this change. He considered that, a!thong perhaps they might noti lose in stock entries, yet ia those ol im plements they would suffer. Mr Buckley was of the opinion they oould not do worse than adhere to the day already arranged, and he would point out to the former speaker that Mr Grige, at the farmer meeting, was nob aware of the date of the Jubilee functions. The horses intended for entry in the Ashburton Show would include some of the best in the country, and they also hoped to get horses from outside dis* tricts, and if bh* date November 2, was still adhered to, it would preclude the entry of a great number of light and harness horses, Mr Gritjg he knew had up to test, and aiw self up to eighteen, none of whioh could gbe entered if an alteration were not made. The question to consider, he thought, Was th« Wry of light horses as against implements. Al <hough he had no& yet gono deeply into tb« subjscfe, he oartainly thought they oould nol have selected a worse day than the 2nd of November.

Mr Priest representing the implement lection, said that the alteration of the day would make no difference to them, and ha thought it would be fooliih to adhere to the 2nd of November. So far as he was con cerned, there would bo no difficulty in getting the implement* ready—ia fact) they were ready now* Mr Reid affirmed Jthafc Mr Buckley had mistaken him. There were a number of im« letnent makers including Reid and Grey, Booth Macdonald, and P & D Dencan, who were always kept bo busy that ithey woald nob be ready in time. Mr Gibson pointed out that the alteration would only make them four days ahead of last year, and with the early spring he thought the alteration could eatiily be mad*. Mr Tucker considered they were ia an awkward position, as by having It on a Friday an arranged, they appeared to staid a chan e oi losing largely in the way of attendance. He strongly advocated the 23rd. . Mr Cookson pointed out thafe the looal trotting association were to . meet in the evening, and he oould say they would fix their date to fall in with the Shew, if on the 23rd. Mr Bland thought they should endeavour to study the two Shows Timaru and Christ* ohurch, and that our Show should com* in between these two, and supported adhertao* to the 2nd of. November, Mr Thos Harrison said that ia this oase, the horses and etotik would be in their third day on show, and as a result would have a jaded appearance, which would be detriment tal, and with regard to sheep the same would apply, if they were penned up for several days continuously; as would be the case if tre 2nd of November were adhered to, and the Association should consider the people who paid their money principally to see the stock. Mr Fried lander in order to teib the feel' ing of the members, then moved ft motion in accordance with his suggestion: " Than the Show be held on 23rd of October," which was carried.

CORRESPONDENCE

(We do not held ovsrieives' respvniibl* tor opinions expressed by our corr eipondentt

CEMENT QUESTION.

«O THE EDITOR Sib,-—My attention hat just bean called to tho faob that the Mayor, at the la«t meeting of the Couaoil, made a very unwarranted attack upon myself in connection with the unsavoury cement question of whiah he is the author, but not finisher. Allow me to say that he has committed a mosb unjust, unmanly, and highly impertinent act, and that when he to far forgets the dignity of his office as to go out of his way to impute motives to a private oitiisn, in order to find an excuse for a very questionable »o(j of his own, he goes far beyond the bound* of prudence and acts in an unmanly way, I hare no doubt but th»fc the scathing criticisms to which his actions were tubj«c ted by Councillors, made him feel very uncomfortable, and caused him to wince beyond degree, bat that is no reason why he should attempt to play the fool on me. He says that) I have raised a ; hubbub that I'm an interested person, simply because I had nob been given the opportunity to get a profit one of the ratepayers, wkioh I had got previously; times without number. Now, air, the Mayor it either a very ignorant person or else he is very impudent, and I do not think he is the former, and if not thett his impudence is of a most costunmate kind. What have I done or why is My name brought into this matter"! So far at I know I have not been guilty of any offence or interference, and I think my career in the town will bear quite as dose inspection as will his own. My firm certainly supplied cement to the Council last year, but they did so by tender; their price being the lowest!, was acoepted.' Bat what in the name of common seme has this to do with the present case. Ooliins and Co, supplied the genuine article, every cask guaranteed and of the very best brand that the factories of the world could produce, and completed their contrnoS and made a profit of threepence per cask. The genuine article is always the most expensive, and amosg our supplies then Were no solid blocks to be culled out and thrown aside, benoe it could nob be purchased aft second rate priee, and so ifes initial cost was a little more than the Mayor's choice brand, lan interested party ? Indeed, Mr Mayor, I think you are the last person who ought to throw mud at othersj and, since you have forced me to speak in self defence, .allow me to inform you that to hava the bad ; taste to attack a private eitiam from the Mayoral chair and behind his back Is to hit below the belt, and to descend to the lowest possible methods of defence. Lee me advise you tbab as your own actions have so completely become your accusers, that it would be sore to your credit if you wire to bottle up yenr wrath, pocket the indignity which you have so foolishly brought upon yoarae,'f, and own up lika a man. Aad, now sir, 1 talcs it, <h%t this community are not going to quietly submit to have their heritage of right and frwdowi ruthlessly

THE ASHBUR'ION &OARDUN : MONDAY, AUGUST 27, 1900



First quarter Full moon Lfttt quarter NeW moon

•.w

D H M 4 4 16 »m 11 9 0 »m 17 11 16 pm 25 3 23 }>m



Date Anguit 25 „ 26 „ 27 » 28

* *

Bint 6 42 6 40 639 6 37

Beti 523 5 24 5 25 5 27



TO LET. A COMFORTABLE Uottag« of two Rooms And Scullery, situated in Grey Street. Well sheltered by a murcrocafpa fnaoe F. FKRRIMAN. TANORED STREET, ASHBURTO.N A SHOP with two full windows, together wioh an a'tachen dwelling ol 5 rooms, coppi r, etc. The thop is Situated mxt to Mr Hall, Herbalist F FERRIMAN TO LE T, CARTERS TERRACE, TINWA.LD fi^HUT vary desirable Property, 8t J ptessnt occupied by Mr A Mewaon, consisting of 4 acres of )a:d with 9 roomed house, detached wanhbouse and dairy, good sEabliiig, traphouse nfc 1 ff FERRIMAN TO LM\ OFFICES IN HATELOOK STREET. HP WO Rooms, with shed, lately eccup'ed X by Mr Jolliffe, Havelock Street* opposite Mr John Thomas' Grain Store. r F FERRIMAN - _ ______. BURNKTT STREET WEBT A COM FORT ABLE Cottage of 3 rooms well situated. Rental—s* 63 ' F. FERRIMAN. FARM FOR "BALE. Qy| Acre*, within 2 miles of Ashhurfcon, Ote This shoald prove a aoand invest" j ment fur capital. Price, £1174 Thia | proper'y will let en & long lease to a good j tenant. _ F. FERRIMAN.gj " FOB SALE, In Peter Street, A COMFORTABLE HOMB,oonelstln jOL of 7 rooms, with bath and abundant supply of water, detßeh« d washhouse, J acre of good land, planted with fmit treec, within three minutes' walk of the railway station. The greater portion of the purchase money can remain on mortgage. fTferriman. Estate Agent, Ashburton. " f OiT "SALE" - WIRTER'S ROAD, ALLENTON Within three minutes' walk of tha PablJo School I HAVE received instruction! from Mb J FoWMB, to tell five acres of land, on which ia erected ft comfortable house of eight; room* aud a convenient stable and trap shed. The orchard is well stocked with fruit trees, and the site cannot he b«ftt«a for residential purposes F FERRIMAN, FOR SALE, TANORED STREET, The Residential Street of the Town, A Comfortable Dwelling of 8 rooms j the section is well fenced, and of good qa»»l'ty. F. FIRRIMAJN. "TOTJET7" IN TANCRBD STBEET, A SHOP, adjoining M> Hall'*. F. FERRIMAN * FOR BALE. Princess Btrrnt and Smith's Road An excellent opportunity IHAV£ been instructed to sell alt tha block of Und situated as above, con taining 8 acres 32 perches, together with the building* situated fchereon, comprising a 6 roomed dwelling aid shop, carpenter's work ihop, stable aa<J cow nhed. Two acres have fcaen laid off »» an orchard, and are well ■looked with choieo fruit treea. A water race ruus through the property• The land will be sold «« a whole or the building with 4 mores of iatid may be had separately. F. FMRRIMAN. THB"N zrFARMKRS'"CO-OPKBATIVS ASSOuIATION OF CANTERBURY, Ltd. WE bavt several really first-class Farm for Sale on our book*, and farmers wishing to purchase would do well to call on at for particulars :— 520 Acres Rakaia District) 365 tt >" " 500 „ Dromore „ If 00 n Lauriaton  IISO „ Springburn „ 750 » Wakanui  1051 „ Cherbsey „ ISSB  Dromore  T. F. GIBSON, 149 Manager O^ WING to a great increase in business, we have arranged for extension of nrauueea, and to avoid removing and starin a lot of oar Stock, will hold a Genuine Clearing Sale For Oae Month, previous to the builders commencing operations. This It an opportunity rarely met with of obtain ing New and Seasonable Drapery and Cloth^ jog afc Greatly Reduced Prices.—Eobebi ' FOB SALE, "" TOWN PROPERTY, WELL SITUATED IN BURNETT STREET. Being Beet ion 461, containing £ Acre with Dwelling House of Six Rooms and Scullery, detached waehhnute, etc, thereon, the pro party of Mb J. H. Paulino. mBIS n°b having been disposed of by X Auotioo, offers are invited for the purchase of same. ... , The owner U desirous of a qmok sale as he is leaving tor the North Island. Terms and full particulars famished. T. BUL.LOOK Garden Fertilisers, (In 661b and 1121b Bags.) MOST of the Annuals and Vegetables which were awarded p izes at the Canterbury Horticultural Society's Autumn Show, 1899, were grown with this Fertiliser. Elmwood, Papanm Road. Jane, 1869 Gentlemen,—l have 'ased Islington's Fertilisers for peveral years. . . .In the kitchen gatdea I oae it freely and find it advantageous for all eorts of vegetables. Asa liquid maoare I have never used a better for pot plants anel vegetables. In fact, I always have aeaek ot your Fertiliser ta""r"" dtorM"D'^HK e jOTC B . Gardener. NICOLL BROB. District gtn^s *~™ JNew TeQua i



WANTED KNOWN—Ih»6 oar Ladies Winter Jackets and Capei are an eioepttcittlly choice lot, being at once stylish and moderate ia Pricea.—Mitchell Tobkkb WANTED KNOWN—That J. Moisow has received a large acock of Winter Boots and Shoes of the best material, also about to arrive naw stock of French Goods, and invites the Public for inspection. Sale for one month, commencing SATURDAY, to clear the way. 3. M. being the only reliable and practical Bootmaker in the, town, this gives him superiority and facility to know the bast value and quality. Repairs carried on juit the same, in the cheapest, j neatest, and most fashionable style. Best leathern ased, and workmanship by the bests of tradesmen, at The Hall, East, Street, Aibbarton;



rpfll VEBDIOT OI PRACTICAL RIDERS IS IN FAVOUB OFj X | Absolutely Beat Built in New Zealand. j GENT'S £21,_LADY'S £22. BURNETT STREET. 20 21 22 23 2i oNly one week longer i B AUGUST 25th L VST DAY OF GREAT WINTER SALE STARTLING BEDUCTIONnTeENEBAL& FANCY DRAPERY, CLOTHING, &■ BOOTS. Fplendid Opportunity for Cash Purchasers. ROSLYN Blankets from 16s 9d English Blsnkets 8s 6d to 12s 9d Men's Saddle Tweed Trousers, Colonial, 10a 6d to 12s 6d Men's All Wool Kaiapoi Trousers 5s 6d, 6s 9d, and 7s 6d Men s Wnterproof Coats, sewn seams, greatly reduced Ladies' Jackets, Capes, and Mantles half price 60 Maids' Macintoshes at 4a 6d ; Ladieb' 7s 6d Black Caahmereb from Is 6d per yard Grand Stock of Ladies' Corsets much under usual price Navy and Black Serges, all wool, much reduced Every Article in Stock largely Discounted TAILORING DEPARTMENT.—Having secured the services of ft first-class GUTTER, Suits now made from £3 Ss, perfect fit, DRESSMAKING.—This Department is giving every satisfaction; fit and style, at moderate prJcea. ANDREW ORR. (xa den Tools Garden To>ls OF EVERY DESCRIPTION Lawn Mowers JLawn Mowers Cheaper Than Any Other House SPADE?- FORKS, TROWELS, RAKtS, HOES, SCYTHES- Fowl Netting Fowl Netting 10,000 YARDS JUST LANDED. COME EARLY AND SECURE YOUR REQUIREMENTS W. H. COLONS & CO., IRONMONGERS, PAINTERS, TIMBER AND C^AL MERCHANTS AGENTS ROYAL INSURANCE CO, THE NEW ZEALANJD CLOTHING FACTORY TTAVE a few Job Lines thrown oat at Stocktaking, which they *re Selling at GBE&T REDUCTIONS. Men's Hard and .Soft Felts la 6d, la lid and 2t 6d Ladies Sailor Straws reduced to Is Brown Moleskin Trousers reduced to 5a ll<i Men's Bast Crop Corkhsmß 263 6d for 19a 61 [ Women's Oanvas Sboea reduced to 3s 6<i Childrm's Oanvaa Shoeß reduced to 2s 61 Men's Silk Ties reduced to 6d and Is N.Z, CLOTHING FACTORY, F. H. BECKINGSALE, Manager. IT IS PACKED TO PLEASE, AND SERVED ITS MISSION. HONDAI-LANKA CEYLON PACKED AND SEALED TEA Drinkers of Tea BLENDED for Extra Proßfe try UNBLENDED flondal-Lanka. Sold by Messrs Shearman Bros., Messis Cooch and Co., Messrs Carson St Son, and J. Garisell. Tinw&ld.



j JfjtLHAM FOUJL.ru K YAfctDtt. THE Proprietors »ra largely reduoiog stock, to make room for coming season young birds. Some first olhb Aodaluii&ns, Houdano, Orpingtons (buff and black), Gol den Pencilled Hamburgs, and Partridge Cochins will be for t>ale for a short time a extremely low prices. 7 169 I88~"W SIMPSON, Teacher of Piano forte, Hftveloek Street, East Belt, wishes to notify that she has a first-olasa Quadrille Band available for Dfcneas, Wed ding parties, Concerts, and Socials. For Terms & etc, apply to D. LEIX3H, Burnett Streab. _ 7 17 O PKING Goods will be on view ab " The O Corner" on Saturday, Attgast2s — NOBTHCOTE & HeFVORD. feimoks New Veaus



IT! OR Ranges, Register Grates, an } Mantelpieces try Habdlet Bros, wh offer special Inducement to purchaser! Large itaoks now to hand,



k COKYINCINa ANSWER 'I hobbled into MißUokmon'sdrag store on*3 evening, e&ys Wesley Nelaon, of Hamil ton, Ga, ' and he asked me to try Chamber. lain's Pain Balm for rheumatism, with which I had suffered for a long time. I told hi<a I had no faith in any medicine, as they all failed. He said—«Well if @hamberlain ss : Pain Balm does not help you, you need not ! pay for it," I took a bottle of it home, and used it according to the directions, and in one week 1 was cured, and have not since been troubled with rheumatism.' Bold by Ashbur ton Drag Company j



GUNSj; Guns ! Gana I Double-Batre _ f Breech loading reduced to £3 10s 11 fi rit class guns reduced to priosf to lulb any sporfcimanat Haedleyßros.



T>UILD!RS will find it to their advantage Jl> to get estimates for Ironmongery from