Mail Notices.

I Mails close for the following places as : under, subject to the necessary alterations: { SATURDAY, JULY 28 , For Northern Ports, per Mourf, at 10 30 jam. For Northern Ports, and Wesbpor*. and Wofcfc Coast, per Botomahana, at 6 SO P m FR-IDAY, AUGUST 3 For Northern.Porte. Wcatporc, Samoa, Hawaii, Philippines, also United States, Canada, etc , United Kingdom, and j Continent of Europe, via San Fran cisco, per Takapura, as follows :—For money orders at 2 30 p.m.; regi ten d letters, at 5 p.m ; to< ks and ii«»Hpapeis, at 6 30 p.m.; ordinary let !ers 6.30 p.m.; late fee letters, mail van, express train. Due Londoti Sept sth. W. H. Renner, Postmaster

THE ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— <JHRISTOHUROH~at 7 20 a.m., 11 a.m., 3.15 p.m., 7 5 p.m. (express) TIMARU—at 10.55 a.m., 350 p.m. DUNEDIN~at 12.54 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN—ab 4.25 pm. Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— GHKISTOHUROH—at 10.45 a.m., 12.47 p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIMARQ-at 10.35 a.m., 2.55 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-afr 9.45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS

Phases of Moon for July*

SUN.

SECOND EDITION Commercial.

METHVEN SALE.

There was a large attendance at these yards yesterday, and a fair entry of b'» k. The following were the prices obtained :— Cattle--Small en'ry, springers £5, scores £2 10a, fab cows £4 12s 6d to £5. Sheep— Freezing wethers 18s 6d to 19s, very forward stores (three parts fat) 14s to 15s 6d, breed ing ewea (half and crossbred) 16s, old ewes 9a 9d to 13s lOd, old merino ewes 8s lOd. Pifcs— -Lanje entry, weanera 3s 6dto6s6d, porkers 20s to 265, baconers 27s 6d to 37s 6(1.

BURNSIDE MARKETS.

Dunedin, July 25

Cattle—242 head of fab cattle were yarded, only a rmall portion being really prime. Ab the beginning values were fully 10a below last week, but graziers were good buyers of unfinished sorts, and prices improved to wards the close of the sale. Best bullocks sold at £9 108 to JBIO ss; medium, £7 15s to £8 15i ; light and inferior quality, £5 10s to £7 5a ; be»b cows, £6 15s to £7; medium and inferior, £4 to £6 ss.

Sheep—Only 1095 fat sheep were penned. The demand was very keen and prices showed an advance of 2s per head over last week, but eased towards the close to the ex tent of 6d to la. Beat crossbred wethers sold ab 19* to 20a 3d ; medium 16s 91 to 183 ; inferior 14s to 15a 6d ; beat crossbred ewes, 163 6d to 18s ; medium, 14? b$ to 153 9J ; small and inferior, lla to 13s itl.

Pigs—l 76 piga were penned. Thera was an excellent demand for baconersand porkers. Suckers brought from 7s to 10s ; slips, lla 6d to 15s ; stores, 16s to23a; porkers, 26s to 34 i ; baconers, 36s to 42s

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association of Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on July 24, 1900:—

Wheat- Prime milling Pearl ... 2a 3d   Tuscan.„ 2a 4<i   Hunter's 2i 2d Oats —Duns ... la 6d Danish Is 6:1 Canadians Is 81 Sparrowbills Is 7d Barley—Malting, prime 2s Inferior Is 6d Peas—Partridge, 2a 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 47a 6d to 50s Gr»B8 Seed—Old pasture, 2s to 2s 3d New  Is 6d to la 9d The above are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashbnrton.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1900. COLONIAL TROOPS TO CHINA

It will be seen on reference to the cablegrams we published yesterday that the proposal to send Australian troops to China haa been almost unanimously carried in the New South Wales Parliament. Judging from what bas fallen from Mr Seddon on this subject, we think it may be taken for granted that he is pretty sure to urge upon the New Zealand Parliament to do likewise. While recognising that there is Home focre in the arguments put forward in favor of this measure by Sir W J" Lyne, the New South Wales Premier, that the despatch of a colonial contingent to China would be patriotic, and would supply useful training to our troops, we tbink the reasons againat &ucb a course are at least aa well worth consideration. These seem to us to be chiefly as i follow :—1 The present emergency in Ohina is not at all similar to that which arose in South Africa, when the A ustra lasian colonies rose as one man to show their determination to stand by the Empire whenever their assistance was Heeded, 2 This action was more of the nature of a demonstration than because England has any absolute need of the help of all her colonies. 3. There is now no occasion for these colonies to exhibit their patriotism to the world ; they have abundantly proved it, nor is Great Britain in any need of our assistance at this juncture, seeing that at short notice she could put at least, 100,00# Indian troops into Ohina. Lastly, there is the economic side of this question. This colony alone has already sent away to South Africa nearly 2000 of the pick of her youug men, while the rest of Australasia has supplied over 5000 to the British Army in South Africa' It cannot be disputed that each a drain upon the numbers of the strongest and healthiest of the limited population of these countries must have a prejudicial effect upon their economic prospects. Labour must either become scarcer or strangers must step in to take the places of the absent. Without wishing to close fche aveaijeato

employment against our own boys now» at. the front, we must recognise that the inexorable laws of supply and demand have already begun to work in filing up their places ; and the longer they 'remain away, the less | chafes thuy will h&ve of an opening 1 when they do return Then, too, this rirnin will have a double effect upon our population, should the absence of our young men be prolonged Thß annals of ancient and modern history have re corded many examples of this There is yet another objection to the proposal, that th> se colonies should send a few hundred men to assisc Great Britain in China, and that is the probability that the action will bo misunderstood by the rest of the world, who will not se© with the eyes of the colonial Premiers, and that is the comical aspect of the matter The enemies of England, and we know she hnsßomp, will laugh at a handful^of men from her far distant colonies, com ing to her help ia a country, where hun dreds of thousands are massing and fighting They will be apt to form a mistaken idea of Britain's resources from these insignificant reinforcements. Reviewing therefore, the whole position we think that to send any Australian or New Zealand troops to China at this juncture, would be a great mistake ttuch a proceeding savours more of political hysterics than of patriotism.

Local and General.

* # * Interesting reading matter will be found oil the first and fourth pages of this issue.

Euchre —A. enohre match was played between the membors of the Ashburtoa Club and M 8, A. and the Fire Brigade, last even ing, resuiting in a win for the former by three games. The bcofoh were—Club 37 games and Fire Brigade 34 games. A Valuable Mare—The Tapanui Cornier abates that a draught mare was sold in Southland recently for £113 The late Mr Lindsay purohaued this mare from Mr Robert Cupples a few years ago for £30.

Not Prohibitionists—ln the House of

I Representatives yesterday tha Speaker an j nounced that a ballot of members of both Houaes resulted in a majority of thirty-four votes in favour of continuing the sale of alcoholic liquor within parliamentary pre-

OIDCtS. A Wbek's Bankruptcies— Nine persona were adjudged bankrupts in the colony last week—viz, a bailor ab Opotiki, a fruiterer ab Auckland, a labourer at Springfield, two seedsmen ab Timaru, a contractor *fc Reef ton, a farmer at Waika^a, a fminer at Colao

Bay, and an agent at Rivertdale. Mounted Rifles.—Yesterday tho Ash burton Mounted Rifle Corp met at Lagmhor for drill instruction. Captain GAM Buckley was the officer in oommtind, and

about 20 members put in an appearance. The

drill movements were put through at the trot and gallop, and considering tho ehorb time the men have been in training they acquitted themselvee well. Several of the men were dressed in their new khaki uniforms and looked very smart. The whole of the uniforms are not yet delivered, but the balance are expected soon. Presentation.—On Thursday afternoon the ennp'oyers of Mr and Mrs Robert Aloorn met in one of the firm's rooms to bid farewell to Miss Childs, who for the past tix years has had charge of the dressmaking

department, and who, in consequence of her marriage in the near future, is leaving the firm's employ. A social hour having been spent, and afternoon tea having been dis pensed, Miss Meac'em, in a short but neatly, worder) speech, on behalf of the employees handed Miss Childs an eight-day clock, as a token of the esteem in which she was held by her late room companion's. Miss Childs briefly replied, and expressed her sincere thanks for the " timely " present. She was

also tho recipient of a most valuable gift

from Mrs Alcorn, who in appreciative terms, spoke of Miss Childa' character, amlalao her

abilities and fitness for the position she is vacating'

The Late Miss ?BARHiLi/.-~Nob a few

residents of Ashburton and Rakaia would

read with melancholy interest the news cabled on Xhutsday concerning Miss Edith Searell,) who has become another victim to Chinese fanaticism Over six years ago the deceased lady conducted a private school >s,t

Rakaii, at which place she entered heartily

iato all matters connected with the moral and spiritual welfare of the people She was 9. great lover of music, and her talents in this direction were brought into frequent requisition at the many relig;ous services in which she took a part Being a ready speaker with a rare fund of anecdote to illustrate her subjects, and with a fervour not often witnessed in these days, her goepel addresses ware generally successful in rivebting the attention of her audience. She had offered for the China Inland Mission a considerable time before getting her appointment, and if in the interval there were any misgivings for the future, ifc was

only in the nature of a dread lest the Mission Committee might consider her health a reason for declining her services Though willing to use her abilities to the utmost in town or country while in 'New Zealand, her ambition was to become of some servica to

the superstitious Chinese in their own land, and her desire, in this direction was at length gratified Just prior to leaving the colony Miss Searoll conducted farewell

services in various towns of the South Island, and the packed meeting of united Sunday schools in the Aahbunbon Oddfellows Hall one Sunday afternoon at that time is a

memory that will linger for years with many adults as well »b juveniles, of the district. A number |of sympathetic friends between Christehurch and Invercargill have been kept in touch with Miss Searell's work in China, the deceased lady having At intervals

posted them a copy of her diary, and tha absence of an instalment reoently led to a fear that some untoward event hadjhappened The last few weeks must have been a period of unspeakable suspense to Miss Searell's relatives in Christchurch, and they will have the tenderes'. eympaiahy of a widespread circle of friends and acquaintances in various parts of the colony.

Si John's Ambulance Association, Ash burton Bkanoh —A. meeting was held at the Ambulance rooms, Wakanui Road Board Office, laab evening, for the purpose of considering the forming an even ing class for those nob able to at tend on Saturday afternoons, and although the meetings had been advertised, it did i not meet with anything like the support the promoters had hopaii for, there being only some half dozen ladiea, and one gentleman putting in an appearance. Mr Charles Reid, (ex-Mayor) took the ohair, and the society's secretaries were also present. The Chairman explained to the ladiea thab all efforts had been made by the Committee to get up this second class, bnt of course they would understand that there must be at least fifteen or twenty to make it worth while for the doctor to lecture, and it was de cided that if each of those present would get a friend to join to make up the requisite number, the lectutes would be given, and for this purpose they must enter their names at the Association Secretary's office on or before that day week, A show of hands was taken for deciding the evening for the classes, and Monday night was settled upon from 8 to 9 p m, provided there were sufficient members. The Chairman stated tho Committee ware particularly anxious to give every one in Ashburbon and district j the opportunity of forming classes, and the fact that nearly forty members were ex pected at Saturday's classes, clearly showed the wisdom of the Committee in selecting that afternoon. He referred to correspondence in newspapers "Wellwisher" and other complaints and regretted that these persons were not represented at the meetings after ail the trouble tha Asseclation had gone to. Id was very clearly pointed oub thab the pre sent chance of forming an evening class, must absolutely be taken advantage of by intending members within one week. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Beid, for his kindness in presiding, and the meeting then adjourned

MailNoT'CE—lb will be seen on reference to our advertising columns that the Frisco outward mail pcrTakapuna. closes here next Friday, -iuuust 3, and ia due in London on feepl ember 5

Weather FoRECAST—The following is Copsaiu Edward's foreeist:—-Moderate to strong northwest to west, and eoaiih wind?, glass fall after ten hours from now.

Dirty Bank Notes —Since our article on the Btate of some of the bank no*es in circu lation wag published, we have heard thet the Bank of jNqw Zaai&nd at any rate is alive to the need for some reform, and is taking steps to eff ct it.

Freight on Flax—An arrangement has been made between the New Zealand Ship ping Company, the Shaw, Saviil and Albion Comp&Dy, and the Tyser Company to reduce the homeward freight, on flax to 70s per ton •—a reduction of 10s per ton on the old rates. This should be good news to the producers of the fibre.

A Period ot Calm—During the early part of this wetk fairly strong winds were blowing in Ashburton, and m a remit) one of our readers informs us that his tanks, supplied by means of windmill, were filled to overflowing. As is is nine months lines these tanks were filled it would appear thato there has been an unusual shortage of wind power of late. Etancielis3! Mbetings—Evangelist meet ings have been held in the Primitive Methodist Church during the last three weeks, and have been very largely attended, and several people have confessed oonvertion Last evening the church was well fil ed and a very enthusiastic meeting •*•* held. Tc-nighfc several will take part, especially the young people of the congregation.

Never Wron»—-The following character istic episode is recorded by th a Press Wel lington correspondent:—Mr La'vry (speak ing on the Libel Bill)—" The Premier does not need io trouble about the opinion of the newspaper?. Ho has behind him the greater opinion of the public which approves of him when he is right, and oondemns him when he ia wrong." Mr Beddon—" Which is never." Mr Lawry—" Ia the faon. gentle man never wrong ?' Mr Seddon—-'• No, never." Mr Lawry—" Well, the hon. gentleman is too good for a. wicked world like this." (Laughter).

Football.

RIFLES v GUARDS.

A friendly game was played on the Domain yesterday between teami selected from the Ashburton Rif ssand the Aehbarton Guards. Play begao-at 3 p.m., and a lively gamn ensued, which was p.etty even during the first spell, no score resulting. In the second spell the Guarda at first seemed to have the advantage, bub the Rifles pressed them hard and compelled them to force down. This made the Guards more careful, and after some smat t work on bath sides, in which tho following players were prominent —for the Guards—F Smith, 8 Dixoa, G Woods, A Gates, Boyle and F Clark ; for the Rifles—D Wilson, J Prhchard, H Heford, and M Baker, the game ended as under— Guards 8 points, Riles nil. R Shearman and A Gates secured briei, one of which F Clark converted. Mr Robilliard umpired. The ground was in capital order.

Smoke Concert.

Lasfc eveniag a smoke concert was held in the orderly room at the drill shed, at a finale to the day's enjoyments between the Volunteer football teams and their friends. Captain Sparrow occupied the chair, supported by Lieutenants A Clarke and T Hayes, of the Rides, and Lieutenant E F Niooll, of the Guardß, Mr F Robilliard, and others- After disposing of the usual loyal toasts,

Captain Sparrow proposed the toast of •' Bt>ba and Our Boys in South Africa." He spoke in high praise of the work executed by the veteran Genera!, and concluded with a reference to the spontaneous manner in which Our Boys had ome forward to render service to the Empire, sacrificing as they were their lives and material interests (Applause). Lieutenant A Clarke, in responding, said that Lord Roberta was undoubtedly the right man in the right place. He had occupied Bioemfontein and Pretoria at will, and would doubtless, in due course, conquer the whole of the Transvaal. He was pleased to notice that Trooper Wilkie had done-credit to the corps from which he received an initial instruction, and would have the congratula tion of all on his acceptance to the Afican mounted police.

Sergeant Hefford also responded, and read interesting extracts from a letter received from his brother now at the front.

Lieut. Hayes proposed the toasb of the •• Winning Team." He congratulated the Guards oh their victory, which they well deserved, and was pleased at the good feeling that existed between tht local com panies, and trusted the Rifles would con quer in the return match. He suggested that half-company competitions in skir mishing drill, etc., be held ; the result wou'd be undoubtedly advantageous.

Color-Sergt Schwartz proposed tha toast of !(Th9 Visitors," in an appropriate speech. Mr F Robilliard, in responding, reminded members that many of tha victories on the battlefield were attributed to the training received on football ground. The hard knocks received on these, paved the way for harder knocks in batfcla.

Messrs Bray and Kendal also responded. The other toasts proposed and honoured were : —The Losing Team, by Lieut JNicoll ; the Press, by Sergt Grant ; and The Chair man, by Mr A 3 Tyrrell-Baxter

Daring the evening, tongs were sung by Lieut Clarke, Col-Sergt) Schwartz, Sergt Grant, Privates Anderson, Hodgson, and Milsom, and Mr Kendal ; raoitationa were given by Lieuts Hayes and Nicoll. Mr F Curtis officiated as accompanist *

A very pleaaanb evening concluded with Auld Langsyne

CANTERBURY v SOUTH CANTER BURY

The inberprovincial season of the Canter bury Rugby Union opened yesterday after noon, when the annnal fixture was played at Lancaster Park with the South Canterbury Union. The weather was delightful, the ground, though on the heavy side, was in good order, and for a Thursday the atten dance was large. The representatives of tha Northern portion of tht province defeated those from the Southern by 39 points (6 goals from tries and 3 tries) to nothing. Mr X W Barry was referee. M Lymkey was unable to attend, and his place forward was taken by O Moeller. With thii exception the Canterbury team was the same as selec ted. The South Canterbury team consisted of—Full back, W Grant; three-quarters, V Mahaka, Dr W Gibson, S Palmer, J Lynskcy; half-back, B Ausfis; wing forward, W Mendelson; forwards, E Kennedy, W Boeldeck, T Wright. F Benjamin, Fraeer, M Fi'zgerald, L Hobbs, and D Henry. Tha Beds (Canterbury) were captained by A E Phillips and the Greens (South Canterbury) by B Austin. Thia is the tenth match j between the Canterbury and South Canter | bury Unions, and Canterbury has won nine.

Transvaal War.

United Press Association—By Eltotrlo Telegraph—Copyright

London, July 25 The Boers crossed tha Kleradorp lines south of Seifontein on Saturday night) ia an endeavour to effect a junction with another commando where the Bhenoster river joins the Vaal. During the pursuit the Boers, clad in khaki, beckoned three Australians, whom, when they approached, they shot British Bcouts in Swaziland killed Cornet Lombard and captured Commandant; Yon Dam

Major General Stephenaou is at Elands river, Major General lan Hamilton at Doornakraal and Major General Clery at Grootspruifr, north of Standerton

Major General lan Hamilton's occupation of Bustfontein forced the Boers to abandon a strong position fronting Colonel Pole- Oarew, who was operating in the centre of a general advance movement

July 26 Lord Roberta oooupied Bronkhorsb Spruit on Tuesday General Broadwood arrived at Yredefort on Tuesday, and ia awaiting the arrival of Colonel' Little' force

General Brosdwood on /Tuesday attacked the Boars entrenched, ia tha hills south of

¥ the Vaal river, and captured seven waggons i and twenty prisoners The mounted infantry encountered a superior force, and retired. Six British officers md twenty eight men were wounded. Two hundred Welsh Fuaili^re, with ft supply train, were captured near Roodeval. Lord Roberta reports that the railway and telegraph lines destroyed by the Boera have been reroreri Brigadier Gsnera! Porter, commanding the First Brigade, Cavalry Division, has broken his collar bone. Brigadier General Gordon, of the Third Brigade, succeeds him. Lieu* tenant Co'onel Litilp, of the 9th Lancer', succeeding General Gordon. Both officer! serve under General French. I The Censor's silence when General Baden- ; Powell was besiegnri at Kustenbnrg, until he was relieved by General Methuen's victory over the Boers at Oliphant's Nek, seven miles south weat of Kusteaburg, in strongly criticised Capetown, July 25 The Boers have evacuated all their positions in the MMdleburg district, and moved north a*d eastward towards Lydeu bui£, whether Krugcr is proceeding The burghers and farmers state that the mercenaries alone insist on the prosecution of the war De Wet left Vredefort on Sunday In ft north easterly direct ion

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

Extraordinary Reports.

United Press Association—By Bi«otrtu Telegraph—Copyright) Hon« Kong, July 2S Mr Conger's written massage, dated July 4th, reached 'I ieutsinon Saturday. It statvs that they had been beiieged for % fortnight in the British Legation, that the »oldi*rs were d»ily shelling them, and that relief wai needed toc.n if at all. The army holding the city war* determined to maitaure all prisoners. A Chinese interpreter employed by Sir Claude Macdonald bat reached Niu-chwang, aad reports that Sir Robert Hart perished on the 2nd, and that the majority of those in the British Legation were dead and the rest hopeless. Taksu, the anti-foreign Viceroy of Canton, declares that the foreigner! in the Legations were alive on Sunday last. Li Hung Chang asserts that the Tsung. LUYamen will convey the Ministers to Tientsin if th«a<tyanca to Pekinis abandoned. The Consuls, before opening negotiations, insist on being supplied with indisputable evidence that the foreigners are alive. See allies hope fco advance on Fekin early in August. They are undecided at to the route of advance, some preferring to start from Shan hai kwan. The Bhanqhai Prest declares China is plainly blnfiag the Powers ia order to gain time

Mr R L Jack's mining party were safe at Mieachouta, in the Szu Chuan province, on the 11th

Hongkong, July 26

The different languages spoken by the various nationalities are hampering cencerte A action on the part of the allies at Tien-tilo. Runners from Pekin report that the city was ia a state of siege and anarshy on thi 14th

The situation ia M*nchari* ia aanoaa, deapita Russian reinsurances t

The Chinese have again bombard ad BSsgo vashenak, and atcacked Russian steamers on the itver Amur

Fearing a general rising, sll missionaries have been ordered to Srianghai and Hong KoDg,

Imperial Politics.

United Preis Association—By Electric Telegraph

London, July 25 In the House of Commons supple mentary estimates {totalling eleven and a half millions, on account of the wars ia Suufch Africa and China, have been submitted London, July 26 When the House of Commons was discussing the Estimates, an amendment to reduce the'vote for the Colonial Office was rt j jcted by 208 votes to 56. Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman did not vote. A number cf Liberals voted "with the Government. In the discussion on the Estimates MrCnaraberialn brilliantly defended the South African war. He said the Repab lies would be given self government similar to that existing in the colonies at the earliest possible moment, not necessarily simultaneously.

The Murders by Blacks

United Press Association—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright

Sydket, July 26

Fitzpatrlck's nephew was abuent from the house for a few minutes, and'when he returned he found his uncle shot in the back and bis head split. Two blacks were fleeing, and he fired, but missed them,

A police magistrate reports that the murderers have escaped to the moan tains, aad that it is impossible to follow them on horseback. He advises that bloodhounds should. he employe! to track them down.

The Commonwealth

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy right. Loxoon, July 25 In the House of Commoai Mr Chamber* lain, in reply to Mr J F Hogao, said the relations of the northern territory to the Commonwealth would be the same ai the rest of South Australia.

MINING

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph.

Punedin, July 27 Sales—DuDstaa Lead, 29s and 28s ; Elec« trio, 52s and 52s 6ri ; First Ohanoe, 18s 6d ; Gold Queen, 35a 9), 35s 3d, 35s and 34s ; Golden Point, 23» 6d ; Golden River, Is 6d ; Hartley and Rilej, fl010« ; Jnuction JSlec trio, 43s ; Saltwater Creek, 6d disc.

The yield, of gold in New South Walei for June was 14,9220*, an compared with 40,676 oz for the month of June last yean The total yield for the six months this year amounts to 156,3560z, against 185,0840z for the same period of last year, '

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright 'Berlin, July 25 A meat bill, prohibiting the import of tinned meats, will come into Operation on October Ist.

London, July 25 There is publio uneasiness in .England ab present owing to the ezoeßsire purchases of British smokeless ooal by France and Russia.

Severe heat caused rails to spread, result ing in several trains in London and the provinces being derailed.

Sydney, July 26 Mr Donald MacdonaSd, the war corres pondent of the \ Herald -was welcomed by the Mayor on hia return from Ladyimith. He visits New Zealand, where he will recount the story of the siege.

My Lady's Satchell

[By Tb Kawena.]

Being a very good boy I carry for My Lady her pretty eatehell, and more than that, I have been allowed to peep within I& was while we waited for the train thatpenmiesJoa was given me to examine He contents—if I liked, aud of course I liked. I opesed the lovely thing, and found a" freih copy of the last new book with only the first l«af cut; Then a roll of music—a peculiar long, ft dainty piece of 4»laint sewing, and pare as if untouched by mortal hands ; and betide it what I presumed was fancy work, em broidery rivalling that of the ewt, lace comparable to that of Mechlin or Honiton, some fine wool with ivory pins in knitting just set on, and a scroll of brown paper, which, she told me, I need not utifoiri, as they were " only patterns." These trs*«aies were ail in one division, and in the other I espied a ntat morocco case Bat surely I might cot peep into that Yes, I might if X would not let anything fall out I wat careful, and unclasping it* crimson null discovered in My Lady's distinct hand writing, wonderful recipet—how to make preserves and conserves; how to makoplee and paste and tasteful and tatty topper dishes, and how to make other people happy and yourself likewise ia to doing. With the crimson pocket book wm a small packet of letters Yet, I might read them ; they were from our mutual friendt Might I even read this one tied an with bio* ribbon I "Oh no, not that one,"and yet as I promptly replascd ie the relented, and said if I would be a very good boy indeed, which I averred 1 | wag, 1 might even read that oat, mit wai quite a thing of the put So I actually perused the sweetly scented iiUet d*vx, ana proceeding to explore still further, I found her smelling salts, a charming box of the very best chocolate drop*, a bow magazine, » minut* prayer book,* pamphlet upon '* Health and how to ketp It," and ft box of match*i. which puaried me What eonld she want with them ? «he *aid it wai some times dark in the carriage, when the train went through the tonne!, and she never travelled without matches, I* told her she might keep them, bat she mast never make them. I alto found, but I did not remark, a small mirror. Such were some of the con teats of my lady's latche). I know they* vary every journey the takes, and »■ the travels every Thursday, you may, if yon have the curiosity, tttke a peep within when ever you feel to inclined.

Nothing is better for the preservation of the hands than a little honey, applied jist after they have been Well washed, bofc while still wat. Have a small pot of honey on your wasbstand, take on your wet palm a small amount, spread it well over your hands, rubbing it in ; if a sticky feeling remains, use a little more water, then dry 1 thoroughly with a soft towel. For chapped or hard-worked hands nothing is better, nor | more easy to obtain, nor lees expensive. * For keeping the hair and skis of the head in good condition—upon which the beauty of the hair depends—is a waih, which can be made and be ready for sn in a few minutes, and one highly approved by my lady's grandmother, Who knew a thing or two about such matters ; the rosemary waih. Go into your garden, if yon have one, aad pluck a handful of rosemary, place in a basin, pour over it sufficient boiling water to steep ib well. When tepid, steam the infusion, and it is ready for use, fto pleaianter or safer hair wash can be made. For keeping your husband's temper tweet* —For this purpose nothing is simpler than I to have a tasty supper ready for him, and ito train your children to go early and happily to bed. Good Suppsr Dish, K«g«ree— Soil a tea cupful of rice well, and this is the way my lady does that: Wash the riee t have th« water for it boiling, let it boil until the rice is just soft, strain through a cullender, place the cullender over a saucepan of boiling water, put a cover"over cullender, but not ia such a way as to real) on the rice, stir front time to time with a fork, add a little good butter; take any remains of cooked ftah or a small tin of salmon or herring, make thii fish very hot, mix among the rice with pepper and salt to taste; have ready a couple of bard boiled eggs chopped up ; serve the rice and fish neatly in a pile on a hot dish, sprinkle over it the egg, serve hot; This simple dish hat the advantage of being easily kept hot and does not spoil Kith watting. Do not strew on the egg until the kegeree is dished, see that the water in the saucepan under the cullender keeps boiling. As to training children to go early and quietly to bed, if an intelligent mother sets her wits to work she can devise many a plan to accomplished this cud without scoldings 1 or whipping* or calling in father's aid, even if the UtUeones have hitherto been allowed tso much liberty in this respect, she can turn over a new leaf and begin afresh; kindly speech, the promise of a little reward to the on* who is irstt in bed with least noise, and tbe faithful teep of that promise brings often a good result; a small weekly or monthly wage to the one most punctual, regularly and exaotly paid is another plan, butfabove all, you must yourself be punotaal and regular, and keep your promise with rigid faithfulness, to' your children, if yon wish to set such good points ia them. On no aooomnt premise them more than you oan nr will perform, by so doing yon may purchase a few minutes' peace with much future discomfort.

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph Wellinoton, July 26 The Council met at 2.30. On the motion of the Hon. W 0 Walker * ■elect committee was appointed to consider all matters relating to defence. ' Mr Walker movad the second reading of the Education Boards Election Bill, which was passed by she Council last ■ttsisn. Messrs T Kelly, B*illie, Xwomey and McLean generally supported the Bill, and the second reading was agreed to, The Council rose at 3. p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, July 36 The Hodbs met at 2,30. In reply to the Premier, the chairman of the Prioting and Reporting Debates Com mittee atated that (ho committee had not pawed any resolution to the effort sh»t only pressmen should be appointed to the Hansard staff, The committee had not oon sidared the matter, la the oourse oi the brief discussion which followed, the Premier said that Government ooald make an appointment to the Mansard staff without oomulting the Speaker, but in the face of the resolution of the Home to the contrary, it would be a wrong thing to do.

The Speaker said that, knowing none of the candidates for the present vacancy, he had consulted the committee mto them, and that was all* No attempt was made by the committee to interfere with his power to recommend a candidate for appointment) to the position. The subjrot then dropped. In committee on the Gtsborne Harbour Board Further Empowering Bill, Captain Russell opposed the Bill on the ground that the harbour is in the wrong place, and previous expenditure had been useless. Mr J Allen suggested that the unexpended balance, along with » Government subsidy, should be devoted to giving the district connection by rail with the nearest port, A motion that the Chairman leave the chair was lost by 44 to 5, and the Bill was reported with minor amendments, read a third time, and passed. The Thames Borough Endowment Leasing Bill was committed. The Bill was reported without amendment, read a third time, and passed. The House adjourned ab 630. The House resumed at 7.30 The second rntding of the Wellington City Betterment Bill wai carried on the voices. .. Mr Garneross moved «he second reading of the Libel Bill, ©a similar lines to those of the Bill previously before Parliament. He said that the colony was years behind the times in the matter of libel laws, and the Bill now aader dincuision was deaf tad on lines similar to the English law. The Premier opposed the Bill on the ground tha& is wouid give greater license to the press. It was his duty to protect the tight* and privileges of the people. The,

THJii ABHBDRION OUAfiDBN : FBlma\\ JUI.Y 2?, h-00



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Berber's > heep Marking ] Composition j In Three <Y,!ors - Black, Red, B'no J nPHM finest am- m.^t economical Sheep 1 Brandi: i» (Ji> in iho market Read the opinion'-1 of Lenriii g Sheep Farmers in Otasio : — WE ISTKKD tTMNG IT AGAIN Jfrora N Z. Agricultural Co,, Waimea Houfle, Gore, May 22. 1897 Dear Sire,-- We have found Berbers Marking Oil to be a good and durable heep brsndinc nuteml and intend using it again, as bo i»e cheaper thantheprtpars tion formerly ui=ed fur thr> purpos. P. J. Paiebson, Stat. Mgr. UNDOUBTEDLY MORE ECONOMICAL THAN OIL AND LAMPBLACK Prom, J M McKenzia, Bu hy Pati Estate, Palmereton. May 19 1897 Dear His,—l have great pleasure in stating that Bbbne^p Sheep branding Compound that I receiv ed from you has given me every batisfact ion, and is andoabted>y more economical than oil and lampblack. I MAKE A POINT OF RECOMMENDING IT From kabert Logan, Maritang^, Hyde, M»y 10.1897 Dear Sirs have used Bbrgeks Branding O 1 or some years, and have ound it so t fac ory that I make a point of recoiomen • ng if. The liquid in the droms ia he same consistency right iron* top bottom, and requires no stirring. OVLY TO IB Us ED TO BB AFFBECIATBD out Jamea Taylor, Wairuna, Clinton 15, 1897 ear Sira,—l rased Brugge's B-anding black and rt,d, last seas >n on my lock, ami I am perfectly satisfied with the results. To sheep farmers the preparation inva'uable, being alwaye ready and Highly economical. I' has only to be used, fa be appreciated. OFTEN KVBEY SATISFACTION FOX SKViCRAI TEAKS From Mr John Elliott, Gladbrook Station, Midileirarch. May 18, 1897 My Dear Sirs,—ln reply to your inquiry regarding Bbboba's Sheep Marking Com pound. We have used this Compound on all oar fl cks for several years and it has given every satisfaction. It is o even quality and is ready for use. I find it lasts well, beins; quite legible on ful woolied skins It is much naore economi csl than brand made with the old materials (lampblack and oil), as owing to its even quality, there is no waste. Always ready for use Guaranteed not to injure the wol. Will wash off on tcouiing without leaving a stain.



* Sold *y F. FERRIMAN, Ashburton, N.Z. F. FERRJMAN. ~~ FOiTJSALE, In Peter Street, A COMFORTABLE HOME, consisting JTk. if 7 rooms, wish bath and abundant tupp'y of water, detach, d wa&hhouse, £ •ere of good land, planted with fruit trees, within three minutes' wa!k of the railway station. The greater portion of the purchase mon< y can remain on mortgage. F. FBKRIMAN. Ea'ate Agent, Aehburion. ' "FOX "iSALb ~~~~ 5 Town Sections, a capital site for bnil-Hruj, within 4 minutes' walk of Post Office. F. FBRMMAP. ' WAKANUI~BUAAri FOR SALF. HOUSB of 8 rornv, $ acre of lar;d Price £150, £30 (fopoelt. ____?' FERRIMAN. TuR""SAXb], Alford Fortst Read, HOUBW of 6 rooms and 1| acies o! land, a^j -ins Mr George H ukrn'e orop^rty : easy terms. FFERRTMAK ~Toir saXhTaT a li^ n ! on , A First class Block of L*nd, containing 6£ acrep, weU wa^ered, long frontage on a good ro*d. The greater portion of the purchase can remain at 5 per cenfc. Adapted for subdivision. Anyone with a little capital, and h*lf an eye to the future, will inspect and acenre fcbi* blocV, F. FKRHTMAN. *~ FOiTSALK," A Four Roomed House and £ acre of land in the suburbs. Price £'lboi F, FBRRIMAN ■~~ FUK "dlLfc, Burnett Street, Adj'iinin? Dr Hanter'R Rfpidence, OVKR I acre land with House of 7 R )orae, easy terms. F. FERRIMAN. "for sale, tancred street, The Residential Street of the Town, A Comfortable Dwelling of 8 rooms ; | the section is wel! fenced, and of i eood nusluy. 81 ' F. FRRRIMAN. PC)U~BAL^ G)f\ Acres of Land, with new house of 9 Zjxj rooms, stable, and every modern convenience, F. FKRRIMAN. *~ FARM FOR" sTlI". Q A Aeref, within 2 milea of Aahbnrton. O~t This should prove a sound invest* menfc for capital. Price, £1174. This proper'y w ni j o t en & long lease to » good tenant. F. FERRIMAN. *"" FOK~^ALi^ "~ A Good Sheep Fatm of 650 Acres. A Good Sheep Farm of 300 Acres. A Good Sheep Farm o? 320 Acres, F. FERRIMAN. ' FOR SALi; i- Acre at Tinwald. near the parsonage. "F. FERRIMAN. _ FAIRTON. A Small Paddock, wull fenced. Price 1 JB3O. i F. FERRIMAN. j



JPELHAM POULT BY YARDS. fTIHE Proprietors are largely reducing JL Btock, to make room for coming season y oi»g birds. Some first class Andalusians, Houdsnw, Orpingtons (buff and black), Gol den Pencilled Hamburg*, and Partridge CochiDß will be for sale for a short time at) extremely low prices. 7 169 OWING to a great increase in business, we have arranged for extension of premises, and to avoid removing and storing s lot of our Stock, will hold a Genuine j Clearing Sale For One Month, previous to the builders commencing operations. This Si t»n opportunity rarely met with of ob'ain ing New and Feasonable Drapery and Clo'h fog at. Greatly Reduced Prices. —P.obebt AtCORN. t ALL Loasby's Preparations—Ginna Cure, Koolsbah, Wahoo, and Ben jam Gum—afc J TCoooh. Storekeeper WANTED— Bayers to see our value in Dress Goods. We hava a well ■elected stock, bought by our London Agent for cash in the best markets and we confi dently invite inspection and comparison. Firßt-clasß Dressmaking on the Premises, *»MITCHBMi & TUSNBB



IN F U L_L_S W I W G.j STOCKTAKING SALdj 44 THE CORNER." (GOMMSNUING OUtt LAST 14 DAYS.) ANOT&BR BATCH OF HEAL JOB LINES. (Must be Sold) 6 Only Men's Tweed Overcoats, 7« 6d, worth 21s I 7 ( n!y Aasorttd Men's Twred 8:«o Coats, 9s to 12s, worth 21i 3 Only Trousctß a»d Vests, 12* 6(5, worth 22a 6d 6 Cardigan Jackets 4i 9d, wore 8s 6d 13 Assorted Boy's Tweed Koieker Suits, 6s lid and 7i6d, (must be seen to be valued, worth 12s) ! Large Turkey Handkerchiefs, 3 for li ! Silk Stiiped Mufflers la 6d, usually 2s 6d i 9 Fairs Womtn'a Laoe Kd Boots, usually 12s 6d, now 6s lid 16 Dizan Derby Scarfs, 4 for a 1b (worth treble the money) 16 Only Men's Flannel Undera 2' lid, usually 3b lid (a real bargain) 48 Pairs Women's Leather Slippers 3s 3d (Sewa), went 4s 9d, (t>e»t value in Ashburton without doubt) 125 Pairs Ladies' Kid Fur Topped Gloves, 2b lid, {during sale only) 24 Pairs Meu'a L»mb Wool Pants, 4s 6d (worth 6s 6d) 300 Boy's Tweed Caps. 6 for la (look at these) 46 Hearth Rugß 6s 6d, worth 9. 6d (hard to be equalled!) 3 only Urge Kiddei Carpet Squares, 29j 6d (worth 49d 6i) 40 Dozao White Turkey Towels, 6d, 9d, la 60 Dozen Browo Turkey Towels, 6d, 9d, la 250 Yards Bordered Apron Clothe, S^d, worth 91 10 Pairs Fay Blouse Flaunellette*, 3§d, 4^d, 6d A large lot of Plain Colors at Sale value 22 Dark Tapestry Quilts, 5s 6d 75 White Blaufcets, 3s 9d each 80 Grey Blanket?, 5a 3d each 1050 Yards Cretonnes (all designs) 4£d, 54d, 6id 49 Piira Lace Curtains 3a 3d, worth 5s 6d 35 Holland Aprons, Is, Is 61, Is 91 16 Child's Tunics, 3a lid, worth 6s 6d Special deductions during the last 2 Weeks on the Balance of our Ladieb' Trimmed Hats, Ladien* C*peß, and Ladies' Jackets. 14 Children's Mackintoalres, 3s 61 to 63 lid, must be cleared 1879 Yards Wide Fancy Rib one, for neck wear, 4d, 4|l, 5£ I, 6d; worth up to 3* per yatd 115 Yards Fry Dreaa Tweeds, 7| I; were 1b 3d 66 Yards Silk Striped Crepon la 6d a yard (was 2a lid) Lviies' Belts 3 ', 5 ', 9d (worth treble) 60 P»irs Corxetß. assorted from la lid to 4s 6d, all odd szjb and makes— originally 2s 91 to 9i 6d 12 Pieces Colored Velveteen Is s£l, all shades 2 Pieces only Black Velveteen, !l^-3 37 Yards Evening Tinsel Dreas S.i.flf Is 35 (was 2a 3j) Perambulator Qailts, new and worth inspecting. Cot Quilts, new aud worth inspecting. Full size Bedstead Quilts new nod worth inspecting. SPEND *OUB CABH_AT THIS >ALE N ORTHCOTE W & HEFFOR L) "THE CORNER."



FENCING MATERIALS. STAKES, STAKES, STAKES ■ Barbed Wire. Plain Wire. IRON STANDARDS to order in any quantity. COAL. COAL. COAL. TF YOU Want Good WESTPORT COAL! IP YOU Want Good BLACKBALL GOAL! IF YOU Want Good NEWCASTLE GOAL! IF YOU Want the Most Economical Goal in the marker, get 11 SHAG POINT." Send your Orders to us, and you will save money, and keep your temper good. We have all the above Coals, and can supply your wants immediately. W. H. COLLINS & CO., REMOVED TO MITCHfcLL&'JUENEtfS OLD PBEMIBES, TANORKD STREET tNEW ZEALAND CLOTHING_FACTORY. Boy's Tweed Sailor Suits from 5s Boy's Serge Sailor Suits from 7s 6d Boy's Tweed Melville Suits from 9b Boy's Tweed Norfolk Suite from 12a Boy's Sac Knicker Suits from 183 fed Bey's Covert Coa'e from 14s 6d Boy's Tweed Overcoata from 6a 6d Boy's Reefer Jackets from 6e 6d Boy's Football Jereeys from 3s 3d Boy's Caps 6d each Boy'a Sailor Tarns Is each FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRICE NEW ZBALATSD CLOTHING FAOTOBY.



Australian Mutual PfOYident Society THE FIFTY-FIRST ANNUAL RBPOBT JUST ISSUED, DISCLOSES— 1. An Increase In the FEW BUSINESS for the year of ... £168.602 2. An increase In the ACCUMULATED FUND of ... ... 895,691 3 An increase in the ANNUAL INCOME of 94,650 4. An Increase in the amount < f ANNUAL CASH BONUS of 26,440 5. A net giin In business in force of 9013 policies assuring ... 2,102,088 DURING the year 15 238 NEW POLICIES were issued, being the LARGEST jNUMBER yet written by (he Society in any one year. The New ABBurances issued aroounttd to £3,955,685, a sum IN PXCESS of that granted many year since 1891. The Total Assurances in force (insludlng Bonus additions) now amount to £54 343 821 'The Bet Increase to the volume of business in force is THE LARGEST in any yearThe CAccum*a!ated and amounts to. £16,074,740, and the ANNUAL INCOME | fco£The §Wve set apart for the possible DEPRECIATION OF SECURITIES now stands at £266,692. n - ntt * M , ,-,- -o-^-n-o The Divisible Surplus for the year amounts to JboUb.JS^J, yielding i£&VFU SION ARY BONUSES of about £042 500. , The Death Claims for the year were exceptionally favourable, while the EXPENSES of MANAGEMENT were very moderate. BRANCH DIRECTORS :-Tho Hon. Moigsn S. Grace, M.D., O.M-G., M.L.C. (Chairman); the Hon. Charles J. Johnston, M.L.O, (Deputy Chairman) ; Alfred de Batfao Brandon, Etq., the Hon. Edward Richardson, 0.M.G., John uno%n. feq EDWARD W, LOWE, Resident Secretary. Branch Office-CCSTOM-HOUBtt QUAY, WELLINGTON. JAMES HAIR, District Secretary. District Oftne—OHRISTOHURCH.



Uneq ailed and Invincible, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colda, la 6d and 2s 6d



CLARKE'S 841 PILLS warranted to cure Gravel, Pains in the back and all kindred complaints. Fre« froir Mercury. Established upwards of 30 year* In boxes 4a 6d each, of all Chemists Patent Medicine Vendors tkrsughout world. Proprietors, The Linooln and MU. nd Counties Drug C»mpany, Hoo England