SECOND EDITION Mail Notices.

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

SATURDAY, SEPT 29 For Northern Ports and Weniport, per Rotomahana, at 6 30 p m

Commercial.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright London. Sept 27 The American visible supply of wheat la 73,885,000 bushple. Pahis, September 27 It is estimated thit the French wheat crop is SSfc million quarters.

ASHBURTON GRAIN MARKET

The Ashburton Agency of the New Zealand Farmers' Co-operative Association ot Canter bury, Ltd, quote as follows on September 28, 1900 s~ Wheat- Prime milling Pearl — 2s 3d to2s4d „  Tuscan.,. 2s 3d to 2a 4d „ „ Hunter'B 2s 2d feo 2a 3d Oats—Duns .- Is 6d Danish Is 64 Canadians Is 8d Sparrowbills 1b 7d Barley—Malting, prime' 2b Inferior la 6d Peas—Partridge, 2s 3d Chaff—Good oatsheaf 47s 6d to 50a Graßß Seed—Oid pasture, 2s to 2s 3d New „ Is 6d to la 9d The ab <va are prices current paid to farmers on trucks at Ashburtop.

CHRISTCHURCH GRAIN AND PRODUCE MARKETS.

Quotation*) are as follows : — Wheat—Hunter's, pearl, and velvet 2b 51, and Tuscan 2s 6d

Oats—Canadian Is 9d to Is 10il, short feed Is 9d to la lOi. D.ms Is 8d to Is 9d, and Danish Is 7 i to Is 8(3.

Barley (nominal)— Prime malting 2a to 2s 3d delivered Beans—2* 4J to 2s 5d Peaa—Prussian Blues Rod parbridg« 2» to to 2» 3d , _ „ Flour (millers' quotations nomiual)—Boiler £7, atone £6. Sharps—£4 Bran—£3 10a. Oatmeal—£lo

Potatoes—Derwente, September delivery, 22s 6d to 255, at country stations Oatsheaf Chaff — 453 to 47a 6d at near country stations. Hay—£s 5s to £3 103, delivered ; primeat baled £4, fob Seeds—Ryegrass, farmers' lots Is 9d to 2«, prime heavy, town dressed 2i 6d to 3» 3d, Cocksfoot 2ijjd to 2f d for bright seed, to 3d for extra good, town machine dressed 16!b to 17ib seed, 3|d to 4d, cow grass 51 to 6d, extra choice 6|d, white clover 6d to 7£3 Dairy Produce—Cheese, dairy 8d to s£c!, factory 51 to6d. Butter— factory loo&l lid, best dairy 8d to 9d, salt, in, boxes, 6d to 7d for prime. Bacon and hams sjf 1 to 6.i, factory id per lb higher. ! he above prices, except where otherwise stated, are those paid to farmers, f.0.b., Lyttelton.

TO CORRESPONDENT.

Interested Citizen. — Your letter will appear on Monday.

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1900 A DELIBERATIVE ASSEMBLY

A greater farce could not well be conceived than an assembly of repre sentatives of the people sect to Parlia ment to legislate for the good of the country, doing all the important work in a couple of weeks. Yet such ia the practice in the New Zealand Parlia ment. So far as we can see, no really important Bills have been disposed of sines the present session of the legisla ture began, now about thres months ago. But there remain several im porfant measures to be dealt with during the few days the session will lasr, and it is quite impossible thut they can receive proper consideration. This system of preventing; vital questions from being properly discussed has been reduced to a fine art by the present administration. Indeed, mat ters have come to such a pass that no Bills likely to meet with serious opposition are brought down until within a week or so of the end of the session. We need not look further than the issue of this paper, where the proceedings of the House of Repre sentatives on Thursday were briefly reported. Everybody knows that the amendment of the Old Age Pension Act is a matter that should be approached with the greatest care and prudence, The measure was in a tentative stage, and public opinion and the press of the colony have agreed that to make it thoroughly satisfactory s many radical ambndments are necessary. Yet here we find that the Government proposals with regard to it have been rushed through a House thoroughly wearied by a sue« cession of all-night sittings in a few hours! This manner of conducting the business of the country, and of making laws affecting the lives and liberties of the people of this country is scandalous, and the sooner the elec tors of New Zealand put a stop to it, the better it will be for themselves and their children. The present system delivers them over entirely to the Government of the day as a glance at Hansard will prove. The divisions at these all-night sittings show that there are seldom more than half of our re presentatives present. The Railway Bill, the Post Office Bill, the private Industrial School's Bill, the Old Age Pension Act Amendment Bill, and several other important measures have been put through without due time havin bean given for their consideration. There are some other press:ng ques tions, which should engage the atten tion of Parliament this session; but we should like to know what possible chance they have of doing so. If the public would only give thia matter the notice it deserves, we are convinced that a speedy stop would be put te so pernicious a system as this lightning legislation.

THE PUBLIC WORKS STATEMENT.

The Minister for Public Worka is to be congratulated upon the skill with which he has compiled his Public Works Statement. He has carefully adjusted the Government proposals for future public works so as to avoid seriously offending those districts which have of late been clamouring for certain works to be proceeded with. This alone is an achievement. It was generally understood that between pressure from the north, about the Northern Trunk

Line, and prFsnure from th* south about the Otago Central, Ministers woald have a difficult problem to solve. If the Minister for Public Works has not exactly solved the problem, he has at, least, made b very good attempt. Tt:o allotment of £130,000 to the North Island Trunk Railway, and £100,000 eftch to the Midland and the Otago Central, effectually prevents the m*l j contents from making out any sub stantial g rievßncfi. In other directions railway extension is provided for to the *>x'ent of about £230,000. A very important natter ia the proposal to purchase the Wellington-Manawatu line. Most people will agree that the line ought to belong to the State, but the purchase is beset with I some difficulties, not . the least j ; being the liability to jobbery. Thn history of past transactions of a similar nature in New Zealand suggests that great caution should be exercised ' by Parliament in dealing with this matter. The fact that the difficulties which have hitherto interfered with the progress of the construction of the Midland Railway are now removed, and that the Government intend pro ceeding with it at once, is very satis factory,, and so is the assurance that at no distant date it will be open for traffic ; but we have so often been assured that the completion of this line was approaching, that we have come to expect it with the millenium. Wo may, however, still hope. There iv oue important change contemplated by the Government with regn"d to the route that may cause considerable delay. It is to deviate from the line laid down in the original plan, which involved a gradient of 1 in 15 between Otira and Beaky, and take a new one by which a gradient of 1 in 87 could jbe secured, This would necessitate a tunnel over six miles long, to construct which will be a tedious and formidable undertaking. But we are told by the Minister that the reports of the Government engineers are so favorable to the scheme that it has been decided to adopt it. Of two evils the authori ties think the long tunnel is less objectionable than the steep gradient. Rimutaka has given them enough of that. After all the tunnel will not be bo long as that of either Mt Cenis or St Gotthard, the former being over seven and a-half miles long, and the latter a trifle over nine and a-half miles. It may he interesting in this connection to mention that the Mt Oenis tunnel took nearly fourteen years to construct, and St Gotthard's about nine years. But of course the machin ery now available will shorten the time required to complete the Midland Railway tunnel.

Local and General.

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

Wuather.—Captain Edwin wires.— West to Southwest and South gale, glass rise, weather cold,

Day cp Atonement—Wednesday next being the day of atonement, according to the Jewish calender, the cffiies and stores of Messrs Friedlander Bros, will ba closed.

Reward of Merit—Wo learn that Mi j r S eward's son, Veruon, who went to South Africa wit h the fifth contingent as a trooper, has already been singled out for promotion. He has been made a corporal, and is already looked upon as a smart N. 0,0.

Thh Phblio Works Statkmbnt.—The Minister for Public Works delivered his statement last evening Ib is a very lengthy one, and came through much ia^.er than usual; It is largely devoted to a recapitu lation of the work of the past year, but owing to our want of space we have only beeu able to give the chief proposals for the future outlined in the statement. (Che tele graph staff are to be enmplimeutad upon the manner in wbioh they did their work.

The Burkham Assault Cask —At the Christchurch Magistrate's Court yesterday morning, Henry Cunningham was once more charged with having, on August 30, at Burn ham, stabbed T Arohey, with intent to do him greviotis bodily harm. Inspector Ellison applied for a Still further remand until Tuesday next, when the Crown Prosecutor would be ready to go on with the case. The remand wss granted.

Ashbortow Show—Farmers and others are reminded that on the 23rd of October the annual show of the Aehburton Agricul tural and Pastoral Association will take place at their grounds adjoining the sale yards, aad that entries ulose with the secretary on Tuesday, October 16, positively. Indications point to a most successful function, and given fine weather the attend* anca of the public should prove a record one.

CriCKWT—The Methven Orickeb Club opened rhe season on Thursday, 27th inst., when there was a, large attendance of members, notwithstanding the inolemenoy of the weather. Sides were chosen by the oapUin and vice-captain, Messrs John Henderson and E. Davis, respectively. Some very good play was shown for the opening day, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent. The Club has decided to join the Canterbury Cricket Association, an^ it is to be hoped that the Association will encourage country cricket by arranging matches with town and country clubs.

An Expensive Firb—For many months a fierce fire has been burning in the Cardiff coul mine on the west coast of this lalaud. It began early in February last, and so far has resisted all attempts to subdue it. Al ready an enormous quantity of coal has been destroyed, arid much more must be burst up before the fire can be gob under, if indeed it does not defy all the efforts of the proprietors and the Government officers who are now attempting its subjugation.

Hbadless Poui/tey—A ouno<ia oona'gn ment of poultry has just; arrived in London on the *• Moray oh ir<3 from New Zealand, the whole of the birds being minus heads and feet. The quality of both fowls and ducks is beyond reproach, but the poulterer is not over anxioua to bid as the maimed condition of the poultry renders it unsuitable for show on the shop front. Some 20 or more crates of the produce have been disposed of at Leadenhall, and we understand that a quantity haa been delivered at Smithfield. The only explanation conceivable are not experienced traders and separated the heads and feet in ignorance of tho custom prevail" ing in the trade as to the importation of poultry. In view of the faoh (hit just now home supplies are plentiful, the mistake is fehe more uufortuuate.

A Bbmindeb—We wish to remind all who may require ntw suna &c, "before the Show," that we have a;ready opened out a large yasiety of New Goods for the Spring and Summer seasons, comprising the moat 11 up to date " best quality worsted Buitinga, &o, imported direct) from the manufacturers. For a number of years we have always had such a " Rush " of orders just before the holidays, 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 as early as ! possible to prevent disappointment, and oblige Craig head & Berryman, the leadiug Tailors and Outfitters,, Ashbnrton CONSULTING OPTICIAN

Mr Ernest M. Sa&dstein, D6 0 A*, FS,, M.O, whi has lately returned after six years' upeoial study in England and Con tinent, may be consulted on all cases o defective eyesight. Daylight not necessary, artificial light being used. Doctors' pre scriptions prepared. Fees moderate. Con suiting rooms, Oashel Street W., over M. Sandatein, jeweller. 930b01, 2to 6 daily. 9 305

Thb Weather. —A cold snap accompanied by showery disagreeable weather came on yesterday afternoon, and continued through the night. This will prove some what severe upon the lam bios;, especially towards the back country.

Tkoopbr G Braddell.—We have just hrard that Tiooper George Brnddtll wr o »ml > morigs* the !aut lot of volunteers from New Zealand was promoted directly he got to the front to be corporal. The Ashburton trooporss re evidently appreciated

FBESKNTATiON~Mr Hobart, was made the recipient of a handsome ebony walking stick Buitably inscribed in silver, yesterday, the occasion being the severance of his connec tion with the Canterbury Mills. The presentation wus made by Mr R Kerr, the head miller, on behalf of the staff, who made a kindly speech hoping that long life and eucoess might attend Mr Hobart, The latter replied in a feeling manner thanking the generous donors.

General lan Hamilton —Colonel lan Hamilton began hi- briilianti carter at the early age of twenty six, with the African campaign, and he w»s desperately wounded at Mejuba Hill In tha Nile Expedition of 1884, in Burmah in 1886-7, at Ohitral in 1895, and with the Tirah expedition of 1897 he was desperately wounded every time, bo that ib to little wonder his gallant, breast is covered with decorations. So far he has been more fortunate In the present campaign, though in the thick of thn fighting.

Sale of Mafekiwg Siege Notes and Stamps.—Messrs Christie, Manson, & Woods sold at) their rooms in London a set of Mafeking; siege banks notes for £1, IGs, S», 2a, and Is, issued by authority of Colonel Btden-PoweU, common-ling Frontier Forces, and Bigned "FT. Greener, Captain, Chief Paymaster," together with i»n envelope wibh three 3d. Mafeking stamps with Baden> Powell's head and two 2<h cyclist siege stamps with cyclist in place of head, the property of Sub-Inspector A. D, Murray, of the Cape Police, £21 ; another tec of siege notes, with a second 10a note with a miss pelling of the woid "Commanding," in which the "v' is left out, went for £21,

Wireless Tblkgrapht Between Eng land and Franobi—lt is stated that a regu lar system af wireless telegraphy will shortly be established between England and France. Ihe South-Eaßtern and Chatham and Dover Railway Company have made arrangements with M Marconi for the erection of stations at Calais and Dover, for the maintenance of communication with their boats as they crocs the Channel. As the General Post Office regulations forbid the use of this system for the transmission of public messages, the com pany can send only their private messages by this means

A Sad STORY—Lady Alioe Montagu, eiater of the Duke of Manchester, who died the other day of consumption at Davoa Platz, waa one of twin daughters of the late Duke and Consuelo, Duchess of Manchester. •i hey were both singularly beautiful girls, but one, Jsque'ine, died of consumption about four years ago, and now the second has fallen a victim to the same insidious disease,

Pretoria—Pretoria is the strongest point in the Transvaal. J>> is surrounded by eteep mountain?, very high and practically inac cessible. On the top of the four corner hills are fortresgea manned by heavy guns.. The arsenals beneath them are vast storehouses ot ammunition, all filled. There is a railway which comes up to the town by a tunnel. This is the only ingress. IneSde the hills is the large and fertile plateau on which the town stands

The Vanishing Point—An experimental ist in domestic economy has discovered that it is possible to exist on one meal a week. He has been living up to his theory, and tilt now has got on very well, only losing two stone in weight. He seems to have taken the idea from the old litfy who attempted to feed her cow on nothing. The unfortunate part of her scheme was that just as she got it into regular habits, the contrary animal died

The Bohbs' Losses—A goodly number of the poorer Biers will be in a sad plight when the preaent war is over. While they are fighting against oar troops their farms aro becoming ruined through lack of atten tion. Most of the Boers have had to let their crops go to waste, and to sell what few o%ttle they possessed in order to make pro vision for their wives and families while they were taking part in the campaign,

Elgin.—it is to be regretted that the efforts of th* Klgln Sohool o>mmittefi towards providing an e&cursion for tb& scholars should on Friday evening last have been so miserably supported by our friend, the clerk of the weather. The oommifctee had gone to no end of trouble te prepare their annual excellent programme an<3 musical treat, and all that was wanted to guarantee a full house was a favourable nigh". Bat, rain poured in torrents, and the night was the most bitter experienced for sorna considerable time. Consequently the school which on all previous occasions has been packed, was very sparsely filled, and it was difficult for any member of the audience to realise that he wai at an Elgin concert. Despite the inclemency of the weather, however, the performers turned out gallantly, and every item promised was forthcoming. The room was tastefully decorated with bunting, and the usual display of flowers and evergreens supplied and tastefully arranged by Mr J. Cochrann This gentleman as chairman of the lucal committee, occupied the chair, and in a few appropriate words, introduced the per formers. Instrumental selections were exceptionally well played by Mr Gates* orchestra, and were well received by the small, though hearty audience. Songs, one and all of which were very capably rendered were contributed by Mrs Marsden, Misses Fooks and Clark, and Messrs Northcote, Schwartz, Oliver, and Preston j while the violin and the clarionet solos rendered respectively by Messrs McClurg and Undrill proved very pleasing items The recitations supplied by Misses Millar and Mahony were the only other items of what was a first-class programme. The usual vote of thanks, proposed by Mr Choak, was accorded to the performers, and the room was cleared for dancing, which, how ever was poorly patronised, one and all being parti ularly anxious to eeek the Bhelter of their own roofs

Tradesmen Okioket Club.—A meeting was held laetjnight for the purpose of form a new cricket club, bub owing 60 the inclement) elate of the weather the at ten' dances was only fair. A letter was received from Mr Northcote, regretting he could sot attend owing to a previous engagement. He thought that considering the facility given for the noble game of crioket in ABhburton Kttd taking into account the strong reputation that Canterbury has for the game, our town ia woefully in the back ground in this particular sport and a 2nd club would doubtless pub more life in cricket. Mr Baigent stated that the meeting was called to form a Tradesmen's Cricket Club and he looked to the tradesmen for support, stating that if they all considered the matter in the same light as Mr Northoote there would be no difficulty in advancing the good old English game, Oa the motion of Mr Richards, it was decided that a new olnb be formed called the ' Ashburton Imperial Cricket Club," and the following were elected officers :—Patron—G A M Buckley, Esq j President—D Thomas, Esq ; Vice-Presi dents—Messrs John McLachlan, Rev Wood thorpe, Father O'Oonnell, Df Bolger, P H Cox, Andrew Orr, Ma'colmaon, Parriman, Grange, Northcote, Henry D*vis, 0 Reid, and J W Timmins ; Secretary—Mr B Amos ; Treasurer—Mr P Orr ; Committee—Messrs Richards, G Andrews, A J Andrews, H Griffiths, W W Smith, I Baigent, F Pritch ard. The matter of a selection committee and captain was held over. It was decided the subscription be fixed at 10s, and junior members ss. A sub-comwiittee was formed from the committee, to make enquiries re ground and material, and reporb at the committee meeting on Thursday, October 4.

CABLE NEWS.

United Press Assooiation—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright

London, Sept 28 Vienna advices reports that the Mikado visits the Ozw and other European sovereigns in the spring

SPORTING.

GERALDINE RACES.

SECOND DAY Obahi, September 28 Concluding results— Railway Handicap - The Orphan 1. Dividend-£2 18-. Winchester Hack—Retreat 1. Dividend —£4 Ba. Milk TROT-Eltee More 1. Dividend fig 4s. Farewell—St. Denis 1. Dividend—£ll4?.

ASHBURTON TROTTING CLUB

Owners pro reminded that nominations tor rhe Trotting Club's Spring Meeting, to be held on Wednesday, October 24, close on Tue-day evening next, at 9.30, with the Secretary (Me R. J. Henry), at D.vane's Hotel:

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

NEGOTIATIONS FOR AN AGREEMENT.

(Received Sept 28, 7.32 a ro.) Bong Kong, September 27

Prince Tuan's position as President of the Council in equivalent to the Premiership

A. party of Russian and Japanese troops escorted Li Hung Ohang to Pekin. Dr Munn, the German Minister to" Ohina, with the German squadron, has gone northwards. Bandits are plundering the villages round Canton. They have destroyed the Roman Oatholio Church at Tokam hang and desecrated the cemetery. i An Imperial edict confers postbumoas honours on General Li Ping Heng and Ohun-yi, two reactionaries who recently committed suicide London, Sept 27 Before replying to the proposal of the Emperor William that China should surrender the instigators of the outrages before negotiations . are entered into, Lord Salisbury awaits the receipt of information from Sir Claude Macdonald Adelaide, September 28 The South Australian Government has been advised that the Protector has been ordered to Taku,

Mayfield and Ruapuna.

(From our own Correspondent)

The weather is keeping very dull add showery, an<i is g< od growing weather for grass etc;, but people would like to see warm weather now. There hay* been some vary alight frosts dnring the past week. This seems to be a good lambing season. I have heard of several farmers who have over 100 per cent of lambs. Preparations are being made for the opening of the cricket season on Saturday. 1 A new concrete pitch ha* been put down on I the recreation ground ; the weather has been considerably against the work, bat the enthusiastic cricketers of Mayfield made up for lost time by working by night with lanterns.

Mr G Mummery, the mail carrier, was unlucky last Tuesday night, his horse taking fright at Valetta, and upsetting the four w heeled vehicle, considerably damaging it.

The anniversary social given by the Mutual Improvement Association was a great succees, the schoolroom being nearly filled in epite of the wet night. A good programme was given by the following ladies and gentlemen :—Misses Hight and Kllery, Mts^re Dellow, Cooper, Doyle, Har rison, Jewell, and Griffen. A dialogue by Miss Highb and Mr Cooper was well appre ciated. Refreshments were supplied by the 'adies.

The Rev H X L&wry is to give a lecture on " The Pyramids," illustrated by lime light, next Thursday, October 4tb, in May field church.

I am happy to note that Mr John Burgess is recovered and able to bs about again.

Interprovincial.

United Pri-ss Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright Christchurch, September 28 A man named William Cother, a ware' houseman! residing at Linwood, while endeavouring to get off the train this evening slipped and fell under the wheels of one of the cars, his left leg being badly crushed. He was taken to the hospital, where the limb was amputated.

Murder of a Governor.

THE ASSASSIN SENTENCED TO DEATH.

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright New York, Sept 27 James Howard has been sentenced to death for the murder of Senator W. Goebel, at Frankfort, Kentucky.

(The murder of Senator Goebel, which was the sequel to a singularly bitter eleotoral campaign, occurred in January. Goebel was elected Governor of Kentucky, but his defeated opponent, a candidate named Taylor, who had command of the State militia, prevented the Legislature from meeting. On his way to be sworn in Goebel was shot from a window by an unknown assassin' He died four days later; Ou August 18 a person named Towera, formerly secretary of the State of Kentucky, was sentenced to imprisonment for life for being convioted of beinst an accessory before the fact in connection with the murder.)

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

United Press Assoolabton—By Klecbrio Telegraph. Wellington, September 28 The Council met at 2 30 The Coußcil resolved to sit on Monday. The Local Bodies Loans Act Amendment) Bill paeaed through Committee, wibh the addition of a clause providicg chat in case of districts being divided into ridings or sub divisions, nothing shall prevent the payment of any separate rate levied ia any such riding of the charges on any loan raised within such riding. The.lndictable Offanoeß Summary Juris diction Act Amendment Bill was considered in Committee, and clauses were added pro viding that at the close of a preliminary hearing of a oharga for an offence not punish able by death, accused may plead guilty and be committed to the Supreme Court for sentence, and shall be brought before a Judge for sentence in open Court as soon as possible, and bail may be granted as in commitment for trial. Power under thes© clauses is only given to a Court; of which a Stipendiary Magistrate is a member, and no accused may withdraw a plea of guilty so given in. The Inspection of Machinery Act Amend? msnb Bill passed through Committee, machinery worked by gaa being deleted from the definition of machinery. gibe Posb Office Bill, after debate, passed ita second reading. j The Old Age Pensions Act Amendment Bill wae read a first time; . The CouDcil adjourned at 5 p tn. On reßumiDg at 7.30 p m the debate on the second reading of the Government) Railways Bill was concluded, and the reading was agreed to. Hon. W O Walkef, in moving the pro posal for Island federation, said thab or account of the rise of the Australian Com • monwealth the moment was particularly opportune for bringing to a h«ad the policy

which was originated in 1883, and he thought the Imperial sanction could be obtained lor the tx^-uMou of the Colonial boundaries. The motion was v greed to. The Council rose t,t 10 pm

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Wellington, Sept 28 The House met at 2 30 p m A number of petitions we c presented in f ivor of vesting Mount Cook site in the Victoria College Council as a site for ft University The Pacific Cable Authorisation Act Amendment Bill was introduced, aod read * first time. Mr Ward explained that the Bill merely authorised the payment of one-ninth of the coßb of the cable ou the contract amount, instead of the amount named in the Aot— £1,800 COO. Rsplying to questions, Minister* said Government fully recognised the imporfacce of the colony being represented at the • foundation of the Australian Common* wealth, as marking one of the greatest epochs ia the history of the Empire and the Australian Commonwealth, and as soon as a decision was come to on the subj >ot an i announcement woald ba made to the House. : As to amending the law to./ enable Crows tenants to obtain reasonable ad fasces on their improvements without the delays to which they are now subjected, Mr Ward said if there were a defect in the law on the subject he would endeavour by legislation next session to effect an alteration. In answer to a question by Mr Hraham, who asked if in view of the inability of the Victoria College Council to. obtain a site for the University buildings in Welliagton, Government would rake atepi to procure a tite in Nelson, Mr Seddon Bald an Attempt) had been made to treat the proposal aa not seriously made. Government bad done all i» emild to find a site that would meet the approval of the Counoil. The (Government) i required Monot Cook for defenoe purposes [and would not give that. If the Council would not accepb one of the sites offered they would set up a commission to enquire about a site elsewhere than WelliEgfccn. Thab a Land Bill would foe introduced in a fow days, and that provision would be made exempting Crown tenant! from paying rent half yearly in advance who have effected improvements to the value of 29 per ceob. Mr Collins moved the adjournment of the Houße, expressing dieeatlßfaction with the answer of the Premier to the question by whose authority certain extrao s from the Premler'B speech In Hansatd reflecting upon him had been distributed iv Chriatchurch. '1 he debate wag interrupted by the 5.39 adjournment. The House resumed at 7 30 p.m The Maori Councils Bill was introduced by a Governor's message and read a first time. The Premier read a letter from Lord Roberts in reply to an invitation sent by Parliament to visit New Z aiand, returning thanks for the invitation, and stating that if an opportunity offered Ledy Roberts and himself would be happy to take advantage of the invitation, Mr Ward moved thab amendments is the Public Health Bill made by the Council be dieagreed with aud that managers be appointed to confer with delegates from the Council on the subject. The principal amendment was the insertion of a new clause giving local bodies power to impose a system of differential rating. The motion wan carried. Mr Seddon moved to alter the boundaries of the colony to include certain Islands. He made a lengthy epeeoh, and at it* tonolusion Mr Hall Jones laid on the table the Public Works Statement.

PUBLIC WORKS STATE MENT.

The Public Works Statement wai delivered in the House of Representatives last evening by the HonJ W. Hall-Jones, Minister for Public Works. The following is a summary of the proposals :■—

RAILWAYS — LINES TO BB ?BCCBEDED WITH

The time has arrived when Government fee! justified in oarryingon moreexpeditioaaly the work o! completing the main arterial lints now in hand, namely the North Island Main Trunk, the Blenheim-Waipara, the i Midland and Ofcage Central Railways. Prudence dictates that the proper coarse it to carry ou work vigorously at ends, and aa soon as the formation is ready, to at once lay the permanent way ao that each mile when completed may be utilised* If this is done there is nothing to prevent rails being connected between Auckland and Wellington within four years, LIGHT BAtLWAYS There is urgent necessity for opening up oar colony by convenient and regular moans of communication, bo as to enable our sturdy Bettlers to more advantageously compete with other countries in the marktts of the world. This induce* me to revert to the question of light railways* I have come to the conclusion that the best and most) economical course is, in certain diitrioti, to construct narrow gauge railways. The cost of construction npon the present gauge could, however, be reduced twenty pec cent by using lighter rails, fewer sleepers, and constructing bridges of a lighter standard than is used at present. This would necessitate the uae of lighter rolling stock, and running less weighty trains than is now the practice However, the same reason which probably actuated my predecessor in adopting the 3ft 6in gauge instead of ft broader ons, was economy and a more rapid construction, which induces me to suggest whether as branch lines, opening up new country, as feeders to the main Uses or as Steam tramways, a 2ft gauge will best m*et what is required. In different parts of Ihe world railways have already been constructed ob this gauge. MIDLAND RAILWAY. The vote for the. construction of the Midland railway last year was £60,000, but this year a larger vote will be necessary. An amount of £100,000 has accordingly been provided on the estimates for the works referred to, namely at Springfield, Otira, Tadmor, and survey from Reefton to Inangahua Junction, ftgahore,and Blackball. The total appropriation proposed for railway construction purposes is £559,500. WELLINGTON MANAWATU BAILWAT

It is intended to introduce a 'measure empowering Government; to enter into negotiations, and to take the neo»«Bary powers to enable this negotiations for the purchase of. the railway to be proceeded with, such purchase not; to be completed until terms and conditions have been settled on, and finally approved by Parliament) next session.

TELEPHONE EXCHANGE The total number of subscribers to all exchanges at the end of the year, March 31, was 17150: The moßfc important extensions to new districts were Whitianga toGumtown, Mongonui to Perla, Tokatea to Cableitge Bay, Whakatane to Taneatua, Tehoro to Fipiriki, Mangaweka to Moawhango, Nuhaka to Morere, Waerengaokuri to Haagaroa, Awatere to Seddon, Denni?ton to Burnett's Face, Tinrsaru to Gleniti, Merrivafa to Clifden, Drummond to Reddon Bush, Colao Bay to Roundhill, or Puki to Tetua MABEOOR DEFENCE A large amount; of work is required thii year, including the construction of a new battery at Wellington in a more advantageous position than any of the existing forts, also Borne very necessary works of defence in connection with oar chief oosl porfca. The vote proposed for the current year is £20 000. Last year's vote for con tingent {defence was £40,000, which, how ever, was slightly exoeeded, the total expenditure amounting to £42,810. This year a vote of £100.00Q is provided fori ROADS TO BACK BLOCKS Jn the Financial Statement' she Colonial Treasurer mentioned that of the £1,000,000 loan £150,000 would be required for the construction of roads in back blocks. The amount mentioned was not the total sum required for thia work, and, as will be seen from the Estimates, the Government recog nise that while increased provision is neces sary fpr railways t»a increased amount is also essential for roads to bask blocks and Crows lands, so as to enable settlers to get their products to the main roads dud rail ways After the session the Minister of Lands will make it hi* special business to visit thn back blocks and to personally look into the r'quirements of settlers. MIDLAND RAILWAY Referrisi* io this line the Minister lays that the ot:g standing dispute with the N«w Zealctud Midland Railway Oompwy, §b|

TftE ASflßUfftoN GtABDU^ • fcAToEDA^ SKfTEMBEfe 2&, 900



W, SXRANG.K] Sole Partners and "T, COVEKDALE Proprietors. THE GHEAPEBT WA\, THE BEST WAY, THE MOST SATISFACTORY WAY r When baying unytMne is to PATRONISE A LARGE ESTABLISHMENT, srach »s our own. We bay ENORMOUS QUANTITIES F EVERYTHING AT A TIME, AND WE BUY FOR ■HARD GASH, Oeuseqaently we can offer Patrons a very wide range of goods AT PRICES TO SUIT ALL PURSES. For np to d..te Drapery, Stylish Dresses and Dress Goods, Fashionable Mantles - and Jackets, exquisite London and Continental Model Millinery, &c, &0., Honae j Fnmitnre and Furnishings, Wire MatfessoH, Pure, Sweet Bedding. First; rate . Venetian an other Bliude, Ready Mad© Cioiiing (all these lineß being mtnufrctnred i by ourselves) WE ARE UNRIVALLED TN NEW ZEALAND, WE ARE ALSO BESPOKE TAILORS. This great Department of our Business beini? conducted on West End of London Hues, STYLISH. PERFECT FITTIN^SUITS FROM £3 3 IT MAY NOT BE OONYENIENT FOR YOU To come to Town to see (7a ; if you cannot spare the time to come, yoa can WRITE TO US. PATTERNS, PRICES, AND PARTICULARS past free on application to any address. HUNDREDS OF LADIES NOW SHOP WITH US BY POST, THIS SYSTEM WF. FIND WORKS SMOO'iHLY, EASILY, and PLEASANTLY AND GIVES GENERAL SATISFACTION. BTRANGE~& H~COMPANY, OHKISTrFTjROH. „_,,.,.- ■■ii__«»«i_Mß____n«rTTr'"'"'*'"**~ MM^^M^^^^^M^M'MMMI'M'lIIMMM> NEWS BY FRISCO MAIL. fRST PRIZE PAB> EXHIBITS. AWARDED TO C:?I'-YIIO1V XJB/V GARDENS COMPANY MAHARAJAH TEA. 6OLB AO'NTB-Hondni-Lanlm rJTesi Conpnny, J>uiie<lln, N B -Tb> Is one of the Ceylon Packed lose the Tea B'enderß petitioned Parliameßb to Tux an extra twopence per lb. (l It iB not blended for ex ra profit at your expense. THE NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FACTORY TTAVB a few Job Lines thrown out |at Stocktaking, which they are Selling at GKEAT R EDUCTIONS Man's Hard and Soft Felts Is 6d, Isflld and 2a 63 Ladiea Sailor Straws rtduoed to Is Brown Moleskin Trousers reduced to 5s lid Men's Best Crup Oorkhams 263 6i for 19a 6d Women's Oanvas Shoes reduced to 3s 6d* Ohildrrn's Canvas Shoes reduced to 2a 61 Men's Silk Ties reduced to 6d and le NZ, CLOTHING FACTORY, F. H. BBCKINGS&LB, Manager. MASTKRPiI^JE OFSKILLED WORKMANSHIP ARE j BUILT WITH Narrow Tread, Overhanging Sprockets, Patent Fead Tube, Head Lee Butr.ed Tubing, |in or lira Roller Chain, Any Gear, Any Height Frame. ONE PRICE TO ALL, £21. GATES, LOWRY & CO. ZttALAHDIA CYCLE WOBK3 BURNETT STREET. ..,.,.„,. GOOD NEWS TO ALL S3£OOD NEWS TO ALL GEORGE DUNCAN & CO R3ADY MONIiY DRAPERS, TANORBD STREET, ASHBURTON BKG to intimate that they have secured a lease of thone centrally situated Premiaes vow occupied by (hem, and we now opening a large and well selected Btook of GFNERAL DRAPERY, which has been imported direct from the Manufacturers in EnaUnd, and will be told for Heady Money at ROCK BOTTOM PRICES. We subjoin » few quotations, bub remember that Quality is the Tbue Test of Value, and nothing in ehe&D which is not good Wo aek you fco compare our value and you will at once acknowledge that we are THE CHEAPEST DRAPERS IN ASHBURTON* Our motto is Shall v'xpk-"Ses, BmaUi Profits, Quick Returns. Only a few Bargains. No room for ra jre-Lvje Unrein?, lovely deform, large sizes, value unequalled, la 6|d, la lid, 2s 6d 2* U'J 3- 6ti. 4a 6i, 4* lid. 58 id, 6a lid, and 7a 6d j New Prints, large oholce of pat-.tbs 2|i, 3f 1, 4Ji, 6d, 6| I : Gilhiteas from 6d j Pandoras from B|d j New Dress JVUioia'' for'ajjficg war, from 11| Ito '2- 6d ; S3-in Strips FJanneiette 5Jd, 4|d, 6|d, and 61' j Wide Ribhfms usually sold is 3d, job piece 6d ; Spsei&l Parohßie .Ribbed Black Oaahm«re H ac 9d, usuaiiy 1» 3d, A trial solicited. 9



SPECIAL DISPLAY cm SPRING FASHIONS ON SATURDAY, BEPT. 22. New Dresaes, New Millinery, New Hats and Trimming, New Prints, Zephyrs, Muslins, etc. HEW GOODS AND NOVELTIES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS. YOU ARE INVITED TO INSPECT* ASHBURTON I DRAPERY CO. AKT PICTURES OF THE GENERALS, &o, TRANSVAAL WAR Inalading IMPERIAL HORSE, CANADIAN DRAGOONS, &c. rpHE above are Works of Art and far _L surpass anythusg of the kind yet Im ported into this Colony. Peraona desirous of Securing a memento of the present W-ir will find the above engravings very suitable. Pries 2a 64 each. I have also to hand an aesortment of ARTISTS COPIES. which will be let ont to for any number of days. J. WTLSON, Sign-Writer and Decorator, BURNKTT STREET. KAYE & CARTFR ARE CASH BUYERS, highest current rates, ail FARM PRODUCE, Agents tor Sutton's and Lawson's Unrivalled Seeds. New Beaton's Supplies of R*PE, QjaRNIP, MANGEL, CLOVERS. &0, &c, JUST LANDED, LARGE STORES at LYTT ELTON. EXTENSIVE CLEANING MACHINERY. CORNHA'wKS always on hand. KAYE & (3ARTER, OHRISTOHUROH. 9 57 FROM TH,. O»T« «ÜBON MOATB • CO.'« CELEBRATED PURE TEAS WILL BE PACKED AS «MDER : H°1"'i w!::T!ll 11 "00", 18 » -' "00 1/ J 6 NoTK-tfo-*. "0.8 ScChampion are new Blends "m~mm-1 > IN INTRODUCING OUR We do so with confidence, knowing it to be the finest quality procurable at the piice. ask FOR OUR TEAS HAVE NOTHING =«■* All other Brands not mentioned are reduced 2d per lb, T H UnDBXIX-., 2 ONDBIUi 1 T H UNDEILI & CO FURNISaiNG UNDERTAKERS" TANORED STREET, ASHBURTON EVERY REQUISITE ON HAND. Polished Coffins a Specialty. A Choice Assortment of Artificial Wreaths in Stook. —— Private Addresß, Peter Street, directly behind Oddfellows' Hall; also oare ef Mr T. Andrews, Easfc Belt. 1 PURERRED PRIZE POULTRY '■ JK) «- G *. MINOROAS, Browo Leghorns, Anda sians, Langshans, and Dorkings from 5s to 21b per sitting. 8 187 H. G. BRRRYMAN. TT7ANTED—Everybody to read the advertisement re Cheap Sale, in another part ef this iesne—A H Williams, Tailored Street /*IOMPARE prices at Jubilee 800 \J Shop before bnyiDg elsewhere. 9 203 THE NZ. FARMERS' CO-OPEBATIVE ASSOCIATION OF CANTERBURY c to- WE have oeveral really firet-clasa Farm for Sale on our books, and farmers wishing to purchase would do well to call on us for particulars :— 820 Acres Rakala District 365 | 9 i, „ 500 j, Dromore „ 1000 it Lauriston  1180  Springburn  750 „ Wakaoui „ 1031 „ Chertsey „ 195S  Dromore  T. F. GIBSON, 149 Manager N" ATIONAL MORTGAGE & AGENCY CO. OF N.Z, LTD.; TIMAKO IMPROVED FARMS FOR SALE. f 530 aores Rangitata, 250 acres Olaremonfc s j 250 acres Waibotie, 200 acres Waihao, j 250 acres Kingsdown, 1000 aores Otaio, 2 500 acres Totara, \ And others of various sizer in South Canter* j 9 bury y Improved Farms for lease, with right of g purchase I 1170 acrea Fairlie, 505 aores Totara, and 3 265 acres S7ot»ra 1 Also unimproved agriouitural and grazing l farms of various sizes on the Rainoliffe and ( Levels Estates, and two well improved Station properties of 7000 aorei each



J.



rfiHOSE who desire a convenient house X and up-to-date, should oonßult Hard le¥ Bbos.i for «t;ii supply of hot and oold water