Mail Notices.

Mails close for the following places as under, subject to the cecesaary alterations: - THURSDAY, AUGUST 9 For Australian Goloniea (via Bluff) per express, to connect with Waikare, »t 12,30 p.m. Due Melbourne 15th Augasb. For Northern Ports and Westporfc, also to connect with Aotea for South America, also United Kingdom and Continent of Europe specially nddrtssed via Monte Video, per Rotomahanr, at 6.30 pm> Dae London September 3tOh, W. H. Rennbr, Postmaater.

TH ASHBURTON TRAIN SERVICES

Trains leave Ashburton daily for— UHRISTOHUROH—at 720 a.m., 11 ».m.,

2.15 p.m., 7 spm. (express) TIMARU~at 10 55 a.m., 3 50 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 12 54 p.m. (express) SPRINGBURN-»t 4.25 p m.

Trains arrive daily at Ashburton from— CHBISTOHURCH— tA 10.45 n.m.; 1247

p.m. (express), 8 p.m. TIMARU-afc 10.35 a.m., 2 55 p.m. DUNEDIN—at 6.57 p.m. (exprese) SPRINGBURN-at 9 45 a.m.

EPHEMERIS.

Phases of Moon fox August

SUN.

SECOND EDITION Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8, 1900. PERNICIOUS LITERATURE.

At a Canterbury Education Board

meeting tho other day reference was made to the mischievous effect produced op the minds of young people by the "cheap and nasty fiction" whioh meets with such prodigious sale in these colonies nowadays. Unquestionably the "penny dreadful" has mach to answer for, From a literary point of view it is beneath contempt; while its alleged portrayals of life and character are as ridiculous as they are misleading, Impossible storied embellished with

impossible illustrations are l( continued in our next" for months together, and Venus and Apollo no longer represent the standard of grace and beauty when compared with the heroei and heroines of the penny dreadful clas*. They are superlative beings too dazzling for ordinary mortals. Dukes and earls, lords and ladies fairly jostle one another in these absurd stories, professing to depict the manners and customs of the aristocracy, and all 1 evolved from the disordered brains of the authors. The books and their characters are all ca«t in the lame mould, for there is a strong family likeness noticeable in all of them. They are all of the sickly, sentimental cast, and the writers would have us believe that these wretched caricatures represent the true staadard of human excellence. What kind of in

fluence roust such literature exercise upon the minda of those who patronise it? Such writings fill the minds of their readers with false ideals, vitiate their taste and deßtroy all inclination for wholesome mental food, just as constant indulgence in cakes and caramels will destroy the appetite for good honest beef steak. If we want to estimate the baleful effects wrought by the * dreadfuls' and novelettes, we hare only to interview the proprietor of some large circulating library, and he will tell us how the taste in reading has deteriorated. The present generation does not care for Diokens or Thackeray, being, as a rule, quite incapable of appreciating the humour of the one on the satire of the other. Many young people of this age have never even heard of George Eliot; it wculd be nil the same if they had, they would not read her works; she is too true to human nature to suit the taste of the age. It eeeina to us pitiable that the mawkish trash pro- j duced by the great army of unknown writers, and served up by the pro prietors of these wretched raga week by week, for the edification (?) of the young ehould be preferred to the works of the classic authors we have named. And let it not be supposed that the j young or the illiterate are the only people who devour the rubbish we have indicated. This would be a great mistake. Hundreds of educated women

in this eonntrj, who ought to know

better, read little else from year's end' to yeat'o end except novelettes. These publication* are imported into the colony literally by the ton weight, frequently coming out as ballast But the demand for them ia insatiable, and the mischief they do is incalculable. What we want in this colony at the present time are more good literary clubs or associations for the fostering and encouragement of a healthier taste in reading. The promoters of the Young Men's Club, which had a brief existence here a year or so ago recognised this, and their effort de served better recognition and support from those it was intended to serve. We may well congratulate the Catholic Literary Society upon the fact that | they have succeeded for quite a long time in keeping their society in exist ence, for it is undoubtedly doing good work. Even such interpretations of the classic authors as are given by such able exponents as the Rev Oharles Clark, and Mrs Hannibal Williams must have a beneficial effect upon the reading tnstes of the people who go to hear them ; and it is & matter for regret that we cannot oftentr have such opportunities as Mrs Williams gave us last evening of hearing one of tha great English poet's plays, where, Oollins says " Breathing nature lives in every line." -Something certainly should be done to prevent the great works of our best authors from passiag completely out of the ken of the masses of the people. We commend the consideration of this subject to our social reformers.

Local and General.

%* Interesting reading matter will be found on the first *nd fourth pages of this issue.

Probam —In the Supreme Court, ChrUt churoh, yesterday, in re Amos Sherratt de oeased, Mr Donnelly for Mr Farote obtained an order for probate.

BANKROPTCIFS.--Laßb week ther« were five bankruptcies in the colony—a oontracboc at Whangarei, a bak«r at Paoroa, » forward ing agent at Auckland, an engineer at Ashburtoo, and a contraotor at Invercargill.

Thk Shows.—The Tinuru Agricultural and Pastoral Association's annual show is fixed for Tuesday and Wednesday, October 30 and 31.—The annual horse show aider i be auspices of the Akaroa County Farmers' Club will he held at Diivauchellei on October 5. ■ ■ .

Telkorams for China—The Telegraph Department notifies that telegrams for members of Her Majesty's forces serving in China will be trtasmitted at the following reduced rates :—Hong Hong, Shanghai, Foochow, Amoy, 2* 2JI per word ; M»cao, 2i 4d ,• Canton, 2i b < ; Formosa, 2s 6d and othsr places 3s a word.

A Now. in an Inch—The followi&g from the Press reads like awaist coat pocket edi tion of a three volume novel, but is faot :— Years ago a man and woman married ; years since they were divorced. Both married afresh. Recently the second wife of the husband died ; also the second husband <.: the wife. On Monday the hasbund and wife of sine years ago were again married in Canterbury.

A Wklgomb—Ob Tuesday evening, July 31, one of the most successful social gathar- Inga took place in the Wiuslww ichoelrootn, for the purpose of meeting Mr J Brown, the newly appointed school master at Winslow. The ashooiroom waa crowded, and musical selections wars given, and after liberal re freshments had been partaken of, dancing wai indulged in until the small hours.

A Childish Fad.—The latest foolishness on the west Bide of the Atlantic is the " bread and batter party," at which grown-up people, many of them married, dress and act as children. The women wear ahort frocks, and the men sailor suits, with baby clothes. They play childish games, and afc eleven o'olock In the evening waitresses bring in slices el ftugarei bread and butter, which the growH up children smear ov*r their fao«s and fingers»

Tmr "Triad ."--The current number of the Triad ia to hand, and is a more than usually interesting number. In the editor's notes is a humorous skit on the war corres pondence, and quite » mass of recondite musical criticism. The supplement, which is a reproduction of an oil painting "The Tillage Choir," in quite worth framing. No one can fail to find in the forty pages of our breezy con temporal y much to interest, inntxuot, and amuse*

A Cowabdly Fellow—The Entfhland Times states that on Friday evening a mem ber of one of the football teana who played during the afternoon, was savagely assaulted by one ef the team he had tsen opposed to in the field. If the statements made are not exaggerated—»ad there is no reason to be- Heve that they are-—the assault) was a oowardly and unexpected one*

Fairfield School—Mr Malcolmioa was recently authorised by the Board of Educa tion, to purchase a site for the Fairfisld sohool, and he obtained three acres for this purpose from Mi- J»mes Wilson, fronting the Main South road. The Board, however, wished the area increased te five aeras, aad Mr Wilson very handsomely agreed to allow the extra two acres to be taken for the school at the same price, the concstsion be ing specially made to assist in getting a school established tn the district.

Dromors School Committee—At the monthly rotating of iha abeve cemaiifctae, the following members ware present: Maura Allen (chairman), Syme, J. Wilson, W Clarke and J Blackburn. It was reported that three hundred trees had bean planted on Arbor day. Messrs Clarke aad Syma were appointed a visiting committee for the ensuing month. It was decided te hold a ball on Friday, September 7, in aid of the children's prize fund. After potaiog several amounts for payment, the meeting ad«

jouroed.

The Amebioan Tbotter :•—The Buperiority o! the American trotting horse has become so well established in the iast few years that European breeders have sent agents to the United States to study their methods of breeding, and in Germany and France the local horee-breeders have induced their governments to place an embargo on farther importations. The American trotter, as bred to day, is the most useful and service able horse in the world, and he has out classed all others at the shows at home and abroad* Ha is the ideal type of horse, with

just sufficient mobility about him to permit

I the breeders to rear him for a variety of uses. I He is bred from 15 to 17 handß in height, and from 9001b to 1400 b weight, suitable alike for racing, trotting on the track or for road handling. ! Mbs Hannibal A. Williams — The Orange Hall.was crowded last evening, to hear tfie redtal of Shakespeare's pastoral comedy " As you like it," delivered by this talented artiste. Mrs Williams, from her introductory remarks to the end of tho recital, kept her audience closely interested, h<r appearance being bright and attractive, whilst her pronunciation, with a slight American accent, was particularly distinct. Her interpretation of the different characters seemed true to life, and the frequent applause of the audience gave eviienoe of its intense interest) and appreciation of this gifted lady's efforts. Such expositions of the works of our great authors, as those of Mr and Mrs Hanni bal Williams, are^of distinot educational value, and should ttnd greatly to raise the standard of the literary taste of the community.

News in Brief.

A circular from Messrs Strange and Co., Christchuroh, ie distributed with this issue. TO THE DEAF—A rich lady, cured of her Deafness and Noises in the Head by Dr Nicholson's Artificial Ear Drums, gave £504 to his Institute, so that deaf people unable to procure the Ear Drums may have them free. Address No. 667 d. The Nicholson Institute, Longeotfc, Guianersbury, London

Presentation to Mr W. Jolliffe.

Uaited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Wklukgtok, August 8

Mr W. Jolliffa, lately of Ashburton, who has recently been appointed to a position in the Crown Law Office, was presented last evening with a handsome watch and chain and sovereign case by Mr John MoLaohlan, M.H.R., on behalf of a number of friend*. The ceremony took place in the Parliamen tary Buildings, the Hon. Mr Carrol! being it the chair. Mr McLachlan, in making the presentation, expressed the goodwill of the people of Ashburton to Mr Joliiffe, and the high esteem ie which he was held by alt classes of the community.

Agricultural and Pastoral Asso ciation.

A Committee meeting of the Aibburtoa Agricultural and Pastoral Association wm held yesterday afternoon. Present—Mom* Lsndiey, (President), E Guef, J Bland, J M Furze, J Studholme, junr, J Bonifant, 0 Reid, D McKendry, J Tucker, J Small, T F Gibson, E Cookioo, Gilmour, D Thorn*-, Langley, T Scone, SON Grigg, T Taylor, F McOafleriy, E Eich, E Horsey, J Gilmour, J Striogfellow, J Shearer and Digby. STOCK SALKS TRAIN Correspondence vai received from the New Zealand Government Railways, Wei lingtou, replying to application, that ar rangements had been mads, whereby pas sengers by the early morning train from Chrißtchorch. would in future he able to alight at the Ashburtoo saleyards siding on stock tale days; : ARMY REMOUNTS A circular respecting the breeding rf oavolry remonuts and transport horses, was received from the Auckland Agricultural Association,. NHW MKMBBRS Messrs W J Sioddart and G Thompson, wens duly elected member*. HOKBE PARADB It was resolved to hold this parade on Saturday, Saptember 22* and a Committee of management to inolude the same member as lfi.pt year was appointed. Parade to be held at> Mon& Square, as usual, BATE OF SHOW Mr Cookson gave notice of motion to rescind data of Ashburton Show, from November 2 to a two days' Show on October 25 and 26, and in order to sea the matter fully discussed, the President seconded pr§ firma. This wai ultimately modified to the puiat, " Thai a two days' show be held, A vote being taken, a large majority de cided Against a two days' show GHRISTGHtmCH SHOW A letter from the Seoreury of the Chriit ohuroh Agricultural and Pastoral Associa tion, intimating that entries at Ohristchurch onuld not be received, if the local Show bo held on November % Resolved to reply requesting a representative from Chriat church attend at the Ashburtoq Show, to ! receive entries on the ground. - NEW BUSINESS Mr Booifant urged the early meeting of the Finance Committee to arrange their details. GRASS GRUB PKST A discuss'ou on the grass grub which is creating such havoc in the county, then took phoe, bat as owing to the importance of tho rubjeot a pretty full reporh will ba given, it is unavoidably hsld over. TEOHNIOAt. CLASSES Mr Reid brought forward a motion that the Association should offer a priza for the best drawn and designed farm sttadding, suitable for a 500 acre farm, open to students at these classes for drawing. This was y carried on the voices, and ib was further 1 decided that the successful drawing become the property of the Association,

HOLIDAY Mr Tucker nrgeJ that a deputation go round the business people in Ashbnrtoa, askiujj that they close their premises on show days' for the whole dsty. Mr Lead ley further complained that a nambiar of people went to the beach Mid other places on show day, and he thought they should charge one chilling from the opening of the show ia the morniag and ail day.

It was decided to carry out both saggas tions.

The Committee then »djourneJ,

GABLE NEWS.

United PrMS Association—By Rl»otrio Telegraph—Copyright.

Londoh, August 7 In August last Mr Justioe North granted 7he Times newspaper an tajtioefcion restrain ing Mr Jshn L»oe from reproducing a bock containing Lerd Hosebery'i speeches specially reported for The limes, whose claim to copyright was upheld* The Court of Appoftl subsequently reversed the decision, but the House of Lords, to whom the ease was sent for final dec'sion, h»s, by four to one, reversed the decision of the Court of Appeals In the House of Commons the Colonial Stocks Bill was reported after Sir Michael Hicks-Be&oh added a chose empowering the Treasury to gsz^tta the list of stocks comply ing with the Act.

Stdnbt, August 7

The police are completely befflsd in tracking the Mawkey murdereri The bloodhounds proved uceleea Large parties are continuing the hunt Willonghby, the chief steward of the Salsmlsj has committed suicide The cause was worry in connection with the embarking of the China gontingtnts

Mblbovbkb, August 7

The Premier (Mr McLean) has met with a painful accident A portion of the mantel piece in his ofiee fell, breaking bis big toe and bruising his foot

& miner named Yeoman was killed by a fall of earth A companion wu buried to the shoulder*, but was rescued after seven hours' work

PARLIAMENT.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

United Frees Association—By Eiectrlo Telegraph Wellington, August t

The Council met at 2 30., and pasaed the Pahiatua Gas Works Bill, th« Native Inter pretext.' Bill, the Public Contracts Bill, aad the Workers Compensation for Accidents Bill. The Paeroa Gas Works 8.1 l was read a first time, and the Noxious Weeds Bill was comidered in Committee.

The Council roße at 3 30 p.m.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

The House met at 2 30. BILLS The Workers Compensation for Accidents Bill was r<«d a first) time and lone local Bills were advanced a stage.

TRADING STAMP COMPANY.

A discussion took place upon tht disposal of tho letter of an ex-employee of a Trading Stamp Company, and on a division, tht motion thai the tatter ahould lie on the table was oftrriedl by 33 to 25. A cable manage from the Queen, acknow ledging the joint letters of condolence from the Legislature on the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, and expressing appreciation of the ••■timents of loyalty was read. The Uoune adjourned at 5.30 p m. The Housie resumed at 7.30 p m» ministers' salaries.

In committee on tha Ministers' Salaries and Allowances Bill, at olauae 2, providing for seven other Ministers, eaoh at £1000, Mr Seddon moved to make the number six. He believed that there was work for seven Ministers, but as there was a difference o! opinion amongst members on that point, he had decided to reduce the number to six, and Bee how this would work. In making that concession he had pone as far as he oou'd reasonably be expected to go. The question of an increase in the number of members of the House was not at present under consideration, but he believed looking at the increased population of the colony, that there should be increased representation. The proposal now made was to raise tho Native Minister to full status and provide for an additional member of the Exeoutive, i making eight io all. Asa prior amendment,

he moved to strike out 'aine' sad insert "eight" at the words "e'ght thomand," thUB making the to'al amount ray able to the Cabinet £8900

Mr Ward contended tW by merely raiairg the .Native Mil liter to fall Btstue, they did not strengthen the Cabinet* It was no wish of the Government to fotci on the House an additional Minister, bus wi h the imortaeed number of departments, it was not a fair thing to &Bg the present Ministers to carry on exQpg ive dep.irtmew al work. After a lonp discussion the m ti«n to strike out "nine" was carried on the voices. Mr rieddon move i to inset " eighV Mr J Aden moved to insert "seven." The amount proposed to be roted wonld then show an increase in total salaries of 50 per cent, upi.n the present sum. Mr Ward pointed oat that in 1887 the individual amount paid to M nisters was £1435, whereas un ler this Bill the sum wotld be £684. Ha contended that looking lat the great increase in the work put on I Ministers the increases upon the present sum I were moderate.

Mr SeddoD, in aoswer to a suggestion that the Minister the Government in the Efppor House should take some of the portfolios to relieve other Miuisters, ex* plained that that Minister oould not do co. He did not believe the people of the colony wUhed Ministers to go on toiling- unduly witheut fair remuneration. At present Ministers ware not paid aa much as the superintendents under the old Provincial system.

Mr Meredith admitted tfc&t the Premier was too hard, worked, but thought it would be batter if the Premier and the Minister of Railways worked less, and that som« of the other Ministers worked more. He thought the time ef Ministers wm taken up too much by aocepti: g invitations from members to deliver pol ucal addresses from the North Cape to the Bluff. He advised the Premier to give up his connection with the Anglo- Continental'Syndioate and the Assets Board, which would relieve him of a great; deal of work.

Captain Russell considered the House would aomtnit an egregious error if it increased the number of Minister!, although He was prepared to admit they were entitled to an increase in salary. He agreed that Ministers devoted far too much time to details that oould be better attended to by permanent heads of departments, Mr Hall-Jones said a Minister could not attend to the interests of his department unless he devoted time to the details of the working of the same.

Mr UoliiDs had heard nothing during the debate to shake hia opinion ai ainso the proposed increase. Mr J Hn'cheson said it was owing to too much attention to petty detail that the time of Ministers was so much taken up. Captain Russell thought a proviso snould be inserted that the number of Ministers shoa'd not bo increased until the number of members of the House had been increased.

Mr Seddan'a amendment that 'eight' should ba inserted instead of ' nine,' so as to make £8900 the annual salaries of Ministers, was carried fay 45 votes to 23

Mr J Alien moved to reduce the amount pay»bl« to Minuter* by £300, with a Tiew to bring the ttalary of the Minister of Rail ways to the same amount as thai of the other Minitters, £1000.

This was last by 44 votes to 18.

The Premier's amendment to insert ' six' instead of' seven 'as the number of Ministers was carried ou the voice*.

Mr El! moved a proviso to dame 2, to 'the effect that the new member ef the Ministry should be sleoted by the House.

The Premier objected on the ground that this was against constitutional principles. The time to deal with such a provision was when the Elective Executive Bill was passed. Major Steward and Mr Meredith suppor ted the amendment, approving the proposal to gi re members of the House a voice in the election of Ministers.

Wellington, August 8 After the Telegraph Office cloned this morniap, the consideration of the Minister's Salaries and Allowaneta Bill was. centinusd in Committee,

Mr Ell's proviso to clause 2, that a new Minister to be appointed to be elected by the Home, wa« loit by 33 to 24.

Mr Pi rani moved an amendment to olause 6, in th« direction of abolishing Ministers travelling allowances. Lost by 38 to 13. Mr J Allen meved to add a new elanie respecting the second part of the seoand schedula of the Act of 1873. That schedule

provided for the appointment of two mem bers of the Native race aa members of the Executive. Lost by J7 to 20. Mr Atkinson moved a new clause, that the Act do not come fnfco foroe until January 1, 1903. Lost by 35 to 14. Mr J Allen moved to reduce the Miol«ter;&l house allowance from £200 to £150, the original amount. Lost by 37 to 13* The Bill was reported with amendments, and at 3 a.m. Mr Collins moved to report progress, which was lost by 22 to 17. The Governor's Salary and Allowances

Bill w#s committed at clause 2,

The Premier mevtd an *mendment th»t allowances do not exceed £2,000, «.x«!uiive of £5,000 salary.

Mr Horatby, as a prior amendment, moved to reduce the Governor's allowances to JBI.OCO.

Tat Premier's Amendment was carried by 86 to 12.

At 4-10 a.m. several members objected to sitting later, and Mr Collins moved to report progress, which was lost on the voices.

A new claust was added to the sffeeft that the Governor does not receive an allowance duriag absence from the colony, while the Jierson administering Government, receive all establishment allowance while ia office.

Progress was then reported, and the House rose at 4.25 a.m.

My Lady's Satchel:

[By Te Kawbna,]

The latest entry in my lady's note<beok ii this:—Hints to young ladies on the ere of a journey; Even when your vi»it ii to grandma or to annty, who is almost like your mother, and who»e homes are like your own, bt,just m careful in your preparations as if you were paying a first) visit to new friends. Your pleasure may be qmits spoil* for wan* of a little thought at the outset. Make for yourself a small satchel in thia way: Take a piece of art canvas or any stout material of that kind, of 6in in length and 41a is width. Aorois this foundation or back, plaoe two pockets, the upper one set an inch from the bottom and rcaohing a little more than half way up the back, the loner one fastened to the bottom of the satchel and overlapping the uppar poebst a good inch. When these are set exactly, trim off eoraers and bind all round with a brilliant ribbon Have a pi»ce wider but of the same shade to fasten to the middle of the back, to bs used to cie up your tateheb when all ie complete. If you are a <good needlewoman" you can embroider in bright silks your initials or any deiign you please upon the fact of the pockets. This will make your useful creation into a thing of beauty. Now, into this charming receptacle pop a small box of mixed hairpins, a minute pair of scissors— (you can buy one fitted with a slroag leather sheath),—a fitb piucnihion on the penny pattern, no longer | stock it with black and white pint, and two good needles usually threaded with black and white cotton; carefully wind fihis cotton round the pin enshion. Then you must not forget a small button-book,, some buttons for shoe and linen, a bodkin and tape, a wee penknife, a few toothpick quills, a flvfc box of matches (for faw indeed, are thesp&re rooms contain ing any matches or pincushions, provided with anything except a darning needle or two), and last, but don't you forget its, a cheap thimble ; don't take your * daisy' one given you on your birthday, you may lose or mislay it»» and so vex yourself and your hostess, You will be surprised to find that your satchel holds all these necessaries easily, roll it up, tie it aeourely, andfplace it in a corner of your neat portmanteau, it takes no room, and may bs the raeans of your spending an unspoilt holiday. How often has a mere trifh, qui'e clouded a visit that a girl has been looking forward to eagerly lor months. Even when you are staying with ' grannie' or * aunty' you do not like to ask them for every little thing you need, nor Jo go without it. Take hair pins, say you came in from a good spin with hardly one left. la the morning you go to Aunty, who may be a little testy jusb then, with the children, and say, •• Oh Aunty dear, can you give me a hairpin or two, ■ that old bike shook all mine out yesterday ?" uOh yes, obild, I'll give you ecms in a

minute, I have any amount. You naughty boy. Johnny, I thought you were iff to nohonl long •B°*' > If you don't go at once, sir, I'd . • •" "Oh, never mind, Aunty, if you'll tell me where I can get those hairpins, 1M get them, dou't you trouble." " WcM, you'll find them in my fcab'e draw«r, right hand side, Awy you go." Now, Auntia has a duohecsn table and no one can divine which right hacd drawer is the right one. Open one, handker ohiefs ; open next, cuffs acd coiUrs—no hair pins ; open another, ii i» full of little b nles and lowly rolls of hair, but—no hairpins. You call oat oheorfu ly, "Atmty, I cant finfi any hairpins," Aanty oom«s in still roffl-.d; notices what drawers have been examined ; say* sir rply, '• Yob stupid ohild, f I tnld you the left hand drawer," which ehe pu!ls out, and giving yo» a handful of hair pin*, adis "These. When you waat any thi»g again, wait »ill I can give it to yo'i ; don't go poking into all my table drawers " And it m»y oh*nce—if you are not a welt* taughc girl—that you answar snappishly or rudely, and your nic«, longed-for visit is spoilt ! All for the want of a pen'orth of hairpins. All for the want of a lietle home made satchel; for don't yon imagine f»r m moment that oue of those h»rd boxes known as "Ladies' Companions" that yon can pnrekase at any fancy goods shop, full of a variety of nnuseabl* imple ments, teisaora that will not out 1! and pea* kniv«» that come oat of the handle, will take its place. Farthsrwore, whan yon have come hfemv, take you satohst, replenish ie, pub it carefully where yon oan take it at a minute's warning ; you will find it a great comfort when you arc called away from horn« in a great hurry some day, or even to take with you t« a picnic, or in your hand bag when you rua into Christchurch for a day. Then there is your portmanteau; if it is a. smart one for year first journey, or if you have to put up with " father's shabby old thing, * make for it a neat, dark, hollaad cover; see that it fits well— ftnett mtaai smartnsss—leave aperturss te allow th« handles to past through, bind it aeatly with a braid or biadiag as nearly of its own shade as possible—don't use scarlet—embroider your initials upon it, in characters not too large. Do the same for your tin hat box, for the cleverest woman on earth cannot travel with less luggage than one port mantean and obo hat box, and if she joaratyi in summer, she will probably take one of those handy basket portmanteaux, to lovely for bloues ; that too the will cover tmtte tn suite, and when she tees them consigned to the guard's van—we arc blessed with most obliging guards in this part of the world—• she thinks no more about them, bet srttles herself comfortably in her chair, and dreamt of a lovely time just before htr.

THE CRISIS IN CHINA.

United Press Association—By EI« ctric Telegraph Copyright

Hongkong, August 6

The Japanese Minister on July 26th reported that the suspension of hostilities was due to General Tung Fuh Siang*d departure for Pei-tsang, a few miles north-west of Tientsin, where a Chinese force had gathered to resist the advance of the allies.

The Japanese Consul; at Shanghai wai Informed on the sth inst. that General Tung Fuh Siang has stopped the supplies of provisions for the Legations.

Hong Kong August 7

The Empress Dowager's popularity ia increasing. All the provinces are sending troops and money to Pekin, The American Government refuse to consent to the removal of the Ministers and other foreigner* to Tientsin until the Chinese Government allows cypher messages between Ministers and their Governments to be fully exchanged.

The allies'commenced the advance to Pekin on Saturday.

The Japanese discovered large forces of cavalry and infantry south- west and east* ward of Tientsin.

A British warship reports ■ severe engagement on Sunday at Peitsang. lasting from daylight till eleven in the forenoon. The casualties of the Allies totalled 1200, chiefly Russians and Japjnese. The Chinese retreated.

Admiral Remy reports that 16,000 alJisd troops were engaged. Lokdon, August 7

The Mxpresi states that Li Hung Chang has assured the foreign consuls that the Ministers started for Tientsin on Friday escorted by a force nnder General Yunglu. The Yaraen declared on July 30th that the Ministers were well supplied with food. Their relations with the Yamen were very friendly. The British Government's decision to employ in China troops of the native States delighted the feudatory chiefs of India.

Transvaal War.

United Press Association—By Eleatrio Telegraph—Copyright Londok, August 6

Colonel Gougb, with 500 mounted infamtry and six guns, smartly sur prised the Boen at the Klip river.

Colonel Gough destroyed the house of a Boer named Delange, at Klip River, and seised 150 of his cattle, because Delange refuiad to surrender a nunber of Boers who had bean forcibly r« enlisted.

In the Home of Commons Mr Chamberlain stated that the Colonial Contingeats were offered the tame inducement to lettle in South Africa as ether corpi.

Mr Araold Foster, and two members of the Sooth African Parliament, would iaquira and report on till matter.

Eighteen hundred British prisoners at Neoitgedasht are being infamously treated.

August 7

The Boers hare re occupied Springs, twenty five miles east of Johannesburg, and threaten to destroy valuable coal mines.

Lorbnzo Marque z, August 6 0 While 132 imported oases of so called disinfectants were being en trained from Delagoa Bay, one dropped and exploded. The alleged disinfee tants were intended for the manufacture of Boer explosive*.

The Anarchists

Paris, August 6. An Anarcfaisb named Velettehaa been ar rested on a charge of having financed Salson. The latter has oonfeased he wished to kill the Shah because he was a great rular Bomk, August 6 De Fasco, an Italian-American Anarchist, has been arrested at Gaserta, in Southern Italy, and admits a foreknowledge of the late King Humbert's murder. He states be expected a revolution to follow.

SAN FRANCISCO MAILSERVICE.

Sydney, August 7

The Sydney Morning IlerfUd, com* menting on Mr Spreckels's scheme, after dwelling upon the claims of the Union Company for consideration, says :—-"There are almost as many complications about the question as about the rival cable schemes. Of course it will always be open to the two existing transpacific companies to amalgamate and give as an improved riw.l service to Vancouver, keeping our own tracb under our own flag, This is a part of the question to be considered*

THEtSASHBDETON GtIARDUH: WEDNS^DA^ AOGUST S, li-00



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Berger's Flieep Marking j Composition I In Three Colors—Black, Red, B'.ue. I^HE finest and most economical Sheep Branding Oil in the market Read the opinions of Leading Sheep Farmers In "WE I3STBND USING IT AGAIN Jfrom H.Z. Agricultural Uo,, Waimea House, Gore, May 22, 1897 Bear !Sira.— We have found Bergera Marking Oil ro be a good and ourabla heep branding m-iteiial and intend Hsing ib again, as beirg cheapen than the prepara tion formerly need for the purpose P. J. Pmerson, Stat. Mgr. UKDOUBTBM.Y MORE ECONOMIOAt, THAK OIL AND lAMPBIACK From J M McKenzie, Bushy Park Estate, Falmerston. May 19,1897 Dear Sire,—l have great pleasure in stating that Berber's Sheep Branding Compound that I received from you has given roe every satisfaction, and is undoubted^ more economical than oil and amphlack, I MAKE A POINT OV BECOMMEVDING IT From Kaberfc Logan, Marttangi, Hyde, M&y 10,1897 l>ear Sirs have oeed Berger's Branding OI or some years, and have . ound it ao ;t fao'ory that I make a point of recommend'ng it. The liquid in the drums h he same consistency right from top bottom, and requires no stirring. ONLY TO IB USED TO BK APPRECIATED om James Taylor, Wairuna, Clinton 5, 1897 ear Sirs,—l used Befobk's Branding black and red, last sees >n on my lock, ann I am perfectly sitisfied with *he results. To sheep farmers the preparation inva'uabltt, being always ready and Highly economical. Ii has only to be used to he appreciated. GIVEN EVEiRY SATISFACTION FOR SEVERAL YKARS From Mr Juhu MlioU, GladVirook Station, Middleirarch. May 18, 1897 My Dear Sirs, —In reply to yonr icquiry regarding Burgee's Sheep Marking Com pound. We have used this Compound on all our flecks for several yearn aid it has given every satisfaction. It; is o even quality and is ready fur use. I find it lasts well, being quite legible on ful woollad skins It is much more economi cal than brand made with the old materials (lampblack and oil), as owing to its even quality, there ia no waste. Always ready for usa Guaranteed not to injure tha w> o!. Will wash off on tcourlng without leaving a stain. Sold by F. FEKUIMAN, Ashburton, N.Z. F. FERRIMAN, FOB BALE, In Peter Street, A COMFORTABLE HOME, consisting jt\. of 7 rooms, with bath and abundant BUpp'y of water, detach' d washhouse, | acre of good land, planted with fruit trees, withhs three minutes' walk of the railway station. Tho greyer portion of the purchase money can ramain on mortgage. F. FERRIMAN. Estate Agent, A^hbarton. ___„ _ OFFICES IN HAVELOCK STREET TWO Rooms, with shed, lately cccup'ed by Mr -Joll-fifo. Havelrck Street, Oppoftite Mr John Thomas' Grain Store. F FKRRIMAN TO LET, TANCRfvD STRKF.T, ASHBURTOJS AHHOP wl'h two full -windows, togeilv.-r v»i.h an attachen dwelling oi 5 ro-rns. coj-n-r. <-;c. The shop is situated n-x 1 to Mr Hall, Herbalist m F FERRIMAN TO LE T, CARTERS TEBR4CE, TINWALD r|"HivT vcrj desirable Property, at X p escnv occopicd by Mr A Bewaon, consisting of 4 acres(f lar.d with 9 roomed hone 1, de'acl ed wathhouse »nd dairy, good r-tnbHr-}» traphcuse efc F FERRIMAN WaKaKUI R<MAE. FOB BALB HOVm of 6 rnrms, A acre of land. Price £150, £30 deposit. _ F; FERRIMAN FOX SALfc, Alford Foresn Koad, HOUSIiI of 6 rooms and l\% acres of land, ad joins Mi GeorgeJHosken's property; easy terms. __^ F. FERRIMAK FOit BALK A'l ALLtNION, A First class Block of Land, containing 5J acres, well watered, long frontage on a good road. The greater portion of the purchase can remain at S per cent. Adapted for subdivision. Anyone with a little capital, and half an •ye to the future, will inspect and secure this block. F. FERFIMAN. _____ . RE-PLATED AMD KE-ENAMELLED In alt Colours, including the LATEST KHAKI, with Silver and Goid Decorations, From 20s, OATES, LOW m CO. 2EALANDIA CYCLE WORKS, Burnett Street .' FOR SALE ATA LOfITFIGURK, T7JREEHOLD Town Section No 56, bavins' Jj about 82 leet frontage on Weefc Stree" and running back a depth of about 2 chains, on whioh is a commodious Grain Store, erected on maeßive concrete foundations with concrete cellar; formeriy occupied by Wbssbs Kilworth & Bon. The store corers exactly half the reotion, havicg a epace for another building alongside of the same dimensions For terms and full particulars apply to T. BULLOCK, IMPORTATION OF WALL PAPiGBS. I HAVE jußb received (ex p.s. Paparcft) a Shipment of the NB WEST IN PAPER HANGING, to which I invite inspection. Theae papers are exceedingly rich in design &nd colouring.. People desirous of decorating their rooms later on, may chose their Hangings from the j present full Stock, and I will lay them aeide uaiit required. J. WILSON, HOUSE DECORATOR, i BURNETT BTJKEET. ! Acthti' Mftt«rlal Depot, 1



G. MEDDINS •«THK PEOPLE'S IRONMONGER Oppoiite Arc»dß, Burnetfe Street, INVITEB particular attention to his Stock of Goods especially suitable for the Spring Season, including GARDENING TOOLS of every description. Garden Spades and Bakes, Garden Hoes and Forks, Dutch Hose, Garden TroweJs, Hedge Shears, Weeding Forks, etc, etc. India Rubber Hose Pipe. TOOLS! TOOLS! TOOLS! In Carpenters' and Farmers' Tools I nave the besto selection in Ashburton County, at my well known prices, which are the lowest. BUILDEKS' IRONMONGERY Of every description, st bedrock prices, ncluding Locka of all kinds, Hinges. Screws, Brass Goods, REGI&TER CRATES, MANTELPIECES, etc. AGENT for the following Makers' xtANGES :- fchacklock's Orion. Baning ham'a Zeaeanwa. Scott's Atl&s, Crown Iron Works Challenge Storrier'e Champion, FURNISHING AND HOUSEHOLD IRONMONGERY to suit everybody. BRUSH WARE, TIN WARE, &o. Dont' forget a penny saved is a penny gained. MISS W SIMPSON, Tencher of Piano forte, Havelock Street, East Belfc, withes to notify that she has a first class Quadrille Band available for Dances, Wed ding parties, CoaoertP, and Socials. For Terms & etc , apply to D. Leitch, Burnett Street , 7 177 WANTED KNOWN—Ladies' Jackets, formerly 27s 6i! now 4-i lid, Ladies Capea formerly 30a, now 6s 6d, Ladies Mae'ntOßhea 4a lid, Girls' 2s lid, Children's Ulster from 2a 6d, Ladies' Corsets from Is Id, Holland Aprona is.—Andkew Orbs, Oh«an gale, 7



I W. 'HXfiukMGl ] Sole Partners and *X , COVfiBDALE Pbopbieioes. — _:x:— — • | THOUSANDS Will be Interested to Know that Our Mobster • Stock-takiajy Sale IS =:NOW ON = AT OERrS'I CHURCH. A T this GREAT SALE It i« our Custom, every year to SACRIFICE the ENTIRE BALANCE OF OUR WINTER STOCKS EVERYTHING HAS TO GO I—Beosuse, yon ccc, room ha« to b« made-—somehow— for SPRING AND SUMMER SHIPMENTS ALREADY BEGINNING TO ARRIVE. In order to effect as complete a olearaaoe as possible, we shall make SWEEPING REDUCTIONS in EVERY DEPARTMENT. Even plain Honsehold Goods, Buoh at Galloon and Cottoai generally (made and unmade) will be reduoed ; also the price of Snits and Single Garments, both to order and ready-made, Furniture, Bedding, and everything we make »nd eel!. GOODS OF FASHION Ihe same remark applies to "GOODS OF FASHION," such as our Exquisite London and Parisian MODKL MILLINERY, our Styli»h Winter Drosses and Dress Goods for Svenitig Wear, and our lovely Winter Jackets, Mantles, Capea and Macintoshes, all of whioh Must be Sold for what they will Brinj?, a* we never carry over such goods horn season to seasoni fiuite possibly you may exclaim- on reading the above, «oh, i am ho so aim" But I live so far away from Chriatohuroh I can'n get thereto attend tha Sale." That ioesn't matter in the least, since you can do aa HUNDREDS already do, SHOP WITH US BY POST if you can't shop with us in person ! GET A CATALOGUE. The first thing to be done is to get a Sale Catalogue (they have been well circulated already, bub if you haven't got one we will send you one Post Free on application ) Having got your Catalogue read it oarefully through (you will find it really Interesting), make your selections, write down yonr requirements ra plainly aB possible, enclose Stamps, P. 0.0. or Postal Notes to value of Goods, and—drop your letter in the Posfe Box, *ad WR WILL DO THE REST By return Train, Foat or Coach, at the case may be, your Parcel shall be forwarded— and we will take as much care to please you ai though you walked np to one of onr counters and made your purchase personally. If we are Sold Out of the preone lini you want we will send fche Nearest Thing to it, and if you are not satUfied then, we will return you your money J DON'T MISS THS CHANCE this Sale presents to yea to bi cure * XTBAORDINARY BAKGAINS, THE SALE WILL ?OON BE OVER, AS IT POSITIVELY ENDS ON AUKUist 31, 1000 STRANGE~It~COMP ANY, OHsa t<;htjkoh. »NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING_FACTORY. Boy's Tweed Sailor Suits from 5s Boy'a Serge Sailor Suits from 7s 8d Boy'a Tweed Melville Suits from 9s By's Tweed Norfolk Suite from 12s Bey'a Sac Knlcker Suits from 18s fed Bcy'u Covert Coa'e from 14a 6d Boy's Tweed Overcoats from 6s 6d Boy's Reefer Jackets from 6s 6d Bjy's Footb&ll Jerseys-from 3s 3d Boj's Caps 6d each Buy's Sailor Tarns Is ei< h FOR GOOD VALUE, GOOD WEAR, LOW PRICE ©O TO THB NEW ZEALAND CLOTHING FAOTORY. Tir a&m Beann nan Gleanu s'nan GtisgencbJ McKENZXE'S HONDAI-LANKA TEA Is the Best Substitute for "Glenllvet" or other "Usquebaugh,"



&3 § ft* d ! o J m DPS ** **» r__j » , 2pT3 H W " TO LET NEW Dwelling hoaee of five rooma, plastered, with rerandah, centrally situated near the Poab Office and Railway Station. T. BULLOCK Uneq ailed and lavinoible, Woods' Gren Peppermint Cure for Coughs and Colds, la and 2a 6d



INDIAN FAMINE FUND LECTURE TO-NIGHT,



Smoke New Venus